Longford County Development Plan 2021–2027

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   CPO 5.144 CPO 5.145 CPO 5.146 CPO 5.147 CPO 5.148 CPO 5.149 CPO 5.137 CPO 5.138 CPO 5.139 CPO 5.140 CPO 5.141 CPO 5.142 CPO 5.143 Renewable Energy - County Policy Objectives It is the County Policy Objective to: Promote energy conservation, increased efficiency and growth of locally based renewable energy alternatives, in an environmentally and socially acceptable and sustainable manner and having particular regard to the requirements of the Habitats Directive. Facilitate measures which seek to reduce emissions of greenhouse gases and support the implementation of actions identified in the Longford County Council Climate Change Adaptation Strategy 2019-2024 and any future amendments. Co-operate and liaise with statutory and other energy providers in relation to power generation, in order to ensure adequate power capacity for the existing and future needs of the county. Support and encourage the sustainable development of renewable energy auto-production units (the production of energy primarily for on-site usage) for existing and proposed developments in line with relevant design criteria, amenity and heritage considerations and the proper planning and sustainable development of the area. Support the identification, in conjunction with EMRA, of Strategic Energy Zones, areas suitable to accommodate large energy generating projects within the Eastern and Midlands Regional area. Prepare a Renewable Energy Strategy for the County over the lifetime of this plan and subject to the availability of resources. This strategy will support the development of renewable energy infrastructure to deliver government objectives in relation to energy efficiency and the transition to a low carbon future. The Strategy will include a Wind Energy Strategy for the County. Adopt a positive approach to renewable energy proposals, having regard to the proper planning and sustainable development of the area, including community, environmental and landscape impacts and impacts on protected or designated heritage areas/structures. Have regard to the Renewable Electricity Policy and Development Framework, when adopted, when assessing any renewable energy proposals. Promote and support the use of renewable forms of energy as a contribution to the energy demand of all new buildings, where consistent with the proper planning and sustainable development of an area. Support and facilitate the development of secure, appropriately-scaled energy storage facilities at suitable locations throughout the county. Ensure environmental assessments for new energy developments should address reasonable alternatives for location. Where existing infrastructural assets such as sub-stations, powerlines and roads already exist within proposed development areas, then such assets should be considered for sustainable use by the proposed development where the assets have capacity to absorb the new development. Grid connection routing options should be developed to safeguard the strategic function of the national road network in accordance with Government Policy by utilising alternative available routes. The Council requires an assessment of all alternative grid connection routing options to be submitted prior to any proposal being considered for a grid connection utilising the national road network. The Council shall give consideration to extending the length of the Planning Permission and the life of renewable energy projects on a case by case basis given the nature of the proposed development and the type of renewable energy project. 161County Development Plan 2021–2027

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   5.8.1 Wind Energy Wind energy is currently the most significant contributing resource of renewable energy in Ireland, as well as being Ireland’s largest and most cost-effective renewable electricity resource. In 2018, wind provided 85% of Ireland’s renewable electricity and 28% of our total electricity demand and is now the second greatest source of electricity generation in Ireland after natural gas34. The strong performance of wind as an energy source is linked to the high level of wind resource available to the country. As an island-nation on the periphery of Europe, Ireland benefits from significant wind resources. The Council recognises the importance of wind energy as a renewable energy source which can play a vital role in achieving national targets in relation to reductions in fossil fuel dependency and greenhouse gas emissions. The Council seeks to enable renewable and wind energy resources of County Longford to be harnessed in a manner that is consistent with proper planning and sustainable development of the area. The Council will have regard to the Wind Energy Development Guidelines for Planning Authorities and the Draft Revised Wind Energy Development Guidelines (December, 2019), prepared by the Department of Environment, Heritage and Local Government, or any update made thereto. In addition, potential applicants are advised to consult with appropriate statutory and non-statutory bodies in areas which may require special protection. There are a number of issues which must be taken into consideration when dealing with applications for wind energy development including; visual impact; landscape protection; impacts on residential amenity; impact on wildlife and habitats; hydrogeological and stability issues, connections to the national grid and impact of construction and ancillary infrastructure including access roads. In general, and in accordance with higher level national and regional policy, the Council will encourage wind energy, provided such developments would not have an adverse effect on residential amenities, special landscape character, views or prospects, European Sites, protected structures, aircraft flight paths or by reason of noise or visual impact. 5.8.1.1 Commercial Wind Energy Developments In Longford there are currently no commercial-scale wind farms in operation in the county. However, in June 2020, An Bord Pleanála granted permission for the development of a 24 no. turbine windfarm at Derryadd, Derryaroge and Lough Bannow bogs in the southwest of the county, with an estimated installed capacity of 96MW. Section 7.9 of the RSES refers specifically to the after use of extensive tracts of publicly owned peat extraction areas and consideration of their potential contribution to climate change mitigation and adaptation, including renewable energy production. The county is well endowed by vast tracts of cutaway peatland, predominately along the western fringes of the county, much of which is under the ownership of Bord na Móna. With a strong history of energy production and an extensive electricity transmission network in place, the potential exists in such peatland areas for a smooth transition to renewable energy sources. This approach should be informed by the preparation of appropriate management plans that address the future uses of worked out industrial peatlands. The Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI) provides mapping data of wind speeds across the country and indicates that turbine heights above 75m-100m result in commercially viable wind speed. Typically, modern commercial turbine design heights are in excess of 140m. In this regard, the Council has identified areas of wind potential where wind energy development will be encouraged. This is illustrated in Appendix 2 of this plan. 5.8.1.2 Micro and Community Wind Energy Developments Micro generation is the term used to refer to generation that is less than 11kW. Micro-generators reduce the amount of electricity that would otherwise have to be bought from the grid. By installing a micro-generator, home and business owners can take action to address the issues of climate change, rising electricity prices and reliance on fossil fuels. Micro-wind turbines can often be installed on rooftops or on poles in back gardens, subject to the requirement for planning permission, where necessary. 34 Renewable Energy in Ireland 2020 Update, SEAI (2020) – available at: https://www.seai.ie/publications/2020-Renewable-Energy-in- Ireland-Report.pdf 162Longford County Council

