Limerick Development Plan 2022–2028 (as varied)

1. Page 251

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   Chapter 8: Infrastructure249 Objective IN O12 Surface Water and SuDS It is an objective of the Council to: a) Ensure the separation of foul and surface water discharges in new developments through the provision of separate networks within application site boundaries. b) Work in conjunction with other public bodies towards a sustainable programme of improvement for riverbanks, back drains, etc. c) Maintain, improve and enhance the environmental and ecological quality of surface waters and groundwater, including reducing the discharges of pollutants or contaminants to waters, in accordance with the National River Basin Management Plan for Ireland 2018-2021 (DHPLG) and the associated Programme of Measures and any subsequent River Basin Management Plan. d) Ensure adequate storm water infrastructure to accommodate the planned levels of growth within the Plan area and to ensure that appropriate flood management measures are implemented to protect property and infrastructure. e) Cater for the future developments through public and private driven initiatives where discharge capacity permits. f) Address the issue of disposal of surface water generated by existing development in the area, through improvements to surface water infrastructure, including for example attenuation ponds, the application of sustainable urban drainage techniques, or by minimising the amount of hard surfaced areas, or providing porous surfaces as the opportunity arises. g) Protect the surface water resources of the Plan area and in individual planning applications request the provision of sediment and grease traps and pollution control measures where deemed necessary. h) Require all planning applications to include surface-water design calculations to establish the suitability of drainage between the site and the outfall point and require all new developments to include SuDS, to control surface water outfall and protect water quality in accordance with the requirements of Chapter 11: Development Management Standards of the Plan. i) Promote SuDS and grey water recycling in developments and responsible use of water by the wider community, to reduce the demand for water supply. j) Require SuDS schemes to be designed to incorporate the four pillars of water quality, water quantity, biodiversity and amenity to the greatest extent possible within the constraints of a given site. k) Allow sufficient land take for SuDS when planning the site and consider the region as a whole, in association with adjoining lands and their requirements in designing SuDS. Developers may be required to set aside lands to cater for not only their own SuDS but also regional SuDS. l) Promote the provision of suitable blue and green infrastructure and Nature Based Solutions to the surface water disposal in new development, as a means to provide urban flood resilience. This approach capitalises on the potential of urban green spaces and natural water flows, subject to the other planning considerations such as amenity, maintenance, traffic safety, proper planning and sustainable development and environmental requirements. m) To prohibit the discharge of additional surface water to combined (foul and surface water) sewers in order to maximise the capacity of existing collection systems for foul water. In areas where street scape enhancement or resurfacing is planned, seek to introduce NbSUDS to cater for rainfall run-off at source in order to maximize the capacity of existing collection systems for foul water. n) Encourage green roofs for the following types of development: •• Apartment developments; •• Employment developments; •• Retail developments; •• Leisure facilities; •• Education facilities.

