Cavan County Development Plan 2022–2028 — Chapter 4

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   RAOS 01 RAOS 02 RAOS 03 RAOS 04 RAOS 05 RAOS 06 RAOS 07 RAOS 08 RAOS 09 RAOS 10 RAOS 11 RAOS 12 Recreation, Amenity and Open Space Development Objectives It is a development objective of Cavan County Council to: Ensure sufficient land is allocated to provide a variety of open spaces on a hierarchical basis throughout the County in order to achieve a choice of open space, recreational and amenity facilities. Develop public open spaces that have good connectivity and are accessible by safe, secure walking and cycling routes. Increase the use and potential of existing public open space, parks and recreational areas, both passive and active, allotments and community gardens, by integrating existing facilities with proposals for new development and by seeking to upgrade existing facilities where appropriate. Support the development of appropriately located allotments, in areas which have good access to and are proximate to built-up and residential areas. Facilitate and encourage open space to be planned for on a multi-functional basis incorporating ecosystem services, climate change measures, green infrastructure and key landscape features in their design. Promote the value of the County’s recreational and amenity resources as a key asset to the local economy and to the health and well-being of the community and continue to support the expansion of existing amenities. Seek a greater variety of provision of recreation and amenity facilities to reflect the demands of an increasingly diverse population. Support the development of regional scale Recreational Sports facility in Cavan Town. Support the provision of MUGA facilities throughout the County. Support the implementation of Cavan Playground Policy 2020-2025 and facilitate the provision of appropriately scaled children’s playground facilities. Support the provision of new and upgrade of existing walking and cycling routes, trails and greenways within the County. Support the implementation of the Cycling and Walking Strategy for County Cavan.Sustainable Communities 221

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   4.17 Libraries, Arts and Culture Libraries, arts and cultural facilities not only contribute to the artistic, social and quality of life of communities, they are also contribute to the economy by attracting visitors, investment and job creation. The arts sector in County Cavan is a vibrant one which encompasses a range of established heritage groups, cultural festivals and activities operating throughout the County. There is a considerable pool of talent and enterprise in the county. The Arts sector is important for the identity of the County and its population and ensures this culture is protected and promoted. Cavan’s reputation as quirky and alternative is due to its people, landscape, history and location. This is enhanced by a largely rural population and an increasingly diverse society, which cultivates a high level of individuality amongst its citizens. The proliferation of the arts in the county reflects the work of the artists, their publics, a wide range of partners and stakeholders and the local authority’s investment in the arts and the wider cultural offer. Through the work of the Arts Office, the Council aim to cultivate an environment which allows the arts sector to flourish, while at the same time engaging and educating as many people as possible in and about the arts sector. The Arts Office continuously strives to support all facets of the arts and to instil a culture of participation, learning and critical thinking in relation to arts development. The arts office is currently guided by Inclusivity and Ambition – A Strategy for Cavan Arts 2018 – 2023. The county towns cultural infrastructure is being renewed through investment in key growth sectors. Important investment at Townhall Cavan, the Abbeylands project, the County Museum and Cavan County Library buildings across the County, including the redevelopment of Belturbet Library and Civic Centre, the new library and theatre complex incorporating Ramor Theatre, Virginia and ongoing negotiations to provide a library and cultural amenity in Kingscourt are vital to the growth of a healthy environment for the arts to thrive. The ongoing work on developing a world class Storytelling Centre at Cavan County Museum will further enrich this dynamic cultural asset in the County. The incorporation of public art in public spaces, civic buildings and town centre locations is also encouraged. Cavan County Library Service currently comprises a network of three full-time and six part-time branch libraries supported by Library Headquarters in Cavan Town. It also provides a prison library service to Loughan House Open Centre. It provides an essential and fundamental quality of life service to many people in the County and wider area. Cavan County Council’s Library Development Plan 2017-2021 charts the future direction of Cavan’s library service through strategies which aim to meet the demands of the evolving economic and community profile of the county. The Council continues to encourage an integrated approach to the delivery of library, arts and other cultural activities and services, in line with the objectives of the Library Development Plan and subject to available finance. The library service plays an important role in connecting and empowering communities, with free membership ensuring that the library service is available to all. The provision of high-speed internet service across the branch network is a measure that supports a more inclusive society. The development of a state-of-the-art library facility as part of the new Civic Centre in Virginia is currently underway. The expansion of the service will continue, with a major capital development planned for Kingscourt Library, pending funding. The refurbishment of the existing library in Kingscourt is planned as an interim measure. Cavan County Council will build on technological and service innovations to improve access to, use and visibility of the public library service and to establish it as a leading provider of sustainable, integrated public services. Cavan has a rich and living cultural heritage and a strong cultural identity, based on a wide range of activities and interests, including music, theatre, TV and film, visual arts, crafts, dance, literature, architecture and sport. The Council supports major cultural events and have been involved in the hosting of a number of national cultural and music events. The Council recognises the importance of these events, activities and facilities which contribute towards the intellectual, artistic and social quality of life for people in the County and attracting other people from both within and outside the country to Cavan.Cavan County Development Plan 2022-2028 222

