Offaly County Development Plan 2021–2027 (as varied) — Chapter 3: Climate Action Energy

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   Offaly County Development Plan 2021-2027 Chapter 3 Climate Action and Energy Page 67 Chapter 3: Climate Action and Energy Strategic Aim: To achieve a transition to an economically competitive, low carbon climate resilient and environmentally sustainable county, through reducing the need to travel, promoting sustainable settlement patterns and modes of transport, and by reducing the use of non-renewable resources, whilst recognising the role of natural capital and ecosystem services in achieving this. 3.1 Introduction Ireland’s climate is changing in terms of sea level rise, higher average temperatures, changes in precipitation patterns, more frequent weather extremes, the spread of invasive alien species and increased risk of wild fires, for example, upland gorse fires. Changes in Ireland’s climate are in line with global trends; temperatures have increased by about 0.8⁰ Celsius over the period 1900-2012 which is an average of about 0.07⁰ Celsius per decade. According to the Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA’s) Greenhouse Gas Emissions Projections Report 2017-2035, climate change can result from natural processes and more recently due to human activities through emissions of greenhouse gases (GHGs). The current global aim is to tackle climate change resulting from human activities whose greenhouse gas emissions are changing the composition of the earth’s atmosphere. The concentrations of heattrapping greenhouse gases have increased significantly in our atmosphere beyond their natural levels. The fifth assessment report of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC, 2013), concluded that there is at least a 95% probability that the global warming of the last 50 years is a result of human activities, with the main contribution to this warming coming from the burning of fossil fuels. As a result, levels of atmospheric GHGs are now 30% higher than at any time during the last 800,000 years. In global terms, Ireland is a small country with a relatively small population. However, Ireland’s greenhouse gas emissions per person are amongst the highest of any country in the world. The argument that we are too small a country to make a difference holds no ground - climate change is a global problem that requires a strong and coherent response at global, European, national, regional and local level involving appropriate adaptation measures. 3.1.1 Global Level The Paris Agreement entered into force on 4 November 2016, and was adopted by 195 parties to the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change - representing 95% of global GHG emissions. The Paris Agreement aims to keep global warming below a 2°C increase by the end of the 21st century and pursue efforts to limit the temperature rise to 1.5°C, according to the recommendations of the IPCC.

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   Offaly County Development Plan 2021-2027 Chapter 3 Climate Action and Energy Page 68 3.1.2 European Level The 2030 targets provided under the EU Effort Sharing Regulations 2018 set by each EU member state range from 0% to 40% reduction in GHG emissions compared to 2005 levels, factoring in a flexibility which depends on their GDP per capita in the interests of fairness and cost-effectiveness. Ireland’s target is set at 30%. The European Commission will report annually on progress towards achieving the targets. Where a member state does not meet its annual obligation in any year, taking into account the use of flexibilities, the shortfall is multiplied by a factor of 1.08 and this penalty is added to the following year’s obligation. The EU Commission European Green Deal 2019 sets out a roadmap for making the EU’s economy sustainable by turning climate and environmental challenges into opportunities across all policy areas and making the transition just and inclusive for all with an overall target of having no net emissions of GHGs in 2050. The EU will also provide financial support and technical assistance to help people, businesses and regions that are most affected by the move towards the green economy. This is called the Just Transition Mechanism and will help mobilise at least €100 billion over the period 2021-2027 in the most affected regions. 3.1.3 National Level The Climate Action Plan 2019 to Tackle Climate Breakdown is committed to achieving a net zero carbon energy system for Irish society and create a resilient and sustainable country. Decarbonisation is a must if the world is to contain the damage from the impact of GHG emissions and build resilience for our countries and communities. The Climate Action Plan sets out over 180 actions, together with hundreds of sub-actions, that need to be taken at a time when the warning signs are growing, and the time for taking action is rapidly reducing. It identifies how Ireland will achieve its 2030 targets for carbon emissions and puts us on a trajectory to achieve net zero carbon emissions by 2050. Every relevant sector is addressed: electricity, enterprise, housing, heating, transport, agriculture, waste, and the public sector. In particular, the Climate Action Plan states that better land use management should be responsible for 26% of total carbon dioxide emission reductions over the period 2021 to 2030. The National Adaptation Framework (NAF); Planning for a Climate Resilient Ireland (2018) by Department of Communications, climate action and Environment (DCCAE) (which was developed in accordance with section 5 of the Climate Action and Low Carbon Development Act 2015) 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. It outlines a whole of government and society approach to climate adaptation. Under the Framework a number of Government departments will be required to prepare sectoral adaptation plans in relation to a priority area that they are responsible for. The Framework states that regardless of how successful efforts to reduce GHG emissions prove to be, the impact of climate change will continue over the coming decades because of the delayed impacts of past and current emissions. This NAF and its successors will set out the context to ensure local authorities, regions and key sectors can assess the key risks and vulnerabilities of climate change, implement climate resilience actions