2. Page 252

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   LIMERICK DEVELOPMENT PLAN 2022-2028250 8.6 Energy Networks – Resource Efficiency, Electricity and Gas Networks Energy supply depends on the demand for energy services (heating, transportation and electricity) and is driven primarily by economic activity and population growth. The two main energy sources currently serving Ireland are electricity and gas, generated by processing fossil fuels (oil, gas and coal) and increasingly renewable sources such as wind, hydro- electricity, biomass and solar energy. The current energy network licence holders in Ireland are ESB Networks (electricity distribution network operator and owner), EirGrid (electricity transmission network operator) and Gas Networks Ireland (gas network owner and operator). As Ireland transitions to a low carbon society, significant investment and research is being directed towards innovative renewable energy sources, such as bio-energies generated through anaerobic digestion, solar power and the potential of tidal energy and wind energy (refer to Chapter 9: Climate Action, Flood Risk & Transition to Low Carbon Economy). EirGrid and Gas Networks Ireland produce Network Development Plans, Generation Capacity Statements and All-Island Transmission Forecast Statements, to progress the development of the networks to cater for the energy demands of a growing population and economic development, whilst transitioning to a low carbon society. The Plan supports the future development of energy networks though objectives that protect existing infrastructure, but also facilitates future developments or upgrades, to provide the necessary power for population growth and a progressive strong economy. The RSES highlights the importance of reducing energy consumption from fossil fuel sources and promotes the use of more sustainable sources such as wind, wave, solar and biomass to generate energy. The use of smart technology systems and the recognition that buildings can act as both generators and consumers of energy and the promotion of electric vehicles, will all place greater pressure on the national electricity grid. Thus, the strengthening of the national grid is important for a number of reasons, including improving security of supply for the domestic, residential and enterprise market, adapting the infrastructure and network to transition to the smart, low carbon systems and to attract high-end enterprise, which often require significant energy capacity and reliability. The Council is also informed by the NPF and the objectives of the RSES in terms of the development of resilient, adaptive energy networks, which will provide the necessary infrastructure for a progressive Limerick. The Council will be guided by national policy requirements and guidelines under planning and environmental legislation when assessing planning applications. Objective IN O13 Energy and Gas Networks It is an objective of the Council to: a) Support the sustainable reinforcement and provision of new energy infrastructure by infrastructure providers (subject to appropriate environmental assessment and the planning process), ensuring the energy needs of future population and economic expansion across Limerick and the wider Southern Region can be delivered in a sustainable and timely manner. b) Protect existing infrastructure and strategic route corridors for energy networks from encroachment by development that might compromise the performance of the networks. c) Require energy transmission infrastructure to comply with best practice with regard to siting, design and least environmental impact, in the interest of landscape protection. d) Require that, in all new developments, multiple services are accommodated in shared strips underground and that access covers are shared, whenever possible. The location of services shall be subterranean, where appropriate. Where existing and proposed high voltage lines traverse new residential, commercial or civic developments,

3. Page 253

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   Chapter 8: Infrastructure251 these should be relocated underground where technically feasible. The Council will require written consent to this relocation as part of the planning application process. e) Support the transition of the gas network to a carbon neutral network by 2050, thereby supporting Limerick to become carbon neutral. f) Support Community Energy Companies to create positive energy districts. g) Ensure that in the delivery of energy infrastructure, the strategic function of the national road network is safeguarded in accordance with national policy by utilising available alternatives. 8.6.1 Energy Interconnection Ireland’s energy import dependence has grown since 1995 according to the SEAI, with energy import dependency at 67% in 2018. Consequently, Ireland is one of the most import dependent countries in the EU.2 To ensure the security, stability and reliability of the energy supply, Ireland’s energy networks are currently connected to the British systems (which in turn imports from wider European systems) via interconnectors. The Celtic Interconnector is currently progressing as a sub-sea link for energy with mainland Europe off the south coast of Ireland. Given the context of Brexit, building the resilience of Ireland’s energy networks is pertinent as a means to reduce Ireland’s import dependency. Objective IN O14 Energy Interconnection It is an objective of the Council to support the sustainable development of international energy interconnection infrastructure and support the sustainable development (subject to appropriate environmental assessment and the planning process) of the Celtic Interconnector project between Ireland and France, from a location in the Southern Region. 2 Energy Security in Ireland Report 2020, SEAI, page 3 8.6.2 Electricity EirGrid is responsible for the safe, secure and reliable transmission of electricity through operating the electricity transmission grid. It also is responsible for interconnections to import electricity. Transmission networks comprise the high voltage and high-pressure power lines traversing the country, transmitting electricity to stations where electricity is processed to lower voltages, suitable for transmission by ESB Networks along the local distribution network to premises. The National Grid is a term that refers to the high voltage transmission network and local distribution network, transmitting electricity in unison across the State. Eirgrid sets outs its vision to deliver safe, secure and reliable supply of electricity for Ireland’s future needs in Grid Development Strategy - Your Grid, Your Tomorrow (2017) (ENCL1). This document informs the objectives of the Plan to sustain a high-quality energy network. EirGrid has a number of important projects in Limerick identified in the Transmission Development Plan 2020 – 2029, including the following: •• Ballinknockane 110 kV New Station - Solar farm connection; •• Athea 110 kV Station – Wind farm connection; and •• Killonan 220/110 kV Station Redevelopment. The driver for these projects is the integration of renewable energy with the necessary infrastructure to connect new energy generators, such as wind and solar farms to the network, thereby sustaining security of supply. The Killonan station forms the main bulk supply point for the Mid-West Region and is an important node on the network for Limerick City and its region.

