Cavan County Development Plan 2022–2028 — Chapter 2

1. Page 91

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   BED 01 BED 02 BED 03 2.8.5 Economic Development According to the Census 2016, the population of Ballyconnell was 1,105. The largest industries in the town are manufacturing, followed by commerce and trade then professional services. There are 703 people residing in Ballyconnell who are classed as being “At Work”. Of these workers, a total of 46% (320) are employed in Ballyconnell, 22% (157) are employed elsewhere in Cavan. 18% (126) commute out of the county for employment and the remaining 14% (100) are either Mobile workers or have a blank or un-codable destination. In total, there are 903 jobs located within Ballyconnell Settlement which accounts for 4.4% of all jobs based in the county, of these 35% are taken by local residents living in Ballyconnell, 51% are taken by workers living elsewhere in Cavan and the remaining 14% are undertaken by workers who commute to Ballyconnell from outside the county. Ballyconnell is an employment destination for 583 workers from outside the settlement. The town is a net importer of jobs (+200). Ballyconnell has not yet reached its full economic potential exploiting its border town location. There is currently capacity within the core for the development of retail and other services. There are a variety of large and smaller employment providers within and on the outskirts of the town including Mannok Holdings, Boxmore Plastics, Crust and Crumb, Ballytherm, the Slieve Russell Hotel and the Aventas Group, as well as services provided within the Town Core. In addition, the town’s location in the picturesque west of the county and within the Cuilcagh Lakelands Global Geopark means that the town has significant potential in the tourism and leisure sectors. Ballyconnell 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. Facilitate the establishment of new enterprise and employment uses on lands identified for employment purposes. New enterprises shall demonstrate high quality architectural built form that contributes to a positive sense of space and distinctiveness. Core Strategy 127 Settlement Strategy

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   BTDO 01 BTDO 02 BTDO 03 BTDO 04 BTDO 05 BTDO 06 BTDO 07 BTDO 08 BTDO 09 BTDO 10 BTDO 11 2.8.6 Tourism Located west of Cavan town, Ballyconnell is in Ireland’s Hidden Heartlands, Fáilte Ireland’s marketing proposition for the middle of the country. Ballyconnell is a picturesque town, built on the banks of the Woodford River and the start of the Shannon – Erne Canal. Ballyconnell has much potential as a tourism town. There is a significant accommodation base locally with 222 bednights available in the Slieve Russell Hotel on the outskirts of the town and several B&Bs and self-catering properties locally. The Slieve Russell is one of the largest hotels in the country (outside of Dublin), with a spa, eighteen-hole PGA designated golf course, choice of restaurants, tennis courts and sizable conference facilities. There are several B&Bs and self-catering properties in the vicinity. There is food available in the Slieve Russell, cafes and gastro pubs in the town. Ballyconnell is in the heart of the UNESCO Geopark. 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. Geopark sites such as Cavan Burren Park, the Shannon Pot, the Marble Arch Caves visitor centre, Moneygashel Cashel and the Cuilcagh Boardwalk are all within 30 minutes’ drive of Ballyconnell. 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 Ballyconnell. The first phase has been completed with the construction of a 5.5km trail between Ballyconnell and Bellaheady. Ballyconnell Canal Walk (7K) is a national looped walk and part of the national looped walks network. The Hawkswood Trail in Swanlinbar, Killeshandra Forest Walk, the Killykeen Way cycling and walking trail and the long distance Cavan Way are all located with 30 minutes providing good opportunities for walking and cycling nearby. Due to the expansive waterways surrounding the town, Ballyconnell was traditionally an angling town and accustomed to accommodating anglers. There are still several accommodation providers in the town who rely on overseas angling business and angling festivals regularly take place in the town every year. There are two companies providing adventure and outdoor activities on nearby Lough Oughter. The Cottage Market visitor experience and farmers market promotes local food producers and takes place in the town once a month and has plans for expansion. Ballyconnell 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. Pursue the development of the Cavan/ Leitrim greenway and its extension to Belturbet. Explore options for increasing the local walking and cycle trails network in particular the development of greenways. Maintain and manage the Ballyconnell Canal Walk – a national looped walks trail. Support the angling industry to continue to supply the necessary infrastructure and services for anglers. Work with the tourism industry locally to ensure a coordinated and collaborative approach to tourism signage, promotion and infrastructure. Encourage and support the delivery of tourist services. Harness the potential of the Geopark for outdoor recreation. 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, Inland Fisheries Ireland. Cavan County Development Plan 2022-2028 128 Cavan County Development Plan 2022-2028

