Offaly County Development Plan 2021–2027 (as varied) — Chapter 11: Water Services and Environment

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   Offaly County Development Plan 2021-2027 Chapter 11 Water Services and Environment Page 338 Chapter 11: Water Services and Environment 11.1 Aim Offaly County Council is committed to working with Irish Water in the provision of water services for the sustainable growth of the county and delivering on the key principles of environmental protection and climate action as a backdrop to sustainable growth. Note that Flood Risk Management is dealt with in Chapter 3 Climate Action and Energy. 11.2 Water Services The sustainable growth of the county is dependent on the provision of services and infrastructure. Irish Water was formed in 2013 as a semi-state company under the Water Services Act 2013. As of January 2014, Irish Water replaced Local Authorities as the single provider of water and wastewater services. Irish Water is responsible for the operation of public water and waste water services nationally including, strategic planning, policy development, service provision, customer service and capital investment planning and delivery. Offaly County Council retains its role in facilitating the provision of adequate water services, in conjunction with Irish Water, at a local level, through Service Level Agreements (SLAs). Offaly County Council remains the designated Water Authority for the assessment and approval of on-site waste water treatment systems and is responsible for monitoring of Group Water Schemes; surface water drainage; and administering the Rural Water Programme. The key Irish Water policy documents in existence / pending are: • Irish Water’s Water Services Strategic Plan (2015, under review in 2020), which sets out the strategic objectives for the delivery of water services over the next 25 years up to 2040 and sets a context for investment and implementation plans. This plan is reviewed every five years. • Irish Water’s National Water Resources Plan (expected in 2021) which is a strategic plan for water services that outlines how we will move towards a sustainable, secure and reliable public drinking water supply over the next 25 years, whilst safeguarding the environment. • Irish Water’s Business Plan which sets out the key deliverables for the period 2015 to 2021. The key objective of this plan is to establish a high performing leading national utility. This document sets out both the key components of the transformation and the key infrastructure improvements that will be delivered under the capital investment programme during the term of this business plan. • Irish Water’s Capital Investment Plan 2020-2024 which outlines the indicative priorities and investments in water services infrastructure over the plan period. This Plan aims to deliver

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   Offaly County Development Plan 2021-2027 Chapter 11 Water Services and Environment Page 339 improvements in drinking water quality, leakage, wastewater compliance, business efficiencies and customer service. While many infrastructural requirements and issues relating to public water services are not the direct remit of Offaly County Council, they have implications for planning and development. Offaly County Council will work closely with Irish Water to facilitate the timely provision of water services infrastructure within the county in line with Council’s Core Strategy and Settlement Strategy. The impact of climate change on the water cycle and the resultant impact on water services poses a challenge. These impacts include more frequent and sustained rainfall events and greater vulnerability of low-lying areas to flooding; the availability of water sources and the capacity of water bodies to assimilate wastewater discharges through lower water levels in rivers and lakes in longer and drier summer periods. Offaly County Council will seek to ensure the effects of climate change are mitigated in the delivery of water services infrastructure, in association with Irish Water. 11.2.1 Water Supply Irish Water is responsible for public water schemes in the county. Offaly County Council regulates and administers subsidies for Group Water Schemes. Offaly County Council also administers grants and provides guidance for private wells with the overall responsibility remaining with the householder. Table 11.1 Water Schemes in County Offaly Scheme Type Location Public Water Scheme Banagher, Birr, Clara/Ferbane, Clonbullogue, Coolderry, Daingean, Dungar, Dunkerrin, Edenderry, Geashill, Horseleap, Kilcormac, Kinnitty, Moneygall, Mountbolus, Moyclare, Portarlington, Rahan – Agall / Holmshill, Rahan - Tully, Rhode, Shinrone/Brosna, Tullamore South (Clonaslee), Tullamore North (Ardan), Walsh Island Public Group Water Scheme Ballindarra, Mile Tree, Ballycommon / Kilclonfert, Bishopstown, Shandra Lane, Leamore Leabeg, Durrow, Endrim, Erryarmstrong, Rashina/Kilnagarnagh, Townspark, Bog Road, Cushina / Kilnacarragh, Kilnacarra Private Group Water Scheme Clareen/Aghancon, Ballinagar, Ballyboy, Ballyfore / Ballykilleen, Bloomhill, Boher, Bracknagh, Cadamstown, Clondelara, Clonfinlough, Killeigh/Cloneygowan, Meelaghans, Mountlucas, Tober, Rath 11.2.2 Wastewater The provision of well-maintained quality wastewater treatment infrastructure is essential to facilitate sustainable development of the county in line with the Core Strategy and Settlement Strategy while

