Development plan · Louth County Council
Louth County Development Plan 2021–2027
The council's development plan written statement: its strategy, policies, objectives and development standards.
Louth County Council · 2021–2027 · 548 pages
Ask this document
Answers come only from the text of Louth County Development Plan 2021–2027, each claim linked to its page. They are not advice; check the page itself.
Free, with a daily limit.
- Chapter 10 –Infrastructure & Public Utilities Louth County Development Plan 2021-2027 10-16 10.4.2 Broadband Infrastructure High speed, cost competitive and reliable broadband underpins economic development. It is increasingly recognised as a critical piece of infrastructure enabling businesses adopt innovative technologies, more flexible working patterns and to trade online. Its absence makes it significantly more difficult to retain existing employment, attract new jobs and develop new enterprise opportunities. The implementation of high speed broadband connectivity falls within the remit of the Department of the Environment, Climate and Communications (formerly the Department of Communications, Energy and Natural Resources) which, in 2012 published Delivering a Connected Society – A National Broadband Plan for Ireland (NBP). This is the Governments initiative to radically changing the broadband landscape of Ireland and delivering high speed, reliable and cost effective broadband services to all premises in the country. The NBP will deliver this through a combination of private industry investment and state intervention (known as the Intervention Strategy), to those parts of the country where private companies have no plans to invest. By signing the contract for the delivery of the National Broadband Plan in 2019, the Government guaranteed that rural communities would have the same opportunities as urban areas. The optimum way for telecommunication services to be delivered is via fibre optic based networks. The deployment of such networks drives the level of high speed broadband penetration in an area. County Louth has 5 no. Open Access Network Specialists and Wholesale Providers, (eNET/MANS, SIRO, Open Eir, Viatel and BT). Virgin Media Ireland has also developed two high speed proprietary broadband networks in Drogheda and Dundalk. Due to the recent fibre optic network deployments by these commercial providers, County Louth has the second highest level of broadband access in Ireland at 87% of premises. Under the NDP, the remaining 13% of premises, which fall into the State Intervention Area, will be provided with access to high speed broadband. Louth continues to benefit from the rollout of several Government led broadband schemes, ensuring broadband services are available in communities across the County.
- Chapter 10 – Infrastructure & Public Utilities Louth County Development Plan 2021-2027 10-1710-17 One such scheme which benefits County Louth, is Broadband Connection Points (BCPs). These are public locations (public buildings/sites) which will receive 150Mb high speed broadband connectivity and where public Wi-Fi will be provided, allowing people in the area to make use of broadband as and when required. Nine such sites were identified in County Louth. 10.4.2.1 Metropolitan Area Networks (MANS) This is a network of ducting and fibre optic cable laid within a metropolitan area, which can be used by a variety of businesses and organisations to provide services including, but not limited to telecoms, television and internet. While MANS are publically owned (managed by eNET), they allow all telecommunication service operators (retailers) open access to the network. MANS, to date has been provided in Drogheda, Dundalk and Ardee. The availability of broadband in promoting these centres to potential employment generating investors is deemed to be critical. 10.4.2.2 Louth Broadband Action Plan The Louth Economic Forum (LEC) devised an overall 10 Point Plan, identifying 10 specific areas to be addressed within its work programme. This included high speed broadband in recognition of its importance in underpinning economic growth. The aim of the Action Plan is to continue significant progress and advance broadband to rural areas in accordance with the National Broadband Plan. Both Drogheda and Dundalk have six high speed broadband infrastructure providers/wholesalers, enabling a variety of telecom retailers to offer up speeds to 1000Mbps to businesses and consumers. Ardee and Dunleer have access to high speed broadband for premises in those towns. Approximately 22% of the premises on the outskirts of the two towns will require state intervention under the NBP. Regarding the Level 3 and 4 Settlements, approximately 66% of the premises have access to high speed broadband with the remaining 34% requiring state intervention under the NBP. Policy Objective IU 38 To support the delivery and implementation of the National Broadband Plan. Policy Objective IU 39 To secure the rollout of high quality broadband and telecommunication infrastructure throughout the County and facilitate its expansion in remote rural areas, in the interest of promoting economic growth, competitiveness and social inclusion. Policy Objective IU 40 To co-operate with the relevant agencies to facilitate the undergrounding of all electricity, telephone and television cables in urban areas wherever possible, in the interests of visual amenity.
