Development plan · Limerick City and County Council
Limerick Development Plan 2022–2028 (as varied)
The council's development plan written statement: its strategy, policies, objectives and development standards.
Limerick City and County Council · 2022–2028 · 414 pages
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- Chapter 8: Infrastructure259 8.7.7 Hazardous Waste and Contaminated sites A waste is hazardous when it can harm human health or the environment, because it is explosive, oxidising, flammable, toxic, carcinogenic, corrosive, infectious, mutagenic, sensitising, or eco-toxic. Industry is the largest generator of hazardous wastes such as industrial solvents, sludges, oils and chemicals. Other sectors such as businesses, construction, healthcare, farms and households also produce hazardous wastes. Civic Amenity Centres collect a range of hazardous waste from households for safe disposal. In Ireland, hazardous waste is treated either on-site at the industrial facility where the waste was generated (under conditions of EPA licence), or offsite at hazardous waste treatment facilities in Ireland, or at facilities in other countries. The EPA’s National Hazardous Waste Management Plan (NHWMP) 2014-2020 sets out the priorities to improve the management of hazardous waste. There is no commercial hazardous waste landfill in the State and there are limited hazardous waste treatment operations (these are mainly used for oil recovery, healthcare waste treatment and solvent reclamation), meaning that Ireland is dependent on export for treatment of many hazardous waste streams. The Council will continue to require that hazardous waste is disposed of in a safe manner, in accordance with the NHWMP and any subsequent amendments or revisions of the Plan. Contaminated lands are sites where there are contaminated substances above or below ground, either directly disposed of, or due to by-products (particulate or fluid residue) of historical land use and activities on site (such as materials, processing or storage). Such contaminants could cause significant harm and endanger human health. Examples of land uses that may have caused such contamination include gas works, landfill sites, creameries, tanneries etc. The Docklands area of Limerick City, given its industrial use since the turn of the century and to the present day, may have a legacy of contaminants in the soil and groundwater. Similarly, there are many historical industrial sites scattered with contamination legacies across Limerick City and County. Any redevelopment of former industrial sites must consider potential environmental impacts arising from past activities, including contaminating construction materials such as asbestos. Applications for suitable re-development of contaminated lands will generally be encouraged. The Council will require that a detailed investigation is carried out by developers, demonstrating that appropriate mitigation strategies can be implemented before any development may take place. Objective IN O23 Hazardous Waste and Contaminated Sites It is an objective of the Council to: a) Implement the EPA’s National Hazardous Waste Management Plan (NHWMP) 2014-2020 and any subsequent plans. b) Collaborate and seek guidance from the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), the Health and Safety Authority (HAS), Health Service Executive (HSE) and Southern Region Waste Management Office, on the technical requirements for clearance and redevelopment of any contaminated lands when dealing with planning applications at these locations.
- LIMERICK DEVELOPMENT PLAN 2022-2028260 8.7.8 SEVESO Sites The Seveso II Directive (96/82 EC) and the EC (Control of Major Accident Hazards Involving Dangerous Substances) Regulations 2000 (S.I. No. 476 of 2000) seek to prevent major accidents, involving dangerous substances and chemicals, through controls on the location of new establishments, modifications to existing establishments and development in the vicinity of an establishment which, by virtue of its type or location, is likely to increase the risk or consequences of a major accident. The Directive defines major accident hazard sites as those that store or can generate quantities of dangerous substances in excess of specified thresholds. Dangerous substances are classified as toxic, flammable/explosive or dangerous for the environment. Threshold quantities are specified in the legislation for named substances, categories of substances and groups of categories. Sites are classified as Lower Tier or Upper Tier, depending on whether the lower or upper threshold is exceeded. The Health and Safety Authority provides advice where appropriate, in respect of planning applications within a certain distance of the perimeter of these sites. Seveso Site Consultation Distances are specified in the Planning and Development Regulations 2001 (as amended) (SI No 600 of 2001). Distances vary depending on the nature of activity at the site. Such technical advice will be taken into account when considering applications for planning permission, on and within the vicinity of Seveso sites. Objective IN O24 SEVESO Sites Objectives It is an objective of the Council to: a) Inform the Health and Safety Authority of any development proposals within the thresholds of the Seveso II Directive (96/82 EC) and the EC (Control of Major Accident Hazards Involving Dangerous Substances) Regulations 2000 (S.I. No. 476 of 2000), including modifications to existing Seveso establishments. b) Have regard to potential adverse impacts on public health and safety, including maintaining appropriate safe distances between Seveso sites and residential areas, areas of public use and areas of environmental sensitivity. c) Ensure in addition to normal planning criteria, that new developments such as transport links, locations frequented by the public and residential areas in the vicinity of existing Seveso sites, comply with the requirement of the Seveso Directive, including the consultation distances surrounding establishments designated as containing hazardous substances. Table 8.1 Seveso Sites in Limerick Tier Name Location Lower Tier Grassland Agro Dock Road, Co. Limerick Exolum Shannon Ltd. (formerly Inter Terminals Shannon Ltd.) Foynes Harbour, Foynes, Co. Limerick Analog Devices International Bay F1, Raheen Business Park, Co. Limerick Upper Tier Atlantic Fuel Supply Company Ltd. Foynes Harbour, Co. Limerick Goulding Chemical Ltd. Morgan’s South, Durnish, Askeaton, Co. Limerick Source: www.hsa.ie (2021)
