Chapter 11: Infrastructure and Utilities

1. Reduce Energy Use

Section 1: Written Statement » Chapter 11: Infrastructure and Utilities

It is essential at all times to focus not just on the development of sustainable energy sources, but also promoting the reduction of energy use. Every development plan for infrastructure and roads/transport should have this as a permanent criterion.

References to current draft plan and additions below:

1. 1. Opportunities - The Council will continue to tackle issues that are contributing to Ireland’s greenhouse gas emissions and will facilitate the delivery of numerous gas and electricity projects providing additional energy capacity across the County, in addition to upholding quality standards in respect of environmental safety, public lighting, air quality and noise management. In an effort to reduce our carbon footprint, it will be necessary to diversify our energy production systems and increase measures for energy saving in the future, leading away from fossil fuels and towards green energy such as wind, wave, solar and biomass, together with smart energy systems and the electrification of transport fleets...

1. 1. Strategic Aims - Facilitate and promote the development of energy networks to facilitate sustainable growth and economic development and support the transition to alternative,
      renewable, decarbonised and decentralised energy sources, technologies and
      infrastructure. The Council will continue to support the development of a safe,
      secure and reliable supply of electricity and encourage the development of enhanced
      electricity networks, facilitating new transmission infrastructure projects under
      EirGrid's Grid Development Strategy. Projects to reduce energy use must also be prioritised, which could encompass both individual and community changes in energy habits and leverage new technologies via Smart Grids and Smart Cities. This can significantly improve the efficiency and quality of complex systems such as electricity, water, waste, energy and transport services, thereby reducing their costs while contributing to the “green economy”.

1. Ensure transport energy efficiency includes cycling

Section 1: Written Statement » Chapter 11: Infrastructure and Utilities

Policy IUP28 – Promote Energy Efficient Development

Promote more energy efficient development through the location of housing and employment along public transport/cycling corridors, where people can choose to use less energy intensive public transport or cycling, rather than being dependent on the car.

1. Local Community Sustainable Energy Projects

Section 1: Written Statement » Chapter 11: Infrastructure and Utilities

It should not just be infrastructure developers that must be supported, but also businesses and community groups that could set up sustainable community energy sources. This is part of building energy resilience and lowering dependence on traditional energy sources. We recommend that it should be explicitly stated that land controlled by the county council which is suitable for installing local area sustainable energy generation infrastructure (such as smaller solar farms, windmills, etc) should be marked on specific maps and shared with community groups (such as SEAI Sustainable Energy Communities) to consider for their work.

Reference to specific section in draft Development Plan:

1. 1. Energy Policies and Objectives. Fingal will continue to support energy utility providers, businesses and local community groups in their efforts to reinforce and strengthen existing utility infrastructure, transmission / distribution networks and community funded energy generation projects and will support new infrastructure projects and technologies with particular emphasis on renewable, alternative, and decentralised energy sources, and those which are less carbon intensive in line with the Electricity and Gas Networks Sector Climate Change Adaptation Plan (2019). We will continue to support the development of a safe, secure, and reliable supply of electricity and to support the development of enhanced electricity networks and facilitate new transmission infrastructure projects including those under EirGrid’s Grid Development Strategy, to service the existing and future needs of Fingal and the wider Eastern Region and to strengthen all-island energy infrastructure and interconnection capacity.

Policy IUP29 Enhancement And Upgrading Of Existing Infrastructure And Networks

Work in partnership with existing service providers, businesses and local community groups to facilitate required enhancement and upgrading of existing infrastructure and networks and support the development of new energy systems, local community sustainable energy generation projects and transmission grids, which will be necessary for a more distributed, renewables-focused energy generation system, harnessing both the considerable on-shore and off-shore potential from energy sources such as wind, wave, and solar energy. Generate maps to show specific county council areas of unused/dormant land that could be used for local community groups to determine small scale sustainable energy generation projects.