Cavan County Development Plan 2022–2028 — Chapter 2

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   BTE 01 BTE 02 BTE 03 BTE 04 BTE 05 BTE 06 of units in the north east of the town and several smaller employers within the town. Creeny Business Park houses a number of small enterprises in the north east of the town. Occupancy here is strong. Many are construction and engineering type enterprises. Additional lands at this location have been identified as suitable for continuation of this land use type. Belturbet has a strong potential for tourism development with many existing attractions and facilities in the town. These are potential sources of employment as well as a way of revitalising the town. The town is located within the Cuilcagh Lakelands Global Geopark and has a number of attractions with tourist potential, including the town walk, Turbet island, the river and the Shannon-Erne Canal. Belturbet Economic Development Objectives It is a development objective of Cavan County Council to: Support the consolidation and growth of existing enterprises and the development of employment opportunities within the town and on lands zoned for employment purposes. Support employment and enterprise opportunities on lands designated for employment purposes. Ensure new enterprises shall demonstrate high quality architectural built form that contributes to a positive sense of space and distinctiveness. Enhance and promote the role of Belturbet town centre to better facilitate economic development and service provision. Promote Belturbet as an employment base and encourage the location of start up businesses in the area. Support the regeneration and re-use of derelict or underutilised buildings and sites to enhance the employment and service profile of the town. 2.9.6 Tourism Located west of Cavan town, Belturbet is in Ireland’s Hidden Heartlands, Fáilte Ireland’s marketing proposition for the county. Belturbet is a picturesque town, built on the banks of the River Erne and has much potential as a tourism town. There is a good accommodation base locally with bednights available in a family run hotel (10 bedrooms) in the centre of the town and a sizeable number of B&Bs and self-catering properties in the vicinity. Authorised motorhome parking facilities have been installed at Turbet Island in the town. There is food available in the local hotel, cafes and pubs in the town. The award-winning restaurant ‘The Olde Post Inn’ is 11km away, in Cloverhill. The 222 bedroom Slieve Russell Hotel and PGA National Golf Course is 13km away in Ballyconnell. Rich in history, there is a heritage trail highlighting points of interest in the town. Belturbet is in the UNESCO Geopark which incorporates Cavan town and the area west of it. The town is built on the River Erne, providing opportunities for boating, cruising and linkages with the Shannon – Erne Waterway, the River Shannon and the entire length of the River Erne. There is a marina on the waterway and cruise and day boat hire is available. A service block at the marina is near completion . The River Erne from Belturbet connects to Castle Saunderson, a strategic site on the proposed Ulster Canal and Ulster Canal Greenway. Plans are in place for the development of the Cavan/ Leitrim Railway Greenway – a strategic and potentially transformative project for West Cavan and which would benefit all towns in West Cavan, including Belturbet and its accommodation base. Turbet Island heritage site is in the town and consists of an Anglo-Norman motte and bailey and short 1.6km marked, interpreted walking trail. There are several other important heritage sites nearby including nearby Drumlane Abbey in Milltown, Castle Saunderson Demesne in Cloverhill, Clogh Oughter castle on Lough Oughter and Crom Castle in Fermanagh. Belturbet Heritage Railway station in the centre of the town has been restored and displays railway memorabilia. It is open to visitors intermittently. The local heritage group have plans for its expansion and further development as a heritage visitor attraction. The Townhall building in Belturbet is a landmark building and currently homes Belturbet library and a civic and arts space. Tourism information is available in the Townhall and also on two information kiosks in the town. Due to the expansive waterways surrounding the town, Belturbet was historically an angling town and accustomed to accommodating anglers. There Core Strategy 137 Settlement Strategy

