Regional strategy (RSES) · Northern and Western Region
Regional Spatial and Economic Strategy 2020–2032
The regional strategy for the Northern and Western Region, including the Galway Metropolitan Area Strategic Plan.
Northern and Western Regional Assembly · January 2020 · 320 pages
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- REGIONAL SPATIAL AND ECONOMIC STRATEGY 2020-2032Growth Ambition 5: Infrastructure - Enabling our Region 8 261
- Growth Ambition 5: Infrastructure - Enabling our Region 8.1 Introduction In this Growth Ambition, we focus on how we plan to manage our critically enabling infrastructure over the next 20 years, to support the vision we have for the region, and how we will deliver and manage our infrastructure assets in response to our changing environment. The provision of prudently managed infrastructure is key to delivering a connected, vibrant, inclusive, resilient and smart region that places environmental sustainability and quality of life values at the heart of our decisions. The lack of access to the essential benefits that infrastructure provides – such as electric power, clean water, modern telecommunications, and safe and reliable transportation - impede higher living standards and a significant obstacle to economic development. They prevent private enterprises from succeeding and growing in ways that allow them to create jobs and reduce poverty. How we manage our transport and digital economic infrastructure is considered separately within Growth Ambition 3 and social infrastructure is considered further in Growth Ambition 4. However, they also represent key deliverables in the provision of a smart connected region and are an integral part of our strategic infrastructural enablers.Regional Spatial and Economic Strategy 2020-2032 262 8
- In developing our RSES, the region formed a view on the type of investment required considering the external changes and trends in our environment, but also existing capacity for delivered public services and the raising of the competitiveness of this region, namely: g Changes in our population g Competition for resources at regional and local level g Increased adverse events and impacts of climate change g The fast-pace of changes in technology g Economic growth g Pressures on land use and the environment This approach reflects a change from the traditional infrastructural prioritisation determined at a national level. The process has been much more collaborative and strategic; engaging local stakeholders, national agencies and government department expertise in its formulation. The identified objectives are in line with the National Strategic Outcomes (NSOs) and Strategic Investment Priorities (SIPs) announced under Project Ireland 2040. Considerable asset knowledge has been built during the engagement process, however, this chapter recognises that additional work is needed to better understand the possible impacts of climate change and natural disasters so that this can be incorporated into the regions long term resilience. The NWRA will encourage as a general principle that when the provision of a new item of infrastructure e.g. road or rail is being considered, then the possibility of incorporation of other services (water, broadband, electricity, gas) within the same corridor should be considered. New roads should essentially be infrastructure corridors.Northern & Western Regional Assembly 263 8 Growth Ambition 5: Infrastructure - Enabling our Region
- 8.2 Electrical Grid Network Figure 64 outlines the locations of EirGrid’s electricity grid network, including the various electrical lines (110Kv, 200Kv and 400Kv) and the stations that serve each of these differing voltage lines. Also highlighted in Figure 64 are the locations of the various electricity generating stations, which include hydro, thermal and wind. An understanding of locations of the higher voltage infrastructure is useful, particularly when seeking to identify regional opportunities that may attract industries (e.g. data centres, renewables, etc.). The West Region is particularly rich in renewable energy resources. These generation sources are dispersed across the region but