28. Electricty Supply BoardMonaghan County Development Plan 2025-2031 - Pre-Draft Submission Form
Deadline for submissions is Friday 7th July 2023 at 5p.m.
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ESB SUB TO MONAGHAN Co. Co. ISSUES STAGE CDP 2025 -
2030_ISSUED.pdf 395.58KB
Max file size per document uploaded:- 5MBs
DECLARATION
07/07/2023
ESB Group Property
Issues Stage –
Monaghan County
Development Plan
Submission on behalf of ESB to the Monaghan County Development Plan
2025-2031 Pre-Draft Public Consultation Issues & Options Paper
07/07/2023
07/07/2023 Issues Stage – Monaghan County Development Plan 2
Contents
1. INTRODUCTION ........................................................................................................................... 3
Overview of ESB Strategy ...................................................................................................... 3
Generation, Transmission & Distribution ................................................................................ 3
ESB Roll-out of EV Infrastructure ........................................................................................... 4
ESB Telecoms & Telecommunications Infrastructure ............................................................ 4
2. PLANNING POLICY & PROPOSED DRAFT CDP ........................................................................ 5
Electricity Generation, Transmission & Distribution ................................................................ 5
Generation & Renewables ..................................................................................................... 7
Onshore Wind ................................................................................................................. 7
Solar ................................................................................................................................ 7
Energy Storage ............................................................................................................... 8
Hybrid Renewables ......................................................................................................... 9
Renewables-Enabling Plant ............................................................................................ 9
Telecommunications .............................................................................................................. 9
Sustainable Transport & Electric Vehicles ............................................................................ 10
Other Sustainable Transport ......................................................................................... 11
3. CONCLUSION ............................................................................................................................. 12
07/07/2023 Issues Stage – Monaghan County Development Plan 3
1. INTRODUCTION
Electricity Supply Board (ESB) welcomes this opportunity to make a submission to the preparation of a
County Development Plan (CDP) for County Monaghan. ESB is a landowner and employer in Monaghan
with property and infrastructural assets throughout the County. As a strong, diversified, vertically
integrated utility, ESB operates right across the electricity market; from generation, through transmission
and distribution to supply of customers. In addition, ESB uses its networks to carry 1,545km of fibre for
telecommunications to a total of 472,000 homes and to provide charging infrastructure for electric
vehicles. ESB is Ireland's leading electricity utility with approximately 2.3 million customers throughout
the island of Ireland.
ESB broadly supports the vison included in Pre-Draft CDP Issues & Options Paper, and mitigating the
impacts of, and adapting to, climate change is one of the key challenges identified in the document.
There continues to be significant advancement in renewables technology and outlined below are
observations regarding strategic issues that should be taken into consideration in the preparation of the
Draft Monaghan CDP 2025 - 2031.
Overview of ESB Strategy
ESB is Ireland’s foremost energy company and the largest supplier of renewable electricity in Ireland.
Through innovation, expertise and investment, ESB is leading the way in developing a modern,
efficient electricity system that is capable of delivering sustainable and competitive energy supplies
to customers in the ‘all-islands market’ (Republic of Ireland, Northern Ireland, England, Wales and
Scotland). ESB operates a renewable energy portfolio that has a total of over 923MW of green
energy generation connected to the grid.
ESB is embracing new technologies that are revolutionising the energy industry, including smarter
electricity networks. We are investing in sustainable energy solutions that harnesses the power of
solar, wind, wave and storage to provide a cleaner future. Our objective is to develop and connect
renewables to decarbonise the electricity system by 2040. ESB’s progress towards achieving carbon
net-zero operations is consistent with the objectives of the National Planning Framework (NPF) and
Regional Spatial & Economic Strategy (RSES) for the Northern and Western Region.
Generation, Transmission & Distribution
Mirroring Government objectives, by 2030 ESB will develop an additional 4 GW of new onshore and
offshore wind and solar PV renewable assets to add to our 1 GW of renewables operating today. By
2030, 63% of our electricity will come from renewable sources and will be a net zero producer of
electricity by 2040. ESB remains committed to completely transforming our generation portfolio,
replacing old, inefficient plant with a mixture of renewables and high-efficiency gas capacity.
