Monaghan County Development Plan 2025–2031

1. Page 211

   Cite this pagePDF p. 211 (opens the publisher’s copy in a new tab)
   209 facilitate a more sustainable transition to EVs in Northern Ireland, the border counties of Ireland and Western Scotland. This project was supported by the EU’s ‘INTERREG VA Programme’, managed by the Special EU Programmes Body. The project partnership has completed the physical rollout and installation of 75 rapid (50kW capacity) electrical vehicle charging stations in the programme area by the end of 2023, with 2 locations within the County. Monaghan County Council will continue to support the installation of EV chargers and encourage the community to make better sustainable choices for transportation. 8.2.5 BETTER ENERGY COMMUNITIES Since 2015, Monaghan County Council has acted as the exemplar for the implementation of the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland Community Grants, which supports energy efficiency community projects through capital funding, partnerships, technical support, and a partnership approach. The project can involve residential housing, private and public sector nonresidential and commercial buildings, voluntary and community organisations. Communities participating in this programme are encouraged to become a Sustainable Energy Community (SEC), where they will work in close partnership with similar groups from their industry and local areas, and the SEAI will provide mentoring and technical expertise in conjunction with Monaghan County Council. With significant support from SEAI, there is growing momentum and interest for the community and local businesses to harness energy efficiency and invest in renewable energy projects. 8.2.6 WIND ENERGY Wind energy can make a significant contribution towards reducing greenhouse gas emissions. Monaghan County Council will seek to achieve a balance between enabling the wind energy resource of the County while responding to government policy on renewable energy. This requires taking account of the visual, environmental and amenity impacts to ensure consistency with proper planning and sustainable development. There are a number of issues which must be taken into consideration when dealing with applications for wind energy development. These include visual impact, landscape protection, impacts on residential amenity, impact on wildlife and habitats, connections to the national grid and impact of construction and ancillary infrastructure including access roads and grid connections. There are currently three wind farms operating in the County including those at Drumlins Park (49MW), Old Mill, Lough Egish (17MW) and Mullanalt (7.5MW). A further 33.1MW has been approved for a wind farm development at Coolberrin in north Monaghan. When determining applications for wind farm development the planning authority will have regard to the provisions of the Wind Energy – Guidelines for Planning Authorities, DoEHLG 2006 and any new or updated/subsequent versions. These guidelines are currently under review, and it is expected that the revised guidelines will make additional provisions to deal with noise, shadow flicker and amenity concerns arising from wind farms. The draft Revised Wind Energy Development Guidelines published in December 2019 is the most relevant guidance document to be used in the preparation and assessment of wind energy proposals. Regard will also be had to the ‘the ‘European Best Practice Guidelines for Wind Farm Development’ (European Wind Energy Association). The Northern and Western Regional Assembly have also commenced the preparation of a Regional Renewable Energy Strategy which will focus on wind and solar. All proposals for wind energy developments shall include an assessment indicating the impact of the proposed development on protected bird and mammal species. An Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) may also be required as part of any planning application for a large-scale commercial wind turbine scheme. 8.2.7 BIOENERGY Bioenergy is a form of energy or fuel that is made from living organisms or their waste. These fuels can be produced from purpose grown energy crops, forestry deposits all sustainable organic/suitable feedstocks, such as agricultural residues, food waste, manure, and industrial by-products. There is significant potential for the use of bioenergy to make a significant contribution toward renewable energy targets. This has positive environmental impacts such as diverting slurry from land spreading to anaerobic digestion with resultant improvements in air quality. The process of deriving biofuel from crops can also deliver multiple benefits through farm diversification and the generation of additional income streams for farmers while at the same time increasing biodiversity and additional energy security. The Department of Communications, Energy and Natural Resources (DoCENR) published a Draft Bioenergy Plan in 2014 and this publication identified that meeting the demand for bioenergy from native sources has the potential to generate significant economic and environmental benefits for Ireland. It aligned with the national policy for waste outlined in ‘A Resource Opportunity – Waste Management Policy in Ireland’ (DECLG, 2012) by contributing to waste recovery. Environment, Energy and Climate ActionEnvironment, Energy and Climate Actionintroductionchapter 01Monaghan County Development Plan 2025 – 2031Environment, energy and climate actionchapter 08

