Waterford City and County Development Plan 2022–2028 — Chapter 6

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   Utilities Infrastructure, Energy & Communication Chapter 6 Sustainable Compact Growth Climate ActionAccessibility and Connectivity Infrastructure

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   WATERFORD CITY & COUNTY DEVELOPMENT PLAN 2022 – 2028169 Chapter 6: Utilities Infrastructure, Energy & Communication Strategic Objectives To enable development in line with the capacity and provision of supporting infrastructure and utilities, and to require the timely provision of infrastructure needed for the sustainable development of lands consistent with the principle of infrastructure led development. To promote and facilitate the provision of energy efficient, low carbon infrastructure and utilities and support infrastructure, whilst supporting industry to innovate, decarbonising the energy sector in order to contribute to a national target of zero net emissions of greenhouse gases in Ireland by 2050. 6.0 Introduction An adequate supply of infrastructure services is critical for effective and sustainable spatial, social, environmental and economic development and growth. It can also serve as an agent of change in addressing challenges like climate change and gender inequality. Adapting to climate change requires more resilient infrastructure, and mitigating its effects calls for less environmentally damaging provision. The need for transport, water and sanitation, waste disposal, electricity and communications infrastructure (ICT) continues to grow in order to accommodate our increasing population. Furthermore, our ability to secure significant new large-scale capital investment for both new residential and commercial developments is partly dependent on the ready availability of serviced sites of scale, with appropriate zoning and capacity for the required utilities to match the needs of large capital intensive projects. Such infrastructure provision must be implemented in a manner that protects public health, is environmentally appropriate, and supports our just transition to a low-carbon economy. The provision of enabling infrastructure also requires a stronger focus on energy efficiency and renewable fuel sources, particularly in the construction, heating and transport infrastructure sectors, in order to reduce energy related GHG emissions, and contribute to meeting Ireland’s binding EU 2030 and 2050 targets1. It is recognised that exchequer funding and various national sectoral programs cannot address all infrastructure investment requirements. The Council will therefore positively consider methods and innovative means of infrastructure provision and investment which include private and community sector involvement, collaboration and/ or delivery. 1 Ireland’s Climate Action Plan sets out an ambitious whole-of-society approach designed to enable Ireland to meet its EU targets of reducing carbon emissions by 30% between 2021 and 2030, and thereafter to achieve net zero carbon emissions by 2050.

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   WATERFORD CITY & COUNTY DEVELOPMENT PLAN 2022 – 2028170 6.1 Water Supply and Quality Planning makes a significant contribution to water objectives by ensuring that: • Development that could pose a risk is avoided in the first instance, where feasible. • Water management is integrated into the planning system for the purposes of supporting the protection and enhancement of water quality and water resource zones. • The performance criteria for future infrastructure is “Water Framework Directive (WFD) proofed”; and • By including appropriate conditions in planning permissions for new development. There are 48No. Water Resource Zones (WRZ) in Waterford. The largest water resource zone is the East Waterford WRZ, and serves Waterford City and Tramore, as well as a large rural hinterland and several villages. The Dungarvan WRZ serves Dungarvan town, as well as some smaller villages and rural hinterland. Of the 48 no. water resource zones, 24 (including Dungarvan WRZ) are unlikely to have issues facilitating new connections, although further investigative studies or interventions may be required in some instances, and the capacity of water storage facilities are an issue in many of our towns. Private bored wells used as a source of water supply to single dwellings are the responsibility of the householder. Such wells are not regulated under the European Communities (Drinking Water) Regulations 2014, and Irish Water has no regulatory function in this regard. The Council is responsible for providing guidance and advice in relation to the protection of water quality. The protection of our surface and groundwater sources is a key challenge facing Waterford, as is ensuring that existing water services infrastructure and capacity is adequately managed. Water quality in Ireland has deteriorated over the past two decades. The objective of the EU Water Framework Directive2 (WFD) is to protect and restore good water quality, which is carried out through the implementation of River Basin Management Plans. The River Basin Management Plan for Ireland 2018-2021 sets out the actions to improve water quality and achieve “good” ecological status in water bodies by 2027. The Development Plan aims to protect this invaluable resource (See Chapter 9). 2 Directive 2000/60/EC