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   Offaly County Development Plan 2021-2027 Chapter 3 Climate Action and Energy Page 69 and ensure climate adaptation considerations are mainstreamed into all local, regional and national policy making. The National Planning Framework 2018-2040 has as a National Strategic Outcome; ‘transition to a low carbon and climate resilient society’. Every year Government issue an Annual Transition Statement which includes an overview of climate change mitigation and adaptation policy measures adopted to reduce GHG emissions and to adapt to the effects of climate change in order to enable the achievement of the national objective of transitioning to a low carbon, climate resilient and environmentally sustainable economy by the end of 2050. The National Mitigation Plan (NMP) 2017 by Department of Communications, Climate Action and Environment (DCCAE) includes over 100 individual actions for various Ministers and public bodies to implement in an effort towards decarbonising our economy, progress of which will be reported to Government annually in its Annual Transition Statement. The actions relate to decarbonising electricity generation, the built environment, transport and agriculture, forestry and land use sectors. The NMP will be succeeded by new NMPs at least every 5 years as provided for under the Climate Action and Low Carbon Development Act 2015. 3.1.4 Regional Level The Regional Spatial and Economic Strategy (RSES) 2019 for the Eastern and Midland Region sets out an integrated policy to enable the creation of a sustainable region with the capability to be resilient to future climate change. The RSES identifies a number of key Regional Strategic Outcomes which include; the need to conserve and enhance the biodiversity of our protected habitats and species including landscape and heritage protection; to identify, protect and enhance our Green Infrastructure and ecosystem services; to ensure the sustainable management of our natural resources; to build climate resilience, to support the transition to a low carbon economy by 2050 and the protection of the healthy natural environment to ensure clean air and water for all. In terms of addressing the future challenges of climate change, the Council will work closely with the Climate Action Regional Offices (CAROs). The Dublin Metropolitan Climate Action Regional Office (run by the four Dublin local authorities assisted by Codema) and the Eastern and Midland Climate Action Regional Office (run by Kildare County Council) will be responsible for planning and actions regarding Climate Change mitigation and adaptation in their regions. Climate Action Regional Offices shall ensure coherence and coordination with the RSES when formulating regional climate change adaptation plans. 3.1.5 Climate Adaptation and Mitigation The impacts and risks of climate change can be reduced and managed through mitigation and adaptation actions. The aim of climate adaptation is to reduce the vulnerability of our environment, society and economy and increase resilience. Climate adaptation involves taking steps to adjust human and natural systems in response to existing and anticipated impacts and to take advantage of new opportunities that may arise. Adaptation also brings opportunity through green growth, innovation, jobs and ecosystem enhancement as well as improvements in areas such as water and air

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   Offaly County Development Plan 2021-2027 Chapter 3 Climate Action and Energy Page 70 quality. One of the key issues relating to the preparation of a Development Plan in the context of climate adaptation is flooding. Strategic Flood Risk Assessment (SFRA) facilitates the appropriate zoning of areas that are at elevated risk of flooding and the integration of flood risk management provisions into Development Plans. Climate mitigation describes action to reduce the likelihood of climate change occurring or reduce the impact if it does occur. This can include reducing the causes of climate change (for example, emissions of GHGs) as well as reducing future risks associated with climate change. One of the key issues relating to the preparation of Development Plans in the context of climate mitigation relates to GHG emissions arising from transport. Development Plans are primarily land use plans, and land use plans and transport are closely linked. By improving sustainable mobility through land use planning, Development Plans have the potential to reduce existing levels of GHG emissions and limit increases in future emissions. Other beneficial effects arising from climate mitigation include contributions towards reductions in energy consumption, increases in alternative energy usage, maintenance / improvement of air quality and reductions /limits in noise emissions. Figure 3.1 Mitigation and Adaptation Actions (Source: Eastern and Midland Climate Action Regional Office). 3.1.6 Local Level (County Offaly) Whilst Offaly has a long history of energy production related predominantly to the commercial exploitation of peatlands, national environmental policies are dictating the wind down of traditional fossil fuel powered stations and a diversification of our energy production towards green energy such as wind, solar and bioenergy. Offaly County Council recognises the potential economic benefit of a transition from fossil fuel based energy production through to investment in renewable energy, the promotion of the green enterprise sector and the creation of green collar jobs; all components of a local ‘smart green economy’.

