Development plan · South Dublin County Council
South Dublin County Development Plan 2022–2028 – Written Statement
The council's development plan written statement: its strategy, policies, objectives and development standards. Variations adopted since are not in this text.
South Dublin County Council · 2022–2028 · 584 pages
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- SOUTH DUBLIN COUNTY DEVELOPMENT PLAN 2022-2028388Energy (E) 10.2.4 Low Carbon District Heating Networks A district heating scheme consists of an insulated pipe network, which allows heat generated from a single or several larger centralised source(s) (energy centres) to be delivered to multiple buildings to provide space heating and hot water. • Contributes to EU and National Energy Targets • Reduced Dependency on Fossil Fuels • Greater Use of Renewables for Heating • Reduced Carbon Emissions • Better Air Quality Economic • Reduced Fuel Poverty • Better Energy Ratings • Improved Comfort • Greater Security of Supply • Hot Water on Demand • Local Jobs Creation • Lower Energy and Maintenance Bills • Sustainable Revenue Stream • Cost-effective Compliance with Building Regulations • More Attractive to Industry Benefits Environmental Social Figure 10.2: - Benefits of District Heating (Source: Codema) The best district heating opportunity areas are those that have: à High heat demand density (both existing and planned) - in countries such as Denmark, areas with heat demand density higher than 150TJ / km2 are zoned for district heating, as these areas are deemed technically and economically suitable for developing conventional DH systems. à Proximity to existing heat sources / space suitable for installing new low-carbon heat generating equipment. à Minimal spatial / physical barriers along DH network route (for example, rivers, existing infrastructure, heritage sites). To satisfy the requirements of RPO 7.38 the heat map for the County was updated by Codema. A high-level feasibility analysis was also performed, as required in RPO 7.38 and the potential for district heating (DH) Strategic Energy Zones were outlined in accordance with RPO 7.35. Given that there is an ongoing district heating scheme in
- SOUTH DUBLIN COUNTY DEVELOPMENT PLAN 2022-2028389Energy (E) Tallaght, the continued expansion of that potential will be prioritised. In the case of the Tallaght District Heating Network, spatial heat maps were used to identify the potential for District Heating and then to bring together stakeholders for business development and to share opportunities, inform policy and optimise network design. Two other locations at Clonburris / Grangecastle and Clondalkin are also identified as having DH potential. At Clonburris / Grangecastle a good level of heat demand provided by new, medium to high density residential units (60 dwellings per hectare with approximately 60% of these being apartments) and the 55,500m2 of commercial, retail and community floor space will occur within the SDZ boundary. To the south-west of the Clonburris SDZ, Grange Castle has an abundance of potential waste heat sources, including substantial waste heat from a number of data centres There is further potential to develop DH within the development area of Grangecastle west. Clondalkin has pockets of potential to the east and west of the M50. Further consideration would be required to assess the sustainability of potential sources of waste heat and how this might be recovered. Policy E5: Low Carbon District Heating Networks 1. Support the delivery of low carbon district heating networks at appropriate locations across the County and subject to proven feasibility. Support also complementary technologies such as combined cooling, heat and power (CCHP), large scale heat pumps, and renewable energy opportunities, including geothermal energy, energy from waste, biomass and bio-gas; 2. Support the investigation of both deep and shallow geothermal energy sources throughout the County. Deep geothermal projects are particularly suited to areas demonstrating high heat densities; 3. Support the delivery of District Heating Proposals subject to proven feasibility within areas demonstrating heat demand density in excess of 150TJ / km2 (including for the identified areas of Low Carbon District Heating Potential in Tallaght, Clonburris / Grange Castle and Clondalkin). Future developments within these areas should connect into existing or confirmed District Heating Systems. Where a District Heating scheme has not been confirmed new development should be designed so that it can connect into such a scheme when one is delivered; 4. Support for low carbon district heating networks is subject to the appropriate environmental assessments being undertaken to ensure no significant impact on the wider environment including human health. E5 Objective 1: To future proof the built environment in Low Carbon District Heating Areas of Potential to enable the delivery of local energy networks and a move towards de-centralised energy systems.