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   Offaly County Development Plan 2021-2027 Chapter 11 Water Services and Environment Page 340 also protecting the environment and public health. Irish Water is responsible for the collection, treatment and disposal of wastewater where public wastewater facilities exist in towns and villages. In unserviced areas and outside the main towns and villages, the main method of sewage disposal is by means of individual septic tanks and proprietary wastewater treatment systems. Table 11.2 Public Wastewater Treatment Plants in County Offaly Ballinagar, Banagher, Birr, Bracknagh, Clara, Cloghan, Clonbullogue, Cloneygowan, Coolderry, Edenderry, Ferbane, Geashill, Daingean, Kilcormac, Killeigh, Kinnitty, Leamanaghan, Moneygall, Mountbolus, Mucklagh, Shannon Harbour, Rahan, Rhode, Shannonbridge, Shinrone, Walsh Island, Tullamore 11.2.3 Sludge Management Irish Water is responsible for the treatment and disposal of the sludge that is generated from both its water and wastewater treatment plants. Irish Water has prepared a National Wastewater Sludge Management Plan (NWSMP) which outlines Irish Water’s strategy to ensure a nationwide standardised approach for managing wastewater sludge over a 25-year period. It is proposed that the NWSMP will have ongoing five yearly reviews. The current plan covers 2016-2021 and will be revised and updated in 2021 for the period 2022-2027. A separate plan will be prepared in relation to sludge produced at drinking water plants. The NWSMP proposes to develop a Sludge Hub Centre and Satellite Dewatering Site network for wastewater sludge treatment, optimised on a regional rather than county basis. Tullamore wastewater treatment plant is currently under consideration by Irish Water as a potential site for a Sludge Hub Centre on a regional basis. 11.2.4 Surface Water Drainage The Council is responsible for surface water drainage in the county. Sustainable Urban Drainage Systems (SuDS) is a method to minimise the quantity and increase the quality of surface water runoff and to mitigate adverse impacts of climate change. SuDS can also provide amenity and biodiversity benefits. The Council seeks to ensure the sustainable management of surface water discharges through the use of SuDS. Chapter 3 Climate Action and Energy includes specific policies and objectives on SuDS and flood risk management.

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   Offaly County Development Plan 2021-2027 Chapter 11 Water Services and Environment Page 341 Figure 11.1 Sustainable Drainage Systems

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   Offaly County Development Plan 2021-2027 Chapter 11 Water Services and Environment Page 342 11.3 Water Services Policies General WSP-01 It is Council policy to ensure the efficient and sustainable use and development of water resources and water services infrastructure in order to manage and conserve water resources in a manner that supports a healthy society, economic development requirements, a cleaner environment and climate change mitigation. WSP-02 It is Council policy to liaise and co-operate with Irish Water in the implementation and delivery of the ‘Water Services Strategic Plan’ (2015, under review in 2020), the ‘Irish Water Business Plan 2015-2021’, the ‘Irish Water National Water Resources Plan’ (expected in 2021) and the ‘Irish Water Investment Plan 2020-2024’ (or any amendment thereof) and other relevant investment works programmes of Irish Water, to provide infrastructure to service settlements in accordance with the Council’s Core Strategy and Settlement Strategy. WSP-03 It is Council policy to work in conjunction with Irish Water to protect existing water supply and wastewater infrastructure, to maximise the potential of existing capacity and to facilitate the timely delivery of new water supply and wastewater infrastructure to facilitate future growth in accordance with the Council’s Core Strategy and Settlement Strategy. WSP-04 It is Council policy to require developments to connect to public wastewater infrastructure and public water supplies, where available, including group water schemes, unless otherwise approved by the Planning Authority. WSP-05 It is Council policy as the Regulatory Authority to promote the protection of private water sources, the development of community connections (water and wastewater), and improvement works to septic tanks in accordance with national policy and regulations, and to administer the multiannual Rural Water Programme (2019-2021). WSP-06 It is Council policy to ensure that development is permitted in tandem with available water supply and wastewater treatment and to manage development, so that new schemes are permitted only where adequate capacity or resources exists or will become available within the life of a planning permission. Prior to applying for planning permission, applicants shall consult with Irish Water regarding feasibility and capacity for water services connection. Applicants shall submit proof of documentation that connection to a group water scheme has been granted, where applicable. WSP-07 It is Council policy to ensure the delivery and phasing of services in the county is subject to the required appraisal, planning and environmental assessment processes and shall avoid adverse impacts on the integrity of the Natura 2000 network. WSP-08 It is Council policy to ensure any proposal for geothermal or other energy subsurface exploration is accompanied by an assessment that addresses the potential impacts on groundwater quality.

