Development plan · Mayo County Council
Mayo County Development Plan 2022–2028
The council's development plan written statement: its strategy, policies, objectives and development standards.
Mayo County Council · 2022–2028 · 165 pages
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- CHAPTER 10 NATURAL ENVIRONMENT 191 Map 10.3: Blue Dot High-Status Waterbodies and Sub-basins in County Mayo 10.4.9.3 Drinking Water Protected Areas The WFD requires the identification of Drinking Water Protected Areas. These are reservoirs, lakes, rivers and the groundwater bodies from which water is abstracted to provide water for people to drink. The Council will seek to protect both ground and surface water resources and will work with Irish Water to develop and implement Drinking Water Safety Plans to protect sources of public water supply and their contributing catchment. Mayo County Council will also work with the National Federation of Group Water Schemes in respect of Source Protection Plans for Group Water Schemes to protect these sources. Groundwater Protection Scheme and Source Protection Zones The Geological Survey of Ireland has completed a Groundwater Protection Scheme for County Mayo. The overall aim of this scheme is to preserve the quality of groundwater, particularly for drinking purposes, for the benefit of present and future generations. A key component of the Groundwater Protection Scheme is Source Protection Zones (SPZs), which are delineated around groundwater sources to provide protection, by placing tighter controls on activities within those areas. SPZs are derived by integrating source protection areas (areas surrounding individual groundwater sources) and vulnerability categories. The Council will take a precautionary approach to development in Source Protection Zones. Development proposals which pose a potential risk to groundwater within these zones will be required to demonstrate that no reasonable alternative site is available, and that groundwater quality will be protected to the satisfaction of the Council. Water Quality Policies NEP 17 To promote public awareness of water quality issues and the measures required to protect surface water, coastal and transitional waters and groundwater bodies from inappropriate and damaging development. NEP 18 To co-operate with the EPA and other authorities in the continued implementation of the EU Water Framework Directive. NEP 19 To protect existing groundwater sources and aquifers in the county and to manage development in a manner consistent with the protection of these resources. NEP 20 To meet our targets to achieve ‘good status’ in all water bodies in compliance with the Water Framework Directive and to cooperate with the implementation of the National River Basin Management Plan 2018-2021, and subsequent plans. NEP 21 To manage, protect and enhance surface water and ground water quality to meet the requirements of the Water Framework Directive. NEP 22 To encourage the use of catchment-sensitive farming practices, in order to meet Water Framework Directive targets and comply with the River Basin Management Plan. NEP 23 To promote the construction of Anaerobic Digesters at appropriate location in Mayo with a view to improving water quality while at the same time making a significant contribution to National Renewable Energy targets. Water Quality Objectives NEO 37 To ensure that the Water Framework Directive, the River Basin Management Plan and any subsequent Water Management Plans are fully considered throughout the planning process. NEO 38 To ensure, through the implementation of the River Basin Management Plan(s) and the associated Programmes of Measures and any other associated legislation or revised plans, with all relevant stakeholders, the protection and improvement of all drinking waters, surface water, coastal and transitional waters and ground waters throughout the county. NEO 39 To manage in a sustainable manner, the existing groundwater sources and aquifers in the county and manage development in a manner consistent with the sustainable management of these resources, in conformity with the EU Environmental Objectives (Groundwater) Regulations 2010 and the second cycle National River Basin Management Plan 2018-2021, and any subsequent plans and the Groundwater Protection Scheme. NEO 40 To protect groundwater sources through the implementation of the Groundwater Protection Scheme and Source Protection Zones. Development proposals within these zones which have the potential to pose a risk to groundwater will be required to demonstrate that no reasonable alternative site is available, and that groundwater quality will be protected to the satisfaction of the Council. 190 193192
