Development plan · Leitrim County Council
Leitrim County Development Plan 2023–2029
The council's development plan written statement: its strategy, policies, objectives and development standards.
Leitrim County Council · 2023–2029 · 398 pages
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- 12.6.4 Bioenergy Bioenergy forms part of a wider bioeconomy framework which comprises those parts of the economy that use biological resources from land and sea to produce food, feed and bio-based materials and energy. The National Policy Statement on the Bioeconomy (Government of Ireland, 2018) sets out the ambition for Ireland to be a global leader for the bio-economy, through a coordinated approach that harnesses Ireland’s natural resources, and competitive advantage. It seeks to promote greater coherence between the sectors of the bio-economy, to strengthen the development of bio-based products and grow the relevant markets for them, and to access funding available at EU level as well as leveraging private investment. Moreover, the NPF and the RSES highlight the potential of the bioeconomy in promoting more efficient use of renewable resources and in supporting rural economic development and employment. Bioenergy is energy derived from biological sources, typically organic matter from plants and animals and their by-products. It can be categorised as biomass, biogas and biofuels. Biomass refers to land and aquatic vegetation, organic waste and photosynthetic organisms. Depending on the conversion technology employed, biomass can be converted directly to heat and electricity, or used to make biogas or biofuel. Solid biomass tends to be converted directly to heat and electricity by combustion, while wet biomass is digested to form biogas or fermented to produce biofuel. The main types of solid biomass used in Ireland for direct combustion are forest thinnings, sawmill residues, waste wood, willow, miscanthus, straw, residual municipal solid waste (MSW) and tallow. Biogas, formed from biomass, can be combusted in boilers to produce heat, or in combined heat and power plants, typically gas engines, to provide both heat and electricity. Anaerobic Digestion is the process used to produce biogas. Grass silage, domestic and industrial food waste, and pig and cattle slurry provide the feedstock for the process. The biomass is broken down anaerobically in biodigester plants to produce the biogas which can be combusted to create heat or used to generate electricity. Biofuels can be produced from biomass which can be used as a renewable alternative to fossil fuels for transport. The success of bioenergy projects is heavily dependent on the availability of the resources. Co. Leitrim’s agricultural industry may also present some opportunities for the provision of animal manure and silage. A common failure factor for bioenergy plans is competition for land use, particularly food crop production although not considered a significant factor in our county. Therefore, success is more likely when harnessing residue from existing industries, such as forest materials and animal by-products. POLICIES BE POL 1 To support and encourage the development of bioenergy opportunities, facilities and associated enterprises in Co. Leitrim. BE POL 2 To favourably consider proposals for commercial bioenergy plants on brownfield sites adjacent to industrial/enterprise areas or on lands which are in industrial/enterprise use or zoned for such purposes. BE POL 3 To promote the installation of district heating schemes powered by biomass fuel sources. BE POL 4 To ensure that any commercial bioenergy plant is close to the point of demand and is served by public roads with sufficient capacity. BE POL 5 To support the National Policy Statement on the Bioeconomy (Government of Ireland, 2018) and any review thereof, having consideration to the strategic importance of the bio-economy to rural Co. Leitrim and support the NWRA in its preparation of a feasibility study for the Northern and Western Region to identify (and map) areas of potential growth to inform the National Transition Agenda, enabling a Low Carbon, resilient nation. BE POL 6 To support, in principle, the development of appropriately scaled local multi-feedstock biorefining hubs across the region as well as the potential creation of bio-districts/clusters. LEITRIM COUNTY DEVELOPMENT PLAN 2023-2029 – VOLUME I 331 12 Climate Action & Renewable Energy
