Wicklow County Development Plan 2022–2028 – Volume 1 Written Statement

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   2.1 Th pe 2.1 Go an Un un ach 2.1 Th eve qu Th     A h for 1.1 e following rspective, rel 1.1.1 ood health an d promoting nited Nations der Agenda hievement of 1.1.2 e Healthy Ire eryone achie ality of life a e Framework Goal 1 – Goal 2 – Goal 3 – Goal 4 – healthy I healthy popu r Governmen Healthy Pl section prov lating to hea United Na nd well-bein g the well-be s recognise 21 must add f the goals o Healthy Ir eland Framew eving their p nd the vario k identifies fo Increase the Reduce hea Protect the Create an en Ireland. Figure 2.1 ulation is a m nt. The Fram lacemaking vides a brief alth and wellations Sustai ng is identifie eing for all a that health dress the pr of sustainable eland Frame work, launche otential to e us factors wh our central g e proportion lth inequaliti public from t nvironment w 1 Dete major asset fo ework advoc – Strategic overview of -being, and h inable Deve ed as one of t all ages is and develop imary health e developme ework 2013 ed in 2013, is enjoy comple hich can influ oals for impr of people w ies; threats to he where every rminants of H or society an cates for a H Context f the key po healthy place lopment Go f the 17 ‘Sus recognised a pment are in h needs of th ent and prima - 2025 s a roadmap ete physical, uence it over roved health ho are health ealth and we individual an Health (Healt nd improving Health in All Wicklo Ch licy docume emaking. oals tainable Dev as being ess ntimately inte he world's po ary environm p for building mental and r the course o and well be hy at all stag llbeing; nd sector of thy Ireland Fr g the health Policies (HiA ow County De apter 2 | De nts, particula velopment G ential for su erconnected, opulation, sin mental care. g a healthier social wellb of a person’s ing. These ar es of life; society can p amework 201 and wellbein AP) approach evelopment evelopment arly from a s Goals’. Ensuri stainable de , and call th nce they are Ireland. Hea eing. Wellbe s life. re: play their par 13 – 2025) ng of the nat h as this hig Plan 2022-20 t Plan Strate spatial plann ng healthy li velopment. T hat action ite e integral to lth is defined eing reflects rt in achievin tion is a prio ghlights the f 028 egy ning ives The ems the d as the ng a ority fact13

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   tha ma suc the 2.1 Th eve wh en fin 2.1 Th life rea am we for In obj wh inf De qu at the risk fa anaged by o ch as educat ereby resultin 1.1.3 e National P eryday lives hich stop p couraging a ding new mo 1.1.4 e National P e that people asons for this menities, such e get older ou r supporting accordance bjectives of p here people fluenced by ecisions made ality, traffic s actors of ma ther Govern tion, employ ng in health National P Physical Activ and which s eople from supportive e odels of part Project Ire Planning Fram e can enjoy’ s including t h as educatio ur needs and quality of lif Figure 2.2 with NPO 2 public health live can infl spatial plan e regarding safety, oppor ajor diseases ment sectors yment and th inequalities. Physical Acti vity Plan cre uits individu being acti environment ticipation to g eland 2040: mework reco . It consider the quality of on, healthcare d preferences e. Eleme 26 of the NP policy as se uence their ning includi land use and rtunities for p s, or the det s, as well as he environm ivity Plan 20 ates increase al needs, cir ve, enhanci t where phys get more peo National Pla gnises that ‘ rs that place f the immed e, shops, par s in terms of ents Supportin PF, the Deve et out in Hea health and w ng heart dis d the built e physical activ terminants o by other act ment influenc 016 ed opportun rcumstances ing cross-se sical activity ople active. anning Fram ‘location and e is intrinsic iate environ rks, leisure an f quality of lif ng Quality of elopment Pla althy Ireland well-being. T sease, respir nvironment vity and socia Wicklo Ch of health, are tors in societ ce the distrib nities for peo and interest ectoral co-o becomes no mework d place have to achieving ment, an abi nd social inte fe change. H f Life (Nation an is require and the Na The NPF ide ratory diseas including tra al interaction ow County De apter 2 | De e modified b ty. Broader s bution of risk ople to be a s. This is ach peration at ormal and pro an importan g good qual ility to acces eractions. The owever, ther al Planning F ed, where ap ational Physic entifies speci se, mental h ansportation ns. evelopment evelopment by measures societal healt k factors in active in way hieved by re national a romoting goo nt influence o lity of life. T s employme e NPF ackno re are key ele Framework) ppropriate, t cal Activity P ific health ris health, obesi can influenc Plan 2022-20 t Plan Strate s that are of th determina the populati ys which fit i moving barr nd local le od practice a on the quality There are m ent, services a wledges that ements requi o integrate Plan. The pla sks that can ty and injur ce air and wa 028 egy ften ants ion, nto iers evel, and y of any and t as ired the aces be ries. ater14

