Regional Spatial and Economic Strategy 2019–2031

1. Page 171

   Cite this pagePDF p. 171 (opens the publisher’s copy in a new tab)
   CASE STUDY: Care Peat Peatland ecosystems are arguably the most effective carbon capture machines on the planet when fully functional. In Ireland we burn peat to create electricity or heating and we drain it for agriculture or forestry. Care Peat examines the potential of reducing Ireland’s carbon emissions by up to 5% through re-wetting our peatland habitats, restoring biodiversity and capturing carbon. Care Peat aims to create new economic models that are advantageous to all stakeholders looking at the potentials of carbon credits and sphagnum farming for example to try and find a green solution that will also enhance income for landowners. The project will support collaboration between local authorities, the Bord na Móna Transition Team and relevant stakeholders. It will incorporate relevant policies such as the Bord na Móna Biodiversity Plan 2016-2021 and the national Climate Mitigation and Adaptation Plans52. 52 https://insight-centre.org/Project/care-peat GUIDING PRINCIPLES In the consideration of development on peatland areas, the following Guiding Principles should apply: • Consideration of the potential contribution of peatlands to climate change mitigation and adaptation including renewable energy production. • Consideration of habitats and species of environmental significance. • Consideration of the potential contribution of peatlands to an existing or proposed greenway/blueway/peatway network. • Consideration of the ecosystem services and tourism potential provided by peatlands. • Development of peatlands shall ensure that there are no negative impacts on water quality. REGIONAL POLICY OBJECTIVES: Landscape RPO 7.27: Following the adoption of a national landscape character assessment, the Assembly will prepare a Regional Landscape Character Assessment to promote better landscape management and planning in the Region. RPO 7.28: Work with local authorities and relevant stakeholders, to identify areas of high value agricultural land and to ensure food security in the Region and to promote sustainable farming practices that maintain the quality of the natural environment, protect farm landscapes and support the achievement of climate targets. RPO 7.29: Support collaboration between local authorities, the Bord na Móna Transition Team and relevant stakeholders and the development of partnership approaches to integrated peatland management that incorporate any relevant policies and strategies such as the Bord na Móna Biodiversity Plan 2016-2021 and the national Climate Mitigation and Adaptation Plans. This shall include support for the rehabilitation and/or re-wetting of suitable peatland habitats. 171Environment and Climate

2. Page 172

   Cite this pagePDF p. 172 (opens the publisher’s copy in a new tab)
   7.9 Climate Change Climate change is a global challenge which requires a strong and coherent response at national, regional and local level. Observations show that 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. These changes are projected to continue over the coming decades. Climate change will have diverse and wide-ranging impacts on the Eastern and Midland Region’s environment, society and economic development, including managed and natural ecosystems, water resources, agriculture, food security and bioeconomy, human health and coastal zones. 53 www.urbadapt.com The thematic approach taken in preparation of this Strategy is underpinned by cross-cutting key principles, one of which is climate change. Climate change is impacting and will continue to impact many of the policies and objectives contained in the Strategy and as such informs policies including those in relation to flood risk management and surface water drainage, settlement strategy, transport, waste management, water services, energy, natural heritage, and green and blue infrastructure. Climate policy at global, national, regional and local level will continue to be driven by the need to reduce GHG emissions, replacement of fossil fuels or high embedded carbon products with sustainable alternatives such as biobased products, and also enhancing carbon sinks. Emissions in the Region largely come from energy supply, transport, residential and commercial buildings and industry. However, no matter how successful efforts to reduce GHG emissions turn out to be, climate change will continue to impact the Region over the coming decades. The need for appropriate adaptation or climate proofing measures will therefore also be necessary to ensure a comprehensive response to the challenge of climate change in the Region. Adaptation involves taking steps to adjust human and natural systems in response to existing and anticipated climatic change, in order to avoid unwanted impacts and to take advantage of new opportunities that may arise. The priority policy areas identified are energy generation, the built environment and transport. The National Adaptation Framework outlines the following summary of observed and projected climate changes and impacts for Ireland. For an overview of legislation and policy relating to climate change refer to Appendx D. Project Ireland 2040 the National Planning Framework outlines the role of the planning system in facilitating mitigation of and adaptation to climate change and ensuring that sustainable infrastructure networks build resilience to climate change. In this regard National Strategic Outcome 8 is dedicated to achieving transition to a Low Carbon and Climate Resilient Society. This objective will shape investment choices over the coming decades in line with the National Mitigation Plan and the National Adaptation Framework noting that new energy systems and transmission grids will be necessary for a more distributed, renewable energy focused system, harnessing both the considerable on-shore and off-shore potential from energy sources such as wind, wave and solar and connecting the richest sources of that energy to the major sources of demand. CASE STUDY: URB-ADAPT Urb-ADAPT is a partnership between EMRA and University College Cork, funded by the EPA, to aid climate change adaptation for urban areas in the Eastern and Midlands region. With Dublin city as a case study, the project aims to develop a regional approach to the assessment and management of current and future vulnerability to climate risks. The project will identify options and requirements and produce implementation guidelines for local authorities across our region in adapting to a changing climate53. 172 Regional Spatial & Economic Strategy