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   BC 01 BC 02 BC 03 BC 04 BC 05 BC 06 BC 07 2.8.7 Sustainable Communities Ballyconnell provides an attractive place to live, rich in natural beauty and amenity. Residential development in Ballyconnell in the past has resulted in an increase in population of the town. The town has seen an increase in residential developments and a number of apartment type developments have been constructed in the town centre along the canal. Opportunity exists to accommodate the future needs of the town in a consolidated fashion which will assist in the delivery of sustainable communities that comprise 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 Ballyconnell 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. 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. Ballyconnell 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 Ballyconnell. Encourage the appropriate redevelopment of brownfield and infill sites for residential uses within the footprint of the existing built-up areas. Ballyconnell Sustainable Communities Development Objectives It is a development objective of Cavan County Council to: 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 Ballyconnell 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 a walking/cycling strategy and improved walking/cycling infrastructure within the town and its hinterlands and at areas of interest and attractions. 2.8.8 Commercial and Retail Development Ballyconnell is described as a Satellite Retail Centre in the county retail strategy, with its primary function as 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. Ballyconnell serves as an important centre for the northwest of the County. Ballyconnell has a reasonable quantum of convenience shopping floorspace for a town of its size. As expected for a town of its size, the quantum of mainstream comparison and bulky goods floorspace is quite low, with many of these businesses concentrating on alternative larger retail centres such as Cavan Town. Additional cafes, restaurants and gift/tourist shops are encouraged in the town centre in order to attract tourism to the town centre and provide a link with the retail provision in the town. Core Strategy 129 Settlement Strategy

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   BR 01 BR 02 BR 03 BR 04 BR 05 Ballyconnell 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 Ballyconnell. Facilitate the reuse of existing vacant retail units in Ballyconnell. Encourage infill development and the redevelopment of derelict and obsolete sites. Promote activities that support town centres like festivals, events and street markets. 2.8.9 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 Ballyconnell 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. Ballyconnell 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. Ballyconnell’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. Ballyconnell Revitalisation Plan 2018 seeks to showcase how improvements can enhance Ballyconnell as an attractive place in which to live, play, work and visit. It seeks to enhance and improve the towns 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 Ballyconnell Revitalisation Plan 2018 includes proposals recommended at a county and town specific basis. There are a number of Ballyconnell 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 county’s town and village centres, as attractive places 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 Ballyconnell. Ballyconnell has benefitted from a number of regeneration projects including the construction of a 5.5km walking and cycling trail from Ballyconnell to Ballyheady Bridge, improved car parking, lighting and signage, landscaping and development in Ballyconnell Park and seating, canopies and lights to create outdoor meeting and event space. Funding of nearly €800,000 has been announced under the Rural Regeneration and Development Fund for the renovation and redevelopment of a protected structure, the Market House in Ballyconnell into a Community, Remote Working and Tourism Hub. Cavan County Development Plan 2022-2028 130 Cavan County Development Plan 2022-2028

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   BP 01 BP 02 BP 03 BP 04 BP 05 Ballyconnell Regeneration and Placemaking Development Objectives It is a development objective of Cavan County Council to: Support the implementation of the Ballyconnell 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. Actively engage with the community, developers and other agencies to secure resources for the enhancement, renewal and regeneration of the Ballyconnell 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. 2.8.10 Heritage At the foot of Slieve Rushen sits Ballyconnell which can trace its history back to 3500 BC. Ballyconnell was an attractive location, its position on the Ford and in the thick forest appealed to early settlers. Water remains a fundamental characteristic of the town today, strategically located along the Shannon-Erne Waterway particularly, in light of the boating route which reopened in 1993. A distinctive geological landscape, with layers of sandstone and limestone that were deposited over 300 million years ago dominates the landscape, Slieve Rushen. In the flat and gently sloping terrain the blanket bog, is an -intact bog which is a designated NHA. Golden Plover and Hen Harrier nest adjacent to the site and the site is used as a hunting ground for these bird species. Following the Plantation of Ulster, the landowner Talbot began to bring settlers to the town and historic maps indicate the emergence of a town e.g. the Down Survey Map 1656 shows a bridge was built in Ballyconnell, the present bridge was erected in the 1830’s. Ballyconnell is part of the UNESCO designated Cuilcagh Lakelands Global Geopark and includes some wonderful sites including Ballyconnell Canal Walk. The natural heritage of Ballyconnell 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. Core Strategy 131 Settlement Strategy