2. Page 212

   Cite this pagePDF p. 212 (opens the publisher’s copy in a new tab)
   The Government’s Waste Action Plan for a Circular Economy 2020-2025 was Ireland's first roadmap for waste planning and management. This plan sought to shift focus away from waste disposal towards preserving resources by creating a circular economy. The goal is to have a circular economy that reduces carbon impact and protects natural resources, environment and health. This is supported by National Planning Framework 2040 and its Policy Objective 53 which states to ‘Support the circular and bio economy including in particular through greater efficiency in land management, greater use of renewable resources and by reducing the rate of land use change from urban sprawl and new development’. Monaghan County Council will continue to have regard to this National Policy Objective and those objectives which support the circular and bioeconomy as set out in the RSES RPOs 4.27, 4.28 and 4.29. There is a commitment from Government to support delivery of up to 5.7TWh of indigenously produced biomethane by 2030. A first key step to delivering on this ambitious target is the publication of the National Biomethane Strategy. The National Biomethane Strategy (May 2024) sets out the necessary policy and regulatory measures, and provides a roadmap, to developing a biomethane industry of scale in Ireland. The development of the Strategy focused on a framework of five interlinking pillars seen as critical to target delivery: k sustainability, k demand for biomethane, k bioeconomy and the circular economy, k economics of biomethane, and k enabling policy requirements In July 2022, DECC published a target of up to 5.7 TWh, (10%) of national gas demand, to come from biomethane by 2030 as part of the Sectoral Emissions Ceilings. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Ireland’s Provisional Greenhouse Gas Emissions report released in July 2023 on Ireland’s provisional 2022 emissions, highlights the urgency to deliver decarbonisation options for Ireland to meet its 2030 targets. Monaghan County Council will give due regard to the National Biomethane Strategy in conjunction with any land use planning requests for biomethane facilities. The Bioeconomy Action Plan 2023-2025 was the first national action plan for an Irish bioeconomy. The purpose of this plan is to further develop Ireland’s bioeconomy in delivering the vision of the 2018 National Policy Statement on the Bioeconomy; for Ireland “to be a global leader for the bioeconomy through a coordinated approach that harnesses Ireland’s natural resources and competitive advantage and that fully exploits the opportunities available while monitoring and avoiding unintended consequences”. The National Waste Management Plan for a Circular Economy 2024-2030 (DECC) has been prepared to support and supplement the wider policy base and includes specific targets, policies and actions to enable the waste and resource sector to meet the circularity (keeping materials in use for longer) challenge and accelerate the transition to a circular economy. Monaghan County Council acknowledges the potential of bioenergy to realise several objectives contained in this Development Plan in the areas of energy supply and energy security, climate change, environmental quality and pollution and economic development and rural development. In this context Monaghan County Council will promote and support its development and proposals for Bioenergy related development shall be considered on a case by case basis in accordance with planning and environmental considerations. 8.2.8 SOLAR ENERGY Solar energy is any type of energy generated by the sun. It is a renewable energy source which reduces demand for electricity supply from the national grid where energy is mainly sourced from finite fossil fuels. Solar can be a passive energy source i.e. sunlight heating up a room or an active energy source where sunlight is harvested and converted to electricity in solar cells. Solar technology is developing at a rapid pace and has minimal impact on the environment. Modern solar energy installations have made the production of energy from solar more viable in climates such as Ireland’s. Passive solar design refers to the use of the sun’s energy for the heating and cooling of buildings. The incorporation of Passive Solar Design techniques at planning and design stages of a project can deliver significant savings to the owner/occupier. Due consideration of aspects such as siting, layout, built form and landscaping offer a cost-effective means of reducing energy costs and thereby achieving a reduction in greenhouse gas emissions. The guiding principles for the purpose of achieving passive solar design are as follows: 210 Monaghan County Development Plan 2025 – 2031