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   WATERFORD CITY & COUNTY DEVELOPMENT PLAN 2022 – 2028171 6.2 Water Services The provision of an adequate supply of water and wastewater treatment facilities is critical to facilitate and sustain the growth of the City and County over the lifetime of the plan and beyond. The Council delivers water services in accordance with a Service Level Agreement (SLA) with Irish Water who is responsible for the overall delivery, integration and implementation of water and wastewater projects and infrastructural improvements. The protection and improvement of water quality and water services infrastructure are major challenges, especially in the context of the need for climate change adaptation and resilience. It is an objective of Irish Water to provide drinking water and wastewater capacity to facilitate growth in accordance with core strategies at county level, and in accordance with the policies and objectives at both national and regional level. Despite investment in recent years, our strategic priorities as set out in this Development Plan and those of Irish water are poorly aligned and as a result development in certain locations is constrained. It is important to note that investment based solely on the priorities of Irish Water (as outlined in the Irish Water priorities under the Capital Investment Plan) will not be sufficient to meet the City and County’s needs in achieving the population targets set out in this plan and in the NPF and RSES. Appendix 14 of this plan sets out details of the Council’s suggested investment priorities in order to secure the delivery of the population targets set out in this plan and the targets of the NPF and RSES. Table 6.1 also sets out a baseline relating to water and wastewater service infrastructure across the City and County. In general, water supply and wastewater facilities need to be improved throughout the City and County both to serve existing communities, and to accommodate plan and infrastructure-led growth. In the absence of investment by Irish Water, alternative developer-provided infrastructure, in collaboration with the Local Authority or otherwise, may be required. In the event that alternative, developer provided infrastructure may be regarded as an appropriate solution to individual specific proposals or circumstances, it should be noted that nature-based solutions, which combine an explicit ecosystem/ integrated catchment based approach, would be the Council’s preference, such as constructed wetlands (CWs) and integrated constructed wetlands (ICWs). CWs and ICWs can also be utilised as part of a combination/ hybrid of measures for wastewater treatment, e.g. complementing existing mechanical treatment plants by providing a tertiary treatment step for effluents from mechanical units. Sites in catchment areas of water bodies with sensitivity towards eutrophication could utilise hybrid systems for zero discharge, whilst sites with very restricted space could employ tertiary CWs with storm management. This would increase compliance with environmental standards set by the Water Framework Directive (WFD) and associated legislation, e.g. the Bathing Water Directive. Waterford currently has 9No wastewater treatment schemes that utilise Integrated Constructed Wetlands, and these range in size from 6 PE up to 250 PE. Waterford City and County Council will work closely with Irish Water to identify the water services required to support development which aligns with the Council’s Core and Settlement Strategies, and both the National Planning Framework and the Southern Regional Spatial and Economic Strategy (RSES), and to ensure that the provision of water/ wastewater services will not be a limiting factor in terms of sustainable growth and development.

