Cavan County Development Plan 2022–2028 — Chapter 4

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   4.10 Demographic Profile 4.10.1 Growing Population County Cavan has experienced significant population growth. The population of County Cavan increased by 4 per cent between 2011 and 2016. In 2011, the population was 73,183. By 2016 it had increased to 76,176. Taking account of the characteristics of the growth categories this has implications in terms of social infrastructure provision. 4.10.2 Growing Youth Cohort According to Census 2016, County Cavan had 5,725 children aged 0-4 (comprising 7.52% of its population). The State average for this statistic was 6.96%. There were 21,999 young people aged 0-18 in the county (29% of the population). This generates requirements for provision of adequate childcare, educational facilities and other associated infrastructure provision. 4.10.3 Ageing Population Older people aged 65 and over made up 13.73% of the population (10,464 people). This proportion of older people increased from 12.1% in 2011. Both nationally and internationally there is evidence of population ageing, meaning that the proportion of older people in the population is increasing over time. This presents issues for planning and delivery of service. ‘Age Friendly’ programmes seek to prepare society for population ageing. 4.10.4 Disabled Population There are 9,508 people with disability in County Cavan, 50.3 per cent female and 49.7 per cent male. This must be acknowledged in terms of the provision of healthy placemaking and adequate social infrastructure provision. 4.10.5 Ethnic Groups According to the Census 2016, 87% of Cavan residents are of Irish nationality. It was also recorded that there are 2,189 Polish nationals and 1,433 Lithuanian nationals living in the county. In terms of ethnicity, the population is 83% White Irish; while ‘Other White’ people make up ten per cent of the population. There are 1,073 Asian/Asian Irish and 831 Black/Black Irish in Cavan. Figure 4.2 Usually resident population by ethnic or cultural background 4.10.6 Traveller Community Nationally the number of usual residents present in the State and enumerated as Irish Travellers in Census 2016 increased from 2011, by 5.1 per cent. The population of Travellers has not increased significantly in Cavan since 2011 when there were 452 Travellers in the county, however it is estimated that there is some underreporting among this community. Only 1% of Irish Travellers in County Cavan live in caravans or mobile homes. Also, the structure of the Irish Traveller population is very different to that of the general population, with a broad base at the younger ages and reducing sharply at higher ages. Nearly 58.1% Irish Travellers were under 25 years of age, compared to just over 33.4% in the general population. In terms of those aged 65; this is significantly lower than the general population. 4.11 Community Participation The Development Plan aims to consider demographic trends and patterns in terms of the provision of social infrastructure. Also in accordance with the RSES, the quality of services and amenities for a diverse and multi-cultural society will be a key determinant in how successful and attractive the County is and will require a planning response to support the integration of traveller and migrant communities, to ensure that diverse needs are met now and over the lifetime of the Plan. Cavan County Council will pursue an integrated, cohesive and socially inclusive approach to community facilities which will help re-connect people with their neighbourhoods and to achieve a wider sense of community. Other 1% Not Stated 2% White Irish Traveller 1% Black or Black Irish 1% Other White 10% Asian or African 1% Usually resident population by ethnic or cultural background White Irish 84%Sustainable Communities 211

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   The Council will also encourage the maximum use of existing local assets through shared use and cost to ensure high-quality facilities are available to all. Proposals for large-scale residential and/ or mixed-use schemes must demonstrate how the proposal will contribute to the range of supporting community infrastructure necessary for a sustainable community. The Pride of Place Initiative is a good example of active community participation in the county whereby communities’ work in partnership with the Council to encourage best practice, innovation and leadership in providing vibrant sustainable communities that improve the quality of life for all through environmental improvements to towns and villages. Through the work of a Pride of Place liaison officer, Cavan County Council supports local groups taking part in initiatives like the IPB Pride of Place. Cavan entries have had some success, in 2017 Erica’s Fairy Forest in Cootehill took home a special award at the event. In addition, each year the Cathaoirleachs Award competition is also rolled out. The award celebrates the work of volunteers who make a difference to their communities because of their exceptional achievement, effort or service in a voluntary or unpaid capacity in County Cavan. These awards show the value that Cavan County Council places on those volunteers and the importance of their work within the community. Cavan County Council has a Joint Policing