Cavan County Development Plan 2022–2028 — Chapter 6

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   IS 01 IS 02 IS 03 IS 04 IS 05 IS 06 IS 07 IS 08 Investment and Support Development Objectives It is a development objective of Cavan County Council to: Work in partnership with the public and private sectors, including but not limited to the IDA, Enterprise Ireland, Enterprise Fund and private land owners, to promote and facilitate the location and delivery of industry and enterprise, whilst ensuring the provision of necessary infrastructure. Support and liaise with the Local Enterprise Office (LEO) in order to optimise the County’s economic development potential and provide a strong framework for sustainable job creation and economic growth. Facilitate and enhance the collective offering of Cavan as an attractive place to live, work and do business and invest in. Build on the This is Cavan brand that exemplifies the core components of quality of life factors, including live-work balance, strong education structures, amenity and leisure attractions combined with economic opportunity. Strengthen Cross Border Links in the central border region to enhance the social, economic, cultural and environmental wellbeing of cross border communities and encourage collaborative work at this sub regional level to develop cross border initiatives and projects. Support in conjunction with Cavan LEO and other relevant agencies the development of indigenous industry and business start-ups in the county. Work in partnership with the relevant development agencies to ensure a cohesive approach to economic development throughout the County enabling us to maximise funding opportunities (URDF/RRDF or similar) and other resources so as to create a resilient and progressive economy in the county, using the New County Development Plan as one of the key drivers of spatial and economic development. Develop and implement best practice by creating a support structure to serve developers/ businesses and enterprises (all sizes and sectors, indigenous and foreign owned), in managing the planning application process.Economic 279

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   6.22 Quality of Life Developing places that are attractive for business investment and for people to live and work are vital to help Cavan reach its full potential economically. In addition to quality environments, a high quality of life also encourages and attracts new investment. The development plan supports the promotion of Cavan’s high quality of life as one of its key selling points. Connectivity and access to talent, infrastructure and education are also important factors, Cavan hosts all these settling points. Cavan County Council, through proper planning and sustainable development will offer adequate choice of facilities and land for enterprises to locate within the County, thus reversing the commuting trend and offering people a better work life balance. The County Council will also support opportunities to work from home and the development of remote working spaces. Cavan County Council is also committed to building on the This is Cavan brand that exemplifies the core components of quality of life factors, including live-work balance, strong education structures, amenity and leisure attractions combined with economic opportunity. 6.23 Green Economy The green economy phenomenon can be described as the progressively more sustainable approach that has been adopted in recent years for undertaking and engaging in economic activity. The green economy approach to economic development is regarded as an area with growth potential for enterprise and employment establishment, notable in sectors and/or activities such as research and development, innovation, energy efficiency, transportation, agriculture, food production, marine, tourism and procurement. This approach has been advocated throughout the county with many enterprises introducing pioneering technologies. The Council recognises the significant role the ‘Green Economy’ has to play in the competitiveness of the county and the country as a whole. The growing international emphasis on reducing greenhouse gas emissions and improving resource efficiency presents a major opportunity for indigenous enterprises to grow and export innovative products and services. This is further supported in the National Planning Framework, where the transition towards a low carbon and climate resilient society is identified as one of 10 no. National Strategic Outcomes of the NPF. The transition towards a low carbon economy will act as a catalyst for significant economic development, employment and investment opportunities in the fields of disruptive technologies, renewable energy, building retrofitting, enhanced construction smart technologies and agriculture. There are a number of government frameworks supporting the green economy and advocating implementation of its key principles. As mentioned previously, agriculture is a key sector of employment in County Cavan. Food Harvest 2020 and Food Wise 2025 outline targets for current quantity and export driven Irish agriculture, which in turn stipulates a need to align our climate targets and the future proofing of the agricultural economy and the sustainable framing practices and production methods. The Smart Farming Programme promotes the adoption of resource efficiency measures the demonstrate both cost savings and environmental benefits. Cavan County Council promotes and support such programmes and acknowledges the positive economic and social benefits they will bring in the long term. Cavan County Council will promote the renewable energy sector in the County and clean technology usage in existing and proposed industrial developments, including the use of alternative and renewable energy sources. QL 01 QL 02 QL 03 QL 04 Quality of Life Development Objectives It is a development objective of Cavan County Council to: Facilitate and enhance the collective offering of Cavan as an attractive place to live, work and do business and invest in. Develop and implement local economic initiatives which enhance towns and villages. Build on the This is Cavan brand that exemplifies the core components of Quality of Life factors, including live-work balance, strong education structures, amenity and leisure attractions combined with economic opportunity. Realise the full potential of the County by providing for places that are attractive for business investment and for people to live and work.Cavan County Development Plan 2022-2028 280

