Cavan County Development Plan 2022–2028 — Chapter 6

1. Page 1

   Cite this pagePDF p. 1 (opens the publisher’s copy in a new tab)

   No text on this page — it is probably a drawing, a map, a photograph or a scanned page. See it in the PDF.

2. Page 2

   Cite this pagePDF p. 2 (opens the publisher’s copy in a new tab)
   Vision Enable and promote sustainable economic development in County Cavan to best facilitate economic growth and opportunities across all sectors, delivering jobs and enriching the standard of living for all. Support the resilience and expansion of Cavan’s indigenous economy and work towards growing Cavan’s wider economic base through promotion of Cavan as a strategic location for businesses to relocate and expand.Cavan County Development Plan 2022-2028 250

3. Page 3

   Cite this pagePDF p. 3 (opens the publisher’s copy in a new tab)
   Policy Objective ESPO 01 Facilitate and support the continued growth of the economy in the County in a sustainable manner and in accordance with the National Planning Framework and the Regional Spatial and Economic Strategy for the Northern and Western Region. 6.1 Policy Context 6.1.1 Overview The overarching challenge for the Council is to assist in creating more jobs so that people who live in Cavan can work in Cavan. In addition the Council will foster an environment which allows new industries to locate in the County. This in turn will encourage a generation of employment and increased economic activity in a sustainable and spatially balanced manner. The development plan is a key vehicle to facilitate this. Cavan County Council will aim to ensure there is sufficient and suitable land reserved for enterprise development at fitting locations. The Council will continue to support and facilitate cross-border cooperation and trade between County Cavan and Northern Ireland, notwithstanding the uncertainty presented by Brexit and Covid-19 and the possible obstacles and opportunities that may arise. Driving economic growth and generating better standards of living for all are two key government priorities. The Local Government Reform Act 2014 was the vehicle introduced to deliver new structural arrangements, plans and strategies at the local and regional government level to ensure additional emphasis was placed on sustainable economic development, local government reform and increased community participation. The latter stipulates that Local Authorities are now required to prepare a Local Economic and Community Plan (LECP) which better establishes an integrated approach to economic and local community development. Under the new 3 Regional Assembly Structure, Cavan is located within the Northern and Western Regional Assembly. Each of the Regional Assemblies are also required to develop Regional Spatial and Economic Strategies. This act also brought about the establishment of the Local Community Committees (LCDC’s) and Local Enterprise Offices (LEOs) within Local Authorities. Since 2014 the increasing importance afforded to economic development by the government is reflected in the suite of policies and programmes which have developed in recent years at a national and regional level. Each of these policies and programmes are integral to the broader policy system which aims at driving economic growth and sustaining better standards of living throughout Ireland. A “top-down approach” to enterprise development is provided at a national level under Enterprise 2025 Renewed, whilst in contrast to this, a “bottom-up approach” is set out at a regional level under the North East Regional Enterprise Plan to 2020 in terms of its strategic objectives and the delivery by way of collaborative engagement, additionality and the delivery of measurable actions. 6.2 National Policy Context 6.2.1 Enterprise 2025 Renewed Enterprise 2025 Renewed is Ireland’s national enterprise policy document and sets out a “Top Down” approach aimed at increasing economic growth and sustaining better standards of living nationally. This policy is based on export-led growth, underpinned by talent and innovation, with the objective of driving resilience in the enterprise base so that full employment is sustainable over the longer term. The RSES sets out the way the region organises for success in economic development and to shape a sustainably resilient place. In terms of focus, the enterprise policy is clear in its approach and sets out clear objectives including: l Increasing the emphasis on developing our Irish owned enterprises – embedding resilience in our enterprise base, enhancing productivity and delivering quality jobs – including supporting companies to navigate their way through Brexit. l Harness the distinctive characteristics of our foreign and Irish owned enterprise mix through collaboration and clustering. l Place a spotlight on innovation and talent and leverage our strengths in disruptive technologies so that we achieve our ambition with more enterprises developing new products, services and solutions to compete effectively against international competition. l Realise the full potential of our regions through investments in place-making - developing places that are attractive for business investment and for people to live and work.Economic 251