- CHAPTER 10 NATURAL ENVIRONMENT 192 193 NEO 41 To protect both ground and surface water resources and to work with Irish Water to develop and implement Drinking Water Safety Plans, to protect sources of public water supply and their contributing catchment, and to work with the National Federation of Group Water Schemes, in respect of Source Protection Plans for Group Water Schemes to protect these sources. NEO 42 To comply with the Blue Dot Catchments Programme and protect and restore high status water bodies in County Mayo and ensure all proposed development which may have an impact on a high-status water quality site will require site specific assessment to determine localised pressures and demonstrate suitable mitigation measures, in order to protect these sites. NEO 43 To protect through its regulatory controls and in conjunction with the Local Authority Waters Programme, water bodies with ‘high ecological status’, to restore water bodies that have fallen below ‘high ecological status’, to maintain water bodies at ‘Good Status’ and to mitigate threats to water bodies identified as ‘At Risk’ i.e. ‘Moderate and Poor Status’. 10.4.10 Air Quality, Noise and Light Emissions Ireland benefits from prevailing weather patterns which typically brings relatively clean, south- westerly Atlantic air over the country. Under certain conditions, typical weather patterns can be disrupted and pollutant emissions can build up in the air. These conditions can occur at any time of the year, but the impact on air quality can be particularly severe during winter, when the combination of cold still weather, increased emissions associated with a higher heating demand, particularly from solid fuels, can lead to high concentrations of pollutants with a consequent increased risk to human health. Poor air quality is a major health risk for vulnerable people and also impacts the environment, affecting the quality of fresh water, soil, and ecosystems. Air pollution can also damage materials and buildings and some air pollutants behave like greenhouse gases that cause climate change. Therefore, good air quality is a benefit for human health, the built and natural environment and to combat climate change. Noise pollution can occur in various locations, such as building sites, heavily trafficked roads, industrial sites, etc, all of which can have significant impacts on the environment and on the quality of life of individuals, residential areas and communities in the vicinity. It is recognised that adequate lighting is necessary to ensure a safe and secure environment, however, both urban and rural settings are affected by light pollution. Light spillage from inadequately designed lighting is increasingly recognised as a potential nuisance to nearby properties and a threat to wildlife and their habitats, particularly in relation to European sites. It can also be a waste of energy and can reduce the visibility of the night sky, which would be detrimental to the enjoyment and sustainability of the Mayo International Dark Sky Park, located in the Wild Nephin Ballycroy National Park. The Plan encourages the use of Dark Sky Friendly lighting for all new lighting and lighting upgrades. Water Quality Policies NEP 24 To support and facilitate the implementation of the Air Quality Regulations. NEP 25 To promote the implementation of the Noise Directive 2002/49/EC and associated Environmental Noise Regulations 2006, as amended. Water Quality Objectives NEO 44 Promote the achievement of best ambient air quality, compatible with sustainable development, in accordance with the EU Ambient Air Quality and Cleaner Air for Europe (CAFE) Directive (2008/50/EC) and by ensuring that all air emissions associated with new developments are within Environmental Quality Standards as set out in the Air Quality Standards Regulations 2011 (SI No. 180 of 2011) (or any updated/ superseding documents). NEO 45 To raise awareness of artificial light pollution and identify where lighting improvements or adjustments can be made to reduce its impact, where appropriate. NEO 46 To protect the Mayo Dark Sky Park at Wild Nephin Ballycroy National Park and any adjoining sites that form part of the designated network, from adverse levels of artificial light pollution and encourage the use of Dark Sky Friendly lighting for all new lighting and lighting upgrades. 195194
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- 196 CHAPTER 11 CLIMATE ACTION & RENEWABLE ENERGY 196 197 Chapter 11 Climate Action & Renewable Energy 11.1 Strategic Aim The strategic aim of this chapter is to transition to a low carbon and climate resilient county, with an emphasis on reduction in energy demand and greenhouse gas emissions, through a combination of effective mitigation and adaptation responses to climate change; in addition to maximising the opportunities to become a national leader in renewable energy generation, whilst increasing the resilience of our Natural and Cultural Capital to climate change by planning and implementing appropriate adaptation measures. Related UN Sustainable Development Goals Related NPF National Strategic Outcomes Related RSES Regional Growth Ambitions CHAPTER 11 CLIMATE ACTION & RENEWABLE ENERGY 196 197 MAYO COUNTY DEVELOPMENT PLAN 2022 - 2028 199198