Committee (JPC). The purpose of the JPC is to provide a forum where a Local Authority and Garda Officers, with the participation of Oireachtas members and community interests, can consult, discuss and make recommendations on matters affecting policing within their jurisdiction. JPCs are a successful example of how a collaborative approach between the said sectors can support policing and enhance community safety. Public Participation Networks (PPN) have been introduced throughout Ireland as part of Local Government Reform. This network provides an important link to which the council connects to and engages with the community, voluntary, social inclusion and environmental sectors countywide, for consultation and information sharing. The PPN provides a structure framework for the public to take an active role in influencing plans and policies of the Council. Memberships of the PPN is open to all community and voluntary groups in the County. At present there are over 270 member groups from the community and voluntary, social inclusion and environmental sectors across the County. The Cavan LECP, the NPF and RSES encourage community participation and strive to provide local communities with the required tools and resources to problem solve, overcome challenges and flourish. SI 01 SI 02 SI 03 SI 04 SI 05 SI 06 SI 07 Social Infrastructure Development Objectives It is a development objective of Cavan County Council to: Work collaboratively with relevant service providers and stakeholders to facilitate the provision of community services and social infrastructure, where appropriate, in order to meet the needs of new and existing communities. Support the relevant actions of the Local Community Development Committee (LCDC) and the Cavan Local Economic and Community Plan (LECP) to deliver social infrastructure needs and to reduce poverty and social exclusion. Support the planned provision of easily accessible social, community, cultural and recreational facilities and ensure all communities have access to a range of facilities that meet their needs easily accessible by walking, cycling or public transport. Encourage shared use and co-location of social and community facilities, in order to align service provision, use land more efficiently and facilitate opportunities for further inclusion and community participation. Ensure the integration of age friendly and family friendly strategies in all design proposals and that provision is made for flexible housing typologies, and that buildings and public spaces are designed for all, including older people, disabled people and people with young children. Support initiatives to increase social integration of minority groups, including non-Irish nationals and Travellers. Secure the implementation of the Council’s Traveller Accommodation Programme and to review this programme, if required and/or deemed to be necessary, during the Plan period.Cavan County Development Plan 2022-2028 212

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   4.12 Healthcare and Well-being The Census 2016 revealed 87.44% of the County’s population in 2016 considered their general health to be very good/or good, which is equivalent to almost 9 out of 10 of the County’s population and is consistent with national trends. Many of the factors which influence people’s health, well-being and quality of life such as access to education, employment, housing, social infrastructure, safety, attractive open spaces are dependent on the location and development of land and buildings. Cavan County Council have a significant role to play in the provision of healthcare facilities throughout the county by ensuring there is sufficient lands available to accommodate sufficient healthcare facilities. The Health Service Executive (HSE) is the primary body responsible for the provision of health care and social services in Ireland. While the residents of Cavan have access to the various hospitals located in the surrounding counties, Cavan General Hospital acts as the primary acute hospital for the surrounding region. The Department of Health and Children published “The Primary Care Strategy” in 2001 which advocates a team based approach to service provision, designed to make available a fully integrated primary care service. This approach is acknowledged and supported by Cavan County Council. The plan enables the location of such facilities, together with community support services, on suitably zoned lands in close proximity to new and existing residential areas. This approach will provide access to multi-disciplinary health care, mental health and wellbeing services in easily accessible locations throughout the County. Cavan County Council is committed to working closely with the HSE regarding the provision of adequately zoned lands for health care facilities in accordance with best planning practice. Cavan Local Community Development Committee is helping to create and sustain healthy places for people to be born, grow, live, work and age in. Cavan Local Community Development Committee aims to develop, co-ordinate and implement local and community development programmes. Working with a wide range of organisations including Children’s Young People’s Services Committees and other groups, Cavan Local Community Development Committee is ideally placed to support Healthy Ireland in response to local people’s needs. Local Community Development Committees are key partners in realising a Healthy Ireland through developing the National Healthy Cities and Counties Network of Ireland. The Healthy Cavan committee is a working sub-committee of Cavan Local Community Development Committee (LCDC) in Health and Wellbeing.Sustainable Communities 213

