Cavan County Development Plan 2022–2028 — Chapter 6

1. Page 11

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   Employment Sector Q1- Q2 % Q2- Q3 % Q1-Q3 % B-E Industry -3.0 5.5 2.4 F Construction -6.6 9.7 2.4 G Wholesale and retail trade; repair of motor vehicles and motorcycles -11.2 6.0 -5.9 H Transportation and storage -8.9 3.8 -5.5 I Accommodation and food services -61.1 102.0 -21.3 J Information and communication -4.1 3.1 -1.1 K-L Financial, insurance and real estate -6.8 -2.5 -9.1 M Professional, scientific and technical activities -8.7 3.5 -5.5 N Administrative and support services -17.1 3.6 -14.1 Table 6.1 Change in Employment per Sector Q1 – Q3 2020 6.7 Employment The two largest employment sectors in County Cavan are ‘Professional services’ and ‘Commerce and trade’, providing employment for 6,419 and 5,993 workers respectively. Respectively, these sectors equate to 20% and 21% of those at work in 2016. However, the relative size of these two industries is smaller in County Cavan when compared to the national rate and the rate in neighbouring and ‘border’ counties, at 24% and 23% respectively. Reflective of the county’s rural nature and historic economic trends, ‘agriculture, forestry and fishing’ industry is particularly strong, employing over 11% of the working population in County Cavan, compared to a national average of 4%. ‘Manufacturing’ employment is also higher in County Cavan at 17%, compared to 11% nationally. Even by comparison with County Cavan’s neighbouring counties, these sectors are proportionally larger employers. ‘Agriculture, forestry and fishing’ accounts for just under 3% in Louth and 4% in Meath. These employment trends are illustrative of the county’s dependence on more traditional economic industries. While agriculture and manufacturing are among its strengths and should continue to be supported, the promotion and facilitation of commercial, professional and technical enterprises must be prioritised. These enterprise sectors are the key growth sectors of the economy they are founded on knowledge and human capital. This knowledge and capital must be retained by enticing graduates back after they complete their studies and by attracting new workforces with further education, high quality standards of living and prospects for the future. 6.8 Employment Catchment As part of the baseline study undertaken, an assessment of the wider economic and employment catchment area (beyond County Cavan’s administrative border) was undertaken. The purpose was to ascertain some key population, education and employment characteristics of the working populace (population aged 15-65) in proximity of County Cavan. The findings confirmed a significant potential workforce population within a 60-minute commute (drive) that can be exploited by new and expanding enterprises. Consequently, there are also larger markets that be targeted. Two different catchments were evaluated to identify the total population and workforce within proximity of Cavan. ‘Catchment scenario 1’ used a combined ‘60-minute drive-time’ from the nine-principal urban settlements of the county. The second catchment ‘Catchment scenario 2’ is defined by a ’30-minute drive-time’ from the nineprincipal urban settlements of the county. The spatial extent of the drivetimes is detailed in Figure 6.4. Of importance is that Dublin (region and city) can be reached within the assigned 60-minute drive time.Economic 259