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   BTD 01 BTD 02 BTD 03 BTD 04 BTD 05 BTD 06 BTD 07 BTD 08 BTD 09 BTD 10 BTD 11 BTD 12 BTD 13 BTD 14 are still several accommodation providers in the town who rely on overseas angling business and several angling festivals take place in the town every year. There are two companies providing adventure and outdoor activities on Lough Oughter, only a few minutes’ drive from Belturbet. There is also a nine-hole golf course in the town. Belturbet Tourism Development Objectives It is a development objective of Cavan County Council to: Support the provision of new and upgraded tourist accommodation. Encourage sustainable and suitable tourism related development. Support the angling industry to continue to supply the necessary infrastructure and services for anglers locally. Continue to work with the tourism industry locally to ensure a coordinated and collaborative approach tourism signage, promotion and infrastructure. Work with the Geopark team to ensure the inclusion of Belturbet in Geopark activities and events programme. Support the upgrading of the heritage town trail signage. Encourage and support the delivery of tourist services in the town. Harness the potential of the River Erne and Turbet Island. Support Belturbet Heritage Railway association to further develop the visitor experience at the railway station. Explore options for increasing the local walking and cycle trails network in particular the development of greenways. Support festivals and events that attract visitors. Engage with agencies and community groups in the area that support and contribute to tourism e.g. Fáilte Ireland, Coillte, Heritage Railway Group, Tidy Towns, Inland Fisheries Ireland and Geological Survey Ireland. Support the creation of a Management and Development Plan for Turbet Island and Railway Station of Belturbet to include linkages to the sites whilst having regard to the protection of these sites as National Monuments, Protected Structures and a Natura 2000 site. To promote Castlesaunderson as an important amenity for the County with the potential to become a Forest Park. Cavan County Development Plan 2022-2028 138 Cavan County Development Plan 2022-2028

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   BTC 01 BTC 02 BTC 03 BTC 04 BTC 05 BTC 06 BTC 07 BTC 08 2.9.7 Sustainable Communities Belturbet provides an attractive place to live, rich in natural beauty and amenity. The town has seen an increase in residential land use especially to the north west of the town centre. A number of apartment type developments have been constructed in the town centre. Opportunity exists to accommodate the future needs of the town in a consolidated fashion, which will assist in the delivery of sustainable communities comprising of a mix of housing types, densities and tenure. An emphasis is therefore placed on building communities with a high standard of design, around the principles of place-making, green infrastructure, permeability and connectivity alongside the integration of community and recreational facilities. The development strategy for Belturbet is to support new housing and population growth, consistent with the Core Strategy, facilitating compact growth together with providing a viable alternative to rural one-off housing within the surrounding countryside. Provision is made in the plan in accordance with RPO 3.7 of the RSES, for the development of serviced sites for the identification and prioritising of a programme for the provision of serviced sites within the existing footprint of Belturbet. The plan promotes the development of green infrastructure networks both within the settlement and to adjacent tourist amenities. New development proposals will have to demonstrate how they contribute towards the creation of Green Infrastructure networks, in particular the development of green routes through the town with connections to the town centre. Belturbet Sustainable Communities Development Objectives It is a development objective of Cavan County Council to: Provide for new residential development in accordance with the requirements of the Housing and Core Strategy. Require that an appropriate mix of housing type, tenure, density and size is provided in all new residential developments to meet the needs of the population of Belturbet. Encourage the appropriate redevelopment of brownfield and infill sites for residential uses within the footprint of the existing built-up areas. Require proposals for new development to integrate with existing Green Infrastructure networks and contribute to the development and protection of overall Green Infrastructure assets. Support the provision of social and recreational amenities in Belturbet to address gaps in these important Community facilities. Provide for the expansion and development of educational, social, community and recreational facilities in Belturbet to address the current and future needs of the area. Promote cycling and walking within the community through the implementation of a walking/cycling strategy and improved walking/cycling infrastructure within the town and its hinterlands and at areas of interest and attractions. Support the provision of serviced sites on lands zoned as proposed low density residential development. Core Strategy 139 Settlement Strategy