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   WATERFORD CITY & COUNTY DEVELOPMENT PLAN 2022 – 2028172 Table 6.1 Water and Wastewater Capacity Assessment – Settlements in Waterford County (Source: Irish Water April 2022 ) NB: Capacity assessments are subject to change – population targets are subject to change. Settlement CSO population 2016 CDP 2022- 2028 - Population target to 2028: Revised population ambitions Water Resource Zone (WRZ): Water source/treatment capacity update: WWTP: Wastewater treatment capacity update: Waterford City & suburbs 53,504 70,088 62,382 East Waterford & South Kilkenny Currently it is envisaged that capacity is available to cater for proposed population targets in CDP. Belview WWTP Currently it is envisaged that capacity is available to cater for proposed population targets in CDP. Irish Water is soon to commence a feasibility study for the Belview WWTP; this study will take the form of an assessment of capacity and discharge requirements for the WWTP and will take approximately 2 years to complete. Dungarvan (Key Town) & Ballinroad 10,388 11,864 11,864 Dungarvan & Deelish/ Ballynacourty Currently it is envisaged that capacity is available to cater for proposed population targets in CDP. IW has a project at concept design stage to provide new reservoir and new water treatment plant. Dungarvan WWTP Currently it is envisaged that capacity is available to cater for proposed population targets in CDP. Tramore 10,381 11,549 11,549 East Waterford Regional Currently it is envisaged that capacity is available to cater for proposed population targets in CDP. Storage requirements are being assessed through the National Water Resource Plan Full Options Assessment process, which is due to be completed in Q3 2021. Tramore WWTP Currently it is envisaged that capacity is available to cater for proposed population targets in CDP. Dunmore East 1,808 2002 2,002 East Waterford Regional Currently it is envisaged that capacity is available to cater for proposed population targets in CDP. Storage requirements are being assessed through the National Water Resource Plan Full Options Assessment process, which is due to be completed in Q3 2021. Dunmore East WWTP Currently it is envisaged that capacity is available to cater for proposed population targets in CDP.

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   WATERFORD CITY & COUNTY DEVELOPMENT PLAN 2022 – 2028173 Table 6.1 Water and Wastewater Capacity Assessment – Settlements in Waterford County (Source: Irish Water April 2022) NB: Capacity assessments are subject to change – population targets are subject to change. Settlement CSO population 2016 CDP 2022-2028 - Population target to 2028: Revised population ambitions Water Resource Zone (WRZ): Water source/treatment capacity update: WWTP: Wastewater treatment capacity update: Portlaw 1,742 1929 1,929 Portlaw Limited capacity available, options for improving capacity are being assessed through the National Water Resource Plan Full Options Assessment process, which is due to be completed in Q3 2021. Portlaw WWTP Currently it is envisaged that capacity is available to cater for proposed population targets in CDP. Lismore 1,374 1521 1,521 LCB Lismore Currently it is envisaged that capacity is available to cater for the proposed population targets in the CDP. Lismore WWTP Currently it is envisaged that capacity is available to cater for proposed population targets in CDP. Cappoquin 699 LCB Cappoquin Currently it is envisaged that there is capacity available, but population targets are unknown. Cappoquin WWTP Currently it is envisaged that there is capacity available, but population targets are unknown. Kilmacthomas 834 Kilmacthomas Limited capacity available. Kilmacthomas WWTP Currently it is envisaged that there is capacity available, but population targets are unknown. Tallow 946 Tallow Limited capacity available. Tallow WWTP Currently it is envisaged that there is capacity available, but population targets are unknown. Passage East & Crooke 827 East Waterford Regional Currently it is envisaged that there is capacity available, but population targets are unknown. Passage East WWTP & Crooke WWTP Currently it is envisaged that there is capacity available, but population targets are unknown. Baile na nGall / An Rinn (incl Sean Phobal) An Deise 499 583 Dungarvan Currently it is envisaged that there is capacity available, but population targets are unknown. Baile na nGall WWTP Currently it is envisaged that there is capacity available, but population targets are unknown. Stradbally 438 Stradbally Currently it is envisaged that there is capacity available, but population targets are unknown. Stradbally WWTP Currently it is envisaged that there is capacity available, but population targets are unknown. Ardmore 434 Ardmore Monea Limited capacity available, and further assessment ongoing. Ardmore WWTP Currently it is envisaged that there is capacity available, but population targets are unknown. Cheekpoint 318 East Waterford Regional Currently it is envisaged that there is capacity available, but population targets are unknown. Cheekpoint WWTP Currently it is envisaged that there is capacity available, but population targets are unknown. Aglish 333 Aglish/ Curraheen Currently it is envisaged that there is capacity available, but population targets are unknown. Aglish WWTP Currently it is envisaged that there is capacity available, but population targets are unknown.