3. Page 173

   Cite this pagePDF p. 173 (opens the publisher’s copy in a new tab)
   Chapter 1: Introduction and Policy Context Table 2 Summary of observed and projected climate changes and impacts for Ireland Parameter Observed Projected Example of Biophysical Impacts Temperature n Average temperatures have increased by 0.8°C since 1900, an average of 0.07°C per decade. n The number of warm days (over 20°C) has increased while the number of cold days (below 0°C) has decreased. n Projections indicate an increase in average temperatures across all seasons (0.9- 1.7°C). n The number of warm days is expected to increase and heat waves are expected to occur more frequently. n Incidences of cold stress are likely to decrease while incidences of heat stress will increase. n The duration of the growing season will increase, occurring earlier and extending farther. Precipitation n Increase in average annual national rainfall of approximately 60mm or 5% in the period 1981-2010, compared to the 30- year period 1961-1990. n The largest increases are observed over the west of the country. n Significant reductions are expected in average levels of annual, spring and summer rainfall. n Projections indicate a substantial increase in the frequency of heavy precipitation events in Winter and Autumn (approx. 20%). n The increased occurrence of dry spells will result in increased pressure on water supply. n An increase in the frequency of extreme precipitation events will result in increased fluvial and pluvial flood risk. Wind Speed and Storms n No long-term change in average wind speed or direction can be determined with confidence. n The number and intensity of storms in the North Atlantic has increased by approx. three storms per decade since 1950. n Projections indicate an overall decrease in wind speed and an increase in extreme wind speeds, particularly during winter. n The number of very intense storms is projected to increase over the North Atlantic region. Projections suggest that the winter track of these storms may extend further south and over Ireland more often. n Increases in extreme wind speeds may impact on wind turbines and the continuity of power supply. n Infrastructure will be at risk due to the increased occurrence of intense storms (e.g. winter 2013/2014). Sea Level and Sea Surface Temperature n Historically, sea level has not been measured with the necessary accuracy to determine sea level changes around Ireland. However, measurements from Newlyn, in southwest England, show a sea level rise of 1.7cm per decade since 1916. These measurements are considered to be representative of the situation to the South of Ireland. n Sea surface temperatures have increased by 0.85°C since 1950, with 2007 the warmest year in Irish coastal records. n Sea levels will continue to rise for all coastal areas, by up to 0.8 m by 2100. The south of Ireland will likely feel the impacts of these rises first. n Sea surface temperatures are projected to continue warming for the coming decade. For the Irish Sea, projections indicate a warming of 1.9°C by the end of the century. n Significant increase in areas at risk of coastal inundation and erosion. n Increased risk to coastal aquifers and water supply. n Change in distribution fish species; n Implications for fisheries and aquaculture industries. 33Planning for a Climate Resilient Ireland Figure 7.5 Observed and projected climate changes and impacts for Ireland Source: National Adaptation Framework Green Infrastructure & Eco-system services Integrate Green Infrastructure and Ecosystem services into development and land use plans Flood resilience & water Address flood risk and coastal erosion, to ensure resilience of critical infrastructure and water resources in the Region Sustainable Transport Achieve modal shift towards public transport, walking and cycling and roll out EV charging infrastructure Built Environment Promote sustainable settlement patterns to achieve compact urban development and low energy buildings Energy & waste Identify Strategic Energy Zones and district heating opportunities, support a just transition to clean energy and a circular economy Climate Action Reduce emissions by 40% by 2030 and support transition to a low carbon Region by 2050 Figure 7.4 Climate Stategy 173Environment and Climate