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   BTR 01 BTR 02 BTR 03 BTR 04 BTR 05 2.9.8 Commercial and Retail Development Belturbet is described as a Satellite Retail Centre with its primary function as a secondary support centre serving reasonable scale catchments and operating as satellites to Cavan Town. It is on the same tier as ‘Local Retail Centres’ as it services a similar size population catchment. These centres usually accommodate a medium sized convenience shopping outlet and a number of non-retail businesses. Belturbet serves as an important centre for the northwest of the County. Without a commensurate increase in population within its catchment, there will unlikely be a significant rationale for increased retail floorspace in Belturbet. Proposals for convenience retailing needs to be considerate of its wider role generally serving as satellites to Cavan Town, which is well served with convenience retailing. Belturbet Commercial and Retail Development Objectives It is a development objective of Cavan County Council to: Facilitate improvements in traffic management that can lead to improvements in the shopping environment and safer and better access for pedestrians. Promote measures to retain and improve the character of important streetscapes in Belturbet. Facilitate the reuse of existing vacant retail units in Belturbet. Encourage infill development and the redevelopment of derelict and obsolete sites. Promote activities that support town centres like festivals, events and street markets. 2.9.9 Regeneration and Placemaking Cavan County Council recognises the importance of supporting and developing the physical and social fabric of the towns and villages of the County. The objective of this development plan is to enhance the towns and villages of the county as more attractive places to live and to work. The Belturbet Revitalisation Plan 2018 is an ambitious plan that will act as a blueprint for the development and enhancement of the town over the next 10-15 years. These help communities and the local authority to identify a broad range of projects and to prioritise development applications. Belturbet has a key role in terms of serving economic, social, cultural and community needs of the people and their hinterland. The changes to the towns commercial, aesthetic and cultural landscape is evident. Belturbet’s proximity to the border with Northern Ireland means it faces additional challenges. This development plan seeks to place a greater importance on developing towns that will be resilient and sustainable in years and decades to come and to harness local community and entrepreneurial spirit in order to realise the aims and ambitions of these Revitalisation Plans. Belturbet Revitalisation Plan 2018 seeks to showcase how improvements can enhance Belturbet as an attractive place in which to live, play, work and visit. It seeks to enhance and improve town centre functions, both on a day to day basis, while also seeking to improve the long term socio economic, cultural and environmental benefits for residents, businesses, communities and visitors. The Belturbet Revitalisation Plan 2018 includes proposals recommended at a county and town specific basis. There are a number of Belturbet Specific Proposals incorporating the following themes: M Accessibility M Streetscape M Amenities and Services M Built Form M Initiatives and Events The Revitalisation Plan aim to enhance Belturbet town centre, as an attractive place in which to live and work and to address economic and social decline. The holistic and inclusive approach undertaken identifies a wide range of projects throughout the entire county to be implemented over the short, medium and long term. It provides guidance on a suite of interventions that will have a transformative impact on the town of Belturbet. A number of proposals have been included in the Belturbet Revitalisation Plan 2018 that seeks to Cavan County Development Plan 2022-2028 140 Cavan County Development Plan 2022-2028