- CHAPTER 11 CLIMATE ACTION & RENEWABLE ENERGY 198 199 11.2 Introduction This chapter has been guided by the strategic aim, sustainable development goals, national strategic objectives and regional growth ambitions to ensure a low carbon, climate resilient and renewably energised Mayo. The chapter has also considered the key legislative and policy documents set out in Appendix III, including the NPF and RSES for the Northern and Western region. 11.3 National and Regional Planning Position The National Policy Position on Climate Action and Low Carbon Development establishes the national objective of achieving transition to a competitive, low carbon, climate-resilient and environmentally sustainable economy by 2050. In order to achieve this objective, the NPF identifies planning as an established means to implement and integrate climate action at regional and local level. In response, the RSES pursues regional growth ambitions, which will help the Northern and Western region develop sustainably towards a low carbon and climate resilient future. The NPF and RSES seeks to ensure a reduction in our carbon footprint, through the delivery of sustainable, land use patterns, sustainable transportation initiatives, protection and enhancement of the green network and enhancement of biodiversity, approach to conservation, promotion of renewable energy technologies and Sustainable Urban Drainage Systems. The NPF and RSES acknowledge that our international, European and national climate change commitments mean that power generation, transport and heat, increasingly have to be produced from sustainably produced electricity. Therefore, the NPF and RSES places a strong emphasis on the need for new energy systems and transmission grids. This is in order to facilitate increased renewables-focused energy generation systems, harnessing both the considerable on-shore and off- shore potential from energy sources such as wind, wave and solar and connecting the richest sources of that energy to the major sources of demand. The RSES seeks to identify renewable energy sites of scale in the region to help meet Ireland’s renewable energy targets. The RSES acknowledges the renewable wave energy potential from the Atlantic Marine Energy Test Site (AMETS) located off Annagh Head, west of Béal an Mhuirthead (Belmullet). The test site is an integral component of Ireland’s Ocean Energy Strategy and is being developed in accordance with the national Offshore Renewable Energy Development Plan (OREDP). 11.4 International and European Policy Position Ireland is a party to both the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) and the Kyoto Protocol, which together provide a legal framework for addressing climate change. In December 2015 Ireland, as part of the European Union (EU), was a signatory to the Paris Agreement, which aims to restrict global temperature rise to well below 2°C above pre-industrial levels, and to pursue efforts to limit the temperature increase to 1.5°C. A key European objective is to reduce greenhouse gases (GHG) emissions by 80-95% by 2050 compared to 1990 levels. In March 2007, the European Council adopted an objective to reduce GHG emissions by 20% by 2020, compared to 1990 levels. Under the Climate Policy Framework for 2020 to 2030, the EU agreed to further reduce GHG by at least 40% by 2030, as compared with 1990. 11.5 National Policy Position The Government declared a Climate and Biodiversity Emergency in May 2019, only the second country in the world to pass such a declaration. Ireland’s national transition objective, as defined in the National Policy Position and the Climate Action and Low Carbon Development Act 2015, is to transition to a low-carbon, climate-resilient and environmentally sustainable economy by 2050. The National Policy Position recognises the importance of reducing carbon dioxide emissions that will continue to warm the planet long into the future and adversely impact on humanity. In terms of mitigation, it has two components. The first aims to reduce emissions of carbon dioxide in three key sectors – electricity generation, the built environment and transport – by 80% by 2050, relative to 1990 levels. The second is related to agriculture, land use and forestry. It identifies ‘an approach to carbon neutrality’ without compromising sustainable food production as its primary objective. The Climate Action and Low Carbon Development Act 2015 also contains a number of legal obligations, including the preparation of National Mitigation Plans (NMP), a National Adaptation Framework (NAF) and Annual Transition Statements (ATS). 11.6 Climate Action 11.6.1 Mayo Context Mayo County Council recognises that climate change is one of the greatest global challenges and that continual action is needed for Mayo to become a low carbon and climate resilient county. The Council has been proactive in climate action measures in the county to date. Mayo County Council were the first local authority to employ a Climate Action Officer and host to the Climate Action Regional Office (CARO) for the Atlantic Seaboard North Region. The Council, along with all 34 local authorities, has signed the Climate Action Charter committing to build climate resilience into every aspect of the work we do. The Climate Action Charter, a key measure in the Climate Action Plan (2019), commits the Council to deliver a 50% improvement in energy efficiency by 2030. The Charter requires local authorities to put in place a process for carbon-proofing major decisions, programmes and projects, including investments in transport and energy, as well as in procurement. Going forward, Mayo County Council intend to establish a carbon emissions baseline for the county over the lifetime of the plan, to help the county measure the effectiveness of the county development plan in lowering carbon emissions. 