Clare County Development Plan 2023–2029 (as varied)

1. Page 181

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   __________________________________________________________________________________ Clare County Development Plan 2023-2029 8 | Rural Development and Natural Resources 8.2.6 Local Services and Shops in Rural Areas The importance of retaining local services and shops to sustain rural communities and the challenges faced in achieving this are acknowledged by the Council. To retain the critical mass of these areas necessary for the viability of these services the Council will seek to enable the future growth and sustainable development of services in these areas. Development Plan Objective: Rural Services CDP 8.5 It is an objective of Clare County Council: a) To encourage the development and facilitate the retention, where possible, of local services and shops in rural areas; and, b) To facilitate the redevelopment of existing services as other enterprises within the countryside where necessary. 8.2.7 Rural Transport The provision of a high quality, inter-connected system of transport in rural Ireland is key to the realisation of the inherent social and economic potential which exists in rural areas. Public transport provision enhances connectivity to and within rural areas, assists in sustaining rural communities, achieving social inclusion, and improving quality of life for people in these areas. Regional bus services are provided within the county by Bus Éireann and private operators. In rural areas, due to low population densities and relatively limited patronage the costs associated with the provision of conventional bus services can be prohibitive. Rural communities are more reliant on private transport with high levels of car ownership. However, for elderly or mobility impaired people and those on low incomes, access to private transport remains difficult and therefore the provision of such rural bus services is particularly important. The RSES recognises the critical role of rural transport services in providing social and economic connectivity between small villages/rural areas and larger towns. ‘Clare Bus’ and ‘Local Link Limerick Clare’ operate community-based bus services throughout the county which provide connectivity between rural areas and local service centres. In recognising the importance of community-based accessible transport and in accordance with the RSES and the Local Link Rural Transport Programme Strategic Plan 2018 to 2022, the Council will encourage and facilitate the further development of such initiatives within the county and the development of better linkages with other transport services. In addition, the Council notes and supports the upcoming NTA programme Connecting Ireland which seeks to address the gaps in connections to local and regional centres in rural areas, to allow for the possibility of access to local services without a car and to transition to a low/zero emission fleet wherever practicable. One option is to explore the role of taxi-bus services linked with the main inter-urban bus corridors and the reshaping of the hinterland bus service in a more formulated ’hub and177

2. Page 182

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   __________________________________________________________________________________ Clare County Development Plan 2023-2029 8 | Rural Development and Natural Resources spoke’ service plan connecting into the main public transport nodes. In this regard, Action 91 of Our Rural Future: Rural Development Policy 2021-2025 requires the Department of Transport, Tourism and Sport and the National Transport Authority to provide improved rural public transport services and pilot new transport initiatives through developing a subsidised Local Area Hackney Scheme in designated rural areas. Development Plan Objective: Rural Transport CDP 8.6 It is an objective of Clare County Council: a) To support the retention and enhancement of existing rural transport services in County Clare and the expansion of the Local Link Rural Transport Programme by the National Transport Authority in the following manner: • Seek further integration with other public transport services, including HSE and school transport. • Better linkage of services between towns, villages and rural areas. • Ensure fully accessible vehicles operate on all services. • Enhance the customer experience. • Increase patronage among children and young people. • Encourage innovation in the service. b) To support the provision of new rural transportation initiatives which provide greater accessibility between towns and villages and all rural areas; c) To encourage the development of ‘hub and spoke’ rural transport services at key locations in order to support the integration of local and regional transport services; and, d) To support the provision of regular express bus services throughout the county and to encourage private-public partnership in the provision of more widespread rural bus services. 8.2.8 Rural Broadband Access to high quality broadband is a fundamental requirement for the economic prosperity and social development of rural areas and given the rural nature of the majority of County Clare the implementation of the National Broadband Plan (NBP) is essential. Rural broadband can serve rural enterprises, facilitate distance learning, provide opportunities to work from home, assist modern farming practices, help to alleviate isolation and improve the sustainability of travel patterns. The remote working requirements associated with the Covid-19 pandemic have shown the value of digital technology by enabling workers, businesses and families in Clare to stay connected to each other. The NBP aims to address Ireland’s connectivity challenges by ensuring that every premises has access to high-speed broadband services. A total of 33% of the 69,225 premises in Clare are located within ‘Intervention Areas’ (Dec 2020 Figures) and178