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   4.18 Burial Grounds and Places of Worship Local Authorities have a statutory responsibility to provide for burial facilities. The Council will support the development of additional burial grounds and extensions to existing facilities where appropriate. Changes in society have resulted in the needs to provide multi-denominational graveyards and memorial gardens. It is proposed to develop future sites in a sustainable, climate action friendly manner using natural products and low carbon construction and it is a goal to make the sites selfsufficient in energy needs. It is recognised that burial grounds also hold an amenity value, it is proposed that any extra land purchased for burial grounds can be used for tree planting and the creation of a bio-diversity areas. There is currently one crematorium in Cavan which serves the county and the surrounding area. Cavan is now a county with a more diverse population hosting numerous faith and religious communities. This has given rise to demand for dedicated worship spaces. The Council will encourage appropriate, easily accessible locations which comply with the Council’s standards with regard to design and environmental issues. 4.19 Fire Service and Civil Defence The Fire Service is a vital public safety service provided by the Council. There are stations located throughout the county. The responsibility for the protection and rescue of persons and property under the Fire Services Acts is discharged through the county fire service. The role of the fire service in the community involves promotion of fire safety, fire protection of the built environment, major emergency management and also the emergency response capability of the fire service. The firefighting service has a complement of 93 retained firefighters based throughout the county and four officers with associated support staff based in Cavan Town. The retained firefighters operate from one of the ten stations in the county located at Cavan, Cootehill, Kingscourt, Bailieborough, Virginia, Ballyjamesduff, Ballyconnell, Belturbet, Killeshandra and Dowra. All firefighters are trained in dealing with structural and outdoor fires, road traffic accidents, chemical incidents, gas leaks etc. as well as other special rescue services. LAC 01 BGPW 01 BGPW 02 BGPW 03 LAC 02 LAC 03 LAC 04 LAC 05 LAC 06 LAC 07 Libraries, Arts & Culture Development Objectives It is a development objective of Cavan County Council to: Support the development of the library service in County Cavan and the implementation of the actions set out in the Library Development Plan. Support and promote the provision of a Mobile Library Service with IT support to the towns, villages and communities in the County that have no library service. Facilitate and encourage the use of Public Spaces in Towns and villages for Art events, performances and festivals. Encourage the provision of new or improved arts, cultural and entertainment facilities, particularly in the parts of the County where there is a deficiency in such provision. Promote and support the development of the arts sector in County Cavan. Support and promote the arts sector in order to preserve Cavan’s unique history, heritage and culture. Encourage and support the creation and display of works of art in public places, including streetscapes as appropriate, provided environmental, amenity, traffic or other constraints are carefully managed. Burial Ground and Places of Worship Development Objectives It is a development objective of Cavan County Council to: Support the provision of burial grounds (including multi-denominational burial grounds), together with necessary extensions to existing burial grounds. Protect and maintain historic graveyards within the County and support the care, conservation and appropriate interpretation of historic burial grounds vested in the care of Cavan County Council. Assist the development of places of worship in appropriate locations in urban centres and proximate to residential communities.Sustainable Communities 223

