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 9: Climate Action, Flood Risk and Transition to Low Carbon Economy269 adaptation objectives, as well as targets for greenhouse gas emissions reductions’. The NPF goes onto emphasise the need to increase renewable sources of energy, sustainably manage waste streams and to ensure better water quality. The role of waste streams should be examined in order to determine which of these could contribute to energy generation through processes such as anaerobic digestion or perhaps combustion. All of these are echoed in the Regional Spatial and Economic Strategy for the Southern Region (RSES), where a similar commitment to a more sustainable approach to development is evident. The RSES sets out its commitment to climate action and transition to a low carbon economy and to support measures to build resilience to climate change throughout the region, to address impact reduction, adaptive capacity, awareness raising, providing for nature-based solutions and emergency planning. It also supports the development of a regional decarbonisation plan and measures such as carbon sequestration and carbon capture and storage. Many established planning principles such as compact growth, integration of land use and transport planning, would also have an effect on helping the transition to a low carbon future and help with the adoption of renewable energy. Policy CAF P1 Climate Action Policy It is a policy of the Council to implement international and national objectives, to support Limerick’s transition to a low carbon economy and support the climate action policies included in the Plan. Objective CAF O1 Compliance with Higher Tier Climate Legislation and Guidance It is an objective of the Council to: a) Support the National Adaptation Framework 2018 and the National Climate Change Strategy, including the transition to a low carbon future, taking account of flood risk, the promotion of sustainable transport, soil conservation, the importance of green infrastructure, improved air quality, the use of renewable resources and the re-use of existing resources. b) Support the implementation of the Limerick Climate Change Adaptation Strategy (2019) while cognisance shall be had of any revised or forthcoming adaptation, mitigation or climate action strategies or plans at local, regional and national level in the formulation of any plans or policies. The Department of Communications, Climate Action and Environment has made €10 million available over 5 years to establish four Climate Action Regional Offices (CAROs). The establishment of the offices is a key action under Ireland’s National Adaptation Framework and National Mitigation Plan and will have an important role in coordinating climate action at local government level in Ireland. The Climate Action Regional Offices, which were established since 2018, are being operated by a lead Local Authority in four different regions that have been grouped together, based on climate risk assessment with a focus on the predominant risk(s) in each geographical area. Cork County Council is the lead authority for the Southern Region, in which Limerick is located. The establishment of these offices will enable a more coordinated response to climate issues across the whole of local government and will help build on the experience and expertise which exists across the sector.
- LIMERICK DEVELOPMENT PLAN 2022-2028270 At a local level, Limerick City and County Council’s Climate Change Adaptation Strategy (CCAS) 2019 – 2024 has been developed in line with the Department for Communities Climate Action and Environment (DCCAE) Local Authority Adaptation Strategy Development Guidelines and was adopted by Elected Members in July 2019. It is a high-level document designed to mainstream the issue of climate change in Local Authority plans, policies and operations, in order to prepare for the challenges of climate change and adapting to its effects. Objective CAF O2 Partnership with Service Providers It is an objective of the Council to work in partnership with existing service providers to facilitate required enhancement and upgrading of existing infrastructure and networks (subject to appropriate environmental assessment and the planning process) and support the safeguarding of strategic energy corridors from encroachment by other developments, that could compromise the delivery of energy networks. Objective CAF O3 Sustainable Development It is an objective of the Council to support sustainable travel, energy efficient projects, provision of green spaces and open space and sustainable residential development projects, as a means of addressing climate change. Objective CAF O4 Climate Proofing It is an objective of the Council to ensure climate proofing measures are incorporated 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. Objective CAF O5 Energy Efficiency in Existing Development It is an objective of the Council to support the retrofitting of existing buildings over their demolition and the integration of renewables into existing buildings, thereby ensuring a fabric first approach is taken. Objective CAF O6 Energy Efficiency in New Developments It is an objective of the Council to ensure that all developments are designed to take account of the impacts of climate change. This will include the installation of rainwater harvesting systems, sustainable urban drainage systems and nature-based solutions for water management. Energy efficiency and renewable energy measures should be incorporated, in the cases of large industrial, commercial or newly constructed public buildings. The incorporation of renewable technologies, such as solar energy in the design will be encouraged, subject to compliance with all relevant planning criteria. Objective CAF O7 Near Zero Energy Buildings It is an objective of the Council to support and promote climate smart and the Near Zero Energy Building (NZEB) standard of building, or equivalent, for all new developments. Objective CAF O8 Renewable Energy Objective It is an objective of the Council to promote and support development of renewable energy sources, which will achieve low carbon outputs including on-land and offshore renewable energy production, which support tidal turbine, PV, community energy companies and battery technology, subject to adequate environmental and ecological protection.
