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 9 | Tourism Development Plan Objective: Rural Tourism and Forestry Tourism CDP 9.10 It is an objective of Clare County Council: a) To promote and facilitate the development of rural tourism such as open farms, on-farm craft centres and visitor centres where the development will not have a negative impact on the character, scenic value or rural amenity of the surrounding area and subject to normal planning and environmental requirements; b) To promote the provision of on-farm tourism enterprises such as the renovation of buildings for tourism purposes, angling, pony-trekking and other similar activities, subject to compliance with normal planning and environmental requirements; and, c) To work in collaboration with Coillte, private forestry owners, community organisations and other interested parties to develop new forest accommodation, access, signage and trails for walking, cycling, mountain-biking and horse-riding (bridle paths). 9.2.12 Arts, Crafts and Food Tourism County Clare is a renowned centre for arts, crafts and artisan food production and is ideally placed to promote these enterprises as part of the county’s tourism offer. This has also been supplemented in recent years with the establishment of a number of craft breweries and local distilleries which attract many visitors each year. There is also the potential for the development of craft trails and craftsman experiences in the county.197
- __________________________________________________________________________________ Clare County Development Plan 2023-2029 9 | Tourism Development Plan Objective: Arts, Crafts and Food Tourism CDP 9.11 It is an objective of Clare County Council: To support the development of the arts, crafts and food tourism sectors and work in coordination with relevant stakeholders to facilitate growth in these sectors. 9.2.13 Coastal Tourism The attractive sandy beaches of County Clare are a major tourist attraction and Clare currently boasts nine Blue Flag Beaches. With the growth in outdoor activities, these beaches are used for water sports such as surfing, kite-surfing, swimming, paddle boarding and kayaking as well as other activities such as walking, jogging and general enjoyment of the coastal area. The protection and management of the coastline is imperative to ensure ongoing sustainable benefits from tourism activities that are based on these enviable natural assets. Development Plan Objective: Coastal Tourism CDP 9.12 It is an objective of Clare County Council: a) To encourage the development of coastal tourism such as water-sports and water-related activities subject to normal planning and environmental criteria; b) To support proposals for tourism development in coastal areas where it can be demonstrated that there will be no negative impacts on the amenities of the area the integrity of the natural environment or the economic value of the county’s coastline and beaches; and, c) To continue to work with An Taisce, the local community and other relevant stakeholders to retain and increase the number of Blue Flag awards in the county. 9.2.14 Lakeland and Waterway Tourism The lakelands and waterways of County Clare are rich natural resources that attract many visitors to the county each year. In addition to their scenic beauty they offer opportunities for a wide range of activities such as fishing, sailing, bird-watching and pleasure boating. Ensuring access to the lakes and waterways and the sustainable management of activities taking place on the water, on the lakeshore and in the riparian zones of waterways is essential to ensure a balance between tourism development and conservation of the natural heritage in these areas. The Ireland’s Hidden Heartlands initiative will assist in delivering on the potential of the lakes and waterways of East Clare.198
- __________________________________________________________________________________ Clare County Development Plan 2023-2029 9 | Tourism Development Plan Objective: Lakeland and Waterway Tourism CDP 9.13 It is an objective of Clare County Council: a) To support the development of tourism activities in lakeland areas and along waterways subject to normal planning and environmental requirements. All proposed developments shall be in accordance the Birds and Habitats Directive, Water Framework Directive and all other relevant EC Directives. b) To encourage the development of shared facilities centres, at inland water bodies including Ballycuggeran Sports Activity Facility, Ogonnelloe, Killaloe, Lough Derg and the River Shannon, to facilitate greater access to water for areas such as water sports and water-based activities and events subject to normal planning and environmental criteria. 9.2.15 Urban Tourism Tourism has a strong positive impact on the vibrancy of rural towns and villages and these settlements provide a range of visitor attractions, facilities and services to support the tourism industry and drive revenue generation in the county. Many towns and villages in County Clare are tourist destinations in their own right with Ennis in particular also acting as a tourism hub for the wider county and region. The development of vibrant, welcoming town and village centres is important as this broadens their appeal and also encourages repeat and extended stays. There is the potential to further expand the provision of high quality accommodation and secondary facilities such as restaurants, cafes, pubs, craft outlets and other leisure facilities in Clare’s towns and villages for the betterment of both local residents and visitors alike. Development Plan Objective: Urban Tourism CDP 9.14 It is an objective of Clare County Council: To improve the visual appearance of towns and villages, protect their character and maximise their tourism potential by the continuation of environmental and public realm programmes, design management and improvement of identified derelict sites. 