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   WATERFORD CITY & COUNTY DEVELOPMENT PLAN 2022 – 2028174 Table 6.1 Water and Wastewater Capacity Assessment – Settlements in Waterford County (Source: Irish Water April 2022 ) NB: Capacity assessments are subject to change – population targets are subject to change. Settlement CSO population 2016 CDP 2022-2028 - Population target to 2028: Revised population ambitions Water Resource Zone (WRZ): Water source/ treatment capacity update: WWTP: Wastewater treatment capacity update: Villiarstown 276 Villiarstown Currently it is envisaged that there is capacity available, but population targets are unknown. Villiarstown WWTP Currently it is envisaged that there is capacity available, but population targets are unknown. Kilmeaden 259 Ballyduff/ Kilmeaden Currently it is envisaged that there is capacity available, but population targets are unknown. Ballyduff Lower WWTP Currently it is envisaged that there is capacity available, but population targets are unknown. Kill 271 Ballylaneen Currently it is envisaged that there is capacity available, but population targets are unknown. Kill WWTP Currently it is envisaged that there is capacity available, but population targets are unknown. Lemybrien 192 Kilrossanty Currently it is envisaged that capacity is available, but population targets are unknown Lemybrien WWTP Small Towns and Villages Growth Programme has announced an investment in this WWTP; which will facilitate an upgrade to cater for the capacity as outlined in the CDP ambitions within the lifetime of the plan. Dunhill 216 Dunhill/ Ballynageera No capacity available, options for improving capacity are being assessed through the National Water Resource Plan Full Options Assessment process, which is due to be completed in Q3 2021. Dunhill WWTP Currently it is envisaged that there is capacity available, but population targets are unknown. Clashmore 252 Clashmore/ Coolboa Currently it is envisaged that there is capacity available, but population targets are unknown. Clashmore WWTP Currently it is envisaged that there is capacity available, but population targets are unknown. Ballymacarbry 138 Ballymacarbry/ Knockalisheen Very limited capacity available, options for improving capacity are being assessed through the National Water Resource Plan Full Options Assessment process, which is due to be completed in Q3 2021. Ballymacarbery WWTP Currently it is envisaged that there is capacity available, but population targets are unknown.

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   WATERFORD CITY & COUNTY DEVELOPMENT PLAN 2022 – 2028175 6.3 Storm and Surface Water Management Adequate storm water drainage and retention facilities are necessary to accommodate surface water runoff from existing and proposed developments. Rivers, streams and ditches containing watercourses are important green infrastructure corridors and habitats, providing multi-functional eco-system services such as land drainage, recreational amenity, and clean/ cool air and wildlife corridors. In the past, surface water management has tended to focus on intervention with the use of methods such as piping, culverting and installation of underground attenuation tanks. Increasingly, we need to embrace water management as an opportunity, rather than a challenge. Successfully delivered sustainable drainage provides communities and wider society with benefits set within the context of adapting to climate change, development and improving our natural environment, whilst removing storm water from combined sewer in some instances, thus also improving capacity in such systems. The Development Plan provides an opportunity to find innovative solutions to infrastructural requirements, especially surface water and foul water, where enhanced biodiversity3 and green infrastructure as well as amenity value can be added to settlements, e.g. Dunhill Integrated Constructed Wetlands and the Anne Valley Walk. The Council will require compliance with best practice guidance for the collection, reuse, treatment and disposal of surface waters for all future development proposals. The use of SuDS4 offers a solution to rain and surface water management and is applicable in both urban and rural situations and will be central to any infrastructure provision and Green Infrastructure Strategies of the Council. For new developments, the Council will require that all developments incorporate ‘Sustainable Urban Drainage Systems’ (SuDS) as part of the development proposals. The systems should aim to mimic the natural drainage of a site to minimise the effect of a development on flooding and pollution of existing waterways. In some exceptional cases, and at the discretion of the Planning Authority, where it is demonstrated that a SuDS system approach is not feasible, approval may be given to the installation of underground attenuation tanks or enlarged pipes, in conjunction with other measures/ devices to achieve the required water quality. Such alternative measures will only be considered as a last resort. 3 For guidance on maximising the ecological value of SuDS see Ponds, pools and lochans (Biggs, et al 2000) 4 SuDS components can include: Green roofs; Soakaways; Rainwater harvesting; Permeable Paving; Geocellular modular systems; Channels and rills; Bioretention; Infiltration trenches; Rain gardens; Filter strips; Filter drains; Swales; Trench troughs; Detention basins; Wetlands and Retention ponds