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   HW 01 HW 02 HW 03 HW 04 HW 05 HW 06 HW 07 HW 08 HW 09 HW 10 4.13 Community Facilities The provision of community infrastructure is essential to the formation and delivery of sustainable balanced communities. Such facilities are required to be inclusive to allow communities in Cavan integrate and socialise across different age, socio-economic and ethnic groups. In order to build sustainable communities a range of community facilities as stated in the Sustainable Residential Development and Compact Settlement Guidelines for Planning Authorities (2024) are required. Cavan County Council will encourage the provision of community, commercial and local employment facilities including schools, childcare facilities, community centres, primary health care centres and local commercial service of a scale appropriate to serve the local community through land use and zoning objectives. Where possible accessibility for all abilities should be facilitated to ensure all levels of access and mobility are accommodated. In addition, the maximum use of community facilities will be promoted. With regard to residential developments, proposals for large-scale residential and/or mixed use schemes must demonstrate how the proposal will contribute to the range of supporting community infrastructure necessary for a sustainable community. Cavan County Council acknowledge the contribution of the community voluntary section in association with relevant statutory bodies in the provision of community facilities. Community facilities help foster a sense of community identity Healthcare and Well-being Development Objectives It is a development objective of Cavan County Council to: Support the provision of new health care facilities which are well located in terms of their accessibility in settlement centres serving a sufficient catchment population and are appropriately well served by public transport and accessible on foot/cycle and are consistent with the size, scale and character of the area. Support and promote the development of socially inclusive, sustainable communities in the County and seek to ensure that all citizens enjoy optimal health and well-being. Support the implementation of Healthy Cavan Programme. Work with the Health Service Executive, statutory and voluntary agencies and the private sector to enable the provision of health care facilities in appropriate locations subject to the proper planning and sustainable development of the county. Ensure that adequate lands and services are available for the improvement, expansion and establishment of health services. Consider change of use applications from residential to health care facilities/practices only where the privacy and amenity of adjacent occupiers can be preserved and the proposal does not have a detrimental effect on local amenity. The full conversion of semi-detached or terraced type dwellings will not normally be permitted. Support the provision of primary health care centres and GP practices at locations with good accessibility to its users. Provide for new or extended health care facilities where new residential development is proposed. Support the provision of new health care facilities in towns, villages and local centres, with good accessibility, particularly for people with a disability. Support and promote the development of socially inclusive, sustainable communities in the County and seek to ensure that all citizens enjoy optimal health and well-being.Cavan County Development Plan 2022-2028 214

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   information. Fundamental to the operation and success of Cavan Sports Partnership is ongoing collaboration with partners throughout the county and beyond. In 2016, Cavan County Council completed a County Cavan Community and Sports Facility Survey. This survey identified a number of particular areas of concern; Kingscourt, Ballyjamesduff, Mullagh, Ballyconnell, Belturbet, Cootehill and Virginia. These areas have all experienced significant population growth over the past few years and are lagging behind in terms of having suitable community and sports facilities to meet their growing needs. According to the findings there is a deficit of sporting facilities available within the West Cavan area. In addition, there is a lack of facilities within Cavan Town to cater for the large number of sporting organisations operating there. It is recommended that intensive support is provided for community and sporting groups within these identified areas in particular to support them to tap into funding opportunities available under Sports Capital and the newly launched ‘Realising Our Potential: An Action Plan for Rural Development’. The provision of community hubs/spaces and sporting facilities is also a priority of Cavan County Council. Please see Chapter 2 Settlement Strategy. This audit also suggests there is a deficit of non GAA sporting facilities within County