4. Page 174

   Cite this pagePDF p. 174 (opens the publisher’s copy in a new tab)
   Current Situation 54 http://www.epa.ie/pubs/reports/air/airemissions/ghgprojections2017-2035/EPA_2018_GHG_Emissions_Projections_Summary_Report.pdf The EPA’s Greenhouse Gas Emissions Projections Report 2017-203554 provides an assessment of Ireland’s total projected greenhouse gas emissions out to 2030, progress towards achieving its emission reduction targets set under the EU Effort Sharing Decision up to 2020 and a longer-term assessment based on current projections. The report indicates an overall increase in greenhouse gas emissions from most sectors. The projected growth in emissions is largely underpinned by projected strong economic growth and relatively low fuel prices leading to increasing energy demand over the period. The report finds that Ireland is not projected to meet 2020 emissions reduction targets with our non-Emissions Trading Scheme emissions projected to be between 0% and 1% below 2005 levels in 2020. This compares to the target of 20% below 2005 levels by 2020. Furthermore, Ireland is not on the right long-term trajectory to meet longer term EU and national emissions reduction commitments in the electricity generation, built environment and transport sectors. The main emissions sources which are relevant to the EMRA Region include electricity, built environment, the transport sector and agriculture. In terms of energy the largest source of emissions is fossil fuel generating stations. Three peat fired stations are located within the EMRA Region in Edenderry, Lough Ree and West Offaly. The majority of emissions from energy industries come from power generation. Peat use for power generation is expected to decrease in the short to medium term and the RSES seeks to ensure that alternative energy sources can be facilitated. In terms of transport aviation (Dublin Airport), road and rail are the main sources of emissions. The overall growth in transport emissions projections is largely underpinned by growth in diesel fuel consumption which is expected to decline post 2025 with the acceleration of the deployment of electric vehicles during this period. Policies are therefore needed to facilitate and encourage use of electric vehicles and to increase the potential for trips to be taken by sustainable modes of transport. Emissions in the agriculture and built environment sector are projected to increase and the RSES will need to address the built environment (mainly residential) sector. Naas Athlone Bray Drogheda Dundalk Longford Mullingar Navan Portlaoise Tullamore Wicklow-Rathnew Maynooth Swords Dublin city and suburbs Carlow File Ref: MDR1402Arc0058F01 Carbon Dioxide Emissions (2015) - Eastern & Midland Region Legend Regional Growth Centres/ Key Growth Settlements Carbon Dioxide Emissions 2015 (kt) -0.576525 - 0.000000 0.000001 - 0.100000 0.100001 - 0.500000 0.500001 - 1.000000 1.000001 - 2.000000 2.000001 - 10.000000 10.000001 - 100.000000 100.000001 - 4564.382105 Regional Spatial & Economic Strategies SEA, AA & RFRA ²Data Source: MapEIre (http://projects.au.dk/mapeire/). Note, the data is provided at a scale of 1km x 1km grid cell. Note: the EPA publishes annual figures on emissions with the latest data available for the year 2017. The spatial data used in MapEIre was published in 2017 but is based on data from 2015. 1:950,000Scale: (A4) Figure 7.6 Carbon Dioxide Emissions in the Region 174 Regional Spatial & Economic Strategy

5. Page 175

   Cite this pagePDF p. 175 (opens the publisher’s copy in a new tab)
   Estimates of GHG emissions at a regional level using 2015 CO2 emissions shows that the highest concentrations of emissions occur in Dublin City and its suburbs, the major settlements, and along the national road network. Some areas show zero to negative CO2 emissions – these areas represent carbon sinks, or areas which can remove CO2 from the atmosphere, such as bogs and large areas of forestry; the mapped distribution of these indicate that the largest sinks occur in the Wicklow Mountains and Slieve Bloom Mountains, as well as in pockets throughout the Midlands. In terms of addressing the future challenges of climate change, the EMRA will work closely with the newly appointed 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. 175Environment and Climate

