MWNRDO comments in relation to the proposed Foynes to Limerick Road (including Adare Bypass) project as follows:
Please include the CPO lines for the Foynes to Limerick Road (...
Chapter 9 - Key Infrastructure
Closed18 Jun, 2022, 8:00am - 2 Aug, 2022, 5:00pm
The sustainable social and economic growth of Rathkeale is dependent on the satisfactory provision of key infrastructure associated with the provision of services for new residential and commercial developments. Key infrastructural provision will support the economic development of Rathkeale and will to be undertaken in a plan-led manner.
Rathkeale’s infrastructure must keep pace with modern demands. In this regard, the provision of high quality infrastructure, energy networks and environmental services are fundamental to ensuring the long-term sustainable development of Rathkeale. The location of future development through the zoning of land and the objectives of the Proposed Plan, and the Council’s assessment of planning applications, is informed by the capacity and availability of infrastructure.
Irish Water is responsible for the provision and operation of public water and wastewater services across the country. Irish Water and Limerick City and County Council work together to identify the water services required to support planned development in line with national and regional planning policies for inclusion in the Irish Water Capital Investment Plans.
The Kilcolman Reservoir supplies potable water to Rathkeale. There is an extensive aging pipe network within the town. There are seasonal difficulties associated with providing sustainable supply (pressure and flow) at times in the town. Satisfying demand can also be difficult during periods of extended hot dry weather.
In terms of waste-water, there are currently no issues regarding the capacity of the Rathkeale Waste Water Treatment Plan to accommodate the envisaged population increase to 2028.
Adequate storm water drainage and retention facilities are necessary to accommodate surface water runoff from existing and proposed developments. Rivers, streams and ditches containing watercourses are important green infrastructure corridors and habitats providing multi-functional eco-system services such as land drainage, recreational amenity, and clean/cool air and wildlife corridors. In the past, surface water management has tended to focus on intervention with the use of methods such as piping, culverting and installation of underground attenuation tanks. Using natural solutions to manage surface water can be cost effective and yield results that improve environmental quality. The use of natural drainage systems at surface level through utilisation of existing drains, natural slopes and existing ponds and natural wetland areas should be considered in the first instance. Approaches to manage surface water that take account of water quantity (flooding), water quality (pollution), biodiversity (wildlife and plants) and amenity are collectively referred to as Sustainable Urban Drainage Systems (SuDS). SuDS can contribute to surface water retention and a reduction in the potential for flooding by acting as natural drainage.
Rathkeale is served by ESB Networks and Gas Networks. The higher-level spatial plans indicate there is significant potential to use renewable energy to achieve climate change emission reduction targets through electricity and gas networks. With costs actively driven down by innovation in solar, onshore and offshore wind in particular, the renewable industry is increasingly cost competitive. Low carbon technologies present an economic opportunity and green technology development is emerging as a major field of innovation and growth. The Council recognises the importance of developing renewable energy resources in the interest of delivering NZEB (Near Zero Energy Buildings) and the National Climate Change Adaptation Framework as outlined in Chapter 12 Climate Change of this Plan. Regard will also be had to the contents of the Limerick Climate Change Adaptation Strategy 2019-2024, and its replacement strategy, particularly where reference is made to utilities and infrastructure.
According to Census 2016 data, 39.5% of households have broadband internet services in Rathkeale. Two public Wi-Fi hotspots have been delivered by the Council in Rathkeale as part of the WiFi4EU initiative, at Rathkeale Community Centre and Giltenane’s Pharmacy, offering speeds of up to 100Mbps. In addition, under the National Broadband Plan’s Broadband Connection Point initiative, the Council has worked with partners National Broadband Ireland, the Department of Rural and Community Development and Vodafone, to install a 150Mbps radio broadband service at the Rathkeale Riverside Training Workshop, which is available for public use both inside and outside the premises. This variety of connectivity options will give a significant economic and social advantage to Rathkeale, as a place to set up online businesses, facilitate working from home and develop smart homes and smart buildings.
