Cavan County Development Plan 2022–2028 — Chapter 2

1. Page 111

   Cite this pagePDF p. 111 (opens the publisher’s copy in a new tab)
   MT 01 MT 02 MT 03 MT 04 MT 05 MT 06 MT 07 ME 01 ME 02 ME 03 ME 04 ME 05 ME 06 of the county in 2016. The largest sectors of employment include commerce and trade and professional services followed by manufacturing industries. There are 708 people residing in Mullagh who are classed as being “At Work”. Of these workers, a total of 14% (101) are employed in Mullagh, 14% (102) are employed elsewhere in Cavan, 49% (347) commute out of the county for employment and the remaining 22% (158) are either mobile workers or have a blank or un-codable destination. According to POWCAR 2016, there are 379 jobs located in Mullagh, which represents 1.8% of all jobs based in the county. Of these 27% (101) are being undertaken by local residents, 38% (143) are taken by workers living elsewhere in Cavan and the remaining 36% (135) are undertaken by workers who commute to Mullagh from outside the county. Although 63% of the resident population of Mullagh are employed elsewhere in the County, Mullagh is the employment destination for 278 workers from outside the town. The town is a net exporter of jobs (-329). Mullagh 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 on lands zoned for employment purposes. Support employment and enterprise opportunities on lands designated for employment purposes. Ensure new enterprises demonstrate high quality architectural built form that contributes to a positive sense of space and distinctiveness. Enhance and promote the role of Mullagh town centre to better facilities, economic development and service provision. Promote Mullagh 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 building and sites to enhance the employment and service profile of the town. 2.10.6 Tourism Located in the east of County Cavan, Mullagh is part of the Failte Irelands- Ireland’s Hidden Heartlands tourism proposition. Mullagh has one small family run hotel with ten bedrooms, which also offers a restaurant. St. Kilian’s Visitor Centre is located on the outskirts of the town. The centre is dedicated to the memory of St. Kilian, who was born in Mullagh in 640 A.D. and became a saint in Wurzburg, Germany. Artefacts, ogham scripts, historic manuscripts and exhibitions are on display in the centre. A small shop and café are also on site. There is a short 2km hill walk overlooking scenic Mullagh Lake. Nearby Killyconny Bog which borders County Meath is an important 191 hectare raised bog and part of ‘The Living Bog’ restoration project. Mullagh Fair Day takes place every September and has the potential to attract visitors. Mullagh Tourism Development Objectives It is a development objective of Cavan County Council to: Support the development and enhancement of the experience at St. Kilian’s Heritage Centre. Support the provision of tourist accommodation and associated services in Mullagh. Continue to encourage sustainable and suitable tourism related development. Engage with Fáilte Ireland and the Ireland’s Hidden Heartlands team to ensure maximum benefits for Mullagh and East Cavan. Support agencies and community groups in the area that support and contribute to tourism e.g., Fáilte Ireland, tidy towns, St. Kilian’s Heritage Trust. Support Mullagh Fair Day and other festivals and events that attract visitors and have the potential to create bed nights in the area. Continue to promote the tourism potential of Mullagh by supporting tourist related development and enhancement of existing amenities. Core Strategy 147 Settlement Strategy

2. Page 112

   Cite this pagePDF p. 112 (opens the publisher’s copy in a new tab)
   MC 01 MC 02 MC 03 MC 04 MC 05 MC 06 MC 07 2.10.7 Sustainable Communities Mullagh provides an attractive place to live, rich in natural beauty and amenity. Significant residential development in Mullagh over the past years has resulted in an increase in population. 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 Mullagh 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. Provision is made in the plan in accordance with RPO 3.7 of the RSES, for the development of serviced sites. In this regard, a portion of land has been zoned for proposed low density residential use. 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. Mullagh 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 Mullagh 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 Mullagh to address gaps in these important community facilities. Provide for the expansion and development of educational, social, community and recreational facilities in the settlements. Promote cycling and walking within the community through the implementation of improved walking/cycling infrastructure within the town and its hinterlands and at areas of interest and attractions Cavan County Development Plan 2022-2028 148 Cavan County Development Plan 2022-2028

