Chapter 8 Environment and Infrastructure
8.1 Aim, Context and Strategy
8.2 Environmental Quality
8.3 Waste Management
8.4 Drainage
8.5 Water Supply and Water Quality
8.6 Energy and Housing
8.7 Control of Major Accident Hazards Directive (Seveso II Directive)
8.8 Telecommunications
8.9 Renewable Energy Sources
8.10 Air Quality and Noise
8.11 Energy and Associated Infrastructure
8.12 Environment and Infrastructure Specific Objectives
Aim
To secure a high quality, clean and healthy environment, while facilitating the sustainable development of the city, through the continued improvement and expansion of infrastructure services, including for water, drainage, communication, energy and waste management facilities. To ensure that environmental protection is an integral part of the development process within the city, by avoiding potential pollution at source and reducing environmental risks to the city and it’s community.
Context
The protection of the environment and the future development of Galway requires a balance between conservation and efficient sustainable use of resources. There has been significant progress in the provision and management of water and drainage infrastructure and in waste management, which have had positive implications for environmental protection and conservation.
A range of national policies regarding environmental issues has argued for greater integration between the protection of the environment and the facilitation of sustainable development and growth. Sustainable Development: A Strategy for Ireland, DOEHLG, 1997, is the pre-eminent statement on sustainable development policy in Ireland. The overall goal of this strategy is to ensure that the country can develop to its full potential, without compromising the quality of the environment for present and future generations. The strategy continues to inform the formulation of policies and programmes, including development plans, in the area of environmental protection and sustainable development. The development plan as the main policy instrument for ensuring sustainable development and planning of the city, supports and complements the implementation of this national strategy.
The establishment of clear national policy direction for sustainable waste management is outlined in Changing Our Ways, DOEHLG, 1998 and Preventing and Recycling Waste: Delivering Change, DOEHLG, 2002. The policies and measures of these two documents seek the prevention and minimisation of waste, increased division of waste from landfill and increased recycling and reuse. In addition they give effect to the ‘polluter pays’ principle in relation to waste disposal. In line with these national policies and the objectives of the Connaught Regional Waste Management Plan 1999-2004, the city has promoted waste management and recycling in particular with regard to household waste since April 2001.
The securing of adequate infrastructure services has continued in line with the development of the city. The Council has a major role in the provision and development of the city’s physical infrastructure. A key element of this is water supply and wastewater services. Developments since the adoption of the 1999 City Development Plan have included the construction of the Mutton Island wastewater treatment plant and the connection of city centre discharges into the municipal scheme. These works will have a positive impact on the quality of bathing waters in Galway Bay.
The provision of energy and telecommunications infrastructure is fundamental for the future development of the city as a gateway for the West Region. Effective energy systems, such as gas and electricity are prerequisites for economic development. Although the Council is not a direct provider of services it is supporting the provision of many services such as the gas and electricity networks, while it is directly facilitating the provision of broadband technology in the city.
Strategy
• Protect and enhance the environment of the city, while facilitating its sustainable development and growth.
• To have a waste management system in the city in line with E.U and national policies which prioritises waste minimisation, recycling and reuse.
• Protect and manage water resources effectively and improve coastal and fresh water quality.
The Council seeks to maintain and enhance the quality of the city’s environment and eliminate potential environmental risks, while also facilitating sustainable economic and physical development. The protection of the natural and built environment is of major importance to the future social and economic development of the city, as is the delivery of essential infrastructure and services. The approach of this plan is to require development to be of a sustainable nature. This will include the minimisation of waste, maintenance of air and water quality and the promotion of energy conservation and efficiency. These principles will also apply to the Council, who is a major provider of infrastructure in the city. The areas that the development plan will have particular impact in the protection of environmental quality are:
• Waste Management,
• Drainage,
• Water Supply and Quality,
• Energy and Housing,
• Telecommunications, Renewable Energy and Energy Supply through a co-ordinating role,
• Air and Noise Pollution,
• Electromagnetic Radiation.
