COMHAIRLE CONTAE ÁTHA CLIATH THEAS
SOUTH DUBLIN COUNTY COUNCIL

MEETING OF LUCAN / PALMERSTOWN / NORTH CLONDALKIN AREA COMMITTEE

Tuesday, May 24, 2022

MOTION NO. 24

MOTION: Councillor G. O'Connell

That the Chief Executive initiate a feasibility study into the possibility of using the Mill Race and Old Mill buildings on Mill Lane Palmerstown for a Hydro Electric scheme, possibly as a private/public partnership. 

REPORT:

‘South Dublin County Council is committed to reducing its carbon emissions to net zero by 2050. We will also work with our partners to ensure that resources and regulations are in place to facilitate the whole County’s transition to a zero-carbon society.

Our strategy includes measures to eliminate energy waste across buildings and transport systems, and investment in renewable and sustainable energy solutions including solar PV, Wind, Geothermal and Hydro Electric where practicably, economically, and environmentally viable.

In Ireland, approximately 2.5% of our electricity generation capacity comes from hydro power and it can be viewed as a sustainable source. An operating hydro plants produce electricity efficiently however they presents significant challenges to river life and biodiversity. Blocking or restricting the flow of water can impact fish migration and lower the oxygen levels which can also have a detrimental effect on habitats.

Hydro electric generation also creates noise pollution which may be a nuisance in an urban environment.

The cost of developing a micro generation plant should be considered. While the operational cost are low, the initial investment is comparably high. As a preliminary indicator of viability from an economic point of view, the power that can be produced at a location is calculated as

Power = 6 x head x flow rate.

However, locations with less than 2 metres of head water are considered to be non-viable economically. https://www.teagasc.ie/rural-economy/rural-development/diversification/small-scale-hydro-generation/

The available head of water at Palmerstown is 1.75 metres (Hydro Mapping System (seai.ie)) meaning that developing hydro-electricity would be uneconomical at this location.

Finally, the Mill Race and associated buildings are owned privately therefore it would be inappropriate for SDCC to initiate a feasibility study.

Due to the environmental concerns and physical limitations on the site, and ownership concerns it is considered that South Dublin County Council should not pursue this proposal.’