- 12.6.5 Micro Hydroelectric Power Hydroelectric power is the generation of electricity through harnessing the energy in the flowing water of a stream or river. A turbine is used to convert the kinetic energy in falling water to mechanical energy, which is further converted to electrical energy by a generator. The amount of electricity produced depends on the amount of water (the flow), and how far the water falls to reach the turbine (the head). The greater the flow and the head, the more power that can be produced. In 2019, hydropower accounted for 2.8% of Ireland’s electricity generation, producing 889 GWh. Micro hydroelectric power refers to hydropower installations below 100 kW. Installations of this size are typically run-of-river systems, which exploit the natural flow and slope of a river or stream to generate electricity. The key determinant for the viability of micro hydroelectric power is site selection. Site selection must consider the environmental impact, the resource availability, and the proximity to the required infrastructure. One of the key failure factors for hydropower development plans is the environmental and landscape impact during construction and operation. Hydropower installations operate by disrupting the flow of the watercourse, which may impact on biodiversity in the area. The visual amenity of the area is also impacted during construction, and to a lesser extent during operation. Potential locations within Co. Leitrim were identified by the SEAI for micro hydroelectric power installations. There is theoretical potential for a total installed capacity of approximately 1.178 MW throughout the county. This resource was mapped by the SEAI from comprehensive information identified in the then Department of Energy’s 1985 report “Small Scale Hydro Electric Potential of Ireland”. As such, the identified sites in Co. Leitrim outlined in the report are indicative of micro hydroelectric power potential only. Any proposal for hydro-power development would, however, need to be subject to a feasibility or technical study, as well as detailed environmental assessment and subject to the outcomes of the planning process. POLICIES MH POL 1 To promote and support hydroelectric power at unexploited sites identified in the Leitrim County Renewable Energy Strategy. MH POL 2 To favourably consider micro hydro developments which minimise impact on biodiversity and fisheries. MH POL 3 To favourably consider community-led micro hydro developments and off-grid developments. 332 LEITRIM COUNTY DEVELOPMENT PLAN 2023-2029 – VOLUME I 12 Climate Action & Renewable Energy
- 12.6.6 Micro Energy Generation and Community Energy Micro energy generation is the domestic and community use of small-scale solar PV and solar thermal, wind, Combined Heat and Power (CHP) and Ground and Air Source Heat Pump (GSHP and ASHP) technologies to generate heat and electric power in a domestic, commercial, or agricultural setting. Micro energy generation can be used to meet all the energy needs of a home, business, or community, or can be a supplement to grid connected energy. Micro generation allows homes, business, and communities to lower their carbon footprint and to reduce the cost of energy imported from the grid. Micro generation technologies can be combined to form a hybrid power solution that can offer superior performance and lower cost than a system based on one generator. Energy storage can be combined with micro generation technologies to allow for the supply of energy during periods of low generation. POLICIES MG POL 1 To promote and facilitate micro-renewable energy installations subject to environmental safeguards and the protection of natural or built heritage features, biodiversity, views and prospects, and other relevant planning considerations. MG POL 2 To encourage the retrofitting of domestic and commercial buildings with micro generation technologies throughout the county for all redevelopment, extension or expansion projects. MG POL 3 To promote the uptake of incentives, schemes, grants and other available funding to improve energy efficiency. LEITRIM COUNTY DEVELOPMENT PLAN 2023-2029 – VOLUME I 333 12 Climate Action & Renewable Energy
- 12.6.7 Renewable Heat 20.14 ktoe of energy were consumed as heat energy in Leitrim in 2016, accounting for 24.26% of total energy consumption in the county. 71.5% of this consumption took place in the residential sector, with the rest occurring in industry and services. Co. Leitrim’s residential sector is highly dependent on oil, with 66% of dwellings using oil for heating of both space and water in 2016. 12% of dwellings used solid fuels for their heating. The heating of energy in Co. Leitrim is influenced by a dispersed rural population, lack of natural gas infrastructure, and reluctance to depart from the traditional use of turf and peat. Ireland was obliged to achieve a minimum target of 12% of heat to come from renewable sources by 2020 under the EU Renewable Energy Directive 2009/28/ EC. As of 2019, this figure stood at 6.3%. Nationally, renewable heat from biomass made up the largest proportion, representing 62% while 17% came from ambient sources (ground source heat pumps and air source heat pumps). Other renewable heat technologies include solar thermal for water heating and biogas. Renewable heat technologies have also proven effective in upscaling, with District Heating (DH) considered one of the most efficient and cost-effective ways to heat apartments, homes and mixed-use developments. DH 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. 