Development plan · Cavan County Council
Cavan County Development Plan 2022–2028 — Chapter 9
One part of the council's development plan written statement, which the council publishes in parts.
Cavan County Council · 2022–2028 · 18 pages
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- HHAS 01 HHAS 02 HHAS 03 HHAS 04 HHAS 05 9.7 Lakes and Waterways Cavan is widely regarded as Ireland’s finest fishing destination, known to have a lake for every day of the year, in addition to the Shannon and Erne rivers. The value of the lakes and waterways from a tourism and amenity perspective is significant having regard to their scenic beauty, serene environment and natural heritage and habitat value. The River Erne and the vast Lough Oughter lake system, the Shannon – Erne Waterway and the Dromore/Annalee river system dominate the middle of the County. To the east, lies the upper River Boyne system and to the south and north west, parts of the mighty River Shannon. These lakes and rivers have good stocks of bream, roach, rudd, perch and pike. Eels are present throughout the county. Tench are also widespread and have grown to specimen size in some locations. Open wild waters can be found in the wider river stretches or large lakes such as Gowna, Oughter, Sillan, Upper Lough Erne, Lough MacNean or Lough Ramor. Lough Sheelin is regarded as one of the finest brown trout fisheries in Europe and supports accommodation providers, boat and bait hire providers and guides in the area. Cavan County Council regconises the economic benefit this type of tourism brings to the county. Many towns throughout the county are now regarded as established angling towns, offering with angler – friendly accommodation, services and facilities. There are several well known and popular angling festivals that take place throughout the year in angler friendly towns and villages such as Cootehill, Belturbet, Arvagh, Gowna and Killeshandra. International anglers comprise of many of the participants in these events, many stay locally and make a valuable contribution to the local economy. The angling sector contributes over €800 million to the Irish economy every year and supports over 11,000 Irish jobs, often in rural communities where there are fewer job opportunities available. The average length of stay for tourist anglers is 11 nights, 25 per cent longer than average tourists. In addition, tourist anglers spend more, €1,027 compared to €832 average spend per trip. Angling is a key part of Ireland’s outdoor recreation offering and has the potential to stimulate innovation and entrepreneurship in rural areas and can help to compensate and reverse the decline experienced in many rural towns and villages. History, Heritage and Ancient Sites Development Objectives It is a development objective of Cavan County Council to: Encourage sustainable tourism enterprise development associated with rural life style, landscape, natural and heritage locations to develop Cavan’s infrastructure and gain the benefit from increased visitors, subject to development management standards. Support sustainable initiatives and projects that enable visitors to enjoy and connect with our natural heritage, including walking or cycling trails, glamping, viewing points, facilities for birdwatching and angling, tours and events, subject to the requirements for protecting this valuable and sensitive heritage. Support enhanced access to state, semi-state and private lands such as bogs, forests, waterways, together with National Monuments and Historic Properties, for recreation and tourism purposes. Access should be planned and managed in a sustainable manner that protects heritage, environmental sensitivities, ecological corridors, and the ability of local infrastructure to support increased tourism. Support the diversification and innovation of our tourism product with opportunities arising for the development of new tourism offerings such as nature, culturally curious and slow tourism. Support the conservation of estates and demesnes by way of facilitating appropriate development that contributes to their economic viability.Tourism 355
- LW 01 LW 02 LW 03 LW 04 LW 05 LW 06 LW 07 LW 08 Our lakes and waterways have benefited from significant public and private investment from a variety of sources in the long term, particularly in recent years. Public amenity areas have been developed at numerous locations along our waterways, many of which include car parking, information panels, toilets, viewing points and boat mooring. The Council will seek to facilitate increased visitor access and enjoyment of Cavan’s lakes and waterways, through encouraging developments which provide visitor services and / or create stronger connections with towns and villages which can provide those services. Such services may include bike, boat and watersport equipment hire, changing and toilet facilities and guided tours, along with general services such as accommodation and restaurants etc. This will require support for the establishment of smallscale enterprise development in a sustainable manner. This poses a challenge, given the inherent environmental sensitivities at such locations. However, the Council will encourage and seek to create stronger connections between waterbased amenities and nearby population centres, and the reuse of existing structures where visitor services can