Cavan, specifically around sporting activities such as soccer and athletics. The Local Economic and Community Plan (LECP) identified that Cavan has a growing youth population which will result in increased pressure to provide an outlet for our young people through sport and the appropriate facilities. A specific action within the plan states that Cavan County Council is to ‘Develop a multi-purpose sports facility for the county’ and the findings from this report add weight for such a need. Following this, Cavan County Council commissioned a feasibility study for the development of a regional sports facility for the County, whereby Cavan Town was identified as the most appropriate location for a facility of regional significance for the County. Cavan County Council is committed to the delivery of this facility and this plan facilities this provision. Please refer to Chapter 2 Settlement Hierarchy (Cavan Town) and wellbeing. It is essential that through the planning process adequate measures are taken to secure community services in order to improve the quality of life. A flexible and supportive approach will be adapted towards proposals for community facilities on suitable sites within other land use zoning categories where such a proposal is suitably located within the settlement boundary and is accessible for all sections of the community. Sustainable neighbourhoods require a range of community facilities as stated in the Sustainable Residential Development and Compact Settlement Guidelines for Planning Authorities (2024). The Council will encourage the provision of community, commercial and local employment facilities such as schools, childcare facilities, community centres, primary health care centres and local commercial service of a scale appropriate to serve the local community through land use and zoning objectives. This grouping of services can facilitate viability where they are within walking distance of residents and can create a focal point for the neighbourhood. An amenity or service may be present (possibly at close distance) but make little contribution to quality of life if access is poor or perceived quality is low. Where possible accessibility for all abilities should be facilitated to ensure all levels of access and mobility are accommodated. County Cavan holds a strong sporting tradition. Sport and physical activity make a huge contribution not only to the physical, but social and mental health of all people within the county. Cavan gives home to many high quality natural amenities which in turn provide opportunity for physical recreation and social interaction. The strong tradition for Gaelic sports within the county continues to grow with the county training grounds at Breffni Park providing a central headquarters for all GAA activities in the County. Cavan Sports Partnership was established in 2008 through Cavan County Council as an initiative of Sport Ireland. Its main objective is to create opportunities for all people to participate in sport and physical activity, regardless of their ability. Cavan Sports Partnership Strategic Plan 2017-2021 vision is ‘Sport and activity for life’, for all. The overall aim is to have an active county where sport and physical activity is an important part of daily life. Cavan Sports Partnership has a role across the sports landscape of County Cavan including: Supporting facilities, organisations and volunteers, enabling sports activities and providing access toSustainable Communities 215

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   CF 01 CF 02 CF 03 CF 04 CF 05 CF 06 CF 07 CF 08 CF 09 CF 10 CF 11 4.14 Childcare and Youth Facilities Access to affordable and high-quality childcare is an essential requirement for an equitable society, a thriving economy and sustainable communities and is a critical part of the County’s infrastructure. Childcare is essential to enable parents to participate in the workforce and to obtain an income that provides an acceptable standard of living for both them and their children. Cavan County Childcare Committee supports 63 Early Learning and Care services of which 24 are Community providers and 39 are Private providers. There are 4 School Age standalone services, 2 are community and 2 are private. The Childcare schemes offered in the county include the early Childhood Care and Education Scheme (ECCE) and the National Childcare Scheme (NCS). As per the Census in 2016, County Cavan had 5,725 children aged 0-4 years (comprising 7.52% of its population. Community Facilities Development Objectives It is a development objective of Cavan County Council to: Maintain and, where possible, improve the provision of community facilities, including sports facility in the County to ensure that facilities are adequate to meet the needs of the communities they serve, are physically integrated with residential and employment areas and are provided concurrently with new residential development. Consider development proposals for new social and community infrastructure/service related development at: a. Locations within the settlement boundaries which are within walking distance of local services whereby social inclusion is promoted. An alternative location may be considered where it is clearly demonstrated that there are no suitable sites available within the settlement and strong justification