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   BTP 01 BTP 02 BTP 03 BTP 04 BTP 05 refurbish landmark buildings, create open spaces and pocket parks, activate and improve squares, reduce traffic, increase pedestrian safety, alter traffic flows and include street art and painting which will aid the revitalisation of Belturbet town and enhance the vitality and viability of its centre. Belturbet has benefited from a number of regeneration projects including tourism signage and youth café, Phase 2 of the Cavan to Leitrim Trail and investigation work into Phase 3, development of a services block at Belturbet Marina. Belturbet Regeneration and Placemaking Development Objectives It is a development objective of Cavan County Council to: Support the implementation of the Belturbet Revitalisation Plan 2018 for the plan period. Ensure that the town centre is accessible to all members of the community, including people with mobility issues, the elderly and people with young children. Engage with the community, developers and other agencies to secure resources for the enhancement, renewal and regeneration of the Belturbet town. Support the redevelopment and regeneration of sites in the town Continue to identify sites in poor state of repair or neglect under the Derelicts Sites Act and support their regeneration. 2.9.10 Heritage The town of Belturbet owes its foundations to Stephen Butler who was granted land under the Ulster Plantation and from this time we can see the emergence of the modern day Belturbet. Butler established a garrison town to protect the traditional fording point of the River Erne. The Market House dominated the Diamond physically for many years, until it was demolished and replaced with the present-day Town Hall. This was the commercial centre of the town and remains so today. The town lies within an archaeological zone, indicating zones of archaeological potential, within which archaeological deposits may exist as well as surviving upstanding pre-1700 AD remains. Belturbet is part of the UNESCO designated Cuilcagh Lakelands Global Geopark and includes the wonderful Turbet Island Geopark site. The River Erne was the main mode of transport and the influence of the waterways/blueways has had on shaping the town is still in evidence today, with many using the waterways for recreational purposes. In addition, the River Erne and numerous lakes has famed Belturbet as a fishing destination. Belturbet is part of the Lough Oughter and Associated Loughs System which is designated as a SAC, SPA and NHA. The natural heritage of Belturbet includes the natural environment, biodiversity and green infrastructure. This heritage is an asset which can be promoted to present a positive image of the town. Belturbet is part of the Lough Oughter and Associated Loughs complex which occupies much of the lowland drumlin belt in north and central County Cavan, between Belturbet, Killeshandra and Cavan Town. It is a maze of waterways, islands, small lakes and peninsulas. Lough Oughter is the largest lake site, is relatively shallow and the main inflowing river is the Erne which connects lakes to the Upper Erne and lower Erne to the South. Typical habitats include lakes, bogs, woodland, marsh and reedbed. Turbet Island and Motte and Bailey, which is a geopark site is located beside Kilconny Bridge, at the mouth of the peninsula. This is a wonderful resource in the town, a nature filled, accessible walking trail along the River Erne with ample parking. Turbet Island is a well interpreted trail detailing the built, natural and cultural heritage and recently has seen the addition of an outdoor exhibition of prints entitled ‘Dreamscape’. There is also a very informative town trail which starts in the centre of the town (the Diamond). You can explore the town with maps, information panels and plaques providing further information on key sites. Much of the rich built heritage asset of Belturbet are still evident today and indeed its character and setting is very much evident in the Diamond ACA and The Lawn ACA. Buildings of note include Belturbet Town Hall, the Post Office, the Church of Ireland and the Orange Hall. The ACA’s should be read in conjunction with Belturbet Town Revitalisation Plan. Core Strategy 141 Settlement Strategy

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   Figure 2.9.1 The Lawn ACA, Belturbet Figure 2.9.2 The Diamond ACA Belturbet Cavan County Development Plan 2022-2028 142 Cavan County Development Plan 2022-2028

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   BTH 01 BTH 02 BTH 03 BTH 04 BTH 05 BTH 06 BTH 07 BTH 08 BTH 09 BTH 10 BTH 11 BTH 12 BTH 13 BTH 14 Belturbet Heritage Development Objectives It is a development objective of Cavan County Council to: Ensure that all plans projects relating to the natural and built heritage within Belturbet Town are subject to development objectives contained within the Natural and Built Heritage Chapter of this Plan. Protect, enhance, create and connect natural heritage, green spaces and high quality amenity spaces throughout Belturbet for biodiversity and recreation, whilst ensuring the design and operation of routes respond to the ecological protection and needs of each site. Seek to preserve, protect and maintain trees of special amenity, conservation or landscape value in Belturbet. Carry out and require planting of native trees, hedgerows and vegetation on all new developments. All planting should be pollinator friendly and in accordance with the All Ireland Pollinator Plan and Pollinator Guidelines for Communities. (Please see Appendix 23). Prohibit any development that would result in a significant deterioration of habitats or disturbance of species in the NHA, SAC, SPA Lough Oughter and Associated Loughs. Protect environmental quality in Belturbet through the implementation of European, National and Regional policy and legislation relating to air quality, green house gas emissions, climate change, light pollution, noise pollution and waste management. Continue to support the development of blueway networks in and around Belturbet’s waterway. Conserve, protect and enhance the built heritage of Belturbet including all Protected Structures and attendant grounds, the Diamond ACA and the Lawn ACA, Records of Monuments and Places in accordance with best conservation practice. Positively consider proposals to improve, alter, extend or change use of protected structures to accommodate for modern use, subject to suitably qualified conservation architects and other relevant experts, suitable design, materials and construction methods. This should demonstrate that the structure, character, appearance and setting will not be adversely affected. Support the re-introduction of traditional features on protected structures of The Diamond and The Lawn ACA particularly where there is evidence these features previously existed. Support schemes for the conservation and enhancement of the character and appearance of the traditional town core of Belturbet. Ensure heritage assets which are the focus for heritage development in Belturbet are appropriately managed and their special interest is conserved from potential adverse effects from visitors or development in general and that best practice in relation to the environmental management of tourism enterprises is adhered to; Ensure an archaeological assessment is carried out as required and promote ‘preservation in situ of archaeological sites and /or features. Protect previously unknown archaeological sites and features, including underwater sites where they are discovered during development works. Core Strategy 143 Settlement Strategy

