Development plan · Clare County Council
Clare County Development Plan 2023–2029 (as varied)
The council's development plan written statement: its strategy, policies, objectives and development standards.
Clare County Council · 2023–2029 · 568 pages
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- __________________________________________________________________________________ Clare County Development Plan 2023-2029 6 | Economic Development and Enterprise A planning scheme for the proposed SDZ in the University Zone will be prepared providing for significant growth in areas of the University and its hinterland. The planning scheme will also facilitate the redevelopment and integration of the Errina Canal and its associated waterbased developments into the SDZ by means of canal/riverside water-related uses. Uses appropriate to the development of the University Zone and SDZ include: 1. Educational facilities; 2. Academies of Learning, Research and Development; 3. Student residences and residential quarters complementary to the existing campus and uses proposed to be contained in the SDZ; 4. Student support facilities; 5. Commercial and mixed uses including enterprise/start-up business units/light industry uses linked to the proposed SDZ and the University’s research and development role; 6. Sports, social recreation, riverside and water-related uses and amenity provision; 7. Healthcare services, other facilities and community facilities; 8. Green quarter/high amenity areas. Development Plan Objective: University of Limerick - Clare Campus Proposed Economic Strategic Development Zone CDP 6.7 It is an objective of Clare County Council: a) To secure the designation and subsequent development of the South Clare/University of Limerick Economic Strategic Development Zone (SDZ) on lands including those identified as the University Zone, in accordance with the objectives and provisions of this development plan subject to the provisions of the Planning and Development Act 2000, as amended, and all environmental considerations; b) To support, promote and encourage the further expansion of the University of Limerick campus on the north side of the River Shannon, including hinterland development within the University Zone; c) To work closely with the University of Limerick in realising the vision for the Clare Campus as a world class learning, research and development hub through its development as a world class centre for the localisation of globalised development; d) To ensure that the SDZ planning scheme optimises movement by sustainable transport modes through: • appropriate development layouts which allow for permeability (including filtered permeability for walking and cycling); • Provision of a comprehensive cycle network which is linked to the wider cycle networks in Limerick and Clare137
- __________________________________________________________________________________ Clare County Development Plan 2023-2029 6 | Economic Development and Enterprise and is designed in accordance with the National Cycle Manual; • Provision and design of carparking and cycle parking in a manner that gives a distinct advantage to cycling and walking over car transport for trips within, to and from the SDZ site; • A commitment to comprehensive mobility management measures for all employment and education developments within the site; • New road infrastructure shall be designed in accordance with the requirements to meet Bus Connects; • The planning scheme shall incorporate a full public transport strategy for the development site which shall be formulated with input from key stakeholders. e) The impact of the South Clare/University of Limerick Economic Strategic Development Zone (SDZ) on the national and strategic road network shall be fully assessed, and any mitigation measures shall be arrived at following engagement and input from key stakeholders including the TII and the NTA; f) To support and promote the future reopening of the Errina Canal as a piece of functioning waterway infrastructure facilitating water-borne access to the Clare Campus, and to support any development proposals the University may have to maximise its strategic position adjacent to the River Shannon, River Blackwater and Errina Canal, including the reinstatement of the riverside walkway; g) To implement innovative decarbonisation and green infrastructure measures in the SDZ in accordance with the European Green Deal and national policy and legislation. Burlington Lands The former Burlington Plant in Gillogue, which comprise approximately 29,000m2 of floorspace, has significant potential for redevelopment and to contribute to economic growth in the South Clare area. The buildings have the potential for a wide variety of uses including light industry and enterprise uses, with possible linkages to adjoining land uses in the University and the proposed Economic Strategic Development Zone. The site also has potential for indoor recreational uses. The site is currently accessed by the R463 Regional Road which is a Strategic Regional Route. Access will be greatly enhanced by the construction of the proposed Limerick Northern Distributor Road. There are a number of settlement ponds to the south of the site associated with the former industrial uses on the site. The Council will work with the relevant stakeholders to ensure the on-going maintenance and eventual decommissioning and remediation of these settlement ponds.138