- Chapter 9: Climate Action, Flood Risk and Transition to Low Carbon Economy271 9.2.2 Climate Adaptation and Mitigation and Land Use Planning Land use planning is one of the most effective processes to facilitate local adaptation to climate change. Tools such as land use zoning, policies in relation to compact growth, sustainable transport and the 10-minute city/town concept all can assist in minimising the development risks in Limerick from increasing greenhouse gas emissions, development in inappropriate locations, such as flood risk or other natural hazards, or risk due to the changing climate. The land use planning framework set out in the Plan provides opportunities that can assist climate resilience and achieving the long-term goal of low carbon communities. However, it requires a shift from business as usual, towards more sustainable ways of living and working. Key measures include: •• Managing population and employment growth to deliver compact growth in appropriate locations •• Reduced car dependency and a transition to more sustainable modes of transport, including increased walking and cycling. •• Enhanced energy efficiency through developments in renewable energy and electric vehicles is essential. •• Protection of our natural resources, including water supply and utilising blue and green infrastructure measures and nature based solutions to minimise the risk of flooding and address surface water disposal. •• Maintain, restore and enhance the natural heritage of Limerick and seek to improve connectivity of blue and green networks throughout Limerick as a means of improving biodiversity and the health and well being of the citizens of Limerick. 9.2.3 Climate Adaptation Adaptation is dealing with actions identified to manage and reduce the negative effect of climate change and taking appropriate action to prevent or minimise the damage. Climate adaptation also seeks to take advantage of opportunities that may arise, such as flood alleviation, water conservation, emergency response planning and requiring development to occur in a compact and sustainable manner, or planting crops that may benefit from climate change. One of the main aims of adaptation is to reduce the vulnerability of Limerick’s environment and economy to these effects. Adaptation needs to take into account the need to ensure critical infrastructure is protected and will be able to function in this climate altered future, infrastructure such as the provision of necessities such as water, energy and transportation. It is necessary that the following is considered, in terms of addressing climate adaptation: •• Ensure new critical infrastructure such as transport, communications, waste and water facilities and energy supply are designed and managed to minimise effects of future climate events, such as severe storms, droughts and coastal or river flooding and/or coastal erosion. Infrastructure in areas such as close to the Shannon Estuary in particular, needs to be designed or modified with future risks in mind. •• Ensure that vulnerable developments are directed away from areas at risk, in particular areas at risk of flooding from rivers or coastal flooding or erosion. •• Encourage the adoption of nature-based solutions and the provision of blue and green infrastructure in all situations, where possible, as it provides many benefits, including the regulation of rainfall, reduction in storm flows and provides clean water and air. •• Consider the conversion or maintenance of land at risk of flooding to less vulnerable uses e.g. for natural habitats, or parks, where such land does not form part of the riparian zone or riparian buffer and where it would not interfere with the flood regulation functions of the floodplain.