4. Page 4

   Cite this pagePDF p. 4 (opens the publisher’s copy in a new tab)
   l Develop our international relationships and strengthen economic diplomacy to raise Ireland’s visibility, protect Ireland’s reputation and provide opportunities for our enterprises supported by the Global Footprint 2025 initiative. 6.2.2 National Planning Framework 2040 The Plan’s overall aims and strategic direction, including economic development was conceived from consideration and regard with National and Regional Plans, Policies and Strategies. Cavan’s strategic location in the Border Region in addition to the County’s eastly focus and influence of the Dublin Metropolitan Area is a key asset hosting numerous opportunities. With improved connectivity Cavan will be located almost equidistant between the Dublin, Belfast and Derry City regions in terms of time, as well as distance. The NPF makes reference to same and notes that within the North-Eastern functional area, a key driver for economic growth is the Dublin-Belfast cross-border network, as well as that of the Dublin Metropolitan area. Economic resilience and connectivity are specified as strategic priorities for this area. “The maintenance of seamless crossborder movement for people, goods and services, together with improvements in digital and physical infrastructure will create new opportunities to leverage employment and for sustainable population growth, focused on the county towns” (National Planning Framework, p. 40). The National Planning Framework (NPF) identifies Enterprise, Skills and Innovation Capacity as a strategic investment priority. The NPF also provides national strategic outcomes which are of relevance and inform regional and local policy as follows: NSO 6 A Strong Economy supported by Enterprise, Innovation and Skills NSO 3 Strengthen Rural Economies and Communities: Promoting new economic activities arising from digital connectivity and indigenous innovation and enterprise as well as more traditional natural and resource assets (e.g. food, energy, tourism underpinned by the quality of life offering. The NPF sets out a ‘Twin Strategy’ which identifies the importance of both the scale of concentration of activity and the relative distance, or ease of accessibility, to larger centres of population and employment. A key element of the NPF is compact growth and the distribution of future growth, in combination with building scale and accessibility. 6.2.3 The National Development Plan 2018-2027 The National Development Plan provides a framework for the government’s capital expenditure in alignment with the National Development Plan (and the RSES) under the umbrella of Project Ireland 2040. Four Project Ireland 2040 funds have been established including: the Climate Action Fund, Disruptive Technologies Innovation Fund, the Urban Regeneration and Development Fund, and the Rural Regeneration and Development Fund. A collective budget amounting to an estimated €4 billion over the ten-year period has been allocated to these funds. Key strategic investment priorities will be accelerated in Co. Cavan using this mechanism. 6.2.4 Jobs Ireland 2016 Future Jobs Ireland is part of a multi-annual framework which gives effect to national enterprise policy objectives and leverages all policy areas which relate to job creation and labour force participation, talent development, enterprise growth, innovation and competitiveness and transition to a low-carbon economy are on the agenda for the Country’s future enterprise and economic needs. 6.3 Regional Policy 6.3.1 Regional Spatial and Economic Strategy for the Northern and Western Regional Assembly 2020-2032 The Regional Spatial and Economic Strategy (RSES) contains an Economic Strategy that builds on the identified strengths of the region and seeks to sustain a strong economy and support the creation of quality jobs that ensure a good living standard for all. The RSES integrates spatial and economic policy and sets out a number of Regional Strategic Outcomes (RSOs) which will assist in informing and guiding spatial policy and the economic growth of the region. This will be achieved by:Cavan County Development Plan 2022-2028 252