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   BHD 01 BHD 02 BHD 03 BHD 04 BHD 05 BHD 06 BHD 07 BHD 08 BHD 09 BHD 10 BHD 11 BHD 12 BHD 13 BHD 14 Ballyconnell sits at the foot of Slieve Rushen and is a mile from a border between County Fermanagh. Slieve Rushen is a designated NHA which is an extensive blanket bog, on the South East margin of Cuilcagh. Slieve Rushen is a site of considerable conservation significance and one of the most intact blanket bogs in County Cavan. Ballyconnell Canal Loop starts from the bridge in the middle of the town and explores the banks of the Woodford River and Annagh Lough Woods, a woodland of oak, ash, beech trees and a wildlife reserve. Ballyconnell Canal was revamped and reopened in recent years, boats, cruisers and canoes are used to explore the waterway. This is a very fine recreational resource and the development of blueways has served the town well. Ballyconnell Heritage Development Objectives It is a development objective of Cavan County Council to: Ensure that all plans and projects relating to the natural and built heritage within Ballyconnell Town are subject to development objectives contained within the Built and Natural Heritage chapters of this Plan. Protect, enhance, create and connect natural heritage, green spaces and high-quality amenity spaces throughout Ballyconnell 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 Ballyconnell. 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 as contained in the Appendix 23. Prohibit any development that would result in a significant deterioration of habitats or disturbance of species in the NHA Slieve Rushen Bog. Protect environmental quality in Ballyconnell 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 Ballyconnell. Conserve, protect and enhance the built heritage of Ballyconnell including all Protected Structures and attendant grounds, Records of Monuments and Places in accordance with best conservation practice. Support the redevelopment of Ballyconnell Market House. 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 schemes for the conservation and enhancement of the character and appearance of the traditional town core of Ballyconnell. Ensure heritage assets, which are the focus for heritage development in Ballyconnell 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 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. Cavan County Development Plan 2022-2028 132 Cavan County Development Plan 2022-2028

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   2.8.11 Map Based Specific Obje tives Map based specific objectives have been created for several areas within the Development Boundary. Refer to zoning map. 1. Promote and preserve the walls, entrance and railings on the Cavan Road and Ballyconnell House and Demesne which contributes to the amenity value of this area. 2. Facilitate the improvement and extension of existing and proposed walking routes/green infrastructure in Ballyconnell in recognition of their cultural and historical importance to the town and as an important urban amenity with strong tourism value. 3. Support the upgrade of existing local road (L- 5049-0) between the N87 and the R205 in the Derryginny area of the town. 4. Protect Ballyconnell Bridge and all sites of archaeological, cultural and/or historical value including local national and EU level designations as well as protected structures. 5. Support the delivery of plans and proposals in the Ballyconnell Revitalisation Plan 2018. 6. Protect and support the reuse of Ballyconnell Courthouse. Core Strategy 133 Settlement Strategy