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   The role and functions of the fire service are intertwined with other core services of the council such as planning, housing, water services and roads. Effective working relationships and cooperation between the fire service and other local authority services are essential in maintaining public safety for all the community in Co. Cavan. The fire service has a duty regarding fire safety activities in public and certain private buildings in the area of fire safety design, property improvement and change of use. Its functions include advising on planning applications, dangerous substances licensing, community fire safety initiatives and fire safety inspections of buildings. In accordance with the Building Control Regulations, a Fire Safety Certificate is required before construction is commenced for particular building types. Civil Defence is a voluntary organisation part funded by Local Authority and Department of Defence who provide an important frontline emergency services in dealing with severe weather, flooding, major accidents and searching for missing people. In addition, Civil Defence support community events throughout the year. In Cavan there is one fulltime paid Civil Defence Officer and at present one temporary Assistant Civil Defence Officer. There are 209 Volunteers who actively give their time to ensure Civil Defence are able to attend the requests we receive from the Principal Response Agencies and the public. 4.20 Social Inclusion The promotion of social inclusion is an overall aim of the plan. Social inclusion refers to the way all members of the community are integrated in an equal manner. Social inclusion aims to make participation in education, recreation, employment and health more accessible for all. It seeks to ensure that minority groups, people from different nationalities and cultural backgrounds, the travelling community, ethnic minorities, people with disabilities, the elderly, children and young people are recognised as valued members of society. It is crucial that our living, working and leisure environments are designed and maintained in a manner that is accessible to all. The Council, through its Social Inclusion Activation Programme (SICAP) 2018-2022 and considered policies, supports and proactively encourages a culture of social inclusion. The Development Plan policies and objectives facilitate the development of sustainable communities. Good quality public realm, access to housing, community facilities and public transport are central to the promotion of social inclusion. The Plan also seeks to foster equality of opportunity and protection of human rights enshrined in the UN charter. The Council is fully committed to developing a more socially inclusive society and promoting participation and access for all. Through the Local Economic and Community Plan and the work of Cavan LCDC a key goal is to improve the access and quality of Cavan Local Authority Services for people from disadvantaged communities. FSCD 01 FSCD 02 FSCD 03 FSCD 04 Fire Service and Civil Defence Development Objectives It is a development objective of Cavan County Council to: Continue to co-operate with the County Fire Service in the operation of its duties and in the design of new buildings. Facilitate the accommodation of fire service facilities in suitable locations. Facilitate the implementation of the “Fire Service Operations Plan 2015- 2019” or as otherwise amended. Support the Cavan Civil Defence Programme.Cavan County Development Plan 2022-2028 224