The Waste Management Act 1996 empowered local authorities to jointly make waste management plans for their functional areas. By 2002, six local authorities, including Galway City Council had adopted the Connaught Regional Waste Management Plan, 1999-2002, CRWMP. This plan proposes an integrated approach to waste management based on reducing dependence on landfill, reducing waste growth, greatly increasing recycling and introducing waste to energy with energy recovery. The CRWMP aims to achieve the maximum landfill diversion through the implementation of high levels of waste minimisation, recycling and thermal treatment with energy recovery as the best practical environmental option for the region and city. This approach is based on the E.U. and National Waste Hierarchy with gives priority to reuse and recycling. A household waste management and recycling scheme was introduced in 2001 in the city in order to increase recycling and minimisation of waste. This scheme involves a kerbside seperated household collection service of organic material, dry recyclable and residual landfill waste. The household waste management and recycling scheme has been very successful in reducing the overall amount of household waste The integration of recycling facilities in future developments will be considered in order to achieve further expansion of recycling within the city. Approximately 50% of household waste is being recycled in the city, which contributes significantly to Ireland reaching its national target of diversion of overall household waste away from landfill. It is noted that the Council rejects the CRWMP in so far as it refers to incineration.
Table no.8.1 - Household Waste Collection Scheme 2000 to June 2003.
Policy no. 8.3 - Waste Management Policy
• Secure the provision of waste management facilities and infrastructure with appropriate provision for minimisation, recovery and recycling of waste and to regulate waste operations in a manner which reflects the “polluter pays” and “proximity” principles with particular emphasis on large waste producers, in accordance with the objectives of the Connaught Region Waste Management Plan 1999 – 2004, except in relation to incineration.
• Support the objectives of the Connaught Regional Waste Management Plan 1999 – 2004 relating to Galway City and any subsequent Regional Waste Management Plans thereafter, with the exception of incineration.
• Ensure the sustainable siting of waste facilities in relation to existing and potential surrounding land-uses, transportation and environmental considerations.
• Encourage the development of a construction and demolition (C & D) waste recycling facility and other measures in the city for the sorting and grinding of C & D waste for reuse subject to appropriate environmental and planning considerations.
• Ensure that planning applications for new medium and large-scale developments, such as housing estates, retail and industrial developments include C & D waste management plans.
• Ensure that adequate recycling facilities are provided within the city, including where those are required in association with the layouts of new residential, industrial and commercial developments where appropriate and comply with the requirements of the Environment Section of the Council.
• Consider redundant quarry sites as suitable locations for the undertaking of C & D waste recovery, subject to appropriate environmental and planning considerations.
• Promote the implementation of the Litter Management Plan, 2001 as adopted by the Council, which aims to minimise the extent of litter pollution in the city.
• Investigate the provision of a Resource Recovery Park, which does not include incineration.
The city and its environs are going through a period of rapid growth, which must be sustained by adequate and efficient drainage infrastructural provision. In the past, all sewerage discharges went directly into Galway Bay. This was contrary to EU Urban Wastewater Treatment Directive. Secondary treatment of wastewater in the city is now required and discharges are being treated at the wastewater treatment plant on Mutton Island. This treatment plant, in addition to the Knocknacarra Integrated Drainage Scheme, the segregation of the existing combined systems and the effects of the water pricing system, will all facilitate the efficient treatment of wastewater, conservation of water and improved water quality in the bay.
Continuing the development of infrastructure within the city is imperative to its development as a gateway. The Council will undertake in conjunction with Galway County Council a preliminary report on the Galway Main Drainage Stage 3 of Galway City and Environs, including Oranmore, Clarinbridge, Kilcolgan and Barna, as part of the Water Services Investment Programme 2004 – 2006, DOEHLG. It will have particular reference to areas that have been rezoned for development under this plan and the long term strategic planning of the city and its environs. The study will provide an integrated approach to the enhancement and further development of the city drainage system in a sustainable and efficient manner.
