35. Health Service Executive - Environmental Health1
National Office for Environmental Health Services
2nd Floor, Oak House, Lime Tree Avenue
Millennium Park, Naas, Co. Kildare
Eircode: W91KDC2
T: 045 880 442
ehnationaloffice@hse.ie
Planning Section
Monaghan County Council
1st July 2023
ID3171
Notice of Intention to Review Monaghan CDP 2019-2025 and Prepare
Monaghan CDP 2025-2031
Dear Sir/Madam,
Please find enclosed the Environmental Health Service (EHS) consultation report in
relation to the Notice of Intention to Review Monaghan CDP 2019-2025 and
Prepare Monaghan CDP 2025-2031
The following HSE departments were notified of the consultation request for this
development plan on 12th May 2023
• Emergency Planning
• Estates
• Director of National Health Protection
• CHO
A submission was received from the Department of Public Health dated 6th July 2023, which
has been submitted with the submission from the Environmental Health Service.
Any queries with regard to the EHS submission should be directed to Andrew.sulley@hse.ie
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Notice of Intention to Review Monaghan CDP 2019-2025 and Prepare
Monaghan CDP 2025-2031
The Environmental Health Service is making this submission under the remit of
Healthy Ireland and relevant health supporting strategies. We have reviewed the
previous Monaghan Development Plan, the background documents and the public
consultation document and make recommendations to Monaghan County Council to
take this opportunity to incorporate the relevant health actions outlined below into
the strategic planning of the spatial and built environment of the county, with the
overall aim being to improve the health and wellbeing of the population of
Monaghan. Monaghan County Council should consider ways strategic planning can
protect population health and the built environment should be explored for
opportunities that can maximise health gain.
Get Ireland Active – National Physical Activity Plan for Ireland
http://health.gov.ie/wp-content/uploads/2016/01/Get-Ireland-Active-the-National-Physical-
Activity-Plan.pdf
A key aim of the National Physical Activity Plan for Ireland is compiling a directory of
publicly accessible sports/recreational and amenities facilities. The Strategic
Development Plan should include a strategy for meeting this aim for County
Monaghan. All new facilities should be added to this directory and an audit should be
carried out to ensure that all existing sites/facilities are entered.
A strategic aim for the County should be to increase the active school flag
programme to at least another 20 schools in the county.
A strategic aim should be to develop and establish processes that enable
consultation with children and young people in the development and implementation
of programmes in which they are involved, ie. playgrounds, activity centres and
public spaces. Suitable facilities that cater for all age ranges, including teenagers,
should be provided.
A strategic aim for development should be that all plans and development for
Nursing Homes or Residential Care Facilities should include proposals for gardens
and recreational activities. Physical activity should be integrated into long term care
planning and practice.
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Strategic development of Monaghan County should include:
a) Opportunities for physical activity in the development of the built environment
b) All development should promote cycling and walking. A network of cycle
routes and footpaths should be planned and developed which aim to promote
connectivity of housing/employment to town centres, park and recreational
amenities
c) Develop local and regional parks and recreational spaces that encourage
physical activity.
d) Prioritise the planning and development of walking and cycling and general
recreational/physical activity infrastructure.
e) Explore opportunities to maximise physical activity and recreation amenities in
the natural environment.
f) A framework for workplace health and wellbeing, including physical activity
should be developed. Any possible health gain for employees should be
explored and developed.
g) The smarter travel workplaces initiative should be promoted. Sustainable or
active modes of travel should be facilitated.
h) Ensure planning makes provision for recreational facilities for staff in industrial
estates and ensures connectivity of work to park and recreational activities.
i) Support and develop 20 new walking groups in the County through funding of
signage, upgrade of paths and lighting and resolving safety issues.
j) Developing a standardised framework for publicly funded programmes
designed to increase physical activity levels. Use public money to leverage
private funding to promote and develop physical activity and sport
programmes.