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   SSI 01 SSI 02 SSI 03 SSI 04 SSI 05 SSI 06 SSI 07 SSI 08 Sustainable Social Inclusion development Objectives It is a development objective of Cavan County Council to: Support social inclusion measures including the revitalisation of areas by physical regeneration, planning, investment and community development and measures to improve educational attainment levels, upskilling in key competencies and skills acquisition. Continue to provide accommodation for all households whose financial circumstances dictate that they cannot provide for their own housing needs, such as the elderly, lone parents, travellers, persons with disabilities. Cooperate with Voluntary Housing Bodies and other providers of social housing in the provision of housing. Promote Universal Design and Lifetime Housing in accordance with best practice and the policies and principles contained in Building for Everyone: A Universal Design Approach (National Disability Authority, 2012) and Sustainable Residential Development and Compact Settlement Guidelines for Planning Authorities (2024). 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. Support a socially inclusive society, by providing for appropriate community infrastructure, located in local centres, easily accessible to communities and that are designed appropriately for accessibility and ease of use for all. Use phasing arrangements to ensure that community facilities are provided in line with development. Encourage and facilitate for places of worship/places of assembly in appropriate locations close to residential communities. 4.21 Sustainable Communities Climate Change Context and Development Objectives In accordance with the format set out in Chapter 5: Climate Change of this Plan the following is an assessment of the content of this chapter in a Climate Context and associated development objectives. Irrespective of its function, a sustainable community can refer to a group, a neighbourhood, a street, a village, a town, or even a county or region. Traditionally the formation of a sustainable community has associated itself with the physical, social, ecological, cultural and ‘spiritual’ qualities of an area. However, in an era of ever-increasing and more severe heat waves, precipitation, droughts, and floods, responding to the impacts of climate change has now firmly positioned itself alongsideSustainable Communities 225

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   SCCC 01 SCCC 02 SCCC 03 SCCC 04 SCCC 05 SCCC 06 SCCC 07 SCCC 08 SCCC 09 SCCC 10 Sustainable Communities Climate Development Objectives It is a development objective of Cavan County Council to: Prepare of an overarching landscaping plan for the towns and villages of Cavan, to identify pocket parks, vertical landscaping, and green roof opportunities, and micro-spaces in Council public ownership to be immediately exploited, alongside an ambition to improve connectivity between green spaces, and the implementation of same with stakeholder approval. Prioritise the installation of soft-scaping within our towns and villages wherever possible, and ensure adequate understanding, adherence and address of the maintenance requirements of all existing and proposed surface treatments. Encourage all large-scale development proposals to actively assess and demonstrate, increased and/or improved quality social spaces, both externally and internally. Ensure the design of all open spaces are professionally and adequately designed and orientated at its most preferred location within a scheme and accompanied by a finishes schedule of highest quality and of sustainable materials. Encourage the installation of awnings and retention of tree canopy cover where practicable, within the commercial areas of the county towns and villages. Require all future residential developments over 10 no. or more units to submit a Social and Community Statement, setting out the measures to be implemented that will bring about improved social benefit and amenity to the area (e.g., multiple house typologies, accessible housing, social services community housing, creche and so forth). Support the introduction of car restriction zones in close proximity to urban schools to encourage active travel. Encourage local communities to develop their own renewable energy schemes. Develop future burial ground sites in a sustainable, climate action friendly manner using natural products and low carbon construction and it is a goal to make the sites self-sufficient in energy needs. It is recognised that burial grounds also hold an amenity value. It is proposed that any extra land purchased for burial grounds can be used for tree planting and the creation of a biodiversity areas. Support the development of low carbon neighbourhood plans to mitigate against climate change and increase resilience to the impacts of climate change. these considerations. Public spaces are where physical and social resilience meet and can now be considered a crucial tool in our arsenal to mitigate and adapt to rising temperatures and extreme weather conditions. Local Authorities are increasingly exploring the capacity of ‘Greenery and Amenities’ to improve our thermal comfort, regulating air temperature, radiation, humidity and wind pattern, and subsequent use and amenity. Public spaces/community and social infrastructure should connect with nature and on a more practical level, encourage us to walk and cycle, while moving away from auto-centric design to place-led development. Mass transit and walkable, bike-friendly areas are among the best to mitigate the impacts of climate change. Our streets and facilities must be considered more as spaces and understood as a crucial tool towards improving our sustainable habits and supporting communities. Communities that are structurally sound, but also socially empowered and connected are more resilient to disaster. Climate Change will put increased pressure on economically constrained communities, many of which have limited resources to respond to the changing conditions. The most successful social/community initiatives have strong community-based participation at its centre, prioritising the access of local community and their potential to create quality public spaces that contribute to people’s health, happiness, and well-being.Cavan County Development Plan 2022-2028 226

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.