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. The extent of the biomass resource within Co. Leitrim makes the provision of DH networks viable in settlements where higher heat densities are available, such as Carrick-on-Shannon and possibly Manorhamilton. Biomass can also be harvested close to DH systems, resulting in low transport costs. Moreover, large industries in Co. Leitrim, potentially have waste heat from industry that could be used in individual DH systems or incorporated into a larger DH system. POLICIES RH POL 1 To promote and support developments that give rise to a reduction in dependency on fossil fuels for domestic and commercial heating. RH POL 2 To support and facilitate the installation of District Heat technologies in new developments. RH POL 3 To support and facilitate the development of Combined Heat and Power plants for District Heat Scheme in industrially zoned areas (enterprise and employment land use zoning objective). LEITRIM COUNTY DEVELOPMENT PLAN 2023-2029 – VOLUME I334 12 Climate Action & Renewable Energy
- 12.6.8 Energy Storage The renewable energy industry is developing at a rapid rate due to the urgent need to address climate change and to transition to a low carbon economy, and it is likely that other technologies not specifically discussed in this Plan will emerge over time. One such renewable energy technology which is becoming more widely used in recent times relates to battery storage systems. The lack of energy storage capacity has long been a barrier to the efficient use of renewable energy. For example, if generation from renewables is low during a period of higher demand, fossil fuel plants must be scaled up to compensate. In contrast, during times of high renewable energy production, there may be insufficient demand to allow for full exploitation of the resource, leading to a wasted opportunity to generate more clean energy. However, technology in this field has now advanced to the point that utilityscale battery storage systems are being utilised in order to enable more efficient use of renewable energy. Utility-scale batteries can enable a greater feedin of renewables into the grid by storing excess generation and more efficiently utilising renewable energy output. It is currently estimated that utilityscale batteries dominate the global energy storage market, but it is predicted that by 2030 small-scale battery storage will significantly increase to the point where it complements utility scale storage. Smallscale battery storage systems are generally suited for incorporation within individual or residential developments. Battery Storage, also known as thermal stores, comprises development which allows for the capture of heat or electricity when it is readily available, typically from a renewables system, and save it until a time when it is required to be used. Future energy storage on a national and regional scale is an integral aspect of the renewable energy industry and therefore must be considered in the overall context of planning frameworks for energy. Typical renewable energy storage technologies include: ● Pumped Hydroelectric Energy Storage - consists of two large reservoirs located at different elevations and a number of pump/ turbine units. During off-peak electrical demand, water is pumped from the lower reservoir to the higher reservoir where it is stored until it is needed. Once required (i.e. during peak electrical demand) the water in the upper reservoir is released through the turbines, which are connected to generators that produce electricity. ● Battery Energy Storage (BES) - can be integrated with renewable energy generation systems in either grid connected or stand-alone applications. There are three important types of large-scale BES; These are Lead-Acid (LA), Nickel-Cadmium (NiCd) and Sodium Sulphur (NaS). These operate in the same way as conventional batteries, except on a larger scale. ● Heat/Thermal Energy Storage - involves storing energy in a thermal reservoir so that it can be recovered at a later time. This is a common means to store domestic hot water for later use. Battery storage has increased in Ireland in part by intermittent energy sources such as solar and wind. ESB offer an opportunity for large businesses to install battery storage on-site, a method of demand-side storage. This provides a back-up power supply and reduces costs by charging the battery during periods of low electricity prices. Batteries can also be employed on the generation side of the network, creating hybrid systems with renewable energy technologies to store excess generation. POLICY ES POL 1 To promote the use of efficient energy storage systems and infrastructure that support energy efficiency and reusable energy system optimisation, subject to compliance with proper planning and environmental considerations. LEITRIM COUNTY DEVELOPMENT PLAN 2023-2029 – VOLUME I 335 12 Climate Action & Renewable Energy