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   GED 01 GED 02 GED 03 GED 04 GED 05 GED 06 GED 07 Green Economy Development Objectives It is a development objective of Cavan County Council to: Ensure that a sustainable approach is taken to enterprise development and employment creation across all sectors in accordance with the Green Economy national frameworks relevant to each sector. Engage with all relevant government stakeholders, enterprise agencies and sectoral representatives in pursuing green approaches to economic development, and actively collaborate with key industry and educational bodies to promote Cavan based initiatives the economic sectors. Support the emergency and operation of new and existing enterprises in the green economy sector. Support renewable energy initiative subject to the proper planning and sustainable development of the area. Support homebased economic activity that allows for working from home or local hubs to reduce commuting and congestion in our towns. Ensure that the County is well positioned to capitalise on the economic benefits associated with the transition to a low carbon economy. Support rural diversification through sustainable rural development practices, investment in rural towns and villages, and provision for access to technology and skills development networks. 6.24 Retail 6.24.1 County Cavan Retail Strategy 2021-2028 A new Cavan County Retail Strategy 2021-2028 was prepared to reflect the changing environment for retail development emerging from Brexit or the COVID-19 crisis and an increase in online retailing, and set within the context of current national, regional and development guidelines and plans. The need for an updated County Retail Strategy is also required to reflect the most-up to date population and retail floorspace information. (see Appendix 2: County Cavan Retail Strategy). The Retail Strategy was carried out in accordance with provisions set out in the “Retail Planning Guidelines for Planning Authorities” (Department of the Environment, Community and Local Government (DoEHLG), 2012). The COVID-19 crisis is significantly affecting the Irish economy, and the retail sector is no exception. Whilst the overall impact on the retailers and unemployment has been negative, the Irish government has also unveiled an unprecedented Budget 2021 including credit and income supports and rates waiver and tax measures for businesses to meet the challenges of both Brexit and COVID-19 in Ireland in 2021. Despite this, the Republic of Ireland started the effective rollout of COVID-19 vaccination among its population from January 2021, and the economy is forecasted to grow on a national level in 2021. It is therefore vital that planning policy is formulated to deal with any anticipated resurgence in retail, particularly after the COVID-19 crisis is over. Cavan’s geographic location relative to retail shopping destinations in Northern Ireland means it is particularly susceptible to uncertainties brought about by ‘Brexit’. The practical implications on the wider economy of Brexit are still unclear. Right from the beginning, it was suggested that likely negatives will include a swing in trade balance between Ireland and the UK owing to slower UK growth. A review of national trends and indicators in respect of Ireland and the UK’s relationship from the CSO14 confirms a national fluctuation of exports to other countries within the last two years. County Cavan’s geographic position adjacent to the border within the EU may translate onto economic opportunities in the form of employment due to the relocation of businesses. In this regard, it will be critical that the County positions itself as a strategic gateway hub by the northern border.Economic 281

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   The County has a relatively even distribution of its workforce across industry sectors and may also benefit from this. In summary, it is expected that a period of restructuring will be followed by an eventual stabilisation which may bring opportunities to the County in the form of employment due to relocation of businesses, or growth as an economic or transport hub. It is therefore critical that the developed strategy incorporates sufficient flexibility to positively respond to any unforeseen issues as they arise as the post-Brexit agreement starts to be implemented. This Strategy sets out the retail hierarchy for the County and confirms the level and form of retailing activity appropriate to each of the main settlements in Cavan. The Strategy also appraises the primary retail centres in the County with insight backed by the results of Shopper and Householder Surveys. Identification of the extent of the retail catchment areas has been undertaken as part of the Strategy in order to identify the estimated populations for respective catchments. Following analysis and surveys a detailed assessment of the additional quantitative retail floorspace requirements (capacity and need) for the County is outlined. Finally, recommendations on key policy approaches for assessing retail proposals are provided in the conclusion to the Strategy. Various recommendations are set out with regards to actions that may assist in improving retailing within the County. There are two aspects to the policy recommendations, including a broad description of the overall strategy over the period of the Strategy, 2021 to 2028. The second set of recommendations relate to policy requirements for the range of locations in the County retail hierarchy with appropriate policy advice and guidance. The successful implementation of this Retail Strategy will be dependent upon crossboundary co-operation between Councils and the implementation of the regional policies and objectives set out in the Regional Spatial and Economic Strategies. Dichotomous economic recovery influenced by wider regional and national parameters, emphasises a need for a regional retail strategy, similar to the approach undertaken for the Greater Dublin Area (Greater Dublin Area Retail Strategy 2008-2016). This would provide a more measured framework for retail development across the counties in the region. Figure 6.8 County Cavan Retail Hierarchy TEIR 1 PRIMARY RETAIL CENTRE Cavan Town Virginia, Bailieborough, Ballyjamesduff, Kingscourt & Coothill (A) Ballyconnell, Belturbet, Arvagh & Ballinagh (B) Killashandra, Mullagh, Kilnaleck, Blacklion, Dowra, Ballyhaise & Shercock Kilcogy, Lough Gowna, Mountnugent, Swanlinbar, Bawnboy, Butlersbridge, Crossdoney, Redhills, Stradone & Crosskeys Rural and Local Stores KEY SUPPORT RETAIL CENTRES (A) SATELLITE RETAIL CENTRES (B) LOCAL RETAIL CENTRES VILLAGE RETAIL CENTRE RURAL AND LOCAL STORES TEIR 3 TEIR 4 TEIR 5 TEIR 2Cavan County Development Plan 2022-2028 282

