Cavan County Development Plan 2022–2028 — Chapter 12

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   Rural Strategy 12.1 Introduction In contrast to recent demographic trends towards urbanisation experienced by other counties, Cavan remains, in population terms, a predominantly rural county with 70% of the population living in rural areas and small settlements. This illustrates the longstanding rural demographic and economic base within the county, with Cavan home to a diverse range of uses including agriculture, forestry, renewable energy, the equine industry, the extractive industry, local food production, micro and home enterprises, recreational and tourist activities, as well as rural housing. The sustained social and economic fabric in Cavan’s rural areas combine to provide residents and visitors with a quality environment to live, work and recreate. Advances in technology and the increased roll out of communication infrastructure such as fibre and mobile broadband, as well as the provision of key tourism infrastructure such as greenways and trails, have revitalised rural areas and facilitated increased levels of rural diversification in areas which had largely been dependent on farming as the main employment source. The restrictive workplace measures introduced to combat the COVID-19 pandemic have illustrated the effectiveness of remote working as a viable alternative for many to traditional office-based employment, and the advances in remote working technologies will ensure that home-working will be an increasingly significant workplace for many into the future. Such trends will have a significantly positive impact on sustaining and revitalising rural communities, with issues such as quality of life, reducing personal carbon footprint and health benefits featuring more prominently in the choices in relation to where people live and work.Cavan County Development Plan 2022-2028 400

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   Over the past decade the government have placed greater emphasis and increased the levels of support available to rural areas. Numerous government initiatives have been introduced to help sustain, protect and promote rural areas, ranging from local transport links to greater environmental measures and more recently to initiatives to promote and assist enterprise within rural areas, such as Town and Village Renewal. The National Planning Framework (NPF) recognises the “role rural areas play in driving our economy and our high quality environment” and seeks to encourage and attract entrepreneurship and innovation development in these areas. In order to facilitate future employment opportunities in the rural economy, measures are required to support rural entrepreneurship and innovation. At a local level these are provided by the Local Enterprise Office in Cavan County Council, Breffni Integrated, SOLAS and ETB. The NPF also references the important role of telecommunications in the development of the rural economy and the delivery of high speed broadband services. 12.2 Policy Context 12.2.1 Project Ireland 2040 – National Planning Framework The National Planning Framework (NPF) acknowledges that ‘rural areas have a major role to play in Ireland 2040 and encourages Local Authorities to ensure that connectivity gaps are addressed and that planning and investment policies support job creation in the rural economy’. Improved coordination of existing investment programmes dealing with social inclusion, rural development and town and village renewal are sought, as is planning for the future growth and development of rural areas. National Strategic Objective (NSO) 3 identifies traditional pillars of the rural economy, such as the natural resource and the food sector, as being key to future economic development as well as those emerging from improved connectivity and broadband access which has the potential to yield further rural economic development opportunities.Rural 401

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   It is the policy of the NPF “to enhance the competitiveness of rural areas by supporting innovation in rural economic development and enterprise through the sustainable diversification of the rural economy into new sectors and in particular those with a low or zero carbon output”. This plan allows the development of a rural economy that offers viable and sustainable employment for its communities. The need to strengthen the provision of services, regenerate rural communities and promote the economic development of rural areas. This manifests itself in the need to both acknowledge the need for, and promote the development of, small scale enterprises in rural areas. The County is ideally located to attract and grow new and innovative employment sectors into its rural areas. 12.2.2 Realising our Rural Potential – Action Plan for Rural Development 2017 This government strategy introduced in 2017 (Department of Arts, Heritage, Regional, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs) is aimed at delivering real change for people living and working in rural Ireland. It places a focus on creating sustainable rural communities through a framework of supports at national and local level. The objective of the Action Plan for Rural Development is to ‘unlock the potential of rural Ireland through a framework of supports, at national and local level, which will ensure that people who live in rural areas have increased opportunities for employment locally, and access to public services and social networks’. This action plan adopts a coordinated approach across Government to both the economic and social development of rural Ireland. The Plan interalia outlines the key requirements to strengthen rural communities by supporting agriculturaldiversification, tourism and opportunities for rural economic growth. A number of key initiatives proposed as part of the Strategy include the Town and Village Renewal Scheme and the delivery of the 2014-2020 EU LEADER Programme. It is the objective of Cavan County Council to align the key objectives of this plan and support rural regeneration and the viability of rural towns and villages as attractive alternative to one-off rural housing. 12.2.3 Energising Ireland’s Rural Economy (2014) The Commission for the Economic Development of Rural Areas (CEDRA) was established in 2012 following the severe impact of the economic downturn on rural areas. The REDZ (Rural Economic Development Zone) initiative was a recommendation contained within the CEDRACavan County Development Plan 2022-2028 402