The primary focus of the study is as follows:
• The proposed expansion of Mutton Island WWTD,
• Assess the capacity and loading on the existing foul and surface water drainage network in Galway,
• Using modelling techniques, identify limitations in the system to manage both existing and future developments,
• Consider options for efficient treatment and discharge for Galway City and environs in the context of recent transportation and planning studies,
• Develop optimum drainage solutions for short, medium and long term development of the city and environs.
Ultimately the study will produce guidance drainage policies for the Council to implement over a twenty-year period. This is essential for the long-term sustainable development of the city.
Policy no. 8.4 - Drainage
• To provide for the effective management, enhancement and extension of the drainage system for the long-term sustainable development of the city. This shall including for the long term operation and maintenance of the Mutton Island wastewater treatment plant, and investigations and implementation of optimum long-term drainage solutions.
• Implement the requirements of the E. U.Water Framework Directive with regard to a sustainable approach to water services management by fully internalising the costs of water usage and wastewater generation in respect of the non-domestic sector.
8.5 Water Supply and Water Quality
In the provision of water services in the city, the Council seeks to ensure that a high standard and quality, well managed water supply is available to both domestic users and to support economic and physical development. In addition, the Council will seek to protect and improve water quality. An essential element of this is the provision of a clean and potable drinking water supply and in particular to Galway, improved bathing water quality. This approach is important in the context of a growing city population coupled with increases in the volume of water usage per head of population. It is recognised that water is a limited resource, the demand for which must be met in a sustainable manner.
In recent years under the national Water Services Investment Programme, 2004-2006, DOEHLG, water conservation works, leaks eradication and network rehabilitation has been carried out. In the long term in order to maximise efficiencies in the way the water resources of the city are managed and utilised, a strategic approach will be required in Galway with particular regard to the role of the city as a gateway. To minimise water wastage, the Council will encourage all water users to use best practices in water conservation.
As part of the Water Services Investment Programme, 2004–2006, DOEHLG, funding has been made available for the Galway City Water Supply Scheme. This scheme will address improvements and expansion to the existing Terryland Waterworks, expansion of the water supply network, assessment of water supply needs and include for water conservation measures. These conservation measures will be sought through better management and leak eradication schemes to prevent any water loss from the system. In line with government policy, the Council is ensuring that the “polluter pays principle” in regard to water supply services is implemented in the case of non-domestic users in a clear and structured manner, through the non-domestic water metering project.
In addition to achieving a sustainable water supply, maintaining a high standard of water quality is a key objective of the Council. Galway City is fortunate to have a number of different water bodies, including lakes, rivers, canals and coastal area, all are significant natural assets to the city. It is critical that these water bodies are protected against pollution and that the quality of water is maintained at acceptable levels. The Mutton Island Wastewater Treatment Plant will significantly improve bathing waters, and improvements in water quality in Galway Bay will advance the achievement of Blue Flag status. In addition as part of the Western River Basin District Project under the EIS Water Framework Directive, a study of the greater Galway Bay will be undertaken. The results of this will be used to help implement high water quality in the bay. The Council will work in conjunction with Galway County Council, the lead agent in preparation of this study.
Also in the interest of water protection, the Council will require developments, which are adjacent to watercourses and include the storage and/or run-off of potentially polluting substances, such as oil and chemicals, to use best available practises to reduce the risk of environmental pollution.
Policy no. 8.5 - Water Supply and Water Quality
• Ensure that an adequate water supply is provided in a sustainable manner to meet existing and future demands of the city, in accordance with the assessment of needs as will be identified in the Galway City Water Supply Scheme.
• Achieve and maintain high standards for drinking water and water quality in the city, in compliance with E.U. Directives.
• Minimise and control discharges to inland and coastal waters and seek to improve the quality of bathing waters along the coast.
• Implement the requirements of the E. U.Water Framework Directive with regard to a sustainable approach to water services management by fully internalising the costs of water usage and wastewater generation in respect of the non-domestic sector.
• Encourage all significant water users to use best practises in water conservation.