- Chapter 10 –Infrastructure & Public Utilities Louth County Development Plan 2021-2027 10-18 10.4.2.3 Open Access Ducting With the support of the Louth Broadband Action Plan, the Council will require that open access is made available to all ducting networks provided within the Plan area, in support of a competitive telecommunications services and to safeguard roads and footpaths from excavation. The networks will remain in the ownership of the developer until taken in charge by the Council. Thereafter, the service provider will be responsible for the telecommunications infrastructure. The Council will require, by way of condition attached to a permission, that the service provider enter an agreement with the Council to ensure that open access, at an economic cost, is provided. Policy Objective IU 41 To require open access ducting for new developments is made available to all service providers on a non-exclusive lease basis at an economic cost. 10.4.2.4 Telecommunications Support Structures and Antennae: The Council recognises the importance of high quality telecommunication infrastructure as a prerequisite for a successful economy and accepts the critical importance of a high quality telecommunications service at national, regional and local level. Deregulation of the telecommunications industry has resulted in both choice and competition in conjunction with duplication and over provision of facilities. While the advantages of a high quality ICT infrastructure are acknowledged, these must be balanced against the need to safeguard both the urban and rural landscape, which can be significantly impacted due to the physical nature of these structures. Visual impact should be kept to a minimum with detailed consideration of design, siting and scope for utilising landscaping measures effectively. In considering planning applications, regard will be had to Telecommunications Antennae and Support Structures, Guidelines for Planning Authorities, DECLG, 1996, Circular Letter Pl07/12 and the Planning and Development Regulations 2001 (as amended). These guidelines and regulations encourage the sharing or clustering of sites, which will be reflected in Council policy. Further guidance on the design and development of Telecommunications Structures Details is provided for in Chapter 13, Section 13.18.3. Policy Objective IU 42 To ensure the orderly development of telecommunications throughout the County in accordance with the requirements of the Telecommunications Antennae and Support Structures, Guidelines for Planning Authorities, DECLG, 1996, except where they conflict with Circular Letter Pl07/12 which shall take precedence, and any subsequent revisions or expanded guidelines in this area.
- Chapter 10 – Infrastructure & Public Utilities Louth County Development Plan 2021-2027 10-1910-19 Policy Objective IU 43 To require co-location of antennae support structures and sites where feasible. Operators shall be required to submit documentary evidence as to the nonfeasibility of this option in proposals for new structures. Policy Objective IU 44 To facilitate the public and private sector in making available where feasible and suitable, strategically located structures or sites, including those in the ownership of Louth County Council, to facilitate improved telecommunications coverage. Policy Objective IU 45 To require best practice in both siting and design in relation to the erection of communication antennae and support infrastructure, in the interests of visual amenity and the protection of sensitive landscapes. Policy Objective IU 46 To operate a presumption against the location of antennae support structures where they would have a serious negative impact on the visual amenity of sensitive sites and locations. Policy Objective IU 47 To require the de-commissioning of a telecommunications structure and its removal off-site at the operator’s expense where it is no longer required. Policy Objective IU 48 To encourage service providers to engage in pre-planning discussions with the Planning Authority prior to the submission of planning applications. 10.4.2.5 Domestic Satellite Dishes If inappropriately sited, satellite dishes can materially harm the character and appearance of historic buildings, important townscapes and the character of rural areas. While satellite dishes can be erected subject to specified conditions and limitations under the Planning and Development Regulations 2001 (as amended) these provisions are not applicable where the dwelling is a Protected Structure or sited within an Architectural Conservation Area (ACA). Policy Objective IU 49 To prohibit satellite dishes where they would materially harm the character and appearance of a Protected Structure, an Architectural Conservation Area (ACA) or in any other area where they could cause unacceptable harm to the visual amenity.