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   Offaly County Development Plan 2021-2027 Chapter 11 Water Services and Environment Page 343 Water Supply WSP-09 It is Council policy to collaborate with and support, as relevant and appropriate, Irish Water in its role as the lead authority for water services to provide an adequate and appropriate drinking water supply that complies with the EU (Drinking Water) Regulations and the Drinking Water Regulations 2014 (as amended), and any future amendments. In this respect, Offaly County Council will have regard to the Environmental Protection Agency 2019 publication ‘Drinking Water Report for Public Water Supplies 2018’ (and any subsequent update) in the establishment and maintenance of water sources in the county, and in conjunction with Irish Water, undertake recommendations made by the EPA arising from any failure to meet drinking water standards and any enlistment on the EPA’s remedial Action List. WSP-10 It is Council policy to engage with Irish Water to endeavour to facilitate developments which have requirements for water by allowing potential surface and ground water resources of County Offaly and the potential water resources of the River Shannon to be utilised, where practicable and possible, subject to appropriate safeguards. WSP-11 It is Council policy to promote the conservation and sustainable use of water in existing and new development within the county and to encourage demand management measures among all water users including rain water harvesting and grey water recycling. WSP-12 It is Council policy to monitor and regulate Group Water Schemes in accordance with national policy and regulations. WSP-13 It is Council policy to protect the Irish Water Eastern and Midlands Water Supply Project pipeline corridor from inappropriate development that would prejudice the delivery of the project and to refer any planning applications within the development corridor to Irish Water for comment. Waste Water WSP-14 It is Council policy to co-operate and support Irish Water to eliminate untreated discharges from settlements in the short-term, while planning strategically for long-term growth in tandem with Project Ireland 2040 and in increasing compliance with the requirements of the Urban Waste Water Treatment Directive to 90% by the end of 2021, to 99% by 2027 and to 100% by 2040. WSP-15 It is Council policy to support strategic wastewater treatment infrastructure investment by Irish Water and to support Irish Water in providing and maintaining adequate and appropriate wastewater treatment infrastructure to service zoned lands and developments over the lifetime of the Plan in accordance with the Council’s Core Strategy and Settlement Strategy. WSP-16 It is Council policy to liaise with Irish Water to ensure the compliance of wastewater treatment systems with existing licences, EU Water Framework Directive, River Basin Management Plan, the Urban Waste Water Treatment Directive and the EU Habitats Directive. WSP-17 It is Council policy to encourage and support a changeover from septic tanks/private wastewater treatment plants to public collection networks wherever feasible, subject to connection agreements with Irish Water and to ensure that any future development connects to the public wastewater infrastructure where it is available.

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   Offaly County Development Plan 2021-2027 Chapter 11 Water Services and Environment Page 344 WSP-18 It is Council policy to ensure that the proposed wastewater treatment system for development in unserviced areas complies with the relevant EPA Codes of Practice. WSP-19 It is Council policy to require / implement appropriate buffer zones surrounding all effluent treatment plants suitable to the size and operation of each plant. WSP-20 It is Council policy to have regard to the policies and objectives contained in Irish Water’s National Wastewater Sludge Management Plan. WSP-21 Private wastewater treatment plants for multi-house developments will not normally be permitted. Surface Water WSP-22 It is Council policy to ensure adequate surface water drainage systems are in place which meet the requirements of the Water Framework Directive and the River Basin Management Plan and to promote the use of Sustainable Drainage Systems. WSP-23 It is Council policy to limit and manage the permitted stormwater run-off from all new developments. The maximum permitted surface outflow from any new development shall be restricted to that of a greenfield site before any development takes place unless otherwise agreed with Offaly County Council. WSP-24 It is Council policy to require new development to provide a separate foul and surface water drainage system and to incorporate Sustainable urban Drainage Systems (SuDS). WSP-25 It is Council policy to promote the use of green infrastructure, for example green roofs, green walls, planting and green spaces for surface water run-off retention purposes, in the interests of flood mitigation and climate change adaptation.