6. Page 176

   Cite this pagePDF p. 176 (opens the publisher’s copy in a new tab)
   Support Transition to a Low Carbon, Circular & Climate Resilient Region The Eastern and Midland Regional Assembly is committed to the Region becoming a low-carbon and circular region. This will require reduction of all greenhouse gases, of which carbon dioxide is the most prominent. The priority is to minimise energy demand and waste, and then address how energy will be supplied and renewable technologies incorporated. In order to address this, it is necessary to reduce the effects of climate change through settlement and travel patterns, energy use, waste and protection of green infrastructure. 55 http://projects.au.dk/mapeire/spatial-results/download/ In order to ensure that future development in the Region will be transitioned to a low carbon usage there is a need to be able to assess the level of transport demand and greenhouse gas emissions. For local authorities, in analysing land for urban development, there is a need to inform the decision making at Core Strategy stage by the ability to assess the predicted impact of the potential land use on modal split and transport greenhouse gas emissions. The Assembly will progress this method of assessment with key stakeholders and transport agencies to provide a robust method of assessment. In addition, city and county development plans will undergo assessment of their impact and progress on carbon reduction targets (See Chapter 3 Growth Strategy RPO 3.6). CASE STUDY: National mapping of GHG and non- GHG emissions sources The ‘National mapping of GHG and non-GHG emissions sources’ in Ireland was funded by the EPA and carried out by Aarhus University (AU), Denmark, in cooperation with the Irish emission inventory and the EPA GIS team responsible for the EPA GeoPortal, to support national reporting of spatial emissions, which is now a requirement under international conventions and directives. MapEIre provide emissions with a high spatial resolution of 1 km x 1 km. Emissions mainly occur from road transport, with elevated emissions in urban areas. Spatial emissions for 2016 are consistent with 2018 emission inventory reporting. Output from the national emission mapping model “MapEIjoint re” is presented in maps and shapefiles can be downloaded directly from the website55. In terms of addressing the future challenges of climate change, the EMRA will work closely with the newly appointed Climate Action Regional Offices (CAROs). The Dublin Metropolitan Region Climate Change Office (run by the four Dublin Local Authorities) and the Eastern and Midland Region Climate Change Office (run by Kildare County Council) will support Climate Action in the EMRA region. It will be critically important that actions identified by both the Climate Action Regional Offices and the RSES align in terms of ensuring coherence on climate action responses. An increase in electricity demand is likely resulting not only from increased population and economic development but also resulting from a move away from the use of fossil fuels in the transport sector towards clean mobility. In order to ensure security of electricity supply the Strategy must address this increased demand for electricity in such a way as to strike a balance between addressing the need for a significant shift towards renewable energy and enabling resources to be harnessed in a manner consistent with the principles of proper planning and sustainable development. A key element of the Strategy is the need to monitor progress towards achieving a low carbon, circular and climate resilient society. The bioeconomy in Ireland has enormous potential which is yet to be unlocked. Development of the bioeconomy is also consistent with Ireland’s low carbon transition objective. Favouring renewable biological resources over fossil fuelbased ones through the expansion of the bioeconomy, whilst keeping sustainability concerns to the fore, has the potential to contribute towards meeting Ireland’s climate change targets. As the bioeconomy has the potential to grow rural and regional businesses and jobs, it is a useful instrument to embed pro-environmental actions. The bioeconomy extends from farming and the agri-food businesses, marinebased industries, forestry, waste management, energy suppliers, and pharma and bio-technology products. Ireland has flourishing firms in all of these sectors but much more can be done to unlock the bioeconomy’s commercial potential and its environmental benefits. 176 Regional Spatial & Economic Strategy

