To consider the following Notice of Motion submitted by Councillor Enda McGloin;

"I ask the Director of Services and Planning Department for a report to members as to what implications for the County Development Plan and in particular around our policy on ‘one off housing‘ the recently published Climate Action Bill will have in the future if it becomes law."

Report by Director of Services for Economic Development, Planning, Environment and Transportation.

"On 17 June 2019, the Government published the Climate Action Plan which committed to bring forward a new Climate Action (Amendment) Bill for publication in 2020. The Climate Action and Low Carbon Development (Amendment) Bill was published last year and if passed, will commit the country to move to a climate resilient and climate neutral economy by 2050.

The current Programme for Government commits to a 7% average yearly reduction in overall greenhouse gas emissions over the next decade, and to achieving net zero emissions by 2050. This Bill will drive implementation of a suite of policies to help the country achieve this goal.

The Bill proposes to introduce a system of 5-year economy-wide carbon budgets, which will outline a ceiling for total greenhouse gas emissions. These will be prepared by the Climate Change Advisory Council and presented to Government to consider and approve, with input from the Oireachtas.

The Bill includes the following key elements:

• Establishes a 2050 emissions target.

• Introduces a system of successive 5-year, economy-wide carbon budgets starting in 2021.

• Strengthens the role of the Climate Change Advisory Council in proposing carbon budgets.

• Introduces a requirement to annually revise the Climate Action Plan and prepare a National Long Term Climate Action Strategy at least every decade.

• Introduces a requirement for all Local Authorities to

prepare individual Climate Action Plans which will include both mitigation and adaptation measures.

• Gives a stronger oversight role for the Oireachtas through an Oireachtas Committee.

There is no guidance contained in the Bill in relation to one off housing or indeed to spatial planning generally. The Bill requires that each Local Authority shall have regard to its Local Authority Climate Action Plan when making a development plan within the meaning of the Planning and Development Act 2000. The preparation of the National Planning Framework and Regional Spatial and Economic Strategy both predated the publication of the Bill. The preparation of the development plan must be consistent with the higher-level strategic planning frameworks but also with any policy or objectives of the Government or of any Minister of the Government. This would include the approved Government Action Plan on Climate.

The Action Plan on Climate indicates the need for actions to address the spatial pattern and urban form of development. Similarly, actions that integrate land use and transport planning i.e., consideration of spatial pattern, urban form, and mobility, are required, in addition to actions that focus on individual transport measures or modes. These cross-cutting considerations are necessary because the spatial pattern of development and related urban structure directly influence the need to travel in the first instance. They also determine the pattern of movement, in terms of the frequency and duration of trips and ultimately, behavioural choices regarding modes of transport that may be used. There is also a need to combine measures to influence the spatial pattern of development, urban structure, and overall mobility, with low carbon technology measures, such as a significant increase in the EV fleet.

It is respectfully considered that the publication of the anticipated replacement Section 28 Rural Housing Guidelines by the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage scheduled for March will provide more detail on the manner in which transitioning to a climate and climate neutral economy will impact on the rural housing policies to be pursued in development plans."

Councillor Enda McGloin expressed his concern regarding the implications for the County Development Plan and in particular the policy on ‘one off housing ‘under the recently published Climate Action Bill.  He welcomed the comprehensive reply received in this regard.

Mr Bernard Greene, Senior Planner, gave the members an update on the response as circulated and on the preparation of the County Development Plan and in particular how the recently published Climate Action Bill will be reflected in in the Plan.

Councillor Sean McDermott supported the motion and said he was fearful of what is coming down the line in March when the Section 28 Rural Housing Guidelines are published.  Councillor Felim Gurn said this is another piece of legislation that will stop one off housing. Councillor Des Guckian also expressed his concerns in this regard.

Cathaoirleach, Councillor Mary Bohan said this is very timely and until the publication of Section 28 Rural Housing Guidelines, great care must be taken when preparing the County Development Plan and all the issues and concerns expressed by the Members are taken into account.