The National Climate Change Strategy, DOEHLG, 2002, identifies improved energy efficiency in existing and new buildings as a key measure in the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions. The construction or refurbishment of buildings can demonstrate the practical application of such sustainable measures, which include reduction of heat loss by various methods of insulation, solar orientation and passive solar heating. Improved thermal efficiency can contribute to reduced energy consumption and is environmentally beneficial. The Council will encourage increased energy efficiency and conservation in existing and future buildings in the city, in particular local authority housing.
Policy no. 8.6 – Energy and Housing
• Increase the energy performance of future buildings in the city by encouraging energy efficiency and energy conservation in the design and building of development.
• Encourage high standards of energy conservation and improved energy performance in all existing and planned local authority housing.
• Liaise with the Galway Energy Agency Ltd. (GEAL) to develop standards, procedures and targets for energy conservation in the Council’s housing stock.
• Encourage consideration of siting, topography and aspect in the design of future housing developments, in order to avail of passive solar gain.
• Continue to support the programme for the installation of improved energy conservation measures.
8.7 Control of Major Accident Hazards Directive (Seveso II Directive)
The E.U. Directive (96/82 EC) on the control of major accident hazards the so called Seveso II Directive was adopted on the 3rd February 1999. It was introduced into Irish law through statutory instrument; the EC (Control of Major Accident Hazards Involving Dangerous Substances) Regulations, 2000, (S.I. No. 476 of 2000) on 21st December, 2000.
Fig. no . 8.1 Map showing the Two Seveso II Sites and the Extent of Associated 300m Consultation Zones
The directive aims to prevent major accident hazards involving dangerous substances and chemicals. The obligations of the directive have become mandatory for local authorities and the industrial sector. It covers both industrial activities and the storage of dangerous substances. The Planning and Development Act 2000 makes it a mandatory objective for development plans to have consideration of the provisions of the Major Accidents Directive and Regulations, regarding the siting of new establishments, modification of existing establishments and development in the vicinity of such establishments. It requires that objectives regarding the prevention of major accident hazards and the limitation of their consequences to the environment and community is taken into account in land use policies and planning controls. The Council is obliged to pursue the aims of the directive through controls on the sitting and planning of new establishments, modifications to existing establishments and development located in the vicinity of existing establishments. Where a development proposal is in the vicinity of a Seveso II site, a consultation zone of 300 metres from the perimeter of these sites will be applied. Any relevant proposals for development within these zones are referred to the National Authority for Occupational and health standards. Whose technical advice is taken into account in the overall assessment of the development, in addition to normal planning criteria.
There are two Seveso II sites within the city, (see Fig. no. 8. 1):
• Irish Shell Galway Terminal
• Leeside Oil Terminal
Policy no. 8.7 – Control of Major Accident Hazards Directive (Seveso II Directive)
• Consult with the National Authority for Occupational and Health Standards. When changing any policies/objectives and assessing any proposed relevant developments in or in the vicinity of sites identified under the Control of Major Accident Hazards Directive (Seveso II Directive), in order to prevent major accidents involving dangerous substances and to limit their consequences to the environment and community.
Telecommunication infrastructure is a fundamental requirement for the successful development of Galway as a gateway. The availability of various telecommunications services, such as broadband are a necessary prerequisite for the growth of the city’s economy. In view of this the Council has been a catalyst in the provision of the broadband fibre optic network to the city and its environs. The broadband network extends over 45 kilometers from Knocknacarra to Oranmore. The project is being grant aided by the Department of Communications, Marine and Natural Resources and European Union Structural Fund with Galway City and County Councils funding the balance.
The provision of the broadband network will ensure that Galway will continue to develop as a gateway and a competitive location for industrial development, providing a high level service and promoting economic growth in the entire region. Following the completion of the broadband network, known as the Galway Metropolitan Network, it can be connected to other independent broadband infrastructures in the country.
Policy no 8.8 - Telecommunications
• Support the development and expansion of telecommunication infrastructure (including the broadband network) within the city where appropriate, subject to environmental considerations.
