COMHAIRLE CONTAE ÁTHA CLIATH THEAS
SOUTH DUBLIN COUNTY COUNCIL
MEETING OF SDZ, LAPS AND PLANNING PROJECTS
Friday, January 26, 2018
MOTION NO.234
MOTION: Councillor F. Timmons
That no fossil fuel powered heating systems are installed in Clonburris SDZ. Installing for example Natural Gas heating would lock-in the development to ongoing greenhouse gas emissions of CO2 for the next 30 years. The homeowners would also be at the mercy of rising carbon taxes and volatile gas prices caused by geopolitical and international economic crisis. Alternatives are available for example heat pumps, geothermal and district heating and that this is written into the SDZ
Cllrs G. O Connell, P. Gogarty and L. O'Toole
REPORT:
Response
The energy efficiency and renewable energy requirements for the construction of new residential buildings are primarily addressed in the Building Regulations Part L (2011) and relevant national policy and guidelines. In consideration of the Planning and Development Act 2000 (as amended), it is considered that the function of SDZ Planning Scheme policies and objectives in this regard, is to support incremental changes to the Building Regulations Part L, national guidelines and other guidance, that may occur over the lifetime of the Clonburris SDZ, without duplicating or introducing specific requirements on energy efficiency and performance, and renewable energy technologies that may conflict with or impede the implementation of the Building Regulations on any specific site for development. It is recommended that the Draft Planning Scheme policies and objectives continue to support any future changes to the Building Regulations and national guidance, such as for example, Towards Nearly Zero Energy Buildings in Ireland: Planning for 2020 and Beyond, Department of the Environment, Community and Local Government, (2012).
In consideration of the motion submitted that no fossil fuel powered heating systems are installed on the SDZ lands, it is considered that this could lead to potential conflict with the implementation of the Building Regulations on any individual site for residential development, where the energy and heating requirements will be specific to each site and closely related to the location, layout, design and orientation of each residential dwelling. As such the variety of energy needs for the broad range of residential developments proposed in the Draft Planning Scheme and other site specific proposals on site, would negate the specific necessity to proclude all fossil fuel powered heating systems on each new housing and apartment builds to be constructed on the SDZ lands.
Furthermore having regard to the Government’s commitment to addressing the need for new residential development in Ireland and the implementation of ‘Rebuilding Ireland’ (2016), it is considered that the viability of new development and residential supply on the SDZ lands, would be placed at risk by insertion of unreasonable or excessive requirements in relation to the standard of housing or ancillary services and facilities that, in turn, impact adversely on the economic viability of commercial investment in and deliverability of new housing development over the lifetime of the SDZ Planning Scheme.
It is acknowledged that the SDZ offers potential for the development of a sustainable energy community into the future, and the Clonburris Energy Masterplan was prepared as a strategic first step in the development of a co-ordinated energy response for the area in the medium to long term. In this regard the Energy Masterplan explores the potential and viability of a range of potential options varying from ‘kick-start’ local networks to more localised level opportunities. The motion submitted to proclude fossil fuel powered heating systems would be contrary to the strategic recommendations of the Clonburris Energy Masterplan.
As such, it is considered that the energy performance of new buildings, which includes residential dwellings, is sufficiently addressed in Section 2.9.8 Energy & Climate Change Mitigation.
Recommendation
It is recommended that this motion is Not Adopted.
Strategic Environmental Assessment of Chief Executive’s Recommendation
No interaction with Strategic Environmental Objectives.
Strategic Environmental Assessment of Proposed Motion
Whilst the motion is noted and recognised in terms of promoting more sustainable energy use, it is not considered feasible within the overall objectives of the planning scheme and building regulations. Therefore it is not recommended for adoption.
Appropriate Assessment Screening of Chief Executive’s Recommendation
No likely significant effects on European sites within the SDZ’s zone of influence are predicted.