Peter Burke (Longford-Westmeath, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

The climate action plan 2019 reaffirmed the important role of planning and the national planning framework in supporting national decarbonisation objectives. A top priority of the national planning framework is compact growth and its inter-relationship with sustainable mobility and transport. Compact growth is also a strategic response to counteract urban sprawl, which results in a high carbon footprint due to demands on transport and energy, mostly based on fossil fuels. Along with minimising transport demand, higher densities and shorter travel distances will reduce energy demand and use. Multi-storey and terraced buildings in close proximity require less energy and make renewables-based systems of energy distribution such as district heating more feasible. City and county development plans must promote sustainable settlement and transport strategies, including measures to reduce energy demand and greenhouse gas emissions, and address the necessity of adaptation to climate change.

The Department promotes decarbonisation through a wide range of measures including statutory planning guidelines such as the updated wind energy development guidelines; the development of the national marine planning framework and an associated marine consenting regime to enable the development of offshore renewable energy; working with local authorities to develop decarbonisation zones; and legislation to promote the use of solar panels and increased numbers of charging points for electric vehicles. I am confident in all the work the Department is doing to support the Government's efforts to put Ireland on a pathway to decarbonisation. It is clear we have a shared vision, from the climate action plan and the national planning framework to the county development plans, regional strategies and local area plans, to try to realise the targets contained within the climate action plan. It is important for a sustainable future that we do that and work together and that there be connectivity between the Government plans.

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