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   Offaly County Development Plan 2021-2027 Chapter 3 Climate Action and Energy Page 71 Offaly County Council adopted a Climate Change Adaptation and Energy Efficiency Strategy for the county in 2019, which takes on the role as the primary instrument at local level to: (i) ensure a proper comprehension of the key risks and vulnerabilities of climate change; (ii) bring forward the implementation of climate resilient actions in a planned and proactive manner; and (iii) ensure that climate adaptation considerations are mainstreamed into all plans and policies and integrated into all operations and functions of Offaly County Council. 3.1.7 Climate Change and Flooding The Council have avoided incompatible zoning in areas at risk of flooding and integrated various provisions into the Plan that will contribute towards climate mitigation and adaptation, including provisions requiring that climate change is taken into account in flood risk management, for example: • Chapter 3 “Climate Action & Energy”, Policy CAEP-55 “….The assessments shall consider and provide information on the implications of climate change with regard to flood risk in relevant locations. The 2009 OPW Draft Guidance on Assessment of Potential Future Scenarios for Flood Risk Management (or any superseding document) and available information from the CFRAM Studies shall be consulted with to this effect.” • Chapter 13 “Development Management Standards”, DMS-106 “Flood Risk assessments”, “….The assessments shall consider and provide information on the implications of climate change with regard to flood risk in relevant locations….” Furthermore, Policy CAEP-56 from Chapter 3 “Climate Action & Energy” states that: “It is Council policy to ensure that applications to existing developments in flood vulnerable zones provide details of structural and non-structural risk management measures to include, but not be limited to specifications of the following - floor levels, internal layout, flood resilient construction, flood resistant construction, emergency response planning, access and egress during flood events.” 3.1.8 Legislative and Policy Context In the preparation of this chapter of the Plan, regard has been had to the following; • EU Renewable Energy Directive 2009/28/EU • 2030 EU Climate and Energy Framework 2014 • EU Effort Sharing Regulations 2018 • EU Floods Directive 2007/60/EC • EU Directive 2001/77/EC Renewable Energy

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   Offaly County Development Plan 2021-2027 Chapter 3 Climate Action and Energy Page 72 • EU Directive on the Energy Performance of Buildings (2002/91/EC) • The Paris Agreement 2015 • EU Commission European Green Deal 2019 • Fifth Assessment report on the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change, 2013 • EU Clean Energy for All Europeans 2016 • Project Ireland 2040 National Planning Framework • National Development Plan 2018-2027 • Regional Spatial and Economic Strategy 2019 • National Policy Position on Climate Action and Low Carbon Development 2014 • Energy White Paper Ireland’s Transition to a Low Carbon Energy Future 2015 -2030 • A Roadmap for Moving to a Competitive Low Carbon Economy in 2050 • National Adaptation Framework, Planning for a Climate Resilient Ireland, 2018 • The National Climate Change Adaptation Framework Plan 2018 • The Climate Action and Low Carbon Development Act 2015 • Local Authority Adaptation Strategy Development Guidelines 2014 • National Mitigation Plan 2017 (or subsequent editions) • Annual Transition Statement 2018 • National Policy Framework, Alternative Fuels Infrastructure for Transport in Ireland 2017-2030 • Environmental Protection Agency’s Greenhouse Gas Emissions Projections Report 2017-2035 • National Peatlands Strategy 2015 • Climate Action Plan 2019; To Tackle Climate Breakdown by Government of Ireland • Environmental Protection Agency’s 2019 guidance note ‘Integrating Climatic Factors into the Strategic Environmental Assessment process in Ireland’ • Offaly County Council Climate Change Adaptation and Energy Efficiency Strategy 2019 • Grid Development Strategy – Your Grid, Your Tomorrow, Eirgrid, 2017 • Tomorrow’s Energy Scenarios 2017 – Planning our Energy Future, Eirgrid • Eirgrid’s Tomorrow’s Energy Scenarios 2019 System Needs Assessment • The Planning System and Flood Risk Management Guidelines for Planning Authorities, 2009