- 12.6.9 Energy Efficiency and Conservation 41 https://www.seai.ie/about/irelands-energy-targets/ and DCCAE National Energy Efficiency Action Plan for Ireland 2017- 2020 Generating energy through renewable energy sources must be complemented by efforts to reduce energy demand and waste. Energy efficiency and conservation are therefore of vital importance if Co. Leitrim is to achieve a carbon neutral future. Energy efficiency involves using less energy to perform the same task. Although less energy is consumed, the same standard of product or service is achieved, thus it is the energy waste that is reduced. Ireland has a target of 20% energy savings through efficiency by 2030 and a more ambitious target of 33% in the public sector alone41. The sector with the greatest potential for energy efficiency savings is the residential buildings sector, followed by transport, commercial buildings, and industry. The main opportunities for energy efficiency in buildings are LED lighting, roof and solid wall insulation, efficient glazing, efficient appliances, and heating systems such as heat pumps or efficient boilers with heating controls. Industry can benefit in the long term from investing in the installation of Combined Heat and Power technology. Energy efficiency in the transport sector is driven by EU regulations and modal shifts. Energy conservation is behaviour that results in the use of less energy. Conservation is usually reliant on changes in human behaviour and increased awareness or smart monitoring and control technology. Although retrofit and energy efficient installations are vital if targets are to be achieved, it has been reported that to date, most of the savings have come from lower cost energy conservation measures. The Council will, in conjunction with key stakeholders, continue to participate in initiatives to contribute to the energy efficiency and conservation goals of the county. POLICIES EE POL 1 To promote the environmental, financial, societal and practical benefits of energy efficiency. EE POL 2 To encourage the consideration of energy efficiency and low-carbon design solutions, such as optimising solar gain and geothermal or air source heating, in large-scale residential, commercial, and industrial development proposals. EE POL 3 To support energy efficiency and conservation education programmes in partnership with local, regional, and national organisations. EE POL 4 To support the implementation of national energy efficiency standards and to support and facilitate energy conservation and efficiency, including through improved building design; promoting smarter travel; and, raising awareness/benefits of energy conservation. OBJECTIVE EEOBJ 1 To reduce CO2 emissions by 30% by 2030 from the 2020 baseline figures for the public sector in the county, by building awareness and motivating behavioural change, engaging with SEAI and government programmes for energy efficiency, investing in energy efficiency improvements, and by switching to low-carbon transport modes such as walking, cycling and public transport. LEITRIM COUNTY DEVELOPMENT PLAN 2023-2029 – VOLUME I336 12 Climate Action & Renewable Energy
- 12.6.10 Agriculture and Forestry In 2019, the agricultural sector in Ireland was identified as been responsible for the highest level of GHG emissions, at 35.3% nationally, with 83% of GHG emissions in the sector coming from animals. Ongoing efforts within the sector to reduce GHG emissions include improvements to animal feedstuffs and agricultural practices to reduce methane emissions and the provision of active carbon sequestration through the provision of semi-natural and managed ecosystems on farm holdings. Moreover, the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine (DAFM) released a ‘Climate & Air Roadmap’ for the Agriculture Sector entitled ‘Ag Climatise’ in December 2020 which seeks to develop a climate neutral food system compatible with the Paris temperature goals by 2050 whereby the climate impact of biogenic methane is reduced to zero and remaining agricultural emissions are balanced by removals, along with a significant uptake of renewable energy on farm enterprises. Notwithstanding the scale of commercial forestry cover within the county and the extent of local opposition to such land use, forests play a vital role in mitigating the effects of climate change in terms of their carbon sequestration properties and abilities to act as carbon sinks. In international and national policy terms, afforestation, avoided deforestation (of natural forests) and improved forestation management are recognised as the most feasible and effective land use related climate mitigation options currently available to Ireland. This is particularly apparent when considered that Ireland has one of the lowest forest covers of all European countries (11%) compared to the European average of over 40%. Under current national forestry policy, a target of 18% national forest cover by 2046 has been identified. Given that the forest cover in Co. Leitrim exceeds this national target already, in the context of its own boundaries, it remains to be seen what specific