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   Offaly County Development Plan 2021-2027 Chapter 11 Water Services and Environment Page 345 11.4 Water Services Objectives General WSO-01 It is an objective of the Council to work closely with Irish Water to service development with significant economic development potential and to align the supply of water services to the envisaged settlement size as per the Council’s Core Strategy and Settlement Strategy. The availability of water services must not be a pre-cursor to large-scale growth in inappropriate locations. Water Supply WSO-02 It is an objective of the Council to support Irish Water’s National Programme of Investment to reduce leakage minimising the demand for capital investment. WSO-03 It is an objective of the Council to co-operate with Irish Water in the delivery of the Eastern and Midlands Water Supply Project and to ensure the maximum benefit from this project to County Offaly, in particular with respect to economic development potential and security of supply. WSO-04 It is an objective of the Council to engage with Irish Water to examine significant raw water sources which may be made redundant by the Water Supply Project for the Eastern and Midlands Region with a view to reserving and protecting them for future back up or ‘windfall’ type economic development opportunities where high water use is required. WSO-05 It is an objective of the Council to provide guidance and advice regarding the protection of water supply to private wells with the overall responsibility for protection remaining with the householder. Waste Water WSO-06 It is an objective of the Council to support appropriate options for the extraction of energy and other resources from sewage sludge subject to appropriate environmental assessment and the planning process. WSO-07 It is an objective of the Council to support the servicing of small towns and villages through the serviced sites initiative to provide an alternative to one-off housing in the countryside, in accordance with National Policy Outcome 18b of the National Planning Framework and Regional Policy Objective 4.78 of the Eastern and Midland Regional Spatial and Economic Strategy. Surface Water WSO-08 It is an objective of the Council to improve surface water infrastructure and sustainable drainage and to reduce the risk of flooding, to facilitate the growth of settlements as per the county’s settlement hierarchy. WSO-09 It is an objective of the Council to utilise, where appropriate, the provisions of Section 48 and 49 of the Planning and Development Act, 2000 (as amended) to generate financial contributions towards the capital costs of providing surface water infrastructure in the county.

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   Offaly County Development Plan 2021-2027 Chapter 11 Water Services and Environment Page 346 11.5 Environment Offaly County Council’s environmental policies and objectives aim to minimise waste using the Circular Economy concept; mitigate where possible and adapt to the impacts of climate change; protect and improve ground and surface waters; and provide a clean natural environment. 11.5.1 Water Quality Water Framework Directive and River Basin Management Plan The EU Water Framework Directive (WFD) applies to rivers, lakes, groundwater, estuaries and coastal waters and aims to improve our water quality. In broad terms, the objectives of the Water Framework Directive are: 1. To prevent the deterioration of water bodies and to protect, enhance and restore them with the aim of achieving at least good status; and 2. To achieve compliance with the requirements for designated protected areas. Ireland is required to produce a River Basin Management Plan (RBMP) under the Water Framework Directive (WFD). The Government has published the RBMP for Ireland 2018-2021, working on the basis that Ireland is defined as a single River Basin District (see Figure 11.2 below). The RBMP proposes a programme of measures which aims to meet the environmental objectives and specific requirements of the WFD. The RBMP sets out the measures aimed at protecting our water bodies and at addressing the pressures on those water bodies ‘At Risk’ of not meeting the objectives of the WFD. The RBMP sets out the actions that Ireland will take to improve water quality and achieve ‘good’ ecological status in water bodies (rivers, lakes, estuaries and coastal waters) by 2027. The Council is committed to the protection and improvement of all drinking water, surface water and groundwaters in the county in accordance with the WFD and the RBMP.

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    Offaly County Development Plan 2021-2027 Chapter 11 Water Services and Environment Page 347 Figure 11.2 River Basin Districts for the 2nd Cycle of the WFD (2015-2021) Local Authority Waters Programme The Local Authority Waters Programme (LAWPRO) has been established as a shared service working with Local Authorities and state agencies to develop and implement the River Basin Management Plans in Ireland, as required under the EU Water Framework Directive (WFD). Under the River Basin Management Plan for Ireland 2018-2021, LAWPRO is charged with the assessment of 190 Priority

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