- LIMERICK DEVELOPMENT PLAN 2022-2028272 •• Continue to work with the Office of Public Works in the development of flood relief schemes and the maintenance of existing flood defences. •• Require new developments to demonstrate that climate risk and energy efficiency has been considered in the design of buildings and the site layout and ensure that the location, layout and design of new development accommodate predicted future climate change impacts. This approach will require innovative building design, new materials and standards (to accommodate hotter summers, while withstanding changes in precipitation patterns and more intense storms for example). When assessing applications, the Planning Authority will be cognisant of the requirements of adaptation. •• Include the retention and integration of existing natural landscape features such as trees and hedgerows into the design of all new development where possible. Figure 9.1 Climate Adaptation and Mitigation (Source RSES Southern Region) 9.2.4 Climate Mitigation Climate mitigation is the management of resources and activities that contribute to the reduction of greenhouse gases. To date, no mitigation plan has been produced for Limerick, unlike the adaptation plan which was adopted in July 2019. Many core planning functions, such as regulation of development, use of brown field sites or reuse of old buildings are climate mitigation measures in their own right, as they ensure maximum use of existing resources. Mitigation also considers sustainable transport, carbon sequestration, clean energy and energy efficiency, which are tools in addressing climate mitigation. The goal of mitigation is to avoid significant human interference with the climate system and attempt to stabilise greenhouse gas levels in a timeframe sufficient to allow ecosystems to adapt naturally to climate change. The implementation of a number of measures, including delivery of a modal shift in terms of sustainable transport, implementation of blue and green infrastructure and naturebased solutions and further development of clean energy sources are critical to the delivery of mitigation.
- Chapter 9: Climate Action, Flood Risk and Transition to Low Carbon Economy273 Planning policies outlined in this chapter set out the Council’s position in ensuring the delivery of renewable energy sources and require a balanced approach to be taken to the development of renewable energy technologies, so it can play a role in climate mitigation. Additional measures such as the creation of new woodlands, conservation of bogs and forested areas, all play a role in carbon sequestration and are also key mitigation measures. Objective CAF O9 Achieving Climate Resilience It is an objective of the Council to promote climate resilience in development and economic activities that are regulated by planning. It is important to ensure that any developments are climate resilient as they will need to function in a climate altered environment. This means that they will be able to withstand increased intensity of storm events and rainfall and through adequate design, location and drainage elements, would not contribute to problems elsewhere, such as increased run off. Objective CAF O10 Woodland Creation, Forestry and Preservation of Bogs It is an objective of the Council to encourage and facilitate the creation, maintenance and preservation of woodlands, forestry and bogs in response to climate mitigation and in the interest of biodiversity. Objective CAF O11 Nature Based Solutions It is an objective of the Council to promote integration and delivery of nature-based solutions and infrastructure in new developments, including surface water management, public realm and community projects as a means of managing flood risk and enhancing the natural environment. Objective CAF O12 Urban Greening It is an objective of the Council to support urban greening and planting initiatives across the city, towns and villages. 9.2.5 +CityXChange Project The +CityxChange project seeks to enable the co-creation of the future we want to live in. This includes the development of a framework and supporting tools to enable a common energy supply market, supported by a connected community, which leads to recommendations for new policy intervention, market (de) regulation and business models that will deliver positive energy communities and integrating e-Mobility as a service (eMaaS). The +CityxChange project is developing and deploying Positive Energy Blocks and Districts (PEB/PED) and scaling these out as part of the European Clean Energy Transition in cities. Some of the key goals and objectives of the project include: •• Increased energy efficiency to become a low carbon city; •• Development of Positive Energy Block (PEB), which is a designated zone of more than 3 buildings that has the capacity to annually produce more energy than it consumes. The block may benefit from a renewable energy resource(s) located adjacent to the block, producing renewable energy dedicated for the PEB; •• Develop Smart Energy Grid Smart Metering and Smart Energy Grids as part of the energy infrastructure in a low carbon city. The smart energy grid will enable local citizens to take more control over their energy use, to participate in how energy is generated, stored and distributed at a local level; •• Electric Mobility as a service (EMaaS) - the use of fossil fuels for transport is a significant contributor to climate change and poor air quality in cities. Electrification of various modes of transport will make a significant contribution to addressing the quality of life for city dwellers and help businesses to reduce their carbon footprints. Electric Mobility as a service, together with a range of low carbon transport initiatives, will be piloted in Limerick to support the city’s low carbon transport.
