13.3.2 Impact of Development on Landscape
The Draft Kildare County Development Plan invites submissions across a broad range of important topics and Bord na Móna can make a significant positive contribution across many of these areas. In particular, Bord na Móna believes we have a significant role to play in delivering on climate action & energy policy, supporting natural heritage and biodiversity, growing tourism, fostering the establishment of new, sustainable industrial and commercial development and supporting rural and urban regeneration.
Upon review of table 13.4 it is noted how low the peat bogs have scored across a range of sectors. For example, with respect to the ‘Industrial Projects’ it could be assumed from the table that industrial industries being rated at zero, will therefore not be allowed on our lands. Similarly, with respect to wind and solar, the scoring indicates that bogs are not particularly suitable for these developments when the contrary is the case, as is evidenced by number of operational and consented renewable developments across our land bank. The information in this table also contradicts many of the policies and objectives listed in previous chapters of the plan in particular Chapter 6 Infrastructure & Environmental Services and Chapter 7 Energy and Communications.
Bord na Móna respectfully requests that the Council reviews these tables in the context of the overall policies and objectives of the plan.
It is important to iterate, the bogs of Bord na Móna are a land resource of national significance that offers a range of opportunities and options for new beneficial uses. It is clear that these lands have the potential to support national policy objectives across a range of sectors including rural development and employment, renewable energy, industrial uses, recreation and tourism, and biodiversity.