3. Page 213

   Cite this pagePDF p. 213 (opens the publisher’s copy in a new tab)
   k Orientation - By orientating the principal façade of a building within 30 degrees of the south, solar gain is maximised. A southerly aspect maximises solar gain in the winter months. k Openings - Large window/door openings should be located on the southern aspect of buildings to maximise the available solar gain. Northern facades should have minimal window openings. For optimum layout non-habitable room’s i.e. bathrooms, storage, garages etc. should be located on these elevations. The use of highperformance glazing provides for optimum heat retention within the building. k Shelter - Buildings should use existing topography and landcover to reduce the impact of prevailing winds which result in heat loss to a building. k Avoidance of overshadowing - Where possible, associated building blocks/element and outbuildings should be carefully spaced to minimise overshadowing impacts. Active solar systems can complement and enhance passive solar principles to harness solar energy. Such systems can be retrofitted to any existing building or designed as part of new buildings to achieve energy efficiency. Solar collectors absorb and store the heat generated from the sun to provide or supplement space heating within a building, it can also be used to heat water. A correctly specified and sized unit can provide approximately half of a household’s hot water needs. 8.2.9 GEOTHERMAL ENERGY Geothermal energy utilises the renewable solar gain stored in earth, air or underground water bodies and transforms into a suitable energy use via a heat exchanger. Geothermal heat pumps extract heat energy from the ground, air or underground water sources and upgrade it using compressor technology to a higher temperature which can then be used for space or water heating. Heat pumps generate approximately three units of heat for every unit of electricity used. Maximum benefit from this type of technology can be achieved by using a dual tariff meter and use of cheaper night rate electricity. 8.2.10 LOW ENERGY PERFORMANCE BUILDINGS The 2011 Building Regulations (SI NO 259) require that all new buildings are designed to comply with low energy performance standards. The regulations refer to a range of fuel conservation and energy efficient measures. They also require that in the case of new buildings an element of the energy consumption of the building is supplied from renewable sources. Energy efficient heating systems such as mixed fuel or wood pellet stoves/boilers and ground source heat pumps (geothermal) can provide an alternative to a conventional heating system which relies on fossil fuels. All new developments should comply with the provisions of these building regulations. 8.2.11 PASSIVE HOUSING A passive house combines high levels of comfort all year round with low to no conventional heating required. Passive houses embody high levels of thermal insulation, triple glazing, barrier free construction and air tightness to prescribed standards. In order to achieve full Passive House Certification, a dwelling is required to demonstrate certain compliance with stringent standards in relation to space heating demand and air changes. The construction of a passive house should have regard to the Sustainable Energy Ireland (SEI) Passive Homes - Guidelines for the Design and Construction of Passive House Dwellings in Ireland. 211 REO 1 To support and advance the provision of renewable energy resources and programmes in line with the Governments’ National Energy and Climate Plan 2021 – 2030 and any new or updated/subsequent versions during the lifetime of this plan. RENEWABLE ENERGY OBJECTIVES REO 2 To prepare a Renewable Energy Strategy for the County within one year of the publication and adoption of the publication of the Methodology for Local Authority Renewable Energy Strategies or the Regional Renewable Electricity Capacity Allocations for the Northern and Western Region, whichever is sooner. Such a Strategy shall be shaped and informed by environmental considerations, constraints and sensitivities relevant to the Plan Area - including biodiversity, European sites, and landscape and visual amenity related designations. Environment, Energy and Climate ActionEnvironment, Energy and Climate Actionintroductionchapter 01Monaghan County Development Plan 2025 – 2031Environment, energy and climate actionchapter 08