implications this national target has in the context of Co. Leitrim in the absence of more updated national forestry policy which is forthcoming. Notwithstanding, the Council accepts that forestry related initiatives, namely afforestation and preservation of natural forests, collectively serve to reduce CO2 levels and have a positive impact on climate change. POLICIES AFCM POL 1 To support agri-sector enterprises and development which facilitates reductions in levels of GHG emissions associated with agricultural practices and which protect or enhance natural, semi-natural or managed eco-systems. AFCM POL 2 To facilitate forestry related proposals which can support reduction in CO2 emissions, where it can be demonstrated that such proposals will not give rise to any significant adverse impacts on landscape and residential amenity and sites of ecological importance and accord with the principles of proper planning and sustainable development. AFCM POL 3 To promote sustainable forestry development of appropriate scale and at appropriate locations within the county in order to address climate action directly through carbon sequestration and indirectly through the displacement of fossil fuel in accordance with the National Climate Action Plan 2019 (or any subsequent Plan). LEITRIM COUNTY DEVELOPMENT PLAN 2023-2029 – VOLUME I 337 12 Climate Action & Renewable Energy
- 12.7 Climate Action – Adaptation Measures for Leitrim 12.7.1 Integrated Land Use and Transport Notwithstanding the identified infrastructure deficiencies to develop more sustainable transport solutions discussed in Section 8.7, there is also a need to reverse (to a level practicable in a rural county with a dispersed rural population) the current unsustainable patterns of car travel between homes and work/ services, and the significant dependency on private cars and a decline in active modes of travel, such as walking and cycling. To this end, the Plan promotes an integrated approach to land-use and transportation which aligns with the Core Strategy, with an emphasis on facilitating future development into existing towns and settlements within Co. Leitrim, in order to reduce car dependency. The Plan supports the principle of compact urban growth, the consolidation of existing settlements and prioritisation of the development of brownfield lands across the Settlement Hierarchy which in turn will encourage the use of public transport, cycling and walking as viable alternatives to the private car. The Core Strategy encourages higher densities of development close to public transport routes in Carrick-on-Shannon (which can sustain/facilitate public transport). This supports the sustainable zoning of lands through the concentration of future infill and brownfield development using existing lands and serviceable settlements based on the projected population growth and needs. This approach accords with the overall objectives of the NPF and the RSES, by supporting compact urban growth, the consolidation of existing settlements, and the prioritisation of the development of brownfield lands across the Settlement Hierarchy in the county. Promoting compact growth and greater integration of policies for land use and transport planning will help reduce the demand for commuter travel and support more efficient development patterns and travel. The Plan acknowledges that as we strive to adapt to climate change, it is important that future development patterns reduce our carbon footprint, protect our environment, and promote more sustainable ways of living. POLICIES LUT POL 1 To support and facilitate the integration of land use with transportation infrastructure, through the development of sustainable compact settlements within the hierarchy of settlements as identified within the Core Strategy with particular emphasis on those which are well served by public transport such as Carrick-on-Shannon and Manorhamilton. LUT POL 2 To encourage the consideration of energy efficiency and low-carbon design solutions when carrying out pre-planning discussions for major residential, commercial, and industrial development proposals. LUT POL 3 To promote sustainable land use planning measures which facilitate transportation efficiency, economic returns on transport investment, minimisation of environmental impacts and a general shift towards the greater use of public transportation throughout the county. LUT POL 4 To integrate the county’s transport and tourism strategies to promote increasingly sustainable travel patterns and improved linkages between the towns and villages within the county, with the aim of developing a coherent network dedicated to sustainable transport modes across the county and to the wider Northern and Western region. LEITRIM COUNTY DEVELOPMENT PLAN 2023-2029 – VOLUME I338 12 Climate Action & Renewable Energy
