Leitrim County Development Plan 2023–2029

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   POLICIES CA POL 1 To support the implementation of the European, national, regional and local objectives for climate adaptation and mitigation detailed in Section 12.2.2 and Section 12.2.3 of this Plan. CA POL 2 To support the transition of the county towards a competitive, low carbon, climate-resilient and environmentally sustainable economy by 2050 by providing for consolidated development forms which facilitate the reduction of energy demand and greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, and which supports sustainable travel patterns in line with the Core Strategy. CA POL 3 To co-operate with and support the role of the Eastern and Midlands Climate Action Regional Office (CARO). CA POL 4 To provide for a reduction in energy demand and greenhouse gas emissions by providing for consolidated development forms in settlements in Co. Leitrim. CA POL 5 To promote and encourage positive community and/co-operative led climate action initiatives and projects that seek to reduce emissions, improve energy efficiency, enhance ‘Green Infrastructure’ and encourage awareness on climate change issues. CA POL 6 To encourage innovation and facilitate the development of pilot schemes that support climate change mitigation and adaptation measures. OBJECTIVES CA OBJ 1 To work in collaboration with the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI) and relevant stakeholders to deliver and support a number of Sustainable Energy Communities (SECs) throughout the county. CA OBJ 2 To develop a Decarbonisation Zone in Carrick-on- Shannon in accordance with Action 165 of the Climate Action Plan 2019. (see also CS OBJ 10 in Chapter 2 - Core Strategy for further detail in this regard). CA OBJ 3 To review the outcomes of the forthcoming update to the Development Plan Guidelines when finalised and to consider reasonable steps to align with the approach to climate change advocated in the Guidelines over the lifetime of the Plan. CA OBJ 4 To support the development of both climate mitigation and climate adaptation initiatives and seek funding for the implementation of these initiatives from available sources including the Climate Action Fund administered by the Department of the Environment, Climate and Communications (DECC). LEITRIM COUNTY DEVELOPMENT PLAN 2023-2029 – VOLUME I 321 12 Climate Action & Renewable Energy

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   12.6 Climate Action – Mitigation Measures for Leitrim 12.6.1 Leitrim County Renewable Energy Strategy With forecasted increases in population and economic growth, the demand for energy is set to increase in the coming years. Ireland, however, remains heavily reliant on energy generation from fossil fuels and there is currently a need to import two thirds of the country’s energy requirements at a significant financial cost to the economy and to the environment. This is wholly incompatible with international and national energy and climate change policy. In order to accommodate and facilitate the growth forecasted for the State over the coming years, a secure and resilient supply of energy is critical in terms of heating, cooling, fuelling transport systems, powering industry, and generating electricity. It is clear that we are in the midst of a paradigm shift in how we generate energy in this country, with traditional fossil fuelled power plants, such as those at Lough Ree and Shannonbridge, being replaced by a catalogue of renewable energy technologies. Renewable energy comes from natural sources that are continuously replenished by nature and is, therefore, a more sustainable alternative to our dependency on non-renewable fossil fuels. Co. Leitrim has an abundance of natural resources that can be harnessed in a sustainable manner, without negatively impacting on the environment. There is potential for a range of renewable energy technologies, including: Wind energy Solar energy Bioenergy (biomass, biogas, biofuel) Geothermal energy Hydropower Waste-to-energy The potential for each renewable energy type in Co. Leitrim is dependent on the abundance of the natural resource available, along with environmental and infrastructural constraints and facilitators. The scale of developments can range from micro to large-scale, providing energy for a single dwelling, a commercial property, or being exported to the electricity grid for distribution. Renewable energies will play an increasing role in the future in the drive to reduce GHG emissions and transition to a low carbon society. Moreover, the Programme for Government (2020) commits to the rapid decarbonisation of the energy sector and seeks to deliver at least 70% renewable electricity by 2030. LEITRIM COUNTY DEVELOPMENT PLAN 2023-2029 – VOLUME I322 12 Climate Action & Renewable Energy