- LIMERICK DEVELOPMENT PLAN 2022-2028274 Figure 9.2 +CityXChange Project Objective CAF O13 +CityXChange Project It is an objective of the Council to promote Limerick City to become the First Lighthouse City in Ireland and support the outcomes of the +CityXChange project and the use of digital technologies, in empowering communities and citizens to become more climate resilient. 9.2.6 Transition to a Low Carbon Economy The transition to a low carbon economy is a complex subject with implications for the whole of society and its entire range of economic activities. Many different sectors will approach it from their own view point and many, like agriculture and forestry, largely lie outside the scope of planning regulation. Policy CAF P2 Transition to a Low Carbon Economy It is a policy of the Council to support the transition to a low carbon climate resilient economy, by way of reducing greenhouse gases, increasing renewable energy and improving energy efficiency and will future proof policies and objectives to deliver on this approach, in so far as possible.
- Chapter 9: Climate Action, Flood Risk and Transition to Low Carbon Economy275 A climate altered future has implications for all aspects of activity that is regulated and informed by land use planning and a wideranging approach to the topic is required. One of the most important considerations in the transition to low carbon economy is the idea of a just transition. Some traditional sectors of the economy that are heavily dependent on fossil fuels, or carbon intensive raw materials, will be at a disadvantage as a result of the transition. It is important that the burden of change is shared equally and that certain sectors of the economy and society are adequately supported through the transition process. Managing a successful low carbon transition means investing more in clean energy transition-related technologies, as well as moving towards more sustainable and perhaps localised modes of production and consumption. One of the key challenges for the climate-neutral transition is to reallocate resources from carbonintensive to climate-neutral developments and infrastructure. Successful economic modernisation requires stimulating local economic diversification towards clean industries through decarbonisation, innovation and digitalisation. Policy CAF P3 Promote Awareness and Behavioural Change It is a policy of the Council to promote awareness and support behavioural change in relation to climate change and transition to a low carbon economy. Policy CAF P4 Co–operation with Relevant Stakeholders It is a policy of the Council to cooperate with the Climate Action Regional Office (CARO) and other relevant stakeholders, in respect of adaptation and mitigation of greenhouse gas emissions and future climate change adaptation strategies. Objective CAF O14 Energy Generation It is an objective of the Council to support the local production of renewable energy and connection to the gas network. Where electricity is being generated locally, the Council will support the provision of infrastructure for its transmission to the grid, subject to it fulfilling technical and environmental requirements. Objective CAF O15 Local Energy Production It is an objective of the Council to support localised renewable and carbon friendly means of heating and energy provision, including district heating systems. New technologies such as air to water and geo thermal may have a role to play in this regard. Objective CAF O16 Circular Economy It is an objective of the Council to encourage the adoption of the circular economy through promotion of the reuse, recycling and reduction of the use of raw materials and resources. Objective CAF O17 Low Energy Building Materials It is an objective of the Council to encourage the use of low energy building materials and design in all developments.