particularly concentrated along the western coastline. There is also a large conventional thermal generator located at Tynagh substation. The main demand centres are composed of a mix of residential, commercial and industrial demand, which is expected to grow over the period of the RSES. The existing transmission network is predominantly lower capacity 110 kV with very little higher capacity of 220 kV and 400 kV transmission infrastructure. Developing the grid will enable the transmission system to safely accommodate more diverse power flows from surplus regional generation and also to facilitate future growth in electricity demand. These developments will strengthen the network for all electricity users, and in doing so will improve the security and quality of supply. This is particularly important if the region is to attract high technology industries that depend on a reliable, high-quality, electricity supply. The Border Region has significant renewable energy resources and supply exceeds demand, so there is an excess of generation in the area. Demand in the region, including the main urban centres, is expected to grow over the period of the RSES. The existing transmission network is composed of both 110 kV and 220 kV circuits. The existing local transmission network facilitates limited interarea power flows between Northern Ireland and Ireland via the existing 275 kV Tandragee – Louth interconnector, located within the hinterland of this region. The major project in this region is the proposed North-South Interconnector between Turleenan and Woodland substations.Regional Spatial and Economic Strategy 2020-2032 264 8 Growth Ambition 5: Infrastructure - Enabling our Region
- The need for reinforcement of the grid in the northwest is being investigated and it is predicated on the level of renewable generation in both Donegal and its hinterland in western Northern Ireland. The solutions, technology and timing of this work are currently being reviewed and is an urgent priority for the region to ensure it has sufficient capacity and resilience. Regionally we have a pivotal role in delivering a successful transition. There are rich renewable energy resources through wind, solar and wave (to mention but a few) along and throughout the region. The former has manifested itself already and wind turbines are a new feature in our landscapes. There is still significant potential for all new outputs to our grid. There are however some big challenges to overcome. Those include a new regulatory environment in the guise of new Wind Energy Guidelines to replace those from 2006, and secondly, a fit for purpose transmission network able to accept, convert and transmit power to those areas of the country where demand exists. The country and the region are in a period of economic growth, this naturally increases electricity consumption and such increases are expected to continue up to 2025. This RSES is an appropriate mechanism to integrate and manage network growth and economic growth. There are several principles which inform national policies, and which should inform the energy infrastructure road map for the region. These include sustainability, security of supply and competitiveness. There are also several policy documents which should inform regional infrastructure policies, these include: g Department of Communications Energy and National Resources White Paper on Energy: Ireland’s transition to a low carbon energy future 2015 – 2030 g EirGrid’s (2017b) Grid Developments Strategy – Your Grid Your Tomorrow g EirGrid’s (2017a) Tomorrows Energy Scenarios 2017: Planning Our Energy FutureNorthern & Western Regional Assembly 265 8 Growth Ambition 5: Infrastructure - Enabling our Region