4. Page 254

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   LIMERICK DEVELOPMENT PLAN 2022-2028252 Objective IN O15 Electricity Grid Development It is an objective of the Council to support the Eirgrid Grid Development Strategy - Your Grid, Your Tomorrow (2017) (ENCL1), to serve the future electricity needs of Limerick. This includes the delivery, integration and connection of renewable energy proposals to the grid in a sustainable and timely manner, subject to appropriate environmental assessment and the planning process. 8.6.3 Gas Gas Networks Ireland (GNI) is responsible for the development, operation, maintenance and delivery of gas safely to businesses, the community and to power stations for the generation of electricity. GNI’s Network Development Plan 2018 – Assessing Future Demand and Supply Position outlines how the gas network will develop over a ten-year period, based on existing supply and demand, as well as projections for growth in gas infrastructure and consumption. The document also examines system operation and consequent capital investment requirements by GNI to deliver the objectives of the NDP. In working towards securing a low carbon economy and meeting carbon emission targets, GNI are progressing ideas around the development of renewable gas injection infrastructure and Compressed Natural Gas Infrastructure, which could be used in the transport and agricultural sectors in particular. Objective IN O16 Gas Development It is an objective of the Council to support GNI’s Network Development Plan 2018 – Assessing Future Demand and Supply Position to serve the future needs of Limerick. This includes the delivery, integration and connection of renewable energy proposals to the grid in a sustainable and timely manner, subject to appropriate environmental assessment and the planning process. 8.7 Waste Management Policy support for waste management at EU level is set out in the EU Action Plan for the Circular Economy – Closing the Loop, 2015 and European Commission’s Circular Economy Action Plan: A New Circular Economy Action Plan for a Cleaner More Competitive Europe, 2020. Building a circular economy is central to these Plans. A number of EU Directives deal with waste management and these are transposed into Irish law through The Environmental Protection Agency Act 1992, The Waste Management Act 1996, The Waste Management (Amendment) Act 2001 and the Protection of the Environment Act 2003. The Environmental Protection Agency and Local Authorities implement waste policy and legislation. The current national waste policy document is the Waste Action Plan for a Circular Economy – Ireland’s National Waste Policy 2020 - 2025, DECC, 2020, which contains over 200 measures across various waste areas. The NPF deals with waste management infrastructure as part of National Strategic Outcome 9 – Sustainable Management of Water and other Environmental Resources . Waste management is considered critical by the Government for Ireland’s environmental and economic wellbeing. Government policy encourages improving our capacity to create beneficial uses from products previously considered as waste, creating circular economic benefits. The NPF identifies that planning for waste treatment to 2040 will require: •• Additional sewage sludge treatment capacity and a standardised approach to managing waste water sludge and including options for the extraction of energy and other resources; •• Biological treatment and increased uptake in anaerobic digestion with safe outlets for bio-stabilised residual waste; and •• Waste to energy facilities, which treat the residual waste that cannot be recycled in a sustainable way, delivering benefits such as electricity and heat production.

