38. Department of the Environment, Climate & Communications
Bóthar an Bhaile Nua, Loch Garman, Y35 AP90
Newtown Road, Wexford, Y35 AP90
T +353 1 678 2000 | 1890 44 99 00
www.gov.ie/decc
Forward Planning Team,
Monaghan County Council,
Planning Offices,
1 Dublin Street,
Co. Monaghan
H18 X982
7th July 2023
RE: Preparation of a new Monaghan County Development Plan 2025-2031
Dear Sir/Madam,
Further to the notice given to this Department of the preparation of the new Monaghan
County Development Plan (the Development Plan), the following submission outlines
its observations in respect of a number of policy areas for which the Department is
responsible.
The Department of the Environment, Climate and Communications’ vision of a climate
neutral, sustainable, and digitally connected Ireland will be achieved by collaboratively
delivering policies and programmes to empower people, communities, and businesses
to continue the transition to a better quality of life for current and future generations.
The step change in our ambition from a low carbon to climate neutral Ireland requires
strong leadership across Government and the wider public sector. This Department
will drive the climate agenda by engaging with local authorities to build resilience in
citizens, communities, and business to overcome climate adaptation challenges,
maximising climate mitigation and adaptation opportunities and facilitating the transition
to a truly Circular Economy.
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The Department welcomes the opportunity to input into the development of the draft
County Development Plan, and asks that you take the material outlined in the following
sections into consideration when drafting the Development Plan, which align with our
Statement of Strategy for the period 2021-2023, Le Chéile 23, which itself sets out our
vision, mission, and five strategic goals in key policy areas.
Climate action
The Climate Action and Low Carbon Development (Amendment) Act 2021 (Climate Act
2021) amends the Climate Action and Low Carbon Development Act 2015 and sets
Ireland on a legally binding path to net-zero emissions no later than 2050, and to a
51% reduction in emissions by the end of this decade. The significantly strengthened
legally binding framework established under the Climate Act, with clear targets and
commitments set in law, will help ensure that Ireland achieves its national, EU and
international climate goals and obligations in the near and long-term. In this regard, we
would draw the Council’s attention to Section 15(1) of the principal Act (as amended),
which requires public bodies to “..perform its functions in a manner consistent with –
(a) the most recent approved climate action plan,
(b) the most recent approved national long term climate action strategy,
(c) the most recent approved national adaptation framework and approved
sectoral adaptation plans,
(d) the furtherance of the national climate objective, and
(e) the objective of mitigation greenhouse gas emissions and adapting to the
effects of climate change in the State”
The Climate Action Plan 2023 (CAP 2023) sets a roadmap for taking decisive action to
halve our overall greenhouse gas emissions by 2030 and setting Ireland on a path to
reach net-zero emissions by no later than 2050, as committed to in the Programme for
Government and set out in the Climate Act 2021. The Council will be required to have
regard to the policies expressed therein in the preparation of the Development Plan.
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It will put Ireland on a more sustainable path; cut emissions; create a cleaner, greener
economy and society; and protect us from the devastating consequences of climate
change. It is a huge opportunity to create new jobs and grow businesses in areas like
offshore wind; cutting-edge agriculture; and retrofitting, making our homes warmer and
safer.
The CAP 2023 lists the actions needed to deliver on our climate targets and sets
indicative ranges of emissions reductions for each sector of the economy. It will be
updated annually to ensure alignment with our legally binding economy-wide carbon
budgets and sectoral ceilings.
This plan makes Ireland one of the most ambitious countries in the world on climate
action and we request that the Monaghan County Council consider how the actions set
out therein can be incorporated into the Development Plan, where relevant.
The National Adaptation Framework (NAF), which sets out the national strategy to
reduce the vulnerability of the country to the negative effects of climate change and to
avail of positive impacts. The NAF was developed under the Climate Action and Low
Carbon Development Act 2015.
The NAF builds on the work already carried out under the National Climate Change
Adaptation Framework (NCCAF, 2012). The NAF outlines a whole of government and
society approach to climate adaptation in Ireland. It also aims to improve the enabling
environment for adaptation through ongoing engagement with civil society, the private
sector, and the research community.
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In all matters relating to Climate Action, local authorities should consult directly with
their own Climate Action Regional Offices (CAROs).
Transport
The Climate Action Plan 2023 commits the Government to reducing transport
emissions by 50% from 2018 emissions rates. To facilitate the reduction in greenhouse
gas emissions, CAP 2023 supports the transition towards a sustainable transport
system, through enhanced land-use planning, public transport, active travel, reducing
the demand for transport, vehicle efficiency and clean fuels. As such, the Local
Authority is requested to consider the measures within the CAP 2023 relating to
transport and reducing the demand for transport when preparing the Development
Plan.
Renewable Energy and Electricity Supply
The target of delivering up to 80% of Ireland’s electricity from renewable sources by
2030, as set out in the National Development Plan 2021-2030 (NDP) and the CAP
2023, will come from a combination of onshore and offshore renewable sources.
The Local Authority should note that the Government has increased its ambitions for
renewable energy generation under the CAP 2023:- Solar PV Capacity targets have
been updated to 5GW by 2025 and 8GW by 2030. Onshore wind capacity has
increased to 6GW by 2025 and 9GW by 2030. Regular Renewable Electricity Support
Scheme (RESS) auctions will deliver competitive levels of onshore wind and solar
electricity generation in line with the national targets.
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When preparing the Development Plan, the Local Authority should ensure that the
objectives and targets within said plan are reflective of the increased national ambition
as per the Climate Action Plan 2023, in particular the target to reach 80% of electricity
demand from renewable energy by 2030. Any policies or objectives relating to
renewable energy should be made in a manner consistent with the national Climate
Objective and the Climate Acton Plan.