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   Co. Leitrim has a longstanding record of promoting and accommodating the development of renewable energy technologies, principally wind energy, with the county containing excellent wind resources and grid infrastructure. This has been to the benefit of the local economy in terms of jobs sustained by the industry, either in construction or operational terms, but also in fostering the sustainable credentials of Co. Leitrim as a forward-looking, progressive and environmentally conscious county. This in turn will appeal to enterprises and industries as a location to establish their own operations. To facilitate the sustainable growth of renewable energy technologies within the county, the Leitrim County Renewable Energy Strategy (RES) has been prepared as part of the Plan and is included in Appendix X. The RES has been prepared by RPS Group with the overall aim of the strategy to provide a planled approach to renewable energy development in Co. Leitrim. The RES is underpinned by an agreed vision as follows: “To encourage and support the transition of Leitrim to a carbon neutral county through community engagement, energy efficiency and the sustainable development of renewable energy, whilst providing environmental and economic benefit at a local and national level and preserving the cultural heritage and visual amenity of the county”. The RES contains a comprehensive assessment and spatial evaluation of the county to identify the most suitable locations for renewable energy technologies, taking account of available natural resources, grid infrastructure, environmental considerations, impacts on local communities and quality of life. It identifies the energy potential from different renewable resources to investors and communities which can be harnessed subject to detailed assessment at planning application stage. The RES contains an up to date policy context for the consideration of renewable energy development proposals and provides the spatial framework to enable the county to maximise its contribution to achieving EU and national targets through the optimum use of natural resources. POLICIES RE POL 1 To encourage and facilitate the production of energy from renewable sources, such as from wind, solar, bioenergy, hydroelectricity, and geothermal, subject to compliance with proper planning and environmental considerations. RE POL 2 To promote and support developments and actions that assist in achieving the national targets for energy from renewable resources and reducing greenhouse gas emissions associated with energy production. RE POL 3 To ensure environmental assessments for new energy developments should address reasonable alternatives for location. Where existing infrastructural assets such as sub-stations, powerlines and roads already exist within proposed development areas, then such assets should be considered for sustainable use by the proposed development where the assets have capacity to absorb the new development. OBJECTIVE RE OBJ 1 To seek to achieve a minimum of 200 MW of renewable electricity in the county by 2030, by facilitating renewable energy developments, including micro-generation renewable technologies incorporating solar, wind, hydro-electric and bioenergy. LEITRIM COUNTY DEVELOPMENT PLAN 2023-2029 – VOLUME I 323 12 Climate Action & Renewable Energy

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   12.6.2 Wind Energy 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 and scenic routes, wildlife, habitats, designated sites, protected structures or bird migration paths, and compatibility with adjoining land uses. The Council is required to achieve a reasonable balance between responding to overall positive Government policy on 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. Wind energy remains the largest source of renewable energy in Ireland, contributing 57% of the contribution towards Ireland’s overall renewable energy target in 2019 and 85% of electricity generated by renewable means in the same year38. Onshore wind energy is the largest contributor to total renewable energy generation in Co. Leitrim, which reflects the national status of wind energy contribution. There is currently an installed capacity of c. 92 MW of onshore wind power in the county, which represents approximately 2.15% of the installed national capacity39. A further 18 MW of onshore wind power has been granted permission but as yet unbuilt as the time of preparing this Plan. 38 Energy in Ireland 2020 Report, SEAI (2020) 39 Installed capacity in Republic of Ireland is estimated to be 4,309 MW (Wind Energy Ireland, August 2021) The challenges to the development of further onshore wind include the local wind speed resource, noise limits, specifications for shadow flicker and spatial requirements relating to setback distances and environmental constraints. The 2006 Wind Energy Development Guidelines are in the process of being updated, with the publication of the Draft Wind Energy Development Guidelines (DCCAE, December 2019). The draft guidelines require a setback distance from residential properties of four times the turbine tip height, with a minimum requirement of 500 metres distance. The RES includes a calculation of the available wind resource having regard to the Draft Wind Energy Development Guidelines (DCCAE, December 2019) and its Specific Planning Policy Requirements (SPPRs) contained therein. This calculation was informed by sieve analysis mapping, as illustrated in wind potential area mapping reproduced as Figure 12.4, which takes account of: ● wind speed and resource. ● environmental, ecological, heritage and amenity constraints by applying an exclusion zone around key biodiversity and physical attributes. Special Protection Area (SPA) and Special Area of Conservation (SAC) sites were excluded, however Natural Heritage Area (NHA) and proposed Natural Heritage Area (pNHA) sites were not excluded. Watercourses and physical constraints were also excluded using buffer distances related to construction activities and safety. ● land take being > 5 km2 to take into account the spatial requirements generally for commercially scaled wind farm developments. ● set-back distances from housing using the minimum separation distance of 500m from all sensitive receptors as identified in the 2006 Wind Energy Development Guidelines (WEDG) and the 2019 Draft WEDG and as a means of identifying sites of strategic scale for the purposes of determining, more practically, the renewable energy target for the county as required under item (2) of the Specific Planning Policy Requirement (SPPR) prescribed in the Interim Guidelines for Planning Authorities on Statutory Plans, Renewable Energy and Climate Change (2017). ● availability of grid infrastructure. LEITRIM COUNTY DEVELOPMENT PLAN 2023-2029 – VOLUME I324 12 Climate Action & Renewable Energy

