Ireland 2040 Position Paper Summary & Briefs Chapter 5

Today’s blog in the NPF summary series presents chapter 5 of the consultation paper: Ireland's Unique Environment: Sustainability  

For those of you joining us for the first time, please note that this is not an opinion series: it merely presents a summary of each chapter to enable those who do not have time to read the full 54-page document make an informed response to the invitation to submit observations.  Our NPF Ireland 2040 Rural Policy Hub opinion series will begin next week.

Chapter 5 discusses Ireland’s unique environment with a focus on sustainability.

Key problem areas, from an EPA point of view, are presented:

  • Acceleration of climate change (CC) actions
  • Acceleration of renewable energy (RE) actions
  • Urban air quality
  • Drinking water
  • Urban waste water
  • Protection of habitats

A Strategic Environmental Assessment will be part of the NPF and a scoping document along with Appropriate Assessment and a Strategic Flood Risk Assessment (SFRA) are available to read in conjunction with the NPF consultation paper.

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A statistic presented is that approximately 30% of private wells in Ireland are contaminated by e-coli.  This numbers over 5,000 wells.

Another statistic relates to emissions targets.  Our agreement re 2020 was to reduce emissions by 20% less than what they were in 2005.  The EPA predicts the reduction to reach between 6% - 11% so that means Ireland could be 14% below our target.

The CC and Low Carbon Development Act (2015) dictates that a mitigation plan must be ready for Government approval by June 2017.  There is a separate consultation for that plan.

The NPF will be in a position to support and reinforce “…structural changes required to transition to a low carbon sustainable economy and society.” (P.43)

The worst sector regarding emissions is that of transport – especially private cars and commuting distances.

Re-energising Ireland (energy white paper for 2015 – 2030) will be considered in the NPF which will address the fact that 60% of Ireland’s greenhouse gas (GHGs) emissions are a result of energy use either in transport, heat or electricity generation. This includes domestic use. 

(Note: The Rural Policy Hub carried out a nationwide energy awareness study in 2015/2016.  Detailed results of that will be published shortly).

Renewable energy use is vital but some areas are more suitable than others for electricity generation from renewable sources.  There is a need for a coordinated response to ensure their employment.

Today’s Quote:

“At a national level it may be an option to create strategic energy zones or corridors, similar to Strategic Development Zones, as areas of national priority for renewable energy investment, as well as to provide a test bed for new technologies and developing solutions for carbon storage and capture.” (p.44)

‘Heritage and ecosystem services’ (defined as “…economic, environmental and quality of life benefits…” p.45) are included for consideration in this chapter.  It is concluded that they are important but must be protected on an equal level so that pockets of society are not disadvantaged.  It suggests that inward business and investment must be encouraged and more places for recreation with nature should be developed but all with a holistic approach to include air quality, soil quality etc. in landscape development.

Alternatives to business as usual are presented:

  • Ensure greater environmental coherence and include green infrastructure plan and landscape classification
  • Provide certainty regarding the type, scale and location of RE infrastructure.

Key Questions for Chapter 5

  1. How can a sustainable balance be achieved between the growing population and environmental pressures?
  2. How can low carbon and climate resilient economic growth be planned and what policy measures should be taken?
  3. What strategic energy infrastructure is needed to support the economy and society to meet relevant targets and where should that infrastructure be located?
  4. What other environmental issues should be in the NPF?
  5. What significant issues should be in the SEA, AA and SFA?
  6. What measures should be taken to ensure sustainability of landscape, seascape, and heritage to make Ireland an attractive place in which to live, to visit and to work?

 

The penultimate blog in this series will present Chapter 6 of the NPF consultation document titled 'Equipping Ireland for Future Development: Infrastructure'