be best accommodated. Where existing underused structures and infrastructure already exists at water side locations, priority will be given to developments which maximise the use of existing infrastructure as opposed to new development in new locations. The quality of our water resources is of paramount importance to realising the potential of these assets for tourism. All tourist related development in the vicinity of any of the lakes and waterways in the County shall be subject to the requirements of the Habitats Directive. Lakes and Waterways Development Objectives It is a development objective of Cavan County Council to: Support the development of the angling tourism sector throughout the County, including the development of an updated angling strategy for County Cavan. Continue to engage with Inland Fisheries Ireland on the delivery of the National Strategy for Angling Development in Cavan Support angling festivals that attract visitors and have the potential to create bednights in the county. Facilitate increased access to Cavan’s waterways, from towns and villages where visitor services are located, with an emphasis on providing a strong visitor experience associated with the lakes and waterways and their heritage and amenity value, including trails, bird hides, and water sports facilities, subject to the protection of environmentally sensitive areas and the requirements of the Habitats Directive. Support the provision of infrastructure to enable increased tourism activity associated with Cavan’s waterways, including boating, marina/berthing, kayaking, angling, blueways and harbour amenities while ensuring that such provision does not negatively impact on sensitive environments and subject to the requirements of the Birds and Habitats Directives. Prioritise development proposals which support the Shannon Tourism Masterplan’s Gateway, Towns and villages and utilise existing infrastructure and disused structures in close proximity to Cavan’s waterways for the provision of visitor services, including changing facilities, boat storage, glamping, where appropriate. Support the provision of walking and cycling links between lakes, rivers, bogs and nearby towns, villages and visitor attractions, provided such developments do not negatively impact on sensitive environments. Support the development of Waterways Ireland ‘Shannon Tourism Masterplan’ and its objective to revitalise the combined Shannon Navigation and Shannon Erne Waterway as a key destination within Ireland’s Hidden Heartlands, identifying visitor experiences based on the region’s natural and cultural assets.Cavan County Development Plan 2022-2028 356
- 9.8 Greenways, Cycling and Walking Cavan County Council, working with strategic partners at a national, regional and local level, are strongly committed to greenway development and regconises their strong potential particularly for generating tourism activity and associated positive wellbeing, quality of life and economic benefits. At a regional level, Cavan County Council works closely with neighbouring local authorities and strategic agencies relevant to greenway development. County Cavan has a wide range of trails of varying degrees of difficulty. Many of these trails are managed and maintained by Cavan County Council. Cavan County Council recognises the potential that trails have for both citizens through improved activity options, smarter travel, access to nature and the countryside and also for tourists who can generate economic growth through tourism. Trails development is considered a priority in the Local Economic and Community Plan. A Walking and Cycling Strategy for County Cavan was prepared by Cavan County Council in 2018. Destination development is a key pillar of the County Cavan Tourism Strategy 2017 – 2021 which has, as an objective, the need to invest in and improve on Cavan’s leisure experiences and to set a standard of excellence across the county. The Cavan Walking Festival takes place annually and encourages local people to get out walking and creates an attractor for people to visit Cavan. The government’s National Cycling Policy Framework (2009) estimated that for every €100 million invested in cycling in Ireland, a return of €400 million could be obtained. The development of further cycle paths and the ongoing development of Greenways is a priority of the Cycling and Walking Strategy for County Cavan.Tourism 357
- GCW 01 GCW 02 GCW 03 GCW 04 GCW 05 GCW 06 GCW 07 GCW 08 GCW 09 GCW 10 GCW 11 GCW 12 GCW 13 Greenways, Cycling and Walking Development Objectives It is a development objective of Cavan County Council to: Continue to develop the greenways in the county and to augment the visitor experience through the provision of infrastructure, having regard to the Department of Enterprise, Tourism and Employment various Guidelines along with high quality signage and links to nearby visitor attractions and places of interest. Support the provision of visitor services within existing towns and villages, such as cafes, accommodation, and changing facilities, by providing linkages with greenways and trails where appropriate. Continue to support the development of Sligo Leitrim Northern Counties Greenway, the Cavan and Leitrim Trailway Greenway, the Boyne Valley to Lakelands County Greenway, the Ulster Canal Greenway and the Sligo to Cavan Greenway by working with