- __________________________________________________________________________________ Clare County Development Plan 2023-2029 6 | Economic Development and Enterprise Development Plan Objective: Burlington CDP 6.8 It is an objective of Clare County Council: a) To support the optimal use and/or redevelopment of the former Burlington site and encourage appropriate new development in accordance with the zoning on the site; b) To facilitate the development of a pedestrian link from the Burlington site to the University of Limerick; and, c) To ensure that all works on the site are in compliance with Objective CDP 3.3 of this plan. 6.9 Higher Education Institutes, the Knowledge Economy and Access to Talent County Clare has a highly skilled and well educated workforce, making it an attractive location for new business development. The importance of the University of Limerick and the Technological University of the Shannon: Midlands Midwest as well as other higher education institutes located in the Southern, and the Northern and Western Regions, is acknowledged and recognised as a critical driver of economic success. These institutes also play a key role in both retaining highly educated and qualified young people in the county and in recruiting and retaining a skilled workforce which is essential in terms of attracting economic investment and sustaining the vibrancy of local communities. The sharing of knowledge and innovation between higher education institutes and the enterprise sector is critical to the promotion of a knowledge and innovation-based economy. This will be critical to the successful delivery and development of the proposed South Clare/University of Limerick Economic Strategic Development Zone. With the availability of a high quality, international academic base a key economic focus of the county needs to be directed towards research and development-intensive and higher value-added products. Development Plan Objective: Higher Education Institutes and the Knowledge Economy CDP 6.9 It is an objective of Clare County Council: a) To foster and develop strategic links with industries/businesses and higher education institutes in order to provide an enhanced locally based knowledge economy and in order to improve education, training and skills development in the workforce; b) To encourage research, technology, development and innovation in collaboration with higher education institutes and development agencies; c) To support the continued development of third level provision in County Clare including the expansion of existing facilities such as the NUIG Shannon College of Hotel Management at Shannon, the University of Limerick, and the139
- __________________________________________________________________________________ Clare County Development Plan 2023-2029 6 | Economic Development and Enterprise Technological University of the Shannon: Midlands Midwest campus' in Ennis as well as the development of new third level facilities; d) To support the higher education growth potential of Ennis town and its vision of becoming a centre for lifelong learning; and, e) To encourage and facilitate start-up businesses with high growth potential. 6.10 Shannon Estuary The Shannon Estuary is a natural asset of international importance and offers significant potential for future economic development in County Clare and the Southern Region. It is a multi-functional zone, with the waters and adjoining lands supporting a range of functions, uses and activities and with environmental resources and assets which bring character, prosperity and vibrancy to the area. In recognition of the potential of the Estuary to capitalise on this natural advantage and the need to take a sustainable approach to future development in the area, a Strategic Integrated Framework Plan (SIFP) for the Shannon Estuary has been prepared. The SIFP sets out an overall 30-year strategy for the proper sustainable growth, development and environmental management of the Shannon Estuary region. The SIFP identifies and zones two sites in County Clare for marine-related industry (Moneypoint and Cahiracon) and also identifies opportunity sites for other key activities such as renewable energy development and aquaculture. It also promotes the potential of the Estuary for tourism and recreational activities. The SIFP comprises Volume 9 of this plan. The Developing Nature-based Tourism Opportunities on the Shannon Estuary Way seeks to make the Estuary a key tourist attraction for the Mid-West and to increase visitor dwell times and spend in the local communities along the 207km route and to achieve synergies with the Wild Atlantic Way. In addition, Clare County Council has collaborated with Shannon Foynes Port Company and adjoining local authorities to form Cruise Shannon Estuary. Cruise Shannon Estuary is an initiative to sustainably grow the cruise and sustainable marine tourism industry and establish the Shannon Estuary and County Clare as one of the top destinations for cruise liners in Europe. The ESB’s Brighter Future strategy proposes the transformation of the Moneypoint site from a fossil fuel burning power generation station into a green energy hub under the ‘Green Atlantic’ project. Clare County Council supports this project and is committed to safeguarding the future operations and proposed development at Moneypoint while at the same time ensuring that the environmental integrity of the adjacent Shannon Estuary is maintained. The proximity to Moneypoint, Shannon Foynes Port and the Shannon Estuary to the Clare Maritime Economic Zone facility in Kilrush offers a unique opportunity for this training centre to be at the heart of the provision of maritime training to the offshore renewable energy industry off the West coast in the coming years. The future development of the Shannon Estuary is outlined in detail in Chapter 12 of this plan.140
