Development plan · Roscommon County Council
Roscommon County Development Plan 2022–2028
The council's development plan written statement: its strategy, policies, objectives and development standards.
Roscommon County Council · 2022–2028 · 238 pages
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- ELECTRICITY GENERATION In recent years there has been an increased phasing out of fossil fuels, such as oil, gas, coal and peat for electricity generation, and a steady shift towards renewable energy sources e.g. wind energy/solar energy. The Government’s White Paper on Energy – ‘Ireland’s Transition to a Low Carbon Energy Future 2015- 2030’, provides a roadmap for a low carbon energy system to 2030. It is acknowledged that in the short to mediumterm, the mix of non-renewables will transition from carbon-intensive fuels, like peat and coal, to lower-carbon fuels such as natural gas. The Climate Action Plan (2019) sets a target that 70% of electricity must come f rom renewables by 2030. Roscommon County Council will continue to work towards achieving the above referenced national targets, through leading by example as an organisation and also promoting and facilitating more sustainable forms of renewable electricity generation throughout the county. The framework for this is primarily addressed in the RES which accompanies this Plan. At present 112 MW of renewable energy is being generated in County Roscommon, with the potential for 262 MW to be produced. The figure for potential generation was taken from research undertaken by the Western Development Commission and included in their report “Making the Transition to a Low Carbon Society in the Western Region” (2020). The target of potential generation capacity includes connected, contracted and ECP processed developments and future developments should include renewable energy projects put forward by Sustainable Energy Communities. While it should be noted that capacity is not available at all times, the currently connected renewable generation is well above the average county demand. Table 8.1 Renewable Energy Potential in Co. Roscommon Connected Wind (MW) Connected Hydro and other RE (MW) Total Connected RE (MW) Contracted (MW) Total Connected & Contracted (MW) Total Connected & Contracted & ECP (MW) Demand Max (MW) Demand Min (MW) 112 0 112 14 126 262 48 10 CLIMATE ACTION, ENERGY AND ENVIRONMENT POLICY OBJECTIVES It is a policy objective of Roscommon County Council to: CAEE 8.3 Support developments and actions that assist in achieving the national targets for energy from renewable energy, from renewable resources and reducing greenhouse gas emissions associated with energy production. CAEE 8.4 Encourage and facilitate the various forms of renewable energy development detailed in the Renewable Energy Strategy that accompanies this Plan (as well as any other new forms of renewable energy which may be developed during the lifetime of this Plan), subject to satisfying the principles of proper planning and sustainable development. CAEE 8.5 Facilitate wind energy developments primarily in areas designated in the Renewable Energy Strategy as “Most Favoured” and secondarily in areas designated as “Less Favoured” in the Renewable Energy Strategy, subject to normal planning criteria and having regard to the Wind Energy Guidelines (DECLG, 2006) and any update to the Guidelines that may issue during the lifetime of this Plan. This will include consideration of carbon benefit analysis, as appropriate. 111111Roscommon County Development Plan 2022-2028 – Volume I Chapter 8: Climate Action, Energy and Environment
- CAEE 8.6 Facilitate proposals for energy storage systems and infrastructure, which support energy efficiency and reusable energy systems, provided such proposals accord with the principles of proper planning and sustainable development of the area. CAEE 8.7 Ensure that proposals for renewable energy developments are considered in the context of relevant EU and national legislation, including in respect of environmental protection. No renewable energy developments will be considered in designated Natura 2000 sites or their surrounding buffer areas. CAEE 8.8 Ensure that renewable energy developments do not undermine the preservation and conservation of the natural and built environment and that an appropriate balance is achieved between renewable energy development and preservation of the natural environment. CAEE 8.9 Work in collaboration with EirGrid and other service providers and statutory bodies to facilitate a modern electricity network within the county, including the ‘North Connacht Project’, in line with recognised best practice. The Council will require comprehensive studies to be undertaken for all technical and environmental considerations, to inform the assessment of proposed transmission routes. CAEE 