South Dublin County Development Plan 2022–2028 – Written Statement

1. Page 21

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   SOUTH DUBLIN COUNTY DEVELOPMENT PLAN 2022-202818Introduction, Strategic Vision and Climate Action 1.5 Vision Context The Strategic Vision has been developed in line with International, National and Regional policy provisions. The vision also reflects the South Dublin County Council Corporate Plan mission to ‘make our county a vibrant and inclusive place for the people who live, visit, work and do business here, now and in the future’. National Planning Framework Ministerial Guidelines EMRA RSES Core Strategy Housing Strategy Employment Strategy GDA Transport Strategy South Dublin Corporate Plan Climate Action Plan United Nations Sustainable Development National Development Plan

2. Page 22

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   SOUTH DUBLIN COUNTY DEVELOPMENT PLAN 2022-202819Introduction, Strategic Vision and Climate Action 1.6 Strategic Vision In line with national and regional policy provisions the strategic vision is informed by the core strategy and population targets set for the County. In allocating and planning for future growth and development, the Development Plan aims to positively influence how people interact and move within and around the County and its Neighbourhood Areas through the types of environments and places created to deliver the overall vision; In 2028 South Dublin will be a place that our communities are proud of, that our businesses can thrive in and that will help us to live greener and healthier lives. 1.7 Achieving the Vision Both the National Planning Framework (NPF) and the Regional Spatial and Economic Strategy (RSES) establish the importance of addressing climate action. The National Planning Framework includes a number of National Strategic Outcomes relating to Compact Growth, Sustainable Mobility, A Strong Economy, the Sustainable Management of Water, Waste and Environmental Resources and a Transition to a Low Carbon and Climate Resilient Society. At a regional level, the Regional Spatial Economic Strategy outlines climate action as one of the three key principles underpinning the Strategy in line with national policy. To achieve the overall plan vision a ‘layered approach’ has been applied to development with a focus on facilitating future growth in a manner which protects and enhances the County’s natural, cultural and built heritage, maximises opportunities for the development of the Green Infrastructure network, promotes the highest quality in urban design with the overall aim of delivering healthy places in which to live, work, visit, socialise, and invest in. Central to the achievement of this layered approach is the integration of Climate Action as a key overarching theme for all aspects of the Plan. The policies and objectives in this Plan support the strategic vision and South Dublin’s leading role in sustainable urban development which; Chapter 2 Core Strategy and Settlement Strategy Maximises the potential of the County to deliver a compact settlement form in line with National and Regional population targets, with a strong focus on regeneration and the redevelopment of brownfield over green field lands;

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   SOUTH DUBLIN COUNTY DEVELOPMENT PLAN 2022-202820Introduction, Strategic Vision and Climate Action Chapter 3 Natural, Cultural and Built Heritage Protects and enhances the key natural, cultural and built heritage assets which have shaped South Dublin County and continue to create a sense of place and local distinctiveness, including our diverse landscapes, our varied flora and fauna, our historic buildings and streetscapes, and our rich archaeological history, for current and future generations to appreciate and enjoy. Chapter 4 Green Infrastructure Promotes the development of an integrated GI network for South Dublin working with and enhancing existing biodiversity and natural heritage, improving our resilience to climate change and enabling the role of GI in delivering sustainable communities to provide environmental, economic and social benefits. Chapter 5 Quality Design and Healthy Placemaking Promotes high quality urban design and healthy placemaking that delivers attractive, connected, vibrant and wellfunctioning places in which to live, work, visit, socialise and invest. Chapter 6 Housing Ensures the delivery of high quality and well-designed homes in sustainable communities to meet a diversity of housing needs within the County. Chapter 7 Sustainable Movement Increases the number of people walking, cycling and using public transport and reduces the need for car journeys, resulting in a more active and healthy community, a more attractive public realm, safer streets, less congestion, reduced carbon emissions, better air quality, and a positive climate impact. Chapter 8 Community Infrastructure and Open Space Creates healthy, inclusive and sustainable communities where all generations have local access to social, community and recreational facilities, and parks and green spaces, to suit their needs.