5. Page 255

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   Chapter 8: Infrastructure253 Support for waste infrastructure investment is provided under RPO 109 in the RSES. Limerick City and County Council is part of the Southern Waste Region and is the joint lead authority with Tipperary County Council for waste management planning for the Southern Region. The Southern Region Waste Management Plan 2015-2021 establishes regional policy in relation to the management of non-hazardous waste across the Southern Region. The strategic vision of the Southern Region Waste Management Plan 2015- 2021 and its forthcoming replacement, is to rethink our approach to managing waste, by considering waste streams as valuable material resources, leading to a healthier environment and creating sustainable commercial opportunities for our economy. The Waste Management Plan, provides the framework for the prevention and management of waste in a safe and sustainable manner and includes the promotion of resource efficiency and the concept of the circular economy as one of its strategic objectives. 8.7.1 Waste Management and the Circular Economy A circular economy is based on the principles of designing out waste and pollution, keeping products and materials in use and regenerating natural systems. The circular economy aims to maintain the value of products, materials and resources for as long as possible, rather than the ‘take-make-waste’ linear model. The circular economy process begins from the design phase through production and operation and final reuse or recovery back into the loop. This circular approach saves finite natural resources and presents new business and social opportunities. Circular economy policy is now adopted at European and national level. Under the European Green Deal, a new Circular Economy Action Plan: ‘For a cleaner more competitive Europe’ was launched in March 2020. Circular economy actions tie in with other European targets, such as the ambition of achieving carbon neutrality by 2050, boosting the economy through increased jobs and growth, climate and energy, the social agenda, industrial innovation and international sustainable development goals. Linked with the Circular Economy Action Plan, the European Plastic Strategy has also been agreed, which includes increased plastic recycling targets. Furthermore, the Single Use Plastics (SUPs) Directive targets ten categories of SUPs that will not be permitted on the Market from July 2021. Ireland’s policy Waste Action Plan for a Circular Economy, Ireland’s National Waste Policy 2020-2025 seeks to have a circular economy that reduces our carbon impact and protects our natural resources, environment and health. Such a circular economy also supports viable and sustainable enterprise opportunities, jobs and training3. 8.7.1.1 What are the benefits of the Circular Economy? As well as saving on scarce resources and protecting our environment, the circular economy also provides cost savings and job opportunities along the supply chain, from production through to reprocessing of materials, as well as facilitating community and social enterprise initiatives around reuse, repair and recycling. Consumers too can benefit from a cost savings viewpoint, through increased durability and reparability of the products that they purchase. 8.7.1.2 Economic Opportunities around the Circular Economy By embedding sustainability into the economy, the circular economy provides potential for economic and financial gains, through employment in green activities to replace employment in traditional industry that is either being ceased or upgraded with newer more automated technologies. Current examples include organisations involved in designing out waste and those 3 Waste Action Plan for a Circular Economy (Sept 2020, Dept of Environment, Climate and Communications)

6. Page 256

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   LIMERICK DEVELOPMENT PLAN 2022-2028254 in equipment lease, reuse and repair sectors and materials recycling, or energy retrofitting of homes. Jobs in the circular economy can open up in areas such as repair, upcycling and green technologies for reprocessing of secondary materials for recycling and recovery. This includes significant potential in establishing or expanding social enterprises, which have a significant role to play in society, as highlighted in National Social Enterprise Policy for Ireland. There is an urgency to transition to a low carbon future (RPO56 of the RSES). The concept of the circular economy goes in tandem with moving to a low carbon economy, which is now seen as an essential core to development planning. 8.7.1.3 Bioeconomy The circular bioeconomy is a manifestation of the circular economy and covers potential for recovery of materials and byproducts to create new products of high value, or alternatively recovery of biomass as energy. The principles of the circular economy can be applied to increasing the benefits from agricultural and forestry practices. 8.7.1.4 Applying the Principles of the Circular Economy to Effective Waste Management While designing for waste prevention is the most desirable and effective option, waste that is generated can be accommodated in the circular economy reuse loop, through preparation for reuse, recycling and recovery. Applying the circular economy to waste management can be accommodated through provision of adequate facilities and infrastructure – from designing for waste segregation and access within residential and commercial development projects, through to adequate infrastructure for handling and reprocessing of waste. The principles of the circular economy will form a fundamental part of the forthcoming National Waste Management Plan for a Circular Economy. This national plan will also incorporate new guidance Waste Management Infrastructure – Guidance for Siting Waste Management Facilities which will come into effect during the lifetime of the Plan. Objective IN O17 Waste Management and the Circular Economy It is an objective of the Council to: a) Support innovative, smart solutions and processes, based on the principles of the circular economy to implement the Regional Waste Management Plan for the Southern Region 2015 – 2021 and any subsequent plan, including any targets contained therein. b) Collaborate with the Regional Waste Management Office and other agencies to implement the EU Action Plan for the Circular Economy – Closing the Loop, 2015, its successor the Circular Economy Action Plan: A New Circular Economy Action Plan for a Cleaner More Competitive Europe, 2020 and the Resource Opportunity- Waste Management Policy, DECLG, 2012 and any subsequent plans. c) Promote sustainable patterns of consumption and production in the areas of product design, production processes and waste management. d) Implement the provisions of the Waste Action Plan for a Circular Economy – Ireland’s National Waste Policy 2020 - 2025, DECC, 2020 in the assessment of planning applications. e) Protect existing civic amenity sites and bring sites throughout Limerick and support the development of additional sites in accordance with the Southern Regional Waste Management Plan 2015 – 2021 and any subsequent plans.