5. Page 5

   Cite this pagePDF p. 5 (opens the publisher’s copy in a new tab)
   l Building a resilient economic base by means of promoting innovation and entrepreneurship; l Developing and enhancing regional accessibility and connectivity; l Providing a regional framework for collaboration and partnerships; l Improving education skills and social inclusion; and l The promotion of creative places. The RSES ensures that investment is targeted towards identified policy and objectives by way of its alignment with European and National Policy. In addition to Economic Development, the RSES specifically makes reference to the fact that commuting out of the county is an issue that needs to be addressed by providing employment and support services. This strategy also outlines a clear role for Cavan Town and Virginia. It is the policy of Cavan County Council to implement this policy at local level to better facilitate sustainable growth in the region and county alike. The RSES designates Cavan as a key town and recognises the regional function it performs, being the largest town within the Cavan/ Monaghan/Leitrim sub-region and the town which experienced the largest growth within the past 10 years. It further notes the strategic facilities and advocates that Cavan is well positioned to deliver the principal strategic function within the sub-region in terms of housing, job delivery and education. RSES also discusses the important connections Cavan boasts with the economic corridor extending from Dublin to Belfast, in addition to the Greater Dublin Area. Furthermore, it notes that Cavan is one of four counties to share the border with Northern Ireland remarking on the specific challenges and opportunities for communities magnified by Brexit. It is the policy of Cavan County Council to utilise Cavan’s strategic location as a key asset and driver to stimulate economic development in the County. The RSES recognises Virginia as main economic driver and hub for east Cavan, acknowledging it as an important sub-regional centre for employment, housing and services. It further advocates that Virginia is in a strong position to attract businesses, that need access to the Belfast/Dublin corridor, available talent, quality of life and housing. The M3 Virginia bypass is also noted as a key piece of infrastructure. The key elements of the growth strategy identified within the NPF and the RSES, which establish the baseline for the economic development strategy for Cavan Town include: l Build upon its excellent Jobs to Resident Workers ratio of 1:388, clearly demonstrating the important regional function that Cavan Town performs. l Promote Cavan Town as an attractive investment location for the County, utilising Cavan County Economic Forum and building upon the towns proven track record as an excellent investment location, which is aided by the IDA business park in the town. l Promote the delivery of third-level education in the Cavan/Monaghan sub-region, building on the foundations and success of the Cavan Institute. l Promote the development of the Abbeylands Cultural Quarter to regenerate this important town centre site with vibrant town centres uses, new pedestrian street and public spaces. l Develop a regional standard multi-sports facility to service the current and future needs of the town and wider county. l Support the development of Cavan General Hospital as the regional centre for this subregion. l Build on the development of Cavan Town as a tourism destination capitalising on its location as a link between Ireland’s Ancient East and Ireland’s Hidden Heartlands, including the regional flagship destination of Killykeen forest park which attracts circa 80,000 visitors per annum. l Support the delivery of Cavan Town Digital Hub that aims to attract and safeguard investment in the digital and technology related sectors, create jobs through entrepreneurship, stimulate digital start ups and innovative enterprise and develop a ‘Digital Cluster’ ecosystem. l Support the implementation of the Cavan Town Transportation Plan to ensure infrastructure enables the organic growth of the town. l Support the delivery of additional economic development lands in Cavan Town recognising the lack of suitably zoned lands. l Support the actions set out in the Cavan Town Revitalisation Plan including the prioritisation of projects having regard to Cavan being listed as an Urban Priority Region by the EPA.Economic 253