In this regard, the Policy Statement on Security of Electricity Supply, published in 2021,
sets out the Government’s commitment to ensure security of electricity supply to 2.4
million homes and businesses throughout Ireland. The Government decided that the
development of new conventional generation (including gas-fired and gas oil/distillate-
fired generation) was a national priority and should be permitted and supported to
ensure security of electricity supply and to facilitate the target of up to 80% renewable
electricity generation by 2030. The policy statement builds on policies set out in the
NDP and the CAP 2021 and is part of a range of actions being taken to enhance and
ensure security of electricity supply in Ireland and support the roll-out of renewable
electricity.
Facilitating the accelerated roll-out of renewable electricity generation is embedded in
Response no. 25 of the National Energy Security Framework (NESF), which proposes
to align all elements of the planning system to fully support accelerated renewable
energy development and ensure that the local planning policy framework “fully
supports the national objectives.” The NESF provides an overarching and
comprehensive response to Ireland’s energy security needs in the context of the war in
Ukraine. The Framework outlines the structures which are in place within Government
to monitor and manage our energy supplies. It sets out the plans that are in place to
deal with energy security emergencies should they arise, and outlines out how these
plans will be tested in light of the war in Ukraine. Renewable electricity generation is
central to Ireland’s energy security plans.
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In this context, the Department notes the Renewable Electricity Spatial Policy
Framework, which is currently being prepared pursuant to Action EL/23/2 of the
Climate Action Plan 2023. This will, in effect, be the national policy for onshore
renewable electricity and will inform and reshape the development and distribution of
onshore wind and solar PV generation so to enable the delivery of Ireland’s renewable
electricity targets. This will be published during the course of the making of the
Development Plan and should, therefore, be taken into account when it emerges.
In addition to the work underway on the Renewable Electricity Spatial Policy
Framework, the Department is working closely with the SEAI on a revision to the
methodology for Local Authority Renewable Energy Strategies. The updated
methodology will provide Local Authorities a best practice approach to identifying and
assessing renewable energy resources in spatial plans at a local level. This measure is
due for completion by end Q3 2022.
The Department encourages the Local Authority to prepare a Renewable Energy
Strategy as part of the Development Plan, as, in association with wind-energy
strategies, they offer great value when preparing a County Development Plan and can
be used as a vehicle to attract investment in a wide range of renewable energy
technologies within the local authority administrative area.
The Regional Assemblies have been tasked with publishing Regional Renewable
Electricity Strategies (RRES). With the development of these RRES, the regional
assemblies will hold a vital role in improving the coherence between national, regional,
and local climate action policy.
As committed to in CAP 2023, a Roadmap is currently being developed in collaboration
between the Department and the three regional assemblies to assist with and guide the
development of the individual strategies.
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We would encourage the inclusion of a specific objective of the Council to promote the
repowering of wind power installations and to enhance the development of additional
renewable energy infrastructure in the County, including solar as well as supporting
grid infrastructure.
Overall, it is crucial that all counties look to continue to increase their contribution to the
national renewable electricity generation target. As such, it is vital that in the
determination and review of local renewable energy targets counties look beyond their
land mass and local population and seek to pursue a course that maximises each
counties contribution to the national (and, when established, regional) renewable
energy target as determined by available land, energy generation potential and
environmental designations. Such local renewable energy generation targets should be
specific, measurable, and time bound.
Offshore Renewable Energy
The development of significant Offshore Renewable Energy (ORE) is required over the
coming decade to meet the ambitious goal of 80% renewable electricity by 2030. The
Department notes Monaghan has no coastline, however, any policies within the
Monaghan County Development Plan should not undermine the objective of the
National Marine Planning Framework, Policy Statement on the Framework for Ireland’s
Offshore Electricity Transmission System, and both the Offshore Renewable Energy
Development Plan and Offshore Renewable Energy Development Plan II.
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Heat Energy
The Programme for Government and the CAP 2023 set ambitious targets to retrofit
500,000 homes to a Building Energy Rating of B2 (or cost optimal equivalent) by 2030,
and to install 400,000 heat pumps in existing dwellings, to replace existing heating
systems by 2030. This represents approximately 25% of the housing stock and is
among the most ambitious retrofit programmes worldwide. The review of the NDP
resulted in an unprecedented financial commitment to support achievement of the
Government’s retrofit targets including a €43m investment in the Community Energy
Grant Scheme which includes grants for public, commercial and community buildings.
The ambitious National Retrofit Plan, sets out how the Government will deliver its
ambitious retrofitting targets. The Plan identified an €8 billion Exchequer commitment
to 2030 to support homeowners to upgrade their homes through SEAI home energy
grant schemes including free energy upgrades for households at risk of energy
poverty. It is designed to address barriers to retrofit across four key pillars: driving
demand and activity; financing and funding; supply chain, skills, and standards; and
governance. For each pillar, barriers were identified and timebound policies, measures
and actions were put in place to address them.
The National Heat Study provides a comprehensive assessment of the options
available to decarbonise Ireland's energy used for heating and cooling homes,
businesses, and industry. Options available include the electrification of heating. The
CAP 2023 adopts measures to support the electrification of heating by strengthening
our existing Building Regulations and implementing an ambitious National Residential
Retrofit Plan. Targets set are 170,000 new dwellings using heat pumps by 2025, and
400,000 by 2030, and 45,000 existing dwellings using heat pumps by 2025, and
400,000 by 2030.The Local Authority is requested to consider the development of the
electrification of heating during the preparation of the Development Plan, having regard
to the CAP 2023.
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We would also note Response no. 17 of the National Energy Security Framework,
which (building on specific actions in the Climate Acton Plan) seeks to reduce the
reliance on fossil fuel heating systems. The Council is requested to consider how the
Development Plan, through its development management policies, could contribute to
this ambition.