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   Within a 60-minute drive of the nine major towns of County Cavan, a total population of approximately 1.65 million was identified comprising both the Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland. This resulted in a potential labour force catchment of 1,087,000 (ca. 919,000 in the Republic of Ireland and ca. 168,000 in Northern Ireland). Upon assessment of the level of educational attainment it is determined that 26% of the catchment population attained a third level qualification, of which 235,224 were based in the Republic of Ireland and 43,716 were based in Northern Ireland. The active workforce exceeds 700,000, including workers in both the Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland. 84% of the workforce were found to be in the former and 16% in the latter. Therefore, based on the population and labour force data above, there is a greater level of labour activity in the part of the catchment that is within the Republic of Ireland. As displayed in Figure 6.5 the proportion for the active workforce employed in ‘commerce and trade’ and ‘transport and communications’ across the catchment is greater than in Cavan alone. Figure 6.5 also demonstrates that the industries of ‘agriculture, forestry and fishing’ and ‘manufacturing’ employ proportionally more people in Cavan than in the catchment. This further reflects the importance of these two industries to the county. Within a 30-minute drive of the nine major towns of County Cavan, there is a total population identified population of 260,849 – 91% (237,665) in the Republic of Ireland and 9% (23,184) in Northern Ireland. The labour force is approximately 166,000 within the catchment, and this is also split by 91% (150,557) and 9% (15,254) for the Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland respectively. An assessment of the educational attainment of the population reveals that 20% of the population in the catchment area have secured a third level qualification, of which 31,414 are based in the Republic of Ireland and 3,487 are based in Northern Ireland. By comparison with Catchment Scenario 1, the localised rate of higher-level educational attainment is slightly lower. Figure 6.2 30-minute and 60-minute drivetimes from County Cavan’s nine main towns (KPMG FA, 2020).Cavan County Development Plan 2022-2028 260

3. Page 13

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   Figure 6.3 Proportional employment by industry, Cavan and the catchment within 60 minutes of the Cavan’s nine major towns (CSO 2016, NISRA 2011). Figure 6.4 Proportional employment by industry, Cavan and the catchment within 30 minutes of Cavan’s main towns (CSO 2016, NISRA 2011) 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 25% 20% 15% 10% 5% 0% 22 17 11 6 0 n Catchment scenario 1 n Cavan n Catchment scenario 2 n Cavan 1. Agriculture, forestry 2. Building and Construction 3. Manufacturing industries 4. Commerce and trade 5. Trade 6. Public administration 7. Professional services 8. Other 1. Agriculture, forestry 2. Building and Construction 3. Manufacturing industries 4. Commerce and trade 5. Trade 6. Public administration 7. Professional services 8. OtherEconomic 261

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   Mostly, the industries of employment of the workforce in Catchment Scenario 2 are proportionally similar to those in the first scenario. However, there is a slightly higher proportion of people working in ‘public administration’ in Cavan than there are in the whole of Catchment Scenario 2. The differences in the industries of employment between the scenarios also illustrates the local importance of sectors such as ‘agriculture, forestry and fishing’ and ‘manufacturing industries’. With higher rates of employment in these areas in the more localised Scenario 2. 6.9 Labour Force Profile Analysis indicates that 31.6% (15,572) of the county’s population have attained a third level education, compared to the national average of 39% of the population. This attainment rate aligns closely with some of the county’s neighbours: Donegal (31%) and Monaghan (31%). However, it is outperformed by other counties, such as Leitrim (35.4%), Westmeath (36.3%) and Meath (38.9%). The extent of higher-level educational attainment throughout the county varies. For example, in Cavan Town and Virginia, more than 33% of those who have ceased education have attained a third level qualification. By contrast, the figure is 22% in Ballyjamesduff, 26% in Bailieborough and 26% in Cootehill. Evaluating the fields of study for the county; 10% have a third level qualification in each of ‘social sciences, business and law’ and ‘engineering, manufacturing and construction’, while 5% of graduates have a background in ‘agriculture and veterinary’. During the 2017/18 academic year, there were 2,404 higher education students that originated in County Cavan enrolled in higher educational institutions (HEIs) aided by the Department of Education. The students represent 1.5% of all Republic of Ireland students studying in the country. However, the county’s population represent 1.6% of the state total. Dublin is the main county in which these students’ study (57% or 1,365), compared with a general trend of 46% of the national total studying there (e.g. Trinity College, University College Dublin, Dublin Institute of Technology. 9% study in Louth (Dundalk Institute of Technology), compared with 2% of all students nationally studying there. Similarly, a greater proportion of students originating in Cavan study in Sligo (Sligo Institute of Technology and St. Angela’s College) (9% versus 2.6% of the national figure). The remaining 25% of students (610) study in other higher-education counties of Westmeath, Carlow, Cork, Donegal, Galway/Mayo, Kerry, Kildare, Limerick and Waterford. 6.10 Commuters Trends One of the main objectives of this strategy is to facilitate more jobs within the County thereby improving the jobs ratio and reducing the volume of outbound commuting. The Cavan Economic Study contained an analysis of Cavan as a commuter destination for external counties (excluding Northern Ireland) indicated that 3,827 people commute to Cavan for work (as isolated from public POWSCAR using proportion of those “at work” in 2016 Census). Figure 6.5 County Cavan Population (1991 - 2031) (Source CSO 1991-2016, KPMG FA 2020) 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 16% 12% 8% 4% 0% n Cavan % n State % 1. Agriculture and Veterinary 2. Arts 3. Education 4. Engineering 5. Health and Welfare 6. Humanities 7. Other Subjects 8. Science Mathematics 9. Services 10. Social Sciences BusinessCavan County Development Plan 2022-2028 262