- Chapter 10 –Infrastructure & Public Utilities Louth County Development Plan 2021-2027 10-20 10.5 ENERGY 10.5.1 Introduction Energy is an essential component of Ireland’s economy and society. Continued growth in County Louth, with respect to both population and the economy, will require energy to power businesses, homes, transport and public services. A reliable, resilient and efficient energy system that caters for growth year round and across all sectors, will be required to underpin the future development of the County. Louth requires world class energy infrastructure which is fit for purpose and, in this regard, our native renewable energy sources need to be developed. Such development will reduce dependence on fossil fuels and external sources, improve energy mix and provide a secure and resilient supply, reduce greenhouse gas emissions creating environmental benefits and protect against climate change. A reduction in our dependence on foreign fossil fuels will simultaneously provide positive social, economic and environmental dividends. Renewable energy can be defined as energy developed from sources that are constantly replenished through the cycles of nature and unlike fossil fuels, are not finite. International, European and National policies all seek and support a more energy efficient society relying on sustainable renewable energy sources. This Plan promotes energy efficiency and the development of indigenous renewable resources. The Development Plan can progress a sustainable energy future for the County, by recognising the importance of land use and transportation planning in promoting a low carbon society and mitigating the impacts of climate change. 10.5.2 Renewable Energy Ireland’s geographic location on the western edge of Europe accentuates our need for secure and continuous energy supplies, especially where our expenditure on energy imports remains significant. National policies promoting energy efficiency and sustainable renewable energy sources will ensure we secure our international competitiveness by increased use of and demand for indigenous resources and increased security of supply. The Government supports the adoption of a net zero target by 2050 at EU level. The Climate Action Plan 2019 puts in place a decarbonisation pathway to 2030, which would be consistent with the adoption of a net zero target in Ireland by 2050. From a national perspective, to achieve the target of 70% renewable electricity by 2030, the 'Climate Action Plan' 2019 identifies that to meet the required level of emissions reduction by 2030 that certain identified targets need to be met and which are detailed in Figure 10.1 below. This will involve phasing out coaland peat-fired electricity generation plants, increasing renewable electricity, reinforcing the grid and putting systems in place to manage intermittent sources of power, especially from wind.
- Chapter 10 – Infrastructure & Public Utilities Louth County Development Plan 2021-2027 10-2110-21 The Council acknowledges that it is critically important that it plays its part in realising national targets and this will be achieved through the inclusion of supporting policy objectives for renewable energy generation and development and through the preparation of a Renewable Energy Strategy. Figure 10.1 The National Planning Framework establishes a single vision for all communities in accordance with 10 shared goals identified as National Strategic Outcomes and herein NSO 8 recognises the national objective of achieving a transition to a competitive, low carbon, climate resilient and environmentally sustainable economy by 2050. This recognises that new energy systems and transmission grids will be necessary for a more distributed, renewables-focused energy generation system, harnessing the considerable onshore and off shore potential from a range of energy sources including wind, wave and solar and connection to major sources of demand. The Council in the Plan will seek to support the NPF in harnessing the potential of the Eastern and Midland Region in renewable energy terms across the technological spectrum in helping to realise national targets. The Eastern and Midland Regional Spatial and Economic Strategy recognises the need to shift from a reliance on fossil fuel usage to a more diverse range of low and zero carbon sources, thereby supporting an increase in renewable energy sources across the technological spectrum within the Region. EMRA seeks to identify, in conjunction with its constituent Local Authorities within the Region, Strategic Energy Zones (SEZ) as areas suitable for larger energy generating projects, the role of community and micro energy production in urban and rural settings and the potential for renewable energy within industrial areas. This would contribute to the delivery of the targets set in the 'Climate Action Plan' in respect of renewable energy. The SEZ will ensure all environmental constraints are addressed in the analysis. The need for early stakeholder engagement is critical as effective community engagement is essential for building public confidence and helping the country, the Region and the County in achieving a transition to renewable energy. To meet the required level of emissions reduction, by 2030 we will: • Reduce CO2 eq. Emissions from the sector by 50-55% relative to 2030 Pre-NDP projections • Deliver an early and complete phase-out of coal- and peat fired electricity generation • Increase electricity generated from renewable sources to 70%, indicatively comprised of:* o At least 3.5 GW of offshore renewable energy o Up to 1.5 GW of grid-scale solar energy o Up to 8.2 GW total of increase onshore wind capacity • Meet 15% of electricity demand by renewable sources contracted under Corporate PPA’s [*The exact level of offshore wind, onshore wind, solar and other renewable technology will be determined by a new system of competitive auctions where the lowest cost technology will be determined, see box below.]