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   SOUTH DUBLIN COUNTY DEVELOPMENT PLAN 2022-202821Introduction, Strategic Vision and Climate Action Chapter 9 Economic Development and Employment Facilitates the creation of a strong and resilient economic base providing expanded opportunities for employment and facilitating a good quality of life within vibrant and attractive places to live, work, visit and invest. Chapter 10 Energy Delivers a green society and circular economy adaptable to new technologies, a home and place of employment for people and industries striving towards reducing their carbon footprint. Chapter 11 Infrastructure and Environmental Services Creates an environment characterised by high quality infrastructure networks and environmental services to ensure the health and wellbeing of those who live and work in the County, securing also the economic future of the County. Chapter 12 Implementation and Monitoring Sets out development standards and criteria that should be read alongside the policies and objectives contained within each of the chapters. It also includes a monitoring framework which categorises key policies in terms of their contribution towards the achievement of the Strategic Vision. 1.8 Climate Action Climate Action is one of the most significant policy challenges facing governments today. The impacts of climate change are already having far-reaching economic, social and environmental consequences. International agreements have been developed to unify national governments in a commitment to reduce the human causes (anthropogenic) of climate change. The Irish government has published the Climate Action and Low Carbon Development Act 2015, the Climate Action and Low Carbon Development (Amendment) Act 2021, and the National Adaptation Framework 2018. In support of the Acts and the government’s commitment to climate action, related national and regional strategic outcomes are set out in the National Planning Framework and National Development Plan 2018-2027 and the Regional Spatial and Economic Strategy. Ireland’s Climate Action Plan 2021 sets out the actions for the achievement of a 51% reduction in overall greenhouse gas emissions by 2030. These actions and policy frameworks set out how Ireland will achieve its international and European commitments, and transition Ireland to a low-carbon, climate resilient society.

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   SOUTH DUBLIN COUNTY DEVELOPMENT PLAN 2022-202822Introduction, Strategic Vision and Climate Action To provide local authorities with support in developing their Climate Change Action Plans (CCAPs), the Department of Communications, Climate Action and Environment (DCCAE) has developed the Local Authority Adaptation Strategy Development Guidelines 2018. In addition, the government has established four Climate Action Regional Offices. South Dublin County Council has produced its Climate Change Action Plan 2019- 2024 (CCAP) in association with Codema (Dublin’s Energy Agency) and the Dublin Metropolitan Climate Action Regional Office (CARO). The CCAP is recognised as a key enabler of on-going public sector leadership, in implementing and influencing climate action at the local level. The CCAP identifies the main climate risks facing South Dublin County and includes the current levels of greenhouse gas emissions across the South Dublin County Council area. The Plan puts forward 130 actions that are either ongoing or planned, under five key areas - Energy and Buildings, Transport, Flood Resilience, Resource Management and Nature-Based Solutions. Policy CA1: Climate Action (CA) To support the implementation of International and National objectives on climate action including the Climate Action and Low Carbon Development Acts (and any amending legislation), the ‘Climate Action Plan 2021’ (and any updated Plans) and ensure that South Dublin’s Climate Change Action Plan and County Development Plan are aligned. CA1 Objective 1: To collaborate with the Eastern Midland Regional Authority (EMRA), the Dublin Metropolitan Climate Action Regional Office (Dublin CARO), City of Dublin Energy Management Agency (Codema) and the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI) to achieve the climate action policies and objectives set out in the Eastern and Midland Region Spatial and Economic Strategy (consistent with RPO 3.1, 36, 7.4, 7.30, 7.31, 7.32, 7.33, 7.35, 7.38, 7.40, 7.42, 7.43, 7.7 of the RSES). CA1 Objective 2: To ensure spatial and infrastructure planning are consistent with climate mitigation and adaptation objectives. CA1 Objective 3: To implement the South Dublin County Council Climate Change Action Plan 2019-2024 (SDCC CCAP) or superseding plans and to facilitate a just transition to a climate resilient low carbon County (consistent with SO8 of the NPF, RPO 7.32, 7.33 of the RSES).

