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 12 – Climate Action Louth County Development Plan 2021-2027 12-22 Table 12.1 – National Climate Action Plan Targets versus Louth County Development Plan 2021-2027 Policy Objectives – Electricity Climate Action Plan 2019: Targets Louth County Development Plan Policy Objectives Reduce CO2 eq. emissions from the sector by 50 –55% relative to 2030 Pre-NDP projections. Deliver an early and complete phase-out of coaland peat-fired electricity generation. Increase electricity generated from renewable sources to 70%, indicatively comprised of: • at least 3.5 GW of offshore renewable energy • up to 1.5 GW of gridscale solar energy • up to 8.2 GW total of increased onshore wind capacity. IU 56 To encourage the development of wind energy, in accordance with Government policy and guidance and the 'Wind Energy Development Guidelines' (2006) or any revisions thereof which may be issued during the lifetime of the Plan. IU 60 To support the development of off shore windfarm developments subject to normal planning considerations, including in particular the impact on areas of environmental or landscape sensitivity. IU 64 To support the development of solar energy infrastructure in the County including commercial scale ground mounted solar PV “Solar Farms” subject to environmental safeguards and the protection of natural and built heritage features, biodiversity and views and prospects. IU 49 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. IU 50 To co-operate with the appropriate authorities both north and south of the border in the provision of all-island renewable energy. IU 51 To support initiatives aimed at reducing the level of energy consumption within the County. IU 52 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. IU 53 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.
- Chapter 12 – Climate Action Louth County Development Plan 2021-2027 12-23 Climate Action Plan 2019: Targets Louth County Development Plan Policy Objectives Reduce CO2 eq. emissions from the sector by 50 –55% relative to 2030 Pre-NDP projections. Deliver an early and complete phase-out of coaland peat-fired electricity generation. Increase electricity generated from renewable sources to 70%, indicatively comprised of: • at least 3.5 GW of offshore renewable energy • up to 1.5 GW of gridscale solar energy • up to 8.2 GW total of increased onshore wind capacity. IU 55 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. IU 69 To support and promote the development of bio-gas production and networking technologies at suitable locations and subject to normal planning and environmental considerations. IU 70 Facilitate and promote District Heating installation where practical through the County, while protecting residential amenity. HOU 30 To encourage building design and layout that maximises daylight and natural ventilation and incorporates energy efficiency and conservation measures that will improve the environmental performance of buildings in line with best practice. IU 73 To support the sustainable development of hydroelectric projects on rivers and lakes where they do not have an ecological impact on any sites of EU or national designation and/or impact negatively on freshwater species and the free passage of fish. IU 74 To support the development of wave and tidal energy in suitable waters off the coast of County Louth subject to the protection of important marine habitats and acceptable visual and environmental considerations. IU 75 To promote and facilitate the development of small scale electricity generation installations and green technologies which do not negatively impact on environmental quality, landscape, wildlife and habitats and residential amenities. IU 78 To support and facilitate the reinforcement and development of enhanced electricity and gas supplies, and associated networks, to serve the existing and future needs of the County and Region. This will include the delivery of the necessary integration of transmission network requirements facilitating linkages of renewable energy proposals to the electricity and gas transmission grid, in a sustainable and timely manner, subject to appropriate environmental assessment and the planning process.
- Chapter 12 – Climate Action Louth County Development Plan 2021-2027 12-24 Table 12.2 – National Climate Action Plan Targets versus Louth County Development Plan 2021-2027 Policy Objectives – Built Environment Climate Action Plan 2019: Targets Louth County Development Plan Policy Objectives Reduce CO2 eq. emissions from the sector by 40–45% relative to 2030 pre-NDP projections. Sharply reduce fossil fuel use, given the current heavy reliance on gas, oil, coal and peat in the sector. Increase the number of Sustainable Energy Communities to 1,500. Complete the rollout of the Support Scheme for Renewable Heat (SSRH), including support for biomass and anaerobic digestion heating systems. IU 54 To support Sustainable Energy Communities and Local Community Group Initiatives to develop clean energy opportunities within the County. IU 84 To support the implementation of National and County initiatives for limiting emissions of greenhouse gases by incorporating energy efficiency measures into the design of new buildings and retrofitting of existing buildings. IU 85 To ensure that all new buildings in the County achieve the Nearly Zero-Energy Buildings (NZEB) standard in line with the Energy Performance of Buildings Directive (EPBD) and having regard to the Guidelines for Sustainable Design and Energy Efficiency in Buildings. IU 87 To promote innovative new building design and retrofitting of existing buildings where possible, and encourage the design and construction of buildings that are functionally adaptable, to improve building energy efficiency, energy conservation and the use of renewable energy sources, in accordance with national policy and guidance. CS 2 To achieve compact growth through the delivery of at least 30% of all new homes in urban areas within the existing built up footprint of settlements, by developing infill, brownfield and regeneration sites and redeveloping underutilised land in preference to greenfield sites. CS 5 To support the implementation of the EU Green Deal, National Climate Action Plan 2019, Programme for Government 2020, Louth Climate Change Adaptation Strategy 2019-2024 and the Climate Action Charter through the Plan and to consider, if appropriate, a variation of the development plan to ensure the consistency with the approach to climate action recommended in any revised Development Plan Guidelines as adopted. CS 20 To direct rural generated housing demand to rural villages and rural nodes in the first instance and ensure that one off housing in the open countryside is only permitted where there is demonstrable compliance with the criteria for rural housing as provided for in the Development Plan. SS 5 & SS 22 To support increased building heights at appropriate locations in Drogheda and Dundalk, subject to the design and scale of any building making a positive contribution to its surrounding environment and streetscape.