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   Figure 12.4: Sensitivity mapping highlighting areas of potential wind energy development !! ! ! ! ! ! !! ! ! ! !! !!!! ! !!!! !!!! ! !!! !!! ! ! !! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! !! ! ! ! !! !!! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! Mohill Carrick-On-Shannon Roosky Drumsna Manorhamilton Ballinamore Kinlough Leitrim Drumod Drumshanbo Dromahair Carrigallen Drumkeeran Tullaghan Keshcarrigan Legend Available Areas Risk High Low Overhead Line Network 220kV 110kV 38kV ESB Substations ! 110kV ! 38kV ! Connected Wind Turbines Viable Wind Speed, >7.6 m/s ± Data Sources: Leitrim County Council; EPA; ESB. ESB Data Disclaimer This map indicates the approximate location of ESB Networks Transmission (400kV, 220kV, 110kV, 38kV) and Distribution (20kV, 10kV, 230V/400V) underground cables and overhead lines in the general area of the proposed works. ESB Networks takes no responsibility for the accuracy or completeness of these maps. Low voltage (230V/400V) service cables (e.g. house services, factory/shop services, public lighting lamp services, etc) are not included but their presence should be anticipated. The depths of underground cables must never be assumed. Additional more detailed information is available for high voltage Transmission underground cables (38kV, 110kV, 220kV, 400kV) - for cables in the greater Dublin area call 01 6042957 and for all other areas call 1850 372 757. No work should be carried out in the vicinity of 38kV or higher voltage underground cables without prior consultation with ESB Networks. Before any mechanical excavation is undertaken, the actual location of all underground electricity cables must be established and verified on site, using: (a) Up-to-date map records; (b) Cable locator equipment operated in both power and radio modes; (c) Careful hand digging of trial holes using 'Safe Digging Practice'. Refer also to 'HSA Code of Practice for Avoiding Danger from Underground Services'. ESB takes no responsibility and shall bear no liability in relation to any damage, injury/death or loss of supply as a result of damage or interference with its networks. LEITRIM COUNTY DEVELOPMENT PLAN 2023-2029 – VOLUME I 325 12 Climate Action & Renewable Energy