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   Wicklow County Development Plan 2022-2028 Chapter 2 | Development Plan Strategy The NPF advocates that communities that are designed in a way that supports physical activity, encourage residents to make healthy choices and live healthier lives. Enhancing public health is identified in the NPF as one of the benefits of more compact urban growth as it will encourage and facilitate more active lifestyles by creating a more walkable and cycle friendly urban environment. The quality of housing is also an important consideration in terms of health and well-being. Relevant National Policy Objectives relating to Healthy Placemaking NPO 17 Enhance, integrate and protect the special physical, social, economic and cultural value or built heritage assets through appropriate and sensitive use now and for future generations. NPO 26 Support the objectives of public health policy including Healthy Ireland and the National Physical Activity Plan, through integrating such policies, where appropriate and at the applicable scale, with planning policy. NPO27 Ensure the integration of safe and convenient alternatives to the car into the design of our communities, by prioritising walking and cycling accessibility to both existing and proposed developments, and integrating physical activity facilities for all ages. NPO 63 Ensure the efficient and sustainable use and development of water resources and water services infrastructure in order to manage and conserve water resources in a manner that supports a healthy society, economic development requirements and a cleaner environment. NPO 64 Improve air quality and help prevent people being exposed to unacceptable levels of pollution in our urban and rural areas through integrated land use and spatial planning that supports public transport, walking and cycling as more favourable modes of transport to the private car, the promotion of energy efficient buildings and homes, heating systems with zero local emissions, green infrastructure planning and innovative design solutions. NPO 65 Promote the pro-active management of noise where it is likely to have significant adverse impacts on health and quality of life and support the aims of the Environmental Noise Regulations through national planning guidance and Noise Action Plans. 2.1.1.5 Regional Spatial and Economic Strategy The vision for the Eastern and Midland region is ‘to create a sustainable and competitive Region that supports the health and wellbeing of our people and places, from urban to rural, with access to quality housing, travel and employment opportunities for all’. The RSES recognises that the place or environment in which we live or work has a profound impact on our health and states that ‘placemaking is an essential link between spatial planning, improved quality of life and creating places that are attractive to live, work, visit and invest in’. The availability of and access to services, including adequate housing, employment, healthcare, education etc are considered essential for creating healthier places. The Strategy recognises that housing affordability and supply issues are impacting upon health and wellbeing due to overcrowding and people residing in substandard accommodation or being homeless. Healthy Placemaking is identified as one of the three key principles informing the RSES. The Strategy states that ‘healthy placemaking seeks to protect and enhance the unique identity and character of places and to facilitate improvements to human wellbeing and the quality of life that comes from the interaction of people and their environment. Placemaking is underpinned by good urban design, which seeks to create public spaces that are vibrant, distinctive, safe and accessible and which promote and facilitate social interaction’. There are five Regional Policy Outcomes relating to healthy placemaking. These include:  Sustainable Settlement Patterns  Compact Growth and Urban Regeneration15

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      He de em pla sup Fig Th ack soc im inv an an Rural Co Healthy Creative ealthy Placem velopment p mployment in aces to live, pport active gure 2.3 whic e RSES also knowledges cial infrastruc prove human vestment as d public spa d green spac ommunities Communitie Places making is id plans, must c cluding the i work, visit a lifestyles inc ch is taken fro o identifies that ‘the cre cture of our n wellbeing a well as for r ces is consid ces is also hig s dentified as onsider to h integration of nd invest in. cluding walki om the RSES Fig guiding pri ation of heal urban centre and are also residents, wo dered a key e ghlighted in one of the elp the regio f better urban Focus on p ing and cycli S. ure 2.3 nciples for lthy and attr es’. It is advo a key factor orkers and vi element of h terms of its c e growth en on meet its p n design, pub placemaking ing’. The key RSES – Heal the creatio ractive places ocated that e in enhancing isitors. Provid healthy place contribution Wicklo Ch nablers that potential – ‘T blic realm, am to create att y elements in lthy Placemak n of health s requires on effective pub g the attract ding alternat emaking. The to improved ow County De apter 2 | De local autho To realise sust menities and tractive and n healthy pla king y and attra going impro blic realm int iveness of pl tives to the e importance d physical an evelopment evelopment orities, in d tained econo d heritage to c sustainable acemaking a active places vements to t terventions c laces for tale car in the d e of recreatio nd mental he Plan 2022-20 t Plan Strate eveloping th omic growth a create attrac communities are identified s. The Strate the physical a can dramatic nt and busin esign of stre on infrastruct alth. 028 egy heir and tive s to d in egy and cally ness eets ture16