Employment
It is essential that planning of large scale employment sites/industrial estates also
takes into consideration the health and wellbeing of workers. A travel plan, which
promotes and facilitates sustainable and active modes of travel, should be
implemented for all these sites. There should be strong cycle and pedestrian links to
town centres and to parks and/or recreational facilities to improve connectivity.
There should be secure bike parking facilities provided and shower facilities for staff
on site should also be considered.
Recreational amenities that promote the health and wellbeing of employees on these
sites should also be considered. Any opportunity to promote physical activity and
possible health gain for staff should be explored. The quality of design and
landscaping of these sites is also of the upmost importance as it is well established
that there is a need to reconnect urban society with nature in order to promote
health. Options such as walking trails that maximise contact with green spaces,
water features, wildlife gardens, outdoor dining facilities are just some proposals
that should be required.
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Tobacco Free Ireland
http://static.rasset.ie/documents/news/tobacco-free-ireland.pdf
A strategic aim of the County Development Plan should be to:
a) Implement the tobacco free playgrounds initiative.
b) Promote tobacco free environments, parks, beaches, and public campuses and
grounds
With regard to the protection of people from second hand tobacco smoke all plans
for development that include a designated smoking area should be forwarded to the
Environmental Health Service prior to the planning decision.
Healthy Ireland - A Healthy Weight For Ireland
http://health.gov.ie/wp-content/uploads/2016/09/A-Healthy-Weight-for-Ireland-Obesity-
Policy-and-Action-Plan-2016-2025.pdf
Rising levels of overweight and obesity are placing an increasing burden on
individuals and society. Currently, in Ireland, six in ten adults and one in four
children are overweight or obese (Department of Health, 2013; Layte and McCrory,
2009; 2011). According to World Health Organization forecasts, Ireland could top
the European league tables in the coming years (WHO, 2015).
There are 10 action steps outlined in the document above which aim to tackle
obesity. Step 2 is to regulate for a healthier environment. Monaghan County Council
can influence the built environment to improve health and reduce the extent to
which it promotes obesity. An assessment of food outlets in every town and
village in Monaghan should be carried out to ensure that choices of healthy food
options are equally available and to prevent a proliferation of fast food outlets.
Providing easy access and choice to healthier food options should be promoted
as outlined in government policy.
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The environment in which we live impacts on the choices that we make and the
County Council should create environments that make the healthy choice the easy
choice:
a) Support community based initiatives that develop programmes that
support healthy lifestyles and prevention of obesity in children and adults.
b) Promote through planning and the built environment the benefits of
healthy eating, physical activity and non-sedentary behaviour
c) Improve availability of and access to healthier food choices. Support
developments that aim to improve the health of the population.
d) Support opportunities for increasing physical activity levels generally/ in
the community through Local Sports Partnerships and supporting
initiatives e.g. Parkrun.
e) Facilitate community gardens/allotments through identifying and releasing
suitable publicly owned land.
It should be a strategic aim from the Development Plan to facilitate the production
of more locally produced healthy, high quality food.
Steering group report on a national substance misuse strategy
http://health.gov.ie/wp-content/uploads/2014/03/Steering_Group_Report_NSMS.pdf
The Strategic Development Plan for Monaghan should include:
a) A strategy to reduce and eliminate the reliance on alcohol sponsorship. Any
public event or events on publicly owned lands or buildings should use
alternatives to alcohol sponsorship
b) Develop the provision of alcohol-free venues for young people, (e.g. Youth
cafés, alcohol-free music and dance venues and sports venues) with:
a. the young people being centrally involved in the development and
management of the programmes and venues;
b. late night and weekend opening; and increased access to school
facilities in out of- school hours.