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   The central aim of the sieve mapping and technical analysis undertaken is to highlight areas of the county with the potential to accommodate wind energy development identified as ‘Available Areas’ in Figures 6.3 and 6.3b of the County Leitrim Renewable Energy Strategy, subject to significant landscape/ visual constraints amongst other environmental considerations. Notwithstanding the areas identified in Figures 6.3 and 6.3b of the RES, this does not preclude projects, typically of smaller-scale, from being brought forward in other areas including land adjacent to ‘Available Areas’, subject to other project-specific environmental considerations and assessments. Moreover, it is accepted that that minimum setback distances from sensitive receptors (i.e. dwellings) can be relaxed where wind energy project developers can demonstrate the written consent of affected landowners and householders and which can be taken into consideration in the assessment of any planning application for wind energy development where this arises. A further technical assessment was carried out of potentially available areas using a search criterion for land parcels of greater than 100 hectares in area. This would potentially be suitable for smaller wind farm configurations of 3 to 5 turbines. In addition, to supplement and inform the RES, a robust Landscape and Visual Capacity Study was undertaken to specifically evaluate the respective capacities of various landscapes in the county to potentially accommodate larger scale wind energy development proposals. The capacity study concludes that there is very limited capacity to absorb future large scale proposed developments in the form of multiple wind turbines and wind farms. This is due to a number of factors relating to landscape quality and scenic quality as follows: ● Scenic quality and expansive nature of these landscapes; ● Remote, tranquil and wild quality where the absence of man-made influences is a key characteristic; ● Intervisibility and relationship with adjacent landscapes for which the uplands are important to setting and present as a distinctive skyline or mountain backdrop; ● Presence of complex, distinctive and rugged landform; ● Landscape scale, at locations where field patterns defined by hedgerows convey a sense of a small-scale landscape in which the presence or visibility of wind turbines would dominate; and ● Proximity of settlements for which upland moorland and mountain areas are an important setting, which would be adversely affected by future wind turbines or wind farms. The capacity study concludes that although scope for future wind energy development would be limited, each planning application for proposed development of this kind would have to be judged individually on its own merits with reference to a landscape and visual impact assessment report undertaken in line with current good practice guidance by an appropriately qualified landscape architect. Such assessments would also have to demonstrate that the design of the proposed development, in terms of turbine number, hub height, tip height and siting of individual wind turbines has regard for the baseline landscape character and visual amenity of the study area in which the development would be located. The ‘Interim Guidelines for Planning Authorities on Statutory Plans, Renewable Energy and Climate Change’ (July 2017) contain a Specific Planning Policy Requirement (SPPR) requiring that Development Plans indicate how it will contribute to realising overall national targets on renewable energy and climate change mitigation, and in particular wind energy production and the potential wind energy resource (in megawatts). The Climate Action Plan (2019) includes a target to expand onshore wind energy generation to 8,200 MW by 2030 (approximately doubling current installed capacity which sits at around 4,000 MW). An assessment of Leitrim’s potential contribution to this target (up to 2030) is set out in Table 12.2 and corresponds with the estimated wind capacity/ potential presented in the accompanying RES. As summarised in Table 12.3 overleaf, the RES has identified the potential for Leitrim to increase its wind energy operational capacity by 90% in the period up to 2030, through a combination of repowering and extending existing windfarms and new wind farms. This aligns well with the national target for growth in onshore wind energy. LEITRIM COUNTY DEVELOPMENT PLAN 2023-2029 – VOLUME I326 12 Climate Action & Renewable Energy