- Figure 64 below indicates the location of proposed infrastructure upgrades in the region and the following schedule are the current regionally important projects. The Assembly fully supports the delivery of these projects. Figure 64: Electrical Transmission System KILTOY CATHALEEN'S FALL BINBANE DRUMKEEN MEENTYCAT TIEVEBRACK ARDNAGAPPARY SORNE HILL TRILLICK DRYBRIDGE LOUTH DUNDALK MEAT H HILL MULLAGHARLIN SLIGO TAWNAGHMORE CASTLEBAR RICHMOND - GILRA ARIGNA CORRACLASSYCUNGHILL CORDERRY FLAGFORDCARROWBEG GLENREE SHANKILL ARVA RATRUSSAN ENNIS DALLOW PORT LAOISE CRANE CARLOW KILKENNY THURLES CAHIR DOON ANNER BALLYDINE MALLOW RATHKEALE BUTLERSTOWN DUNGARVAN BLAKE TULLABRACK MUNGRET MONETEEN FASSAROE POLLAPHUCA IKERRIN LISHEEN OUGHTRAGH TRALEE DUNF IRTH KILLOTERAN KILLONAN BALLYBEG TIPPERARY GLENLARA BANOGE AT HY PROSPECT NENAGH MONREAD TRIEN DRUMLINE AHANE ARDNACRUSHA LIMERICK SEALROCK WATERFORD TYNAGH BALLYRAGGET CAUTEEN CHERRYWOOD SINGLAND ATHEA CLAHANE DERRYBRIEN AGANNYGAL WEXFORD KILTEEL BALLYWAT ER CULLENAGH TURLOUGH HILL BELCAMP CARRICKMINES SHELLYBANKS IRISHTOWN NEWBRIDGE HUNT STOWN MONEYPOINT ARKLOW LODGEWOOD COOLNABACKY PLATIN KNOCKUMBER ST EVENSTOWN GORMAN BALTRASNA GLASMORE CORDUF F AT HLONE LANESBORO THORNSBERRY CLOON SOMERSET CUSHALING DALTON SCREEB SALTHILL DERRYIRON SHANNONBRIDGE KINNEGAD MULLINGAR DUNMANWAY KILBARRY AGHADA MARINA CARRIGADROHID COOLROE TRABEG BALLYLICKEY CLONKEEN COOMAGEARLAHY GARROW GLANLEE INNISCARRA CLASHAVOON BARRYMORE KNOCKEARAGH REAMORE KNOCKACUMMER BOGGERAGH BRACKLONE DROMADA EAST-WEST INTERCONNECTOR SHELTO NABBE Y Ireland MOUNTLUCAS KILL HILL Northern Ireland GORTAWEE LISDRUM BALLYMENA LOGUESTOWN COLERAINE LIMAVADY COOLKEERAGH KILLYMALLAGHT SLIEVE KIRK LISAGHMORE SPRINGTOWN ST RABANE OMAGH ENNISKILLEN AGHYOULE MAGHERAFELT TAMNAMOREDUNGANNON DRUMNAKELLY NEWRY BANBRIDGE WARINGSTOWN LISBURN BALLYNAHINCH CREAGH ANTRIM KELLS LARNE MOYLE INTERCONNECTOR KILROOT CLIFF GOLAGH TREMOGE GORT MAGHERAKEEL RASHARKIN CASTLEREAGH HANNAHSTOWN Northern Ireland PORT AN KNOCKRANNY KNOCKANURE MULREAVY CLOGHER ST RATFORD CASTLEDOCKRILL KELLIS UGGOOL CRORY TONROE GARVAGH BROCKAGHBOY ARMAGH TANDRAGEE CRONCARKFREE SHRANAKILLA SLIABH BAWN ORIEL KILINAPARSON CAHERNAGH CORDAL BARANADIVANE WOODHOUSE WEST DUBLIN NEWTOWNARDS RATHGAEL BALLYLUMFORD 400 kV Lines 275 kV Lines 220 kV Lines 110 kV Lines HVDC Cables 220 kV Cables 110 kV Cables 400 kV Stations 275 kV Stations 220 kV Stations 110 kV Stations Phase Sh ifting Tr ansformer LEGEND Transmission Connected Generation Hydro Thermal Pumped Storag e Wind All Projects in step 4 to step 6 of the new framework New Assets Uprate/Modify Assets Refu rbish/Replace Assets Please note the planned Northern Irish Network is shown for illustration purposes only. It is not covered by this TDP. Transmission System: 400 kV, 275 kV, 220 kV and 110 kV Indicating Developments in Step 4 to Step 6 as of 01 January 2018 LETTERKENNY BELLACORICK GALWAY CASHLA SHANNON ON CARRICK HARTNETT’S CROSS OLDSTREET KNOCKRAHA MACROOM CLOGHBOOLA BALLYVOUSKILL AUGHINISH CHARLEVILLE SLIEVECALLAN POOLBEG FINGLAS INCHICORE MOY CASTLEFARM - SRANANAGH GARVAGH REGIONAL SOLUTION BOOLTIAGH GLANAGOW RAFFEEN BANDON BRINNY COOMATAGGART BALLYNAHULLA TARBERT KILPADDOGE RINAWADE MAYNOOTH GREAT ISLAND BARODA NORTH WALL DUNSTOWN CLONEE CASTLETOWNMOOR WOODLAND TURLEENAN NAVAN (Source: Eirgrid Transmission Development Plan 2018-2027)Regional Spatial and Economic Strategy 2020-2032 266 8 Growth Ambition 5: Infrastructure - Enabling our Region
- The increased use of existing grid will reduce the need for a new transmission network. The total improvements will comprise 200km of a new transmission network and line upgrade of 700km. The delivery of the above projects will ensure that the population growth projections outlined elsewhere in our strategy will have sufficient electricity infrastructure to service them. The infrastructure improvements will also facilitate the incorporation of known renewable energy generated power into the transmission network. Table 11: Projects in Northern & Western Region Project Name Location North Connacht Project Roscommon, Sligo, Mayo Regional Solution Project (series compensation on 400 kV network) Galway North South 400 kV Interconnector Meath, Cavan, Monaghan, Armagh, Tyrone Bellacorick – Castlebar 110 kV Line update Mayo North West Project (study area) Donegal, Leitrim, Sligo Bellacorick – Moy 110 kV Line update Mayo Cashla – Salthill 110 kV Line update Galway Galway 110 kV Station Redevelopment Galway REGIONAL POLICY OBJECTIVES RPO 8.1 The Assembly support the development of a safe, secure and reliable electricity network and the transition towards