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   ER 01 ER 02 ER 03 ER 04 ER 05 ER 06 6.24.2 County Cavan Retail Hierarchy 6.25 Economic Development Climate 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 development objectives. Economic development plays a crucial role in improving our overall living standards while making society a better place. However, the negative effects of climate change, including damage to property and infrastructure, lost productivity, mass migration and threats to security are set to increasingly challenge our stable development. Unabated climate change is likely to cost the world economy a minimum of 5% GDP every year, increasing to 20% if more dramatic predictions come to pass, and yet a 1% GDP investment in reducing GHG emissions has the potential to completely offset this very cost. The solution is easily transferred into an Irish context, whereby the Irish Government has committed to a €80 per tonne carbon tax by 2030, when an investment of €25 per tonne on reducing carbon emissions would eliminate this problem ever occurring. In fact, 30% of GHGs can be reduced at negative or zero cost to the global economy. Encouragingly, the European Commission launched the ‘Green Deal’ programme in 2019 with the very aim of the European Union (EU) becoming a carbon neutral economy by 2050 and entering into a legally binding commitment to reduce carbon emissions by 2030 by 40%. Prior to this, the National Development Plan (NDP) 2018 -2027 made the €500m Climate Action Fund available to support initiatives that contribute to the achievement of Irelands’ climate and energy targets in a cost-effective manner, supporting innovation and generation of wider socioeconomic benefits such as job creation, reduction in fuel poverty and community development. The Department of Communications, Climate Action & Environment’s followed with the launch of the ‘Future Jobs Ireland 2019’ framework, aligning to three of the five CAP ‘pillars’ including: l ‘Embracing Innovation and Technological Change’; l ‘Improving SME Productivity’ and; l ‘Transitioning to a Low Carbon Economy’. Retail Development Objectives It is a development objective of Cavan County Council to: Ensure that all retail development permitted accords with the relevant requirements and criteria as established within the Retail Planning Guidelines for Planning Authorities 2012 and the Cavan County Retail Strategy 2021-2028 (or any subsequent update). Permit retail development of a size and scale that is appropriate to the level of the town/settlement area, including its population, as defined within the County Retail Hierarchy. This policy will aim to consolidate and reinforce all existing retail enterprises within the County and permit the development of additional retail floorspace where such development is deemed to be appropriate by Cavan County Council. Support and promote the sustainable development of the retailing sector throughout the County, with a recognition of the importance of SMEs to this domestic sector of the local economy. Guide retail development where practical and viable in accordance with the framework provided by the “Sequential Approach”, in order to enable the vitality and viability of existing town and village centres to be sustained and strengthened. Encourage and facilitate an appropriate range of day and evening activity thereby creating vibrant, active and attractive town centres. Promote the reuse of vacant retail floorspace. Where no viable retail use can be sustained, alternative uses will be assessed on their own merits against the requirements of the proper planning and sustainable development of the areas within which they are located.Economic 283

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   EDC 01 EDC 02 EDC 03 EDC 04 EDC 05 EDC 06 EDC 07 EDC 08 In the same year and originating out of Budget 2020 the ‘Just Transition Fund’ was created by Government to retrain and reskill workers, and assistant local communities in transitioning to a low carbon economy. According to the European Commission’s ‘Innovating for Sustainable Growth – A Bioeconomy for Europe’ (2012), Ireland’s ‘National Policy Statement on the Bioeconomy’ (2018), the NPF, and transformed into policy under the NWRA RSES, the concept of the ‘bioeconomy’ holds many of the answers in the promotion of more efficient use of renewable resources, including sustainable land management that supports economic development and employment in rural areas. Economic Development Climate Development Objectives It is a development objective of Cavan County Council to: Require all future commercial and/or industrial development applications to be accompanied by a signed statement outlining the current and any future environmentally friendly / sustainable activities – prioritising energy efficiency, replacement of fossil fuels, careful management of materials and waste, and carbon abatement (e.g. in-house green team, carpooling, working-fromhome, etc). Consider planning applications for multiple and complementary use classes to encourage greater use of our existing infrastructure, and in support of the day/night economy. Support enterprise and Local Enterprise Office (LEO) on the development of industries that create and employ green technologies and take measures to accelerate the transition towards a low carbon economy and circular economy. Apply the principles of the voluntary Green Public Procurement (GPP) initiative in accordance with the Office of Government Procurement (OGP) across all local authority procurement, wherever feasible. Seek Environmental Management Systems accreditation (e.g. ISO 14001 and similar) within the lifetime of the plan, as part of the European Union’s Eco Management and Audit Scheme (EMAS). Provide community/public, ‘hot desking’ provision in towns and villages throughout County Cavan. Facilitate sustainable employment growth in the County, through the provision of adequately zoned and located employment lands and support homebased economic activity that allows for working from home or local hubs to reduce commuting. Cooperate with industry that develops and incorporates carbon neutral technology. Both National and Regional Policy further establish the need for local authorities to play a greater role in supporting innovation and rural economic development through the diversification of the rural economy into new sectors and services, including ICT-based industries and those addressing climate change and sustainability.Cavan County Development Plan 2022-2028 284

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