To support the transition of the National Grid to a low-carbon future ESB is developing assets such
as battery storage and flexible gas fired units that respond quickly to system demand. These will be
key to facilitating large scale renewables in the future.
In addition, ESB is the asset owner of the Transmission System and Distribution System and ESB
Networks provides the essential service of building, managing and maintaining the electricity
networks in Monaghan and throughout Ireland. ESB Networks is unique in that it is in direct contact
with all electricity users. The electricity network extends to over 180,000km across the Republic of
Ireland and in 2022 over 39,000 new residential and business connections were completed, along
with the installation of over 1.1 million smart meters. The focus of recent investment in the network
was on continuing the reinforcement of the system to facilitate the connection of new renewable
electricity generation.
07/07/2023 Issues Stage – Monaghan County Development Plan 4
ESB Roll-out of EV Infrastructure
ESB, has developed a network of almost 1,400 electric vehicle charge points across the Island of
Ireland. In the Climate Action Plan (2023) the Irish Government has set stretching targets for EV
adoption in Ireland in order to address energy demand and emissions from transport. To help meet
this increase in electric vehicles, ESB, with the support of the Government’s Climate Action Fund, is
rolling out high power charging hubs across the country. These hubs will be capable of quickly
charging between two and eight vehicles simultaneously and will facilitate vehicles travelling longer
distances across Ireland’s National and Motorway routes.
ESB’s plans also include investment in green hydrogen production, storage and generation facilities
by the end of this decade. A clean, zero-carbon fuel, green hydrogen will be produced from
renewable energy. This is fully aligned with the EU strategy launched in 2020 on energy sector
integration which prioritises a more ‘circular’ energy system with energy efficiency at its core. Greater
electrification using a renewable fuel like hydrogen for end-use applications where direct
electrification is not feasible (e.g., heavy goods transport, high temperature industrial heat and zero
carbon dispatchable electricity generation) will play a significant role in becoming carbon-neutral by
2050.
ESB Telecoms & Telecommunications Infrastructure
ESB Telecoms has grown from its original function of providing a communications system for ESB
to become one of Ireland’s leading independent telecommunications infrastructure providers with
over 400 locations nationwide. ESB Telecoms now provides network solutions for a wide variety of
mobile network operators, wireless broadband providers and public sector business activities. All
sites developed by ESB Telecoms are made available to third party mobile phone and wireless
broadband operators as points for co-location. Our open policy of sharing infrastructure limits the
overall number of telecoms structures appearing in urban and rural landscapes.
Our telecoms fibre network wrapped on our 110kV electricity network provides an extensive network
throughout Ireland with international connectivity to the UK. In addition, SIRO (a joint venture
between ESB and Vodafone) is bringing 100% fibre-to-the-building to 50 towns across Ireland,
including Carrickmacross and Monaghan, enabling speeds of 1 Gigabit per second. SIRO will
continue to accelerate this roll-out in 2023.
07/07/2023 Issues Stage – Monaghan County Development Plan 5
2. PLANNING POLICY & PROPOSED DRAFT CDP
In reviewing the Strategic Issues & Options Paper, ESB has a number of observations in relation to the key
issues identified that may set the framework for the future development of the County. ESB acknowledges
that the process of preparing a new CDP shall be informed by the hierarchy of planning policy in Ireland.
Both the National Planning Framework (NPF) and the Regional Spatial Economic Strategy (RSES) contain
policies in relation to Energy Infrastructure.
The Minister of Communications, Climate Action and Environment recently launched Climate Action Plan
2023. The Climate Action Plan follows the Climate Act 2021, which commits Ireland to a legally binding
target of net-zero greenhouse gas emissions no later than 2050, and a reduction of 51% by 2030. These
targets are a key pillar of the Programme for Government.
Among the most critical measures in the Government’s Climate Action Plan is that 80% of electricity will be
generated by a mix of 5 GW offshore wind, 8 GW onshore wind and 1.5 - 2.5 GW from solar PV. Energy
storage systems and landside developments for offshore wind and an enhanced electricity Transmission
and Distribution Grid are essential to achieving these targets. It represents a significant change for the
electricity industry and ESB is committed to doing its part in supporting and delivering on the Government’s
energy policy.