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The National Positive Ageing Strategy
http://health.gov.ie/wpcontent/uploads/2014/03/National_Positive_Ageing_Strategy_English
.pdf
A strategic aim for the development should be to enable people as they age ‘to get
out and about’ through the provision of accessible, affordable, and flexible transport
systems in both rural and urban areas. This should include:
a) Provision of age-friendly public transport,
b) Promotion of the integration of the Rural Transport Programme with other
local transport services,
c) Provision of public transport linkages to major health facilities and personal
social services.
d) Supporting the design and development of age friendly public spaces,
transport and buildings.
e) Designing age friendly urban environments (street lighting, footpaths, roads,
public seating)
f) Promote access (in terms of affordability, transport availability, accessibility of
venue) to a wide range of opportunities for continued learning and education
for older people.
g) Promote the concept of active citizenship and the value of volunteering, and
encourage people of all ages to become more involved in and to contribute to
their own communities.
h) Promote the development of opportunities for engagement and participation
of people of all ages in a range of arts, cultural, spiritual, leisure, learning and
physical activities in their local communities.
Suitable housing is a key aim in the National Positive Ageing Strategy and a key
strategic aim should be to:
a) Carry out an assessment of housing need and provision and consider all
housing options in development (i.e. social housing, sheltered housing;
retirement villages).
b) All residential development should incorporate the ‘Universal Design’ Principal
to ensure housing can meet the needs of the occupants regardless of their
age, size, ability or disability. This will also ensure that the houses provided
will meet their changing needs over time so that people can continue living in
their own homes and communities as they get older or become less abled.
Universal Design Guidelines For Homes In Ireland
http://universaldesign.ie/Built-Environment/Building-for-Everyone/
This will also assist in implementing the Older People Remaining at Home
(OPRAH) strategy.
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c) Implement a strategy that facilitates older people to live in well-maintained,
affordable, safe and secure homes, which are suitable to their physical and
social needs. Development should incorporate the principals outlined in the
‘Design Out Crime’ Document.
http://www.designcouncil.org.uk/sites/default/files/asset/document/designers
Guide_digital_0_0.pdf
Time to move on from congregated settings – A strategy for community
inclusion
http://www.hse.ie/eng/services/list/4/disability/congregatedsettings/congregatedsettingsrep
ortfinal.pdf
The Strategic Development Plan should:
a) Improve community inclusion of people with disabilities in their local
community and community based services.
b) Improve greater connectivity between generic community based services and
disability specific organisations. Facilitate their engagement as stakeholders.
c) Focus on meeting the housing and accommodation needs of people with
disabilities through a combination of purchased housing, new‐build housing,
leased housing or rented housing. A local re‐housing plan should be prepared
and jointly co‐ordinated with the HSE, in collaboration with service providers.
The plan should be based on best practice in including people with disabilities
in local communities and should facilitate dispersed housing with personal
supports.
d) All residents in congregated settings should be assessed by the local authority
to establish their eligibility and need for social housing support.
e) Consideration should be given to reserving a certain proportion of dwellings
for people with disabilities.
f) Focus on supporting and sustaining people with disabilities to live in their own
homes in the community through the provision of housing grants.
g) Support people with disabilities to access employment and education
opportunities.
h) Support people with disabilities to access mainstream community services.
The Urban Design Manual – A Best Practice Guide
https://www.housing.gov.ie/sites/default/files/migrated-
files/en/Publications/DevelopmentandHousing/Planning/FileDownLoad,19216,en.pdf
Housing has been identified as one of the priority areas for investment in
the National Development Plan.
There is a need to provide ‘compact and sustainable growth’. It should be the
objective to provide attractive, interesting and well used public realm and open
spaces and to create a pedestrian centred, quality environment with active, inviting
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public spaces and parks. Best practice should be implemented in the design of these
sustainable neighbourhoods and the 12 criteria outlined in the Urban Design Manual
should be incorporated into the planning for urban areas.
The Environmental Health Service recommends that any proposed
housing/residential development is made up of a variety of household types, tenures
and typologies, thereby creating a range of lifestyle, affordability and lifespan
choices. This should ensure sustainable development with a diversity and mix of
uses. The EHS also recommends that development proposals for large housing or
urban areas should be accompanied by a Design Statement. It is hoped this will
provide coherency and quality in design and also ensure compliance with all the
objectives of the Development Plan.