6. Page 6

   Cite this pagePDF p. 6 (opens the publisher’s copy in a new tab)
   6.4 Local Policy 6.4.1 Cavan Local Economic and Community Plan (LECP) 2016-2021 Economic Development at a local level is addressed in two statutory plans: the Cavan County Development plan and the Cavan Local Economic and Community Plan. The County Development Plan informs the content of the LECP, and the content of the LECP must be consistent with the Development Plan. In this regard, both Plans are interdependent in setting out the strategic vision for the economic growth of the County accompanied by supporting policies and objectives. The economic elements of the LECP have been developed by the Strategic Policy Committee for Economic Development and Enterprise. The vision statement of the LECP: “That Cavan will be a place that we can be proud of, a place where people can have a good quality of life; a better place to live, to work and to enjoy”. The Goals of the Plan include: Goal 1: We will promote Cavan as an attractive investment location Goal 2: We will invest in Strategic Infrastructural Developments Goal 3: We will promote and develop indigenous enterprise Goal 4: We will encourage innovation/research & development Goal 5: We will support businesses to expand and internationalise Goal 6: We will concentrate on the development of key niche areas This LECP for County Cavan sets out the objectives and actions needed to support and guide economic and community development. The plan seeks to address key infrastructure deficits of strategic economic importance, including a deficit of enterprise space/advance facility, limitations in broadband and tourism facilities. 6.4.2 Corporate Plan 2019-2024 The Corporate Plan is a statement of Cavan County Council’s strategic priorities for the next 5 years. The Vision is for Cavan to be ‘A progressive, vibrant County, which is smart, connected, innovative, inclusive and sustainable’. The six key strategic objectives are set out below: l Support and enhance local democracy and promote engagement and collaboration with our citizens. l Facilitate and promote sustainable economic growth, enterprise and tourism. l Promote the development of stronger towns and villages to enable them to act as key drivers of economic, social and community development across the county. l Strengthen our communities, to remove disadvantage and make them more resilient. l Foster a spirit of pride in our organisation and promote organisational effectiveness to ensure the optimum level of customer service while supporting our staff to reach their full potential. l Promote a greater understanding of Climate Change and ensure that climate adaptation considerations are mainstreamed and integrated into all activities and delivery of functions and services across our administrative area. 6.4.3 The Cavan Local Enterprise Office The Local Enterprise Office (LEO) is the ‘first-stopshop’ for providing advice and guidance, financial assistance and other supports to those wishing to start or grow their own businesses. They work with entrepreneurs, early-stage promoters, start-ups and expanding businesses. The focus of the LEO is with businesses who employ 10 or less employees. The key objectives of Cavan LEO is to provide: l Business Information and Advice l Training l Mentoring l Financial Supports l Networking l Local Economic Development services l Enterprise EducationCavan County Development Plan 2022-2028 254

7. Page 7

   Cite this pagePDF p. 7 (opens the publisher’s copy in a new tab)
   6.4.4 Cavan Economic Study – Strategic Economic Framework 2021 Supporting and promoting business development and the creation of new employment opportunities are core to creating and maintaining economic prosperity in County Cavan and maintaining a high quality of life. The Strategic Economic Framework has been prepared to support and inform the development of County Cavan through the identification of investment opportunities, areas of economic expansion and new growth employment opportunities. This Strategic Economic Framework provides a platform for County Cavan to facilitate sustainable economic growth through a series of dedicated and strategic actions. All actions are in line with, and complementary to, national, regional and local frameworks and policy documents. This Strategy has been informed by the Cavan Economic Study which was undertaken to identify the existing economic context of the county and its relationship with the surrounding region. A comprehensive socio-economic assessment of the county and its nine principal towns was undertaken to ascertain the characteristics of the county formation. The study comprised a population and demographics assessment, including educational attainments; a review of industries of employment, commuting patterns, and commercial vacancy rates. Examining the commuting patterns of the county’s population proved very beneficial as it allowed for greater insights into the functional relationship of the resident and working populations and between County Cavan, its neighbouring counties and the wider region. Please refer to Appendix 3. 6.4.5 Cavan County’s Revitalisation Plans 2018 Towns and villages play a key role in terms of serving the economic, social, cultural and community needs of the people and their hinterland. Towns and villages are experiencing huge changes in terms of their commercial, aesthetic and cultural landscape and some are under serious threat from the polarising effect of the larger city economies. Cavan County Council proactively developed Town and Village Revitalisation Plans for 20 Towns and Villages across the County. The Plans showcase how improvements can enhance the town as an attractive place in which to live, work, and visit. They also seek to enhance and improve the longterm socio economic, cultural and environmental benefits for residents, businesses, communities and visitors. The outcomes of the Revitalisation Plans are three-fold – to deliver successful strategies across spatial development, economic development and community development.Economic 255