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   Offaly County Development Plan 2021-2027 Chapter 3 Climate Action and Energy Page 73 • Specific Planning Policy Requirement contained in the Interim Guidelines for Planning Authorities on Statutory Plans, Renewable Energy and Climate Change 2017 • Ireland’s National Forest Inventory 2017 • Building Regulations Part L (2007- 2011) 3.2 Renewable Energy Under EU Directive 2001/77/EC Renewable Energy, renewable energy sources are defined as renewable non-fossil energy sources such as, but not limited to wind, solar, geothermal, wave, tidal, hydropower, bioenergy, landfill gas, sewage treatment plant gas, bio-gases and bio-char (i.e. the thermal treatment of natural organic materials in an oxygen-limited environment). 3.2.1 Circular Bio Economy The circular economy and bio economy involves the value of all products, materials and resources being maintained for as long as possible and waste is significantly reduced or even eliminated. The circular economy and particularly the bio economy (the biological element of the circular economy) can produce opportunities for forest based biomass and residues and agriculture residues such as from crops, animal and dairy by-products to be used to produce biomaterials and biochemicals through biorefining or to produce heat and / or power through combustion or anaerobic digestion. Biorefining provides a strategic opportunity for largescale sustainable use of biomass in the bio economy resulting in cost-competitive co-production of food and feed ingredients and also bio-based products and bioenergy with optimal socioeconomic and environmental impacts (for example, efficient use of resources and reduced GHG emissions). The circular economy approach is also applicable to land use management. The extent to which we prioritise brownfield over greenfield use, encourage the use and reuse of buildings in urban and rural areas, and reduce sprawl will all help to increase the efficiency of land use. 3.2.2 Geothermal Geothermal energy refers to heat energy stored in the ground. Ireland is particularly well suited to the use of ground source heat pumps, due to its temperate climate, along with rainfall levels that ensure good conductivity and year round rainfall recharge. Heat is supplied to the ground from two sources, namely the hot core of the planet and the sun. It can be classified as either ‘deep’ or ‘shallow’ depending on the depths from which it is sourced. The deep geothermal energy can only be accessed through geological processes or by drilling through the surface. The second source of heat in the ground is from radiation from the sun. This energy can be regarded as stored energy which stays relatively warm throughout the year. The heat can then be extracted by using a ground source heat pump.

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   Offaly County Development Plan 2021-2027 Chapter 3 Climate Action and Energy Page 74 3.2.3 Hydro Energy Hydroelectricity is electricity derived from the power harnessed from the flow of falling water, typically from fast-flowing streams and rivers. Small-scale micro hydro power is both an efficient and reliable form of energy and can be a viable way of providing power to houses, workshops or businesses that need an independent supply. In responding to planning applications, the Council will seek to ensure that the free passage of fish is provided for by incorporating a fish pass where considered necessary in consultation with the relevant Fisheries Board and the Department of Communications, Energy and Natural Resources. Many of the rivers and tributaries in the county are protected under the Birds and Habitats Directives or another heritage designation such as protected structures and this should be a consideration during the investigation of any possible site. 3.2.4 Solar Energy There are three basic approaches used today to harness and gain maximum benefit of solar energy in buildings. These are Passive Solar; Active Solar Heating; and Solar Photovoltaic (PV) Systems. There are a range of technologies available to exploit the benefits of the sun, including solar panels, solar farms, and solar energy storage facilities, all of which contribute to a reduction in energy demand. Solar technologies can be designed into buildings or retro fitted. Larger solar farms have potential to be built on agricultural land and leave room for dual land use so that farm practices, such as grazing, can co-exist with the ground mounted solar panels. These projects are much less visually intrusive than wind and some other forms of energy generation, but may have impacts on local ecosystems, wildlife and the land’s agricultural potential. The following site selection criteria for ground mounted arrays apply: • Typically suited to low lying lands due to a need for level sites; • Accessibility/proximity to electricity networks. Ability to achieve a network connection, typically via a 10kV or 20kV overhead cable on the electricity transmission grid. In general, it is not viable to locate solar farms over 1 km from network infrastructure; • The reuse of previously developed land such as brownfield land, contaminated land or industrial land and non-productive agricultural land in preference to productive agricultural land; • South facing aspect with either flat terrain or sloping gently; and • Land free from obstacles that may cause shading. 3.2.5 Renewable Biogas Landfill Proposals to generate biogas or landfill gas power for electricity will be considered, on suitable sites, having regard to proper planning and sustainable development. Remote sites with ‘antecedent’ uses could be appropriate for these types of development. This type of development may be particularly suitable to combined heat and power developments. Subject to the assessment of the impacts on the