With respect to District Heating, when preparing the Development Plan, due regard
should be given to the ambition of the National Planning Framework, which
encourages compact growth and explicitly recognises the potential for such compact
growth to facilitate the development of low carbon district heating. The Department
encourages the Local Authority to emphasise the importance of appropriate spatial
planning in climate change action, particularly the potential for compact urban growth
development to help reduce greenhouse gas emissions, bearing in mind the National
Planning Framework.
The Department highlights specific policies at national and regional level that should be
taken into account when preparing the Development Plan, such as:
• National Planning Framework: ‘District heating networks will be developed,
where technically feasible and cost effective, to assist in meeting renewable
heat targets and reduce Ireland’s GHG emissions’.1
• Regional Policy Objective 4.20: ‘Support and encourage the development of
the bio-economy sector, and facilitate its development for energy
production, heat, and storage distribution, in particular advocating
Combined Heat and Power Units integrated into District Heating networks,
in combination with Pyrogenic Carbon Capture and Storage (PyCCS) or
Bio-Energy Carbon capture and storage (BECCS) all to be done in
collaboration with EPA and other regulators’.2
1 National Strategic Outcome 9, National Planning Framework, Pg 149 2 Northern & Western Regional Spatial and Economic Strategy, Regional Policy Objective 4.20
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The Department therefore encourages the Local Authority to examine the potential of
district heating including district heating derived from waste heat, where available,
technically feasible and cost effective, while giving consideration to the outcomes of the
National Heat Study. As such, policies in support of same are encouraged in the
Development Plan. The Heat Policy Division is available to provide guidance and
support in this regard.
Circular Economy
The Circular Economy is an alternative to the predominant ‘take-make-waste’ linear
economic model. Meeting Ireland’s climate action targets requires a transition to a
circular economy which protects and restores our environment through sustainable
resource use, as 45% of global emissions come from current systems of production
and resource consumption. The challenge Ireland faced was around creating a policy
or framework that would radically shift focus back to the start of the product life cycle,
to focus on prevention and designing out waste, and to effect behavioural change at an
individual, household, and business level. This policy is set out in the government’s
Waste Action Plan for a Circular Economy, and the Whole-of-Government Circular
Economy Strategy.
The Circular Economy Bill 2022, which was recently published by Government, will
ensure all households have access to and use segregated waste services and
incentivise the commercial sector to increase waste separation, as well as providing
waste authorities with new tools to tackle illegal dumping. The Bill also provides for the
reconfiguration of the Environment Fund to become Ireland’s Circular Economy Fund,
ring-fenced to support environment and circular economy projects and initiatives.
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Ireland’s first Whole of Government Circular Economy Strategy was approved by
Government and launched last year. This first iteration of the Circular Economy
Strategy marked a significant milestone in Ireland’s transition towards greater
circularity. In tandem with the Strategy, the EPA developed a new Circular Economy
Programme. This new programme will be a driving force in Ireland’s move to a circular
economy by businesses, householders, and the public sector.
We also draw the Local Authority’s attention to the new guidance in respect of
construction waste management, titled “Best practice guidelines for the preparation of
resource & waste management plans for construction & demolition projects”. The
purpose of these guidelines is to provide a practical approach to construction and
demolition (C&D) which is informed by best practice in the prevention and
management of C&D wastes and resources from design through to construction and
deconstruction. The Local Authority is encouraged, therefore, to consider how such
guidance could be incorporated into the policies of the Development Plan to give effect
to them through the planning system.
Generally, with respect to the development of waste policy, County Councils should
consult directly with their respective Regional Waste Management Planning Office
regarding development of the final plans.
Geoscience Policy
A public consultation took place in 2021 on the draft Policy Statement on Mineral
Exploration and Mining in Ireland and associated Strategic Environmental Assessment
Environmental Report and Appropriate Assessment Natura Impact Statement. The
goal is to put in place a clear and sustainable policy framework that can play a role in
Ireland’s transition to a circular economy and net-zero greenhouse gas emissions.
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The Draft Policy Statement on Geothermal Energy for a Circular Economy is an
important step in addressing the barriers to the development of geothermal energy in
Ireland and focusing our attention on its potential. The Policy Statement, once finalised,
will outline the regulatory framework, highlight the requirement for meaningful
engagement with the public, and for further work in the collection of data on Ireland’s
geothermal resources. While the lack of geothermal legislation does not necessarily
preclude exploration for, or development of, geothermal energy, it does increase the
level of risk and uncertainty for projects and potential investors (including local
authorities/municipal users). Having a dedicated regulatory framework for geothermal
energy would help to attract interest in this renewable energy and realise a number of
associated environmental, circular economy and climate benefits.
A list of Geological Survey Ireland's (GSI) Publicly Available Datasets Relevant to
Planning, EIA and SEA processes, following European Union (Planning and
Development) (Environmental Impact Assessment) Regulations 2018(S.I. No. 296 of
2018), is attached to this submission provides the datasets available for the following
areas:
• Land & Soil
• Water
• Landscape
• Air and
• Climate
The maps and data listed in the attached chart are available on the Geological Survey
Ireland map viewer. Please read all disclaimers carefully when using Geological
Survey Ireland data.
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The full submission by Geological Survey Ireland, a division of this Department, is
attached herewith for consideration.
Telecommunications
Ireland’s national and international digital connectivity is critically important to
maintaining and enhancing Ireland’s competitiveness in global markets and in the
knowledge and information economy while supporting the shaping of Europe’s digital
future. This Department will provide digital policy leadership and foster investment in
high quality communications infrastructure while driving digital entrepreneurship and
innovation and promoting the digital society at national, European, and international
levels.