ESB supports a review of the CDP which will include policies and objectives to support the delivery of energy
infrastructure to meet future energy needs. We welcome the recognition in the Strategic Issues & Options
Paper, under Infrastructure and Services that.
“The supply of energy throughout the County is an important factor in the provision and
location of development. Monaghan County Council will continue to work alongside key
energy providers in the provision of electricity and gas, where feasible. Provision will be
made within the development plan for wind energy and other renewable energy sources.”
Electricity Generation, Transmission & Distribution
Both the NPF and the RSES for the Northern and Western Region contain promoting policies in
relation to Energy Infrastructure and ESB fully supports the reinforcement of those policies at a local
level. The documents forming these plans contain key guidance in relation to the decarbonisation of
the electricity sector. They set out supporting objectives for the enhancement and upgrading of
existing infrastructure and the safeguarding of strategic energy corridors from encroachment by other
developments that would compromise the delivery of energy networks. The new CDP 2025 – 2031
must continue to ensure that the long-term operational requirements of existing utilities are protected.
The NPF National Strategic Outcome No. 8 is described in detail in the NPF and it specifically states
the following in relation to energy infrastructure:
“New energy systems and transmission grids will be necessary for a more
distributed, more renewables focused energy generation system, harnessing both
the considerable on-shore and off-shore potential from energy sources such as
wind, wave and solar and connecting the richest sources of that energy.”
The RSES for the Northern and Western Region outlines an overall strategy for economic
development that is underpinned by the reliability of infrastructure and services including electricity
generation, supply and distribution. There is a recognition in the RSES that development of the grid
will enable more diverse power flows from renewable generation, strengthen resilience, security and
quality of supply and importantly attract high technology industries to the Region. Regional Policy
Objective, RPO 8.4 clearly sets out this position, stating.
07/07/2023 Issues Stage – Monaghan County Development Plan 6
“That reinforcements and new electricity transmission infrastructure are put in place
and their provision is supported, to ensure the energy needs of future population and
economic expansion within designated growth areas and across the region can be
delivered in a sustainable and timely manner and that capacity is available at local
and regional scale to meet future needs. Ensure that development minimises
impacts on designated areas.”
Existing County Development Plan recognises that new renewable generation infrastructure is
required to help reach the goal to become a carbon net zero energy provider, in line with the
objectives set out by the NPF. We welcome the intention in the Issues paper to make provision in
the Draft Development Plan for wind and other renewable energy generation.
At present the electrical load of County Monaghan is served by 3 no. 110kV Stations and by MV
networks from 7 no. 38kV Stations. ESB’s 110kV Stations are located at Lisdrum, to the east of
Monaghan town, at Shankill110kV Station in County Cavan, and Meath Hill 110kV Station in County
Louth. There is adequate capacity in these stations to facilitate new developments in the town in the
near term.
At High Voltage (HV), there may be a requirement to construct new HV stations and associated
networks to meet demand into the future. The Distribution System Operator (DSO) has plans to
review existing network capacity and potentially develop new 110kV distribution stations in the county
to facilitate the load growth in the area from new and existing businesses and also to meet
government Climate Change targets. Further deep reinforcements may be required to create
capacity in the county in the next 10-20 years. The exact nature of the HV station would depend on
the location, nature and pace of development.
Upgrades to the transmission infrastructure will ensure ongoing adequacy of regional connectivity
and to facilitate the connection of renewable energy resources. In this regard, we support the
inclusion of statements that support improvement, development, protection and enhancement of
energy infrastructure in the Draft Development Plan.
The ongoing need for curtilage management and the restriction of lands uses, which might affect the
ability to consolidate and/or expand operations, is essential. Therefore, we would propose supporting
statements in the Draft Plan, that seek to reinforce the existing grid including grid connections,
transboundary networks into the County and the expansion into areas not adequately serviced.