7. Page 177

   Cite this pagePDF p. 177 (opens the publisher’s copy in a new tab)
   CASE STUDY: Bioeconomy A sustainable bioeconomy is the renewable segment of the circular economy. It can turn bio-waste, residues and discards into valuable resources and significantly cut food waste. Realising this potential requires investment and implementing systemic changes that cut across different sectors (agriculture, forestry, fisheries, aquaculture, food, biobased industry). EU and National Funds will support Research and Innovation outputs that address cross-cutting challenges and opportunities in the bioeconomy, including the teaming up of regions in bioeconomy-related Smart Specialisation partnerships. The Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine and SEAI are also supporting a number of bioeconomy related projects including Agri Bio Circular Economy, led by UCD - ABC Economy, develops new sustainable value chains for the circular bioeconomy in Ireland by maximising value and minimising environmental impacts through cascading of biomass for production of biobased products and energy56. 56 https://www.seai.ie/resources/seai-research/research-projects/details/agri-bio-circular-economy-abc-economy REGIONAL POLICY OBJECTIVES: Climate Change RPO 7.30: Within 1 year of the adoption of the RSES, the EMRA shall seek with other stakeholders to carry out an assessment of transport emissions in the Region to identify GHG forecasting and to analyse the emissions impacts of development in the Region. RPO 7.31: Within 1 year of carrying out a regional emissions assessment, EMRA shall compile and publish an emissions inventory and, in collaboration with the relevant departments and agencies, agree emissions reductions targets in accordance with agreed national sectoral plans and to support an aggregate 40% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions by 2030 in line with the EU 2030 Framework. RPO 7.32: With the assistance and support of the Climate Action Regional Offices, local authorities shall develop, adopt and implement local climate adaptation and mitigation strategies which shall address issues including local vulnerability to climate risks and identify and prioritise actions, in accordance with the Guiding Principles of the National Adaptation Framework, National Mitigation Plan. RPO 7.33: Climate Action Regional Offices shall provide support to the local authorities on the development, adoption and implementation of local climate action strategies (which can address both adaptation and mitigation). Ongoing support should relate to the specific actions, and obligations and timescales for same that must be undertaken by the local authorities in accordance with local climate change adaptation strategies and compliance with national policy. RPO 7.34: EMRA supports the National Policy Statement on Bioeconomy (2018) and supports the exploration of opportunities in the circular resource-efficient economy including undertaking a bioeconomy feasibility study for the Region to identify the area of potential growth in the Region to inform investment in line with the national transition objective to a low carbon climate resilient economy. 177Environment and Climate

8. Page 178

   Cite this pagePDF p. 178 (opens the publisher’s copy in a new tab)
   Decarbonising the Energy Sector The Region will need to shift from its reliance on using fossil fuels and natural gas as its main energy source to a more diverse range of low and zero-carbon sources, including renewable energy and secondary heat sources. Decentralised energy will be critical to the Region’s energy supply and will ensure that the Region can become more self-sufficient in relation to its energy needs. Generating electricity supply from indigenous renewable sources requires: • facilitating the provision of appropriate renewable energy infrastructure and technologies and deeper cooperation with Northern Ireland and the EU • expansion and upgrading of the grid with the aim of increasing the share of variable renewable electricity that the all-island system can accommodate • Onshore wind, bioenergy, solar and offshore energy • Effective community engagement including support for micro generation • Moving from carbon intense fossil fuel generation to lower emissions fuels • Increasing the use of electricity and bioenergy to heat our homes and fuel our transport • The need to ensure sufficient electricity to meet increased demand The Strategy supports an increase in the amount of new renewable energy sources in the Region. This includes the use of wind energy – both onshore and offshore, biomass, and solar photovoltaics and solar thermal, both on buildings and at a larger scale on appropriate sites in accordance with National policy and the Regional Policy Objectives outlined in this Strategy. It is necessary to establish a consistency of approach by planning authorities, both in identifying areas suitable for renewable energy development and having regard to potential impacts, inter alia on biodiversity, landscape and heritage. It is also necessary to reflect the advancements in technology, and reflect the need to engage with, and be responsive to the needs of communities asked to host renewable energy infrastructure. The need for early stakeholder engagement in relation to renewable energy generation projects is critical. Effective community engagement is essential for building public confidence and to help Ireland achieve a transition to renewable energy. An increase in community participation in renewable energy projects such as community ownership models should be supported in this regard. Optimisation of community benefit from renewable energy projects also needs to be ensured. The ‘Sustainable Energy Community’ Network is a programme established by Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI) supporting communities in which everyone works together to develop sustainable energy systems. 200 no. communities across Ireland are now part of the Sustainable Energy Communities network, a rapidly expanding national movement towards a cleaner energy future. This programme has been particularly successful in the Region. CASE STUDY: Dunleer Sustainable Energy Community In 2015 the Dunleer Sustainable Energy Community (SEC) was established with the vision of providing leadership to the community of Dunleer County Louth and other communities across Ireland on addressing the challenge of climate change. The objectives of the group are: • Education; through the ‘energy ambassadors’ community education programme to advise people on everyday steps to reduce energy use • Retrofit of homes; leading to a 30% reduction in energy use in 200 homes throughout County Louth • Community energy generation; partnering with the Centre for Renewable Energy at Dundalk IT, Louth County Council and the Alheim region in Germany to develop knowledge and best practice District heating offers an efficient and cost-effective heating option using networks from a variety of potential technologies and renewable energy sources, such as combined heat and power (CHP), biomass energy, geothermal or energy from waste. The use of renewable energy solutions to provide heating and hot water to houses and businesses contributes to sustainability as it reduces demand for and consumption of energy while using a renewable form of fuel. 178 Regional Spatial & Economic Strategy