7. Page 257

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   Chapter 8: Infrastructure255 8.7.2 Waste Infrastructure Waste infrastructure includes reference to waste transfer stations, material/ waste recovery facilities, waste to energy businesses, waste disposal to landfill and authorised treatment facilities for End-of- Life Vehicles. The collection and processing of waste is generally privatised in Ireland, but Local Authorities have a key role in the provision and management of civic amenity and bring bank infrastructure. The Council is responsible for the aftercare of a significant number of closed and historic landfill sites across Limerick City and County, including the Long Pavement former landfill site in the City and Gortnadroma Landfill Site which closed in 2014, but remains operational as the Gortnadroma Waste and Recycling Centre. As a Planning Authority, the Council’s role is limited to guiding the location of new waste management facilities to appropriate zoned lands, setting the relevant development management standards and ensuring these developments comply with the relevant EU and national legislation and guidelines. The Council provides a number of Civic Amenity Sites and Bring Banks throughout a number of settlements in Limerick. Through the planning application process, the Council occasionally requires the provision of bring banks or other appropriate recycling facilities, as part of the overall development in the case of new or extended retail centre developments and commercial local/ neighbourhood centres, educational, sports and recreational facilities. Limerick City and County Council issues authorisations for various waste related activities. These activities vary from importation of waste soils and rubble to raising land levels, to vehicle dismantling. The activity must have planning permission or be planning exempt, before a permit or certificate of registration is issued. The Council maintains the Waste Facilities Register which includes all waste facility permits and certificates of registration issued by Local Authorities under the Waste Management (Facility Permit and Registration) Regulations, S.I. No. 821 of 2007, as amended. Waste facilities may operate under an EPA Licence. Any person who proposes to collect waste for the purposes of reward, with a view to profit or otherwise in the course of business, is required to hold a Waste Collection Permit (Section 34, Waste Management Act, 1996). Waste infrastructure shall have regard to new guidance Waste Infrastructure – Guidance for Siting Waste Management Facilities. End-of-life vehicles facilities (Authorised Treatment Facilities (ATFs)) must meet stringent environmental standards for the collection, storage and treatment of such vehicles. The Council will only consider the location of waste infrastructure outside of appropriately zoned lands in the following circumstances: •• Where extensive lands are required, that are related to existing or planned Irish Water sites; •• Where the characteristics of the facility are such that a rural location is necessary to achieve separation distances from residential properties; or •• Where the development is necessary for the proper implementation of the Southern Region Waste Management Plan 2015-2021 and any subsequent Statutory Waste Management Plan. Objective IN O18 Waste Infrastructure It is an objective of the Council to: a) Direct waste management facilities to appropriately zoned lands, subject to normal planning and environmental criteria and the relevant Development Management Standards as set out in Chapter 11 of this Plan. b) Maintain recycling facilities and require the provision of bring banks or other appropriate recycling facilities as part of the overall development in the case of new or extended retail centre development and commercial local/ neighbourhood centres, educational, sports and recreational facilities.