It is stated an efficient use of land is essential for sustainable development and an
emphasis has been placed on compact growth, with increased housing densities.
The NPF requires that 30% of all new homes will be delivered within the existing
built up footprint of settlements making better use of underutilised land including
infill and brownfield sites. It is essential that houses and apartments are designed to
specifically to suit the spaces they are in. The County Council should request a shift
away from generic housing layouts and a move towards quality design, specific to
the requirements or impediments of the site.
It is also recommended that County Council outlines an ‘implementation and
sequencing strategy’ for the county or other similar initiatives which would identify
and outline the key infrastructural requirements for an area and which would aim to
ensure that the necessary infrastructure, facilities and amenities are provided in
conjunction with residential development. This should ensure that development
throughout the County takes place in a planned, proportionate and sustainable
manner.
Research 195: Health Benefits from Biodiversity and Green Infrastructure
http://www.epa.ie/pubs/reports/research/health/research195.html
Recreational, green spaces are a fundamental part of any development as they
promote the health and wellbeing of residences who will occupy the accommodation
and indeed the wider community. It is well established that there is a need to
reconnect urban society with nature in order to promote health. With more people
being encouraged to live in urban environments and the onus on increasing housing
densities and compaction, the need for quality recreational, green spaces is now
greater than ever.
It is recommended that all future developments in the County are examined for the
opportunity to integrate green infrastructure into the design at planning stage. Any
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potential for health gain should be explored and incorporated into all development
and the built environment.
“For amenity purposes at least 9m2 /person of accessible open green space are
recommended by the World Health Organization, however it is recognised that this
may vary depending on the size of the city, the number of inhabitants and where
boundaries are drawn” (Dzhambov et al., 2014).
It is recommended that the following proposals are considered when planning for
parks and recreational areas:
a) Green biodiverse spaces should be designed so that there is at least one
within walkable distance from people’s homes.
b) Green spaces should be co-designed with communities and reflect local
needs.
c) Areas should be as large as possible with connections through flowery verges
or linear habitats alongside paths and roads.
d) Areas should be relatively open, but grass does not all have to be the same
length. This design could suggest careful, rather than a lack of, management.
Interpretative signage can explain the practice and highlight signs of nature
to look out for.
e) A few scattered trees or clumps of trees are preferable to dense planting of
trees.
f) Paths, recreational areas and places to relax and engage with nature should
be incorporated from the start, to promote use and maintain a feeling of
safety. It is recommended all proposed green areas are provided with paths
for walking.
g) Exercise areas, trails and paths need to provide maximum contact with green
space, as this made exercise accessible and nature contact motivated people
to walk more.
h) Not all areas should be managed to the same intensity. Some parts near
paths could be managed more to look tidy, whereas stakeholders recognised
the value of incorporating wild areas, which could be further away from
paths.
i) Biodiversity areas can be designed to accommodate playgrounds and other
amenity areas.
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Biodiversity & Green Areas
It should be a strategic aim of the Development Plan to bring biodiversity into the
planning decision making process. A Biodiversity Action Plan should be developed
which aims to conserve and restore biodiversity and ecosystem services in the wider
countryside. Guidance on managing Biodiversity in strategic planning and urban
areas is found in:
http://www.uep.ie/pdfs/guidelines_complete.pd
Nature based solutions for the better management of urban problems such as
flooding, biodiversity loss etc should be explored and integrated into the design of
public areas. Existing green areas should be preserved and utilised to their full
capacity. New green areas should be provided. The provision of pedestrian and cycle
routes through green areas should be a key provision of the design. The landscaping
or ‘greening’ of these pedestrian/cycle routes should be considered at design stage,
not only in the interest of making them more attractive for use but also to facilitate
the movement of fauna, creating ecological corridors and thus having a positive
effect on biodiversity. Towns and villages in Monaghan should be explored to
identify areas where biodiversity can be integrated into the urban fabric. All towns
and villages in the county should commit to a pollinator plan.