- LIMERICK DEVELOPMENT PLAN 2022-2028276 9.2.7 Energy and Emissions Balance Limerick City and County Council are aware of the importance of managing our energy consumption and emissions outputs, in terms of addressing climate change and the transition to a low carbon economy. The Council have commissioned the preparation of an Energy and Emissions Balance Report for Limerick, which considers energy consumption, carbon emissions and fuel costs. The report focussed on energy and emissions generated between 2000 and 2020 and the projected energy demands and emissions from 2021 up to year 2030. A top-down approach for all sectors is being adopted, in order to proportion the energy consumption data and associated carbon emissions and fuel cost estimates to a Limerick level. This allows for an indicative representation of energy consumption, carbon emissions and fuel costs, within Limerick for each of the reporting years, by sector and by fuel. It has identified an increase in energy consumption between 2000 and 2020 and has predicted a gradual decrease in carbon emissions, as the need to take climate action into account is recognised. One of the most important points raised in the document, is the need for the preparation of a Local Authority Climate Action Plan, following on from the Climate Action Plan 2021 and as required under the Climate Action and Low Carbon Development Amendment Act 2021. This will be produced within the lifetime of the Plan. Where necessary the contents of the Plan will align with the contents of the Local Authority Climate Action Plan, which will contain both adaptation and mitigation measures, which are also a feature of the Plan. Objective CAF O18 Energy and Emissions Balance It is an objective of the Council to support the Energy and Emissions Balance Report and updates of the report as they are prepared. The Council will also support the preparation of a Local Authority Climate Action Plan as outlined in the report. 9.2.8 Decarbonising Zone Action 165 of the Climate Action Plan 2021 requires each Local Authority to identify a Decarbonisation Zone (DZ). A Decarbonising Zone is an area spatially identified by the Local Authority, in which a range of climate mitigation measures can co-exist to address local low carbon energy, greenhouse gas emissions and climate needs. The range of policies and projects developed are specific to the energy and climate characteristics of the spatial area covered by the DZ. A Decarbonising Zone should also address the wider co-benefits of air quality, improved health, biodiversity, embodied carbon, agricultural practices, sustainable land management, lower noise levels, waste, water, circular economy etc. and should integrate with smart data and ‘smart cities’ initiatives. A Decarbonising Zone can also explore the co-benefits of climate adaptation and examine a range of local measures, such as climate proofing, afforestation, blue and green infrastructure, reducing heat island effects, citizen awareness and behavioural change. Objective CAF O19 Decarbonising Zones It is an objective of the Council to support the identification of a Decarbonising Zone by designating a spatial area, in which a range of climate mitigation, adaptation and biodiversity measures and action owners are identified, to address local low carbon energy, greenhouse gas emissions and climate needs, to contribute to national climate action targets and work with statutory agencies and stakeholders as appropriate.
- Chapter 9: Climate Action, Flood Risk and Transition to Low Carbon Economy277 9.3 Flooding, Flood Risk Management and Water Management The Section 28 Planning Guidelines The Planning System and Flood Risk Management (DHPLG/OPW, 2009) and associated Technical Appendices and Circulars, are the basis of the Council’s policy in relation to development and flood risk management. It plays a key part in informing zoning decisions and decisions on individual planning applications, where flood risk is identified as a factor. The guidelines ensure that the key principles of flood risk management and sustainable planning are adopted. The sequential approach to managing flood risk within the planning system is one of the first aspects to consider and where uncertainty exists, the precautionary approach is taken. The stages of appraisal and assessment are set out in the 2009 Guidelines. In the preparation of the Plan, in accordance with The Planning System and Flood Risk Management, Guidelines for Planning Authorities, a Strategic Flood Risk Assessment (SFRA) has been prepared to assess flood risk within the plan area. The SFRA is set out in Volume 4 of this Plan. The precautionary approach has largely been employed to land use zoning to avoid directing development towards areas at risk of flooding. Areas identified as being at risk of flooding, which are being put forward for land use zoning, have been subject to assessment through a justification test, to determine its suitability for inclusion and have only been considered, where they are determined to be within or adjoining the core of the City Centre. Where particular areas identified as being liable to flood were examined as being strategically important for the consolidated and coherent growth of Limerick’s settlements and zoned accordingly, a site-specific flood risk assessment will be required to accompany development proposals for these areas