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   and is intended to complement the Town and Village Renewal Scheme and cater for projects between the towns and surrounding hinterland that maximise local assets in areas such as tourism, culture, heritage and other areas that support rural economic activity. CEDRA’s task was to identify strategic initiatives that would ensure rural areas contribute to sustained and sustainable national economic growth and development into the future. The process confirmed that there is an abundance of natural, physical, human and capital resources and a wide variety of high quality, (including dormant assets) in many rural communities that could be leveraged to support national economic growth and the development of these communities. The need for higher speed broadband is supported. CEDRA recommendations relate to building of community capacity, integrated rural town planning, development of the social economy and supporting the growth of indigenous renewable energy businesses. 12.2.4 Food Wise 2015-2025 Food Wise 2025 sets out a strategic plan for the development of the agri-food (including seafood) sector for the period up to 2025 and is the successor to the Food Harvest 2020 Strategy. Food Wise 2025 identifies growth projections for the sector including: l 85% increase in the value of agri-food exports to €19 billion; l 70% increase in the value added in the agrifood, fisheries and wood products sector to in excess of €13 billion; l 65% increase in the value of Primary Production to almost €10 billion; 23,000 additional direct jobs in the agri-food sector all along the supply chain from primary production to high valued added product development. Food Wise 2025 has five cross-cutting themes: sustainability, human capital, market development, competitiveness and innovation. 12.2.5 Delivering a Connected Society – A National Broadband Plan for Ireland (2012) The National Broadband Plan (NBP), together with its intervention strategy document, ‘Connecting Communities’ (2015), is the government’s initiative to deliver high speed broadband services to all premises in Ireland. This will be delivered through investment by commercial enterprises coupled with intervention by the State, in those parts of the country where private companies have no plans to invest. The State Intervention area includes:Rural 403

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   l 537,596 premises l 1.1 million people l Over 54,000 farms l 44,000 non-farm businesses l 695 schools The NBP is a key aspect of government strategy across a number of key areas including climate, agriculture, education, transport, tourism, sustainable growth, jobs and health. A key principle of the NBP is to support and stimulate commercial investment. Since the publication of the NBP in 2012, the commercial telecommunications sector has invested over €2.75 billion. This was spent primarily on upgrading and modernising networks which support the provision of high speed broadband and mobile telecommunications services. Significant additional investment is expected over the coming years. Today over 1.78m or 75% of premises in Ireland can access commercially available high speed broadband services. The roll out of high-speed broadband access, to be completed by 2026, represents the largest investment in rural Ireland since rural electrification. 12.2.6 Northern and Western Regional Spatial and Economic Strategy 2020- 2032 The Northern and Western RSES gives regional expression to the policy and objectives contained within the NPF in providing a long-term, strategic development framework for the physical, economic and social development of the Northern and Western Region and subsequently gives direction to policy making decisions at a local level through the County Development Plan. The Northern and Western Regional Spatial and Economic Strategy (RSES) recognises the major contribution that rural areas make towards regional and national development in economic, social and environmental terms. The RSES aims to strengthen the fabric of rural Ireland, supporting rural towns and communities as well as the open countryside, improving connectivity, and supporting job creation, particularly in a more diverse range of sectors. The RSES supports the consolidation of the town and village network, to ensure that development proceeds sustainably and at an appropriate scale, level and pace in line with the Core Strategies of County Development Plans. It requires that planning for rural areas must provide a balance between managing demandCavan County Development Plan 2022-2028 404