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   Table 12.2: Co. Leitrim Potential Wind Energy Capacity up to 2030 Repowering of Existing Wind Turbines By the year 2025, the existing wind farms in Leitrim will be in their ‘middle age’: 14 MW capacity will be > 20 years old, and a further 26 MW will be >15 years old. Using a ratio of 65% increased capacity when repowering takes place (IWEA, 2019), this 40MW might be repowered to yield a further 26MW by 2030. Extensions of Existing Wind Farms Extensions of existing wind farms may prove viable (possibly in tandem with repowering proposals). Total operational capacity in Leitrim stands at 92MW in 2021. If extensions were to deliver an addition 30% capacity, this would equate to a further 27 MW by 2030. New Turbines/ Wind Farms A theoretical capacity of 594 MW has been identified for Leitrim following the SEAI Local Authority Renewable Energy Strategies (LARES) methodology. Industry experience suggests that a delivery rate of 10% of the theoretical capacity is a realistic benchmark, equating to 59 MW for Leitrim. A Landscape and Visual Capacity Assessment of the available areas found that opportunities for new wind farms are constrained by the need to protect the natural amenities of the county. A conservative estimate of 30 MW is therefore assigned for new wind farms for the purpose of this Plan, as informed by the RES. Notwithstanding the targets provided above in Table 12.3, it should be noted that the figures provided do not represent a ‘ceiling’ or ‘cap’ on the potential of renewable energy that can be generated in the county up to 2030. The figures provided are seen as practicable and achievable targets for the county over this period. Moreover, the Plan notes the provisions of Action 102 of the Climate Action Plan 2021 which includes an objective to develop a new spatial policy for large scale wind and solar development, in support of the target to increase the share of electricity demand generated from renewable sources to up to 80% and that this will be implemented through a regional planning initiative. When implemented, this will give counties like Leitrim the platform to review and if necessary, revise upward the renewable electricity targets contained in this Plan. Table 12.3: Co. Leitrim Wind Energy Target Potential to 2030 Existing Connected Wind Energy (2021) 92 MW Additional indicative/ potential capacity included in the RES up to 2030. 83 MW (90% increase of existing) Total 2030 Operational 175 MW LEITRIM COUNTY DEVELOPMENT PLAN 2023-2029 – VOLUME I 327 12 Climate Action & Renewable Energy

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   POLICIES WE POL 1 To acknowledge the importance of wind energy in Co. Leitrim as a renewable energy source which can play a vital role in achieving national targets in relation to reductions in fossil fuel dependency and therefore greenhouse gas emissions WE POL 2 To encourage the development of wind energy in suitable locations and in an environmentally sustainable manner to ensure the security of energy supply, in accordance with Government policy and the Leitrim County Renewable Energy Strategy. WE POL 3 To ensure that the assessment of wind energy development proposals will have regard to the following: sensitivities of the county’s landscapes visual impact on protected views, prospects, designated landscapes, as well as local visual impacts impacts on nature conservation designations, archaeological areas, county geological sites, historic structures, public rights of way and walking routes local environmental impacts, including those on residential properties, such as noise and shadow flicker visual and environmental impacts of associated development, such as access roads, plant and grid connections from the proposed wind farm to the electricity transmission network scale, size and layout of the project and any cumulative effects due to other projects the impact of the proposed development on protected bird and mammal species WE POL 4 To support the re-powering of existing wind energy development when they reach the end of their operational life. WE POL 5 To encourage and support the development of small-scale wind energy development proposals and single turbines in urban, rural and industrial areas, provided they do not negatively impact upon environmental quality, landscape, wildlife and habitats or residential amenity or other relevant planning consideration. WE POL 6 To have regard to the principles and planning guidance set out in Department of Housing, Planning and Local Government publications relating to ‘Wind Energy Development’ and the DCCAE Code of Practice for Wind Energy Development in Ireland and any other relevant guidance which may be issued. WE POL 7 To support the investigation of the potential for, and subsequent development of (where considered feasible), relatively small-scale wind energy developments within urban and industrial areas, and for small community-based proposals outside the key areas that are identified as being appropriate for wind energy development in the Renewable Energy Strategy. Such proposals are subject to the consideration of environmental assessments as part of the application consent process and of demonstration of compliance with the proper planning and sustainable development of the area. OBJECTIVE WE OBJ 1 To secure the maximum potential from the wind energy resources of Co. Leitrim commensurate with supporting development that is consistent with proper planning and sustainable development of the area. LEITRIM COUNTY DEVELOPMENT PLAN 2023-2029 – VOLUME I328 12 Climate Action & Renewable Energy