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   2.9 Belturbet 2.9.1 Context Belturbet is located north west of Cavan Town and is identified in the Settlement Framework as a Medium Town. It is identified as having a varied overall employment base, which is reliant on other areas for employment and/or services, but which play an important role in supporting the social, economic and cultural life within rural communities. It is located near the border with County Fermanagh and lies on the N-3/N87 routes to Aghalane and Ballyconnell. The River Erne flows through the town of Belturbet, leaving it a strategic location for cruising and water activities. 2.9.2 Town Character The town sits on the River Erne and is a long established town with its origins placing it in the early Norman period, as witnessed by the Motte and Bailey site on Turbet Island in the centre of the town. Belturbet has a well developed urban structure. Most of the town is placed on the rising land overlooking the bridge. The central square or Diamond includes the old Town Hall Site (became Courthouse and now Library and community building), with the Church of Ireland sited alongside the former town fort. Holborn Street looks up to the Diamond. The town is gathered around these main urban design elements. The Rectory, Cavalary Barracks (Morrissey Park) and The Lawn look out to the River Erne and provide open pleasing vistas. The origins of the present-day town can be traced back four centuries to the Plantation of Ulster when, in 1610, Sir Stephen Butler was granted an estate of over 2000 acres by King James I. The principal terms of the grant were that Butler would establish an incorporated market town and a garrison to protect the traditional fording point of the River Erne. In compliance with other conditions, he erected Butler’s Castle on high ground overlooking Turbet Island and the river. The castle, which is no longer extant, is said to have been “a commanding block with three circular angle towers” with hanging gardens that swept down to the river. A commemorative plaque, mounted on the stone front elevation of The Castle public house, on the northwest side of The Diamond, marks the site of the 17th century building today. Position in Settlement Hierarchy Medium Town 2016 Population 1369 2011 Population 1407 Percentage Change 2011-2016 -2.77% Housing Supply Target 2022-2028 173 Population Projection 2028 1778 Education (2020/2021 Enrolment) Fairgreen NS (41 pupils) Convent of Mercy (151pupils) St Mhuire Boys Senior School (54 pupils) St. Bricins Post Primary (165 pupils) Childcare options Historically, Belturbet has experienced only modest population growth seeing a 8.8% growth in the 2006 Census, a fall in growth of -3% in the 2011 Census and a further fall in population growth of -2.77% in the 2016 Census. Table 2.9.1 Fact Table 2.9.3 Strategy and Vision Belturbet is described as a Medium Town in the County Settlement Hierarchy, with a varied overall employment base which is reliant on other areas for employment and/or services, but which plays an important role in supporting the social, economic and cultural life within rural communities. The Core Strategy set out in Chapter 1 of this Plan projects that the population of Belturbet will grow to 1,778 over this plan period. This will be provided in town core, mixed use and brownfield sites in Belturbet. In addition, lands zoned as proposed residential, along with lands zoned as low density residential which will provide for an alternative for one off dwellings. It is the vision of this plan that modest sustainable compact residential growth occurs in Belturbet over the plan period. Proposed residential sites are located close to the town centre and within Cavan County Development Plan 2022-2028 134 Cavan County Development Plan 2022-2028

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    BTI 01 BTG 01 BTG 02 BTG 03 BTG 04 BTG 05 BTG 06 BTI 02 walking distance of the towns services and facilities. Belturbet General Development Objectives It is a development objective of Cavan County Council to: Promote the development of Belturbet to fulfil its role as a designated Medium Town. 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 Belturbet, 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 Belturbet, by identifying sufficient land for new development, in particular housing, enterprise and employment, community, recreational and tourism uses. Continue to promote the tourism potential of Belturbet by supporting tourist related development and enhancement of existing amenities. 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. 2.9.4 Physical Infrastructure Belturbet is served by the Belturbet Public WSS. sourced by the River Erne. It is also served by an existing wastewater treatment plant located to the north of the town centre. 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 Belturbet 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. Belturbet Physical infrastructure Development Objectives It is a development objective of Cavan County Council to: a Support the investment in water and wastewater infrastructure facilities serving Belturbet in order to ensure the continued sustainable development of the Town. Support improvements in green infrastructure in the town that will improve connectivity and permeability and promote more sustainable modes of transport. 2.9.5 Economic Development The total population of Belturbet in 2016 was 1369. Commerce and trade and professional services are the two biggest industries of employment. 698 was the working population figure in 2016. Of these a total of 21% (149) are employed in Belturbet, 42% (294) elsewhere in Cavan, 15% (107) commute out of the county for employment and the remaining 21% (148) are either mobile workers or have a blank or un-codable destination. According to POWCAR, there are 416 jobs located in Belturbet, which accounts for 2.6% of all jobs based in the county. 36% (149) are undertaken by local residents living in Belturbet, 53% (221) are taken by workers living elsewhere in Cavan County and the remaining 11% are undertaken by workers who commute to Belturbet from outside the county. Although 57% of the resident workers in Belturbet are employed elsewhere, Belturbet is the employment destination of 267 workers from outside the town. The town is a net exporter of jobs (-282). While the town is currently undergoing some decline there is a business park with a number Cavan County Development Plan 2022-2028 136 Cavan County Development Plan 2022-2028

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