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   This constitutes 11.6% of working commuters in Cavan. With the majority of commuters originating in Monaghan, Meath, Leitrim, Longford and Westmeath, its location within the North West Region and neighbouring Eastern and Midland Region provide a significant portion of its labour force. This study also indicates a total of 8,055 persons living in Cavan and commuting out of the County for employment, 3,656 living in urban areas and 4,399 living in rural areas. The RSES identifies that improving the alignment between the location of residential development and employment is one of the key challenges facing the region. This Development Plan supports a counter-commuting strategy aimed to leverage the economic and social assets of Cavan County, together with the educated and skilled workforce and relevant policy interventions. The need to identify additional economic lands and strategic sites in key settlements which are experiencing significant out bound commuting due to the extent of their resident populations and the lack of local employment is a key development objective of this Development Plan. 6.11 Key Stakeholders in the Economic Growth of Cavan Stakeholders include: Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment, Regional Assemble, Cavan County Council, LEO, Enterprise Ireland, IDA, the Regional Skills Forum, Tourism bodies, private sector entrepreneurs, and others. 6.12 Economic Development Strategy The overall aim of the Economic Development Strategy (EDS) of this Plan is to provide for smart, sustainable, inclusive and resilient economic growth within the County. The purpose of the EDS is to advance the County’s existing economic profile, by way of demonstrating and maximising on the County’s assets and competitive advantages in terms of its strategic boarder location, its green environment, its high standard of life and the availability of a skilled and educated workforce within the County and surrounding region. This EDS has afforded due cognisance to recent economic, demographic and employment trends within the County and Region as well as the main principles of the RSES in terms of Economic Opportunity, Climate Action and Healthy Placemaking. It is not intended that this EDS be a single entity in outlining the County’s overall economic development strategy, but rather is an overall guide which informs and assists in collaborating all facets concerning the economic growth of the County, where possible. Cavan’s Economic Development Strategy is focused on the following Guiding Principles: Locations of Employment l Availability of Land and Supporting Infrastructure l Placemaking for Enterprise and Employment l Town and Village Centre Regeneration and Revitalisation l Public Realm l Compact Growth & Regeneration l Design l Skills and Innovation l Smart Enterprises l Home Based Economic Activity and Remote Working l Investment and Support l Quality of Life l Green Economy Cavan County Council will need to continue to employ an enhanced proactive effect to excel the economic prospects of the County, with collaboration and communication vital elements. While the national economy faces immediate downturn, prior to the impact of COVID-19 Cavan had continued to strengthen and employment figures increased following the economic difficulties of 2007 and 2008. With the potentially positive outlook with the incoming rollout of vaccinations, Cavan may see an economic recovery along with the state. Prior to COVID-19, economic growth was predicted to continue at modest levels of 3.6% for 2020 and 3.2% for 2012. However, since the pandemic, national economic growth has been significantly revised with the Central Bank, ESRI and the European Commission all forecasting a contraction of on average -8.5% for 2020, followed by growth of 6% in 2013. While this would indicate a swift recovery from a sudden and sharp contraction, the economic outlook is undoubtedly dependent on overcoming the pandemic crisis.Economic 263