11.6.2 Climate Change Climate change can result from natural processes and factors and more recently due to human activities, through emissions of greenhouse gases (GHG). For the past 200 years, the burning of fossil fuels, such as coal and oil and deforestation have caused the concentrations of heat-trapping greenhouse gases to increase significantly in the atmosphere. Global average temperatures have increased by almost 1˚C since preindustrial times, causing changes to the climate system. The impacts of climate change are diverse and wide ranging. In Ireland, predicted impacts include sea level rise; more intense storms and rainfall; increased likelihood and magnitude of river and coastal flooding; water shortages in summer; increased risk of new pests and diseases; adverse impacts on water quality; and changes in distribution and time of lifecycle events of plant and animal species on land and in the oceans. International, European and national measures and targets have been introduced with the aim of improving adaptation to the adverse impacts of climate change, fostering climate resilience and supporting low GHG emissions development. 201200
- CHAPTER 11 CLIMATE ACTION & RENEWABLE ENERGY 200 201 11.6.3 Integrating Climate Action into the County Development Plan Climate Action is the response to reduce global warming and adjust to the consequences of climate change. Climate Action comprises of climate mitigation and adaptation measures to tackle climate change. Climate Mitigation refers to efforts that will reduce current and future greenhouse gas emissions, including reductions in energy use, switching to renewable energy sources and carbon sinks. Climate adaptation consists of actions that will reduce the impacts that are already happening and those that are projected to happen in the future. These include flood protection, reduced impact of rising sea levels, increased resilience of infrastructure and emergency response planning. The overall vision and strategic aims of the county development plan have been influenced by climate action. Table 11.1 below demonstrates how climate action provisions have been incorporated into the county development plan. The table lists climate mitigation and adaption policies and objectives included in each chapter. Climate Action (Mitigation/Adaptation) Chapters Mitigation & Adaptation Policies/Objectives Chapter 2 Core Strategy & Settlement Strategy CSP 3 - CSP 4, CSO 1 - CSO 9, SSP 1 - SSP 8, SSO 1 - SSO 10, SSO 12, SSO 14, SS0 15 Chapter 3 Housing HSP 4, HSP 5, HSO 4, HSO 5, RHP 2, RHP 6, RHP 8, RHO, 7, RHO 8, RHO 9, RHO 10, TVHP 3-7, TVHO 4 -6, TVHO 9, TVHO 10, TVHO 13 Chapter 4 Economic Development EDP 12, EDP 14, EDP 33, EDP 34, EDO 5, EDO 9, EDO 10 – 16, EDO 22-23, EDO 34, EDO 50, EDO 54, EDO 64, EDO 64- 69 Chapter 5 Tourism and Recreation TRP 6, TRP 8, TRP 9, TRP 12, TRP 23, TRP 25 – 28, TRO 3, TRO 4, TRO 13 TRO 14-16, TRO 18 Chapter 6 Movement and Transport MTP 1 – 11, MTO 3 – 17 Chapter 7 Infrastructure INP 10 – INP15, INO 14 - INO 25, INO 28 Chapter 8 Sustainable Communities SCP 3, SCP 10, SCO 1, SCO 7, SCO 13, SCO 15 Chapter 9 Built Environment BEP 1, BEP 3, BEP 4, BEP 5, BEP 6, BEO 1, BEO 2, BEO 3, BEO 4, BEO 5, BEO 6 Chapter 10 Natural Environment NEP 1 – NEP 5, NEP 9 – NEP 13, NEP 16, NEP 23-24, NEO 2, NEO 4, NEO 6 – NEO 9, NEO, 13, NEO 15 – 33, NEO 43-45 Chapter 11 (Climate Action & Renewable Energy) CAP 1 – 9, CAO 1 –8, REP 1 – 7, REO 1-23 Chapter 12 (Settlement Plans) GSP 3, GSP 7, GSP 8, BRP 4, BRP 5, BSP 4, CMP, 3 – 5, SDP 2, CNP 3, KTP 1, NTP 3, NTO 2, RSVP 4-5, RSVP 11, BSO 4, BSO 5, CMO 6, CMO7, CRO 4, FDO 3 Table 11.1 Climate Action Policies and Objectives incorporated into the County Development Plan 11.6.4 Climate Ready Mayo The National Adaptation Framework (NAF) identifies the critical role to be played by local authorities in addressing climate change adaptation, through the establishment of four Climate Action Regional Offices (CAROs). County Mayo is situated in the Atlantic Seaboard North Climate Action Region. The main climatic risks associated with the Atlantic Seaboard North Climate Action Region include fluvial flooding, pluvial flooding, groundwater flooding and coastal flooding. Mayo County Council has developed its Climate Adaptation Strategy - Climate Ready Mayo (2019). This strategy sets out a vision for a county that will be climate ready, a county that understands how climate change will affect our communities and businesses and a county that works together to reduce the risk and avail of the opportunities that climate change will bring. Climate Ready Mayo sets out the strategic goals, objectives and actions for adaptation in Mayo across five operational themes: governance; critical infrastructure and buildings; natural and cultural capital; water resources and flood management; and community services. The most immediate risks to Mayo are those which are due to changes in extremes such as floods, precipitation, storms and higher sea levels. Sea levels are predicted to rise by 0.55m by 2050. 