It is also acknowledged that parts of the county are designated under the Natura 2000 network and
that the Council shall work in partnership with existing service providers to facilitate required
enhancement and upgrading of existing infrastructure and networks (subject to appropriate
environmental assessment and the planning process). In this regard, we note that concerns about
visual, amenity, health and safety need to be mitigated through the consultation process. The NPF,
RSES and Local Development Plans and the Strategic Infrastructure Act provides the necessary
framework for ensuring that all necessary standards are met, and that extensive statutory and non-
statutory consultation is an intrinsic part of the planning process. This ensures that there is ongoing
consultation with local communities and local authorities regarding the construction of new networks.
ESB supports the promotion of green renewable energy objectives and submit that they must
continue to protect the County’s future capacity for the development of energy generation, processing
and transmission.
07/07/2023 Issues Stage – Monaghan County Development Plan 7
Generation & Renewables
In line with the Government’s response to the Climate Change Crisis, ESB is increasing renewables
in our power system from 30% up to 63% by 2030 with a broader range of technologies likely to be
deployed e.g., offshore wind, wave, solar etc. In this regard, ESB wish to make some observations
in relation to the renewable technologies and ancillary developments as set out below.
Onshore Wind
According to the Climate Action Plan 2023, the share of electricity from renewable energy increased
more than six-fold between 2005 and 2020 – from 7% to 39.1%. Based on SEAI analysis, February
2020 provided a record-breaking month with 56% of energy demand met by wind energy, the highest
monthly total since records began. In the 12 months to end of January 2021, wind and other
renewable sources, hydro, solar and biomass accounted for 36% of demand. These are encouraging
trends, but further acceleration of deployment is necessary to achieve the Government’s revised
targets for 2030.
It is acknowledged that County Monaghan is already making a significant contribution to wind energy
delivery, with a number of wind farms operating in the County and the Strategic Issues & Options
Paper highlights that provision will be made within the development plan for wind energy ESB is
supporting policies which promote wind energy generation.
We recommend that County Council utilise the Draft Revised Wind Energy Development Guidelines
2019 (DHPLG) and the SEAI Methodology for Local Authority Renewable Energy Strategies (LARES)
to inform wind energy policy in the Draft Plan. ESB support a Plan led approach through the
identification of areas for wind energy development. The identified areas should be derived following
a comprehensive sieve mapping analysis as outlined in the Government’s Draft Revised Wind Energy
Development Guidelines (2019). In general, applications for windfarms should be assessed on a case-
by-case basis, subject to viable wind speeds, environmental resources and constraints and cumulative
impacts in compliance with Article 6 of the Habitats and EIA Directives.
Solar
Photovoltaic (PV) systems which produce electricity directly from solar radiation are becoming more
widespread as their advantages become apparent and as costs fall. Solar projects will play a critical
role in diversifying our renewable generation portfolio for the period out to 2030. Ireland is in a great
position to take advantage of the significant reduction in the cost of solar energy over the past few
years as the technology has advanced with the potential to provide a clean, diversified renewable
electricity source for decades to come. Solar energy is suited to Ireland’s climate and we expect to
follow the trend of other European countries and see increasing deployment of rooftop and grid scale
solar energy. There is a strong correlation between wind and changing weather systems. In times of
low wind there are often good solar conditions.
ESB wish to highlight that solar farms have potential to be built on agricultural land, whilst also
accommodating the continued use of the land for grazing or for incorporating biodiversity measures
within a project. We also wish to highlight that the overall guidance on solar developments could be
strengthened with the provision for extension of duration of permission. Currently, Solar PV
developments can take in excess of 5 years to develop to construction phase. Securing a grid
connection, relevant support tariff or corporate power purchase agreement and securing project
finance has introduced significant delays for developers. Therefore, notwithstanding the provisions
of Section 42 of the Planning & Development Act 2000 (as amended), it may be more appropriate
07/07/2023 Issues Stage – Monaghan County Development Plan 8
for the Planning Authority to retain the option to grant permission for a longer period if requested by
the developer in appropriate circumstances.
In addition, the lifetime of solar developments is extending with most technologies now suitable for a
minimum of 30 years operation. Investment decisions for projects are being made on project lifetimes
of up to 40 years. In this regard, ESB request that permissions are granted with a lifetime up to a
maximum of 40 years. Concerns regarding the deterioration of the infrastructure can be addressed
by the lodgement of a financial security in the form of a bond and the requirement to provide a
Decommissioning Plan, as specified. This will ensure that the development is maintained until
decommissioned and appropriately restored to agricultural use.