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   The Covid-19 pandemic also presents a number of opportunities. Remote working (at home and in e-hubs) has had a positive effect in terms of climate change, biodiversity, quality of life and health. The pandemic also provided the opportunity to evaluate the infrastructural capabilities of remote working at a mass-level, in terms of broadband provision to facilitate economic activity. Remote and e-working has been successful across a number of industry sectors. This will have implications for traditional working patterns and major economic centres, with the need for location-specific employment and office floorspace requirements being re-evaluated. Brexit now presents a major source of uncertainty, particularly for the agriculture, manufacturing and tourism sectors. The complexity and potential challenges for economic development in County Cavan are clear and somewhat unprecedented. Under this strategy, it is anticipated that the Council will be able to drive and promote sustainable economic growth by focussing on the key elements to make the attraction and retention of enterprise and economic development more successful. The preparation of this Economic Strategy has coincided with the COVID-19 pandemic which has had a severe economic impact internationally, nationally and at a local level. Uncertainty remains in terms of the future viability of certain businesses owing to the introduction of public health measures, such as social distancing, which undoubtedly impacts on business and services, particularly those without a strong online and virtual presence, and those reliant on in shop footfall and in situ customers, particularly in the retail, food and hospitality sectors. In order to maintain economic growth and promote increased development, the Council recognises the need to adapt to changing national and global economic trends, particularly considering COVID-19 and Brexit. The varying and unique needs that companies (start-ups, SMEs, large corporations, multinational firms) have in terms of different levels of skills, capital, sophistication and growth orientation (agriculture, ICT, engineering, food, pharmaceutical, medtech, finance) is acknowledged. It is the policy of Cavan County Council, to actively entice and seek investment in terms of the built environment and in terms of job creation and economic activity. In addition, this plan will ensure there is a sufficient availability of appropriate lands to accommodate new investment and enterprise development over the short, medium and long term. The provision of preidentified strategic enterprise and employment lands will maximise the ability of County Cavan to facilitate economic expansion and ensure that the county is in a position to continually attract new investment in the future. For Cavan, this has a significant bearing on this Economic Strategy and marks a key opportunity to promote Cavan as an attractive location to live and work with substantial quality of life benefits available. As a result, the Economic Strategy presented in this plan places a heightened emphasis on supporting home or e-working and other microenterprises, as well as the provision of infrastructure and supporting services, such as hot desks, casual work spaces and meeting facilities, in order to sustain and enhance this increasingly important area of the economy. Although Brexit presents issues that are obviously beyond the County Development Plan’s remit, there are issues that plainly relate to land-use planning and infrastructure provision. This chapter provides a positive vision and spatial land use planning framework to support the significant sectors such as industry, retail and tourism and provides an appropriate readiness to respond to challenges and opportunities that may be presented. 6.13 Locations of Employment The provision of appropriate locations for employment is essential for Cavan to further facilitate economic development in the sustainable manner. This strategy will ensure the primacy of Cavan is recognised, protected and promoted whilst ensuring that over time, a number of other major employment centres are developed. This approach will provide a balance to the locations of economic opportunities across the County. This plan has determined such locations based on evidence based planning and the principles of proper planning and sustainable development, which is the core component of the economic development strategy for the County. It is also guided by the County’s Settlement Hierarchy and is consistent with the NPF and RSES. This plan facilitates the economic development of all areas of the County, promoting existing areas where clusters and/or industries have development while enabling the growth of other areas that have not yet reached full potential. The landscape of Cavan changes dramatically from east to west, as too the economic function of such areas, full cognisance of this has been taking into account during the plan preparation.Cavan County Development Plan 2022-2028 264