11.6.4.1 Decarbonising Zone (DZ) Mayo County Council supports the implementation of the Climate Action Plan (2019). Action 165 requires Decarbonising Zones (DZ) to be identified and developed by all local authorities. A DZ is an area identified by a local authority in a rural or urban context, in which a range of appropriate climate mitigation measures are established to address local low carbon energy, greenhouse gas emissions and climate needs. Energy baselines are established, heat maps are used to identify energy loss and a range of technologies and measures used to mitigate emissions from buildings. These zones may also include a range of local climate adaptation measures, such as climate proofing, green/blue infrastructure, citizen awareness and behavioural change. County Decarbonising Zones are also required to 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. The Council will establish a Decarbonising Zone in Mayo as an exemplar for best practice within the county. 11.6.4.2 Climate Action Checklists To support local authorities and sectors in performing risk assessments, Climate Ireland in collaboration with the Climate Action Regional Officers propose the development of a Risk Identification and Assessment Tool. This tool is envisioned to be an online portal allowing users to access, view and examine spatial datasets within a risk assessment framework. The development of this portal will assist in the development of a Climate Change Risk and Vulnerability Toolkit for local authorities. The toolkit will assist with the implementation of many of the actions in the Mayo Climate Adaptation Strategy. Mayo County Council will develop and implement a climate change screening checklist and guidance document to ensure new developments take account of climate change over the lifetime of a development, especially with regard to its location, site layout, building, ventilation and cooling, drainage, water, outdoor spaces and connectivity. 203202
- CHAPTER 11 CLIMATE ACTION & RENEWABLE ENERGY 202 203 11.6.5 Decarbonising Mayo The Plan examines the following main sectors, which set Ireland on a pathway to decarbonising the economy: • Electricity Generation • Built Environment • Transport • Agriculture • Land Use • Forestry • Nature Based Solutions These measures lay the foundations for transitioning Mayo to a low carbon, climate resilient and environmentally sustainable economy by 2050 and are discussed further below. 11.6.5.1 Electricity Generation The provision of a safe, secure and reliable electricity supply is a critical component necessary to sustain economic growth in Ireland. To this end, Ireland in recent years has been phasing out the use of fossil fuels, such as oil, natural gas, coal and peat to generate electricity, in favour of renewable energy sources. Ireland’s Transition to a Low Carbon Energy Future 2015-2030, the Government’s White Paper on Energy, sets out a roadmap for a low carbon energy system to 2030. The White Paper acknowledges in the short to medium-term, the mix of non-renewables will shift away from more carbon-intensive fuels, like peat and coal, to lower-carbon fuels like natural gas. The Climate Action Plan (2019) targets that 70% of electricity must come from renewables by 2030. In 2018, 22% of all energy inputs to electricity generation were from renewable sources, whereas coal and peat accounted for 21% of fuel inputs. Mayo County Council will endeavour to plays its part in promoting more sustainable renewable electricity generation, which are the multiple forms of renewable energy discussed further in the chapter. 11.6.5.2 Built Environment The built environment sector includes residential, commercial and public buildings which generate emissions, primarily as a result of energy demand for space and water heating. Energy efficiency in the built environment sector is crucial to decarbonisation. New building regulations in the residential and commercial sectors have led to significant improvements in the efficiency of new building stock and will improve with the uptake of renewables. According to the CSO, 9.1% of domestic Building Energy Rating’s (BER) in County Mayo in 2018 were Grade B and above. More stringent building regulations were introduced in 2019, requiring all new buildings to be Near Zero Energy Building (NZEB) and all existing dwellings undergoing major renovations to meet a minimum Building Energy Rating (BER) of B2. These regulations will be progressively extended to improve energy efficiency performance, including phasing out the installation of oil boilers. Increased progress in both energy efficiency upgrades and switching to renewable energy sources will be important to achieve low-carbon transition in this sector. Mayo County Council has been proactive in