- Chapter 8: Infrastructure261 Map 8.2: SEVESO Sites Analog Devices International Goulding Chemicals AskeatonExolum Shannon Ltd. Atlantic Fuel Supply Company Ltd. Grassland Agro Background © Open Street Map Upper Tier SEVESO Sites Lower Tier SEVESO Sites
- LIMERICK DEVELOPMENT PLAN 2022-2028262 8.7.9 Waste Tyres While waste tyres are not classified as hazardous, they can cause environmental pollution if disposed of incorrectly or irresponsibly. In 2017, Waste Management (Tyres and Waste Tyres) Regulations introduced new regulatory structures for the tyre sector, requiring disposal of tyres to comply with the Repak ELT scheme for recycling and recovery of tyres. The scheme is based on the Producer Responsibility model that has worked successfully in this country for other waste streams, such as packaging, batteries and waste electrical electronic goods (WEEE). Future development activity with significant tyre use/generation will be required to submit details of safe disposal during the planning application process. 8.7.10 Litter Management Litter continues to be a challenge locally and nationally and the emphasis will continue to be on reducing and managing litter effectively. The Council acknowledges that the primary enforcement responses must come from the Council. However, the co-operation of all members of the community is required, to raise awareness of the harmful effects of litter. The Council recognises that the participation and support of all sectors of society is required if littering is to be successfully eradicated. Limerick City and County Council’s Litter Management Plan 2019-2022 affirms the Council’s commitment to litter prevention in Limerick. This Plan outlines the objectives and actions in relation to awareness and prevention, control and enforcement of littering for the period 2019 to 2022. The Litter Management Plan will be reviewed annually in accordance with Section 10(3) of the Litter Pollution Act 1997 as amended.
- 9Climate Action, Flood Risk and Transition to Low Carbon Economy
- LIMERICK DEVELOPMENT PLAN 2022-2028264 9.1 Introduction Our climate is changing rapidly and the effects on the country and on our lives is becoming more evident. The response to the effects are wide ranging and have economic, environmental and social costs associated with them. The business as usual model, cannot continue and there is a need to reconsider the approach to the way we live our daily lives, in terms of reducing environmental impacts and our carbon footprint. Human activities are increasingly influencing climate change, spurred on by both the need for climate action and energy security. In addition, the question of renewable energy production has assumed greater importance over the last decade. This chapter will set out the Plan’s position in relation to these key issues, in terms of a policy approach to the transition to a low carbon economy and to Limerick becoming climate resilient, with a strong emphasis on reduction in energy demand and emissions, through a combination of effective mitigation and adaptation responses to climate change. The Plan sets out the future growth for Limerick in the core strategy, which will be concentrated in the built-up footprint of Limerick’s City, towns and villages, in order to achieve compact growth. Developing the 10-minute city/town concept is a key focus for development within Limerick, with reduced travel distances between home, work, education and services and enhanced active modal share, with an overall reduction in emissions. The integration of land use and transport planning and aligning policies are a key element of the Plan. There has been much commentary on climate change in Ireland over the last twenty years or so and in the last few years the effects have become clearer. One of the most obvious is increased temperature, with reductions in cold days and longer growing seasons. Temperatures have risen by 0.7oC between 1890 and 2008 and most significantly by 0.4oC between 1980 and 2008. There has been an increase in the intensity of rainfall and storm events and this has resulted in increased flooding in some areas. Coastal defences have also come under increased pressure during these events and ongoing sea level rise will contribute to this problem. Continued production of greenhouse gases has contributed to these issues and Ireland needs to commence the transition to a low carbon economy, with a reduction on reliance on fossil fuels and unsustainable use of resources. Limerick City and County Council recognises the need for a shift away from the traditional methods and play its role as a key stakeholder in making the transition to a low carbon economy. In July 2019, the Council adopted the Limerick City and County Council Climate Change Adaptation Strategy 2019 – 2024. The Climate Adaptation Strategy concentrates on dealing with the effects of climate change, such as flooding, storms or increased temperatures. Climate mitigation on the other hand, refers to efforts to reduce or prevent emission of greenhouse gases. Mitigation can mean using new technologies and renewable energies, making older equipment more energy efficient, or changing practices and behaviours.