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   In broad terms, County Cavan can be contextualised into three main economic areas: the border area, the eastern area and the mid and west areas combined. Each area has developed organically and individually, due it is location, scale and function. This plan facilitates and promotes the sustainable economic growth of all three areas including the towns and villages as appropriate to their position in the settlement hierarchy. This plan aims to promote Cavan as a key location for economic development supporting the provision of increased levels of employment through the expansion of the existing enterprise ecosystem in Cavan. The overarching challenge for the Council is to assist in creating more jobs so that more people who live in Cavan can work in Cavan. It will also support the provision of physical and social infrastructure and zoned lands to realise the delivery of strategic employment lands in central accessible locations. The optimum location for employment and enterprise development within the County has been identified on lands which are appropriately zoned; brownfield sites/regeneration lands and areas where economic clustering can be delivered and/or where new opportunities exist. The provision of services for all employment related lands will be a priority for the County during this plan period. Cavan’s core strategy and settlement hierarchy provides a quantitative vision for the overall spatial development of the County over the plan period, with Cavan town (County Town/Key Town) identified as the primary economic driver, Virginia (Self Sustaining Growth Town) as a hub for the east of the County supported by self-sustaining towns, medium towns, small towns and villages and rural areas. 6.13.1 Cavan Town Cavan (being the County town and a designated Key Town) and its strategic central location within the County is a strong economic driver and has the capacity to act as a regional driver. This plan aims to promote the Key Town of Cavan as a primary employment location and attractive investment location in the County and region. It is the policy of Cavan County Council to support Cavan’s role as an important employment hub by promoting the location of economic development and clustering of related enterprises to Cavan town. The Council will work to continue to build resilience with Cavan’s enterprise base, to allow businesses to withstand new challenges and realise sustained growth and employment creation for the longer term. This plan also supports the provision of physical infrastructure and zoned lands to realise the delivery of strategic employment lands in central accessible locations.Economic 265

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   Provision is made in this plan for the development of Cavan as an attractive, vibrant and highly accessible county town and economic driver for the region. It is the policy of Cavan County Council to support actions set out in the Cavan Town Revitalisation Plan to make the town a more attractive place to live, work, shop and do business in. 6.13.2 Virginia The Development Plan builds on the RSES’s stipulation that there are opportunities to further enhance the economic performance of Virginia by capitalising on its strategic location and the associated national and international connectivity that this provides. This plan aims to promote and facilitate the sustainable growth of Virginia as a hub for the east of the County, in terms of economic, housing and services. It is the policy of Cavan County Council to continue to work in attracting new economic development opportunities to Virginia and to support the continued development of existing enterprises. A key aim of this plan for Virginia is to promote sustainable economic development in Virginia through the promotion of identified economic growth areas which provide employment opportunities locally and reduce the volume of long distance commuting. Support is also outlined for the growth of Virginia as a location of strategic development potential of a regional scale and expansion of the existing Food Cluster containing Glanbia and AW Ennis east of Virginia. With this in mind and in order to ensure employment opportunities are commensurate with population growth, further employment lands in Virginia have been designated, additional lands have been included within to development plan boundary to the west and east of the town. In addition, further east of Virginia has been designated as a strategic employment site. This designation will facilitate the comprehensive marketing of these land and the provision of necessary services. Specific policy objective relating to Virginia as included as part of Chapter 2 in this development plan. 6.13.3 Self-Sustaining Towns & Medium Towns Self-Sustaining Towns & Medium Towns in Cavan play an important supporting and complementary role in developing regional and county-level economic growth in tandem with Cavan Town andCavan County Development Plan 2022-2028 266

