COMHAIRLE CONTAE ÁTHA CLIATH THEAS
SOUTH DUBLIN COUNTY COUNCIL

MEETING OF SDZ, LAPS AND PLANNING PROJECTS

Friday, January 26, 2018

MOTION NO. 213

MOTION: Councillor D. O'Brien

Page 62, under 2.8.9 Energy Efficiency & Resilience, insert a new paragraph after paragraph 1: “The Clonburris SDZ provides a unique opportunity to showcase low carbon/carbon free residential and commercial developments. The Council shall promote energy efficiency and carbon free energy alternatives such as passive housing, solar heating and solar PV, district heating systems, geo thermal heating systems and the use of heat pumps within the planning scheme.”

Louise Dunne, Cathal King, Danny O’Brien, Mark Ward

REPORT:

This motion relates to Section 2.8.9 Energy Efficiency & Resilience. 

Energy efficiency in new buildings is addressed in Section 2.9.8 Energy and Climate Change Mitigation, with particular regard to meeting the requirements of the current Building Regulations Part L (2008 and 2011). This section also states that new development proposals at Clonburris should have regard to Towards nearly Zero Energy Buildings in Ireland – Planning for 2020 and Beyond (DECLG), which promotes the increase of near Zero Energy Buildings in Ireland. 

The Draft Planning Scheme prioritises the development of a sustainable energy community at Clonburris, this is reflected in the Energy Masterplan that accompanies the Draft Planning Scheme, prepared in partnership with the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI). It is noted that the Clonburris Energy Masterplan identifies a range or low carbon and renewable energy options linked to the future, phased development of the SDZ lands. For example, within the core areas of the Clonburris and Kishoge urban centres, local energy networks initially based on Gas Combined Heat and Power (CHP) are potentially viable, when compared to a traditional individual gas boiler scenario. Other options such as Water Source Heat Pumps (WSHP) and Biomass could be viable in the future. These alternative options on the SDZ lands, aim to reduce long term reliance on fossil fuels, de-carbonise existing energy systems and ultimately lower greenhouse gas emissions in South Dublin County.

It is considered that the intent of the proposed motion that seeks to promote the highest possible level of energy efficiency in all new residential and commercial units has been fulfilled by the Draft Planning Scheme and no amendment to the Planning Scheme is required.

Recommendation

It is recommended that this motion is not adopted. 

Strategic Environmental Assessment of Chief Executive’s Recommendation

No interaction with Strategic Environmental Objectives. 

Appropriate Assessment Screening of Chief Executive’s Recommendation

No likely significant effects on European sites within the SDZ’s zone of influence are predicted.