is given to the development of such a particular site. b. In rural locations in close proximity to existing rural infrastructure (schools, sports facilities, churches etc.) where it is demonstrated that the development is intended to serve an exclusive rural need or where there is no site available which meet the locational criteria set out in (a) above. Consider cultural diversity and ethnic minorities in planning for the needs of communities and ensure community facilities and social services provided are accessible for all individuals, communities and sectors of society, including people with disabilities, people with special needs, elderly, youth, marginalized and disadvantaged groups. Consider proposals for primary Healthcare Facilities in association with the HSE’s Programme for Delivery. The siting of these facilities in existing town centre and neighbourhood centres will be encouraged. Ensure that proposals for the change of use of residential accommodation for use by doctors, dentists and other medical practitioners does not negatively impact on residential amenity and is in keeping with the character of the area. Support and encourage the provision by voluntary and state agencies, of a wide range of appropriate community facilities and premises to meet the needs and demands of new and existing communities, especially in areas where there are deficiencies. Support and promote community groups with local projects, community development and any opportunities that may arise. Support and promote the development new and existing sports facilities within the County, subject to the normal planning criteria and the proper planning and sustainable development of the area. Support the provision of a Regional Sports Facility for the County. Support the work of Cavan Sports Partnership and the implementation of Cavan Sports Partnership Strategic Plan 2017-2021 and any other subsequent plan. Ensure that new leisure facilities, where possible, are located in proximity to public transportation routes and where they can best meet the needs of the community that the facilities are intended to serve.Cavan County Development Plan 2022-2028 216

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   CY 01 CY 02 CY 03 The State average for this statistic was 6.96%. Although the Council is not directly involved in the provision of childcare services, the Plan will seek to ensure sufficient facilities are provided in the areas required and in keeping with development. The Council will continue to be proactive in promoting and sustaining childcare facilities in the county. Detailed requirements and standards for childcare development projects are set out in Chapter 13 Development Management Standards. Cavan Children and Young Peoples Service Committee (CYPSC), through the implementation of its Children and Young Peoples Plan aims to ensure effective interagency co-ordination and collaboration to achieve the best outcomes for all children and young people in its area. Cavan County Council also supports Cavan Comhairle na nOg as a youth voice within the County. 4.15 Schools and Educational Facilities The provision of investment in education and training are central to reinforcing the delivery of sustainable communities, promoting inclusion and offering choice and accessibility to a high standard of education and employment. Education, training and life-long learning are key enablers, around which personal fulfilment, a fair society and a successful population revolve. All are central to sustaining economic success and building strong communities. The Development Plan seeks to prioritise the alignment of targeted and planned population and employment growth with educational investment, including the provision of new schools on well-located sites within or close to existing built-up areas that meet the diverse needs of local populations. The continued provision and enhancement of facilities and amenities for children and young people, such as childcare, schools, playgrounds, parks and sportsgrounds, is a priority and will continue to be for the foreseeable future. The Council will support the provision of high-quality education and training programmes and facilities, including the allocation of sufficient sites and the development of childcare facilities, schools, and colleges in appropriate locations to cater for population growth targets. This will aid the provision of greater educational choice to facilitate improvement in skills, and to assist in tackling disadvantage. Car dependency is a significant mode of school transport in the County. In addition to factoring sustainable access as a condition for new schools and educational infrastructure, a programme of settlement retrofit will be encouraged to facilitate safe walking, cycling or ease of access to public transport alternatives. Optimally, schools need to be located along sustainable transport corridors (i.e. walking, cycling, public transport). Co-ordinated decision making on school locations with the Department of Education will be carried out, with a planned approach to education provision to locate new school facilities within access to public transport and active travel modes. The provision of third level education facilities in County Cavan is critical to retaining the youth population, it also benefits local employers and industry by providing skilled graduates. The enhancement of third level facilities provides scope for effective engagement between institutions and employers through access to research, development and innovation. Children and Youth Facilities Development Objectives It is a development objective of Cavan County Council to: Promote childcare facilities in the County. Support Cavan and Young Peoples Service Committee and the implementation of its Children and Young Peoples Plan and any other subsequent plan. Support the Cavan Comhairle na nOg programme.Sustainable Communities 217