It should be noted that the quality of green areas is key and the on-going need for
maintenance should always be factored into any decisions at the design stage.
Transport
It was a key aim of the previous Development Plan to implement sustainable
transport patterns within the county.
Whilst it is recognised that funding for large scale transport infrastructure is outside
the control of Monaghan County it is recommended that the council identify small
scale projects that can achieve significant gains i.e. segregated pedestrian & cycle
paths to connect industrial estates to town centres, create cycle linkages between
urban centres etc. A portion of the councils transport budget should be allocated to
providing a comprehensive network of safe, well-lit footpaths and cycle lanes. This is
essential to promote active travel and to provide connectivity of residential areas to
schools, local neighbourhood centres, public transport stops and workplaces.
It is recommended that an audit be carried out of existing pedestrian and cycle
facilities in the county to fully establish the existing infrastructure. Permeability and
shorter connectivity route options for pedestrians throughout towns should be
explored and improved by creating new pedestrian linkages, through housing estates
if necessary. It is also recommended that a programme of works is drawn up on a
needs basis, to ensure that specific infrastructural works that improve connectivity
will obtain funding. Pedestrian and cycle facilities should not be viewed as just for
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tourism or recreational purposes but considered as sustainable modes of travel that
will reduce traffic congestions and reduce greenhouse gasses.
It is recommended an audit of the bus infrastructure is carried out and the council
develop a priority list of necessary improvement works based on identified defects.
Smarter Travel Policy
http://www.smartertravel.ie/sites/default/files/uploads/2012_12_27_Smarter_Travel_english_PN_WE
B%5B1%5D_0.pdf
The Strategic Development Plan should:
a) Set targets requiring a minimum percentage of new residential and mixed-use
development to take place on brownfield/existing sites to consolidate urban
growth and enable organic development of urban areas from the centre out.
The National Planning framework strategy specifies that 30% of new housing
must be delivered on infill/brownfield lands.
b) Specify a maximum permitted level of car parking for commercial sites, which
have suitable public transport facilities and are within walking/cycling distance
to amenities.
c) Set a general restriction of the future development of out-of-town retail
centres except in exceptional circumstances and consideration of a similar
requirement that parking charges be introduced for most existing centres.
d) Require developments above a certain scale to implement viable travel plans
which promote public transport and modes of active travel and which reduce
reliance on the car. All development should be required to show a route map
showing safe cycling and walking routes to schools, shops and public
transport.
e) Establish e-working centres to provide opportunities for people in rural areas
and satellite towns to work from a location closer to home. This is of critical
importance based on the current settlement patterns of the county.
f) Set a target that every school in Monaghan has a school travel plan to
encourage students to take alternatives to the car. This should be supported
with a strategic aim to develop safe walking and cycling routes to and from
schools and other educational institutions as well as providing disability
access.
g) Provide facilities such as secure bike parking and changing/showering facilities
at places of employment in public authorities to encourage staff to cycle.
To support smarter travel there should be a strategic aim to:
h) Reprioritise traffic signals to favour pedestrians instead of vehicles, reducing
waiting times and crossing distances at junctions.
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i) Create level grade crossings for pedestrians across junctions. Create larger
traffic-free areas in urban centre. Ensure that 30 km/h zones are designated
in central urban areas which accommodate motorised traffic.
j) Widen footpaths where there are high pedestrian flows, particularly close to
public transport nodes. Improve the surface quality of footpaths Provide
appropriately designed safe, well-lit, direct, continuous facilities for
pedestrians.
k) Ensure State-owned lands such as canal towpaths, former rail lines, Coillte
estates, etc. are made available for the development of walking and cycling
trails.
l) Support private and public sector initiatives to establish car club schemes in
Ireland. Provide on-road parking spaces to be designated for car clubs
through appropriate signage.
m) Establish park and ride facilities along major public transport nodes, at the
periphery of urban areas and at key public transport locations and nodes.