reducing emissions, for example the installation of an 84kW solar photovoltaic (PV) array on Aras an Chontae, Castlebar, the largest Local Authority solar PV array in the country. The PV solar panels will provide over 11% of Aras an Chontae’s electricity usage and will offset over 30,000kg of CO2 per year. Other projects include the retrofitting of public lighting to LEDs and installation of Electric Vehicle (EV) charge points in council carparks. The Council is working towards ISO 50001 Energy Management certification, with the aim of establishing systems and processes necessary to improve energy performance, including energy efficiency, use, and consumption. Greening Built Environments The greening of built environments can also contribute to climate change adaptation and mitigation, by cooling the surrounding area and providing homes for wildlife, as well as ecosystem services. It also boosts property values and adds to the quality of life by filtering the air, reducing noise and creating attractive places where people can live or spend time. The greening of built environments can also help prevent flooding and pollution, damaging wildlife and habitats. The hard surfaces typically created in built environments can contribute to flooding, as rainwater runs off more quickly than from natural land. In relation to a changing climate and more intense storms, it is essential that built environments incorporate sustainable drainage systems (SuDs) to reduce the rate of runoff and contribute towards the greening of towns and village throughout the county. 11.6.5.3 Transport Transport is the second largest emitter of GHG in Ireland, behind agriculture, at 19.8% of the national total emissions in 2018. The transport sector is the biggest contributor of GHG emissions in County Mayo. Economic growth, higher levels of activity, past policies on investment, infrastructure and spatial planning have caused high levels of emissions, air pollution and congestion on roads. Dispersed settlement patterns between where people live and work implicitly increases mobility demand. This has resulted in the long-term trends in Ireland towards more private and motorised transport, which has resulted in the decline in the active modes of travel, such as walking and cycling. To reverse the current trends, the NPF and RSES advocates reducing the distance between where people live and work, which will reduce commuting distances and GHG emissions. Effective land use management will play a major role, by pursing sustainable options such as compact growth of urban and rural settlements for housing. Given Mayo is predominantly a rural based county with a dispersed settlement pattern, rural travel initiatives such as Local Link Mayo and renewable powered transport will low GHG emissions from transport. The Climate Action Plan (2019) seeks to reach 100% ownership of Electronic Vehicles (EV) by 2030, therefore achieving the national target of 950,000 EVs on the road in 2030. Mayo County Council purchased its first fleet of fully electronic vehicles in 2019 and has provided numerous EV charging points at Council premises to help reduce emissions. 11.6.5.4 Agriculture The agricultural sector was the highest emitter of GHG in Ireland in 2018 at 33.9%. The increase in GHG’s is primarily attributed to an increase in animal stock numbers and the resultant increased levels of methane. In the livestock sector, improved feed and animal management has considerable potential to reduce methane emissions. The agricultural sector also has the potential to absorb emissions through effective land-use management. Semi-natural and managed ecosystems within farms provide for active carbon sequestration and reduction of emissions. A range of adjustment measures can also be undertaken relating to farming practices to combat climate change, for example planting, harvesting 205204
- CHAPTER 11 CLIMATE ACTION & RENEWABLE ENERGY 204 205 and watering/fertilising existing crops, using different varieties, diversifying crops, and implementing management practices. The long-term challenge for the agriculture sector is to meet the National Policy Position on Climate Action, which sets a national objective to an achieve carbon neutrality, without compromising the capacity for sustainable food production. Mayo County Council’s ‘A Sustainable Agricultural Strategy for Mayo’ provides a roadmap for the future sustainable development of the agriculture industry in Mayo. It sets out a series of actions that will guide the sector, capitalise on its opportunities and overcome the barriers to developing this significant component of the Mayo economy in an environmentally friendly manner. Furthermore, a greater focus is required on the interactions of agriculture/forestry with climate and potential impacts on biodiversity. Most of the Irish land cover is directly shaped by humans (e.g. pastureland, cropland, forestry) with substantial implications for carbon budgets, climate resilience and biodiversity. In addition, grasslands and forests with a large number of plant species are more productive, capture more carbon and therefore have a higher potential to mitigate against climate change. 