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   CE 01 CE 02 CE 03 CE 04 CE 05 CE 06 CE 07 CE 08 CE 09 CE 10 CE 11 CE 12 CE 13 Childcare and Educational Development Objectives It is a development objective of Cavan County Council to: Encourage and support the provision of childcare facilities, with consideration to appropriate siting and design, in appropriate locations including residential areas, town and local centres, areas of employment, close to public transport throughout the County and in accordance with the needs identified by Cavan County Childcare Committee. Support the provision of childcare facilities and new and refurbished schools on well located sites within or close to existing built-up areas, that meet the diverse needs of local populations. Support play policies to address the play and recreation needs of children and young people and ensure the integration of play provision and child-friendly neighbourhoods. Ensure that appropriate and adequate lands are available in County Cavan for the provision, expansion and/or improvement of educational facilities and to prohibit development adjoining existing public educational facilities which could hinder the future development of such facilities and any associated ancillary infrastructure. Work collaboratively with the Department of Education to ensure a planned approach to education provision and to the location of school facilities with access to public transport and sustainable travel modes (i.e. walking, cycling). Ensure areas where significant new housing is proposed, an assessment of need regarding schools’ provision is carried out in collaboration with the Department of Education. Develop a programme for existing schools to facilitate safe walking, cycling or ease of access to public transport alternatives. To facilitate the implementation of Department of Education programme of capital investment in schools in line with the proper planning and sustainable development of the area and in compliance with the following, or any subsequent relation publications, in terms of location, siting and design: (a) The Provision of Schools and the Planning System – A Code of Practice for Planning Authorities, Department of Environment, Heritage and Local Government, July 2008. (b) Technical Guidance Document TGD20-TGD25 Department of Education and Skills 2007 (c) Sustainable Residential Development and Compact Settlement Guidelines for Planning Authorities (2024) Reserve sites for educational use in those areas where the younger population has increased and there is a demographic demand for further school places. Ensure the needs of communities including education facilities are appropriately provided for in the County. Encourage the use of existing educational facilities and school playing fields for other community purposes. Reduce the need to travel by car to schools. Applications for extensions to an existing school or a new school must be accompanied by a sustainable travel plan. The plan should indicate how pupils will access the school and provide for sustainable modes of travel to school and encourage alternatives to the car and have regard to road safety, good design and efficiency in accordance with the Department of Environment’s Code of Practice on the Provision of Schools and the Planning System July 2008. Support in conjunction with the relevant agencies, the provision of Third Level facilities, Youth Outreach, Adult and Further Education facilities within the County.Cavan County Development Plan 2022-2028 218

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   CE 14 CE 15 CE 16 4.16 Recreation, Amenity and Open Space The Council recognises the role recreation, amenity and open space facilities can play in creating healthy environments and facilitating more active lifestyles to ensure the well-being and improved quality of life for communities. In this regard, high quality open spaces, green linkages, such as walks and trails, cycle ways, access to the lakes, sports and recreational facilities that are usable and accessible to all should be provided in tandem with development and changing community needs. The connectivity of open spaces between urban areas, urban fringe and rural areas allows for the interaction of people and wildlife and connects people with places of work and community facilities. Public open space offers both passive and active recreation, contributing to the quality of life of residents and visitors alike. These amenities also offer environmental and ecological benefits and improve building energy performance. There are numerous health benefits for communities with access to open space both in a rural and urban setting. Parks and open spaces are important contributors to local