- SOUTH DUBLIN COUNTY DEVELOPMENT PLAN 2022-2028390Energy (E) E5 Objective 2: To ensure that all development proposals in Low Carbon District Heating Areas of Potential carry out an Energy Analysis and explore the potential for the development of low carbon district heating networks. E5 Objective 3: To support deep and shallow geothermal projects at appropriate locations across South Dublin subject to environmental assessment. E5 Objective 4: To support community energy grids and micro grids in the generation of electricity by renewable sources. E5 Objective 5: To support the recording and monitoring objectives of the plan by incorporating an ‘Energy Assessment Form’ into the planning application process providing information relating to energy use within larger developments of over 20 residential units or 3000 sq m commercial or equivalent mixed use to include annual and peak demand for heat and electricity, floor area, BER rating, heating system details, details of renewables on site, EV charging details. E5 SLO 1: To prioritise the development of low carbon district heating networks in the identified areas of potential for Low Carbon District Heating at Tallaght, Grange Castle / Clonburris and Clondalkin in line with Policy E5 and supporting objectives in the written statement. 10.2.5 Energy from Waste There are a number of ways of generating energy from waste, whether electricity or heat. These include combustion, gasification, pyrolysis, anaerobic digestion and landfill gas recovery. While not the top preference of the waste hierarchy to avoid waste, it does allow for a more sustainable circular economy approach to waste where it cannot otherwise be avoided. For all such projects, the wider environmental impacts should be considered, and environmental assessments undertaken as appropriate. There is significant potential for the capturing and utilisation of waste heat generated by premises that are currently generating un-used heat, which could be captured and re-used on-site or by premises on adjoining and nearby sites. Such waste heat is generated from processes including thermal generating stations, site power generation, industrial processes, wastewater systems and waste to energy plants. This technology will power homes and businesses in the Tallaght District Heating Project. Where significant waste heat potential exists district heating proposals are significantly more feasible. The heat source which has the greatest heat capacity is data centre waste heat. Figure 10.3 demonstrates current potential heat sources in the County.
- SOUTH DUBLIN COUNTY DEVELOPMENT PLAN 2022-2028391Energy (E) Figure 10.3: No. of existing heat sources identified (grouped by type) Policy E6: Waste Heat Recovery and Utilisation Promote the development of waste heat technologies and the utilisation and sharing of waste heat in areas where feasibility is proven for its use in the delivery of low carbon district heating technology. E6 Objective 1: To require future proofing of and promote the development of waste heat technologies and the utilisation and sharing of waste heat where feasibility is proven for its re-use as part of a low carbon district heating network. E6 Objective 2: To promote the circular economy by generating energy through waste subject to environmental considerations. 10.2.6 Solar PV Photovoltaic (PV) cells convert solar radiation directly into DC electricity. Individual PV cells only provide a small amount of electricity, so they are generally grouped together into a module for convenience. PV is generally more suited to areas where the electricity generated can supply a nearby load, and the energy loss and costs associated with transmission and distribution are avoided. In accordance with the requirements of RPO 7.35 of the RSES the Council is working with the Dublin Energy Agency Codema to assess the potential for both building integrated and utility-scale solar PV panels in the County with the long-term objective of designating zones where Strategic Solar Energy Zones might be considered. Work already undertaken provides opportunities for the incorporation of solar technologies into the built fabric of existing premises. There may also be potential for the development of ‘solar farm’ type developments adjacent to the range of large commercial, industrial and business parks located in South Dublin County where viability and feasibility is proven.