4. Page 214

   Cite this pagePDF p. 214 (opens the publisher’s copy in a new tab)
   212 REO 3 To facilitate the sustainable development, renewal and maintenance of energy generation infrastructure in order to maintain a secure energy supply while protecting the landscape, archaeological and built heritage and having regard to the provisions of the Habitats Directive and other environmental and ecological considerations. REO 4 To support the production of sustainable energy from renewable sources such as wind, solar, bio-energy and the development of waste to energy/combined heat and power schemes at suitable locations and subject to compliance with the relevant planning policy, the Habitats Directive, and other environmental considerations. REO 5 To encourage the development of small-scale wind energy development and single turbines in urban and rural areas provided they do not negatively impact upon environmental quality, landscape, built heritage, wildlife and habitats, or residential amenity. REO 6 To support and promote the use of renewable energy technologies in the conversion and re-use of existing built developments. REO 7 To support and promote the development and use of passive solar design principles in all new developments taking account of national guidelines and development management policies for rural and urban areas. REO 8 To work in partnership with local communities and other relevant stakeholders to develop energy efficient and renewable energy projects which benefit the County subject to Development Management Standards as set out in Chapter 15. REO 9 To investigate the potential for the delivery of a renewable energy project at Scotch Corner (landfill site), during the lifetime of this plan, subject to available resources. REO 10 To support the sustainable development, upgrading and maintenance of energy, generation, transmission, storage and distribution infrastructure, to ensure the security of energy supply and provide for future needs, whilst also ensuring the protection of the landscape, natural, archaeological and built heritage, and residential amenity. REO 11 Support and facilitate proposals for secure, appropriately scaled energy storage systems and infrastructure, including green hydrogen gas storage which support energy efficiency and reusable energy systems, provided such proposals have regard for health and safety and accord with the principles of proper planning and sustainable development of the area. REO 12 Support and facilitate proposals for hybrid energy systems and/or co-location of renewable energy where applicable where such development has satisfactorily demonstrated that it will not have adverse impacts on the surrounding environment. Monaghan County Development Plan 2025 – 2031

5. Page 215

   Cite this pagePDF p. 215 (opens the publisher’s copy in a new tab)
   8.3 WASTE MANAGEMENT AND THE CIRCULAR ECONOMY The legislative basis for waste management in Ireland is contained in the Waste Management Act 1996 (as amended). The objectives for waste management in Ireland have been dictated by a number of EU Directives such as the Hazardous Waste Directive (96/59/EC), the Landfill Directive (99/31/EC) and the Waste Framework Directive (2008/98/EC). The provisions of these Directives have been translated into national policies. Ireland is moving away from the traditional linear ‘takemake-use-dispose’ model towards a circular economy regenerative growth model where resources are reused or recycled as much as possible, and the generation of waste is minimised. The transition to a circular economy is essential to reduce pressure on natural resources, aid in achieving climate targets, support sustainable development goals and create sustainable growth and jobs. A circular economy will support viable and sustainable enterprise opportunities, jobs and training, using the tools of the modern economy in a new way, harnessing the potential of renewable energy, design and the digital economy to create and recreate value. The Waste Management Act 1996 requires Local Authorities to make a waste management plan either individually or collectively for their functional areas. In 2015 Local Authorities established three Regional Waste Management Planning Offices to develop and implement three regional waste management plans on their behalf. Following an evaluation, it was recommended that a single plan be prepared to replace the existing regional plans. The Regional Waste Management Planning Offices, under the auspices of the County and City Management Association National Oversight Group, have co-ordinated the preparation of the first National Waste Management Plan for a Circular Economy. The National Waste Management Plan for a Circular Economy 2024-2030 (DECC) has been prepared to support and supplement the wider policy base and includes specific targets, policies and actions to enable the waste and resource sector to meet the circularity (keeping materials in use for longer) challenge and accelerate the transition to a circular economy. The National Waste Management Plan sets the thresholds for ‘nationally’ and ‘regionally’ important waste infrastructure. It seeks to influence sustainable consumption and prevent the generation of waste, improve the capture of materials to optimise circularity and enable compliance with policy and legislation. The role of the waste and resource sector is central to this national transition and the National Waste Management Plan for a Circular Economy provides a framework to support this strategy. Monaghan County Council’s strategic objectives, supporting strategies and actions in the area of waste management, include the implementation of the National Waste Management Plan for a Circular Economy. These are incorporated through the policies set out in this chapter. Monaghan County Council will play its part in the implementation of the National Waste Management Plan for a Circular Economy through education and awareness in the area of waste management and by performing a regulatory role by enforcing environmental legislation in respect of house holders, businesses and waste operators which are in line with the National Enforcement Priorities. In addition to this, Monaghan County Council will continue to provide and maintain recycling centres (bring sites and civic amenity sites) as appropriate within the administrative area. 8.3.1 WASTE COLLECTION Municipal waste is collected by the private sector throughout the County. All municipal waste collection contractors are controlled by a waste permit system operated by the National Waste Collection Permit Office (NWCPO), on behalf of the Local Authorities, in accordance with the Waste Management Act. The EU (Household Waste and Bio Waste) (Amendment) Regulations 2023 introduced the requirement for a third bin, specifically for food and organic waste, being allocated to all households in the State. 8.3.2 COMMERCIAL WASTE Under the European Union (Packaging) Regulations 2014, amended in 2020 and 2024, commercial packaging waste can no longer be disposed of to landfill. Almost 40% of municipal waste (household and commercial) is packaging. The Regulations require businesses (manufacturers, hoteliers, wholesalers and retailers) to segregate specified packaging materials arising on their premises and arrange for their collection by licensed operators. There is also an obligation on specified commercial premises (under the European Food and Biowaste Regulations 2015) to have food waste collected and sent for treatment at authorised facilities. 213 Environment, Energy and Climate ActionEnvironment, Energy and Climate Actionintroductionchapter 01Monaghan County Development Plan 2025 – 2031Environment, energy and climate actionchapter 08