8. Page 8

   Cite this pagePDF p. 8 (opens the publisher’s copy in a new tab)
   6.5 The Role of the Development Plan This statutory plan is a blueprint for economic development for the county over this plan period and beyond. It aids the co-ordinated approach to economic development within the Council and allows for a plan-led evidence-based approach for future economic growth. Using a collaborate approach the development plan operates within a network of other influencing plans and strategies, including the LECP. In terms of economic development, the key functions of a development plan include: l Link the economic and spatial dimensions of the Plan by aligning economic growth with the settlement hierarchy focusing on key employment locations as drivers for growth and recognising the critical role of rural places in the economic development of the County. l Provide an adequate quantum of appropriately zoned lands to facilitate current and future economic opportunities and employment creation. l Ensure that such lands maximise the existing or planned infrastructure provision. l Identify key business and industry sectors where opportunity exists for employment growth within the county. l Maximise the strategic location of Cavan of being part of the Border Region and the close proximity to the Greater Dublin Area. l Foster a highly skilled and educated workforce. l Promote economic clusters and regeneration of obsolete or inefficient economic lands. l Nurture positive communities and create appealing places for people to live and work in, that in turn attract new businesses and employees. l Provide a coherent approach to economic development that guarantees confidence and clarity for applicants, develops and investors involved in the development process. 6.6 Economic Profile The following section provides a brief overview of the economic profile of County Cavan. It presents data from a number of key indicators that help to paint a picture of the economic profile of County Cavan. This information has been used to inform economic policy making as part of the Plan. 6.6.1 Cavan’s Economic Profile County Cavan, one of five ‘border’ counties, has been identified as having a strategic, accessible location. The county benefits from a strategic position in which it has key corridors that connect domestically with Dublin City and Dublin Airport (via Navan) and Sligo and Galway (via Athlone). Dublin and Cavan are connected by the N3/M3 road, and except for Virginia, this route bypasses or does not pass through any towns or villages. The road continues north, extending into County Fermanagh (A509) to Enniskillen and beyond to Derry. Cavan’s strategic location and connectivity is displayed in Figure 6.1 below. CAVAN STRATEGIC ECONOMIC FRAMEWORK Figure 2.1 Strategic location and connectivity of County Cavan. Dublin - Cavan Corridor (N3/M3) Dublin - Belfast Corrridor (M1) Other Strategic Transport Corridor Key Urban Areas Airport Port LEGEND Cavan Sligo Dublin City Navan Athlone Enniskillen Armagh Larne Belfast Drogheda Dundalk Figure 6.1 Strategic location and connectivity of County Cavan.Cavan County Development Plan 2022-2028 256

9. Page 9

   Cite this pagePDF p. 9 (opens the publisher’s copy in a new tab)
   Cavan is bound by County Fermanagh to the north and its proximity provides important economic trade corridors with Enniskillen, Belfast and Derry. County Cavan is strategically located within proximity to the trade corridors of Dublin and Belfast, while Drogheda, Dundalk and Navan are also accessible. These are all important centres of enterprise and employment, while Dublin and Belfast provide airport and port access, Drogheda also provides port access. Through these important transport connections, Cavan has high accessibility to Dublin and Northern Ireland. This has helped the County grow with businesses, providing new opportunities for existing businesses and attracting new industries seeking to capitalise on knowledge sectors across the County. Cavan is located in the Northern and Western Region Assembly administrative area, which is projected to have a population of 1 million persons and a further 115,000 people will be in employment in this region by 2040. Further to this, parts of Cavan occupy a strong eastern pull towards the Greater Dublin Area. Both its boarder location and its location outside of the Metropolitan affords Cavan an important position at regional level. In this regard, the key towns of Cavan and Virginia in addition to towns located close to the border offer a viable alternative employment base to Dublin and Northern Ireland alike. There are no universities or institutes of technology in County Cavan. However, the County does benefit from the Cavan Institute, which provides a range of Level 5 (Certificate) and Level 6 (Advanced/Higher Certificate) courses in fields such as: accountancy, architectural design and technology, digital marketing, software development and animal care. 6.6.2 Economic Trends Business demography data indicates steady growth for Cavan County in recent years. Since lows in 2013 (of persons employed and engaged) growth has risen by 25.7% and 30.8% for persons engaged. Figure 6.3 below and persons employed in enterprise, respectively. Since the recorded low in 2014, the number of enterprises has increased by 14.7% (519). With historic information showing a clear rise in employment and enterprises, organic growth is expected to accompany population growth. Figure 6.3 Business Demography of Cavan (2010 - 2018) (Source: CSO) 4,029 3,714 3,772 4,047 4,050 14,762 16,753 17,748 18,295 16,150 18,906 12,282 14,312 15,156 15,803 0 4,000 8,000 12,000 16,000 20,000 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018 Active Enterprises (Number) Persons Engaged (Number) Employees (Number)Economic 257