9.2.16 Festivals and Events Festivals can be a key driver of local economies and a means of revitalising and maintaining local culture. For example, Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann, held in Ennis in 2016 and 2017, provided a significant boost to the tourism industry in the county and contributed to Clare’s reputation as a ‘County of Culture’ on an international scale. Festivals are also important in199
- __________________________________________________________________________________ Clare County Development Plan 2023-2029 9 | Tourism terms of attracting visitors to the county during the off-peak season. Clare has a long history of hospitality and has historically hosted over 150 festivals and events annually including the Tour de Burren, the Willie Clancy Summer School, the Doolin Folk Festival, Fleadh Nua and the Feakle Traditional Music Festival. Development Plan Objective: Festivals and Events CDP 9.15 It is an objective of Clare County Council: a) To support and promote the existing festivals and cultural events which take place in the county and to facilitate the establishment of new events; b) To promote County Clare as a ‘County of Culture’; c) To support community groups and festival committees to identify and access new sources of funding for festivals and events in the county; and, d) To promote the development of a variety of new festivals and sporting events to appeal to a wide range of visitors and to increase the profile of the county as a key tourism destination. 9.2.17 Heritage and Cultural Tourism The County Clare Tourism Strategy 2030 identifies culturally curious tourists as one of the key markets for the county. The county has an extremely rich and varied culture and heritage, and this culturally curious market can provide an additional opportunity to increase the length of time visitors stay in the county, as well as reinforcing Clare’s cultural identity by creating revenue to conserve its built heritage and support its cultural heritage. Genealogy and genealogical resources also play an important role in heritage and cultural tourism. The Local Studies Centre in Ennis plays a leading role in supporting genealogical research in the county. Development Plan Objective: Heritage and Cultural Tourism CDP 9.16 It is an objective of Clare County Council: To work with stakeholders including the Office of Public Works, the Heritage Council, the Arts Council, National Monuments Service (DHLGH) local communities and businesses to support the development of heritage and cultural tourism in County Clare.200
- __________________________________________________________________________________ Clare County Development Plan 2023-2029 9 | Tourism 9.2.18 Sustainable and Responsible Tourism The NPF and RSES for the Southern Region recognise that in order to develop a sustainable tourism industry in Ireland, infrastructural investment is required to enhance amenities including the built, cultural and natural heritage assets in both urban and rural areas. Investment in developing a well-designed public realm in settlements, recreational infrastructure and rural amenities including activity-based tourism and trails, such as greenways and blueways will significantly contribute to the sustainable growth of the tourism sector. County Clare is well positioned to progress sustainable and responsible tourism initiatives. Sustainable transport initiatives could include e-charging, specific parking allocations for electric vehicles, restricted access in certain areas to sustainable modes of transport, reduced parking charges at publicly owned sites for low carbon, carbon neutral transport modes, provision of better and safer cycle lanes along many of the transit routes and access routes particularly between tourism towns, villages and attractions. Private tourism operators and groups such as the Burren Eco-Tourism Network are already doing significant work to progress these aspects of tourism development. In accordance with the requirements of the RSES for the Southern Region specific monitoring protocols for visitor pressure are required to ensure that tourism activities are maintained within sustainable limits. Development Plan Objective: Sustainable and Responsible Tourism CDP 9.17 It is an objective of Clare County Council: To support sustainable and responsible tourism initiatives across County Clare in order to ensure that ongoing growth in the tourism industry is balanced with the long term protection of the natural environment and cultural identity of the county. 9.2.19 Niche Tourism The County Clare Tourism Strategy 2030 identifies a number of significant niche markets which have the potential to expand the tourist season and attract additional visitors to the county. These markets include the higher end golf market, wellness, geo/ecotourism, adventure sports, business, and the diaspora. The strategy supports the implementation of the Ennis Niche Destination Town Plan. The potential of niche markets to contribute to the county’s evolving tourist industry is recognised and in collaboration with the tourist sectors and the wider community the Council will identify and target these niches. Development Plan Objective: Niche Tourism CDP 9.18 It is an objective of Clare County Council: To explore the expansion of the niche tourism industry in County Clare in order to expand the range of tourism products on offer.201