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   Community ownership of wind energy projects enables local communities to benefit directly from local wind energy resources being developed in their local areas, ensuring long-term income for rural communities. The Council will encourage communities to co-operate in the development of suitable wind energy projects in rural or urban locations. CPO 5.150 CPO 5.151 CPO 5.152 CPO 5.153 CPO 5.154 Wind Energy - County Policy Objectives It is the County Policy Objective to: Have regard to the principles and planning guidance set out in Department of Housing, Planning and Local Government publications relating to ‘Wind Energy Development’ and the DCCAE Code of Practice for Wind Energy Development in Ireland and any other relevant guidance which may be issued in relation to sustainable energy provisions. Encourage the development of wind energy in suitable locations in an environmentally sustainable manner and in accordance with Government policy and any forthcoming Renewable Energy Strategy for County Longford. Encourage proposals for commercial wind energy developments to be located on cutaway peatlands in those areas identified as having wind potential within the county, as defined in Appendix 2, subject to environmental, landscape, habitat and wildlife protection requirements being addressed. Ensure that the assessment of wind energy development proposals will have regard to the following: ■ sensitivities of the county’s landscapes; ■ visual impact on protected views, prospects, scenic routes, as well as local visual impacts; ■ impacts on nature conservation designations, archaeological areas, county geological sites and historic structures, public rights of way and walking routes; ■ local environmental impacts, including those on residential properties, such as noise and shadow flicker; ■ visual and environmental impacts of associated development, such as access roads, plant and grid connections; ■ scale, size and layout of the project and any cumulative effects due to other projects; the impact of the proposed development on protected bird and mammal species; ■ County Longford Wind Energy Strategy (when adopted); ■ impact of the grid connection from the proposed wind farm to the ESB network. Ensure that proposals for energy development demonstrate that human health has been considered and has regard to the forthcoming Draft Wind Energy Development Guidelines , including: ■ Noise; ■ Shadow Flicker (for wind turbine developments, including detailed Shadow Flicker Study); ■ Ground Conditions/Geology (including landslide and slope stability risk assessment); ■ Air Quality; ■ Water Quality; and ■ Assessment of impacts on collision risk species (bird and bats). 163County Development Plan 2021–2027

