Laois County Development Plan 2021–2027

1. Page 71

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   Chapter 3 Climate Action & Eenergy 69 | P a g e ACTION AREA 4 – ENERGY (refer to Section 3.5 for further policy objectives on renewable energy) The development would subject to compliance with national, regional and local development plan policy, as well as other relevant environmental criteria. CM RE 17 Promote the use of efficient energy storage systems and infrastructure that supports energy efficiency and reusable energy system optimization, in accordance with proper planning and sustainable development. CM RE 18 Proposals for demolition of any existing building must include a full Whole Life Carbon calculation, which assesses the impact of renovation against proposals for new build. CM RE 19 That a 1.5km buffer zone be applied to the potential location of any proposed Anaerobic Digester 3.5 RENEWABLE ENERGY Renewable energy comes from natural sources that are continuously replenished by nature. The main sources of renewable energy are the wind, the sun (solar energy), water (hydropower), heat below the surface of the earth (geothermal energy) and biomass (wood, biodegradable waste and energy crops). Renewable energy options for the County include, but are not limited to a balance of the following. 3.5.1 HYDRO ENERGY Hydroelectricity is electricity derived from the power harnessed from the flow of falling water, typically from fast-flowing streams and rivers. Small-scale micro hydro power is both an efficient and reliable form of energy. With the right site it is a viable way of providing power to houses, workshops or businesses that need an independent supply. The Council will seek to respond positively to applications in the context of a sustainable energy policy. In responding to applications, the Council will seek to ensure that the free passage of fish is provided for by incorporating a fish pass where considered necessary in consultation with the relevant Fisheries Board and the Department of Communications, Energy and Natural Resources. 3.5.2 BIOENERGY Bioenergy is energy extracted from biomass which includes biological material such as plants and animals, wood and waste. Bioenergy is produced through many different processes: combustion and anaerobic digestion being the most common and widely used. Combustion is the process whereby biomass (for example wood chips) is burned to produce process heat or to heat space or hot water. Anaerobic digestion involves the bacterial transformation of biomass (for example animal manure) to produce biogas which can be upgraded to biomethane. The biogas can be used to fuel a stationary gas engine or gas turbine to produce electricity, or burned in a boiler to provide heat or to raise steam. Biomethane can also be compressed and used as a transport fuel. The majority of current biomass derived energy comes from wood combustion to produce heat.

2. Page 72

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   Chapter 3 Climate Action & Eenergy 70 | P a g e The Council supports the potential of growing biomass crops on cutaway bogs and at other suitable locations. The Council supports the use of Combined Heat and Power (CHP) Plants which would be fired by environmentally friendly low carbon fuels such as biomass. 3.5.3 SOLAR POWER There are a range of technologies available to exploit the benefits of harnessing energy of the sun, including solar panels, solar farms, solar energy storage facilities all of which contribute to a reduction in energy demand. Solar technologies can be designed into buildings or retrofitted. Large scale solar farms have been granted planning permission across the County, however none have commenced development. The map below indicates the areas in question:- Map 3.1: Solar Farms (permission granted within County Laois) As they are relatively new, solar farms are not specifically identified in the classes of Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) development listed either in the EIA Directive or in Schedule 5 to the Planning and Development Regulations 2001 as amended. 3.5.4 LANDFILL GAS Laois County Council recognises the potential of the former local authority land fill site at Kyletalesha [between Portlaoise and Mountmellick] for the development of a gas utilisation project. Landfill gas utilization is a process of gathering, processing, and treating the methane gas emitted from decomposing waste to produce electricity, heat, fuels, and various chemical compounds. Methane is highly flammable and is one of the major greenhouse gases responsible for climatic change. However, landfill gas (LFG) emissions can be minimized through effective recovery systems, which harness the gas and use it as a renewable and valuable fuel. In addition to electrical power generation, LFG can also be used for combined heat and power (CHP), kiln firing and as a heating or vehicle fuel. LFG is similar to natural or fossil gas and can be fed into the natural gas network.