Energy Storage
Energy Storage systems such as batteries, liquid air energy storage are some of the technologies
being explored that will be essential to smoothing out the natural variability that occurs in renewable
energy sources and to provide electricity at times of peak demand. Utility-scale battery storage
systems are being utilised to enable more efficient use of renewable energy.
At present, ESB’s is installing a synchronous condenser at Moneypoint, Co. Clare which will be the
first in the country and will incorporate the world's largest flywheel for grid stability. The grid stability
provided by the synchronous condenser will replace and displace a fossil generator from providing
these stability services, thereby lowering the carbon intensity of the electricity system. Due to the
intermittency of wind energy in particular, grid stabilization technologies have an increasingly
important role in a successful energy transition and this new technology is being deployed as a cost-
effective and zero-carbon solution in strengthening the stability and resilience of the Irish grid.
ESB is already installing Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS) at existing facilities. BESS will
operate by charging batteries using electricity and storing the energy until it is required. In addition,
these batteries can stabilise the frequency of the electricity network further enabling the operation
and stability of a highly renewable system.
ESB has partnered with dCarbonX on the assessment and development of Irish offshore green
hydrogen subsurface storage. Green Hydrogen, which is produced from renewable energy sources,
offers potential for large scale seasonal storage of variable renewable energy. This enables zero
carbon backup to the power system when intermittent renewables such as wind and solar are not
available. Large scale Green Hydrogen production and storage could leverage the continental scale
of Ireland’s renewable energy potential to enhance Ireland’s energy security and to make Ireland a
net exporter of energy.
There is an opportunity for Monaghan Co. Co. to support the enhancement of Ireland’s energy
security with the inclusion of a specific policy supporting these new technologies, similar to the text
below and in line with National and Regional policy.
“Support and facilitate proposals for secure, appropriately scaled energy
storage systems and infrastructure, including green hydrogen gas storage
which support energy efficiency and reusable energy systems, provided
such proposals accord with the principles of proper planning and
sustainable development of the area.”
There is scope to expand the ambition of the Draft Plan with the inclusion of specific policies
supporting these new technologies.
07/07/2023 Issues Stage – Monaghan County Development Plan 9
Hybrid Renewables
Hybrid renewables consists of two or more renewable energy sources used together to provide
increased system efficiency as well as greater balance in energy supply, whilst optimising use of
existing infrastructure. By developing hybrid renewables, plant consisting of wind, solar and battery
exporting from common point of connection, but at different times, the need for transmission
infrastructure associated with new generation is minimised and grid stability can be improved on.
As mentioned above, repowering with hybrid renewables can grant a new lease of life to existing
windfarms and other generation sites. Utilising existing infrastructure will enable accelerated
connection of onshore and offshore wind to the system. By utilising hybrid connections, offshore
wind projects can be efficiently delivered in a more cost-effective manner when compared to building
a dedicated offshore wind grid electrical connection infrastructure. For these reasons, we would
suggest that an opportunity exists for the inclusion of support for the concept of Hybrid Renewables
in the Draft Plan. An Objective, containing wording as suggested below has been adopted by other
local authorities.
“Support and facilitate proposals for hybrid energy systems and/or co-location of
renewable energy where applicable where such development has satisfactorily
demonstrated that it will not have adverse impacts on the surrounding environment.”
Renewables-Enabling Plant
Energy security and sustainability are the main concerns in combatting climate change.
Notwithstanding the Government’s aim to increase the percentage of electricity generation from
renewables to 80% by 2030, the contribution from non-renewable sources will still consist of 20%.
Furthermore, on dull still days or nights, almost all electricity may sometimes need to come from non-
renewables generation.
Given that County Monaghan has significant onshore renewables potential, the inclusion of the text
below as a promotional Objective for the development of Renewable Enabling Plant will further assist
in the transition to a low carbon economy.
“It must also be recognised that natural gas, particularly renewable and
indigenous gas, will continue to have a role to play in the transition to a low
carbon economy. As such, renewable energy developments may require
support from such sources in times of high energy demand.”