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   5.8.2 Solar Energy Emerging trends in the renewable energy market has identified solar energy as making a significant contribution to Ireland’s renewable energy targets, with an increased uptake in these installations across large industrial and agricultural buildings where energy load requirement is substantial. Roof mounted array installations are typically integrated within existing buildings for use by those buildings. Such installations are fixed to the roof of an existing building, typically by way of a pitched mounting frame and orientated south where possible to maximise solar exposure of the PV panels. Solar Photovoltaic (PV) installations typically comprise of ground mounted arrays or roof mounted arrays. In the case of ground mounted solar arrays, these installations typically comprise of a metal frame that is anchored to the ground to hold solar panels at a fixed angle, which can be adjusted to allow for seasonal shifting in the solar path of the sun. In recent years, commercially operated solar farms, typically comprising of ground mounted PV installations of varying scales in terms of size and energy output, have emerged. Site specific criteria for ground mounted commercial PV array installations include: ■ A typical landholding size criterion is 25 acres for a 5MW project; ■ Generally flat topography in order to maximise the collection of solar radiation; ■ Generally, south facing terrain unimpeded by aspects that may cause overshadowing; and ■ Suitable ground conditions to facilitate ground mounting frames. Whilst such installations typically do not yield an energy supply comparable to a modern windfarm development, solar panel installations do have distinct advantages. PV installations typically range in height of 2.5m – 3.0m in height and therefore have less of a potential visual impact than wind energy developments. Use of appropriate screening techniques such as vegetation planting can further lessen the visual impacts of such developments. PV array installations have no moving parts and therefore maintenance of such sites is less complex. Also, construction and assembly of PV solar installations and site restoration, is considerably more efficient than for windfarms. PV installations also provide a viable use in agricultural landholdings, particularly under-utilised agricultural land. CPO 5.155 CPO 5.156 Wind Energy - County Policy Objectives It is the County Policy Objective to: Encourage and support the development of small-scale wind energy development and single turbines in urban and rural areas and Industrial Parks, provided they do not negatively impact upon environmental quality, landscape, wildlife and habitats or residential amenity or other relevant planning consideration. Ensure wind energy developments sited on peatlands do not increase overall carbon losses. Proposals for such development should demonstrate that the following has been considered: ■ Peatland stability; and ■ Carbon emissions balance. 164Longford County Council

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   CPO 5.157 CPO 5.158 CPO 5.159 CPO 5.160 Solar Energy - County Policy Objectives It is the County Policy Objective to: Promote the development of solar energy infrastructure in the county, in particular for on-site energy use, including solar PV, solar thermal and seasonal storage technologies. Such projects will be considered subject to environmental safeguards and the protection of natural or built heritage features, biodiversity, views and prospects, and other relevant planning considerations. Encourage the development of solar energy in suitable locations in an environmentally sustainable manner and in accordance with Government policy and any forthcoming Renewable Energy Strategy for County Longford. Support and encourage the installation of solar collectors and panels for the production of heat or electricity in residential and commercial buildings, in line with relevant design criteria. Require that proposals for solar energy address the following: ■ The Landscape Character of the County. ■ Visual impact particularly on raised/elevated sites. ■ ‘Zone of Visual Influence’ and visual impact of the structures. ■ Glint and glare and the potential impact on the adjoining road networks and dwellings through the submission of an associated report. ■ Road access and impact on the road network serving the site during the construction and operational phases. ■ Archaeological Impact. ■ Incorporation of security measures – use of CCTV/surveillance cameras and security fencing. ■ Suitability/strength of the grid and accessibility to it. ■ Suitability of the site, having regard to other land use policies, including the need to protect areas of important built and natural heritage. ■ Decommissioning of obsolete infrastructure and after-use. 165County Development Plan 2021–2027

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   CPO 5.161 CPO 5.162 CPO 5.163 Hydro Energy - County Policy Objectives It is the County Policy Objective to: Seek to ensure that proposals for hydro energy installations, including micro-hydro schemes have regard to the recommendations of Inland Fisheries Ireland in relation to the protection of fisheries resources, and of the Department of Communications, Climate Action and Environment. Support the roll out of small-scale hydroelectric projects on rivers, water courses, dams and weirs across the county, where projects do not impact negatively on freshwater species, biodiversity and natural or built heritage features. Ensure that the assessment of hydro energy and micro-hydro development proposals will have regard to: ■ the free passage of fish and other aquatic fauna, ■ the sensitivity of the landscape; ■ the visual impact on protected views, prospects and scenic routes as well as local visual impacts; ■ the impacts on nature conservation designations, archaeological areas and historic structures, public rights of way and walking routes. 5.8.3 Hydro Energy Hydro energy or hydroelectricity is the term for the process whereby electrical energy is generated when falling water from reservoirs or flowing from rivers, streams or waterfalls (run of the river) is channelled through water turbines. Hydro-energy is a clean source of energy, that does not create pollution or require fuel to function. However, as rivers throughout Ireland are relatively small, they provide a limited hydro energy capacity. Currently, there are no known hydro electrical schemes in operation in County Longford. However, in terms of potential hydro electrical sites, the most obvious site is the River Shannon, given its volume and flow rate. 166Longford County Council