and mitigation measures for site and building works will be required to be integrated. Policy CAF P5 Managing Flood Risk It is a policy of the Council to protect Flood Zone A and Flood Zone B from inappropriate development and direct developments/land uses into the appropriate lands, in accordance with The Planning System and Flood Risk Management Guidelines for Planning Authorities 2009 (or any subsequent document) and the guidance contained in Development Management Standards and the Strategic Flood Risk Assessment (SFRA). Where a development/land use is proposed that is inappropriate within the Flood Zone, but that has passed the Plan Making Justification Test, then the development proposal will need to be accompanied by a Development Management Justification Test and Site-Specific Flood Risk Assessment in accordance with the criteria set out under The Planning System and Flood Risk Management Guidelines for Planning Authorities 2009 and Circular PL2/2014 (and any subsequent updates). This will need to demonstrate inclusion of measures to mitigate flood and climate change risk, including those recommended under Part 3 (Specific Flood Risk Assessment) of the Site- Specific Plan Making Justification Tests detailed in the SFRA. In Flood Zone C, the developer should satisfy themselves that the probability of flooding is appropriate to the development being proposed and should consider other sources of flooding, residual risks and the implications of climate change. Objective CAF O20 Flood Risk Assessments It is an objective of the Council to require a Site-Specific Flood Risk Assessment (FRA) for all planning applications in Flood Zones A and B and consider all sources of flooding (for example coastal/tidal, fluvial, pluvial or groundwater), where deemed necessary. The detail of these Site-Specific FRAs (or commensurate assessments of flood risk for minor developments) will depend on the level of risk and
- LIMERICK DEVELOPMENT PLAN 2022-2028278 scale of development. The FRA will be prepared taking into account the requirements laid out in the SFRA, and in particular in the Plan Making Justification Tests as appropriate to the particular development site. A detailed Site-Specific FRA should quantify the risks, the effects of selected mitigation and the management of any residual risks. The assessments shall consider and provide information on the implications of climate change with regard to flood risk in relevant locations. Objective CAF O21 Identified Flood Risk It is an objective of the Council to: a) Ensure that no development shall commence on the lands identified as being at flood risk adjacent to the Raheen Business Park in the townlands of Ballycummin/ Rootiagh, zoned for High Tech/ Manufacturing, until a Site-specific Flood Risk Assessment, including hydraulic model has been prepared for the lands, which demonstrates that the flood risk for the lands can be mitigated or that a less vulnerable use can be accommodated on site. b) Ensure that on the Enterprise and Employment lands located to the northwest of the M20/M7/N18 junction to the south of Toppin’s field, that no encroachment onto, or loss of the flood plain occurs at this location and that only water compatible development should be permitted for the lands that are identified as being at risk of flooding. c) Ensure any planning application, including proposals for water compatible uses, on the lands in Flood Zones A and B adjacent to the Coonagh TUS campus, zoned for Education and Community, shall include a comprehensive Site- Specific Flood Risk Assessment, incorporating a drainage assessment for the lands, which demonstrates that the flood risk can be mitigated and that water compatible uses can be accommodated without adversely impacting on the flood risk of neighbouring residential properties. d) No works including the undertaking of ground level changes shall commence on the lands in the National Technology Park subject to flood risk, until all flood mitigation measures proposed on the site to facilitate future development of the IDA lands have been put in place. These measures shall form part of a projectspecific flood risk assessment being completed as part of any planning application. e) Any planning application on the lands zoned Data Centre at Rosbrien shall include a comprehensive Site- Specific Flood Risk Assessment, which demonstrates that the flood risk can be mitigated and that access/egress, roads and water compatible uses can be accommodated without adversely impacting on the flood risk off site. f) Implement the flood mitigation measures included under the Justification Test including to ensure that vulnerable uses, including that of a residential nature, shall not be permitted at ground floor level on the District Centre zoned lands at Jetland/ Ennis Road/ Ennis Road Retail Park, at Caherdavin/Moyross. Objective CAF O22 Cooperation with Other Agencies It is an objective of the Council to work with other bodies and organisations, as appropriate, to help protect critical infrastructure, including water and wastewater, within Limerick, from risk of flooding. Any subsequent plans shall consider, as appropriate any new and/or emerging data, including, when available, any relevant information contained in the CFRAM Flood Risk Management Plans and as recommended in the SFRA for the Plan.
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.