- __________________________________________________________________________________ Clare County Development Plan 2023-2029 6 | Economic Development and Enterprise Development Plan Objective: Shannon Estuary CDP 6.10 It is an objective of Clare County Council: a) To proactively implement the Strategic Integrated Framework Plan for the Shannon Estuary including the mitigation measures identified in Volume 9 of this plan; and, b) To support the promotion, marketing and seeking of financial and expertise support for the Strategic Integrated Framework Plan for the Shannon Estuary and specific projects emerging there from. 6.11 Moneypoint Power Station Moneypoint is one of Ireland’s largest electricity stations, located on the Shannon Estuary near Kilrush. It has a capacity to generate up to 915MW of electricity each year and is capable of meeting approximately 25% of Ireland’s demand for electricity. It is primarily fuelled by coal, brought ashore via the ESB’s deepwater port on the Shannon Estuary. The plant, when combined with Tarbert on the south shore, forms a significant industry and energy hub on the Estuary. Moneypoint is identified as a ‘Strategic Development Location’ in the Strategic Integrated Framework Plan for the Shannon Estuary and the lands are zoned for Marine- Related Industry. Moneypoint Power Station makes a very significant contribution to the local economy and the facility continues to be strategically important regionally and nationally in terms of capacity, diversity and security of energy supply. In the interest of retaining employment in the West Clare area, Clare County Council will support the ongoing diversification and expansion of the site and supports the ‘Green Atlantic’ project to transform the station from a fossil fuel burning power generation station into a green energy hub while also ensuring a Just Transition for all. See Development Plan Objective CDP 12.6 Strategic Development Location B - Moneypoint in Chapter 12 for further information and detailed objectives relating to Moneypoint. 6.12 Research and Innovation Research and innovation are the cornerstones of modern economic growth. County Clare’s strong industrial base and close affiliations with the University of Limerick, the Technological University of the Shannon: Midlands Midwest and numerous other higher education institutes make it ideally placed to foster and support research and innovation activities and create beneficial linkages between industry and higher education. In order to successfully support balanced development across the county it is important to recognise that innovation and development occur at many different scales. While interactions and innovation between large industries and research institutes can bring benefits on a regional and national scale, business development based on small-scale innovation and research can be hugely important to the economic future of small towns and villages across141
- __________________________________________________________________________________ Clare County Development Plan 2023-2029 6 | Economic Development and Enterprise the county. It is important therefore that Clare County Council supports research and innovation at all scales throughout the county. Development Plan Objective: Research and Innovation CDP 6.11 It is an objective of Clare County Council: a) To support and facilitate the development and progression of beneficial interactions between industries located in County Clare and relevant higher education institutes; b) To work with relevant stakeholders to support research, innovation and enterprise development in the county including incubation facilities for new business development; and, c) To work with relevant stakeholders to secure funding to implement innovative and collaborative projects through funding mechanisms such as the Urban Regeneration and Development Fund, the Rural Regeneration and Development Fund, the Climate Action Fund, Horizon Europe, and the Disruptive Technologies Innovation Fund amongst others. 6.13 Clare Digital Hub Network Clare County Council, on foot of the Rural Development Strategy, established the DigiClare initiative to support local communities by providing flexible, affordable and local office facilities and high-speed broadband connectivity across the county. This network of digital hubs facilitates e-working, small-scale training and conferencing facilities. There are digital hubs currently located in Ennis, Cross, Carron, Corofin, Ennistymon, Inagh, Feakle, Kilfenora, Kilkee, Kilrush , Sixmilebridge and Miltown Malbay with additional locations planned across the county including Loughgraney and Scarriff. The hubs aim to attract individuals/enterprises working in the digital and media industries to locate in County Clare including local start-up businesses, start-ups currently based in higher education institutes and existing small to medium national/international businesses. The network also promotes the development of new technologies, interfaces, and methods to address the challenges faced by the aging population. It will prioritise technological solutions that address these challenges including those that allow for greater access to facilities and services for all citizens regardless of age and technological competency. In addition to the roll out of digital hubs, open Wi-Fi broadband connection points will also be provided at key locations across the county. Development Plan Objective: Clare Digital Hub Network CDP 6.12 It is an objective of Clare County Council: To support the continued development of the network of digital hubs in order to facilitate remote working/co-working at appropriate locations, to attract new businesses to locate in County Clare, and to support the further growth and142