3. Page 73

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   Chapter 3 Climate Action & Eenergy 71 | P a g e There is potential to produce renewable gas from anaerobic digestion of organic wastes and residues from the agriculture sector and also from commercial food waste. Renewable gas is carbon neutral and identical in function to natural gas so the existing network can be used and gas customers do not need to change their boilers or gas powered appliances. There will be a presumption in favour of applications for anaerobic digestion plants, provided planning and environmental criteria are satisfied. 3.5.5 WIND ENERGY The National Climate Action Plan (CAP) 2019 has sets out to deliver 70% of Ireland’s electricity from renewable energy by 2030. The development of wind power has accelerated over the last few years to 2,851MW across Ireland14. IN order for Ireland to need renewable energy electricity targets, onshore wind farm must produce at least 250MW per year15. The Council seeks to achieve a reasonable balance between an overall positive attitude to renewable energy and enabling the wind energy resources of the county to be harnessed in a manner that is consistent with proper planning and sustainable development and will play a vital role in achieving this target. The Local Authority will support the delivery on commitments under the Programme for Government (2020), which commit to a 7% average yearly reduction in overall greenhouse gas emissions over the next decade and to achieving net zero emissions by 2050. A number of actions within Programme for Government must be delivered on to ensure Local Authorities can effectively deliver on this commitment in conjunction with the key stakeholders namely – • Finalise and publish the Wind Energy Guidelines, having regard to the public consultation that has just taken place. • Develop a Solar Energy Strategy, including for rooftop and ground based photovoltaics, to ensure that a greater share of our electricity needs is met through solar power. Notwithstanding this and in line with the Climate Action Plan 2019, Ireland aims to increase reliance on renewables within the electricity generation sector from 30% to 70% adding up to a total of 8.2 GW (8200 MW) of renewable onshore wind energy capacity by 2030. Laois has to date contributed to renewable wind energy generation, with permitted wind farms constructed and granted on the following locations detailed in the Table below: Table 3.1 – Wind Energy Outputs for County Laois ( completed and granted) Location of wind farm Planning Application Reference No of turbines Rated Energy output Constructed Baunaghra 10/129 4 12 MW Gorthahile, Bilboa 09/237 1 2.5 MW Gorthahile, Bilboa 04/935 7 17.5 MW Sub Total 12 32 MW 14 DCCAE 15 DCCAE

4. Page 74

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   Chapter 3 Climate Action & Eenergy 72 | P a g e Location of wind farm Planning Application Reference No of turbines Rated Energy output Planning granted / awaiting construction Graigueadrisley, Rathdowney 20/386 2 7.2MW Knockardugal, Boleybawn, Garrintaggart, Ironmills and Graiguenahown 16/260 11 35.2MW East of Ballyroan Village and South West of Timahoe 13/268 18 45MW Sub Total 31 87.4MW Approx Total 43 119.4 MW • The installed wind capacity in Co Laois in 2021 is 32MW. This represents 0.7% of the total installed wind capacity in the Republic of Ireland to date based on the national installed wind capacity of 4,235 MW in 2020. • A potential additional 87.4 MW of energy to be generated from permission already granted for additional wind farms in the south east of the county would bring the total output in Laois to 120 MW. • If the potential from granted permissions were to be constructed , together with what has been built , it would represent a contribution from Co Laois at nearly 1.5% of the total (8,200 MW) by 2030. However, as outlined in a specific objective in Chapter 3 Climate Action and Energy, the Council commits to working with key stakeholders in the carrying out of an assessment of how the implementation of the Plan will contribute to realising overall national targets on renewable energy and climate change, and in particular wind energy production and the potential wind energy resource. In addition to wind , Laois County Council has permitted the following solar farms in the county Table 3.2 – Solar Energy Outputs for County Laois ( completed and granted) Location Planning Application Reference Energy output Kilcoran, Rathdowney 18/674 47 MWp Nigbog, Coolnabacky, Esker, Money Lower and Lughteeog, Stradbally 17/532 76 MW Sronagh, Mountmellick 16/505 6.5MV Rathleague, Portlaoise 16/500 4 MW Derry More, Mountrath 16/217 4.2 MW Total 137.7 MW