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   in the most accessible rural areas in proximity to larger towns, whilst supporting the sustainable growth of rural economics and rural communities. It also highlights the fundamental importance of planning the distribution of activity (for example where people live and work) in a manner which reduces the need to travel and achieves a move towards a low carbon society having regard to the impact which transport has on carbon emissions. It emphasis that rural areas in this region are well placed to benefit from new market opportunities that are emerging in sectors such as the food economy, the green economy, circular economy and the bioeconomy. It further notes that these sectors have the potential for job creation and to attract people to live and work in rural areas. 12.3 The Future of Rural Economic Development in the County Given the significant and important contribution of rural areas to the county, it is critical that the economic development of rural areas is promoted whilst protecting our rural environment. This includes promoting the regeneration of rural areas and the retention and promotion of rural services and enterprises. There are currently a variety of small, medium and large-scale enterprises operating in rural areas throughout the County, which not only provide employment, but contribute to the diversification of the rural economy. It should be noted that the development and maintenance of Cavan’s rural economy is a complex issue. The landscape changes dramatically between the west and east of the County, each with its own opportunities and challenges. The Council recognises the importance of supporting sustainable sources of income and enterprises, such as rural tourism, farm diversification, forestry, extractive industry, rural based enterprise to complement the agrifood sector and an increasing potential for the growth of the renewable energy sector. In terms of rural settlement, the Cavan countryside is a living and lived-in landscape, with supporting rural economies and rural communities. There is a continuing need to balance housing need for people to live and work in the countryside, while at the same time avoiding unsustainable patterns of development and protecting the environmental and ecological integrity of our landscapes. Encouragement and support for restoration and refurbishment of the existing built fabric in rural areas is essential to retain its core identity. This Chapter sets out the policy objectives required for the sustainable development of rural Cavan, in a manner that is consistent with the guidance, strategies and policies at national and regional levels based on the following principles: l A focus on supporting vibrant rural communities focused around a network of rural towns and villages. l Facilitating the transition towards a low carbon and climate resilient society and encouraging a spatial pattern of development which reduces and discourages unnecessary trip generation. l Supporting sustainable agriculture and food production practices that safeguard the environmental and ecological elements of our rural setting, with a particular focus on encouraging less intensive farming practices and catering for localised food markets in a bid to reduce our over-reliance on overseas food producers. l Supporting the continued development of eco-tourism in Cavan, including the ongoing development of a connected networks of greenways, blueways, peatways, and associated trails. l Protecting the integrity of key environmental and ecological assets and landscapes from any significantly adverse impacts arising from rural development. l Recognising the need to provide for a resilient rural economy, that is flexible to changes in typical rural development industries and open to emerging, non traditional sectors which can be adequately accommodated in a rural setting without giving rise to any significant adverse impacts. l Enhancement of the competitiveness of rural areas by supporting innovation in rural economic development and enterprise through the diversification of the rural economy into new sectors and services. 12.4 Rural Enterprise and Economy The rural economy of County Cavan has undergone significant change characterised by an increase in the diversification of traditional rural economy sectors such as agriculture. The Council is committed to promoting balanced and inclusive rural communities, to achieving an appropriate scale of development supporting farming and other rural-based economic activity such as agri-Rural 405