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   5.8.4 Geothermal Energy Geothermal energy refers to heat energy stored in the ground. Deep geothermal energy can only be accessed through geological processes or by drilling through the surface. The second source of heat in the ground is from radiation from the sun and is regarded as stored energy, which stays relatively warm throughout the year and can be extracted using a ground source heat pump. To support the increased use of geothermal energy for heat in Ireland, the Department of the Environment, Climate and Communications (DECC) have published the following: ■ Geothermal Energy in Ireland - a roadmap for a policy and regulatory framework published by the Department of Environment, Climate and Communications (DECC) ■ An Assessment of Geothermal Energy for District Heating in Ireland published by the GSI ■ An Assessment of Geothermal Energy for District Heating in Ireland a non-technical Roadmap for a Policy and Regulatory Framework and a mapping tool to identify and assess Geothermal Site Suitability - Geoenergy (gsi.ie) CPO 5.164 CPO 5.165 Geothermal Energy - County Policy Objectives It is the County Policy Objective to: Facilitate large and smaller scale geothermal energy generating developments, subject to the proper planning and sustainable development of the area and consideration of environmental and ecological sensitivities. Promote the use of geothermal heat pumps for space heating and cooling as well as water heating in domestic, commercial and recreational buildings subject to the protection of water quality and any other relevant considerations. 5.8.5 Bio-Energy Bioenergy is defined as the energy derived from biomass, and it is considered that this sector has a key role in the delivery of our renewable heat and renewable transport targets which are outlined accordingly. 5.8.5.1 Combustion Biomass is defined in the Renewable Energy Directive as the biodegradable proportion of products, waste and residues from agriculture (including vegetal and animal substances), forestry and related industries, including fisheries and aquaculture, and the biodegradable fraction of industrial and municipal waste. Applications for the combustion of biomass can range in size from a domestic boiler to commercial and industrial installations. The main feedstocks for such installations are dry organic residues (e.g. wood chip and pellets), energy crops (e.g. Willow, Reed Canary Grass) and municipal waste. The most efficient combustion processes use both the heat and electricity generated in a highefficiency CHP (combined heat and power) process. Examples of the applications of CHP include small scale installations suitable for hotels, hospitals and leisure centres where there is a steady demand for heat and power throughout the year. Larger scale CHP systems are suitable for large industrial and commercial processes such as pharmaceutical plants, breweries, third level institutes and food processing plants. Another application of CHP use is district heating, however, the uptake in such systems in Ireland has to date been very low, principally as a result of the relatively mild climate in Ireland and the pattern of low-density housing in the country. 5.8.5.2 Biochemical Processes (Anaerobic Digestion) Biochemical processes typically involve the anaerobic digestion (AD) of biomass which can result in the generation of heat and/or electricity; and the production of transport fuel or for grid injection. Multiple feedstock anaerobic digestion facilities vary from on-farm digesters, using various agricultural and food wastes such as grass, slurry, and food waste as feedstocks. There is also potential to produce renewable gas from anaerobic digestion of organic wastes and residues from domestic/commercial food waste. Renewable gas is carbon neutral and identical in function to natural gas, so the existing network can be used, and gas customers do not need to change boilers or gaspowered appliances. 167County Development Plan 2021–2027

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   5.9 Information and Communication Infrastructure The provision of a high-quality competitive information and communications telecommunications (ICT) service is essential in order to promote industrial and commercial development, and to enhance social inclusion and mobility. There is a reliance on the provision of such services for industrial, commercial, tourism and social development and the expansion of ICT infrastructure is key to meeting the needs of the County’s population and a digital economy. This is addressed further in Chapter: Economic Development Strategy. ICT investment is essential for furthering the social and economic development of County Longford. The provision of an efficient broadband service is critical in the development of a knowledgebased economy, and as such the need to build new infrastructure to provide increased capacity in order to raise the quality of coverage and to meet the demand for services is recognised. As witnessed during the restrictions arising from the COVID-19 pandemic, the availability of high-quality ICT infrastructure, particularly broadband, is a vital feature of modern business and enterprise. The pandemic provided a unique opportunity to evaluate the infrastructural capabilities of remote working at a mass-level through demands on internet connectivity and appropriate channels of communication and highlighted the importance of high-quality ICT infrastructure. 5.9.1 Telecommunications Infrastructure Fast, reliable and cost-effective telecommunications can encourage economic development in an area and can enhance quality of life in a number of areas by offering new choices in education, entertainment and communications. There are a number of mobile voice and data service providers operating across the county including Vodafone, O2, Three and Meteor. The Council will have regard to planning guidelines provided by the DoEHLG ‘Telecommunications Antennae and Support Structures, Guidelines for Planning Authorities’ in assessing proposals for telecommunications infrastructure and support structures. The Planning Authority will work with the telecommunications providers to facilitate the development of infrastructure that respects the recognised values of the natural and built heritage and will seek to encourage the co-location of masts and antennae on existing structures within the county. CPO 5.166 CPO 5.167 CPO 5.169 CPO 5.168 CPO 5.170 Bio-Energy - County Policy Objectives It is the County Policy Objective to: To support EMRA and work with the Regional Assembly in developing and progressing a bioeconomy plan for the region (RSES RPO 7.37) in order to identify potential new opportunities for the County. Facilitate the development of projects that convert biomass to energy, subject to proper planning considerations and where it can be demonstrated that the feedstock source is sustainable. Promote and prioritise utilisation of existing waste streams from agricultural and forestry sectors for renewable energy projects including anaerobic digestion, subject to proper planning and environmental considerations. Promote the development of waste heat technologies and the utilisation and sharing of waste heat in new or extended industrial and commercial developments, where the processes associated with the primary operation onsite generates waste heat. Locate biomass installations in areas that do not affect residential or visual amenity, and which are served by public roads with sufficient capacity to accommodate increased traffic flows. 168Longford County Council