5. Page 75

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   Chapter 3 Climate Action & Eenergy 73 | P a g e An Anaerobic Digestor can have the potential to use up to 80,000 tonnes of biodegradable waste as feedstock per year, which has a potential Green House Gas emissions saving of 270,160 tonnes of CO2 equivalent. Such a project has the potential to produce approximately 7,000,000m3 of biomethane and used as an alternative fuel to fossil fuels for regional energy and heat production. The biomethane from such a development will be injected into the gas network and it will then form a portion of gas used in the network for residential, commercial and industrial purposes. The Planning Authority notes that there is still an absence of national guidance on how local authorities can set a target for wind energy generation within their functional area. However, in accordance with the Specific Planning Policy Requirement for the Interim Guidelines for Planning Authorities on Statutory Plans, Renewable Energy and Climate Change (2017), Table 3.3 demonstrates County Laois’s contribution in terms of permitted applications to realising overall national targets (under the Climate Action Plan) on renewable energy and climate change mitigation. The Council has had regard to the wind farm, solar farm, permitted and undeveloped as well as those under construction, which have the potential to be delivered in the plan period if constructed . It is apparent from the table below that decarbonized energy infrastructure in County Laois, for which statutory consent exists, can provide the following energy to the local and national grid. Table 3.3 - County Laois’s contribution in terms of permitted applications to realising overall national targets Wind Energy Output by the end of the Plan Period 119.4MW Solar Energy Output by the end of the Plan Period 137.7 MW Anaerobic Digestion Output by the end of the Plan Period 4,300 MWh per year The specific targets for the Region and County will be designed on foot of a Regional Renewable Energy Strategy which will also identify targets at a county level, taking into account the complexities of the receiving environment , a consistent approach to designations and cross boundary issues. There are a number of issues which must be taken into consideration when dealing with applications for wind energy development. These include visual impact, landscape protection, impacts on residential amenity, impact on wildlife and habitats, connections to the national grid and impact of construction and ancillary infrastructure including access roads and grid connections. The Council will have regard to the Draft Wind Energy Development Guidelines for Planning Authorities (DHPLG, 2019) in relation to the siting and development of wind turbines and the information required as part of a planning application. Further regard shall also be had to Appendix 6 Renewable Energy Strategy and Appendix 5 Landscape Character Assessment of this Plan and the policy objectives therein.

6. Page 76

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   Chapter 3 Climate Action & Eenergy 74 | P a g e Map 3.2: Wind Energy Map 3.5.6 GEOTHERMAL ENERGY Geothermal energy refers to heat energy stored in the ground. Solar thermal radiation is absorbed by the surface of the earth each day. This heat can be extracted by using a ground source heat pump which transfers the heat stored in the earth or in ground water to buildings in winter and the opposite in summer for cooling. The Council will encourage the provision of ground source heat pumps, also known as geothermal heat pumps. These are used for space heating and cooling, as well as water heating for both residential and commercial developments. The following link provides a source of information: https://dcenr.maps.arcgis.com/apps/MapSeries/index.html?appid=a30af518e87a4c0ab2fbd e2aaac3c228 then clicking the Geothermal Tab to view the geothermal online maps and data. 3.5.7 COMPRESSED NATURAL GAS (CNG) INFRASTRUCTURE Decarbonisation of HGVs and buses is particularly challenging as electricity is currently not a viable alternative to diesel. Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) has the potential to address these transport emissions with reduced carbon emissions relative to diesel. When the production of renewable gas is increased on the gas network, and this gas is utilised by CNG vehicles as bio-CNG, which is carbon neutral. The development of CNG Infrastructure would enable fuel switching from diesel to CNG for heavy goods vehicles (HGVs) and buses. This would lead to a reduction in carbon emissions along with air quality benefits for vehicles where currently electricity is not a viable alternative to diesel.