• Ensure that development for mobile phone installations take cognisance of the DOEHLG Planning Guidelines for Telecommunications Antennae and Support Structures, DOEHLG, 1996, so that any potential environmental impacts associated with installations are minimised.
• Encourage the siting of new mobile phone installations to follow the hierarchy of suitable locations proposed in the DOEHLG Guidelines. When a number of other possibilities have been exhausted, masts may be erected within or in the immediate vicinity of residential areas.
• Ensure that developers of masts facilitate the co-location of antennae with other operators in order to avoid an unnecessary proliferation of masts. Where this is not possible operators will be encouraged to co-locate so that masts and antennae may be clustered.
The Council is committed to assisting in the development of renewable alternative energy sources within the city for environmental and sustainability reasons. Renewable energy sources includes wind, hydro, solar power, and biomass. The Council in the assessment of the development of alternative energy sources will have consideration of the likely impacts of such development in conjunction with the potential strategic benefits.
Policy no. 8.9 - Renewable Energy Sources
• Promote and facilitate the development of renewable sources of energy within the city, which offer sustainable alternatives to dependency on fossil fuels and a means of reducing harmful greenhouse emissions.
The Council is responsible for certain local regulation, monitoring and enforcement of air quality under the Air Pollution Act 1987. Functions include the issuing of licences and permits for discharges to air, the implementation of various regulations with regard to the marketing, sale, and distribution of fuels and the monitoring of air pollution using monitors located around the city. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is responsible for control of the more significant potential polluting activities on a national basis. These are generally dealt with through IPC licensing.
Vehicle transport also has a negative impact on air quality in urban areas. In this regard the Council participates in the annual European Car Free Day and more environmentally sustainable modes of transport are promoted through land use planning.
Excessive noise levels can have an adverse impact on the city’s environment. The Council will seek to minimise noise through the planning process by ensuring that the design of future developments incorporate measures to prevent or mitigate the transmission of noise and vibration, where appropriate.
Policy no. 8.10 - Air Quality and Noise
• Maintain air quality to a satisfactory standard by regulating and monitoring atmospheric emissions under the Air Pollution Act by promoting and supporting initiatives to reduce air pollution and by developing urban forestry.
• Ensure that developments incorporate measures to minimise noise levels in their design, where appropriate.
8.11 Energy and Associated Infrastructure
The development of diverse and efficient energy supply, whether it is gas or electricity, is a necessary catalyst for the future social and economic development of the city as a gateway and for attracting investment.
The Council recognises that the development of a secure and reliable electricity transmission infrastructure is a key factor in supporting economic and physical development. The provision of other forms of energy sources in the city is also important. The installation of the broadband network has been co-ordinated as far as possible with the construction of phase one of the city natural gas network. Phase two will mainly comprise of servicing industrial and new residential areas. The completion of the natural gas network will provide the city with the benefit of an alternative energy supply source.
Policy no. 8.11 - Energy and Associated Infrastructure
• Support the infrastructural renewal and development of electricity networks in the city, underground where at all possible, including the overhead HV lines necessary to provide the required networks.
• Facilitate the development of the natural gas network within the city.
Drainage Infrastructure
• Prepare a preliminary report on Galway Main Drainage Stage 3 for Galway City and environs in conjunction with Galway County Council and commence its implementation on a phased basis.
• Extend the Knocknacarra main drainage network into the Rahoon-Letteragh catchment area.
• Extend the network along Tuam Road out to City Council boundary.
• Extend network to Clybaun and Ballymoneen north of the Western Distributor Road.
Water Infrastructure and Quality
• Prepare Galway City Water Supply Scheme and commence its implementation on a phased basis, including improvements in water supply and water infrastructure within the city and surrounding areas.
• Undertake in conjunction with Galway County Council as a lead partner, a Water Quality Management Plan for Galway Bay.
Waste Management
• Facilitate the objectives of the Connaught Regional Waste Management Plan relative to Galway City, with the exception of incineration.
Village Envelopes
• Investigate and respond to required improvements in the drainage and water infrastructure in the village envelopes as part of the review of the infrastructural investment programme.