8. Page 258

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   LIMERICK DEVELOPMENT PLAN 2022-2028256 These facilities shall be provided and maintained by the developers, operational management companies and occupiers. c) Use the regulatory enforcement powers available to the Council under the Planning and Development Act 2000 (as amended) and under the Waste Management Act 1996 (as amended), to address unauthorised waste facilities and the illegal disposal of waste in Limerick. 8.7.3 Sludge Management Wastewater sludge is semi-solid remains in a wastewater treatment plant, after the treated water is discharged to either ground or surface waters. It comprises mainly of energy rich organic matter removed during treatment and is a valuable by-product of the wastewater treatment process. Further treatment is required to ensure the safe and efficient re-use or disposal of the sludge. The proliferation of single rural dwellings with on-site treatment units and septic tanks requires de-sludging services on a regular basis. Similarly, public treatment plants also require de-sludging. In the National Waste Water Sludge Management Plan, Irish Water proposes to expand on the provision of ‘sludge centres’ and satellite facilities in Limerick. These proposals include upgrading the existing sludge centre at Bunlicky and the construction of dewatering satellite facilities in Newcastle West, Rathkeale, Foynes- Shanagolden and Cappamore. In the case of sludge management facilities, these facilities are best suited to sites of existing public wastewater treatment facilities, due to the nature and characteristics of existing operations on these sites and the need to strictly control the treatment of sludge. Sludge from wastewater treatment plants and septic tanks can only be used in agriculture in accordance with the Waste Management (Use of Sewage Sludge in Agriculture) Regulations, 1998 and 2001 and the Department of Housing, Planning and Local Government Codes of Good Practice for the Use of Bio-solids in Agriculture. Objective IN O19 Sludge Management It is an objective of the Council to: a) Support the provision of sludge management infrastructure at suitable locations in accordance with Irish Water’s National Waste Water Sludge Management Plan, whilst not compromising environmental obligations. b) Restrict the provision of sludge management facilities to the sites of existing public wastewater treatment facilities due to the nature and characteristics of existing operations on these sites and the need to strictly control the treatment of sludge. c) Require that the treatment and management of sludge waste is carried out in a safe, efficient and sustainable manner, having regard to the protection of the environment and public health and in compliance with the Waste Framework Directive, the Nitrates Directive, the Waste Management Act and all relevant statutory instruments. 8.7.4 Agricultural Waste and Farm Plastics When assessing planning applications for development associated with waste from livestock, the Council will require adherence to the requirements of the Waste Management (Use of Sewage Sludge in Agriculture) Regulations 1998 and 2001 and the Code of Good Practice for the Use of Bio-solids in Agriculture, DPLG. These regulations and codes of practice require that sludge is only used in accordance with a Nutrient Management Plan, which the Council is responsible for assessing, when processing planning applications for agricultural developments involving livestock waste disposal. Applicants will be required to submit a Nutrient Management Plan prepared by a suitable qualified professional to the Council, as part of a planning application for agricultural developments. Farming has become one of the largest regular users of plastic film in this country, particularly for silage cover sheets and

9. Page 259

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   Chapter 8: Infrastructure257 bale wrapping. Irish legislation places an obligation on manufacturers and importers of farm plastics to arrange for suitable collection and disposal of used plastic film. The Waste Management (Farm Plastics) Regulations 2001 (as amended) promote recycling of farm plastic waste and place an obligation on farmers to recover farm plastic waste generated. The regulations place a legal responsibility on producers of farm film products to support recycling. Enforcement of the regulations is the responsibility of Local Authorities and the Planning and Environmental Services section of the Council have responsibility for this. The Irish Farm Film Producers Group (IFFPG) is a national farm plastics recycling compliance scheme, providing a recycling service for farmers for farm plastics (silage plastics for pits and bales, fertiliser bags, feed-bags, chemical containers, netting and twines). Private waste collectors may also provide a collection service to farmers subject to securing the necessary permit. Prosecutions under the Air Pollution Act, 1987 or the Waste Management Act, 1996, as amended may issue for the burning or burying of farm plastics. Objective IN O20 Agricultural Waste It is an objective of the Council to: a) Encourage the development of new alternatives and technological advances in relation to waste management on the farm and waste infrastructure such as Organic Waste to Energy/Combined Heat and Power schemes, subject to compliance with normal planning and environmental criteria. b) Require that the disposal of agricultural waste is carried out in a safe, efficient and sustainable manner, having regard to protection of the environment and public health and in compliance with the Nitrates Directive, Good Agricultural Practice for the Protection of Waters) Regulations 2017 (SI 605 of 2017), the Habitats Directives and any other relevant statutory provisions. 8.7.5 Construction and Demolition Waste Construction related waste accounts for a significant proportion of total landfill waste in Ireland. During construction, measures should be implemented to minimise soil removal (as part of the scheme design process), properly manage construction waste, design with and use smart materials on the principles of the circular economy and encourage off-site prefabrication where feasible. All future developments should seek to minimise waste through reduction, re-use and recycling. Waste management and disposal should be carefully considered as part of the construction process and in the operation of the development when completed. Under waste legislation construction and demolition waste is defined as ‘all waste that arises from construction, renovation and demolition activities’. It includes soil and stone, surplus and damaged products/ materials arising from construction works, or used temporarily during construction and dredge spoil. These materials can be hazardous. Those responsible for carrying out a construction and/or demolition project must ensure that they have a Waste Management Plan for all waste generated and ensure the segregation of waste for re-use, recycling or disposal appropriately. Developers shall submit, as part of a planning application, a Waste Management Plan. Where construction or demolition waste cannot be reused or recycled, the waste must be transported to authorised waste facilities using the services of authorised waste collectors. In the case of demolition, the developers will be required to submit a Refurbishment/Demolition Asbestos Survey (RDAS) with full details of disposal of the asbestos. The RDAS should be carried out in accordance with Section 8 of the Health and Safety Authority, Asbestos Guidelines (Practical Guidelines on ACM Management and Abatement) by a suitable qualified professional with expertise in asbestos disposal.