9. Page 179

   Cite this pagePDF p. 179 (opens the publisher’s copy in a new tab)
   Waste heat presents a huge indigenous resource. Waste heat is the single largest available low-carbon source of energy available in the Region that is not being used. In Dublin City alone, there is enough waste heat to meet the heating demands of nearly half of the city’s buildings. These sources of heat are typically used in District Heating systems. Sources of waste heat include data centres. Waste heat is a resource which is too often overlooked and can meet a large proportion of the Region’s heat demands indigenously and without fossil fuels. In response, the Strategy seeks to support the micro-generation, geothermal energy, district heating, storage of heat and energy and the role of the electricity transmission and distribution network. CASE STUDY: HeatNet South Dublin County Council has an established track record in participating in European projects, with a focus on Spatial Planning and Energy for Communities in partnership with other local authorities across Europe and the Covenant of Mayors initiative. In partnership with City of Dublin Energy Management Agency (CODEMA), the Council is now leading a project to develop Dublin city’s first public district-heating network. With partners across 5 EU states, the ‘HeatNet’ project will link Tallaght Hospital to the County Hall complex to form the core of a district-heating network which when operational is expected to save the Council almost 1,900 tonnes per year after 5 years. Heatnet will run until 2020 and will receive European Regional Development Funding through the INTERREG North West Europe programme. Local authorities should harness the potential of renewable energy in the Region across the technological spectrum from wind and solar to biomass and, where applicable, wave energy, focusing in particular on the extensive tracts of publicly owned peat extraction areas in order to enable a managed transition of the local economies of such areas in gaining the economic benefits of greener energy. The provision of infrastructure should be supported in order to facilitate a more distributed, renewables-focused energy generation system, harnessing both on-shore and off-shore potential from energy sources such as wind, wave and solar and connecting sites of optimal energy production to the major sources of demand. REGIONAL POLICY OBJECTIVES: Decarbonising the Energy Sector RPO 7.35: EMRA shall, in conjunction with local authorities in the Region, identify Strategic Energy Zones as areas suitable for larger energy generating projects, the role of community and micro energy production in urban and rural settings and the potential for renewable energy within industrial areas. The Strategic Energy Zones for the Region will ensure all environmental constraints are addressed in the analysis. A regional landscape strategy could be developed to support delivery of projects within the Strategic Energy Zones. RPO 7.36: Planning policy at local authority level shall reflect and adhere to the principles and planning guidance set out in Department of Housing, Planning and Local Government publications relating to ‘Wind Energy Development’ and the DCCAE Code of Practice for Wind Energy Development in Ireland on Guidelines for Community Engagement and any other relevant guidance which may be issued in relation to sustainable energy provisions. RPO 7.37: A bioeconomy plan for the Region should be developed that outlines the capacity of the Region to supply the range of bioenergy resources required for the fuel mix as well as the current and projected consumption requirements for growth in this market. RPO 7.38: Local authorities shall consider the use of heat mapping to support developments which deliver energy efficiency and the recovery of energy that would otherwise be wasted. A feasibility assessment for district heating in local authority areas shall be carried out and statutory planning documents shall identify local waste heat sources. 179Environment and Climate