6. Page 216

   Cite this pagePDF p. 216 (opens the publisher’s copy in a new tab)
   8.3.3 CONTAMINATION AND REMEDIATION Adequate and appropriate investigations shall be carried out into the nature and extent of any soil and groundwater contamination and the risks associated with site development work, where brownfield development is proposed. The Environmental Protection Agency’s publication Code of Practice: Environmental Risk Assessment for Unregulated Waste Disposal Sites (2013) shall be taken into account as relevant for proposals for development within or adjacent to old landfill sites. 8.3.4 CONSTRUCTION AND DEMOLITION WASTE Construction and Demolition (C and D) waste generated in Ireland has increased considerably over the last decade, corresponding with a steady increase in the level of construction activity. The management of C and D waste is a National Enforcement Priority. The appropriate management of C and D waste is regulated by way of the Waste Facility Permit Regulations 2007 and the Waste Management (Facility Permit and Registration) (Amendment) Regulations 2008 and requires planning permission. Monaghan County Council will assess the potential for recovery and recycling in County Monaghan when considering Certificate of Registration and Waste Facility Permit Sites. All planning applications relating to management and disposal of C and D waste must demonstrate use of the Environmental Protection Agency Best Practice Guidelines for the Preparation of Resource and Waste Management Plans for Construction and Demolition Projects 2024. 8.3.5 LITTER CONTROL The Litter Management Plan 2021 - 2023 contains objectives to promote education and awareness around litter and to support initiatives to tackle littering with a range of interest groups. Monaghan County Council will continue to use its enforcement powers under the ‘Litter Act’ to tackle the issue of littering. 214 WMO 1 To implement and support the strategic objectives of the National Waste Management Plan for a Circular Economy 2024-2030 and any new or updated/subsequent versions. WASTE MANAGEMENT OBJECTIVES WMO 2 To implement the provisions of the Litter Management Plan 2021 – 2023 and any new or updated/subsequent versions. WMO 3 To apply the ‘Polluter Pays’ Principle, proximity principle, and the precautionary principle in respect of all waste management activities. WMO 4 To encourage best environmental practice in all agricultural, industry, business and local authority activities. WMO 5 To support the circular and bioeconomy through the efficient use of resources and to support any development proposals which contribute to this concept. WMO 6 To support the minimisation of waste creation and promote a practice of reduce, reuse and recycle where possible, and to safeguard the environment by seeking to ensure that residual waste is disposed of appropriately. WMO 7 To continue to fulfil the duties of the Council under the Waste Management (Certification of Historic Unlicensed Waste Disposal and Recovery Activity) Regulations 2008 (S.I. No 524 of 2008), including those in relation to the identification and registration, authorisation and subsequent remediation of closed landfills. WMO 8 To require that treatment/management of any contaminated material shall comply as appropriate with the Waste Management Act 1996 (waste licence, waste facility permit) and under the Environmental Protection Act 1992 (Industrial Emissions licensing, in particular the First Schedule, Class 11 Waste). Monaghan County Development Plan 2025 – 2031