3. Page 113

   Cite this pagePDF p. 113 (opens the publisher’s copy in a new tab)
   MCR 01 MCR 02 MCR 03 MCR 04 MCR 05 2.10.8 Commercial and Retail Development Mullagh has experienced significant growth since 2006, of around 40% and is described as a ‘Local Retail Centre’ in the County Retail Strategy. Shopping facilities in Mullagh are primarily made up of retail services such as the post office, butchers, barbers and a number of public houses. The primary location for convenience shopping is a store at a petrol station which is located at the edge of the village. A large proportion of the retail floor space in Mullagh is devoted to traditional retail services. Mullagh Commercial and Retail Development Objectives It is a development objective of Cavan County Council to: Sustain and enhance the retail and services offer of Mullagh Town Centre in line with the County Retail Strategy. Support commercial opportunities within Mullagh town centre which harnesses the potential of the town for economic growth and sustainability. Reinforce the centre of Mullagh as the property location for new commercial and retail development, with emphasis on quality of design, positive contribution to the existing streetscape and protection of existing heritage landscapes. Support the provision of mixed-use developments in the town centre which create opportunities to live, work, shop etc. within the town and reduce the carbased travel. Encourage and facilitate the re-use and regeneration of derelict land and buildings for retail and other town centre uses with due cognisance to the Sequential Approach prescribed in the Retail Planning Guidelines 2012. 2.10.9 Regeneration and Placemaking Mullagh has benefited from a number of regeneration projects in the past with the Mullagh façade painting scheme resulting in huge visual benefits, that have been showcased throughout the County as best practice. The town has also benefited from new footpaths, rejuvenation of Main Street and completion of a new nature biodiversity walk around Mullagh pitch. Mullagh Revitalisation Plan 2018 seeks to showcase how improvements can enhance Mullagh as an attractive place in which to live, play, work and visit. It seeks to enhance and improve the town 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 Mullagh Revitalisation Plan 2018 includes proposals recommended at a county and town specific basis. There are a number of Mullagh Specific Proposals incorporating the following themes: M Accessibility M Streetscape M Amenities and Services M Built Form M Initiatives and Events The Revitalisation Plan aims to enhance the town centre, as an attractive place in which to live and work, to address economic and social decline. The holistic and inclusive approach undertaken identifies a wide range of projects 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 Mullagh. A number of proposals have been included in the Mullagh Revitalisation Plan 2018 from traffic proposals like parking and redesign of Main Street along with screening of industrial sites, enhancement of squares and open spaces. The town has potential for physical and social regeneration with the support of private and public-sector expertise and investment, which will have an impact on sustainable economic and social development. The potential for better use of under-utilised and vacant sites and buildings within the existing built-up footprint of Mullagh to drive the delivery of quality housing, services and employment opportunities, in tandem with supporting social infrastructure is promoted. Mullagh provides the focus for a wide variety of activities that contribute to a sense of place and Core Strategy 149 Settlement Strategy