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   WATERFORD CITY & COUNTY DEVELOPMENT PLAN 2022 – 2028176 6.4 Energy Energy comes in many forms from fossil fuels and renewables. The ESB (TAO & DSO) and EirGrid (TSO) are responsible for the electrical distribution and transmission system. The roll out of electrical infrastructure such as upgrades to transmission and distribution networks, increased electrical capacity to meet increased electrical demand, and for energy supply and security, will be vital for the continued growth and development of Waterford. EirGrid has identified the following projects subject to upgrade during the lifetime of this Development Plan: • CPO753: Waterford 110kV Station – Uprate 110kV Bay (on hold). • CPO779: Dungarvan 110kV Station – Transmission works assoc. with installation of new 38kV GIS • CP1052: Knocknamona 110kV new Station – Wind Farm connection • Need for the planned Aghada and Knockraha 220/220kV station (Cork) upgrades – without these projects, potential overloading of circuits in the Waterford area, may arise. Electricity demand in Waterford is projected to increase by between 5-7% on an annual basis. The installation of the two electrical grid infrastructural interconnectors in adjoining counties (Great Island, Co. Wexford, and Ballycotton and Knockraha, Co. Cork respectively) via Greenlink (Ireland - Wales sub-sea cable) and the Celtic Interconnector (Ireland-France sub-sea cable), offers security of electrical energy supply. Waterford’s growth and development includes the need to make strategic and progressive progress toward accommodating the electrification of transport (e.g. Roll-out of EV charging infrastructure and hydrogen/ fuel cells etc.), and decoupling the heating and power sectors, as part of our efforts towards decarbonising our power system, whilst nonetheless ensuring that renewable electricity generation (currently chiefly supplied by wind and solar) and ‘dispatchable power’ can be balanced or ‘backed-up’ through conventional energy generation or energy storage. A focus on renewable energy will thus also require the integration and implementation of projects which provide a wider range of renewable energy sources, such as offshore and onshore wind/renewable energy, hydro, wave, biogas (i.e. anaerobic digestion) and heat. The Council supports the national policy shift to low carbon energy solutions for a greener future, as well as the need to enhance electrical generation and distribution infrastructure to ensure that current and future energy demands are met. Smart energy systems, and the conversion of the built environment into both a generator and consumer of energy, will also have a role to play.

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    WATERFORD CITY & COUNTY DEVELOPMENT PLAN 2022 – 2028177 6.5 Heating The council also recognises the need for the transition from fossil fuel forms of heating to renewable energy sources of heating from heat pump technology, biomass boilers and other sources of renewable heat. The removal of fossil fuel heating systems will have an added benefit of improved air quality. Waterford will make a significant contribution in meeting the 2030 national targets where 500,000 existing homes will be upgraded to B2 Building Energy Rating (BER), this will reduce heating demand and the risk of fuel poverty occurring. In addition, the local implementation of the national target of installing 400,000 heat pumps by 2030 will provide direct alternatives to fossil fuel heating systems and will contribute in the development of the Green Economy. The installation of district heating has potential for further development in particular, in areas off the natural gas network and industrial estates, where there is sizeable energy demand. Given national level oversight in respect of local level energy synergies and characteristics that allow for an optimal, least cost, low-carbon energy system design, the role of Waterford City and County Council as a local authority is crucial in terms of catalysing investment in low-carbon heating technologies, and their integrated development and implementation.

Source Waterford City and County Council: Waterford City and County Development Plan 2022–2028 — Chapter 6 (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.