7. Page 217

   Cite this pagePDF p. 217 (opens the publisher’s copy in a new tab)
   215 WMO 9 To ensure that all new waste management infrastructure is sited in accordance with the provisions of the Waste Management Infrastructure Guidance for Siting Waste Management Facilities included within the National Waste Management Plan for a Circular Economy 2024-2030. WMO 10 To have regard to the National Enforcement Priorities in the area of waste enforcement. WMO 11 To remediate or mitigate all undeveloped, contaminated sites to internationally accepted standards prior to redevelopment. WMO 12 To promote the sustainable management of poultry and other agricultural wastes through renewable energy facilities to reduce nutrient runoff, improve water quality, minimise greenhouse gas emissions, and support energy generation, while ensuring the protection of local and water resources. WMP 1 All proposals relating to management and disposal of Construction and Demolition Materials and Waste must adhere to the Environmental Protection Agency Best Practice Guidelines for the preparation of Resource and Waste Management Plans for Construction and Demolition Projects 2024, and any new or updated/subsequent versions. WMP 2 All development proposals on contaminated lands shall be accompanied by a report from a qualified, expert consultant in remediation incorporating international best practice and expertise on innovative ecological restoration techniques. These include specialist planting and green initiatives that create aesthetically improved sites, healthy environments and contribute to the provision of new green open spaces as integral parts of newly created areas. WMP 4 Development proposals for the infilling of lands with Construction and Demolition Waste will only be acceptable where it is demonstrated that there will be no adverse impact upon surface and groundwaters. These proposals shall include measures for the prevention and mitigation of any perceived impacts which satisfy the targets of any Waterbody and Catchment Management Plans as developed by Monaghan County Council, LAWPRO and Uisce Éireann and also any Source Protection Plans developed by Group Water Schemes. WMP 5 Development proposals for the infilling of lands for agricultural improvement, shall only be acceptable where it is demonstrated by means of an Agricultural Improvement Plan how the infilling of the lands will meet current farm management requirements or proposed future expansion and will not adversely affect water quality and biodiversity. WMP 3 All development proposals on contaminated lands shall include a full contaminated land risk assessment to demonstrate how: k the proposed land use/s will be compatible with the protection of health and safety (including the durability of structures and services), during both construction and occupation, and k any contaminated soil or water encountered will be appropriately dealt with. WASTE MANAGEMENT POLICIES Environment, Energy and Climate ActionEnvironment, Energy and Climate Actionintroductionchapter 01Monaghan County Development Plan 2025 – 2031Environment, energy and climate actionchapter 08