- Chapter 12 – Climate Action Louth County Development Plan 2021-2027 12-25 Climate Action Plan 2019: Targets Louth County Development Plan Policy Objectives Reduce CO2 eq. emissions from the sector by 40–45% relative to 2030 pre-NDP projections. Sharply reduce fossil fuel use, given the current heavy reliance on gas, oil, coal and peat in the sector. Increase the number of Sustainable Energy Communities to 1,500. Complete the rollout of the Support Scheme for Renewable Heat (SSRH), including support for biomass and anaerobic digestion heating systems. HOU 10 To continue to support the creation of sustainable communities throughout the County for people across all the life stages by facilitating the creation of attractive neighbourhoods where there are strong links and connections to local services, community facilities and employment areas and where walking, cycling, and public transport is prioritised. HOU 15 To promote development that facilitates a higher, sustainable density that supports compact growth and the consolidation of urban areas, which will be appropriate to the local context and enhance the local environment in which it is located. HOU 16 To support increased building heights in appropriate locations in the Regional Growth Centres of Drogheda and Dundalk. HOU 36 To discourage urban generated housing in rural areas and direct proposals for such housing to the towns and villages in Settlement Levels 1-4 in the County as set out in the Settlement Hierarchy in Table 2.4. TOU 21 To seek best-practice environmental management and climate proofing of tourism related developments and activities to include the circular economy, energy efficiency, waste management, procurement and recycling. IU 59 To favourably consider small scale wind energy development for auto-consumption purposes, that accord with the proper planning and sustainable development of the area including residential amenity, heritage, environmental and landscape impacts. IU 65 To encourage and support the development of solar energy infrastructure for on-site energy use, including solar PV, solar thermal and seasonal storage technologies. IU 66 To encourage and support the development and promote the use of heat pumps for heating domestic, commercial and recreational buildings and water subject to normal planning and environmental considerations. IU 67 To support and promote the development of projects that convert biomass to energy subject to proper planning and environmental considerations. IU 91 To encourage and support the utilisation of siting and landscape design features to minimise energy requirements.
- Chapter 12 – Climate Action Louth County Development Plan 2021-2027 12-26 Table 12.3 – National Climate Action Plan Targets versus Louth County Development Plan 2021-2027 Policy Objectives – Transport Climate Action Plan 2019: Targets Louth County Development Plan Policy Objectives Reduce CO2 eq. emissions from the sector by 45–50% relative to 2030 pre-NDP projections. Increase the number of EVs to 936,000. Build the EV charging network to support the growth of EVs at the rate required, and develop our fast-charging infrastructure to stay ahead of demand. MOV 10 To facilitate the switch to Electric Vehicles through the roll-out of additional electric charging points at appropriate locations within the County in association with relevant agencies and stakeholders. MOV 11 To facilitate the provision of electricity charging infrastructure for electric vehicles both on street and in new developments in accordance with car parking standards prescribed in the Development Management Guidelines in Chapter 13. NBG 51 To require the integration of climate change mitigation measures in any future spatial plans and climate change adaptation measures in proposed developments. MOV 1 To work with national transport agencies in supporting the delivery of a high quality, climate resilient and sustainable transport network in the County. MOV 2 To support the implementation of the ‘National Climate Action Plan’ 2019, and any subsequent plans, and in particular the measures included that will assist in achieving the target of CO2 emissions reduction by 2030 in the transport sector as set out in Section 10.2 of the 'Climate Action Plan'. MOV 3 To facilitate the integration of land use with sustainable transportation infrastructure in accordance with the requirements of RPO 8.1 in the RSES by supporting the creation of a critical mass of population and employment related development that would maximise investment in public transport infrastructure and create compact, sustainable settlements. MOV 4 To promote sustainable higher density development along public transport corridors. MOV 9 To support investment in sustainable transport infrastructure that will make walking, cycling or public transport more attractive and appealing, and facilitates accessibility for all, regardless of age, physical mobility, or social disadvantage. MOV 14 To encourage a modal shift from use of the private car towards more sustainable modes of transport including walking, cycling, and public transport. SS 13 To support investment in public and sustainable transport infrastructure and services in Drogheda including the progression of the DART Expansion Programme which includes the electrification of the rail line and the extension of DART services to Drogheda.