distinctiveness, offering opportunities to reflect elements of the local landscape, culture and heritage through design concepts, materials, topography and planting. To achieve optimum accessibility and effective provision of open space and recreational facilities, they should be located and designed on a hierarchical basis according to the needs of a defined population. It is important that the County offers an adequate network of open spaces. The RSES supports the preparation of open space and parks strategies by local authorities, and for enhanced cross boundary collaboration to provide for a hierarchy of open space provision including regional scale open space and recreational facilities. It is the policy of Cavan County Council to support the provision of public open space and parks as appropriate throughout the County. Con Smith Park in Cavan Town is an established town park which has been developed as a multigenerational park, with walks and an adult outdoor gym, children’s playground, skate park and bandstand. The park comprises of an area of 14.42acres, Cavan County Council now seek to develop the entire site into a quality public park. A number of established walking and cycling routes, trails and greenways have been developed. Such routes can open up valuable amenity assets for local communities and visitors to enjoy and appreciate as well as providing opportunities for enhancement of quality of life and health together with providing important tourism assets and consequential benefits to the local economy. Many opportunities exist for creating new and improved linkages and facilities for walking and cycling so that the enjoyment of the wealth of natural heritage and amenity may be maximised and the potential to exploit these assets for the purposes of tourism can be realised. Cavan County Council prepared a Cycling and Walking Strategy for County Cavan in 2018. The aim objective for this strategy is the development of an action-focused document that will sustain an overall vision for walking and cycling in the County. It is the policy of this plan to support the provision of walking and cycling routes, trails and greenways within the County and the implementation of this strategy. Cavan offers a wealth of natural and manmade resources making it an ideal location for outdoor sport and recreation. Such facilities need to be protected, maintained and promoted. Cavan County Council will oppose development on, or removal of, existing playing fields, pitches and any other designated area of public open space. Support the provision of community infrastructure and require that development proposals involving the loss or change of use of land or buildings for community purposes to demonstrate: a. There are adequate facilities in the vicinity to cater for the needs of the area. b. The use is no longer viable. c. Alternative community uses are being provided elsewhere, or as part of the development, in association with the proposal. Promote links between the educational /training sector and enterprise sector. Provide for the development of dedicated youth spaces in key urban areas and the development of multifunction spaces in smaller communities/rural areas.Sustainable Communities 219

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    The Council recognises the importance of play in the development of children and continues to promote participation in sport and recreation through a range of measures. Communities also benefit from play because of the opportunities it offers for integration, enhancing community spirit and preventing anti social behaviour. Playground facilities should cater for defined age groups and provide a variety of facilities and play opportunities. The role of Cavan County Council in regard to play opportunities goes beyond the development of physical infrastructure specifically designated for play. Planning for play requires that we ensure that recognition of our children’s right to play in safety is built into all aspects of both our natural and built environment. Cavan County Council are currently developing a new Playground Policy 2020-2025 which focuses on future playground development in County Cavan and the maintenance of existing playgrounds in a strategic manner. It is the policy of this plan to support the provision of MUGA facilities at appropriate locations throughout the County. The Council will support future initiatives, which raise awareness of the importance of play for the health, well-being and development of children, people with disabilities, travellers and ethnic minorities. Furthermore, the Council also support sports development programmes through the Ulster Council GAA, FAI and Ulster Rugby and Cavan Sports Partnership programmes. Allotments are becoming increasingly popular and play an important function in serving communities. Private landowners have a role in providing this resource and service which promotes sustainable living. Allotments should be located such that they do not have an adverse impact on the safety and capacity of the surrounding road network and designed and sited to have a minimal impact on the surrounding landscape.Cavan County Development Plan 2022-2028 220

Source Cavan County Council: Cavan County Development Plan 2022–2028 — Chapter 4 (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.