8. Page 218

   Cite this pagePDF p. 218 (opens the publisher’s copy in a new tab)
   216 8.4 CLIMATE ACTION Mitigating and adapting to the effects of climate change is now largely accepted as one of the greatest societal challenges of our time and will remain the case for future generations to come. It is experienced across a range of occurrences such as increasing global temperatures, extreme weather events, rising sea levels, impact on air quality and air pollution, flooding, changes in the distribution and lifecycle of plant and animal species and the emergence of new pathogens and diseases. In line with global and national projections of climate change, the climate of County Monaghan is projected to change. The frequency of heatwaves, droughts and flooding are expected to increase while projections indicate a decrease in the frequency of cold spells and heavy snowfall. As a result of climate change, the frequency of extreme weather events is projected to change. For County Monaghan, this means that some hazards may occur more often while others may reduce. Below is an overview of projected changes in the frequency of climate hazards for County Monaghan by 2050. Land use planning continues to play a critical role in balancing development with the protection of the environment. Land use planning is becoming increasingly prominent in mitigating and adapting to the effects of climate change, principally in influencing the reduction in Green House Gas (GHG) emissions. It can achieve this by providing for more compact forms of growth, mixed development uses, greater connectivity and more sustainable development. Monaghan County Council is committed to playing its role in transitioning towards a climate resilient low carbon County and this commitment is documented in its Climate Action Plan 2024-2029. Included in the range of actions set out in the County Climate Action Plan is the requirement to embed climate action into all Council plans, policies and strategies including the County Development Plan. Rising to the challenge of climate change is a theme that runs through the County Development Plan and is central to the economic, social and environmental dimensions of sustainable development. This Development Plan seeks to ensure that it: k Supports the implementation of international and national objectives on climate change, k Works closely with the Northern and Western Regional Assembly (NWRA), Climate Action Regional Office (CARO) and other stakeholders to promote climate action policies and objectives, and k Promotes spatial planning policies that are consistent with climate mitigation and adaption. The aim of this Development Plan is to enable the transition of County Monaghan to a climate resilient, biodiversity rich, environmentally sustainable county and climate neutral local economy, with an emphasis on reduction in energy demand and GHG emissions, through a combination of effective mitigation and adaptation in responses to climate change. TABLE 8.6 PROJECTED CHANGE IN FREQUENCY OF CLIMATE HAZARDS FOR MONAGHAN COUNTY BY 2050 Source: Monaghan County Council – Climate Action Plan 2024-2029. Monaghan County Development Plan 2025 – 2031

9. Page 219

   Cite this pagePDF p. 219 (opens the publisher’s copy in a new tab)
   217 8.4.1 INTERNATIONAL LEGISLATIVE AND POLICY CONTEXT Ireland has committed to addressing climate change through a series of international agreements to limit global temperature rise, reduce GHG emissions, improve energy efficiency, and increase energy consumption from renewable sources. These include: k 2030 Climate and Energy Framework (2014) k The Conference of the Parties (COP21) Paris Agreement (2015) k United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (2015) k The European Green Deal (2019) k 2030 Climate Target Plan (2020) 8.4.2 NATIONAL LEGISLATIVE POLICY CONTEXT FOR CLIMATE ACTION The policy making and implementation role of local government in support of national and international climate action has been expanded through climate legislation. There is a greater emphasis on Local Authorities and Regional Assemblies as leaders in creating more sustainable, cleaner, biodiversity rich administrative areas, as set out below: k The Climate Action and Local Carbon Development (Amendment) Act 2021 requires each Local Authority to prepare and make a plan (referred to as a Local Authority Climate Action Plan – LA CAP) specifying the mitigation and adaptation measures to be adopted for a period of five years. k The Climate Action Plan 2024 (CAP24) is the third annual update to Ireland’s Climate Action Plan. The purpose of the Climate Action Plan is to lay out a roadmap of actions which will ultimately lead us to meeting our national climate objective of pursuing and achieving, by no later than the end of the year 2050, the transition to a climate resilient, biodiversity rich, environmentally sustainable and climate neutral economy. It aligns with the legally binding economywide carbon budgets and sectoral emissions ceilings that were agreed by Government in July 2022. k The National Adaptation Framework (NAF) sets out the national strategy to reduce the vulnerability of the country to the negative effects of climate change and to avail of positive impacts. The NAF outlines the government and society approach to climate adaptation in Ireland. It also aims to improve the enabling environment for adaptation through ongoing engagement with civil society, the private sector, and the research community. k The National Planning Framework sets out the role of the planning system in facilitating the mitigation of, and adaptation to, the effects of climate change while ensuring that sustainable infrastructure networks build resilience to climate change. 8.4.3 REGIONAL LEGISLATIVE POLICY CONTEXT FOR CLIMATE ACTION The policy making and implementation role of local government in support of regional climate action has been expanded through the documents set out below: k Northern and Western Regional Assembly - Regional Spatial and Economic Strategy 2020 – 2032 (RSES) provides regional expression to the National Strategic Outcomes and National Policy Objectives of the NPF and identifies climate change as a key issue for the RSES. In this regard, the RSES provides policy support addressing climate change, renewable energy development, flood mitigation and adaptation and ‘Green Infrastructure’ through a number of Regional Policy Objectives (RPOs) which, in turn, have been given local policy expression within this Plan. k The Eastern and Midland Climate Action Regional Office (CARO) - Monaghan County Council is one of 17 Local Authorities cooperating under the Eastern and Midland Climate Action Regional Office (CARO) set up in 2018 in response to Action 8 of the 2018 National Adaptation Framework (NAF) – Planning for a Climate Resilient Ireland to drive climate action at both regional and local levels. The 17 Local Authorities are grouped together based on shared climate change risk characteristics. The risk in this region includes fluvial, rural pluvial and groundwater flooding. 8.4.4 CLIMATE ACTION AT LOCAL AUTHORITY LEVEL Delivering Effective Climate Action 2030 (DECA 2030) is the local government strategy on climate action published in April 2021. The strategy represents an overarching sectoral commitment to ensuring a coherent approach to climate action across the administrative and political structures of all 31 Local Authorities. The strategy is a stated roadmap for Local Authorities in delivering the required decarbonisation and adaptation responses to climate change. The Local Authority Climate Action Charter, signed by Monaghan County Council in October 2019, represents a commitment to scale up efforts and play a key role locally and nationally in delivering effective climate action. Environment, Energy and Climate ActionEnvironment, Energy and Climate Actionintroductionchapter 01Monaghan County Development Plan 2025 – 2031Environment, energy and climate actionchapter 08