a low carbon economy centred on energy efficiency and the growth projects outlined and described in this strategy. RPO 8.2 Support the reinforcement and strengthening of the electricity transmission network with particular reference to the regionally important projects contained within Table 11. RPO 8.3 The Assembly support the necessary integration of the transmission network requirements to allow linkages with renewable energy proposals at all levels to the electricity transmission grid in a sustainable and timely manner. RPO 8.4 That reinforcements and new electricity transmission infrastructure are put in place and their provision is supported, to ensure the energy needs of future population and economic expansion within designated growth areas and across the region can be delivered in a sustainable and timely manner and that capacity is available at local and regional scale to meet future needs. Ensure that development minimises impacts on designated areas.Northern & Western Regional Assembly 267 8 Growth Ambition 5: Infrastructure - Enabling our Region
- 8.3 Gas Networks The Gas Network operated by Gas Networks Ireland, currently extends into the East and West of our region, but does not cover Counties Sligo, Roscommon, Donegal or Leitrim. There are currently no network extensions under construction. Within the lifetime of the RSES, it should be the ambition of our region to explore the extension of the network into Counties Sligo, Roscommon, Donegal and Leitrim and in the first instance examine the feasibility and logistics of such an extension to supply potential domestic and business customers in additional locations. In 2016, a Network Development Plan was published in respect of the future plans for the Gas Network. The Capital Investment Plan element of the network development plan does not reference the network gaps in Counties Sligo, Roscommon, Donegal or Leitrim. However, it must remain an ambition to build out gas supply and that the expansion of the network would bring competitive advantages to the region. The secure supply of natural gas is in itself an important part of the suite of infrastructure necessary to assist in the improvement of regional accessibility generally. Figure 65: Gas Network / Existing and PotentialRegional Spatial and Economic Strategy 2020-2032 268 8 Growth Ambition 5: Infrastructure - Enabling our Region
- CNG can contribute to decarbonisation of high energy usage vehicles, such as heavy goods vehicles (HGVs) and buses, where electricity is currently not a viable alternative to diesel. The conversion of HGVs and buses from diesel to CNG would result in a reduction in carbon emissions and would achieve an immediate improvement in air quality (99% less particulate matter, 70% less Nitrogen Oxide, and 80% less Sulphur Dioxide). The Assembly support the expansion of the Natural Gas (CNG) refuelling infrastructure having regard to the National Policy Framework for Alternative Fuels Infrastructure for Transport which sets a target of 102 CNG refuelling stations by 2030. REGIONAL POLICY OBJECTIVES RPO 8.5 To support the build-out of the gas supply network into Counties Sligo, Roscommon, Donegal and Leitrim and in additional locations in the remainder of the region. RPO 8.6 Facilitate the delivery and expansion of natural gas infrastructure throughout the region and have regard to the location of existing gas infrastructure in assessing potential developments. RPO 8.7 Encourage and support innovative partnerships extending the gas network in the region, including the potential for gas to grid injection facilities along with anaerobic digestion facilities. CASE STUDY SLIGO COMPRESSED NATURAL GAS (SLIGO CNG) In Sligo, businesses and public sector consider the absence of piped natural gas undermines their competitiveness relative to other parts of Ireland. The extension of the gas network to Sligo is a widely agreed strategic ambition across public and private sectors. A short-term alternative may be available using Compressed Natural Gas (CNG). The principle is that a local gas network is developed, independent of the national network but to the same engineering standards, largely to