3. Page 183

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   __________________________________________________________________________________ Clare County Development Plan 2023-2029 8 | Rural Development and Natural Resources will therefore receive access to high quality broadband via the NBP rollout with the needs of all other premises being met by private telecommunications providers. Figure 8.1 County Clare Broadband & Intervention Area Map DigiClare is an initiative of Clare County Council that was established on foot of its rural development strategy, Clare Rural Development Strategy 2026, to support rural communities by providing flexible, affordable, and local office facilities and high-speed broadband connectivity in rural locations in the county. These digital hubs utilise broadband and digital technology as a key enabler of rural development and support rural social enterprises and the wider community by facilitating e-working, small-scale training and conferencing. There are digital hubs currently located in Ennis, Cross, Carron, Corofin, Ennistymon, Feakle, Kilfenora, Kilkee, Kilrush, Inagh, Sixmilebridge and Miltown Malbay with additional locations planned across the county including Loughgraney and Scarriff. In addition to the roll out of digital hubs open Wi-Fi broadband connection points will be provided in: Caherconnell Stone Fort Cree Community Centre Cross National School Ennis Ennistymon Flagmount National School Halla Eoin Kilbaha Kilfenora Kilrush Michael Cusack Centre Loop Head Lighthouse and Visitor Centre Obair Centre Newmarket on Fergus Development Plan Objective: Rural Broadband CDP 8.7 It is an objective of Clare County Council: To support and facilitate the expedited delivery of the National Broadband Plan as a means of developing further opportunities for enterprise, employment, education, National Broadband Ireland Mapping Commercial Operators Intervention Area Existing Broadband Connection Point Planned Broadband Connection Point179

4. Page 184

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   __________________________________________________________________________________ Clare County Development Plan 2023-2029 8 | Rural Development and Natural Resources innovation and skills development for those who live and work in rural areas in accordance with the findings of the Intervention Strategy SEA, NIR and associated Best Practice Guidance. 8.3 Natural Resources Clare is a county rich in natural resources, the sustainable exploitation of which has the potential to contribute significantly to both the local and national economy. Development Plan Objective: Natural Resources CDP 8.8 It is an objective of Clare County Council: To facilitate, encourage and appropriately manage the development of the natural resources of the county and to ensure that this is done in a sensitive way, eliminating any significant adverse effects on the natural and built environment, negative impacts on archaeological heritage and in compliance with all relevant legislation and planning requirements. 8.3.1 Fishing and Aquaculture County Clare has an extensive coastline (192km Atlantic seaboard and 168km of estuarial freshwater coastline) and in accordance with Our Rural Future: Rural Development Policy 2021-2025, the National Marine Planning Framework (NMPF) and the RSES the Council aims to maximise the long-term contribution of the sea-fishing sector and inland fisheries to the county’s economy and to the maintenance of the social fabric of rural and coastal communities. Fishing and aquaculture also contribute significantly to the rural economy through marine tourism activities. Charter deep-sea fishing trips operate from Carrigaholt, Kilbaha and Kilrush and potential exists to further expand these industries through the integration of marine leisure/tourism activities with complementary on-shore hospitality in relevant coastal settlements. In accordance with the County Clare Tourism Strategy 2030 the Council will work with relevant partners to identify and address infrastructural requirements aimed at strengthening angling opportunities in the county. The sea vegetable industry in Ireland is currently in its infancy. Where developed sustainably this industry has the potential to assist in the further diversification of the rural economies of coastal communities. See Section 13.9 in Chapter 13 of this plan for further information and detailed objectives relating to commercial fishing and aquaculture.180

5. Page 185

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   __________________________________________________________________________________ Clare County Development Plan 2023-2029 8 | Rural Development and Natural Resources Development Plan Objective: Non- Commercial Fishing CDP 8.9 It is an objective of Clare County Council: To support the expansion of non-commercial fishing activities in coastal communities and the development of complementary onshore hospitality facilities/services in a sensitive way and subject to normal environmental and planning considerations. 8.3.2 Forestry Forestry plays an important role in terms of rural development and diversification in County Clare and has the potential to provide further economic, environmental, and social gains. The Council will work with the relevant stakeholders to accommodate sustainable native broadleaf and coniferous afforestation in the county. In this regard Clare County Council is a consultative body in relation to applications to the Forestry Service for initial afforestation and submits observations to the Forestry Service on such applications, as appropriate. Irish sawmilling and board manufacturing is competitive internationally and further growth is anticipated in this area. The spin-off industries associated with forestry include the harvesting, transportation and processing of the raw material. The Council will actively encourage and facilitate, where appropriate, the sustainable development of the forestry sector at a scale and in a manner that maximises its contribution to the local economies both rural and urban. In addition to economic benefits, forests are natural resources that provide recreational, tourism and environmental opportunities and are also important as links in the county’s green infrastructure network. The Council also acknowledges that the forestry sector is the largest and most readily available biomass resource in Ireland and there is significant scope for wood fuel to replace consumer dependence on fossil fuels. Development Plan Objective: Forestry CDP 8.10 It is an objective of Clare County Council: a) To promote and encourage state and private afforestation and reforestation throughout the countryside in appropriate locations, in compliance with objective CDP 3.3 and on suitable soil types as a means of promoting rural diversity and strengthening both the rural and urban economy; b) To support the development of enterprises ancillary to the forestry industry, in particular value-improvement enterprises relating to timber extracted from County Clare forests; and, c) To encourage the sustainable development of native woodlands as a means of enhancing biodiversity, climate and flood mitigation, carbon sequestration, landscape181