ESB support this provision as it will be a necessary to connect additional non-renewable Plant to the
grid. This efficient Plant can be applied rapidly to provide operational flexibility and the required grid
support services, when needed. Typical Plant consists of fast-responding gas turbines (i.e. FlexGen
Plant) to provide backup power and synchronous condensers to provide inertia & grid stability.
Overall, ESB supports the promotion of energy infrastructure objectives and submit that they must
continue to protect the County’s future capacity for the development of energy generating,
processing, transmission and transportation infrastructure whilst encouraging the sustainable
development of the County’s renewable energy resources.
Telecommunications
The provision of high-quality telecommunications infrastructure is recognised by Monaghan County
Council as critical to the development of a knowledge economy and will help attract inward
investment in hi-tech, knowledge-based industries.
07/07/2023 Issues Stage – Monaghan County Development Plan 10
ESB believes the Draft Plan should recognise that applications for telecommunications development
shall be consistent with the updated guidelines (PL 07/2012) that facilitate the improved development
of telecommunications infrastructure and promotion of a policy of co-location.
The updated Guidelines facilitate the improved development of telecommunications infrastructure
and promotion of a policy of co-location. ESB’s telecoms infrastructure in the County continues to
assist in delivering enhanced communications networks through the provision of backhaul fibre and
shared telecommunications towers. In addition, ESB Telecoms are working with ESB Networks to
upgrade internal ESB Communications Networks to facilitate the roll-out of ESB’s ‘Smart Metering’
project. The successful delivery of ‘smart metering’ is a central component of Ireland’s plan to
combat climate change through the reduction of unnecessary energy usage. Due to the extent and
reach of the electricity network, additional masts may be required in some locations to ensure the
delivery of ‘smart metering’ to all areas. ESB Telecoms will work within the development
management standards to deliver this infrastructure.
All ESB Telecoms Mast sites are open for co-location and duplication of infrastructure is reduced as
a result. ESB supports the Telecommunications policy that promotes co-location. ESB encourages
policies consistent with the Department Circular to allow for the improved development of
telecommunications infrastructure, particularly broadband capability in the area.
Sustainable Transport & Electric Vehicles
With Ireland's natural advantages in terms of wind and other renewables a large proportion of the
power used by electric cars will be carbon free in the future. The Irish Government’s Climate Action
Plan 2023 has set stretching targets for EV adoption in Ireland to address energy demand and reduce
emissions from Transport including achieving:
• 845,000 passenger vehicles by 2030.
• 95,000 electric vans and trucks by 2030.
• Procuring 1,200 low-emissions buses for public transport in cities.
• Building the EV charging network to support the growth of EVs at the rate required and
develop our fast-charging infrastructure to stay ahead of demand.
• New scheme for 200 on-street public charge points per year for electric vehicles
The above targets demonstrate that EV’s (incl. plug-in hybrid electric vehicles PHEV’s) are central
to Government targets for zero carbon emissions transportation systems. The establishment of EV
infrastructure by ESB and the associated EV usage aligns with the key principles and benefits of
sustainability and the National Climate Change Strategy on reduction of emissions.
There are currently over 84,000 EVs and Plug-in hybrids registered on Irish roads, so while the
number has improved, the pace of uptake must increase over the coming years to achieve our fleet
electrification targets. ESB welcome all initiatives promoting charging infrastructure, however, it is
very important to note that the EU Energy Performance of Buildings Directive calls for an increase
to 20% for the number of parking spaces which should have provision for electric vehicle charging
infrastructure. In preparing the new CDP, an opportunity exists to ensure availability is expanded, in
line with the new directive so that the County is consistent with National and Regional Policy in
relation to the provision of electric vehicle infrastructure over the lifetime of the new plan.
Therefore, to ensure that the Monaghan County Development Plan increases the usage of electric
vehicles to the levels required, we request that the standards as set out in Statutory Instrument No.
393/2021 – European Union (Energy Performance of Buildings) Regulations 2021. The standards
07/07/2023 Issues Stage – Monaghan County Development Plan 11
in the table below are consistent with the above Regulation and should be considered for inclusion
in the Development Management Standards of the new CDP.