An agile, responsive, and resilient digital infrastructure is needed to support the
development of the digital economy while improved cyber security will build trust and
confidence in online activities and support digital transformation for the benefit of every
citizen, business, and community in Ireland. The creation of a gigabit and fully
connected digital society, that safeguards the citizen in their use of digital services and
applications will promote the use of digital services to meet societal needs, foster
innovation and enhance the quality of citizens’ lives.
Last year the Government published a new national digital strategy, Harnessing Digital
– The Digital Ireland Framework, to drive and enable the digital transition across the
Irish economy and society. Dimension 2 of the framework places importance on
supporting 5G rollout across all populated areas of Ireland by 2030.
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National Strategic Objective 6 of the NDP states that high-quality, secure, and reliable
connectivity to global telecommunications networks is of significant strategic
importance to the Irish State. To achieve this Ireland must Ireland develop high
capacity and diverse connectivity routes directly to mainland Europe, whilst continuing
to encourage investment in cable projects from North America to Ireland. Further
measures may be required over time in order to leverage the private investment
required to further develop international connectivity to mainland Europe and to ensure
that Ireland becomes a central connectivity hub.
It is considered that national policy objectives in terms of digitalisation, 5G rollout and
enhancing Ireland’s national and international connectivity outlined in those policy
documents can be further underlined and supported by Local Authorities via specific
reference to these areas in the County Development Plans. In particular, a direct
callout in the draft Plans of supporting 5G rollout would be welcome from a DECC
perspective.
• We would encourage Monaghan County Council to create a centralised
telecoms unit to manage all issues relating to telecoms, access to local
authority assets and Smart Initiatives.
• For National Broadband Plan (NBP) and telecommunications development, we
would encourage a commitment to efficiently process application for required
permits and licences to the scaled needed to support the NBP deployment, and
a commitment to work with operators to streamline and simplify the process.
• For ducting and other assets owned by the State, we would encourage a
commitment to publish inventories of these assets and develop a streamlined
process to allow for easy accessibility for access seekers.
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Conclusion
We would be grateful if Monaghan County Council would take these matters under
consideration in the drafting of the Monaghan County Development Plan 2025-2031.
Department officials can make themselves available for a discussion on any matters
raised in this submission or any other matters within the remit of the Department of
Environment, Climate and Communications relevant to the preparation of this plan.
Officials can provide support to the County Council in the following areas:
• Climate Action, Engagement and Adaptation
• Energy Generation and Networks
• Energy Use / Demand in the Built Environment
• The Circular Economy
• Communications
• Environmental Policy and Governance
• Waste and Natural Resources (including geosciences)
Please direct any requests for further consultation to
PlanningNotifications@decc.gov.ie
Yours sincerely,
Planning Advisory Division
Department of Environment, Climate and Communications
Encl. Supplementary Submission from Geological Survey Ireland
__________________________________________________________________________________________
Geological Survey Ireland, Block 1, Booterstown Hall, Booterstown, Blackrock, Co Dublin, A94 N2R6
Bloc 1, Halla Bhaile an Bhóthair, Baile an Bhóthair, An Charraig Dhubh, Baile Átha Cliath, A94 N2R6
T +353 (0)1 678 2000 www.gsi.ie Fáiltítear roimh comhfhreagras i nGaeilge
Forward Planning Team,
Monaghan County Council
Planning Offices
1 Dublin Street
Monaghan, H18 X982 08 June 2023
Re: Review of the Monaghan County Development Plan 2019-2025 and Preparation of the Monaghan County
Development Plan 2025-2031
Your Ref: n/a
Our Ref: 23/128
Dear Sir/Madam,
Geological Survey Ireland is the national earth science agency and is a division of the Department of the Environment,
Climate and Communications. We provide independent geological information and gather various data for that purpose.
Please see our website for data availability. We recommend using these various data sets, when conducting the EIAR, SEA,
planning and scoping processes. Use of our data or maps should be attributed correctly to ‘Geological Survey Ireland’.
The publicly available data referenced/presented here, should in no way be construed as Geological Survey Ireland support
for or objection to the proposed development or plan. The data is made freely available to all and can be used as
independent scientific data in assessments, plans or policies. It should be noted that in many cases this data is a baseline or
starting point for further site-specific assessments.
With reference to your email received on the 29 May 2023, concerning the Review of the Monaghan County Development
Plan 2019-2025 and Preparation of the Monaghan County Development Plan 2025-2031, Geological Survey Ireland would
encourage use of and reference to our datasets. This data can add to the content and robustness of the SEA process. With
this in mind please find attached a list of our publicly available datasets that may be useful to the environmental
assessment and planning process. We recommend that you review this list and refer to any datasets you consider relevant
to your assessment. The remainder of this letter and following sections provide more detail on some of these datasets.
#Key Issues: Climate Change, Environment and Heritage
Geoheritage
Geological Survey Ireland is in partnership with the National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS, Department of Housing,
Local Government and Heritage), to identify and select important geological and geomorphological sites throughout the
country for designation as geological NHAs (Natural Heritage Areas). This is addressed by the Geoheritage Programme of
Geological Survey Ireland, under 16 different geological themes, in which the minimum number of scientifically significant
sites that best represent the theme are rigorously selected by a panel of theme experts.
County Geological Sites (CGSs), as adopted under the National Heritage Plan, include additional sites that may also be of
national importance, but which were not selected as the very best examples for NHA designation. All geological heritage
sites identified by Geological Survey Ireland are categorised as CGS pending any further NHA designation by NPWS. CGSs
are now routinely included in County Development Plans and in the GIS of planning departments, to ensure the recognition
and appropriate protection of geological heritage within the planning system. CGSs can be viewed online under the
Geological Heritage tab on the online Map Viewer.
The audit for Co. Monaghan was carried out in 2013. The Monaghan Geological Heritage Project was supported by the
Heritage Council, the Geological Survey of Ireland, Monaghan County Council and Monaghan Heritage Plan. The resulting
report was an action of the County Monaghan Heritage Plan 2012-2017. The full report details can be found here.