10. Page 10

    Cite this pagePDF p. 10 (opens the publisher’s copy in a new tab)
    Implementation of Brexit began in January 2021, coupled with significant uncertainty caused by COVID-19, both many constraints and opportunities present themselves for Cavan’s economic sustainability. 6.6.3 Brexit There may be economic opportunities which County Cavan can harness as a location adjacent to the border within the EU. Opportunities may manifest themselves in the form of employment due to relocation of businesses, or growth as an economic or transport hub. While the initial outlook is uncertain, after a period of restructuring there will be eventual stabilisation. It is critical for Cavan that it positions itself well throughout the adjustment period as a strategic hub by the northern border. Cavan’s geographic position may enable it to serve as a hub between countries with transport distribution to other aforementioned major cities. Cavan may become a strategic gateway hub. National trends exhibited by the Central Statistics Office containing indicators of Ireland and the United Kingdom’s relationship indicate a National trend across the board of diversification of exports of both goods and services to other Countries within the last two years. These statistics as they relate to trade of goods, services and migration are summarised as follows: 6.6.4 Imports and Exports l Imports 29.9% as of October 2020 come from the UK accounting for €2,192,445,000 l Exports 10.0% as of October 2020 go to the UK accounting for €1,214,158,000 6.6.5 Migrants l 17.7% of Emigrants go to the UK accounting for 10,000 people (2020) l 17.9% of Immigrants come from the UK accounting for 15,300 people (2020) l 2.6% of all employed foreign nationals are from the UK accounting for 60,400 people (2019) 6.6.6 Trade in Services l 6.9% of imported services come from the UK accounting for €20,552,000 l 15.8% of exported services go to the UK accounting for €34,897,000 6.6.7 COVID-19 COVID-19 represents the largest economic challenge faced nationally and has been and will be significantly impactful for Cavan’s local economy and the National economy. Analysis of national Local Electoral Areas identifies Cavan- Belturbet LEA as one of the worst effected border areas (with the exception of Donegal LEA’s bordering Derry) by incidence rate per hundred thousand people as of December 2020. With the mandate for office workers to work remotely, Cavan may benefit by drawing on those relocating due to such changes. The CSO’s Business Impact of COVID-19 Survey (August 2020) indicates that only 63.3% of responding enterprises were trading at normal capacity, with 33% trading at partial capacity. This has caused significant reduction of the active labour force whether through reduced hours or full unemployment in which wages must be subsidised leading to increased economic downturn in the long run. 2.5% of businesses stated they had ceased trading temporarily and a further 1.2% have ceased trading permanently. Whilst the number of trading businesses do not linearly equate to the labour force; this marks a significant decline in active enterprise and likely employment. The seasonally adjusted national unemployment rate has reached 7.5% as of November 2020 with 186,900 persons categorised as unemployed in the Republic of Ireland. Notably for Cavan’s labour force, which primarily has employment in Professional Services (21.0%), Manufacturing (19.6%) and Commerce and Trade (16.7%), has taken significant sectoral hits according to the CSO Labour Market Insights Bulletin. However, while Industry and Construction sectors saw significant decline in Q1/Q2 there has been significant growth through Q3. Where there is positive outlook for the growth of construction and industry there is contrast with Financial, insurance and real estate and Professional, scientific and technical activities which are all seeing a steep decline in Q3. These align somewhat with Commerce and Trade.Cavan County Development Plan 2022-2028 258

Source Cavan County Council: Cavan County Development Plan 2022–2028 — Chapter 6 (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.