The standards below or similar have been implemented in the latest review of Development Plans
by Planning Authorities in Ireland. Promoting policies and objectives are facilitating growth in charge
point infrastructure, to become a comprehensive network of public and domestic charge points, with
open systems and platforms accessible to all supply companies and all types of electric cars.
Development Category EV Charging Points
Residential multi-unit developments both new
buildings and buildings undergoing major
renovations (with private car spaces including
visitor car parking spaces).
A minimum of 1 EV charge point space per five
car parking spaces (ducting for every parking
space shall also be provided)
New dwellings with in-curtilage car parking. Installation of appropriate infrastructure to enable
installation of recharging point for EV’s.
Non-residential developments (with private car
parking spaces including visitor car parking spaces
with more than 10 spaces e.g., office developments)
Provide at least 1 recharging point, and a
minimum of 1 space per five car parking spaces
should be equipped with one fully functional EV
Charging Point.
Developments with publicly accessible spaces (e.g.,
supermarket car park, cinema etc.)
Provide at least 1 recharging point, and a
minimum of 1 space per five car parking spaces
should be equipped with one fully functional EV
Charging Point.
Table 1. Proposed EV Charging Point Standards
Other Sustainable Transport
ESB also wish to highlight that, green renewable hydrogen enables the further electrification of
transport, allowing the full decarbonisation of the transport sector, as well as improved air quality as
the technology replaces diesel buses and diesel HGV across Ireland.
ESB has been actively engaging with Hydrogen Mobility Ireland (a partnership of businesses, public
sector and academic stakeholders) to deliver a coordinated approach to this cutting-edge technology.
This will ensure that Ireland can benefit from being an early starter in this solution to further
decarbonise transport using renewable energy.
07/07/2023 Issues Stage – Monaghan County Development Plan 12
3. CONCLUSION
Investment in infrastructure is crucial to the economic and social well-being of our country. Such investment
creates jobs, stimulates economic activity and provides modern, efficient facilities to provide the services
that people need including healthcare, education and community services amongst others. There is a
significant multiplier effect from investment in infrastructure which means that it stimulates growth in the local
economy. This investment in infrastructure is also necessary to support EU and national policy on Climate
Change adaptation and mitigation.
ESB, is building a truly sustainable company by investing in smart networks, renewable energy and
modernising the generation portfolio. Sustainability, both within the company and in the services we provide,
is integral to our corporate strategy. We are committed to reducing carbon emissions and addressing long-
term concerns over future fuel supplies. ESB is implementing energy strategies that support the transition
of Ireland to a low-carbon and ultimately post-carbon economy to become a competitive, resilient and
sustainable region. We request that due consideration is given to the issues raised in this submission, most
particularly, that the Draft County Development Plan includes clear policies in relation to:
• Ensuring that the long-term operational requirements of existing utilities are protected. The
importance of existing infrastructure and the associated Electricity Generation, Storage,
Transmission and Distribution operations are strategic and national in nature.
• The Draft Plan should maintain the planning policies which protect the County’s future capacity for
the development of energy infrastructure whilst encouraging the sustainable development of
renewable energy resources, including energy storage systems. This will enable ESB to develop
and maintain a safe, secure, reliable, economical and efficient electricity Generation, Transmission
and Distribution System with a view to ensuring that all reasonable demands for electricity are met
having due regard for the environment.
• Ensuring energy security during the transition to an all-green and renewables electricity sector by
providing for adequate supporting energy structure which will include using the cleanest natural gas
technologies aiding the integration of renewables in the shift to a sustainable energy system.
• Support for hybrid connections (co-location of two or more renewable energy sources) as ESB has
determined that enabling hybrid connections can expedite the connection of offshore wind.
• Promoting, encouraging and facilitating the use of sustainable modes and patterns of transport,
including electric vehicles, to ensure the implementation of the latest standards consistent with S.I.
No. 393/2021. This will support the extension of charge point infrastructure to ensure it becomes a
comprehensive network of public and domestic charge points with open systems and platforms
accessible to all supply companies and all types of electric cars.
If we can be of any further assistance, or if you wish to clarify any of the points raised, please do not
hesitate in contacting the undersigned.
Yours sincerely,
____________
Colm Cummins | Senior Planner | Engineering & Major Projects | ESB
| www.esb.ie