11.6.5.5 Nature Based Solutions The concept of nature-based solutions is one of several concepts that promote the maintenance, enhancement and restoration of biodiversity and ecosystems to combat climate change. Nature- based solutions harness the power of nature to reduce green-house gas emissions. Solutions include but are not limited to the provision/restoration of natural habitat, ecological corridors, increased biodiversity, water treatment and retention, local amenity provision, air quality improvement, cultural and heritage preservation and flood mitigation. Nature-based solutions in towns and villages such as tree canopies, green infrastructure and sustainable urban drainage (SuDS) help to prevent flooding and erosion, regulate temperatures, absorb carbon and filter pollutants from the air. Some of these important functions and benefits that nature-based solutions provide include: • Vegetation, particularly trees through photosynthesis which stores carbon as it grows, while it can also reduce air pollution through filtration. • During storm events with high winds, trees act as a natural barrier to reduce wind speed and provide shelter. • Plants in wetland areas attenuate, filtrate and purify water. • Trees and plants reduce water run-off in extreme rain events, taking pressure off the urban drainage system, while also preventing soil erosion.c At local authority level, nature-based solutions and green infrastructure offers an opportunity to develop integrated strategies around economic development, placemaking and rural development. These policies also achieve other social objectives, for example, safe cycling options are beneficial for enhancing human health and the mobility of young people, while local food sourcing can provide an opportunity for the kind of community engagement that the localism and health agendas are seeking to foster. Linking strategic natural assets with cultural and heritage assets further enhances the opportunities for green infrastructure strategies and nature-based solutions to drive recreation and tourism benefits, while building resilience to climate change. Figure 11.1 Nature Based Solutions 11.6.5.6 Land use Land use and land-use change contribute substantially to global greenhouse gas emissions; however, they also offer significant potential to reduce emissions. The natural environment plays a crucial role in absorbing and storing carbon. Mayo County Council recognises the significant potential for cutting future emissions of greenhouse gases through maintaining healthy ecosystems and restoring degraded environments. The Council supports the preservation and restoration of degraded land, forests, peatlands, organic soils, wetlands, reduction in conversion of pastureland, improved grassland management, replanting forests and reducing other pressures on nature. Peatlands and Wetlands Peatlands and wetlands are not as extensive as forests and grasslands, in terms of land use, but on a per unit-area basis, they hold the greatest volume of carbon and therefore are an important naturebased solution. When peatlands and wetlands are drained and damaged, carbon is realised into the atmosphere. The rewetting and restoration of peatlands and wetlands has the capacity to secure existing carbon stock and reinitiate the carbon sequestration capacity of degraded peatlands. Mayo County Council will prepare a peatlands strategy for County Mayo over the lifetime of the Plan. 207206
- CHAPTER 11 CLIMATE ACTION & RENEWABLE ENERGY 206 207 CAP 4 To support local, regional, national and international initiatives for climate adaptation and mitigation and to limit emissions of greenhouse gases through energy efficiency and the development of renewable energy sources, which make use of all natural resources, including publicly owned lands, in an environmentally acceptable manner. CAP 5 To support the National Dialogue on Climate Action, in an effort to increase awareness of climate change, behavioural change and adaptation actions and in doing so provide an ongoing platform for planning climate resilience with a focus on personal responsibility at all levels. CAP 6 To support the transition to a competitive, low carbon, climate-resilient and environmentally sustainable economy by 2050, by way of reducing greenhouse gases, increasing renewable energy, and improving energy efficiency and supporting nature- based solutions to climate adaptation and mitigation that provides co benefits. CAP 7 To support and promote the enhancement of carbon sinks such as peatlands, appropriate afforestation and permanent grasslands, with consideration of afforestation or rewetting on cut away peatlands. CAP 8 To cooperate with the Climate Action Regional Office (CARO) in respect of the implementation of existing and future climate change adaption and mitigation strategies. CAP 9 To support Ireland’s renewable energy commitments outlined in national policy by facilitating the development and exploitation of all appropriate renewable energy sources at suitable locations within the county, where such development