6. Page 186

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   __________________________________________________________________________________ Clare County Development Plan 2023-2029 8 | Rural Development and Natural Resources enhancement, recreational amenity, educational resource and strengthening the rural economy. 8.3.3 Bioenergy The bioeconomy comprises “the production of renewable biological resources [such as crops, forests, fish, animals, and micro-organisms] and the conversion of these resources and waste stream residues, by-products or municipal solid waste into value added products, such as food, feed, bio-based products and bioenergy.” (Innovating for Sustainable Growth: A Bioeconomy for Europe, E.C. 2012). The bioenergy industry offers economic benefits for rural areas and for people involved in agriculture and forestry. People working in these areas can supplement their income by engaging with the bio-energy industry through the production of biomass, anaerobic digestion, liquid biofuels and the use of forestry thinning. This will make a significant contribution to the development of a sustainable, low carbon, resources efficient and competitive economy in County Clare. See Volume 5 Clare Renewable Energy Strategy of this plan for further information and detailed objectives on the future development of the biomass and bio-energy industry in the county. Development Plan Objective: Bioenergy CDP 8.11 It is an objective of Clare County Council: To support initiatives for energy research funding and to encourage the development of bioenergy opportunities, facilities and associated rural enterprises in the countryside in appropriate locations where such activities do not have a significant negative impact on the environment and where they assist in the move away from fossil fuels to green energy. 8.3.4 Renewable Energy There is significant potential for the development of renewable energy in County Clare. The county has one of the best wind resources in the world – almost the entire county has either an excellent or very good wind energy resource. However, the development and siting of wind energy projects must be balanced with the potential impacts on the landscape, ecology and the amenities of local communities. Areas that are considered suitable for commercial wind energy developments are set out in Volume 6 of this plan. There is also potential for other forms of renewable energy generation, such as anaerobic digestion and solar energy that can be integrated into both domestic and agricultural settings. The Council recognises that community ownership of renewable energy developments enables local communities to directly benefit from local energy resources which will assist in ensuring long-term incomes182

7. Page 187

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   __________________________________________________________________________________ Clare County Development Plan 2023-2029 8 | Rural Development and Natural Resources for rural communities. See Volume 5 Clare Renewable Energy Strategy of this plan for further information and detailed objectives relating to renewable energy generation in the county. Development Plan Objective: Renewable Energy Development CDP 8.12 It is an objective of Clare County Council: To support the implementation of the National Renewable Energy Action Plan (NREAP), the Clare Wind Energy Strategy (WES) and the Clare Renewable Energy Strategy (RES) to facilitate the development of renewable energy developments in rural areas to meet national objectives towards achieving a low carbon economy by 2050 subject to the requirement of the RES SEA Environmental Report and the mitigation measures arising from the Appropriate Assessment as contained in Volume 10(a). 8.3.5 Unconventional Gas Exploration and Extraction In line with European policy, the Council applies the precautionary principle in respect of development where significant environmental implications are involved. In particular, the Council is conscious of its responsibility to protect and maintain the air and water quality in the county, so as to ensure a safe and healthy living environment for present and future generations. Therefore, the Council has set out the following objective with regard to hydrocarbon exploration and extraction. Development Plan Objective: Unconventional Gas Exploration and Extraction CDP 8.13 It is an objective of Clare County Council: To require the application of the precautionary principle to Unconventional Oil/Gas Exploration and Extraction (UGEE) projects/operations proposed within the County subject to the requirements of CDP Objective 3.3. 8.3.6 Extractive Industry County Clare benefits from reserves of stone, sand, gravel and peat which are worked at many locations across the county. There is also potential for the extraction of precious and base minerals in the County. The Council recognises the importance of the extractive industry in the county and the contribution the industry makes to the construction sector, employment generation and economic life. The extraction and processing of these materials and minerals, together with the decommissioning and restoration of all sites, requires appropriate management in order to minimise the potential impact on the environment. The Council will facilitate the harnessing of the areas natural resources whilst ensuring that the receiving environments amenities are appropriately protected.183