In addition to the sustainable management and conservation of areas of natural environmental and geological value, the
Geological Heritage Programme of Geological Survey Ireland, would also recommend the following wording as appropriate
ways in which to address the need to protect geological heritage in any one of Ireland’s local authority areas:
__________________________________________________________________________________________
Geological Survey Ireland, Block 1, Booterstown Hall, Booterstown, Blackrock, Co Dublin, A94 N2R6
Bloc 1, Halla Bhaile an Bhóthair, Baile an Bhóthair, An Charraig Dhubh, Baile Átha Cliath, A94 N2R6
T +353 (0)1 678 2000 www.gsi.ie Fáiltítear roimh comhfhreagras i nGaeilge
"to protect from inappropriate development the scheduled list of geological heritage sites
[Appendix X], while promoting them in terms of their cultural, educational/scientific
and tourism values where appropriate."
Or
"to protect from inappropriate development the following list of County Geological Sites, while promoting
them in terms of their cultural, educational/scientific and tourism values where appropriate."
The Geological Heritage Programme views the Local Authorities as critical partners in protecting, through the planning
system, those CGS which fall within their county limits. The following points are suggested as appropriate context within
which to address the need to protect geological heritage in any one of Ireland’s local authority areas.
• Listing CGSs in the CDP provides protection of the sites against potentially damaging developments that normally
require planning permission, such as building, quarrying, landfilling or forestry.
• In many cases CGSs are also sites of high amenity or educational value, already zoned or listed in the CDP.
• It is also important that the democratic process of public consultation and approval by councillors of the CDP
means that stakeholders in the CGSs and all of the local community can buy into the process.
• CGSs have been adopted in the National Heritage Plan, and will form a major strand of geological nature
conservation to complement the various ecological and cultural conservation measures.
o It is important to note however, that management issues for the majority of geological heritage sites may
differ from ecological sites, and in some cases development may facilitate enhanced geological
understanding of a site by exposing more rock sections - for example, in a quarry extension.
o Consultation at the earliest stages can identify any issues relevant to an individual site or proposed
development.
• County Geological Sites are the optimal way of addressing the responsibility of each authority under the Planning
and Development Act 2000 and its amendments, to protect sites of geological interest.
o It would also be necessary to include a policy objective to protect geological NHAs as they become
designated and notified to the Local Authority, during the lifetime of the Plan.
As always, we are available if you require any further information, please feel free to contact Clare Glanville
(Clare.Glanville@gsi.ie).
Dimension Stone/Stone Built Ireland
Stone Built Ireland is a 2 year research collaboration agreement between Geological Survey Ireland, Trinity College Dublin &
the office of Public Works. The project aims to document building and decorative stone in Ireland to inform government
agencies, building owners and conservationists of the sources for suitable replacement stone in restoration work and to
develop a greater awareness among the general public.
In addition to promoting citizen science and awareness of local materials, the inventory will aid ta & the public in complying
with part 4 of the Planning and Development Act 2000, which requires owners to conserve protected structures. It will also
assist local authorities in issuing Section 57 Declarations, which outline ‘the type of works which it considers would or would
not materially affect the character of the structure or any element of the structure’.
__________________________________________________________________________________________
Geological Survey Ireland, Block 1, Booterstown Hall, Booterstown, Blackrock, Co Dublin, A94 N2R6
Bloc 1, Halla Bhaile an Bhóthair, Baile an Bhóthair, An Charraig Dhubh, Baile Átha Cliath, A94 N2R6
T +353 (0)1 678 2000 www.gsi.ie Fáiltítear roimh comhfhreagras i nGaeilge
This project builds on work already completed funded by the Irish Research Council (March 2019 - September 2020) that
carried out primary research on the topic and developed a simple database and web-based platform as well as hosting
various heritage displays at venues (www.stonebuiltireland.com). This project may be of benefit to the ‘Architectural
Heritage’ topic in the Strategic Issues & Options Paper.
Geological Mapping
Geological Survey Ireland maintains online datasets of bedrock and subsoils geological mapping that are reliable and
accessible. We would encourage you to use these data which can be found here, in your future assessments.
Please note we have recently launched QGIS compatible bedrock (100K) and Quaternary geology map data, with
instructional manuals and videos. This makes our data more accessible to general public and external stakeholders. QGIS
compatible data can be found in our downloadable bedrock 100k .zip file on the Da Maps section of our website.
Geohazards
Geohazards can cause widespread damage to landscapes, wildlife, human property and human life. In Ireland, landslides,
flooding and coastal erosion are the most prevalent of these hazards. We recommend that geohazards be taken into
consideration, especially when developing areas where these risks are prevalent, and we encourage the use of our data
when doing so.
Geological Survey Ireland has information available on landslides in Ireland via the National Landslide Database and
Landslide Susceptibility Map both of which are available for viewing on our dedicated Map Viewer. Associated guidance
documentation relating to the National Landslide Susceptibility Map is also available.
Geological Survey Ireland also engaged in a national project on Groundwater Flooding. The data from this project may be
useful in relation to Flood Risk Assessment (FRA) and management plans, and is described in more detail under
‘Groundwater’ below.
Physiographic Units
Physiographic Units are cartographic representations of the broad-scale physical landscape of a region. They delineate
physical regions showing internal uniformity with respect to one or more environmental attributes that can be clearly
differentiated from neighbouring regions. They are valuable for regional land-use planning, and in studies of the influence
of physical landscape on the ecological environment. This map is produced in support of the actions to be implemented in
National Landscape Strategy for Ireland 2015 – 2025. Physiographic Units map data can be viewed online under the
Physiographic Units tab on the online Map Viewer.