10. Page 220

    Cite this pagePDF p. 220 (opens the publisher’s copy in a new tab)
    8.4.5 MONAGHAN COUNTY COUNCIL CLIMATE ACTION PLAN 2024-2029 The Climate Action and Low Carbon Development (Amendment) Act 2021, sets out that Local Authorities are required to prepare their own Climate Action Plans. These plans must cover both mitigation and adaptation and must be updated at least once every five years. The Climate Action Plan 2024-2029 was adopted by Monaghan County Council in February 2024. The ambition of this plan is aligned to the Government’s National Climate Objective which seeks to achieve the transition to a climate resilient, biodiversity rich, environmentally sustainable and climate neutral economy by 2050. The Climate Action and Low Carbon Development (Amendment) Act 2021 frames Ireland’s legally binding climate ambition to deliver a reduction in greenhouse gas emissions by 51% by 2030. To secure this sustainable future for the citizens of County Monaghan, the Council prepared the Climate Action Plan for the period 2024 - 2029 to create a low carbon and climate resilient county, by delivering and promoting best practice in climate action in County Monaghan. The Plan sets out how the Council is responsible for enhancing climate resilience, increasing energy efficiency, and reducing greenhouse gas emissions, across its own assets, services, and infrastructure, which it is fully accountable for, whilst also demonstrating a broader leadership role of influencing, advocating, and facilitating other sectors, to meet their own climate targets and ambitions and to increase climate literacy. A Climate Change Risk Assessment identified flooding as among the main potential threats to communities in County Monaghan. Monaghan County Council will need to proactively plan for and adapt to the current and future climate change risks identified. Within the plan, strategic goals and objectives set the context for the mitigation and adaptation actions proposed. Five key themes were identified as the strategic goals to be adopted in the Plan and these are shown in Figure 8.3. The Monaghan County Council Climate Action Plan 2024 – 2029 identifies the following strategic goals for Climate Action: k To develop and implement climate action across all council activities and operations. k To pursue climate actions to increase climate resilience of the built environment and transport and achieve emission reductions in line with national targets. k To enhance the natural environment of County Monaghan and support nature-based solutions for climate resilience and emission reductions whilst promoting enriched biodiversity. k To support and empower communities to achieve local climate actions to enhance sustainability and resilience. k To create a sustainable and circular economy culture within the organisation of Monaghan County Council and support communities in achieving the same. 218 FIGURE 8.3 THEMATIC AREAS FOR CAP IMPLEMENTATION Source: Monaghan County Council Climate Action Plan 2024-2029. Monaghan County Development Plan 2025 – 2031

Source Monaghan County Council: Monaghan County Development Plan 2025–2031 (2025–2031) · 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.