4. Page 114

   Cite this pagePDF p. 114 (opens the publisher’s copy in a new tab)
   MRP 01 MRP 02 MRP 03 MRP 04 MRP 05 MRP 06 identity. The town plays an important economic, social and cultural role with the main priority of consolidation in the existing centre and support to existing businesses and activities, in order to maintain vibrancy. Mullagh Regeneration and Place Making Development Objectives It is a development objective of Cavan County Council to: Support the implementation of the Mullagh Revitalisation Plan 2018 for the plan period. Encourage the appropriate reuse and regeneration of town centre buildings and sites Identify sites in poor state of repair or neglect under the Derelicts Sites Act and support their regeneration. 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. Actively engage with the community, developers and other agencies to secure resources for the enhancement, renewal and regeneration of Mullagh. Support the provision of mixed use developments in the town centre which create opportunities to live, work, shop etc. within the town and reduce the need to travel by private car. 2.10.10 Heritage Mullagh, An Mullach, meaning “the hilltop” lies within the south-east of County Cavan, near the towns of Bailieborough and Virginia. The original historic village of Mullagh was situated over 1 km north west of the present village, close to Mullagh Lake. Within the town centre, one can visit St. Kilian’s Heritage Centre, which details the life and influence of St. Kilian who was born in Mullagh in 640 and martyred in Wurzburg in Germany in 686. The Rev Dr Johnathan Swift, Dean of St. Patrick’s College in Dublin wrote parts of Gulliver’s Travels and The Tale of the Tub whilst staying in Quilca House, Mullagh, home to the classical scholar Thomas Sheridan. The interaction of the built, cultural and natural heritage gives Mullagh its distinct character. The natural heritage of Mullagh 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. Mullagh is situated close to Killyconny Bog also known as Cloghbally SAC, a site of 191 hectares of raised bog, which has played a big role in the local community for generations. ‘The Living Bog’ LIFE Project has carried out a range of habitat restoration techniques at the site. Killyconny Bog is of high amenity value and enshrines an active community spirit evident from Mullagh Bog Day in the 1990’s to the present- day and walking routes around the bog. Mullagh Hill Walk is a prominent land- mark in the parish of Mullagh. Mullagh Hill is 684 feet above the level of the lake at its base. On the summit of the hill is a burial mound. Mullagh Hill Walk is 2Km on good paths with picnic facilities and panoramic views of the landscape. Parking for the walk is at the lake, which was formed by a large glacier during the last Ice Age. The lake is home to a large range of waterbirds, including winter visitors from as far away as Iceland and Siberia. Mullagh Sports Partnership, a community-based group, has recently developed a commendable biodiversity walk incorporating wetlands on the site and boardwalk. Lakefield Golden Mile, a walk just outside of the town explores all aspects of the heritage of Mullagh with notable built heritage. This is a wonderful amenity in Mullagh, which is well utilised by local people. The modern-day town of Mullagh as we know it was formally laid out in the 1820’s by Colonel Alexander Saunderson, a prominent landowner in County Cavan and member of the Parliament. The market town was developed as a focal point for the wider rural locality. The market down continued to develop over the course of the 19th and 20th centuries, whilst, the 1830 maps depict terraced houses with long rear gardens which by 1910 show development on both sides of the street. Much of the rich built heritage asset of Mullagh is still evident today and indeed its character and setting intact which is very much evident in Mullagh Main Street ACA. Cavan County Development Plan 2022-2028 150 Cavan County Development Plan 2022-2028

5. Page 115

   Cite this pagePDF p. 115 (opens the publisher’s copy in a new tab)
   Figure 2.10.1 Mullagh ACA Core Strategy 151 Settlement Strategy

6. Page 116

   Cite this pagePDF p. 116 (opens the publisher’s copy in a new tab)
   MH 01 MH 02 MH 03 MH 04 MH 05 MH 06 MH 07 MH 08 MH 09 MH 10 MH 11 MH 12 Mullagh 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 Mullagh Town are subject to policy objectives contained within the Natural and Built chapters of this Plan. Protect, enhance, create and connect natural heritage, green spaces and high- quality amenity spaces throughout Mullagh for biodiversity and recreation whilst ensuring the design and operation of routes respond to the ecological protection and needs of each site. Preserve, protect and maintain trees of special amenity, conservation or landscape value in Mullagh. Carry out and require planting of native trees, hedgerows and vegetation on all new developments. All planting should be pollinator friendly as per Appendix 23. Prohibit any development that would result in a significant deterioration of habitats or disturbance of species at Mullagh Lake, Mullagh Hill and Killyconny Bog. Promote a network of paths and cycle tracks to enhance the Green Infrastructure network, while ensuring the design and operation of the routes respond to the ecological protection needs of each site. Protect environmental quality in Mullagh 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. Conserve, protect and enhance the built heritage of Mullagh, including all Protected Structures and attendant grounds, Mullagh Main Street 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 consultation 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 and Main Street 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 Mullagh. Ensure heritage assets which are the focus for heritage development in Mullagh 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. Cavan County Development Plan 2022-2028 152 Cavan County Development Plan 2022-2028