#Key Issue: Tourism
Geotourism
Over the past number of years geology has become a large part of Irish tourism. Ireland currently has three UNESCO Global
Geoparks, and a number of other geotourism projects. These Geoparks, along with other tourism initiatives such as the
Wild Atlantic Way, Irelands Ancient East, and Irelands Hidden Heartlands have bolstered tourism in various parts of Ireland
and helped to increase its levels in areas that were previously not as popular with tourists. We would encourage Monaghan
County Council to continue this trend of geotourism, and to use the geological audit information making it easily available
to the general public.
#Key Issue: Economic Activity
Geothermal Energy
Geothermal energy harnesses the heat beneath the surface of the Earth for heating applications and electricity generation,
and has proven to be secure, environmentally sustainable and cost effective over long time periods. Geothermal
applications can range in depth from a few metres below the surface to several kilometres. Ireland has widespread shallow
geothermal resources for small and medium-scale heating applications, which can be explored online through Geological
Survey Ireland’s Geothermal Suitability maps for both domestic and commercial use. We recommend use of our
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Geological Survey Ireland, Block 1, Booterstown Hall, Booterstown, Blackrock, Co Dublin, A94 N2R6
Bloc 1, Halla Bhaile an Bhóthair, Baile an Bhóthair, An Charraig Dhubh, Baile Átha Cliath, A94 N2R6
T +353 (0)1 678 2000 www.gsi.ie Fáiltítear roimh comhfhreagras i nGaeilge
Geothermal Suitability maps to determine the most suitable type of ground source heat collector for use with heat pump
technologies. Ireland also has recognised potential for deep geothermal resources.
The Roadmap for a Policy and Regulatory Framework for Geothermal Energy was launched at the Geoscience 2020
Conference in November 2020. The Assessment of Geothermal Resources for District heating in Ireland and the Roadmap
for a Policy and Regulatory framework for Geothermal Energy in Ireland documents have been developed to support the
Government's commitments under the Climate Action Plan 2019 and the Programme for Government.
For further information please see our Geoenergy pages on our website or contact the Groundwater and Geothermal Unit
of the Geological Survey Ireland directly.
Natural Resources (Minerals/Aggregates)
Geological Survey Ireland is of the view that the sustainable development of our natural resources should be an integral
part of all development plans from a national to regional to local level to ensure that the materials required for our society
are available when required.Geological Survey Ireland highlights the consideration of mineral resources and potential
resources as a material asset which should be explicitly recognised within the environmental assessment process.
Geological Survey Ireland provides data, maps, interpretations and advice on matters related to minerals, their use and
their development in our Minerals section of the website. The Active Quarries, Mineral Localities and the Aggregate
Potential maps are available on our Map Viewer.
#Key Issue: Environmental Assessment and Monitoring
Groundwater
Geological Survey Ireland’s Groundwater and Geothermal Unit, provides advice, data and maps relating to groundwater
distribution, quality and use, which is especially relevant for safe and secure drinking water supplies and healthy
ecosystems.
Proposed developments need to consider any potential impact on specific groundwater abstractions and on groundwater
resources in general. We recommend using the groundwater maps on our Map viewer which should include: wells; drinking
water source protection areas; the national map suite - aquifer, groundwater vulnerability, groundwater recharge and
subsoil permeability maps. For areas underlain by limestone, please refer to the karst specific data layers (karst features,
tracer test database; turlough water levels (gwlevel.ie). Background information is also provided in the Groundwater Body
Descriptions. Please read all disclaimers carefully when using Geological Survey Ireland data.
GWClimate is a groundwater monitoring and modelling project that aims to investigate the impact of climate change on
groundwater in Ireland. This is a follow on from a previous project (GWFlood) and the data may be useful in relation to
Flood Risk Assessment (FRA) and management plans. Maps and data are available on the Map viewer.
Geological Survey Ireland has completed Groundwater Protection Schemes (GWPSs) in partnership with Local Authorities,
and there is now national coverage of GWPS mapping. A Groundwater Protection Scheme provides guidelines for the
planning and licensing authorities in carrying out their functions, and a framework to assist in decision-making on the
location, nature and control of developments and activities in order to protect groundwater.
The Groundwater Protection Response overview and link to the main reports is here: https://www.gsi.ie/en-
ie/programmes-and-projects/groundwater/projects/protecting-drinking-water/what-is-drinking-water-
protection/county-groundwater-protection-schemes/Pages/default.aspx
Geochemistry of soils, surface waters and sediments
Geological Survey Ireland provides baseline geochemistry data for Ireland as part of the Tellus programme. Baseline
geochemistry data can be used to assess the chemical status of soil and water at a regional scale and to support the
assessment of existing or potential impacts of human activity on environmental chemical quality. Tellus is a national-scale
mapping programme which provides multi-element data for shallow soil, stream sediment and stream water in Ireland. At
present, mapping consists of the border, western and midland regions. Data is available at https://www.gsi.ie/en-ie/data-
and-maps/Pages/Geochemistry.aspx. This page also hosts Geochemical Mapping of Agricultural and Grazing Land Soil of
Europe (GEMAS) and lithogeochemistry (rock geochemistry) from southeast Ireland datasets.
__________________________________________________________________________________________
Geological Survey Ireland, Block 1, Booterstown Hall, Booterstown, Blackrock, Co Dublin, A94 N2R6
Bloc 1, Halla Bhaile an Bhóthair, Baile an Bhóthair, An Charraig Dhubh, Baile Átha Cliath, A94 N2R6
T +353 (0)1 678 2000 www.gsi.ie Fáiltítear roimh comhfhreagras i nGaeilge
Geological Survey Ireland and partners are undertaking applied geochemistry projects to provide data for agriculture (Terra
Soil), waste soil characterisation (Geochemically Appropriate Levels for Soil Recovery Facilities) and mineral exploration
(Mineral Prospectivity Mapping).