7. Page 77

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   Chapter 3 Climate Action & Eenergy 75 | P a g e 3.5.8 MICRO RENEWABLE ENERGY Micro-generation is defined as micro-generation technologies, including micro-solar PV, microhydro, micro-wind and micro-renewable CHP with a maximum electrical output of 50kW, designed to primarily service the self-consumption needs of the property where it is installed. The Planning and Development Regulations 2001 (as amended) provide exemptions from planning permission for domestic wind turbines, solar panels and heat pumps within the curtilage of a house, subject to certain conditions. The Regulations also provide exemptions for micro renewable generators within the curtilage of industrial buildings, business premises and agricultural holdings including CHP plants, wind turbines, solar panels, heat pumps and biomass boiler units. The Council encourages 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. 3.5.9 ENERGY STORAGE Renewable energy sources have vast potential to reduce dependency on fossil fuels and Green House Gas emissions. However, many of the resources have intermittent or variable output and if they are not harnessed, the energy goes to waste. There is an increased need for energy storage when energy demand is low so it can be used when energy demand is high. There are a number of storage systems which could provide this function including battery storage, liquid air storage and synchronous condensers. Development Management Standards for Renewable Energy Installations DM RE 1 SOLAR FARMS The following factors will be used to assess applications for Solar Farm Development within the county: (i) Site Selection: a. Preference for use of brownfield sites/ contaminated land and non productive agricultural land versus productive agricultural lands; b. Proximity to electricity infrastructure (ii) Assessment of Impacts a. Effect of glint and glare; b. Visual impact on heritage and landscape assets, designated sites, views and prospects; c. The extent of additional impacts of solar rays follow the daily movement of the sun; d. Ecology including biodiversity, flora and fauna e. Cumulative impacts of the proposal with other renewable energy installations in the area; f. Traffic impact on road infrastructure during all phases of development (construction, operation and decommissioning) g. Drainage, surface water runoff, flooding h. Effect on potential archaeological heritage, and therefore a planning application should be accompanied by an archaeological impact statement. (iii) As a minimum the following will be required to be submitted in support of a

8. Page 78

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   Chapter 3 Climate Action & Eenergy 76 | P a g e planning application: a. Drawings, including those addressing all drainage matters b. Landscape/ Biodiversity Plan; c. Construction Environmental Management Plan; and d. Decommisioning / Restoration plan. However, it is advised this to be agreed with the Planning Authority through preplanning consultation. DM RE 2 WIND ENERGY DEVELOPMENT Refer to Section 6 and Section 7 of Appendix 5 Wind Energy Strategy for the full suite of Development Management Standards When assessing planning applications for wind energy developments the council will have regard to: a) The wind energy development guidelines for planning authorities; b) The wind energy strategy designations map for Laois showing areas ( a) Area open for consideration and (b) Areas not deemed suitable In addition to the above, the following considerations will also be taken into account: i. Impact on visual amenity; ii. Impact on residential amenities; iii. Scale and layout of the project and the cumulative effects due to other projects and the extent to which the impacts are visible across the local landscape; iv. Visual impact of the proposal on the protected views and aspects; v. Impact on nature conservation, ecology, soil, hydrology; vi. Impact on ground conditions and geology; vii. Impact on the road network; viii. Impact on human health in relation to noise disturbance. Other considerations may be taken into account depending on the site and on a case by case basis. DM RE 3 HYDRO ENERGY The following factors will be used to assess applications for new river-based hydroelectricity plans: • the free passage of fish; • any protected structures; • maintenance of biodiversity corridors; • Protected species and any designated nature conservation area such as Special Areas of Conservation, Special Protection Areas and National Heritage Areas; and • Any proposed projects do not conflict with the requirements of the Water Framework Directive.