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   Offaly County Development Plan 2021-2027 Chapter 3 Climate Action and Energy Page 75 environment and on the road network in the immediate area, such developments are generally subject to the Integrated Pollution Prevention and Control Licensing system, where environmental assessment will be the responsibility of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). Anaerobic Digestion Anaerobic digestion is a biological process in which microorganisms break down biodegradable material in the absence of oxygen. One of the end products is biogas, which can be combusted to generate electricity and heat, or can be processed into renewable natural gas and transportation fuels. Anaerobic digestion of farm or other wastes and by-products, will be considered, as the process has the potential to combat GHG concerns and to provide alternative sources of incomes to farmers or commercial opportunities for standalone businesses on compatibly zoned sites as outlined in Table 12.1 Land Use Zoning Matrix in Chapter 12. Compressed Natural Gas Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) is natural gas which has been compressed to fit into a Natural Gas Vehicle’s (NGV) tank and is particularly suitable for buses and heavy goods vehicles (HGVs) as an alternative to diesel vehicles. The Council recognises that increased Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) vehicle usage and refuelling infrastructure will lead to a reduction in carbon emissions along with improved air quality. 3.2.6 Wind Energy Site suitability is an important factor in determining the suitability of wind farms having regard to possible adverse impacts associated with, for example, residential amenities, landscape, including views or prospects, wildlife, habitats, designated sites, protected structures or bird migration paths and compatibility with adjoining land uses. The Council is therefore required to achieve a reasonable balance between responding to overall positive Government policy on renewable energy and enabling the wind energy resources of the Planning Authority’s area to be harnessed in a manner that is consistent with proper planning and sustainable development. The Council recognises that community ownership of wind energy projects enables local communities to benefit directly from local wind energy resources being developed in their local areas, ensuring long-term income for rural communities. Wind Energy Strategy A County Wind Energy Strategy forms part of this Development Plan. The Strategy constitutes a plan led approach to wind energy development in County Offaly and sets out areas ‘open for consideration’ for wind energy developments and considerations for the evaluation of wind energy planning applications. Table 3.1 demonstrates County Offaly’s contribution to realising overall national targets (under the Climate Action Plan 2019) on renewable energy and climate change mitigation, and in particular wind energy production and the potential wind energy resource during the plan period.

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    Offaly County Development Plan 2021-2027 Chapter 3 Climate Action and Energy Page 76 Figure 3.2 Mountlucas Windfarm 3.2.7 Renewable Energy Targets In accordance with the Specific Planning Policy Requirement for the Interim Guidelines for Planning Authorities on Statutory Plans, Renewable Energy and Climate Change (2017), Table 3.1 demonstrates County Offaly’s contribution to realising overall national targets (under the Climate Action Plan 2019) on renewable energy and climate change mitigation, and in particular wind energy production and the potential wind energy resource (in megawatts) during the Development Plan period. In setting these targets, the Council has had regard to wind farm and solar farm developments, permitted and undeveloped as well as those under construction, which have the potential to be delivered in the plan period. In addition, Table 3.1 sets a target for battery storage for the plan period. Table 3.1 Renewable Energy Targets for County Development Plan period Wind Energy Target by end of Plan Period: 466.3 MW Solar Energy Target by end of Plan Period: 145 MW Battery Storage Target by end of Plan Period: 445 MW These targets will be reviewed subsequent to the emergence of regional targets for wind and solar energy, and in doing so it will be of paramount importance to reflect on County Offaly’s existing (operational) and committed contribution to Ireland’s 2030 target for onshore wind energy development in relative terms, both within and outside of the region.

Source Offaly County Council: Offaly County Development Plan 2021–2027 (as varied) — Chapter 3: Climate Action Energy (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.