Geophysical data
Geological Survey Ireland produces high-resolution geophysical data (Magnetic field, electrical conductivity, natural gamma-
ray radiation) of soils & rocks as part of the Tellus programme. These data currently cover approximately 75% of the country
and provide supporting geological information on a regional scale useful for assessing environmental impact and riskThe
Tellus programme provides expertise to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) for the determination of radon risk. The
data is used in mineral exploration or is useful in aiding site investigation works for large scale projects.
Geotechnical Database Resources
Geological Survey Ireland continues to populate and develop our national geotechnical database and viewer with site
investigation data submitted voluntarily by industry. The current database holding is over 7500 reports with 134,000
boreholes; 31,000 of which are digitised which can be accessed through downloads from our Geotechnical Map Viewer. We
would encourage the use of this database as part of any baseline geological assessment of the proposed development as it
can provide invaluable baseline data for the region or vicinity of proposed development areas. This information may be
beneficial and cost saving for any site-specific investigations that may be designed as part of any projects.
Historic Mines
The EPA, Geological Survey Ireland and the former Exploration & Mining Division undertook a joint project entitled "Historic
Mine Site - Inventory and Risk Characterisation (HMS - IRC)". This project carried out detailed site investigations and
characterisation on priority historic mine sites in the country.
A risk ranking methodology was developed which categorised the sites according to the risks posed to human and animal
health and the environment. The project commenced in January 2006 and was completed in December 2008. A final report
and a GIS geodatabase was produced on completion of the project. Reports and maps available here. The project provides
an understanding of the impacts of historic mining sites in Ireland and their status at the time of the study.
I hope that these comments are of assistance, and if we can be of any further help, please do not hesitate to contact me
Clare Glanville, or my colleague Trish Smullen at GSIPlanning@gsi.ie.
Yours sincerely,
Dr. Clare Glanville Trish Smullen
Senior Geologist Geoheritage and Planning Programme
Geological Survey Ireland Geological Survey Ireland
Enc: Table - Geological Survey Ireland's Publicly Available Datasets Relevant to Planning, EIA and SEA processes.
Geological Survey Ireland Programme Dataset Relevant EIA Topic Coverage Description / Notes / Limitations Link to Geological Survey Ireland map viewer
Geohazards Landslide: National landslide database and landslide susceptibility map Land & Soil/Climate/Landscape National Associated guidance documentation relating to the National Landslide Susceptibility Map is also available.https://dcenr.maps.arcgis.com/apps/webappviewer/index.html?id=b68cf1e4a9044a5981f950e9b9c5625c
Geohazards Groundwater Flooding (Historic)Water Regional
Provide information of historic flooding, both surface water and
groundwater. [A lack of flooding presented in any specific location of the
map only indicates that a flood has not been detected. It does not
indicate that a flood cannot occur in that location at present or in the
future]https://dcenr.maps.arcgis.com/apps/webappviewer/index.html?id=848f83c85799436b808652f9c735b1cc
Geohazards Groundwater Flooding (Predictive)Water Regional
Provides information on the probability of future karst groundwater
flooding (where available). [The maps do not, and are not intended to,
constitute advice. Professional or specialist advice should be sought
before taking, or refraining from, any action on the basis of the flood
maps]https://dcenr.maps.arcgis.com/apps/webappviewer/index.html?id=848f83c85799436b808652f9c735b1cc
Geohazards Radon Map Land & Soils/Air National http://www.epa.ie/radiation/radonmap/
Geoheritage County Geological Sites as adopted by National Heritage Plan and listed in County Development PlanLand & Soils/Landscape Regional All geological heritage sites identified by Geological Survey Ireland are categorised as CGS pending any further NHA designation by NPWS.https://dcenr.maps.arcgis.com/apps/MapSeries/index.html?appid=a30af518e87a4c0ab2fbde2aaac3c228
Geological Mapping Bedrock geology: Land & Soils National 1:100,000 scale and associated memoirs.https://dcenr.maps.arcgis.com/apps/webappviewer/index.html?id=de7012a99d2748ea9106e7ee1b6ab8d5&scale=0
Geological Mapping Bedrock geology: Land & Soils Regional 1:50,000 scale https://dcenr.maps.arcgis.com/apps/webappviewer/index.html?id=de7012a99d2748ea9106e7ee1b6ab8d5&scale=0
Geological Mapping Quaternary geology: Sediments Land & Soils National 1:50,000 scale https://dcenr.maps.arcgis.com/apps/webappviewer/index.html?id=de7012a99d2748ea9106e7ee1b6ab8d5&scale=0Geological Mapping Quaternary geology: Geomorphology Land & Soils National 1:50,000 scale https://dcenr.maps.arcgis.com/apps/webappviewer/index.html?id=de7012a99d2748ea9106e7ee1b6ab8d5&scale=0
Geological Mapping Physiographic units: Land & Soils National Broad-scale physical landscape units mapped at 1:100,000 scale in order to be represented as a cartographic digital map at 1:250,000 scale https://dcenr.maps.arcgis.com/apps/webappviewer/index.html?id=afa76a420fc54877843aca1bc075c62b
Geological Mapping GeoUrban: Spatial geological data for the greater Dublin and Cork areas Land & Soils Regional includes 3D models https://dcenr.maps.arcgis.com/apps/webappviewer/index.html?id=9768f4818b79416093b6b2212a850ce6&scale=0
Geological Mapping Geotechnical database Land & Soils National
