Chapter 7: Climate Action and Energy

Section 7.10.1     Renewable Energy

(Amendment No. 51) Include additional text in green to Section 7.10.1 ‘Renewable Energy (page 160):

7.10.1    Renewable Energy

The potential for each renewable energy type in Carlow is dependent on the abundance of the natural resource available, along with environmental and infrastructural constraints and facilitators. The scale of developments can range from micro to large-scale, providing energy for a single dwelling, a commercial property, or being exported to the electricity grid for distribution.  Renewable energy technologies can also be successfully co-located, or located alongside installations for energy storage, conversion, and grid stability. This approach can help enable greater penetration of renewable energy on the national grid, as well as integration of renewable electricity with transport and the gas grid. Renewable energy development decreases reliance on fossil fuels and imports, reducing greenhouse gas emissions and improving security of supply.

(Amendment No. 52) Insert additional new policy RE P2, Section 7.10.1 ‘Renewable Energy’ (page 161), new text in green as follows:

Support the co-location of renewable energy technologies on a case-by-case basis subject to compliance with planning and environmental criteria.

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Section 7.10.3.2 Solar Energy

(Amendment No. 53) Amend Policy SE P1, Section 7.10.3.2  ‘Solar Energy’ (page 165):- deleted text in red as follows:

Se p1:Favourably consider the redevelopment of brown field sites for large solar PV projects subject to proper planning and environmental considerations.

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Section 7.10.3.6   Geothermal Energy (Ground Source Heat Pumps)

(Amendment No. 54) Include additional text in green to Section 7.10.3.6 ‘Geothermal Energy (Ground Source Heat Pumps)’  (page 168):

7.10.3.6                Geothermal Energy (Ground Source Heat Pumps)

Ground-source heat pumps (GSHPs) exploit geothermal energy to provide space heating and cooling. The heat pumps utilise the low temperature geothermal resources closer to the surface, which act as a heat source during heating and a sink into which excess heat is released during cooling. Geothermal energy offers a reliable resource as the temperature of the earth below a certain depth, typically ten metres, is relatively stable. In recognition of the important role geothermal energy plays in decarbonising the energy sector, the Geological Survey of Ireland (GSI) has published ‘An Assessment of Geothermal Energy for District Heating in Ireland’.   This document supports and complements a simultaneous 2020 publication by the Department of Environment, Climate and Communications entitled ‘Geothermal Energy in Ireland, A Roadmap for a Policy and Regulatory Framework’. 

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Section 7.13.4     Nature Based Approaches and Green Infrastructure

(Amendment No. 55) Amend text in Section 7.13.4 (para 4, page 176) :- deleted text in red, new text in green as follows:

Within County Carlow there are opportunities to expand and strengthen the green infrastructure network and to further explore its integration into both public and private developments in the future. It is the Council’s intention an Objective of the Council under Objective GI. O1 in Chapter 9 to develop a Green Infrastructure Strategy for the County in consultation will all key stakeholders and with the public during the lifetime of this Plan. It The Strategy will identify key green infrastructure aims and objectives for Carlow, taking account of the priority projects identified in this Plan and it will provide for the delivery of these projects including the provision of appropriate funding mechanisms. (Refer also to Chapter 9).

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Section 7.13.6     Sustainable Urban Drainage Systems

(Amendment No. 56) Amend text in Section 7.13.6 (para 2, page 177):- deleted text in red, new text in green as follows:

In recognition of the importance of SuDS, and to reduce the potential impact of existing and predicted flood risks and to improve biodiversity and amenity value, the Council has is preparing a new SuDS policy/guidance document which will be adopted during the lifetime of this Plan.  It is an objective of the Council to require all development (including extensions to existing development) proposals to incorporate SuDS measures. (Refer also to Chapter 6).

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