does not have a negative impact on the surrounding environment (including water quality), landscape, biodiversity or local amenities, so as to provide for further residential and enterprise development within the county. Biodiversity, Designated and Non-Designated Sites Policies CAO 1 To support and advance the provision of renewable energy resources and programmes in line with the Government’s National Renewable Energy Action Plan (NREAP), the Governments’ Energy White Paper “Irelands Transition to a Low Carbon Energy Future” (2015-2030) and any other relevant policy adopted during the lifetime of this plan. CAO 2 To support, facilitate and advance the achievement of the goals, objectives and actions of Climate Ready Mayo, the Climate Change Adaptation Strategy for County Mayo. CAO 3 To carry out a carbon emissions baseline for County Mayo over the lifetime of the plan. CAO 4 To develop and implement a climate change screening checklist and guidance document over the lifetime of the plan, to ensure new development takes account of climate change over the lifetime of a development, in particular with regard to its location, site layout, building, ventilation and cooling, drainage, water, outdoor spaces and connectivity. CAO 5 To identify and develop Decarbonising Zone(s) in Mayo, as per Action 165 of the Climate Action Plan 2019 and to promote the use of the Decarbonisation Zone(s) as an exemplary example for best practice within the county. Forestry Forests are probably the most familiar, nature-based solution for climate change and can contribute both by reducing emission sources and increasing carbon sinks. Globally, forestry and soils absorb about 30% of atmospheric carbon emissions, partially through forest productivity and restoration. Forestry offers the greatest amounts of cost-effective mitigation opportunities, comprising of about two thirds of all nature-based climate solutions. The NPF recognises that forestry plays an important role in helping with climate change mitigation, through carbon sequestration in forests and the provision of renewable fuels and raw materials. Afforestation is the most significant mitigation option that is available to Ireland’s land use sector, followed by avoided deforestation and improved forest management. In addition, forests have an important role in flood risk management, as they soak up water, store it and release it gradually, limiting floods when it rains and storing water for dry periods. Mayo County Council recognise that forestry, trees and woodlands play an important role in the removal of carbon dioxide from the atmosphere and supports afforestation. According to the National Forest Inventory (2017), 51,330 hectares of land in Mayo comprises of forestry and 508,440 hectares of land is categorised as non-forestry woodland. 55.5% of the forestry lands is publicly owned by bodies such as Coillte and National Parks and Wildlife, with 44.5% privately owned. To meet the required level of CO2 reductions, the Climate Action Plan 2019 targets national afforestation rates of an average of 8,000 hectares per year, in order to reach a national forestry land-cover target of 18% by the second half of this century. Biodiversity, Designated and Non-Designated Sites Policies CAP 1 To support and enable the implementation and achievement of European and national objectives for climate adaptation and mitigation as detailed in the following documents, taking into account other provisions of the Plan (including those relating to land use planning, energy, sustainable mobility, flood risk management and drainage); Climate Action Plan (2019 and any subsequent versions); • National Climate Change Adaptation Framework (2018 and any subsequent versions). • Relevant provisions of any Sectoral Adaptation Plans prepared to comply with the requirements of the Climate Action and Low Carbon Development Act 2015, including those seeking to contribute towards the National Transition Objective, to pursue, and achieve, the transition to a low carbon, climate resilient and environmentally sustainable economy by the end of the year 2050; and Mayo Council Climate Change Adaptation Strategy (2019-2024 and any subsequent versions). CAP 2 To support the National Climate Change Strategy and methods of reducing anthropogenic greenhouse gases on an ongoing basis through implementation of supporting objectives in this Plan, particularly those supporting use of alternative and renewable energy sources, sustainable transport, air quality, coastal zone management, flooding and soil erosion and promotion of the retention of, and planting of trees, hedgerows and afforestation, subject to no significant adverse effects on the environment including the integrity of the Natura 2000 network. CAP 3 To support, promote and facilitate the advancement of climate action at the local and community level in County Mayo and to raise general awareness of issues associated with climate action and climate change mitigation and adaptation. 209208
Source Mayo County Council: Mayo County Development Plan 2022–2028 (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.