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   REE 01 REE 02 REE 03 food, forestry, energy production and carbon reduction, tourism, recreation, mineral extraction and/or other new and emerging rural based enterprises. These enterprise fields represent viable sources of income, while also fostering sustainable economic diversification and development in rural areas. Cavan’s rural towns, villages and the open countryside are vital to sustaining the County’s wider rural hinterland, providing sustainable rural employment including local services provision, appropriate scale commercial enterprises, indigenous industry and micro-enterprise. In general, employment servicing rural areas should be located in the towns and villages catering for local investment and small-scale industry. Within the rural settlements and open country agriculture, horticulture, fisheries, forestry, tourism and rural resources based enterprises should be facilitated. The promotion and facilitation of micro enterprises is a key area for sustainable employment opportunities in rural areas. The Council will seek to facilitate the development of this sector, by ensuring that incubator units for micro enterprises are provided in small towns and villages. In particular, the reuse of vacant agricultural buildings and the development of new buildings to cater for such enterprises within an overall farmyard complex will be considered on their individual merits. Moreover, the Council will seek to facilitate the provision of serviced or serviceable sites in settlements, with the aim of encouraging new enterprise development to further sustain these rural communities. Cavan County Council will support the location of medium to large scale rural enterprises if it is demonstrated to the Council that the enterprise can be more readily accommodated in a rural setting than provided in a designated settlement centre and subject to compliance with development management standards. Where established authorised rural based enterprises seek to expand beyond their existing capacity and, in the opinion of the planning authority, the proposed extension would seriously affect the rural nature or amenity of the rural areas and surrounding countryside, they will be encouraged to relocate in serviced zoned lands. It is also acknowledged that some enterprise and employment uses may not always be appropriately located on Enterprise and Employment Zoned lands. In this regard, some new enterprise and employment projects may require additional sites outside settlements because of their size, type or specific site requirements. Rural Enterprise and Economy Development Objectives It is a development objective of Cavan County Council to: Consideration shall be given to the establishment, or suitable expansion, of small-scale businesses in rural areas where (i) it is demonstrated that the proposal could serve as a valuable addition to the local economy and (ii) normal development management and technical requirements are complied with. Require proposals for the development, or suitable expansion, of small-scale businesses in rural areas to demonstrate that the proposed location is suitable and that the proposal would not be viable at an alternative location. In accessing an application for the establishment, or suitable expansion, of a small-scale business in a rural area, the following information shall be taken into consideration and, where necessary, such required information shall be submitted as part of the application: l Positive contribution that the proposed development will make to the rural economy l Nature and scale of the proposal. l Is the business more suitably accommodated at the proposed location than an urban setting. l Potential impacts on public health, environment and amenity. l Potential traffic impact on the road network in the area.Cavan County Development Plan 2022-2028 406

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   REE 04 REE 05 REE 06 REE 07 REE 08 REE 09 REE 10 REE 11 REE 12 REE 13 REE 14 REE 15 REE 16 Support the location of medium to large scale rural enterprises where it is demonstrated to the Council, that the enterprise can be more readily accommodated in a rural setting than in a designated settlement centre and in compliance with development management standards. Support rural entrepreneurship and the development of micro-businesses in rural areas where environmental and landscape impact is minimal and where such development do not generate significant or undue traffic. Support the implementation of the LEADER Rural Development Strategy and any updated Strategy for the County. Consider, on an individual basis, the reuse of redundant agricultural buildings and the development of new buildings to accommodate farm diversification/enterprise within an overall farmyard complex. Liaise and co-operate with statutory, local development, sectoral community / voluntary agencies and groups to develop economic, social and cultural benefits for the rural community. Support and facilitate the work of Teagasc and other farming / local bodies within the county in the promotion of the rural economy, including agriculture development, rural diversification and in the development of initiatives to support farming, create inclusive rural communities and improve access and services in rural areas. Support the provision of a high-quality rural environment, encourage diversification and improved competitiveness of the rural economy, sustain the livelihood of rural communities and promote the development of the wider rural economy, all within the context of the sustainable management of land and resources. Promote social inclusion, poverty reduction and economic development in rural areas. Support farm diversification, where a proposed business initiative is subordinate to the primary agricultural use of the site, subject to traffic and environmental safeguards. Promote resource efficiency and support the shift toward a low-carbon and climate resilient economy in the agriculture, food and forestry sectors. Enhance the competitiveness of rural areas by supporting innovation in rural economic development and enterprise through the diversification of the rural economy into new sectors and services, including ICT-based industries and those addressing climate change and sustainability. The development and expansion of appropriate new businesses in rural areas will normally be encouraged where: l The scale and nature of the proposed new business are appropriate to the rural area and are in areas of low environmental sensitivity. l The development will enhance the strength and diversification of the rural economy. l The development involves the use of redundant or underused buildings that are of value to the rural area. Support the rural economy and initiatives in relation to diversification, agri-business, rural tourism and renewable energy so as to sustain employment opportunities in rural areas.Rural 407