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   5.9.2 Broadband The provision of high-speed, reliable and affordable broadband is essential to the economic growth of both County Longford and the wider region in terms of attracting inward investment and increasing competitiveness. It is also essential to ensure a high quality of life for residents of County Longford, particularly those in more peripheral areas. There has been a significant increase in the level and quality of IT connectivity across the county, which is indicative of the high levels of investment in this area in recent years. However, much of this improvement has been focused on urban areas, and many rural areas continue to experience poor quality of service. This issue must be addressed in order to support rural enterprise and sustain rural populations. County Longford has benefitted from significant advancements in broadband infrastructure in recent years, with the majority of the county well served by high-speed broadband connectivity in the majority of the settlements within the county, with further commitments in commercial rural deployment plans to extend the rollout of highspeed broadband, most notably through the National Broadband Plan. Longford continues to benefit from the rollout of several Government led broadband schemes (including the National Broadband Scheme, Rural Broadband Scheme and Broadband for Schools), ensuring that broadband services are available in communities across the county. CPO 5.171 CPO 5.172 CPO 5.173 CPO 5.174 CPO 5.175 CPO 5.176 Information Communications Technologies - County Policy Objectives It is the County Policy Objective to: Co-operate with the Department of Communications, Climate Action and Environment and public and private agencies where appropriate, in improving high quality broadband infrastructure throughout the County and supporting the delivery of the National Broadband Plan. Promote and facilitate the sustainable development of a high-quality ICT network throughout the county in order to achieve balanced social and economic development, whilst protecting the amenities of urban and rural areas Seek to provide public Wi-Fi zones in public spaces where possible. Promote orderly development of telecommunications infrastructure throughout the county in accordance with the requirements of the following: ■ ‘Telecommunications Antennae and Support Structures – Guidelines for Planning Authorities’ (1996), except where they conflict with Circular Letter PL 07/12 which shall take precedence, and any subsequent guidelines. ■ ‘Guidance on the potential location of overground telecommunications infrastructure on public roads’, (Dept of Communications, Energy & Natural Resources, 2015). Ensure that the location of telecommunications structures should minimise and /or mitigate any adverse impacts on communities, public rights of way and the built or natural environment. Encourage co-location of antennae on existing support structures and to require documentary evidence as to the non-availability of this option in proposals for new structures. The shared use of existing structures will be required where the numbers of masts located in any single area is considered to have an excessive concentration. 169County Development Plan 2021–2027

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    5.10 Major Accidents Directive The Seveso II Directive (96/082/EEC) is an EU Directive that seeks to prevent major industrial accidents involving dangerous substances and to limit the consequences of accidents on people and the environment. There are no major accident hazard sites notified under the EC (Control of Major Accident Hazards involving Dangerous Substances) Regulations 2006 (S174 of 2006) within County Longford. Accordingly, any new developments of this nature, and subsequent developments within the vicinity of this, shall abide by standards prescribed by the Health and Safety Authority. CPO 5.177 CPO 5.178 Major Accidents Directive – County Policy Objective It is the County Policy Objective to: Have regard to the following in assessing applications for new developments (including extensions); ■ The Major Accidents Directive (Seveso II – 96/082/EEC and Seveso III 2012/18/EU); ■ The potential effects on public health and safety; ■ The need to ensure adequate distances between such developments and residential areas, areas of public use and any areas of sensitivity. Any proposals for developments within the vicinity of major accident hazard sites shall have cognisance of the required minimum separation distances as required by the Major Accidents Directive. In this regard all future proposals of this nature shall be forwarded to the Health and Safety Authority. 170Longford County Council

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