- __________________________________________________________________________________ Clare County Development Plan 2023-2029 9 | Tourism 9.2.20 Accessible Tourism To ensure that visitors can enjoy the amenities and services available in County Clare it is essential that visitor facilities and attractions are accessible to all, regardless of abilities, age or physical limitations. Development Plan Objective: Accessible Tourism CDP 9.19 It is an objective of Clare County Council: a) To facilitate and support the provision of improved accessibility at visitor accommodation, venues and activities including access to water-based activities, and to ensure that the principles of universal design are integrated into proposals for future tourism developments in the county; and, b) To collaborate and work with relevant agencies and the hospitality sector to ensure that Ennis and County Clare are age-friendly tourist destinations. 9.2.21 Tourism Signage Appropriate waymarking signage is required to assist visitors to navigate the county and to provide visibility of local businesses. A balance is required between these requirements and the protection of visual amenities. Therefore to avoid excessive concentrations of signs at key points within the county it is important to prepare and implement signage plans for these areas. Such plans have been prepared for the Lough Derg and Burren areas and it is intended to prepare similar plans for the Ennis and Loop Head areas. Development Plan Objective: Signage Management CDP 9.20 It is an objective of Clare County Council: a) To implement the signage plans that have been prepared for the Lough Derg and Burren areas; b) To prepare and implement signage plans for the Ennis and Loop Head areas; c) To support the provision of accurate and easy-to-use roadside information including: i) Integrated signage plans throughout the county to improve navigation and visual impact; and ii) The development of a digital platform to disseminate information to visitors; and, d) To ensure that all plans will undergo screening for Appropriate Assessment to address the potential effects on European sites as a result of increased visitor numbers.202
- __________________________________________________________________________________ Clare County Development Plan 2023-2029 9 | Tourism 9.3 Sub-County Tourism Development In order for County Clare to maximise its tourism potential, this Plan sets out a number of objectives for tourism development for specific areas of the county to ensure a targeted ‘niche’ approach to tourism development in each area. 9.3.1 Tourism in Ennis Ennis, as the County Town, is a tourist destination in its own right and also acts as a tourist hub for the extensive activities available in the wider county and region. Its close proximity to Shannon International Airport, motorway and national road networks, rail and bus links, and its variety of accommodation options, amenities and activities makes Ennis attractive to visitors. Ennis 2040 An Economic and Spatial Strategy and the County Clare Tourism Strategy 2030 propose the strengthening the tourism role of Ennis as both a core hub attraction in its own right and as a ‘Gateway’ to the county. To achieve this it is necessary to further develop and diversify the tourism product in Ennis through actions such as the development of additional higher-rated hotel rooms and quality self-catering options, working with tour operators to position Ennis as a key hub from which to explore Clare, leveraging the unofficial positioning of Ennis as ‘Ireland’s Trad Town’, supporting new festivals such as the Clare Food and Drink Fleadh and also by supporting the forthcoming Ennis Niche Destination Town Plan. See Ennis and Environs Settlement Plan (Volume 3(a) of this Plan) for further information and detailed objectives relating to tourism in Ennis.203
- __________________________________________________________________________________ Clare County Development Plan 2023-2029 9 | Tourism Development Plan Objective: Tourism in Ennis and its Environs CDP 9.21 It is an objective of Clare County Council: a) To promote Ennis as both a tourist destination and as a tourism hub for the wider tourism product in County Clare; b) To facilitate the expansion of tourism infrastructure, facilities and entertainment in the Ennis and Environs area; c) To expand the nature and extent of tourist accommodation in the Ennis and Environs area, including camping, glamping and motor home facilities; d) To support the development of Ennis and its environs as a hub for cycleways, greenways and eco-tourism; and, e) To support the Promote Ennis initiative and Purple Flag accreditation, and any subsequent initiatives for the promotion/development of Ennis as a tourist destination. 