- Chapter 10 –Infrastructure & Public Utilities Louth County Development Plan 2021-2027 10-22 The renewable energy options for County Louth include the following: • Wind Energy (onshore and offshore); • Solar Energy; • Water Energy (hydro, wave and tidal); • Heat Pump Systems (including geothermal); • Bioenergy; and • Waste Material. At a national level, much of the growth in renewable energy has been derived from wind energy but Ireland has significant further renewable energy resource potential, which includes for solar, tidal, bioenergy and wave. The Government is investigating opportunities to develop Ireland’s abundant offshore renewable energy resources including offshore wind, wave and tidal energy in recognition of their rich potential offering in the coming decades. Given its coastal location, Louth has a clear part to play in the development of renewable energy and the provision of such alternative energy resources will be considered on suitable sites throughout the County. The Council recognises the range of new and developing technologies that can contribute to minimising greenhouse gas emissions, providing a secure and stable energy supply and securing a greater proportion of our energy from renewable sources. In 2017 the Department of Housing, Planning, Community and Local Government published ‘Interim Guidelines for Planning Authorities on Statutory Plans, Renewable Energy and Climate Change’ under Section 28 of the Planning and Development Act 2000 (as amended) which included a Specific Planning Policy Requirement concerning policies or objectives that relate to wind energy developments and requirements of planning authorities in this regard. In considering renewable energy the Council has had regard to the following documentation; • The National Renewable Energy Action Plan 2010 (Irish Government submission to the European Commission); • The Government’s Strategy for Renewable Energy 2012 – 2020 (DCENR); • The Government’s White Paper on Energy Policy - Ireland’s Transition to a Low Carbon Energy Future 2015-2030 (DCENR); and • The Government’s National Mitigation Plan, July 2017 (DCCAE). In relation to renewable energy, the Council will consider full legislation provision and supporting guidance, policy documents etc. issued by the relevant department to give effect to legislative provisions.
- Chapter 10 – Infrastructure & Public Utilities Louth County Development Plan 2021-2027 10-2310-23 10.5.2.1 Energy Efficiency The Council supports the concept of generating renewable energy at a ‘local’ level and is cognisant of the benefits that consequently accrue to local communities. Local community engagement will form a key part of the Council’s future energy strategy, to inform people of the economic, environmental and social benefits of moving away from solid/fossil fuels towards a low carbon economy. The Council will endeavour to: • Promote the rational use of energy; • Promote renewable energy; • Promote and disseminate energy information; • Protect the environment; • Reduce energy waste in all sectors of society; and • Encourage the replacement of imported fossil fuels with regionally generated renewable energy in an effort to ensure security of energy supply, where it is feasible. 10.5.2.2 Louth Sustainable Energy Action Plan The Louth Economic Forum devised an overall 10 point plan which identified 10 specific topics to be addressed within its work programme. This included a Sustainable Energy Action Plan, the objective of which is to help sustain, support and create jobs through developing the concept of Louth as a leader in the delivery of the Green Economy. Its objectives include building on and replicating sustainable energy best practices developed in Dundalk to elsewhere in the County, assisting local business to be competitive through energy efficiency supports and allowing green businesses use County Louth as a living laboratory to develop their products and services. 10.5.2.3 Renewable Energy Strategy Louth County Council is committed to supporting investment in renewable energy and to developing a robust and sustainable Renewable Energy Strategy (RES) for the County. It will be informed by and aim to deliver on the Climate Action Plan 2019 targets (and any revisions thereto) and position the County as a leader in renewable energy generation, supporting energy efficiency and conservation. The RES will outline the potential for a range of renewable resources, including inter alia onshore and offshore wind, solar, bioenergy, geothermal, hydro, wave and tidal energy. It will establish baseline data and set out the renewable energy resource targets for the County to 2027, seeking a sustainable balance of renewable energy sources. Consistent with the Development Plan the RES will acknowledge the contribution that can be made to Louth being more energy secure, less reliant on traditional fossil fuels and meeting assigned national targets. Policy Objective IU 50 To support international, national and County initiatives for limiting and reducing emissions of greenhouse gases through energy efficiency and the development of renewable energy sources at suitable locations, utilising the natural resources of the County, in an environmentally acceptable manner subject to normal proper planning considerations including in particular the impact on areas of environmental or landscape sensitivity.