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   Virginia. The vital function they perform in terms of the provision of employment for the town and local hinterland cannot be underestimated. The level and sectors of employment, enterprise and retail offer is different in each town, as is their industrial history and development. It is the policy of Cavan County Council to support and facilitate enterprise and employment provision through all towns in the County, with the overall aim of achieving a higher standard of living for the citizens of County Cavan. This plan contains policies to supports the revitalisation of Town Centres and the regeneration of derelict or under utilised sites. A key aim of the plan is to better utilise and promote unique individual town assets, for example the town’s infrastructure, it’s strategic location, clusters of existing enterprises, talent pool, etc as a means of creating sustainable economic communities. Opportunity also exists to increase the economic profile of Cavan’s towns by zoning additional lands for economic uses and supporting regeneration projects in tandem with placemaking measures to visually enhance the public realm and historic character and setting of the town. 6.13.4 Small Towns and Villages Small towns play a vital role as economic drivers for employment and service providers for their rural hinterland and the rural economy. The plan aims to assist and direct development and economic opportunities into towns, support the continued operation of enterprises, encourage regeneration and re-use of derelict or underutilised buildings and sites in our small towns and villages. Emphasis will be placed on enhancing and promoting the role of Town Centres to better facilitate economic development and service provision. It is the policy of Cavan County Council to protect and strengthen the vitality and viability of town and village centres throughout the County. Rejuvenation will occur to meet the needs of those who live, work or visit. The Plan will support measures to visually enhance the public realm and historic character and settings of the towns and villages as a means to attract people back into village cores to live, work and visit. In addition, the plan will support investment in infrastructure and services that enable and deliver economic development. Throughout the County, significant opportunity exists to develop the economic baseEconomic 267

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    of many small towns thus allowing the settlements to become more self-sustaining. In order to increase the economic profile of small towns and villages, sufficient lands have been zoned within the whitelands boundary to accommodate an appropriate range of enterprise uses. 6.13.5 Rural Community Nodes In the rural areas there are rural settlements and rural nodes which provide opportunities for employment including local services provision, appropriate scale commercial enterprises, indigenous industry and micro-enterprise. This is addressed in detail in the Rural Economy section of Chapter 12 Rural Chapter. LE 01 LE 02 LE 03 LE 04 LE 05 LE 06 LE 07 LE 08 LE 09 LE 10 LE 11 LE 12 Location of Employment Development Objectives It is a development objective of Cavan County Council to: Facilitate the economic development of Cavan to create a viable and favourable economic environment for business and enterprise whilst delivering sustainable jobs, employment opportunity and an enriched standard of living for everyone. Facilitate and support the continuation of balanced population and employment growth, with a focus on strengthening the County’s urban structure in accordance with the County’s settlement hierarchy. Ensure that there is sufficient quantum of zoned lands to facilitate a range of enterprise across the County in line with the Settlement Hierarchy. Such lands will be protected from inappropriate development that would prejudice its long-term development for employment and economic activity. Support economic development at locations that maximise existing infrastructural provision, particularly in relation to locating high employee generating enterprise and industry proximate to high capacity public transport networks and links. Identify locations for strategic employment development within Cavan town and Virginia and support the economic development of the remaining settlements of the County. Enhance our economic profile with the development of new enterprise parks at strategic locations in the County including Cavan Town and Virginia and further expansion and development of existing enterprise lands and space in other settlements throughout the County. Promote quality employment and residential developments in proximity to each other in order to reduce the need to travel and ensure that suitable local accommodation is available to meet the needs of workers in the County and to reduce long distance commuter trends and congestion. Support existing successful clusters in Cavan, such as those in the manufacturing and agri-food sectors and promote new and emerging opportunities across all economic sectors withing the County. Promote Cavan as an employment base and encourage the location of start-up businesses in the area. Promote the further development to the IDA Cavan Business and Technology Park as a key strategic site for economic development in the County. Develop existing and new community enterprise workspace/incubation and hot desks facilities in key locations throughout the County, including Cavan town centre. Identify suitable locations and support the provision of co-working facilities, digital hubs/eHubs and eWorking centres throughout the County that function as outreach hubs for city-based employers and promote flexible working arrangements (and noting the importance of proactively responding to post-Covid workplace needs).Cavan County Development Plan 2022-2028 268

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