Tramore Local Area Plan - Waterford County Council

Chapter 10: Open Space, Amenity & The Natural Environment10.4 PROTECTION OF THE NATURAL ENVIRONMENT10.4.1 Air qualityThe protection of natural resources is a fundamental principle of sustainability.Policies in the Local Area Plan are designed to minimise the impact ofdevelopment on natural resources, or ensure that such impact is consistent withthe principles of sustainability.Clean, unpolluted air is essential to the health and well-being of the communityand the Council will encourage the reduction of emissions and dependency onfossil fuels. Air pollution is caused predominantly by emissions from theburning of fossil fuels. The largest consumer of fossil fuels is the transportationsector, followed by the industrial and agricultural sectors. Commercial anddomestic consumption of fossil fuels for power and heat also contribute to airpollution. The development of ‘green’ energy resources and technology has aconsiderablerole to play in reducing pollution and improving air quality and shall besupported and facilitated by the Council. (Also see Section 8.6 RenewableEnergy).POLICYPromoteGreenEnergy…OP12: Encourage the development of “Green Energy” technology andresources to reduce air pollution and improve air quality.10.4.2 Radon GasRadon gas originates naturally from the decay of uranium in rocks and soils.Should radon accumulate to unacceptably high concentrations (eg. when it entersan enclosed space, such as a house or other building), it may cause serious healthproblems. As such, the siting of new housing and/ or the incorporation ofremediation measures in relation to radon gas is an important consideration forany household.10.4.3 Ground Water ResourcesThe area within and adjoining Tramore Town supports a Regionally Importantfissure flow of extreme vulnerability and a poor generally unproductive flow ofhigh vulnerability.Consideration shall be given to the potential for adverse impact on thegroundwater resource in the area arising from the development within the Planarea. Appropriate mitigation measures will be required for developments so as toensure the ongoing protection of groundwater resources, surface water,associated habitats and species in the area. No development shall be permittedunless the Planning Authority is satisfied that adequate protection measures havebeen put in place for the protection of the ground water arising from theconstruction or subsequent operation of the development.72