10. Page 180

    Cite this pagePDF p. 180 (opens the publisher’s copy in a new tab)
    Low Energy Buildings The design, construction and operation of new buildings has a significant role to play in reducing energy demand and increasing energy efficiency into the future. Careful consideration should also be given to the adaptability of buildings over time, to enable the building stock to be retrofitted or refurbished to meet higher energy efficiency standards into the future. The importance of wood as a low embodied energy material in the construction industry is recognised. The Strategy recognises the importance of the concrete industry in the sustainable long-term development of the construction industry. The ‘wholelife performance’ of concrete products is acknowledged as is the aggregates and concrete industry’s continued strive to provide a net positive environmental impact throughout the lifetime of its products57. The National Energy Efficiency Action Plan (NEEAP) 2013- 2020 was updated in 2017 and requires the public sector to show leadership on energy efficiency with a target of 33% improvement in energy efficiency applied to the public sector. The recast of the Energy Performance of Buildings Directive (EPBD) requires that all new buildings (public and private) are Nearly Zero-Energy Buildings (NZEB) by 2020 (this broadly equates to a BER Rating A3). This is a critical requirement for the housing stock in particular. REGIONAL POLICY OBJECTIVES: Low Energy Buildings RPO 7.39: Local authorities shall report annually on energy usage in all public buildings and will achieve a target of 33% improvement in energy efficiency in all buildings in line with the requirements of the National Energy Efficiency Action Plan (NEEAP). RPO 7.40: Local authorities shall include policies in statutory land use plans to promote high levels of energy conservation, energy efficiency and the use of renewable energy sources in existing buildings, including retro fitting of energy efficiency measures in the existing building stock and energy efficiency in traditional buildings. All new buildings within the Region will be required to achieve the Nearly Zero-Energy Buildings (NZEB) standard in line with the Energy Performance of Buildings Directive (EPBD). RPO 7.41: Support and promote structural materials in the construction industry that have low to zero embodied energy & CO2 emissions. 57 https://www.irishconcrete.ie/backbone-sustainable-construction/environment/ Decarbonising Transport, Sustainable Settlement Patterns and Compact Growth There is an increasing awareness and understanding of the ability of coherent transport planning to contribute towards lowering our national carbon emissions profile, as well as supporting the local economy, facilitating economic development and providing other social and economic benefits to local communities. Well-planned settlements can ensure that sustainable transport patterns are established by reducing the need for unnecessary private car journeys – and the associated CO2 emissions - and promoting modal shift towards low-carbon travel alternatives such as public transport, walking and cycling. Chapter 8 Connectivity of this Strategy puts forward a Transport Strategy which provides for a shift towards alternatives to the private car, increased walking and cycling, and promotion of greater efficiency in the use of our transport networks. It is of fundamental importance that the distribution of activity (for example where people live and work) is planned in a manner which reduces the need to travel and achieves a move towards a low carbon society having regard to the impact which transport has on carbon emissions. Clean and energy-efficient vehicles play an important role in reducing energy consumption, CO2 levels and pollutant emissions. Green public procurement policies therefore represent a valuable tool in demonstrating strong leadership, as well as normalising and supporting the uptake of lowemission vehicles. This is recognised on a national and international level through the Clean Vehicles Directive. Full electrification of the national car fleet represents a feasible option for Ireland, where supporting recharging infrastructure is developed. Though it is expected that most electric vehicle (EV) recharging will happen in homes with driveways, it is important that charging is available where this is not an option. The roll out of EV infrastructure, in particular EV charging infrastructure must, therefore, be integrated and mainstreamed into spatial and planning policies and supported across all levels of governance to ensure that the charging network will allow us to meet current and future needs in the Region. Modal shift to public transport or non-motorised transport should be supported through improved behaviour and improved transport infrastructure. This should be supported by increased availability of low carbon fuels/biofuels such as Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) as well as implementation of the National Policy Framework on Alternative Fuels Infrastructure for Transport in Ireland and on Parking. 180 Regional Spatial & Economic Strategy

Source Eastern and Midland Regional Assembly: Regional Spatial and Economic Strategy 2019–2031 (June 2019) · 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.