8. Page 188

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   __________________________________________________________________________________ Clare County Development Plan 2023-2029 8 | Rural Development and Natural Resources Development Plan Objective: Minerals, Mining and Quarrying CDP 8.14 It is an objective of Clare County Council: a) To promote the extraction of minerals and aggregates and their associated processes where such activities do not have a significant negative impact on the environment, landscape, public health, archaeology, County Geological Sites and/or sites of geological importance or residential amenities of the receiving environment and where such operations are in compliance with all national regulations and guidelines applicable to quarrying and mining activities; b) To avoid an unreasonable risk of environmental harm due to the toxicity of chemicals and their demonstrated potential to cause damage to the environment, the use of the following chemicals as a processing agent shall be prohibited from use in any proposed processing operation located above or adjacent to surface or ground water or which could potentially impact such waters regardless of their location – mercury, cyanide or cyanide compounds, breakdown products of cyanide or sulfuric acid; and, c) To support the satisfactory and sensitive re-instatement and/or re-use of disused quarries and extraction facilities, where active extraction use has ceased. Future uses should include amenity, recreation and biodiversity areas and shall be informed by an assessment of the specific site/lands in accordance with the restoration plan under the facility’s EPA licence.184

9. Page 189

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   __________________________________________________________________________________ Clare County Development Plan 2023-2029 9 | Tourism Chapter 9 Tourism Goal VIII: A county in which tourism growth continues to play a major role in the future development of the county; a county which is the gateway to the West, delivering tourism experiences which reflect its strong commitment to sustainability, connectivity, innovation and new approaches to doing business; and a place that is globally recognised as a sustainable destination and where the benefits of tourism are spread across the county throughout the seasons. Chapter 9 Table of Contents: 9.0 Introduction 9.1 Strategic Aims 9.2 Strategy 9.2.1 Tourism Promotion 9.2.2 Integrated Tourism Products 9.2.3 Tourism Developments and Tourist Facilities 9.2.4 Visitor Accommodation 9.2.5 Wild Atlantic Way 9.2.6 Shannon Estuary Way 9.2.7 Irelands Hidden Heartlands 9.2.8 Business Tourism 9.2.9 Activity and Adventure Tourism 9.2.10 Educational Tourism 9.2.11 Rural Tourism and Forestry Tourism 9.2.12 Arts, Crafts and Food Tourism 9.2.13 Coastal Tourism 9.2.14 Lakeland and Waterway Tourism 9.2.15 Urban Tourism 9.2.16 Festivals and Events 9.2.17 Heritage and Cultural Tourism 9.2.18 Sustainable and Responsible Tourism 9.2.19 Niche Tourism 9.2.20 Accessible Tourism 9.2.21 Tourism Signage 9.3 Sub-County Tourism Development 9.3.1 Tourism in Ennis 9.3.2 Tourism in South Clare and the Limerick-Shannon Metropolitan Area 9.3.3 Tourism in East Clare 9.3.4 Tourism in North Clare and the Burren 9.3.5 Tourism in West Clare 9.3.6 Tourism and the Islands185

10. Page 190

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    __________________________________________________________________________________ Clare County Development Plan 2023-2029 9 | Tourism 9.0 Introduction County Clare has an exceptionally rich and diverse natural and cultural heritage, vibrant towns and villages and contrasting landscapes, all of which are easily accessible to visitors. The diversity of its globally recognised landscapes is striking and the asset base for activity and nature-based tourism is considerable. County Clare is surrounded to the west, south and east by coastal, estuarine and freshwater systems which give the county a distinctive island-like geography that has in turn influenced its cultural heritage over the centuries. The tourism industry makes a significant contribution to the vitality and sustainability of a wide variety of local enterprises, particularly in rural areas, and promotes an enhanced awareness and positive appreciation of local traditions and ways of life. In 2019 tourism contributed €270 million to the economy of the county and it is estimated that it supported 6,600 jobs. While County Clare is one of the leading tourist counties in Ireland, a stronger year-round product must be developed. There is also a need to ensure that tourism growth is spread beyond established destinations and larger towns to rural areas. The sustainable development of the tourism industry is critical to the economy of the county and of the wider region. Whilst the Covid-19 pandemic has brought significant challenges to the tourism industry in the county and whilst business uncertainty remains, it is envisaged that leisure travel will return to pre-Covid levels, and that the tourism industry will remain a key economic pillar for the county in the coming years. The reopening of County Clare as a tourist destination will be informed by the County Clare Tourism Strategy 2030 and its Destination Recovery and Strategy Action Plan which is due to be completed in the next two years.186

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.