Digitised geotechnical and Site Investigation Reports and boreholes which
can be accessed through online downloads https://dcenr.maps.arcgis.com/apps/webappviewer/index.html?id=a2718be1873d47a585a3f0415b4a724c
Goldmine Historical data sets including geological memoirs and 6" to 1 mile geological mapping records land & Soils/Water National available online https://secure.dccae.gov.ie/goldmine/index.html
Groundwater & Geothermal Groundwater resources (aquifers)Water National Data limited to 1:100,000 scale; sites should be investigated at local scale https://dcenr.maps.arcgis.com/apps/webappviewer/index.html?id=7e8a202301594687ab14629a10b748ef
Groundwater & Geothermal Groundwater recharge.Water National Data limited to 1:40,000 scale; sites should be investigated at local scale; long term annual average recharge https://dcenr.maps.arcgis.com/apps/webappviewer/index.html?id=7e8a202301594687ab14629a10b748ef
Groundwater & Geothermal Groundwater vulnerability.Water National Data limited to 1:40,000 scale; sites should be investigated at local scale https://dcenr.maps.arcgis.com/apps/webappviewer/index.html?id=7e8a202301594687ab14629a10b748ef
Groundwater & Geothermal Group scheme and public supply source protection areas.Water National Not all PWS / GWS have SPZ / ZOC. Check with IW / coco / NFGWS for private supplies.https://dcenr.maps.arcgis.com/apps/webappviewer/index.html?id=7e8a202301594687ab14629a10b748ef
Groundwater & Geothermal Groundwater Protection Schemes Water National Data is limited to scale of 1:40,000. Data does not include all of the source protections areas https://dcenr.maps.arcgis.com/apps/webappviewer/index.html?id=7e8a202301594687ab14629a10b748efGroundwater & Geothermal Catchment and WFD management units.Water National https://dcenr.maps.arcgis.com/apps/webappviewer/index.html?id=7e8a202301594687ab14629a10b748ef
Groundwater & Geothermal karst specific data layers water National For areas underlain by limestone, includes karst features, tracer test database; turlough water levels (gwlevel.ie). https://dcenr.maps.arcgis.com/apps/webappviewer/index.html?id=7e8a202301594687ab14629a10b748efGroundwater & Geothermal Wells and Springs Water National Not comprehensive, there may be unrecorded wells and springs https://dcenr.maps.arcgis.com/apps/webappviewer/index.html?id=7e8a202301594687ab14629a10b748ef
Groundwater & Geothermal Groundwater body Descriptions Water National Not exhaustive; only those in designated SACs; could be other GWDTEs; for more information contact NPWS / EPA / site investigations https://www.gsi.ie/en-ie/programmes-and-projects/groundwater-and-geothermal-unit/activities/understanding-ireland-groundwater/Pages/Groundwater-bodies.aspx
Groundwater & Geothermal Geothermal Suitability maps land & Soils/Water National
Also, Roadmap for a Policy and Regulatory Framework for Geothermal
Energy, November 2020 https://dcenr.maps.arcgis.com/apps/webappviewer/index.html?id=9ee46bee08de41278b90a991d60c0b9e
Marine & Coastal Unit INFOMAR - Ireland's national marine mapping programme; providing key baseline data for Ireland’s Water National https://secure.dccae.gov.ie/GSI/INFOMAR_VIEWER/
Marine & Coastal Unit CHERISH - Coastal change project (Climate, Heritage and Environments of Reefs, Islands, and HeadlaWater Regional http://www.cherishproject.eu/en/
Marine & Coastal Unit Coastal Vulnerability Index (CVI). water /Land & Soils Regional
Currently the project is being carried out on the east coast and will be
rolled out nationally
https://www.gsi.ie/en-ie/programmes-and-projects/marine-and-coastal-unit/projects/Pages/Coastal-Vulnerability-
Index.aspx
Minerals Aggregate potential Land & Soils/Material Assets National
Consideration of mineral resources and potential resources as a material
asset which should be explicitly recognised within the environmental
assessment process https://dcenr.maps.arcgis.com/apps/webappviewer/index.html?id=ee8c4c285a49413aa6f1344416dc9956
Minerals Active quarries Land & Soils National https://dcenr.maps.arcgis.com/apps/webappviewer/index.html?id=ee8c4c285a49413aa6f1344416dc9956
Minerals Historic mines Land & Soils/Cultural Heritage National Inventory and Risk Classification 2009. Environmental Protection Agency, Economic Minerals Division and Geological Survey Ireland (DECC).https://gis.epa.ie/EPAMaps/default?easting=?&northing=?&lid=EPA:LEMA_Facilties_Extractive_Facilities https://www.epa.ie/enforcement/mines/Tellus Geochemical data: multi-element data for shallow soil, stream sediment and stream water Land & Soils Regional A national mapping programme https://dcenr.maps.arcgis.com/apps/MapSeries/index.html?appid=6304e122b733498b99642707ff72f754TellusAirborne geophysical data including radiometrics, electromagnetics and magnetics Land & Soils Regional A national mapping programme https://dcenr.maps.arcgis.com/apps/MapSeries/index.html?appid=6304e122b733498b99642707ff72f754Tellusurban geochemistry mapping (Dublin SURGE project),Land & Soils Regional https://dcenr.maps.arcgis.com/apps/MapSeries/index.html?appid=6304e122b733498b99642707ff72f754Notes:1. The maps and data listed above are available on the Geological Survey Ireland map viewer https://www.gsi.ie/en-ie/data-and-maps/Pages/default.aspx2. Please read all disclaimers carefully when using Geological Survey Ireland data3. Geological Survey Ireland and Irish Concrete Federation published guidelines for the treatment of geological heritage in the extractive industry in 2008.
Geological Survey Ireland's Publicly Available Datasets Relevant to Planning, EIA and SEA processesfollowing European Union (Planning and Development) (Environmental Impact Assessment) Regulations 2018
(S.I. No. 296 of 2018)
Geological Survey Ireland Version No. 1April 2021