6. Page 26

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   SOUTH DUBLIN COUNTY DEVELOPMENT PLAN 2022-202823Introduction, Strategic Vision and Climate Action 1.9 Climate Action and the Role of the Development Plan Climate Action is now a key responsibility of local government. Through its role in setting out the strategic spatial framework for the future development of the County, the County Development Plan supports wider local and central government actions in addressing maximum co-ordination between the County Development Plan, the South Dublin Climate Change Action Plan and other climate related policies and programmes. The Development Plan has been assessed against its impact on the receiving environment through the SEA and AA processes. The plan has also been subject to a strategic flood risk assessment taking account of the most up to date flood risk information available. The ‘layered’ format of the Plan aims to facilitate a holistic approach to ensuring Climate Action is at the forefront of all future development within the County, with policies and objectives in each chapter crafted in a manner which contributes significantly towards addressing climate change and reducing the County’s carbon emissions in a meaningful and tangible way. These overarching climate action principles align closely with the key action areas of the South Dublin Climate Action Plan 2019-2024; namely Energy and Buildings, Transport, Flood Resilience, Resource Management and Nature-Based Solutions. The policies and objectives set out in the Core Strategy and Settlement Strategy, Chapter 2 of this plan, have been framed in a manner to ensure consistency with the provisions of the NPF and RSES as required by Section 10 (2) of the Planning and Development Acts. This provides for a compact approach to growth with the aim of facilitating the delivery of climate resilient and sustainable communities throughout the County. It is the aim of the plan to achieve an efficient use of land with a focus on key urban centres, and to achieve development densities that can support vibrant, compact, walkable places that prioritise pedestrian and cyclist movement. The Core Strategy aims to maximise the potential of the County to deliver a compact settlement form in line with National and Regional population targets, where a strong focus has been placed on regeneration and the redevelopment of brownfield over greenfield lands. Almost half of the County’s growth has been allocated to strategic development areas identified within the Metropolitan Area Strategic Plan with an overall total of 93% of the unit growth being located within Dublin City and Suburbs. Such measures facilitate the delivery of a compact and connected settlement form where existing public transport infrastructure can be availed of thus reducing the need for car-based travel, contributing towards a reduction in carbon emissions and contributing positively towards addressing Climate Change within the County.

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   SOUTH DUBLIN COUNTY DEVELOPMENT PLAN 2022-202824Introduction, Strategic Vision and Climate Action Compact Growth The County Development Plan A ‘Layered’ Approach Facilitating a Holistic Integration to Climate Action County Context The County Development Plan National/Regional Context Transport Nature Based Solutions Resource Management Flood Resilience Efficient Use of Land Environmental Protection Green Connections Quality Design Healthy Placemaking Active Travel Connected Neighbourhoods Energy Efficiencies The South Dublin Climate Action Plan 2019-2024 (130 Actions ongoing or planned within the Council under five key areas) Climate Action and Low Carbon Development Acts The National Adaptation Framework 2018 Project Ireland 2040 the National Planning Framework and National Development Plan 2018-2027 The Regional Spatial and Economic Strategy for the Eastern and Midlands Region National Climate Action Plan Energy & Buildings The focus of the Development Plan on brownfield over greenfield development, supports an ecosystems approach, protects natural areas while also seeking to enhance existing green networks both within the natural and urban environment through the promotion and enhancement of existing pathways and green connections within the County.

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   SOUTH DUBLIN COUNTY DEVELOPMENT PLAN 2022-202825Introduction, Strategic Vision and Climate Action 93% of Unit Growth within Dublin City and Suburbs 61.7% (This includes SDA lands, Regen Lands and Fortunestown all identified within the MASP) The potential for the delivery of energy efficient projects throughout the County is also facilitated through a more compact settlement form reducing costs and carbon emissions and guaranteeing energy resilience for the future of the County. Creating a safe and climate resilient environment is essential in encouraging active modes of transport. Such environments can be created through a high-quality design and layout of buildings, appropriate mix of uses, densities, height and the sensitive integration of the natural and built environment. Creating a strong sense of place and enabling connections across the County can be enhanced through a robust and resilient Green Infrastructure network employing nature-based solutions and contributing directly to climate action measures through carbon sequestration, water quality improvements and other measures. At the Neighbourhood level the plan aims to locate people in close proximity to their place of work, services, amenity and leisure facilities thereby reducing the need for car-based travel and cumulatively resulting in significant and measurable reductions in GHG emissions. To ensure the above provisions have been implemented successfully throughout this plan, specific ‘Climate Positive Objectives’ have been highlighted with the climate symbol . A Climate Action Audit is included at the end of each Chapter providing an overview of the potential sources of greenhouse gas emissions alongside measures implemented to address such potential climate impacts.

9. Page 29

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   26Core Strategy and Settlement Strategy (CS)

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    SOUTH DUBLIN COUNTY DEVELOPMENT PLAN 2022-202827Core Strategy and Settlement Strategy (CS) Vision Maximise the potential of the County to deliver a compact settlement form in line with National and Regional population targets, with a strong focus on regeneration and the redevelopment of brownfield over greenfield lands. Core Strategy and Settlement Strategy

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