9. Page 79

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   Chapter 3 Climate Action & Eenergy 77 | P a g e 3.6 NON - RENEWABLE ENERGY 3.6.1 ELECTRICITY AND GAS The two main energy sources currently serving the County are electricity and gas. Eirgrid is the national body responsible for the management of the electricity transmission network. EirGrid’s Grid Development Strategy (2017) sets out to ensure that the transmission network has the capacity to provide for growth in electricity demand between now and 2025, with the Implementation Plan 2017 – 2022 and Transmission Development Plan 2016 directing investing to upgrading and reinforcement of the transmission network. Relevant to County Laois, the Laois-Kilkenny Reinforcement Project proposes a new 400/110kV substation situated to the south east of Portlaoise at Coolnabacky. RPO 10.23 of the RSES recognises the importance of supporting the timely delivery of such major investment projects to strengthen the network in the midlands region. The present gas infrastructure in County Laois is available in Ballylinan, Portarlington, Portlaoise and Stradbally. The Bord Gáis customer base in the county comprises of domestic, commercial and industrial users. Non-Renewable Energy Policy Objectives NRE 1 Support the reinforcement of the electricity transmission grid to improve energy supply to the county. Where strategic route corridors have been identified, the Council will support the statutory providers of national grid infrastructure by safeguarding such corridors from encroachment provided these corridors do not have adverse impacts on residential amenity or the environment. NRE 2 Support the Laois-Kilkenny Reinforcement Project to strengthen the network in large parts of the Midlands and provide additional capacity for potential demand growth in the wider region and strengthen the Region’s transmission network by improving security and quality of supply and ensuring there is the potential for demand growth subject to compliance with normal planning and environmental criteria. NRE 3 Ensure the provision, where feasible, of electricity cables been located underground, especially in the urban environment, and generally within areas of public open space. Where undergrounding of cables is being pursued, proposals should demonstrate that environmental impacts including the following are minimised: Habitat loss as a result of removal of field boundaries and hedgerows (right of way preparation) followed by topsoil stripping (to ensure machinery does not destroy soil structure and drainage properties); • Short to medium term impacts on the landscape where, for example, hedgerows are encountered; • Impacts on underground archaeology; • Impacts on soil structure and drainage; and • Impacts on surface waters as a result of sedimentation. NRE 4 Facilitate the provision of and improvements to energy networks in principle, provided that it can be demonstrated that: i. The development is required in order to facilitate the provision or retention of significant economic or social infrastructure; ii. The route proposed has been identified with due consideration for social, environmental and cultural impacts; iii. The design is such that will achieve least environmental impact consistent

10. Page 80

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    Chapter 3 Climate Action & Eenergy 78 | P a g e Non-Renewable Energy Policy Objectives with not incurring excessive cost; iv. Where impacts are inevitable mitigation features have been included; v. Proposals for energy infrastructure should be assessed in accordance with the requirements of Article 6 of the Habitats Directive: vi. Ensure that the ability of the area to absorb overhead transmission lines is considered with reference to the National Landscape Strategy 2015: vii. Cognisance will be taken of the Code of Practice between the DoECLG and Eirgrid (2009). Ensure that landscape and visual assessment of planning application shall focus on the potential to impact upon landscape designations and important designated sites. NRE 5 Support and facilitate the development of enhance gas supplies and associated networks, to serve the residential, commercial, industrial and social needs of the county. Development Management Standards DM NRE 1 POWER LINES AND OVERHEAD CABLES Applicants shall ensure that planning applications involving the siting of power lines and other overhead cables fully consider the following : i. Impacts on the landscape, national monuments, archaeology and views of special amenity value. Where impacts are inevitable, mitigation measures to minimise such impact must be provided; ii. Impacts on Ecology – An ecological Impact assessment shall be submitted to inform the decision making process; iii. Development shall be consistent with best practice, with regard to siting and design. 3.7 ENERGY EFFICIENCY AND ENERGY PERFORMANCE FOR BUILDINGS Maximising Ireland’s Energy Efficiency: The National Energy Efficiency Action Plan 2009-2020 (NEEAP) (Department of Communications, Energy and Natural Resources, 2009) recognises that energy efficiency is the most cost effective means of reducing dependence on fossil fuels and abating GHG emissions. Saving energy is the easiest, quickest and most effective way to answer the challenge of society’s growing energy dependence, while helping to reduce damage to the environment. By using less energy, we reduce the need to generate energy from any source, fossil or renewable. Improving energy efficiency also provides economic opportunities through the development of new markets for green technologies and services and security of supply. Laois County Council is committed to developing sustainable building practices in terms of energy efficiency and low environmental impact in County Laois. The following legislation has been adopted to help progress sustainable construction and energy efficiency within our building stock: • Building Energy Rating: As part of the Energy Performance of Buildings Directive (2002/91/EC) Directive, a Building Energy Rating (BER) certificate is required once a building is offered for rental or sale. The BER measures the energy performance of a building and provides homeowners with the information required in order to improve the thermal efficiency of their dwelling.

Source Laois County Council: Laois County Development Plan 2021–2027 (2021–2027) · 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.