9.3.2 Tourism in South Clare and the Limerick-Shannon Metropolitan Area South Clare is close to Shannon International Airport, the motorway network and rail terminals. An objective for this area is to maximise its potential by exploiting this high quality connectivity and the existing tourist and heritage assets in the area. In this regard, the Council is currently engaged with Shannon Airport Group to ensure continued investment in the enhancement and expansion of facilities and services at Bunratty Castle and Folk Park including the potential transfer of the Shannon Heritage Site to Clare County Council. In addition, as the proposed South Clare/University of Limerick Economic Strategic Development Zone (SDZ) moves forward, the Council will identify partners with a strong interest in new technologies and innovative digital solutions to improve tourism services and experiences and will work with these partners to explore options for enhancing Clare’s profile as a smart tourism destination. Development Plan Objective: Tourism in South Clare and the Limerick-Shannon Metropolitan Area CDP 9.22 It is an objective of Clare County Council: a) To support investment in infrastructure, increased capacity of Shannon International Airport, road and rail accessibility, in order to maximise the potential of tourism subject to the outcome of environmental assessments and the planning process; b) To support the enhancement of Bunratty Castle and Folk Park as a visitor experience; c) To support the development of a flagship, international scale tourism project in Bunratty;204
- __________________________________________________________________________________ Clare County Development Plan 2023-2029 9 | Tourism d) To facilitate the development and expansion of the hospitality sector, particularly as it relates to business tourism, in Bunratty and Shannon town; e) To support the development of Shannon as a visitor destination including enhanced evening entertainment, promotion of looped walking trails, provision of an airport museum and enhanced aircraft viewing areas; f) To work with relevant stakeholders to promote the monastic sites in the area as key tourist attractions; g) To promote equestrian, boating, outdoor activities and the natural amenities and traditions of the area; and, h) To support the development of the Limerick-Shannon Metropolitan Area as a smart tourism destination. 9.3.3 Tourism in East Clare East Clare has a diverse range of tourism resources, especially along the shores of Lough Derg and the Ireland’s Hidden Heartlands experience proposition and the Tourism Masterplan for the Shannon 2020–2030 have the potential to be significant catalysts for new growth and development in the area. The County Clare Tourism Strategy 2030 outlines the fragmentation within the tourism industry with a particularly strong sense of the disconnect between East Clare and the western and northern areas of the county. The Council will seek to address this issue and also to ensure that East Clare reaches its full potential through initiatives such as the development of a gateway visitor facility in Mountshannon as part of the Inis Cealtra Visitor Management and Sustainable Tourism Development Plan for which Clare County Council has received funding of almost €4 million through the Rural Regeneration and Development Fund and the promotion of the ‘High Towers and High Powers’ theme. Opportunities exist to further develop the East Clare area, by promoting and encouraging niche tourism products such as the Mountshannon Bird Viewing Information Point, facilities for watersports and outdoor activity centres, wellness and self-development facilities, spa and health facilities and Agri-tourism. The area of County Clare included in Ireland’s Hidden Heartlands is shown on Map 9A Tourism Corridors at the end of this chapter.205
- __________________________________________________________________________________ Clare County Development Plan 2023-2029 9 | Tourism Development Plan Objective: Tourism in East Clare CDP 9.23 It is an objective of Clare County Council: a) To support East Clare as a tourism destination and promote the tourism assets of the area including Ireland’s Lakelands, greenways, blueways, the Munster Vales, Brian Boru and the Ireland's Hidden Heartlands tourism experience; b) To work with relevant stakeholders to implement the Inis Cealtra (Holy Island) Visitor Management and Sustainable Tourism Development Plan including the development of an associated visitor centre in Mountshannon; c) To promote the Lough Derg (on the Shannon) Heritage and Nature Trail, the work of the Lough Derg Marketing Strategy Group and other future initiatives that enhance established attractions and work to promote Lough Derg and the surrounding area as a tourism destination; d) To facilitate sustainable marina developments and associated amenities at appropriate locations inside and outside of settlements along Lough Derg and other lake areas; e) To develop and enhance tourism products, in particular sustainable and eco-tourism; f) To facilitate and encourage the development of new and expanded outdoor activities in East Clare such as canoeing, water sports, bird watching, mountain-biking and walking trails and to develop links to complementary facilities;206
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.