National Cycle Policy Framework
http://www.smartertravel.ie/sites/default/files/uploads/2013_01_03_0902%2002%20EnglishNS1274
%20Dept.%20of%20Transport_National_Cycle_Policy_v4%5B1%5D%5B1%5D.pdf
There is a need to improve the safety of cycling in County Monaghan and make it
more attractive for users. The Strategic Development Plan should include the needs
of cyclists, and in particular:
a) Implement measures to reduce the volumes of through-traffic, especially HGVs, in
town centres and especially in the vicinity of schools and colleges.
b) Introduce traffic calming measures / enforce low traffic speeds in urban areas,
make junctions safe for cyclists.
c) Support the provision of dedicated signed rural cycling networks building on Fáilte
Ireland’s Strategy to Develop Irish Cycling Tourism.
d) Segregate cycle paths if possible. Ensure that all surfaces used by cyclists are
maintained to a high standard and are well lit and signposted.
e) Provide secure cycling parking at all destinations of importance to the cyclist and
aim to integrate cycling and public transport and the provision of cycling parking at
all appropriate public transport interchanges.
Ensure that the urban road infrastructure (with the exception of motorways) is
designed / retrofitted so as to be cyclist-friendly. Link up all existing cycle lanes.
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It is recommended that a ‘quality audit’ is carried out of pedestrian routes in towns
and villages in the county, to ensure they are safe, well lit and enticing for users. It
is essential that attractive, safe and secure pedestrian walkways/cycleways are
provided in order to influence behavioural change in the population and promote
greater take up of active travel. As highlighted previously in this report any
opportunity for ‘greening’ of these routes should be considered. This will also have
the added bonus of increasing biodiversity and providing additional drainage
capacity.
Waste
A Resource Opportunity – Waste Management Policy in Ireland
https://www.epa.ie/pubs/reports/waste/plans/Resource_Opportunity2012.pdf
The Development Plan should implement the Waste Hierarchy set out in the Waste
Framework Directive and place prevention and minimisation at the forefront of any
waste policy.
a) Disposal of municipal waste to landfill should be a last resort.
b) Implement waste prevention measures with local business and community
groups. Develop reduction strategies for plastic, food waste and resource use.
c) Include community waste prevention demonstration programmes, which
provides skills to develop waste prevention within local communities.
d) The use of easily accessible public recycling bins should be considered for
public areas, paths and green spaces that will allow for adequate waste
segregation and will encourage the use of the waste management hierarchy.
e) A Reuse Policy should be developed in consultation with the national
Procurement service and other relevant bodies, and implemented within
public bodies in Monaghan to ensure that full consideration is given to
feasible reuse options before embarking on the purchase of new goods.
Water
The strategic aim of should be to ensure the provision of safe secure drinking water
and promote the reduction in waste and over use of water.
Water usage audits of public buildings should be carried and water conservation
measures implemented.
To protect the ground water quality in the County there should be a strategic aim of
ensuring all waste water treatment plants can operate effectively with their current
demand and future demand, and that private effluent treatment and domestic septic
tanks are fit for their purpose.
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Sustainable Development
Our sustainable future – A Framework for Sustainable Development
http://www.housing.gov.ie/sites/default/files/migrated-
files/en/Publications/Environment/Miscellaneous/FileDownLoad%2C30452%2Cen.pdf
The key aims of Climate Adaptation Strategy for the County must be integrated into
the Development Plan. The government has set targets for a 30% greenhouse gas
emissions reduction. In terms of climate change and land use planning the County
Development Plan should play an important role in influencing a reduction in GHG
emissions by guiding the sustainable growth of the County, encouraging more
compact mixed-use development and greater use of sustainable transport options
such as cycling, walking and public transport, restricting development in areas that
are at risk of flooding and protecting the natural landscape and biodiversity.