8.10 Support the development of facilities within the county dedicated to the exploration and advancement of renewable energy technologies, recognising that such facilities could assist in expanding public awareness of the sustainable benefits of renewable energy, provide training, research and development facilities for renewable energy. CAEE 8.11 Encourage and facilitate research and development proposals for renewable energies in accordance with the principles of proper planning and sustainable development. CAEE 8.12 Facilitate renewable energy proposals that bring about a direct socio-economic benefit to the local community. CAEE 8.13 Promote the continued growth of the Sustainable Energy Community network by collaborating with SEAI and local communities to increase the number of Sustainable Energy Communities (SEC’s) in County Roscommon to at least 50 by 2030. BUILT ENVIRONMENT AND GREEN SPACES Buildings can generate emissions, principally through space and water heating demands. The green spaces between and around these buildings also forms part of the built environment. Such spaces can help to mitigate the emissions impact of the surrounding buildings. BUILDINGS Energy efficiency within the built environment is now well recognised as a vital component of decarbonisation. New building regulations have resulted in signif icant improvements in the efficiency of new building stock. The Building Regulations have also supported the incorporation of more renewable energies into both new and retrofit buildings. In 2019, more stringent building regulations were introduced, 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. Nationally, the Building Regulations are likely to continue to be progressively modified, with the aim of improving energy efficiency performance in all buildings. Further changes will see the phasing out of the installation of oil boilers in order to support the transition from fossil fuel dependency. 112Roscommon County Development Plan 2022-2028 – Volume I112 Chapter 8: Climate Action, Energy and Environment
- GREEN SPACES Maintaining, enhancing and/or introducing green areas into the built environment makes a significant contribution towards effecting positive climate change, adaptation and mitigation. Green areas within the built environment provide vital ecosystems which improve air quality and support biodiversity. Green infrastructure such as parks, woodlands etc. supports a healthier society by filtering the air, absorbing noise, attracting natural species and creating an overall more attractive location for people to both live in or visit. Green infrastructure also plays a functional role in helping to prevent flooding and pollution which is damaging to urban biodiversity. Hard surfaces generally contribute to flooding, as surface water runs off these areas more quickly. Green areas can absorb and attenuate this water and this is referred to as a more ‘sustainable urban drainage system’ (SUDS). These systems aim to reduce the rate of surface water runoff and thus contribute towards mitigating the impact of flooding as well as providing green spaces in built up areas. CLIMATE ACTION, ENERGY AND ENVIRONMENT POLICY OBJECTIVES It is a policy objective of Roscommon County Council to: CAEE 8.14 Promote the integration of energy efficient systems in all new development proposals, as well as the retrofitting of existing development, in order to increase energy efficiency throughout the built environment in accordance with proper planning and sustainable development. CAEE 8.15 Engage proactively with developers for proposals within the built environment, which could provide opportunities to integrate with existing green infrastructure networks and contribute to the protection and enhancement of green assets. CAEE 8.16 Support the ongoing preservation, maintenance and enhancement of green areas and green infrastructure within the built environment, to reduce carbon dioxide and mitigate against the risk of flooding. 113113Roscommon County Development Plan 2022-2028 – Volume I Chapter 8: Climate Action, Energy and Environment