- SOUTH DUBLIN COUNTY DEVELOPMENT PLAN 2022-2028392Energy (E) Policy E7: Solar Energy Promote the development of solar energy infrastructure in the County, including the building of integrated and commercial-scale solar projects subject to a viability assessment and environmental safeguards including the protection of natural or built heritage features, biodiversity and views and prospects. E7 Objective 1: To encourage and support the development of solar energy infrastructure for on-site energy use at appropriate locations in the County. E7 Objective 2: To encourage and support the development of commercial-utility solar energy infrastructure for local distribution at suitable locations in the County. E7 Objective 3: To support and encourage the ongoing delivery of solar technology on Council owned buildings and sites in accordance with the South Dublin Climate Action Plan. E7 Objective 4: To explore the potential for the development of solar PV Strategic Energy Zones in the County in accordance with the requirements of RPO 7.35. E7 Objective 5: To ensure that planning applications for solar energy infrastructure which may impact on the operation of airports are referred to the IAA / Department of Defence or relevant airport authority. E7 Objective 6: To establish a GIS database of PV installations in the County at the appropriate time in tandem with the roll out of solar PV development. This should include data on the size (area of site in m2, total area of panels per m2), type (monocrystalline, tracking, PV, concentrated solar panels, domestic / commercial, etc.), grid connection details (location, kV, two-way metering, etc.) and energy generation (kW peak, annual kWh) of each installation. E7 Objective 7: To support the provision of solar farms in the County in areas zoned RU subject to protecting environmental sensitivities. E7 Objective 8: To support the installation of solar panels on up to 100% of residential roof space. 10.2.7 Large Scale Wind Energy Projects The Council recognises that wind energy makes a significant contribution to reaching Ireland’s renewable energy targets into the future. A Landscape Character Assessment (LCA) updated in 2021 accompanies this Plan (Appendix 9). A Wind Energy Sensitivity and Capacity Analysis was carried out as
- SOUTH DUBLIN COUNTY DEVELOPMENT PLAN 2022-2028393Energy (E) part of the original LCA in 2016. A Wind Capacity Sheet was completed to determine the capacity of each Landscape Character Area in the County to accommodate wind turbine developments. This analysis when combined with the Landscape Character Assessment, concluded that there are no areas in the County where large-scale commercial wind energy infrastructure could be classified as either ‘permitted in principle’ or ‘open for consideration’. A high-level wind energy potential assessment for the County was carried out by Codema in 2020. The wind speed assessment did identify some potential for wind energy projects, similar to the LCA assessment, within the Dublin / Wicklow Mountain ranges but was not subject to environmental assessments and the Wind Guidelines methodology. It is the intention of the Council to carry out a review of the Wind Energy Strategy for the County.
- SOUTH DUBLIN COUNTY DEVELOPMENT PLAN 2022-2028394Energy (E) Figure 10.4: Wind Energy Analysis
- SOUTH DUBLIN COUNTY DEVELOPMENT PLAN 2022-2028395Energy (E) Policy E8: Wind Energy Recognise that wind energy has significant potential to help meet renewable energy targets at a national level subject to ensuring no adverse impact on the wider environment and review the wind energy potential for South Dublin having regard to the relevant guidelines and landscape character. E8 Objective 1: To review the current Wind Energy Strategy for the County during the lifetime of the Plan having regard to any updated Wind Energy Guidelines. E8 Objective 2: To continue to assess planning applications against the current wind energy strategy (2016) until such time as a review of the strategy has been completed and approved, recognising that large scale wind energy developments are contrary to the strategy. E8 Objective 3: To encourage and support the provision of wind farms as part of an agricultural mix in suitable viable land areas zoned RU within the county in accordance with South Dublin County’s Wind Energy Strategy. 10.2.8 Small Scale Wind Energy Projects The Council will encourage small to medium scale wind energy developments in industrial and business parks and small-scale developments for domestic purposes, in appropriate locations to serve on-site energy use (auto-consumption) and feedback of surplus to the grid. The Council recognises advances in technologies in this area and the potential for such development to be designed to suitably integrate with the built fabric of these areas. There has been Government support for this since 2007, as set out in the various planning exemptions provided for under the Planning and Development Regulations 2007 and 2008. Policy E9: Small to Medium Scale Wind Energy Schemes Encourage small and medium scale wind energy developments within industrial or business parks and support small community-based proposals for domestic use in urban areas that can encourage self-consumption on a community scale whilst feeding any surplus back to the grid, provided they do not negatively impact upon the environmental quality and visual or residential amenities of the area. 10.2.9 Small Scale Hydro-Electricity Projects There are a range of water bodies in the County including the Liffey, Dodder, Griffeen, Owendoher and Camac rivers and their tributaries. This means that there is some potential for development of hydroelectricity in the County. Some of these rivers and their associated streams and tributary networks are partially designated as proposed Natural Heritage Areas (pNHA) and some contain protected structures including weirs and dams which are often the best location in technical terms for hydro-electric