- Chapter 9: Climate Action, Flood Risk and Transition to Low Carbon Economy265 Limerick is one of two EU ‘lighthouse’ cities that have been selected for a major climate-change pilot programme, which will give a lead to the rest of Europe on how to dramatically reduce the carbon footprint of urban areas. The EU +CityxChange Programme (Positive City Exchange) has selected Limerick, along with Trondheim in Norway, to roll out a project that has the potential to revolutionise how we produce and use energy in cities and towns. The programme is funded from the European Union’s Horizon 2020 research and innovation programme in the call for ‘Smart Cities and Communities’ and is led by the Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU), together with the Lighthouse Cities Trondheim and Limerick. Limerick’s selection for the project will see the Georgian Neighbourhood in the heart of the City Centre, become a testbed for data collection and a range of new technologies, that will transform it into a positive energy City Centre where it creates more electricity than it uses. Limerick is committed to becoming a more climate resilient place and it is at the core of the Plan. While this particular chapter deals with the issue, the theme permeates the entire Plan with a selection of policies and objectives throughout, which will contribute to the transition to a climate resilient and low carbon society. 9.1.1 Integrating Climate Action into the Plan The Plan has been prepared with climate action and transition to a low carbon economy, as key considerations throughout formulation of all policies and objectives. Table 9.1 below demonstrates how climate action provisions have been incorporated into elements of the Plan and highlights the important and significant role it has to play, in the formulation of policies and objectives for the overall development of Limerick.
- LIMERICK DEVELOPMENT PLAN 2022-2028266 Table 9.1 Incorporation of climate consideration into each chapter of the Plan Chapter How Chapters contribute to Climate Change Adaptation or Mitigation Chapter 1: Introduction •• Identifies the creation of a climate resilient place as an overarching strategic outcome of the Plan. Chapter 2: Core Strategy •• Supports the compact urban development approach with development focused on accessible locations and minimisation of travel. •• Supports the development of brownfield sites and regeneration. Chapter 3: Spatial Strategy •• Supports the compact urban development approach with development focused on accessible locations and minimisation of travel. •• Supports the development of brownfield sites and regeneration and the tackling of dereliction and vacancy. •• Places an emphasis on the multi-functional role of village/Town Centres to provide a wide range of services to reduce the need to travel. •• Increased emphasis on place-making - enhanced public realm, including improved accessibility for sustainable transport modes. Chapter 4: Housing •• Supports compact growth. •• Sets out that housing must demonstrate that climate change adaptation has been considered in siting, layout and design. •• Climate action measures to be included as part of rural housing applications, to ensure a transition to a low carbon economy. •• Establishes that consideration must be given to the impact of the pattern of development associated with one off housing on the climate and environment. Chapter 5: A Strong Economy •• Supports the transition to a low carbon economy. •• Supports employment concentrated on public transport corridors and the proposed intensification and redevelopment of existing strategic employment areas. •• Supports new employment which is aligned with climate action and the circular economy. •• Supports casual trading, organic foods, local produce, seasonal and craft markets. •• Supports home and e-working. Chapter 6: Environment, Heritage, Landscape and Green Infrastructure •• Emphasis on the need to preserve and protect our Biodiversity and Green Infrastructure (Natural Heritage •• Supports the National Bio-diversity Action Plan. •• Supports the All Ireland Pollinator Plan 2020-2025. •• Protection of our Water Quality •• Emphasises protection and reuse of building stock where appropriate. Chapter 7: Sustainable Mobility and Transport •• Emphasis on the pedestrian and cyclist and access to public transport and services. •• Supports car and bike sharing. •• Integrates land use and transport policies. •• Supports green infrastructure and blue ways ecosystems services approach. •• Supports the decarbonising of motorised transport including public EV charging network.