7. Page 117

   Cite this pagePDF p. 117 (opens the publisher’s copy in a new tab)
   2.10.11 Masterplan 1 Prepare a Masterplan for this area to incorporate Residential, Employment, Public and Community uses. The need and quantum of such uses shall be identified as part of the Masterplan preparation and shall be in accordance with the Core Strategy of the Plan. The Planning Authority will take a lead role in the preparation of the masterplan, in conjunction with all other relevant parties, masterplans shall be agreed prior to lodgement as part of any Planning Application. Proposals shall ensure the residential amenities of existing and future residents are protected and details of traffic impacts and road safety shall be included. Pedestrian and cyclist linkages to the Town centre shall be of paramount importance. Piecemeal development will not be permitted, only an overall integrated proposal will be acceptable. Proposals for the site shall be subject to the Environmental policies and objectives of this Plan. Details of how the Masterplan will address Sustainable Design Principles shall be clearly addressed in the Masterplan. A full public consultation strategy shall form part of the masterplan preparation. 2.10.12 Map Based Specific Obje tives Map Based specific objectives have been created for several areas within the Development Boundary. Refer to zoning map. 1. Require all new developments along the river to contribute to the creation of a linear park and wildlife corridor along the river banks. These areas would be kept free from development and would be of appropriate width depending on gradients, along both sides of the Rivers. These amenity areas shall be additional to open space areas within new residential developments. 2. Maintain the Edwin Carolan Memorial Park as amenity and community use and to; a. Provide safe and accessible pedestrian linkages between the park, Main Street and residential areas. b. Facilitate the future development of the Memorial Park and ancillary community facilities. 3. Facilitate the role of St. Killian’s Heritage Centre as cultural and social assets to the town with tourist potential. 4. Support the provision of a footpath from the Town to Mullagh Lake and on to Mullagh Hill, as important local amenities with strong tourism potential. 5. Access to adjoining lands needs to be a core consideration of the development of this site. 6. Support the delivery of plans and proposals in the Mullagh Revitalisation Plan 2018. Core Strategy 153 Settlement Strategy

8. Page 118

   Cite this pagePDF p. 118 (opens the publisher’s copy in a new tab)
   2.11 Small Towns 2.11.1 Introduction and Context The Core Strategy has identified six towns within the county as Small Towns, namely Killeshandra, Arva, Kilnaleck, Shercock, Ballyhaise and Ballinagh. Small towns are a distinctive feature of the County’s settlement pattern. Small Towns as identified within the Settlement Hierarchy of the Core Strategy provide important hubs for residential, community, employment, recreation, retail and service provision for their rural hinterlands. Each town holds its own function, identity, character and form. It is important that we protect and use this individuality as a basis to promote, enhance and where necessary rejuvenate these centres as places to meet, visit, live and work. It is not anticipated that they will be strong centres of population growth or that they will develop in a significant way in the future. Rather, they will be developed to a scale and in a compact manner which protects and enhances their unique character, form and function. Emphasis will be placed on maintaining the towns as a service centre, by way of orderly consolidation and expansion of services that supports the upper tiers of the settlement hierarchy. Accordingly, the settlement strategy aims to provide for vibrant and viable settlements which provide a range of jobs, services and housing choice commensurate with their position on the hierarchy. In line with our Climate Change Strategy, the development strategy for these settlements, is to provide for sustainable live-work patterns and to improve local employment, services and sustainable transport options to enable the towns to become more selfsustaining. This plan will aim to strengthen the established structure of small towns, support local economies and accommodate additional population in a way that support the viability of local infrastructure and services. This development will be consistent with the principles of proper planning and sustainable development and will ensure the protection of the natural and manmade environments, which offer major assets for these settlements. The role and links that these centres have with their rural hinterlands cannot be overlooked. 2.11.2 Strategy and Vision Small Towns perform important local level residential, retailing, social and leisure functions to residents and to the wider rural hinterland. The Plan provides an opportunity to promote consolidation of settlements, enhance service provision, residential and employment opportunities together with a focus on regeneration of vacant buildings and sites. New services and enterprises should be directed towards vacant buildings and sites within the town. The plan also places a renewed focus on community building. In addition, through the implementation of individual revitalisation plans for each settlement, the plan supports measures to visually enhance the public realm and historic character and settlings of the towns, thus making our towns more desirable and better functioning places to live, work and visit. A specific focus for these settlements within this Plan is to promote regeneration and renewal for the town centres to enable them to fulfil their full potential. Cavan County Development Plan 2022-2028 154 Cavan County Development Plan 2022-2028