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   2.9.11 Map Based Specific Objectives Map based specific objectives have been created for several areas within the Development Boundary. Refer to zoning map. 1. Develop and expand the linear park and wildlife corridor along the length of the River Erne, which would be kept free from development, this would be of appropriate width depending on gradients, along both sides of the river. This land shall be additional to public open space within any proposed housing development. 2. Ensure the protection of ‘Erne Bridge’ and all sites of archaeological, cultural and/or historic value, Protected Structures and Architecutral Conservation Areas within the town of Belturbet. 3. Ensure the protection and encourage the enhancement of Walking Trails in the town including Turbet Island Looped Walk and the Old Railway Line Walk. To protect and promote developments adjoining the old railway line that have regard to the potential amenity use of this area. 4. Protect and promote the development of the walking route from Turbot Island to Aghalane. 5. Lands in the vicinity of Protected Structure ‘The Rectory’. Any development in this area shall; Take cognisance of the sensitive nature of the site alongside and overlooking the rivers amenity. Take cognisance of the Rectory and the historic setting of same. Respect its unique character and design with views and vistas to and from the site Retain the existing stone boundary and garden walls. Provide for high quality design in relation to new buildings and any extension of the Rectory. 6. Support the delivery of plans and proposals in the Belturbet Revitalisation Plan 2018. 7. Facilitate the appropriate access to low density residential lands to the rear of the site. 8. Development shall include proposals for noise mitigation measures and suitable separation distance from the national road. 9. Site partially within Flood Zone B and has areas identified as being at risk under future climate scenarios (see Appendix I of the SFRA Addendum). Any new uses at this site will generally be limited to less vulnerable uses, while facilitating existing development uses that may require small scale development such as small extensions. This limitation shall take primacy over any other related land use zoning provision. Any proposals for development at this site shall demonstrate compliance with the Plan’s flood risk management and drainage provisions. 10. Site has areas identified as being at risk under future climate scenarios, (see Appendix I of the SFRA Addendum. Any new uses at this site will generally be limited to less vulner-able uses, while facilitating existing development uses that may require small scale devel-opment such as small extensions. This limitation shall take primacy over any other related land use zoning provision. Any proposals for development at this site shall demonstrate compliance with the Plan’s flood risk management and drainage provisions. Cavan County Development Plan 2022-2028 144 Cavan County Development Plan 2022-2028