- Chapter 12 – Climate Action Louth County Development Plan 2021-2027 12-27 Climate Action Plan 2019: Targets Louth County Development Plan Policy Objectives Reduce CO2 eq. emissions from the sector by 45–50% relative to 2030 pre-NDP projections. Increase the number of EVs to 936,000. Build the EV charging network to support the growth of EVs at the rate required, and develop our fast-charging infrastructure to stay ahead of demand. SS 17 To work with the NTA, local landowners, and developers to implement an integrated pedestrian and cycle path network throughout Drogheda, recognising the highest priority to be given to cycling and walking over other modes of transport. SS 18 To develop a network of green areas throughout the town including the delivery of a greenway along the north and southern banks of the River Boyne stretching from Townley Hall to Baltray and Oldbridge to Mornington in County Meath while maintaining the integrity of the Boyne Natura 2000 sites. SS 21 & SS 4 To support sustainable high density development, particularly in centrally located areas and along public transport corridors and require a minimum density of 50 units/ha in these locations. SS 31 To work with the NTA, local landowners and developers to implement an integrated pedestrian and cycle path network throughout Dundalk. SS 32 To develop a network of green areas throughout the town, building on existing green infrastructure, and advancing the delivery of the Great Eastern Greenway along the coast incorporating the delivery of greenway and pedestrian infrastructure on both sides of the Castletown River, while maintaining the integrity of the Dundalk Bay Natura 2000 sites. HOU 22 To require residential developments to prioritise and facilitate walking, cycling, and public transport and to include provision for links and connections to existing facilities and public transport nodes in the wider neighbourhood. MOV 16 To support the DART Expansion Programme including new infrastructure and the electrification of existing lines along the northern rail line to Drogheda. MOV 28 To promote walking and cycling as a safe, convenient, healthy, efficient, and environmentally friendly mode of transport for all age groups. MOV 30 To provide, where possible traffic free pedestrian and cyclist routes particularly where such routes would provide a more direct, safer, and more attractive alternative to the car. NBG 46 To develop linear parks, particularly along waterways, and to link existing parks and open spaces in order to provide green chains that promote permeability for pedestrians and cyclists in the Regional Growth Centres of Drogheda and Dundalk.
- Chapter 12 – Climate Action Louth County Development Plan 2021-2027 12-28 Table 12.4 – National Climate Action Plan Targets versus Louth County Development Plan 2021-2027 Policy Objectives – Agriculture, Forestry & Land Use Climate Action Plan 2019: Targets Louth County Development Plan Policy Objectives Deliver 16.5-18.5 MtCO2eq. cumulative abatement. Achieve 26.8 MtCO2eq. abatement through LULUCF actions over the period 2021 to 2030, comprised of: • an average of 8,000 ha per annum of newly planted forest, and sustainable forest management of existing forests (21 MtCO2eq. cumulative abatement) at least 40,000 ha per annum of reduced management intensity of grasslands on drained organic soils (4.4 MtCO2eq. cumulative abatement) • better management of grasslands, tillage land and non-agricultural wetlands (1.4 MtCO2eq. cumulative abatement) ENV 40 In accordance with the National Climate Action Plan 2019 (or any subsequent Plan) Louth County Council shall promote sustainable forestry development of appropriate scale within the County in order to address climate action directly through carbon sequestration and indirectly through the displacement of fossil fuel. ENV 33 To encourage forestry and forestry related development, as a means of diversifying from traditional agriculture activity with a preference for native species. ENV 31 To support national policy in relation to forestry in order to develop an internationally competitive and sustainable forest sector that provides a full range of economic, environmental and social benefits to society, subject to normal planning criteria. ENV 38 To retain and protect significant stands of existing trees/ hedgerows/woodlands, and seek increased planting of native trees, where appropriate, in new developments. ENV 32 To encourage the development of a well-managed sustainable forestry sector, which is compatible with the protection of the environment including the avoidance of likely significant effects on European sites (SACs and SPAs) and is planted, managed and harvested in accordance with the Forest Service Guidelines for Landscape, Forest Harvesting and Environmental, Archaeology, Biodiversity and Water Quality. EE 61 To facilitate the diversification of the agricultural sector by supporting alternative farm enterprises subject to the nature and use of any enterprise being compatible with the environment in which it is located. HOU 38 To reserve as decarbonisation zones, agricultural, open space, or recreational use, lands immediately surrounding or in the immediate vicinity of the development boundary of towns and villages in the County in order to prevent sprawl and a linear pattern of development, and to ensure there is a distinction between built up areas and the open countryside. SC 15 To facilitate and encourage open space areas and greenway corridors to be planned for on a multi-functional basis incorporating measures to promote and protect ecosystems, climate change measures and to incorporate key landscape features including archaeological considerations into their design.