10. Page 260

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    LIMERICK DEVELOPMENT PLAN 2022-2028258 At the design stage, consideration should be given to the use of renewable building materials, such as wood, from sustainably managed forests and locally sourced building materials for development projects. Other aspects should be considered, including offsite construction and prefabrication to minimise the impact of building on the site, reductions in levels of onsite waste and also minimising the cost of waste disposal. The reuse of construction waste such as excavated material and topsoil onsite is welcomed, subject to the appropriate assessment of the presence of invasive species onsite. Any materials used in the construction of new buildings should comply with the minimum standards as set out in the Building Regulations (1997-2019). Objective IN O21 Construction and Demolition It is an objective of the Council to: a) Require construction Waste Management Plans to be submitted as part of planning applications, to address waste management on site during construction and mitigation measures to address waste generation, in accordance with the principles of the circular economy and the principles of prevention, renewal and recycle. b) Require a Refurbishment/Demolition Asbestos Survey (RDAS) with full details of disposal of the asbestos to be submitted with any planning application. The RDAS should be carried out in accordance with Section 8 of the Health and Safety Authority,Asbestos Guidelines (Practical Guidelines on ACM Management and Abatement) by a suitable qualified professional with expertise in asbestos disposal. 8.7.6 Closed Landfills or Historical Landfill Sites A closed landfill is a landfill site operated by a Local Authority for the recovery or disposal of waste without a waste licence on any date between 15/07/1977 and 27/03/1997 (i.e. prior to the Waste Management (Licensing) Regulations, 1997 (S.I. No. 133 of 1997)). The Waste Management (Certification of Historic Unlicensed Waste Disposal and Recovery Activity) Regulations 2008 (S.I. No. 524 of 2008) provide for the certification by the EPA of historic unlicensed landfill sites. There are a number of historical sites known to the Council. The EPA is obliged to process applications from Local Authorities in relation to ‘closed landfills’, in accordance with the Waste Management (Certification of Historic Unlicensed Waste Disposal and Recovery Activity) Regulations, 2008. Objective IN O22 Closed Landfills or Historical Landfill Sites It is an objective of the Council to: a) Continue to restore the Long Pavement landfill site into a positive landscape feature that provides a recreational, amenity and biodiversity resource for the community, as guided by best practice in environmental protection, public amenity, proper planning and sustainable development. b) Co-operate with the EPA regarding historical landfills. Risk assessments by the Council shall be carried out in accordance with the Code of Practice - Environmental Risk Assessment for Unregulated Waste Disposal Sites and to the requirements of the EPA. When zoning lands for development and/or considering future developments on, or in the vicinity of, identified historic landfill sites, the Council will have regard to this Code.

Source Limerick City and County Council: Limerick Development Plan 2022–2028 (as varied) (2022–2028) · 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.