COMHAIRLE CONTAE ÁTHA CLIATH THEASSOUTH DUBLIN COUNTY COUNCIL

MEETING OF DEVELOPMENT PLAN MEETING

Tuesday, May 04, 2010

HEADED ITEM NO. 46

Amend Section 2.5.2 to insert additional introductory comments after the third paragraph (additional text in bold):

‘2.5.2 Background

To accord with the principles of sustainable development and to be at the forefront of new technology, the Council will facilitate the provision of a widespread accessible telecommunications infrastructure to all residents in the County and will encourage energy conservation and the development of renewable energy resources.

 Companies and homes throughout South Dublin County are connected to the National Frame Network for Eircom and the National Fibre Network for Esat Business. The National Digital Park at Citywest has a key connection point to a high-speed international cable providing critical broadband data transmission links to cities in Europe, US, South America and Asia Pacific. Commercial and residential customers in South Dublin County have the choice of utilising natural gas supplied by Bord Gáis Eíreann.

 The development of a secure and reliable electricity transmission infrastructure is recognised as a key factor supporting economic development and attracting investment to the County. The Electricity Supply Board is facing higher demands due to an increase in population and growing commercial activity, and additional capacity will be required if demands continue to rise.

 The White Paper ‘Delivering A Sustainable Energy Future For Ireland’ sets out the Government’s Energy Policy Framework 2007-2020 to deliver a sustainable energy future for Ireland. The Government’s over-riding policy objective is to ensure that energy is consistently available at competitive prices with minimal risk of supply disruption.

 Strategic Goals of particular relevance to land use planning, include:

addressing climate change by reducing energy related greenhouse gas emissions; accelerating the growth of renewable energy sources; promoting the sustainable use of energy in transport; maximising energy efficiency and energy savings across the economy; delivering electricity and gas to homes and businesses over efficient, reliable and secure networks; and ensuring an integrated approach to energy policy