- __________________________________________________________________________________ Clare County Development Plan 2023-2029 6 | Economic Development and Enterprise development of the digital and media industries in the county. 6.14 Sustainable Design and Working Environments Quality of life and quality of place is of increasing importance in creating the right conditions to attract and retain businesses, jobs and investment. It influences the decision of a business or investor to locate and remain in a particular area. A high quality and well-designed working environment can foster local economic growth. It also encourages other businesses to invest and attracts employees and visitors to an area. Clare County Council will work to ensure that new developments deliver sustainable, attractive and healthy working environments. This will be achieved for example, through the provision of landscaping and open space, pedestrian access and safe cycle parking, and, where appropriate, through facilities such as health care, childcare, shopping and leisure facilities. Development Plan Objective: High Quality Development CDP 6.13 It is an objective of the Clare County Council: a) To encourage the development of attractive, accessible and healthy working environments that enhance the character and quality of an area; b) To ensure that the design of employment-generating development, regardless of location, is high quality, inclusive and accessible; c) To require new large-scale developments (>75 employees) to prepare and implement a Mobility Management Plan to support the use of sustainable modes of transport; and, d) To encourage new employment-generating developments to support modal shift through the provision of facilities such as lockers, changing rooms and drying rooms for their employees. 6.15 Availability of Land and Infrastructure Infrastructural investment is critical for future economic development activity. It is essential, therefore, that infrastructure providers, such as Irish Water, Transport Infrastructure Ireland and electricity and broadband providers, support Clare County Council’s vision for economic development through their service provision. The Urban and Rural Settlement Strategy contained in Chapter 4 of this plan, sets out the levels of economic development and growth envisaged for the towns and villages of County Clare based on their position in the Settlement Hierarchy. The settlement plans contained in Volume 3 of this plan ensure that lands are appropriately zoned in accordance with the objectives of the NPF and the RSES, meeting the needs of143
- __________________________________________________________________________________ Clare County Development Plan 2023-2029 6 | Economic Development and Enterprise different users and encouraging a diversity of employment-generating development throughout the county. Where proposals may arise for new employment and enterprise development in the open countryside, only where there are strong locational factors that would make the location of the use in towns and villages undesirable would these be considered by the Council on a caseby-case basis. Such proposals would include the development of commercial/industrial related facilities and associated support services in appropriate locations and any such proposals would be subject to the planning and environmental objectives as set out in this plan. Development Plan Objective: Availability of Land and Infrastructure CDP 6.14 It is an objective of Clare County Council: a) To ensure that an adequate supply of land is zoned in appropriate locations throughout the county to support economic development and employment-generating activities; b) To maximise the efficiency of zoned lands by advocating for and facilitating the provision, upgrade or refurbishment of necessary infrastructure; c) To protect land zoned for employment-generating uses from inappropriate development that would negate future economic activity; and, d) To ensure that lands are zoned for industry and enterprise development in towns and villages across the county at a scale appropriate to the size and role of the settlement as per the Settlement Hierarchy. 6.16 Brownfield and Infill Sites The development of infill sites, brownfield sites and disused buildings in urban areas offers excellent opportunities for new employment-generating enterprises whilst also delivering compact growth and therefore will be supported and facilitated by the Council. Such developments contribute to regeneration and enhance the visual appearance of an area, make more effective use of land and stimulate economic activity in urban and rural areas. Development Plan Objective: Reuse of Brownfield Sites CDP 6.15 It is an objective of Clare County Council: a) To favourably consider the redevelopment of brownfield sites and disused agricultural or commercial buildings in urban and rural areas for industrial, enterprise or cultural uses subject to normal planning considerations, ensuring that no such developments will adversely affect protected habitats and species; and,144