- Chapter 9: Climate Action, Flood Risk and Transition to Low Carbon Economy267 Chapter How Chapters contribute to Climate Change Adaptation or Mitigation Chapter 8: Infrastructure •• Establishes requirement to address climate change in Strategic Planning Infrastructure. •• Emphasises the benefits of a ‘Smart City’ and climate change. •• Supports the circular economy with respect to waste. •• Supports the matching of enabling water and waste water infrastructure with provision of development. •• Supports Sustainable Urban Drainage Systems (SuDS). Chapter 9: Climate Action, Flood Risk and Transition to Low Carbon Economy •• Supports the implementation of the Limerick City and County Climate Adaptation Strategy which was adopted in July 2019. •• Supports Government and sectoral plans. •• Supports renewable energy. •• Supports Strategic Flood Risk Assessment and Management. •• Supports the transition to a low carbon economy. •• Supports district heating and the development of County wide policy. •• Supports the decarbonising zones initiative. •• Supports the incorporation of climate proofing measures into the design, planning layout and orientation and construction of all developments, including the use of sustainable materials, selection of suitable locations and the use of renewable energy sources. •• Supports renewable energy. •• Supports Strategic Flood Risk Assessment and Management. Chapter 10: Sustainable Communities and Social Infrastructure •• Supports the provision of residential development in tandem with public transport, sustainable neighbourhood infrastructure, quality open space, recreation and employment opportunities. •• Supports the 10-minute settlement approach and sustainable urban villages. •• Supports healthy place-making. •• Places an emphasis on adaptability of social and community facilities. •• Supports Nature Based Play. •• Supports locally grown foods – community gardens and allotments. This chapter will focus on 3 key areas outlined below. The 3 key areas are interlinked and have a bearing on policy formulation throughout the Plan as follows: 1. Climate Action and Transition to a Low Carbon Economy; 2. Flooding; 3. Renewable Energy.
- LIMERICK DEVELOPMENT PLAN 2022-2028268 9.2 Climate Change 9.2.1 International, National and Regional Policy The European Climate Law established in 2020 sets out the commitment of the European Union in the European Green Deal to be climate neutral by 2050. This will have implications for Ireland’s energy and emission targets and other national targets set out in the Government’s Climate Action Plan 2021 Securing Our Future. This plan provides an update to the Climate Action Plan 2019 To Tackle Climate Breakdown, which introduced the requirement to produce and revise annually the Climate Action Plan. The Climate Action Plan will incorporate both mitigation and adaptation measures. The Climate Action and Low Carbon Development (Amendment) Act 2021 supports Ireland’s transition to Net Zero and achieve a climate neutral economy by no later than 2050. It has established a legally binding framework with clear targets and commitments, including Carbon Budgets and ensures the necessary structures and processes are embedded on a statutory basis, to ensure we achieve our national, EU and international climate goals and obligations in the near and long term. Other important legalisation at a national level includes: •• National Policy Position on Climate Action and Low Carbon Development (2014) - sets out the national objective of achieving a transition to a low carbon economy. •• Climate Action and Low Carbon Development Act (2015 ) – provided for the development of a National Adaptation Framework (NAF). •• National Adaptation Framework (2018) - developed under the Climate Action and Low Carbon Development Act 2015, Ireland’s first statutory national adaptation strategy builds on the work carried out under NCCAF 2012, outlining a whole of Government and society approach to climate change adaptation in Ireland. The sectoral and local adaptation strategies, were prepared in 2019. •• Climate Action Plan (2019) Tackle Climate Breakdown and the National Energy and Climate Plan 2021-2030 identifies how Ireland will achieve its 2030 targets for carbon emissions and puts Ireland on a trajectory to achieve net zero carbon emissions by 2050 and also reiterates Ireland’s commitment to the UN Sustainable Development Goals. •• National Mitigation Plan (2017) - prepared under the Climate Action and Low Carbon Development Act 2015 is a whole of Government plan, is Ireland’s first Plan in setting out a pathway to achieve the required level of decarbonisation. •• The White Paper on Energy Policy (2015) - Ireland’s Transition to a Low Carbon Energy Future 2015-2030 - sets out a framework to guide energy policy in the period to 2030, in order to meet national, EU and international targets. •• National Climate Change Adaptation Framework (2012) - This non-statutory framework was Ireland’s first climate change adaptation framework, providing a strategic policy focus aimed at reducing Ireland’s vulnerability to climate change, by ensuring adaptation actions were taken across key sectors at national and at a local level. The National Planning Framework supports commitments to achieve the transition to a low carbon economy and a climate resilient society. National Strategic Outcome 08 sets outs the policy position in this regard. Furthermore, the NPF sets out the principles of sustainable, compact growth coupled with sustainable transport choices, as a means of reducing emissions, delivering more sustainable communities and futureproofing the development of the Country. In Section 9.2 of the NPF’s Resource Efficiency and Transition to a Low Carbon Economy, the policy objectives for achieving resource efficiency and the transition to a low carbon economy are outlined. National Policy Objective 54 aims to ‘reduce our carbon footprint by integrating climate action into the planning system in support of national targets for climate policy mitigation and
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.