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   Wicklow County Development Plan 2022-2028 Chapter 2 | Development Plan Strategy Relevant Regional Policy Objectives relating to Healthy Placemaking RPO 9.1 In planning for the creation of healthy and attractive places, there is a need to provide alternatives to the car and to prioritise and promote cycling and walking in the design of streets and public spaces. Local authorities shall have regard to the Guiding Principles for ‘Healthy Placemaking’ and ‘Integration of Land Use and Transport’ as set out in the RSES and to national policy as set out in ‘Sustainable Residential Development in Urban Areas’ and the ‘Design Manual for Urban Roads and Streets (DMURS)’. RPO 9.11 Local authorities shall support the preparation of Design Guidelines to provide for improvements in the appearance of streetscapes and for revitalising spaces for example with cost effective, temporary uses that build on the longer-term vision for space. RPO 9.12 In planning policy formulation and implementation local authorities and other stakeholders shall be informed by the need to cater for all levels of disability, through the appropriate mitigation of the built environment, and in particular for the needs of an ageing population. RPO 9.13 Local authorities and relevant agencies shall ensure that new social infrastructure developments are accessible and inclusive for a range of users by adopting a universal design approach and provide for an age friendly society in which people of all ages can live full, active, valued and healthy lives. RPO 9.14 Local authorities shall seek to support the planned provision of easily accessible social, community, cultural and recreational facilities and ensure that all communities have access to a range of facilities that meet the needs of the communities they serve. RPO 9.15 Local authorities shall support the vision and objectives of the National Sports Policy, including working with local sports partnerships, clubs, communities and partnerships within and beyond sport, to increase sport and physical activity participation levels locally. RPO 9.16 Local authorities shall support the objectives of public health policy including Healthy Ireland and the National Physical Activity Plan, through integrating such policies, where appropriate and at the applicable scale, with planning policies contained in development plans. RPO 9.17 To support local authorities in the development of regional scale Open Space and Recreational facilities particularly those close to large or growing population centres in the Region. 2.1.1.6 Our Rural Future, Rural Development Policy 2021-2025 ‘Our Rural Future’ sets out that to enhance public services for rural communities, the Government will: 90 Update the Rural Housing Guidelines for planning authorities, to address rural housing in a broader rural development and settlement context. 93 Work with An Post to identify the scope to channel additional services through the post office network. Key Deliverables set out for ‘Rural Living’ include:  Develop a pilot scheme to support the use of rural pubs as community spaces and hubs for local services.  Increase the capacity for remote and blended learning to enable young people, in particular, in rural areas to access further and higher education courses through online learning while living in their local communities.  Provide investment for multipurpose spaces in the community (e.g. community centres, libraries, and sports clubs) for a variety of activities, including leisure, community, cultural and services provision.  Provide improved rural public transport services and pilot new transport initiatives to enhance the quality of life for people in rural areas.  Deliver expanded Local Link services through the NTA’s Connecting Ireland, Rural Mobility Plan.  Ensure that all public transport services in rural and regional areas are accessible to persons with disabilities and reduced mobility.17