- TRANSPORT The following content should be read in conjunction with Chapter 6 (Infrastructure) and in particular transport related policies contained in Sections 7.2 to 7.6. The total emissions derived from the transport sector in 2018 was 19.8%.30 Economic and lifestyle changes, along with previous inf rastructural investments, spatial planning and settlement policies have all contributed to transport deficiencies on a national scale. Deficiencies in public and private transport infrastructure have contributed towards increased CO2 emissions, air pollution and congestion. Dispersed settlement patterns which have evolved over many decades, have led to a general disconnect between where people live and where people work. The result is a significant dependency on private cars, as people commute to work and service centres on a daily basis, and a decline in active modes of travel, such as walking and cycling. As outlined in earlier chapters of this Plan, in particular Chapter 2 (Core Strategy and Settlement Strategy), Chapter 3 (People, Places and Housing) and Chapter 4 (Towns and Villages) recognise the need to reverse the current unsustainable patterns of car travel between homes and work / services, and the consequent need for greater alignment between centres of population growth and employment opportunities, and to plan for compact growth and the consolidation of urban areas, thereby reducing the distance between where people live and work. This in turn reduces car dependency, which reduces CO2 emissions. The settlement strategy to achieve more effective land use management has been detailed in Chapter 4 and is focused on in the individual Settlement Plans contained in Volume II. Facilitating opportunities for consolidated growth will contribute to more climate resilient economic centres of growth. In terms of car ownership, the national Climate Action Plan set out an ambitious target of 100% ownership of Electric Vehicles (EVs) by 2030. If successful, this would mean that the national target of 950,000 EVs on the road in 2030 would be achieved. 30 Source: cso.ie It has been clearly recognised in Chapter 3 (People, Places and Housing) that a need will continue for people to reside rural areas, and the Plan makes provision to accommodate rural dwellers that have a social or economic need to reside in the rural area. Alongside this, there is a need to examine and enhance rural travel initiatives, in order to reduce car dependency. The Local Link service that operates in County Roscommon already assists in this, as well as fulfilling a vital social function for many people using this service. CLIMATE ACTION, ENERGY AND ENVIRONMENT POLICY OBJECTIVES It is a policy objective of Roscommon County Council to: CAEE 8.17 Support and facilitate initiatives that will improve sustainable modes of transport within the county, including public transport, electric and hybrid vehicles, improved pedestrian and cycling facilities, as appropriate. CAEE 8.18 Ensure that land use and transportation infrastructure are integrated as part of settlement strategies in order to develop more sustainable and compact settlements which are well served by public transport. CAEE 8.19 Encourage the provision of EV charging points in development proposals that are considered to provide a level of car communal parking spaces which could reasonably accommodate space(s) for EV charging. 114Roscommon County Development Plan 2022-2028 – Volume I114 Chapter 8: Climate Action, Energy and Environment
- AGRICULTURE In 2019, the agricultural sector in Ireland was identified as responsible for the highest level of Greenhouse House Gas (GHG) emissions, at 35.3% nationally.31 This high level of GHG is primarily linked to recent increases in animal stock numbers, which in turn has led to increased methane levels. The agricultural representative bodies have outlined that ongoing efforts within the livestock sector to improve animal feedstuffs and agricultural practices have significant potential to help reduce methane emissions. Evolving farm practices such as the provision of semi-natural and managed ecosystems on farm holdings provide for active carbon sequestration and a consequential reduction of GHGs. Other mitigation measures being developed include more sustainable measures, such as rainwater harvesting for the management of crops and livestock. One of the main challenges facing the agriculture sector is to reduce its overall GHG emissions in order to meet the National Policy Position on Climate Action which aims to achieve carbon neutrality, without compromising its capacity for quality in food production. The EU Farm to Fork Strategy and EU Biodiversity Strategy 2030 are key policy documents in the development of sustainable agriculture and the protection integration and management of wildlife habitats. This Draft Plan will continue to support the agriculture industry and will promote any changes to farming practice. The role of the agriculture sector in County Roscommon has been discussed in Chapter 5 (Rural Development and Natural Resources). This section should be read in conjunction with Policy Objectives 5.2, 5.3 and 5.4. 