supply existing and future industrial zones. This local network can be fed with compressed gas delivered by road to a decompression station and could ultimately be connected to the national network. The gas can be supplied from traditional sources but in future could be provided by low carbon renewable gas sources from the surrounding area. Similar projects have been developed in Europe and USA and it is consistent with the Gas Networks Ireland development of renewable gas injection network. The project has been led by Sligo Sustainable Energy Community (SEC), sponsored by SEAI and housed in IT Sligo. Sligo SEC represents a collaboration between HSE, Sligo County Council, AbbVie, Abbott, PlanEnergy, Aurivo and Sligo Chamber of Commerce. The concept is at feasibility analysis stage and is expected to move to front end engineering design.Northern & Western Regional Assembly 269 8 Growth Ambition 5: Infrastructure - Enabling our Region
- 8.4 Waste Infrastructure The main policy guidance for Waste Infrastructure in the region is found in the Connacht Ulster Regional Waste Management Plan (CURWMP) 2015-2021. The area of coverage is coincident with the area of the Regional Assembly. Mayo County Council is the regional lead for the implementation of the plan. The CURWMP records that Municipal Waste Collection in the region is on par with national rates. Some of the main objectives of the plan are to reduce landfill, increase recovery and increase generation of energy. Investment of up to €650m will be spent on waste treatment infrastructure and waste management activities, this level of investment is almost split equally between the public and private sector. The policies in the plan support the provision of infrastructure for reprocessing, biological treatment, thermal recovery and pretreatment. These facilities, it is envisaged, will be provided by the private sector. The processes of education, regulation enforcement and remediation will be public sector functions delivered for the most part by local authorities. The Regional Assembly has a statutory mandate to examine the provision of Waste Infrastructure for the region and to indicate how such provision should be made. The CURWMP outlines the type of Waste Infrastructure that could be needed in the region. These include thermal recovery, biological treatment and reprocessing and recycling. There is currently no thermal recovery capacity in the region. The need for such infrastructure is quantified without giving guidance on the siting of facilities. Siting guidance will of necessity be of a general positive nature and any development proposal will be subject to appropriate in-depth assessments. Facilities should be located as close as feasible to where waste is generated. Lands that are zoned for industrial use are considered suitable for these types of use, particularly in urban areas. In nonurban areas, the principles of proper planning would apply in determining siting criteria. The provision of waste infrastructure is a necessary component for the future development of the region and can be of equal importance to other infrastructure in securing economic development. REGIONAL POLICY OBJECTIVES RPO 8.8 The Assembly supports the implementation of the CURWMP 2015 – 2021 in terms of infrastructure provision. RPO 8.9 The Assembly supports the requirement that the provision of waste infrastructure is integrated and coordinated with economic development and the planned development of the region as set out in this strategy and the NPF. RPO 8.10 The siting of waste infrastructure shall in urban areas generally be on lands zoned for industrial use and in non-urban areas shall accord with the principles of proper planning and sustainable development. Environmental constraint mapping can be used to aid this process. RPO 8.11 The Assembly supports the move towards regional and national self-sufficiency in terms of waste management infrastructure in accordance with the proximity principle and with the circular green economy.Regional Spatial and Economic Strategy 2020-2032 270 8 Growth Ambition 5: Infrastructure - Enabling our Region
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