- Chapter 10 –Infrastructure & Public Utilities Louth County Development Plan 2021-2027 10-24 Policy Objective IU 51 To co-operate with the appropriate authorities both north and south of the border in the provision of all-island renewable energy. Policy Objective IU 52 To support initiatives aimed at reducing the level of energy consumption within the County. Policy Objective IU 53 To produce a Renewable Energy Strategy for County Louth within one year of adoption of the Revised Wind Energy Guidelines. This strategy shall have regard to ‘A Methodology for Local Authority Renewable Energy Strategies’, (SEAI) and shall be compliant with the requirements of the SEA & Habitats Directives. Policy Objective IU 54 To support the identification, in conjunction with EMRA, of Strategic Energy Zones, areas suitable to accommodate large energy generating projects within the Eastern and Midland Region. Policy Objective IU 55 To support Sustainable Energy Communities and Local Community Group Initiatives to develop clean energy opportunities within the County. Policy Objective IU 56 To support the implementation of the EU Green Deal, Climate Action Plan 2019 (or any subsequent plan), Programme for Government 2020, Climate Change Adaptation Strategy for County Louth and the Climate Action Charter and facilitate measures which seek to reduce emissions of greenhouse gases.
- Chapter 10 – Infrastructure & Public Utilities Louth County Development Plan 2021-2027 10-2510-25 10.6 WIND ENERGY Wind energy is currently the largest contributing resource of renewable energy in Ireland and is both Ireland’s largest and cheapest renewable electricity resource. In 2018 wind provided 85% of Ireland’s renewable electricity and 30% of our total electricity demand. Ireland is one of the leading countries in its use of wind energy, which is the second greatest source of electricity generation after natural gas. The Council recognises the significant contribution that wind energy can make as a clean sustainable solution to energy requirements and its vital role in helping achieve national targets in relation to fossil fuel reductions and consequently greenhouse gas emissions. In the next decade, onshore wind will continue to be Ireland’s main source of renewable energy. Such a radical shift away from our current reliance on fossil fuels will require significant changes nationally to the grid, existing infrastructure, legislation and the regulatory framework. These changes are necessary and crucial if the country is to move to a more sustainable energy system. The Council will continue to support and encourage the principle of wind energy development in accordance with Government policy and having regard to the Wind Energy Development Guidelines for Planning Authorities or any update made thereto during the lifetime of the Plan. A Wind Energy Strategy will be an intrinsic element of the Renewable Energy Strategy and will be informed by the targets for onshore wind capacity as set out in the Climate Action Plan 2019 (8.2 GW of increased onshore wind capacity), targets which the Council will want to successfully help to achieve. The Council is also mindful of Louth’s diverse landscapes with varying degrees of sensitivity to wind energy generating infrastructure and therefore care will need to be exercised in the location and siting of such infrastructure. Wind Energy 85% of Ireland’s renewable electricity 30% of total electricity demand
Source Louth County Council: Louth County Development Plan 2021–2027 (2021–2027) · 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.