31 Source : EPA CLIMATE ACTION, ENERGY AND ENVIRONMENT POLICY OBJECTIVES It is a policy objective of Roscommon County Council to: CAEE 8.20 Support agri-sector enterprises that demonstrate they promote positive climate change through, for example reduced levels of greenhouse gas emissions and/or protection or enhancement natural, semi-natural or managed eco-systems. CAEE 8.21 Engage with all stakeholders within the farming community who seek to transition from traditional farming enterprises, into more sustainable agricultural initiatives, identified as being more environmentally sustainable. NATURE BASED SOLUTIONS The concept of nature based solutions is centred on the principle that healthy, natural and managed ecosystems produce a diverse range of services, including climate change actions, which support wellbeing within communities. Nature based solutions essentially harness the power of nature to reduce green-house gas emissions. Examples of such solutions include the protection/provision/restoration of natural habitats, ecological corridors, local amenity/greenspace provision, cultural heritage preservation and/or flood mitigation. Simple examples of nature based solutions are around us every day in our towns and villages. Tree canopies lining a streetscape and green infrastructure such as parks/amenity areas help to absorb carbon and filter pollutants from the air. Roscommon County Council plays a central role in supporting nature based solutions through incorporating green infrastructure into integrated strategies around placemaking, urban and rural development. 115115Roscommon County Development Plan 2022-2028 – Volume I Chapter 8: Climate Action, Energy and Environment
- Figure 8.1: Nature Based Solutions E N V I R O N M E N T A LS O C I A L E C O N O M I C Nature Based Solutions Climate Change Adaptation and Mitigation Health and Wellbeing and Pride of Place Sustainable Living Recreation and Leisure Green Jobs and Tourism Growth Climate Impact Risk Prevention Carbon Sequestration Enhancement of Natural Capital Land and Biodiversity CLIMATE ACTION, ENERGY AND ENVIRONMENT POLICY OBJECTIVES It is a policy objective of Roscommon County Council to: CAEE 8.22 Work with all stakeholders to increase awareness of nature based solutions, which can help to develop more sustainable and climate resilient urban and rural communities. CAEE 8.23 Encourage the integration of nature based solutions into public and private development initiatives, such as amenity areas, ecological corridors and attenuation ponds, which can support carbon absorption and provide flood mitigation. 116Roscommon County Development Plan 2022-2028 – Volume I116 Chapter 8: Climate Action, Energy and Environment
- LAND USE Land use and land-use adaptation can have a signif icant influence on climate change. Opportunities to reduce greenhouse gas emissions can be positively exploited through appropriate approaches to land use within the built and natural environment. URBAN LAND USE How we influence the pattern of development, in terms of location, scale, density and integration within our built up settlements, can support positive climate change. More consolidated development can reduce car dependency and facilitate a more climate friendly and sustainable urban environment. The identif ication of appropriate land uses that provide more compact, permeable and accessible spaces within the urban footprint, will create more walkable urban settlements and support carbon reduction. In line with the vision and strategic objectives of the NPF and RSES, Roscommon County Council is committed to providing a more sustainable land use strategy, which will see a more efficient and sustainable use space within our built up settlements throughout the county. This is reflected in the land use zoning strategy contained within this Plan, for the various settlements within the county SUSTAINABLE ENERGY COMMUNITIES The concept of sustainable energy communities involves supporting land use initiatives which deliver greener, more climate resilient urban/rural settlements. Examples of such initiatives can include the provision of energy efficient buildings, renewable technologies, green infrastructure and dedicated walking/cycling spaces all of which contribute to sustainable placemaking. Roscommon County Council is committed to advancing the concept of sustainable energy communities throughout the county, with the intent of identifying settlements that could champion initiatives aimed at tackling climate change. RURAL LAND USE Within the rural and natural environment, Roscommon County Council recognises the potential benefits derived from reducing its level of GHG emissions through maintaining healthy ecosystems and restoring degraded environments. The Council supports the preservation and restoration of degraded lands, peatlands, organic soils and wetlands which serve to absorb and retain carbon dioxide. PEATLANDS AND WETLANDS Peatlands and wetlands whilst less extensive than grasslands and forests in terms of land cover, retain on a per unit-area base, the greatest volume of carbon and thus represent an important nature based solution to climate change. Intensive harvesting of wetlands and peatlands, generally associated with fossil fuel production, causes carbon to be released into the atmosphere. Conversely preserving, rewetting and the restoration of such areas has the capacity to retain existing carbon stocks and also reinitiate the carbon sequestration capacity of degraded peatlands. 117117Roscommon County Development Plan 2022-2028 – Volume I Chapter 8: Climate Action, Energy and Environment