- Chapter 12 – Climate Action Louth County Development Plan 2021-2027 12-29 Climate Action Plan 2019: Targets Louth County Development Plan Policy Objectives Deliver 16.5-18.5 MtCO2eq. cumulative abatement. Achieve 26.8 MtCO2eq. abatement through LULUCF actions over the period 2021 to 2030, comprised of: • an average of 8,000 ha per annum of newly planted forest, and sustainable forest management of existing forests (21 MtCO2eq. cumulative abatement) at least 40,000 ha per annum of reduced management intensity of grasslands on drained organic soils (4.4 MtCO2eq. cumulative abatement) • better management of grasslands, tillage land and non-agricultural wetlands (1.4 MtCO2eq. cumulative abatement) NBG 19 To ensure that an appropriate level of ecological assessment is carried out for proposals involving drainage, infill or reclamation of wetland habitats. NBG 20 To protect and enhance wetland sites that have been rated A (International), B (National), C+ (County), C and D importance in the Louth Wetland Surveys and any subsequent versions thereof. NBG 21 To support the implementation of recommendations included in the Louth Wetland Survey and any subsequent versions thereof. NBG 33 To assess the implications of proposed development on significant trees and hedgerows located on lands that are being considered for development, seeking their incorporation into design proposals where appropriate and in compliance with procedures detailed in Appendix 6. NBG 34 To increase native tree coverage in the County to also act as carbon sinks by promoting the planting of suitable native trees and hedgerows along public roads, residential streets, parks and other areas of open space. NBG 35 To encourage initiatives supporting private and community driven native tree and woodland planting schemes throughout the County, utilising available funding schemes. NBG 51 To require the integration of climate change mitigation measures in any future spatial plans and climate change adaptation measures in proposed developments. IU 31 To contribute towards the improvement and/or restoration of the natural flood risk management functions of flood plains subject to compliance with the environmental legislation and availability of resources. IU 32 To ensure each flood risk management activity is examined to determine actions required to embed and provide for effective climate change adaptation as set out in the OPW Climate Change Sectoral Adaptation Plan Flood Risk Management applicable at the time.
- Chapter 12 – Climate Action Louth County Development Plan 2021-2027 12-30 Table 12.5 – National Climate Action Plan Targets versus Louth County Development Plan 2021-2027 Policy Objectives – Enterprise Climate Action Plan 2019: Targets Louth County Development Plan Policy Objectives Reduce Ireland’s ETS industry emissions by 10-15% by 2030, relative to 2030 projections. Enterprise must contribute to the more ambitious targets for buildings (20-25%) and transport (45-50%). EE 23 To support the provision of co-working facilities and digital hubs that promote flexible working arrangements for established businesses, self-employed persons, and start up enterprises. IU 38 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. IU 37 To support the delivery and implementation of the National Broadband Plan. IU 84 To support the implementation of National and County initiatives for limiting emissions of greenhouse gases by incorporating energy efficiency measures into the design of new buildings and retrofitting of existing buildings. IU 85 To ensure that all new buildings in the County achieve the Nearly Zero-Energy Buildings (NZEB) standard in line with the Energy Performance of Buildings Directive (EPBD) and having regard to the Guidelines for Sustainable Design and Energy Efficiency in Buildings. EE 63 To ensure that all applications for industrial and enterprise development submit a carbon footprint calculation and demonstrates how the new buildings and processes/activities will seek to achieve the targets set out in the Climate Action Plan 2019 or any amendments to targets.
- Chapter 13 Development Management Guidelines “To achieve high standards in design and to build sustainable, healthy communities where people can enjoy a high quality of life.”
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.