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   Wicklow County Development Plan 2022-2028 Chapter 2 | Development Plan Strategy  Through the Healthy Ireland programme, support improved health and wellbeing of rural communities in collaboration with Local Authorities and local stakeholders and partners.  Invest in high-quality walking and cycling infrastructure specifically targeted at towns and villages across the country.  Invest in the local and regional road network to maintain roads to a proper standard and improve regional accessibility.  Increase investment in the repair of non-public roads through the Local Improvement Scheme.  Increase the number of places on the Rural Social Scheme, TÚS and Community Employment Schemes to support rural communities. Develop an effective rural proofing model to ensure the needs of rural communities are considered in the development of Government policies.  Review and enhance the effectiveness and availability of community alert and property-marking schemes in partnership with rural stakeholders to combat rural crime. Policy Measures:  Implement a €70 million Transitional LEADER Programme for community led rural development for the period 2021-2022, and develop and deliver a new LEADER programme to commence in 2023, in line with the next EU funding framework.  Develop a subsidised Local Area Hackney Scheme, in designated areas of rural Ireland, which are too small or remote to support a full-time taxi or hackney service. 2.1.2 Integration of Healthy Placemaking considerations into the County Development Plan There is a significant opportunity to pursue healthy placemaking particularly within the town and village centres as part of compact growth, regeneration and renewal. There is growing acceptance that placemaking generates social and economic outcomes and fosters healthy sustainable communities. Placemaking is increasingly recognised as an important factor in attracting investment and pursing economic development. It is advocated that healthy places in turn create economic value by appealing to a skilled workforce and attracting innovative companies. While the County Development Plan cannot address all elements of quality of life, there are key elements that will be addressed, notably the natural and built environment. In light of above, the County Development Plan will address the various elements of healthy placemaking in the following manner: Built Environment The quality of the built environment is a key element in healthy placemaking. Create an environment that supports physical activity and encourages people to make healthy choices and live healthier lives. Integrate health considerations into the design and layout of the built environment. Require that new housing is built to a high standard and incorporates adequate high quality amenity space. Delivery of sustainable settlement patterns, with a focus on compact growth that facilitates and encourages active travel including walking and cycling. Regeneration of town and village centres including public realm improvements and the provision of high quality public space. Sustainable Communities Facilitate improved access to employment, services and amenities, such as education, healthcare, shops, parks, leisure and social interactions. Encourage a broad range of activities and services that will serve people of all ages, abilities and backgrounds. Pursue placemaking improvements that will generate economic confidence and in turn make settlements more attractive to employers and a skilled workforce. Support and facilitate community engagement in healthy placemaking in recognition of the value of members of the community in terms of their contribution as partners in placemaking. All members of a community young and old are a valuable resource as experts of their own area, as stakeholders for positive change and as custodians of the outcomes.18

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   Wicklow County Development Plan 2022-2028 Chapter 2 | Development Plan Strategy Recreation and Open Space Ensure that communities have access to green space including active and passive amenity space to support physical and mental health and well-being within the community. Support the delivery of recreation infrastructure including pitches, play grounds etc. Sustainable Transport Prioritise walking and cycling in the design and layout of new development. Support and facilitate sustainable mobility by delivering compact growth and aligning population growth with employment development to reduce the number of people doing long distance commutes and increasing opportunities for walking and cycling and using public transport Heritage & Sense of Place Support and encourage heritage led regeneration in our towns and villages. Encourage and pursue, where possible, regeneration and renewal projects including public realm enhancement that provide a strong focus on placemaking, sense of place and strengthening local identity. 2.2 Climate Change This part of the plan sets out legislative requirements and principles regarding climate change that will be considered and integrated, where feasible, into the County Development Plan. ‘Climate change’ refers to any change in the climate over time due to change as a result of human activity. The United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) defines climate change as ‘a change of climate which is attributed directly or indirectly to human activity that alters the composition of the global atmosphere and which is in addition to natural climate variability observed over comparable time periods.’ The ‘greenhouse effect’ is causing the planet to warm up, a result of the increase in Greenhouse Gas Emissions (GHG) causing an increase in global temperatures. This is the main cause of climate change. Many human activities can generate greenhouse gases: manufacturing, farming, running your car or heating your home. The resulting gases are building up in the atmosphere, trapping more and more heat from the sun and slowly warming the planet. This warming is disrupting climate patterns and without strong counter-measures, will intensify. Ireland’s climate is changing and the scientific consensus is that further changes are on the way. Incremental changes in climate are already evident, including changes in our average temperature, wetter winters, more intense rainfall, more flooding, summer droughts and rising sea levels, as well as subtle changes to our ecosystem. The impacts are uncertain but concerted action is required to prepare for and deal with these changes in Ireland. We need to implement measures that will help the public to adapt to these changes. An effective response to climate change must combine mitigation and adaptation. The Climate Action and Low Carbon Development Act (2015) defines mitigation as ‘any human intervention aimed at reducing harmful influences on the earth’s climate system, including action aimed at reducing emissions and creating or enhancing sinks’. With regard to adaptation, the Act states ‘adaptation to the effects of climate change requires action to both manage the risks and to make adjustments to reduce our vulnerabilities. It is an essential component of our long term, strategic economic planning. “Adaptation” means any adjustment to - a) any system designed or operated by human beings, including an economic, agricultural or technological system, or b) any naturally occurring system, including an ecosystem, that is intended to counteract the effects (whether actual or anticipated) of climatic stimuli, prevent or moderate environmental damage resulting from climate change or confer environmental benefits The County Development Plan has an important role to play in addressing any land use and planning aspects of GHG reduction and impact mitigation/adaption. As climate change sources and impacts permeate a wide range of human activities, climate change is addressed throughout the plan as cross cutting theme.19