- __________________________________________________________________________________ Clare County Development Plan 2023-2029 6 | Economic Development and Enterprise b) To establish a database of strategic brownfield and infill sites so that brownfield land reuse can be managed and coordinated across multiple stakeholders, as part of an active land management process. 6.17 Ancillary Services In general, Clare County Council will require services such as childcare providers, financial institutions, food providers etc, to locate in town and village centres or other identified appropriate locations across the county. However, it is recognised that it can be beneficial to provide limited ancillary services in larger employment-generating areas. Services such as gyms, childcare facilities, and café/restaurant facilities can enhance the attractiveness of industrial/business parks for potential employers and employees and can also contribute to more sustainable travel patterns for those working in such areas. Development Plan Objective: Ancillary Services CDP 6.16 It is an objective of Clare County Council: To support the development of small-scale ancillary services in large industrial and business parks where they do not detract from the vitality and viability of the town centre in the subject settlement. 6.18 Energy County Clare’s ability to continue to attract and retain high levels of foreign direct investment and to provide a supportive environment for industry will depend on its capacity to deliver a competitive and uninterrupted energy supply. County Clare has a secure energy supply and the network in the county has significant potential to accommodate further generating activity. The county also has potential to increase the production of electricity from renewable energy sources such as wind and tidal energy. The Council’s Wind Energy Strategy (Volume 6) and Renewable Energy Strategy (Volume 5) provide for a strategic plan-led approach to secure renewable energy production in County Clare. The creation and storage of sustainable forms of energy and the associated development of new energy technologies will assist in the creation of a low-carbon county that can be developed and marketed to the benefit of local business and job creation in the county. The Council supports the ESB’s ‘Green Atlantic’ project for the redevelopment of the Moneypoint power generation station site as a green energy hub and the development of the Shannon Estuary as a focal point for the offshore wind industry in Europe. Development Plan Objective: Energy Supply CDP 6.17 It is an objective of Clare County Council: a) To contribute to the economic development and enhanced employment opportunities in the county by:145
- __________________________________________________________________________________ Clare County Development Plan 2023-2029 6 | Economic Development and Enterprise i) Enabling the development of a self-sustaining, secure, reliable and efficient renewable energy supply and storage for the county in line with objective CDP 3.3; ii) Facilitating the county to become a leader in the production of sustainable and renewable energy for national and international consumption through research, technology development and innovation; and, iii) Supporting on-land and off-shore renewable energy production by a range of appropriate technologies in line with objective CDP 3.3. 6.19 Green Technology and the Circular Economy Climate change is one of the greatest global challenges of our time and in 2019 Ireland declared a climate and biodiversity emergency. While it is essential to ensure the safety and quality of life of all residents and the protection of biodiversity, climate mitigation and adaptation also offers significant potential from an economic development perspective. There are strong growth opportunities in the emerging low carbon goods and services sector such as renewable energy (wind, wave, tidal and biomass and the services that support them), low carbon technologies including alternative fuels for vehicles, carbon capture and storage, and building technologies. Opportunities also exist in environmental management including environmental consultancy, pollution control, waste management, recovery and recycling. Considerable opportunities exist for job creation and economic growth in areas such as green tech and new technology developments. Addressing the impacts of climate change and global warming can drive innovation and stimulate economic growth. Development Plan Objective: Green Technology CDP 6.18 It is an objective of Clare County Council: To support the development of low carbon and green tech businesses and industries throughout the county. Development Plan Objective: Circular Economy CDP 6.19 It is an objective of Clare County Council: a) To support 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; and, b) To support the development of social enterprises and the circular economy within local communities to benefit environmental protection, employment generation and community development.146
Source Clare County Council: Clare County Development Plan 2023–2029 (as varied) (2023–2029) · 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.