Regional Authorities (EMRA and NWRA), neighbouring counties and national bodies to develop and complete these routes. Support increased opportunities for off-road walking, including looped walks and longer distance trails, taking account of ‘positive control points’ in trail design, such as areas of natural beauty, lakeshores or rivers, bogs, built heritage and archaeological features and with links to towns and villages. In designing walking trails. The Sport Ireland Guide to Planning and Developing Recreational Trails will be consulted. Continue to maintain and further enhance the County’s walking and cycling trails, striving to achieve National Trails accreditation and other standards as set by Sport Ireland, in partnership with local communities and landowners. Continue to support the development of the Cavan Town and Killykeen Greenways, Belturbet to Cloverhill Railway Greenway, Cavan to Clones Railway Greenway, Crossdoney to Killeshandra Railway Greenway, Kingscourt to Carlingford Railway Greenway, and the Cavan Railway Greenway. Support the provision of visitor interpretation along walking and cycling trails, including storyboards, artworks and other media, to create a greater sense of place, connecting and immersing visitors in our local heritage and stories. Support the provision of services for visitors using walking and cycling trails which are appropriate to the location and activity, including bike rental and service points, picnic benches at scenic locations, public toilets, and other ancillary services in remote areas. Promote the principles of ‘Leave no Trace’ in all trail information panels, promotional materials and events and use all statutory procedures to deter negative environmental impact resulting from use of our trails and outdoor recreation amenities. Support the Cavan Walking Festival as a sustainable form of tourism Continue to work with Coillte to facilitate the usage of the forest parks in the county in particular Killykeen Forest Park, Dun a Ri Forest Park, Deerpark Forest and the Castle Lake, Bailieborough. Create an environment where pedestrian routes link towns to walking trails and forest parks where possible. Continue to implement the objectives and actions outlined in the Walking and Cycling Strategy for County Cavan 2016.Cavan County Development Plan 2022-2028 358
- 9.9 Arts, Culture and Festivals Cavan with its exceptional community spirit is a county rich in environmental, local food, culture, sport and artistic expression. There is a vibrant arts and culture scene in County Cavan. Cavan Arts Festival takes place annually in Cavan town in May, while Cootehill Arts Festival takes place annually in July. Sport is supported with a passion in County Cavan with numerous sporting facilities and venues in every parish. Musical, drama and dance talent are also on display with many venues featuring home grown talent. The tradition of Irish, country and contemporary music and dance is celebrated countywide in various venues and halls and pubs. Similarly, with the County’s Tidy Town Community groups and environmental activities. A number of activities and festivals enable local communities to celebrate a valuable cultural heritage and spotlight local talent and unique local attributes. While some festivals remain small in scale year after year, reaching only a local audience, others have the ambition to grow into larger events, capable of attracting larger numbers of visitors, resulting in a greater impact to the local economy and highlighting the festival location as one worth visiting to a wider audience. The Council will seek to support these festivals where possible, to support their growth potential, subject to any necessary event licensing and quality standards. The Council provides support for the county’s arts and cultural facilities along with assistance to groups organising festivals through its annual grants scheme and other support through its arts, tourism, planning and heritage sections. Fáilte Ireland has identified that an opportunity exists for festivals and events to play a more significant role in driving Ireland’s tourism performance. Cavan has several festivals and events but none which can yet be described as signature or nationally recognised festivals. Cavan County Council through Cavan Sports Partnership runs the annual Cavan Walking Festival which takes place over ten days and delivers a programme of guided walks in partnership with local communities. The UNESCO Global Geopark also delivers a year round programme of events relating to geology, archaeology, science and natural heritage. There are several agricultural shows taking place in the county annually, primarily in Arvagh, Muff (Kingscourt) and the long running Virginia Show.10:Tourism 359