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   Wicklow County Development Plan 2022-2028 Chapter 2 | Development Plan Strategy 2.2.1 Climate Change Legislative & Policy Context A number of international and national climate change agreements, frameworks and programmes have been agreed. These provide information on impacts, vulnerability, adaptation and assessment; helping countries, from national to local level, make informed decisions on practical adaptation actions and measures to respond to climate change on a sound scientific, technical and socio-economic basis, taking into account current and future climate change and variability. It is important to acknowledge that best practice in how to address climate change in a County Development Plan is evolving. The introduction of a climate assessment toolkit (Action 65 of the Government’s Climate Action Plan) and forthcoming Ministerial Development Plan Guidelines will provide more guidance in this area. 2.2.1.1 International Climate Policy Kyoto Protocol  Adopted 11 December 1997, came into effect on 16 February 2005.  International United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) agreement.  Sets binding targets for 37 industrialised countries and the European Community for reducing emissions. 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development  Adopted by all UN members states in September 2015  17 Sustainable Development Goals calling for global action from all countries.  Goal 13 is specific to Climate Action with many other goals relevant to Climate Change. The Paris Agreement  Agreed on 12 December 2015, all 196 parties to the UNFCCC, to hold the increase in global temperature to well below 2 degrees Celsius above pre-industrial levels and to keep the more stringent target of below 1.5 degrees in sight. The Global Covenant of Mayors for Climate & Energy  Established June 2016.  A global coalition of city leaders addressing climate change by pledging to cut greenhouse gas emissions and prepare for the future impacts of climate change. Leaders Pledge for Nature 2020 Political leaders (including Taoiseach Michael Martin) participating in the United Nations Summit on Biodiversity in September 2020, representing 75 countries from all regions and the European Union, have committed to reversing biodiversity loss by 2030. 2.2.1.2 European Climate Policy European Union Adaptation to Climate Change Strategy (2013)  Published in April 2013  Aims to make Europe more climate-resilient, by taking a coherent approach and providing for improved coordination, it will enhance the preparedness and capacity of all governance levels to respond to the impacts of climate change.  The Strategy focus on three key objectives: - promoting action by Member States, - ‘climate-proofing’ action at EU level, and - better informed decision making.  Actions include mainstreaming of climate change into EU sector policies and funds. European Parliament resolutions  March 2019 - Endorsed the net-zero greenhouse gas emissions objective.  January 2020 - Resolution on the European Green Deal.  March 2020 - EU submitted its long-term strategy to the UNFCCC.20