- SOUTH DUBLIN COUNTY DEVELOPMENT PLAN 2022-2028396Energy (E) development. They also contain species and habitats that are protected under the Birds and Habitats Directives. There are currently four active hydroelectric stations in South Dublin County; the potential for further development of small-scale hydroelectricity projects in the County, in particular for on-site consumption to meet the electricity requirements of proposed new buildings or refurbishment of existing buildings, will be assessed against the relevant environmental considerations appropriate to their riverside location and setting. Policy E10: Small Scale Hydro-Electricity Projects Support the development of small-scale hydroelectric schemes in the County E10 Objective 1: To support the roll-out of small-scale hydroelectric projects on the rivers, watercourses, freshwater dams and weirs across the County, where projects do not impact negatively on freshwater species, biodiversity and natural or built heritage features and to support and investigate potential sites. E10 Objective 2: To support and facilitate the investigation of potential sites in the County for the generation of small-scale hydro-power. 10.2.10 Green Infrastructure Increasing green infrastructure can help to off-set Green House Gases GHGs from new developments (buildings and related transport activity) and act as carbon sinks. Therefore, any reduction of green areas and trees will provide potential to off-set GHG’s. Trees and landscaping are important for climate amelioration and maintaining a healthy environment. Wooded areas have a carbon absorption rate that is approximately three times that of areas covered in grassland. Trees absorb carbon as they grow, and woods and forests provide long-term carbon reduction benefits. Planting in urban areas, at the source of many atmospheric pollutants, can filter out those pollutants, reduce water run-off, improve water quality, reduce noise and provide shading to help reduce urban heat island effects. The planting of trees is one of the most cost-effective methods of carbon capture and storage. Trees and the retention of mature trees can be an asset to a new development. They provide a strong sense of character and place, as well as providing a ready-made landscape. Retaining trees is always desirable, though many trees are lost each year in the course of development. Some are removed due to their condition or because they are directly in the way of development. However, many are lost due to unsuitable protection during the construction phase.
- SOUTH DUBLIN COUNTY DEVELOPMENT PLAN 2022-2028397Energy (E) Policy E11: Green Infrastructure Implement the Council’s Green Infrastructure Strategy as an essential element of building resilience to climate change whilst ensuring healthy placemaking and delivering on the compact growth approach, in accordance with National and Regional Policy and the National Climate Action Plan. E11 Objective 1: To ensure the implementation of policy and objectives on tree planting, protection of trees on site and development management standards in relation to new development as set out in the Green Infrastructure, Heritage and Implementation Chapters of this plan. 10.3 Decarbonising Zones (DZ) Action 165 of the Climate Action Plan 2019 set Local Authorities the challenge of identifying and developing Decarbonising Zones. Implementation of the action is being led by the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage. South Dublin will identify boundaries for decarbonisation zones. A Decarbonising Zone is an area identified by the local authority, in which a range of climate mitigation measures can co-exist to address local low carbon energy, greenhouse gas emissions and climate needs. The range of projects developed are specific to the energy and climate characteristics of the spatial area covered by the DZ. This can include a range of technologies and measures addressing electricity, heat, transport, building energy efficiency, carbon sequestration, energy storage, grid frequency / inertia and so on. A Decarbonising Zone should also address the wider co-benefits of air quality, improved health, biodiversity, embodied carbon, agricultural practices, sustainable land management, lower noise levels, waste, water, circular economy and so on, and should integrate with smart data and ‘smart cities’ initiatives (as relevant). A Decarbonising Zone can also explore the co-benefits of climate adaptation and examine a range of local measures such as climate proofing, afforestation, green and blue infrastructure, reducing heat island effects, citizen awareness and behavioural change. The working definition of a decarbonising zone is: A Decarbonising Zone (DZ) is a spatial area identified by the local authority, in which a range of climate mitigation, adaptation and biodiversity measures and action owners are identified to address local low carbon energy, greenhouse gas emissions and climate needs to contribute to national climate action targets.
Source South Dublin County Council: South Dublin County Development Plan 2022–2028 – Written Statement (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.