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   2.10 Mullagh 2.10.1 Context Mullagh is located in the south east of the County and is identified in the Settlement Framework as a Medium Town. Mullagh has strong residential base and plays an important role in supporting the social and cultural life of surrounding rural communities. However, the employment base is weaker and is reliant on other areas for employment and services. 2.10.2 Town Character Mullagh is thought to be the birth place of the 7th Century Saint Killian, who has lent his name to several buildings in the town, such as Saint Killian’s National School, Saint Killian’s Heritage Centre and a Holy Well named after the Saint. Mullagh originated as a local Market Town for the surrounding agricultural community. The town retains much of its original planned village form with its wide central Main Street, regular property frontage and long rear gardens. Mullagh has experienced significant development, in some part, due to its strategic location adjacent to the Greater Dublin Area. Historically, Mullagh has experienced significant population growth seeing a 41.8% growth in the 2006 Census, a 67. 55 growth in the 2011 Census and remaining strong with an 18.5% in the 2016 Census. Table 2.10.1 Fact Table Position in Settlement Hierarchy Medium Town 2016 Population 1348 2011 Population 1137 Percentage Change 2011-2016 18.5% (211) Core Strategy Housing Supply Target 170 Population Projection 2028 1751 Education (2020/2021 Enrolment Data) St Killians National school (354 pupils) Childcare options 2.10.3 Strategy and Vision Mullagh is described as a Medium Town in the County Settlement Hierarchy with a varied overall employment base and can be reliant on other areas for employment and services. It plays an important role in supporting the social and cultural life within rural communities. The Core Strategy set out in Chapter 1 of this Plan, projects that the population of Mullagh will grow to 1,751 over this plan period. This will be provided within the town core, mixed use and brownfield sites of Mullagh. Alongside these sites, proposed residential lands and low density residential lands, will provide for an alternative to one off dwellings within the settlement boundary of Mullagh. Core Strategy 145 Settlement Strategy

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    MI 01 MG 01 MG 02 MG 03 MG 04 MG 05 MG 06 MI 02 It is the vision of this plan that modest sustainable compact residential growth occurs in Mullagh over the plan period. Proposed residential sites are located close to the town centre and within walking distance of the towns services and facilities. It is also a vision of the Plan to provide increased employment in the town to match the population growth over the previous two decades. Mullagh’s Main Street is occupied with residential and commercial uses. Continuation of this occupation will be strongly supported. Mullagh General Development Objectives It is a development objective of Cavan County Council to: Promote the development of Mullagh to fulfil its role as a designated Medium Town. Support investment in community, social, retail and economic opportunities to fulfil its role as a Medium Town and to complement the town’s population. Encourage and foster the creation of attractive, mixed use, sustainable communities that include a suitable mix of housing types and tenures with supporting facilities, amenities and services that meet the needs of the entire community and accord with the principles of universal design and Age Friendly standards. Support the expansion of a range of services and facilities available to residents and the wider rural hinterland. Engage with the community and relevant stakeholders to promote and support the regeneration of Mullagh through identification of significant regeneration projects, along with associated funding streams including Rural Regeneration and Development Fund. Provide for the creation of sustainable communities in Mullagh by identifying sufficient land for new development, in particular housing, enterprise and employment, community, recreational and tourism uses. 2.10.4 Physical Infrastructure Mullagh is served by an existing wastewater treatment plant which requires upgrade. Water is from Bailieborough RWSS which is sourced from Skeagh lake. Green infrastructure is essential to delivering the Town’s economic competitiveness, an improved quality of life and improved social inclusion. Increased development pressure will inevitably lead to an increase in traffic levels. It is essential that traffic is managed so as to minimise future congestion. This plan aims to achieve a more balanced and sustainable pattern of movement in Virginia and undertake to facilitate the provision of a greater choice of transport modes. Enhancing permeability and connectivity between the town centre and surrounding residential areas is a priority of this Plan. It is therefore an objective to identify any improvements to pedestrian and cycling infrastructure that would encourage walking and cycling within and between spaces in the town. Mullagh Physical infrastructure Development Objectives It is a development objective of Cavan County Council to: Support investment in water and waste water infrastructure facilities serving Mullagh in order to ensure the continued sustainable development of the Town. Support improvements in the pedestrian and cycling infrastructure in the town that will improve connectivity and permeability and promote more sustainable modes of transport. 2.10.5 Economic Development Mullagh has a lower mix of retail and services similar to the retail and service provision of other small towns. Local employment opportunities within the town comprise mainly of Wellman’s International, retail and services provided within the Town Core and agriculture. The town does have some natural assets which could give it a presence in the leisure and tourism sectors. According to the Census, the population in Mullagh in 2016 was 1348, the total working population was 814 which represents approximately 1.7% of the working age population Cavan County Development Plan 2022-2028 146 Cavan County Development Plan 2022-2028

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