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    12.5 Agriculture County Cavan is a largely rural county, agriculture is the primary land use and remains a crucial part of the economy of the county. Reflective of the county’s rural nature and historic economic trends, “agriculture, forestry and fishing” industry is particularly strong, employing 11% of the working population in County Cavan, compared to a national average of 4%. Agriculture remains a significant sector and catalyst for a number of indirect, agri-food related jobs in the County and the wider region, in relation to the provision of feedstores, livestock marts, meat and dairy processing plants, agriculture machinery sales and maintenance and animal welfare amongst many other indirect employment sources. The work of enterprise agencies and education providers play an important role in supporting innovation. Teagasc is the national body providing integrated research, advisory and training services to the agriculture and food industry. They deliver courses through their colleges and local centres, with higher-level courses also being delivered in partnership with third-level colleges. Demonstratable examples across the region include Ballyhaise Agricultural College, which is one of the five Teagasc colleges nationally. This centre is well placed to provide regional food incubation space and new levels of innovation to support employment growth. Throughout the country over the past decade agriculture has experienced a revival, it has been boosted by a number of initiatives, in particular, by the abolition of milk quotas in 2015, which has led to an expansion in dairy output. Agriculture like all industries must continue to adapt and modernise in order to stay sustainable and grow. Current challenges facing the sector include modernisation, restructuring, market development and the increasing importance of environmental issues and climate change. Cavan County Council recognise the important role agriculture plays in the county for employment, amenity and production and will continue to support initiatives which will sustain rural communities in the changing economic climate, through farm diversification and new employment opportunities. Cavan County Council will promote the County’s thriving agri-food sector with a view to using indigenous resources to create new enterprise and employment opportunities and explore opportunities to further develop competitive advantage in such areas. 12.6 Farm Diversification As it aims to expand output in the years ahead, the agriculture sector faces a number of challenges. Low profitability of some farming activities leaves the sector exposed to potential negative shocks such as Brexit or possible future reductions in the CAP budget. Taking into account the potential challenges within the rural economy, including profitability, Brexit, reform of CAP and climate change, there is a need to promote farm diversification and new employment opportunities to ensure the viability and sustain existing rural communities. More recently, significant focus has been placed on reducing the environmental impacts of such intensive practices with a focus on steering subsidies towards less intensive agricultural measures, cultivating higher biodiversity values within landholdings and compensatory measures to offset more carbon intensive agriculture measures. These measures coincide with a cultural shift in agricultural practice across the EU and in Ireland, where rural diversification and specialised agricultural practices are gaining popularity and providing more sustainable forms of agricultural employment, whether as standalone businesses or complementing existing traditional farming practices. These include non-traditional farming practices relating to aquaculture, rural tourism, horticulture, organic farming, herb cultivation, renewable energy generation and the cultivation of biomass energy crops. The Council will support diversification of the rural economy and in particular seek to develop the potential of the agri-food, forestry, the sustainable exploitation of natural resources and consideration of alternative on-farm and off-farm activities. Such development initiatives provide additional income to top up declining incomes from agricultural outputs. Diversification will be facilitated, provided the proposal is related directly to the agricultural operation engaged on the farm or the rural nature of the areas. It must not negatively impact on the landscape and character of the area and is compatible with the existing infrastructure in the area.Cavan County Development Plan 2022-2028 408

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