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   Wicklow County Development Plan 2022-2028 Chapter 2 | Development Plan Strategy 2030 Climate and Energy Framework  Adopted October 2014, includes EU-wide targets and policy objectives for the period from 2021 to 2030. Key targets for 2030: - At least 40% cut in greenhouse gas emissions (from 1990 levels). - At least 32% share for renewable energy. This was revised upwards in 2018. - At least 32.5% improvement in energy efficiency. This was revised upwards in 2018. 2050 long-term strategy  December 2019 - EU endorsed the objective of making the EU climate-neutral by 2050 i.e. an economy with net-zero greenhouse gas emissions.  This objective is at the heart of the European Green Deal and in line with the EU’s commitment to global climate action under the Paris Agreement. 2.2.1.3 National Climate Policy & Legislation Climate Action Plan 20192 The Climate Action Plan is a statement of Government policies relevant to decarbonisation and adapting to a changing climate, with 183 specific actions over 12 Government sectors and charts an ambitious course towards decarbonisation. The Plan identifies how Ireland will achieve its 2030 targets for carbon emissions and puts Ireland on a trajectory to achieve net zero carbon emissions by 2050 and also reiterates Ireland’s commitment to the UN Sustainable Development Goals. This Plan sets out a commitment to drive the achievement of the following aims:  70% of the Country’s electricity needs will come from renewable sources by 20303;  Accelerate the take up of EV cars and vans so that we reach 100% of all new cars and vans as EVs by 2030. This will mean achieving a target of 950,000 EVs on the road by 2030 and approximately one third of all vehicles sold during the decade will be Battery Electric Vehicle (BEV) or Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicle (PHEV);  Make growth less transport intensive through better planning, remote home-working and modal shift to public transport;  Increase the renewable biofuel content of motor fuels;  Set targets for the conversion of public transport fleets to zero carbon alternatives. Under the Climate Action Plan there are three actions that are allocated to local authorities as follows: Action 64 Introduce minimum BER standards in the Local Authority social housing stock as part of retrofit works being carried out on older stock or refurbishment of vacant dwellings. Action 65 Develop and establish a climate-action toolkit and audit framework for Local Authority development planning to drive the adoption of stronger climate action policies in relation to the patterns and forms of future development. Action 66 Roadmap to develop supply chain to support the phase out of fossil fuel boilers in new dwellings. 2 During the making of this County Development Plan, this CAP has been updated, including updated targets for renewable energy, and these have been integrated into the final plan where possible. 3 Increased to 80% in the 2021 CAP21

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    Wicklow County Development Plan 2022-2028 Chapter 2 | Development Plan Strategy Climate Action & Low Carbon Development (Amendment) Bill 20214 The Climate Action and Low Carbon Development (Amendment) Bill 2021 will support Ireland’s transition to Net Zero and achieve a climate neutral economy by no later than 2050. It will establish a legally binding framework with clear targets and commitments set in law, and ensure the necessary structures and processes are embedded on a statutory basis to ensure we achieve our national, EU and international climate goals and obligations in the near and long term. The Bill includes the following key elements:  Places on a statutory basis a 'national climate objective', which commits to pursue and achieve no later than 2050, the transition to a climate resilient, biodiversity-rich, environmentally-sustainable and climate-neutral economy  Embeds the process of carbon budgeting into law, Government are required to adopt a series of economywide five-year carbon budgets, including sectoral targets for each relevant sector, on a rolling 15-year basis, starting in 2021  Actions for each sector will be detailed in the Climate Action Plan, updated annually  A National Long Term Climate Action Strategy will be prepared every five years  Government Ministers will be responsible for achieving the legally-binding targets for their own sectoral area with each Minister accounting for their performance towards sectoral targets and actions before an Oireachtas Committee each year  Strengthens the role of the Climate Change Advisory Council, tasking it with proposing carbon budgets to the Minister  Provides that the first two five-year carbon budgets proposed by the Climate Change Advisory Council should equate to a total reduction of 51% emissions over the period to 2030, in line with the Programme for Government commitment  Expands the Climate Change Advisory Council from eleven to fourteen members, and provides that future appointments to the Council provide for a greater range of relevant expertise and gender balanced  Introduces a requirement for each local authority to prepare a Climate Action Plan, which will include both mitigation and adaptation measures and be updated every five years. Local authority Development Plans will also align with their Climate Action Plan  Public Bodies will be obliged to perform their functions in a manner consistent with national climate plans and strategies, and furthering the achievement of the national climate objective. Climate Action & Low Carbon Development Act 2015 The Climate Action and Low Carbon Development Act 2015 sets out that the manner in which the transition towards a low carbon economy will be achieved through a ‘National Low Carbon Transition and Mitigation Plan’ (National Mitigation Plan) to lower Ireland’s level greenhouse emissions and a ‘National Climate Change Adaptation Framework’ (National Adaptation Framework, published 19th January 2018), to provide for responses to changes caused by climate change. These plans will be renewed every five years and are required to include tailored sectoral plans. The Act makes provision to ensure that public bodies consider fully, and integrate, the objectives set out in the National Low-Carbon Roadmap, national adaptation framework and sectoral adaptation plans in their strategic planning and day-to-day decision making, and take the necessary steps in respect of mitigation and adaptation in their areas of responsibility. 4 The Bill was signed into Law on 23 July 2021, The Climate Action and Low Carbon Development (Amendment) Act 202122

Source Wicklow County Council: Wicklow County Development Plan 2022–2028 – Volume 1 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.