- FORESTRY Forests are considered to be the most recognisable nature based solution for supporting climate change, as they absorb carbon dioxide, acting as a carbon sink. Forests and soils are estimated to absorb approximately 30% of atmospheric carbon emissions through forest productivity and restoration. (source epa.ie) The NPF highlights the signif icant role which forestry will play in achieving a reduction in CO2 emissions, thereby helping Ireland achieve binding climate action targets. Afforestation, avoided deforestation (of natural forests) and improved forestation management are recognised as the most feasible and effective land use related climate mitigation options currently available to Ireland. The Climate Action Plan (2019) aims to increase national afforestation rates to an average of 8,000 hectares per year, in order to reach a national forestry land-cover target of 18% by 2050. As noted in Chapter 5, there are just over 28,000 hectares (11.1%) of afforested lands in County Roscommon.32 The Council supports forestry related initiatives, namely afforestation and preservation of natural forests, which collectively serve to reduce CO2 levels and have a positive impact on climate change. 32 Department of Agriculture – Annual Forest StatistiED Report (2019). CLIMATE ACTION, ENERGY AND ENVIRONMENT POLICY OBJECTIVES It is a policy objective of Roscommon County Council to: CAEE 8.24 Ensure land use plans provide the appropriate framework to deliver consolidated development within the established settlements throughout County Roscommon, in order to support the delivery of lower carbon, more walkable urban centres. CAEE 8.25 Protect and enhance the biodiversity and ecological value of wetlands and other landscape features such as semi-natural grasslands, rivers, streams and turloughs which support the ecological network throughout County Roscommon. CAEE 8.26 Support the preservation and restoration of peatlands in County Roscommon, where appropriate, in order to transition towards a low-carbon county. CAEE 8.27 Ensure that peatland areas, including those designated or proposed for designation (including NHA, pNHA or Natura 2000 sites), are protected so as to allow their continued role as carbon sinks, which contribute towards reducing CO2 emissions. CAEE 8.28 Facilitate forestry related proposals which can support reduction in CO2 emissions, where it can be demonstrated they will not have significant adverse the Natura 2000 network and accord with the principles of proper planning and sustainable development. 118Roscommon County Development Plan 2022-2028 – Volume I118 Chapter 8: Climate Action, Energy and Environment
- 8.6 Roscommon County Council Climate Action Initiatives In addition to putting in place a framework to tackle climate change at the county level, Roscommon County Council as an organisation is also committed to maximising opportunities to increase energy efficiency as part of the transition to becoming a more climate resilient and low carbon organisation, leading by example. Effective actions which have been undertaken to date include: g Upgrades were undertaken to the fire stations in Roscommon, Boyle, Castlerea and Ballaghaderreen, as well as Monksland Civic Centre in 2017. Works included the installation of solar photovoltaic (PV) panels, upgrading heating and hot water systems and controls, replacement of light fittings to LED, cavity and attic insulation and window replacements. The initiative resulted in energy consumption savings of approximately 30% across the five buildings (equivalent to an annual cost saving of c.€19,500); g The Council purchased its first fleet of fully electric vehicles in 2019. EV charging points have been provided at Council premises to facilitate EVs and help reduce emissions; g The Council has supported significant investment programmes into green initiatives, for example the recently developed cycle corridor between Lough Key Forest and Activity Park and Boyle, which has not only provided green infrastructure, but also a vital social, health and wellbeing facility for the community of Boyle and its surrounding environs. 119119Roscommon County Development Plan 2022-2028 – Volume I Chapter 8: Climate Action, Energy and Environment
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Source Roscommon County Council: Roscommon 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.