9. Page 119

   Cite this pagePDF p. 119 (opens the publisher’s copy in a new tab)
   ST 01 ST 02 ST 03 ST 04 ST 05 ST 06 ST 07 ST 08 ST 09 ST 10 ST 11 ST 12 ST 13 ST 14 ST 15 Small Towns Development Objectives It is a Development Objective of Cavan County Council to: Promote commensurate population, service and employment growth and sustainable transport options to enable the settlements to fulfil their role as small towns. Ensure the implementation of the population and housing growth allocations set out in the Core Strategy and Settlement Strategy. Make provision for sustainable communities in small towns by identifying sufficient land for new development, in particular housing, commercial, employment, community and recreational uses. Promote the consolidation of existing settlements and the creation of compact urban forms, through the utilisation of infill and brownfield lands in preference to edge of centre locations. Ensure that all settlements, in so far as practicable, develop in a self-sufficient manner with population growth occurring in tandem with the provision of physical and social infrastructure. Encourage and facilitate the re-use and regeneration of key sites/areas to a public/community/ commercial/retail usage which will provide an opportunity to capitalise on its central location. Support the roll out of age friendly programmes in our towns. Expand the range of services and facilities available to residents and the wider rural hinterland. Support the creation of healthy and sustainable communities that encourages and facilitates walking and cycling and general physical activity through the implementation of best practices in urban design, that promotes permeability and interconnecting spaces. Prioritise the regeneration of towns through identification of significant regeneration projects for rural towns, which could harness untapped assets with community and wider private and public sector support and investment including the Rural Regeneration and Development Fund. Ensure new developments in small towns take cognisance of the prevailing scale and pattern of development in the area. Support the delivery of the actions set out in the Town Revitalisation Plans to enhance the unique characteristics and assets of Cavan’s towns. Support investment in town centres so that they can become more diverse, sustainable and thriving places for communities to live, work, enjoy and do business. Support local enterprise and employment opportunities to ensure their viability as service centres for their surrounding rural areas. Explore mechanisms for the emergence of a diversified sectoral mix in small towns. This includes the identification of appropriate locations to drive regeneration of rural towns for example by the provision of serviced sites for housing and co-working/incubator space. Core Strategy 155 Settlement Strategy

10. Page 120

    Cite this pagePDF p. 120 (opens the publisher’s copy in a new tab)
    STC 01 STC 02 STC 03 STC 04 STC 05 STC 06 STC 07 STC 08 STC 09 STC 10 Cavan County Development Plan 2022-2028 156 Cavan County Development Plan 2022-2028 2.11.3 Sustainable Communities The development strategy for small towns is to support new housing and population growth which respects their character and form, thus providing a viable alternative to rural one-off housing within the surrounding hinterland and contributing to the principles of compact urban growth. Their sufficient capacity will allow such settlements to offer an alternative for those who wish to live in a small urban environment or also an alternative to rural living for those who may not comply with rural residential requirements. Provision is made in the plan in accordance with RPO 3.7 of the RSES, for the development of serviced sites within the development plan boundary, with an objective to provide self-build plots. Building sustainable communities will comprise of developing a mix of housing types, densities and tenure. High quality design, incorporation of the principles of place-making, green infrastructure, permeability, and connectivity alongside the integration of community and recreational facilities will be paramount. The plan will support the provision of amenity facilities for existing and future residents. Emphasis is also placed on the provision of green routes and linkages within the towns and to nearby amenities. It is an aim of this Plan, to consolidate the towns of Cavan by promoting the sustainable use of development land within town boundaries. It is essential, that future residential development occurs in a way that is consistent with the principles of proper planning and sustainable development and, as such, new developments should not only provide for future residents but should also integrate into the existing community. New developments shall include the phased provision of physical and social infrastructure. Provision is made in the plan in accordance with RPO 3.7 of the RSES, for the development of serviced sites. In this regard, residential use to provide self-build plots are encouraged. Small Towns Sustainable Communities Development Objectives It is a Development Objective of Cavan County Council to: 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, in so far as possible. 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 areas and in appropriate brownfield/infill areas to meet the needs of the population of small towns. Ensure the orderly development of towns by taking a sequential approach to the development of lands within. Require proposals for development to demonstrate how they integrate/respond to Green Infrastructure and contribute to the development and protection of overall Green Infrastructure assets. New developments shall respect the established form, scale and character of the town and shall enhance, reflect and contribute to the existing urban form of towns and villages. Encourage the development of interlinked pedestrian and cycle linkages throughout towns and villages and specifically between residential development, adjacent amenity areas, leisure and educational facilities. Development must not impinge upon or undermine existing areas of public open space. Any development, which is proposed adjacent to public open space, must allow for public access to these facilities. Encourage the provision of serviced sites with the objective to provide self-build plots. Prepare a programme lead by Cavan County Council to identify and prioritise a programme for serviced sites in appropriate smaller towns within 1 year of the adoption of the development plan. This programme will incorporate a rolling 2-year implementation plan.

Source Cavan County Council: Cavan County Development Plan 2022–2028 — Chapter 2 (2022–2028) · Licence the publisher's termsText read from the publisher’s PDF; tables, maps and drawings do not survive as text, and page numbers are the PDF’s (its first page is 1). Check the original before relying on a passage.