- 12.7.2 Sustainable Transport Transport accounts for 55% of total energy consumption in Co. Leitrim, more than both electricity and heat combined. Co. Leitrim’s dispersed rural population and lack of public transport options have led to high levels of private car ownership. According to the 2016 Census, 86.2% of households in Leitrim were in possession of one or more motor cars, compared to 81.95% nationally. It is estimated that private car energy consumption accounted for 43.5% of total energy consumed in the transport sector in Co. Leitrim in 2016, compared to 41% nationally. A total of 285 million kilometres were driven by private cars in Co. Leitrim in 2016, accounting for 0.78% of the total kilometres driven nationally. Under the EU Renewable Energy Directive 2009/28/ EC, Ireland was obliged to achieve a minimum target of 10% renewable energy in the transport sector by 2020. In 2019, renewable transport in Ireland stood at 8.9%, 99% of which came from bioenergy, including biodiesel and biomethane. Reducing reliance on traditional fossil fuels is of utmost importance for Co. Leitrim to meet the 10% Renewable Energy Share in Transport (RES-T) target and to move towards carbon neutrality. This can be achieved through the adoption of electric vehicles and the use of alternative transport fuels, primarily biofuels. The Government has set a target of 950,000 electric vehicle (EVs) on the road by 2030 under the Climate Action Plan 2019. ESB is responsible for the rollout of EV charging points across the country, with its e-cars Charge Point Map (available at www.esb.ie) displaying the locations of these charging points. Of a total of 1,350 public, standard, and fast charging points in the country, only 4 no. are currently located in the county (2 points in Carrick-on-Shannon and 2 points in Mohill). In Co. Leitrim, 96% of dwellings are detached, semidetached and terraced houses, making them suitable for EV ownership as the majority them would be capable of charging an EV from the home. However, more public charging points are required to allow for the widespread uptake of EVs. Nationally there is an average of one charge point for every 4,000 people, while in Leitrim there is one charge point for every 8,000 people. An additional four no. public charge points are needed to bring Co. Leitrim on par with the national average. These public charge points should be located in Manorhamilton, Kinlough, Ballinamore and Drumshanbo as these are the largest towns in Co. Leitrim that do not have existing public charging points. LEITRIM COUNTY DEVELOPMENT PLAN 2023-2029 – VOLUME I 339 12 Climate Action & Renewable Energy
- In 2022, the government published National Sustainable Mobility Policy (2022) which includes an overall vision, principles, goals and targets which take account of mandatory greenhouse gas emissions reduction target of 51% for 2030 under the Climate and Low Carbon Development Act 2021 and the actions of the Climate Action Plan 2021. This policy document is supplemented by an action plan running from 2022 to 2025, which sets out a range of actions to deliver overarching policy goals of national policy that can be adopted in Co. Leitrim to reduce the transport energy use in the county. Such measures include the use and improvement of rural/urban public transport services, promotion and prioritisation of walking and cycling, promotion of car sharing, and reduction in overall travel demand. Due to the high level of private car use, there is potential to reduce transport energy consumption in Leitrim by switching from conventional internal combustion engine vehicles to electric vehicles. POLICIES ST POL 1 To promote alternative sustainable transport options in Co. Leitrim. ST POL 2 To facilitate the installation of charging points for Electric Vehicles at suitable public locations and support the prioritisation of parking for Electric Vehicles in town centre locations. (See also EV POL 2 in Chapter 8 - Transport in this regard). ST POL 3 To liaise and collaborate with relevant agencies to support the growth of Electric Vehicles with support facilities and infrastructure through a rollout of additional electrical charging infrastructure at appropriate locations. (See also EV POL 2 in Chapter 8 - Transport in this regard). ST POL 4 To support the provision of electrical charging infrastructure both on street and in off street car parks and in new developments in accordance with car parking standards prescribed in Chapter 13 - Development Management Standards of this Plan. ST POL 5 To continue to work with the relevant transport providers, agencies and stakeholders to facilitate the integration of active travel (walking, cycling) with public transport. (See also MSSM POL 3 in Chapter 8 - Transport in this regard). OBJECTIVE ST OBJ 1 To liaise and co-ordinate with the National Transport Authority to undertake analysis in relation to modal shift between settlements and derive a realistic modal change target for the county. LEITRIM COUNTY DEVELOPMENT PLAN 2023-2029 – VOLUME I340 12 Climate Action & Renewable Energy
Source Leitrim County Council: Leitrim County Development Plan 2023–2029 (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.