- ACEF 01 ACEF 02 ACEF 03 ACEF 04 ACEF 05 ACEF 06 ACEF 07 Arts, Culture, Environment and Festivals Development Objectives It is a development objective of Cavan County Council to: Support the continued expression of local culture, visual and performing arts and craft through the various arts, music and cultural centres, galleries and craft shops. Continue to support activities, events and evolving visitor experiences as important tourist offerings. Support events and festivals in the county, with a particular focus on events which have the potential to attract a wider audience and spotlight the county as a visitor destination. Support the continued development of tidy towns, local food, culture, sport, visual and performing arts and craft through the various environmental activities, fairs, festivals, arts, music and cultural centres, galleries and craft shops. Continue to provide supports to community groups, sporting organisations, indigenous enterprises and organisations which create locally produced food, products, activities and events. Encourage and support tidy towns organisations, festivals and event organisers to incorporate green principles in their event planning and management. Identify opportunities to capture and celebrate the rich musical and creative heritage of the county.Cavan County Development Plan 2022-2028 360
- 9.10 Tourism 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 change context and associated development objectives. Tourism has the capacity to directly and indirectly sustain communities, create employment and deliver real social benefits for rural Ireland. If we do not curb our Green House Gas (GHG) emissions and start to adapt, regional economies and industries that depend on natural resources and favourable climate conditions (e.g. agriculture and tourism) will begin to suffer greatly. As one of Ireland’s most important economic sectors, the tourism industry generated €5.6 billion 2018, with an additional €2 billion coming from domestic returns alone9. However, tourism is responsible for nearly one tenth of the world’s carbon emissions and set to increase by 4% year on year – outpacing most other economic industries10. The operational impacts on tourism of climate change will be increasingly felt, with reduced water availability, extreme weather events, decline in insurability, and increased costs against efforts to cut emissions. Travel, particularly by air, contributes more than half of the CO2 emissions associated with tourism, with one long-haul flight generating more carbon than the average person produces in a year; notwithstanding the added air pollution11. Short haul flights are the greatest offenders, with 25% of an aeroplane’s CO2 emissions typically generated at take-off alone12. The practice of ‘sustainable tourism’ as a means of supporting environmental conservation, social development and local economies through tourism is considered the most appropriate response. The promotion and development of ‘domestic tourism’ aligns neatly with the concept, while adhering to the NPF ‘NPO 22’ setting out to “facilitate tourism development and in particular a National Greenways, Blueways and Peatways Strategy, which prioritises projects on the basis of achieving maximum impact and connectivity at national and regional level”. The development of such Greenway, Blueway and Peatways, all found within County Cavan, has the added benefit of improving our Green Infrastructure provision, encouraging more sustainable means of transport, and supporting biodiversity. 9 Failte Ireland (2019), ‘Key Tourism Facts 2018’, September 2019. http://www.failteireland.ie/FailteIreland/media/WebsiteStructure/Documents/3_Research_Insights/Key-Tourism- Facts-2018.pdf?ext=.pdf 10 Gabbatiss, J. (2018), ‘Tourism is responsible for nearly one tenth of the world’s carbon emissions’, Independent Newspaper, 07 May 2018, UK. https://www.independent.co.uk/environment/tourism-climate-change-carbon-emissions-global-warming-flyingcars-transporta8338946.html 11 Kommenda, N. (2019), ‘How your flight emits as much CO2 as many people do in a year’, The Guardian Newspaper, 19th July 2019, UK. https://www.theguardian.com/environment/ng-interactive/2019/jul/19/carbon-calculator-how-taking-one-flightemits-as-much-as-manypeople-do-in-a-year 12 Jung, Y. (2010), ‘Fuel Consumption and Emissions from Airport Taxi Operations’, Green Aviation Summit, NASA Amers Research Center, Sept 8-9, 2010, USA. https://flight.nasa.gov/pdf/18_jung_green_aviation_summit.pdfTourism 361
- TC 01 TC 02 TC 03 TC 04 TC 05 TC 06 TC 07 Tourism Climate Change Development Objectives It is a development objective of Cavan County Council to: Continue to fund, improve, develop all Greenways, Blueway, Peatways, and achieve Sport Ireland Trail registration for all existing and proposed trails, wherever possible. Integrate natural borders/buffers as an integral component of the design of greenways, blueways, peatways, trails and amenity areas to promote natural enhancement. Support opportunities for increased tourism within limits of existing infrastructure and sensitive habitats. Prioritise tourism marketing to the domestic market, across multiple media platforms. Invest in the development of the local sustainable tourism market with zero carbon impact. Ensure all tourism developments shall integrate climate change adaptation, the enhancement of nature and biodiversity measures into their activities, plans and proposals. Support, implement and require best-practice environmental management and climate proofing of tourism related developments and activities, such as accommodation, restaurants, activity providers, festivals and events and tourism enterprises, to include zero climate impact, energy efficiency, waste management, and recycling.Cavan County Development Plan 2022-2028 362
Source Cavan County Council: Cavan County Development Plan 2022–2028 — Chapter 9 (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.