Cross cutting Issues

Notwithstanding the individual sectors discussed in this Issues paper, there are several cross cutting issues of both local and national significance which affects all sectors throughout the County.  These include but are not limited to:

• Sustainable Development, which implies that today’s generation can meet their development needs without compromising future generations’ ability to do the same. Sustainability lies at the heart of all policies and will be central to the Development Plan. Environmental sustainability in particular is a fundamental requirement and the Development Plan will comply with all Irish and European legislation.

• Climate Change, the adaption for which is a fundamental issue that will also underlie all proposals contained in the Development Plan.  Scientific evidence is showing that the climate is changing and it is imperative to consider how human activity is influencing such change and how resultant impacts such as increased flooding can be better planned for or averted.  National targets aim to cut non-Emission Trading Scheme (ETS) emissions by at least 20% by 2020 (over and above 2005) levels. It is estimated that non-ETS emissions will be 4% - 6% below 2005 levels by 2020 and by 2030 total non-ETS emissions will be 1%-3% below 2005 levels. The main areas where reduced carbon emissions can be achieved are energy, land use planning, transport, waste management and biodiversity.

• Social Inclusion, the focus of which is the improvement and wellbeing of all individuals. The Development Plan will provide for objectives that can promote a sense of community, promote access to social infrastructure, information and resources. Social inclusion will be a key concept underpinning the Development Plan.

• High Quality Design, the focus of which is the continuous improvement of the quality of design of the built environment. A high quality of design makes places more appealing to work, live and play in and leads to improved pride and sense of community.  High quality design in our built environment therefore has a direct impact on our perception of our surroundings and can improve our quality of life.