Limerick City and County Council seeks to comply with European, national and regional policy in relation to control of pollution from air, noise and light and waste management to maintain and improve environmental infrastructure.
With respect to noise given the thresholds set out under the Environmental Noise Directive (2002/49/EC), the Limerick Noise Action Plan 2018 – 2023 relates to road traffic noise from major roads only and does not relate to other noise sources such as industrial noise, neighbourhood noise etc. The Action Plan includes potential noise mitigation measures and policy measures to prevent exposure to excessive road noise and to protect quiet areas.
The Circular Economy and Ireland’s Waste Management policy is part of the waste hierarchy established by the EU’s Waste Framework Directive, which sets out to prioritise waste prevention, followed by re-use, recycling, recovery and finally disposal into landfill. The Southern Region Waste Management Plan 2015 – 2021 is a framework for the prevention and management of waste in a safe and sustainable manner. Refer to Section 7.7 Waste Management in the Draft Limerick Development Plan.
9.6 Key Infrastructure Strategic Policy and Objectives
Strategic Infrastructure Policy
Ensure adequate infrastructure capacity is in place to accommodate future development.
Objectives: It is an objective of the Council to:
KI O1: Ensure all development proposals shall comply with the Development Management Standards of the Draft Limerick Development Plan 2022 - 2028, any replacement thereof and any relevant Section 28 Guidance. All key infrastructure shall demonstrate climate resilience measures to climate-proof critical infrastructure.
KI O2: Ensure compliance for infrastructure led-growth in accordance with the DHPLG Water Services Guidelines for Planning Authorities.
KI O3:
(a) Support the implementation of the Irish Water Investment Plans.
(b) Ensure adequate wastewater infrastructure is available to cater for existing and proposed development, in collaboration with Irish Water, avoiding any deterioration in the quality of receiving waters and ensuring discharge meets the requirements of the Water Framework Directive.
KI O4:
(a) Maintain, improve and enhance the environmental and ecological quality of surface waters and groundwater, including reducing the discharges of pollutants or contaminants to waters in accordance with the River Basin Management Plan for Ireland 2012-2027 (DHPLG) and associated Programme of Measures.
(b) Require all planning applications to include surface water design calculations to establish the suitability of drainage between the site and the outfall point;
(c) Require all new developments to include Sustainable Urban Drainage Systems (SuDS) to control surface water outfall and protect water quality, in line with the requirements set out under Development Management standards in the Draft Limerick Development Plan 2022 – 2028.
KI O6:
(a) Support the providers of national gas and electricity grid infrastructure by safeguarding existing infrastructure from encroachment by development that might compromise the efficiency of the networks.
(b) Facilitate cooperation between utility and service providers to ensure their networks are resilient to the impacts of climate change, both in terms of design and ongoing maintenance.
(c) Facilitate improvement of telecommunications, broadband, electricity (including renewables) and gas networks infrastructure on an open access basis subject to safety requirements, proper planning and sustainable development.
(d) Seek the undergrounding of all utility cables.
(e) Facilitate delivery of E-Charge Points for electric vehicles at suitable locations and in new developments in accordance with the Draft Limerick Development Plan.
KI O7:
(a) Promote the use of renewable energy technologies and sources in existing and proposed developments, subject to consideration of environmental, conservation, residential and visual amenity.
(b) Support the development of Smart Homes and Smart Buildings and facilitate the foundation for Smart Limerick in accordance with the Limerick Digital Strategy 2017 – 2020 and any subsequent replacement strategy.
Contents
Observations
Observations
To Limerick CoCo
My observations/opinions on the above are as follows.
1. Proposed Housing Plan: Would it not be more financially viable going forward for all...
A Chara,
Our submission has been updated further to additional information just received. Please find attached our updated submission; the submission sent at 12:08pm today can be disregarded...
Main Street
1: Parking on the main street causes congestion, is it possible to have a convenient off street parking area to free up the main street for small scale traffic, pedestrian and human interaction....
Dear Sir/Madam,
Please find attached a copy of TII’s observations on the Draft Rathkeale Local Area Plan, 2023 – 2029.
Yours sincerely,
Michael...