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   12.6.3 Solar Energy 40 Energy in Ireland 2020 Report, SEAI (2020) Solar energy technology harnesses the energy radiated from the sun that reaches the earth as visible light. This light can be categorised as direct and indirect depending on cloud cover and location. Solar energy can be used to produce electricity, heat or hot water. There are two main categories of technologies that are suitable for installation in Ireland, solar thermal and solar photovoltaic (PV). In 2019, solar PV energy provided 0.07% of Ireland’s electricity generated, producing 21 GWh40. In Ireland, solar thermal is generally considered to be suitable for smaller scale applications such as domestic hot water or to meet part of the demand in larger buildings. Figure 12.5: Sensitivity mapping highlighting areas of potential solar energy development Mohill Carrick-On-Shannon Roosky Drumsna Manorhamilton Ballinamore Kinlough Leitrim Drumod Drumshanbo Dromahair Carrigallen Drumkeeran Tullaghan Keshcarrigan Legend Available Areas Risk High Low ± Data Sources: Leitrim County Council; EPA; PV GIS. LEITRIM COUNTY DEVELOPMENT PLAN 2023-2029 – VOLUME I 329 12 Climate Action & Renewable Energy

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    Solar photovoltaic (PV) technology exploits solar energy to produce electricity. This technology is typically deployed as panels made from a semiconductor, such as crystalline silicon, which absorb the light energy and produce electricity. The panels can work with both direct and indirect light, meaning that they will continue to generate electricity on overcast days. Solar PV panels can be rooftop-mounted for building applications or groundmounted, such as those in solar farms. Ground-mounted solar arrays, or solar farms, can deploy solar PV technology on a small, medium or large scale. Solar farms export the generated electricity to the grid and therefore the proximity to such infrastructure must be considered. Other factors contributing to the suitability of a site include the solar resource, slope of the land, accessibility and the potential for over shading. There are currently no connected solar farms in Ireland although some do exist in Northern Ireland. As of September 2021, no commercial-scale solar farms are in operation within Co. Leitrim. One solar scheme has the benefit of a grid connection offer with a Maximum Export Capacity (MEC) of 4 MW to the Carrick-on-Shannon 110kV substation node, however no planning application has been forthcoming for this proposed scheme at the time of writing. Additionally, a feasibility study is currently being undertaken for North Leitrim SEC for a 5MW and 15MW solar farm to provide energy to the local community. There are currently no national guidelines in place to guide the location or scale of solar array/farm developments. Constraints may arise in relation to landscape impacts, protection of natural heritage or archaeology, or in relation to protecting high value agricultural land. The RES maps the potential availability of solar resources. The mapping exercise was carried out applying a sensitivity analysis approach to the suitability of areas to accommodate solar farms. The sensitivity level is defined by adding up the sensitivity levels at certain distances from material assets, sensitive receptors, European Sites and from natural physical attributes (such as groundwater vulnerability, geological heritage sites, soil drainage, landslide, and flooding susceptibility). The tallied sensitivity levels are displayed on a scale ranging from High (maximum sensitivity) to Low (minimum sensitivity). However, the presence of a sensitivity category in and of itself does not support nor preclude solar development; it is a tool which flags areas of having a higher or lower concentration/distance from various sensitive receptors. A proposed solar development would be subject to detailed siting and environmental considerations, and the outcomes of the planning consent process. The sensitivity mapping (Figure 12.5 overleaf) suggests that the southern part of the county has higher potential for solar farms on the basis of lower risk generally. POLICIES SE POL 1 To promote commercial scale solar energy development in appropriate locations and in accordance with Government policy and the Leitrim County Renewable Energy Strategy and subject to environmental safeguards and the protection of natural or built heritage features, biodiversity, views and prospects, and other relevant planning considerations. SE POL 2 To favourably consider the redevelopment of brownfield sites in predominantly industrial/ commercial areas for large-scale solar PV projects. SE POL 3 To favourably consider the development of solar farms on agricultural lands which allow for farm diversification and multipurpose land use. SE POL 4 To consider the impacts of overshadowing on the efficiency of existing solar technologies when assessing planning applications. SE POL 5 To promote the integration of solar energy into existing and planned developments. SE POL 6 To support and facilitate the development of passive solar design proposals for the development of residential accommodation in urban and rural areas. LEITRIM COUNTY DEVELOPMENT PLAN 2023-2029 – VOLUME I330 12 Climate Action & Renewable Energy

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