Previous Development Plan it was a key aim to reduce energy consumption and
greenhouse gas emissions and reduce the use of non-renewable resources.
Progress reports on the council’s achievements in this regard should be available. It
is recommended that the County Council set specific targets for greenhouse gas
reduction and outline achievable actions that seek to combat, reduce or eliminate the
emissions of greenhouse gases. Key indicators for monitoring of progress on climate
action must be outlined to ensure progress is achieved.
Monaghan County Council should ensure that climate considerations are fully
integrated into the planning of new projects and their design. All future development
within Monaghan should have a green procurement approach, which incorporates
carbon pricing and climate criteria into decision making. Environmentally friendly
proposals such as the integration of public transport infrastructure, building
typologies that minimise the use of energy, the use of low carbon materials,
increased SuDS management initiatives and green infrastructure, water recycling
and conservation; green roofs, use of photovoltaic or rainwater harvesting and the
integration and utilisation of open space should all be incorporated into the design
stage of any development in the County. It is recommended that all large scale
development should document their climate action and energy efficiency proposals
at the planning stage.
Monaghan County Council has the opportunity to be a leader in the promotion of
innovative, low carbon, renewable energy design and technology in the provision of
local authority housing. It is also recommended that the County Council carries out a
carbon audit of its existing building stock and retrofit with more insulated building
fabric and sustainable technologies.
The Strategic Development Plan should include spatial planning policies to reduce
the need for commuting to and from work. The creation of remote working hubs in
rural towns and villages should be a priority and all new developments should have
open access fibre connections.
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The Development Plan should:
a) Promote and facilitate the incorporation of energy efficient design into
projects.
b) Develop and implement an energy management programme for all public
buildings.
c) Develop new key skill sets in areas such as green procurement, carbon
accounting, carbon management and energy management.
d) Support and promote the Better Energy Communities Scheme to enable
communities around the country develop new and innovative, locally-based
solutions to energy poverty.
The County Council should promote and optimise the use of renewable energy
resource in the county. To avoid an over reliance on wind energy other renewable
energy options such as solar, hydropower, wave & tidal energy, biomass and
geothermal energy should all be explored and facilitated.
Environmental Noise
The World Health Organisation (WHO) has identified Environmental Noise as an
increasing cause of ill health and detrimental effect on health and wellbeing.
http://www.euro.who.int/__data/assets/pdf_file/0008/136466/e94888.pdf
It is recommended that a Noise Impact Assessment is carried out for any
development proposals with the potential to give rise to significant noise impacts.
Also new developments must consider the impact of noise from existing noise
sources. The EHS recommend that environmental noise should be considered in the
context of:
a) New roads, railways, airports, industry or recreational activities adjacent to
residential properties or noise sensitive premises such as schools or hospitals,
or recreational spaces,
b) New residential properties or noise sensitive premises such as schools or
hospitals, adjacent to existing roads, railways, airports, industry or
recreational activities;
c) The development of mixed residential/commercial use buildings, and multipart
Residential buildings;
d) Public house, night clubs, restaurants or other recreational activities; and
e) Industrial operations, workshops and factories.
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Air Quality
The Strategic Development Plan should aim to reduce polluting emissions into air
and increase the quality of air in the County by:
a) Participating in, and facilitating national programmes of air quality
monitoring,
b) Working to develop and promote the Air Quality Index for Health,
c) Develop Local Air Quality Management Plans that identify pollution ‘hot spots’
and aim to reduce pollution through local action on emissions.
Implementation and Progress Evaluation
Efficient implementation of the County Development Plan into clear and effective
action is of the upmost importance. It is strongly recommended that progress is
constantly measured throughout the timeframe of the plan.
The council should develop and publish specific measures or performance indicators
which establish how progress is quantified and measured.
An evaluation of the delivery of all key aims should be carried out and Monaghan
County Council should highlight and promote areas where progress is being made
and should also examine areas where less was achieved and investigate the reasons
why. Any barriers to implementation of the key aims should be identified.