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 g) To promote Lough Derg and the Slieve Aughty region as a tourism location and to develop a series of viewing points in the area; h) To promote wellness and self-development facilities; spa and health complexes and agri-tourism enterprises; i) To support the upgrade of the amenity facilities in the Ballycuggaran area; j) To facilitate the investigation of historical sites in East Clare containing the remains of a complex of blast furnaces and iron foundries; k) To support the development of a footpath/walking route around Lough Derg, linking Killaloe to Tuamgraney and Mountshannon; l) To promote the implementation of the Tourism Masterplan for the Shannon 2020 - 2030. m) To encourage the development of additional visitor accommodation and food and beverage offering in East Clare; and, n) To support the identification of potential upgrades or new public transport routes and greenways to encourage sustainable tourism options for visitors to East Clare. 9.3.4 Tourism in North Clare and the Burren North Clare is well located in terms of tourism and has a diverse range of tourism resources, especially the Burren and Cliffs of Moher UNESCO Global Geopark, the Atlantic coastline and the route of the Wild Atlantic Way. The Geopark supports greater interpretation of the geological landscape, climate change awareness and the achievement of sustainable tourism and land use. It also works towards scientifically sound and sustainable visitor management and monitoring practices at key natural sites and cultural monuments in the Burren.207
- __________________________________________________________________________________ Clare County Development Plan 2023-2029 9 | Tourism Whilst tourism is well established in the area the potential exists to encourage a larger proportion of tourism traffic to stop in the North Clare area for longer periods of time to avail of the numerous rural and townbased visitor attractions. Key to this is the newly launched Burren Discovery Trail, identified as a catalyst project in Fáilte Ireland’s Burren and Cliffs of Moher Visitor Experience Development Plan, it was developed by Clare and Galway County Councils in partnership with Fáilte Ireland. The trail is a 95km new looped route off the Wild Atlantic Way designed to encourage visitors to explore more and stay longer in the Burren, taking visitors through the Burren Highlands in County Clare and Lowlands in County Galway offering opportunities to engage with the stories of each local area and explore the many wonderful towns and villages in the region. Clare County Council will work with stakeholders and community groups to gain greater benefit from the further sustainable development of this driving route. The Burren Eco Tourism Network has won a Lonely Planet award in its 'Best in Travel' picks for 2021 and the Cliffs of Moher is a multiple times winner of the CIE Award of Excellence which further boosts the reputation of North Clare as a tourist destination. Future development at the Cliffs of Moher will be informed by the Cliffs of Moher Strategy 2040. Development Plan Objective: Tourism in North Clare and The Burren CDP 9.24 It is an objective of Clare County Council: a) To maintain and enhance the Cliffs of Moher as one of Ireland's premier tourist attractions and harness its potential as a driver of tourism in County Clare through the implementation of the Cliffs of Moher Strategy 2040 in accordance with the recommendations and mitigation measures as outlined in the accompanying SEA Environmental Report and Natura Impact Report; b) To support park and ride sites at appropriate locations which provide for visitor parking associated with the Cliffs of Moher and in line with the findings of the Cliffs of Moher Strategy 2040 including the associated environmental assessments; c) To enhance and promote established attractions in the towns and villages of North Clare and the surrounding hinterland;208
- __________________________________________________________________________________ Clare County Development Plan 2023-2029 9 | Tourism d) To consolidate and improve the Burren as a vibrant, sustainable, world class destination in order to retain its UNESCO Global Geopark status; e) To promote the development of ecotourism and agritourism and support the work of the Burren Ecotourism Network; f) To develop a year-round sustainable tourism product by ensuring linkages to other tourist products in the area; g) To support and promote, with the co-operation of private landowners, public access and interpretive signage at heritage sites and areas of geological interest where appropriate; h) To maximise the opportunities and benefits of natural amenities such as the Atlantic Ocean and the Burren and to enhance and manage outdoor activity and specialised tourist products such as surfing, rock climbing and water-sports activities; i) To work with key stakeholders such as the National Parks and Wildlife Service to promote tourism initiatives and sustainable visitor access and management within the Burren including the park and ride service operating from Corofin; j) To deliver an enhancement strategy for Corofin which will provide for an integrated tourism experience associated with the Burren within the lifetime of the plan; k) To work with the National Parks and Wildlife Service to promote and develop sustainable visitor management initiatives to service the Burren National Park to include a new tourist visitor centre in Corofin; l) To work with Fáilte Ireland and other tourism stakeholders to support the successful implementation and delivery of the Burren and Cliffs of Moher Visitor Experience Development Plan (VEDP), and, m) To recognise tourism as a regeneration tool for towns and villages within the Burren and Cliffs of Moher UNESCO Global Geopark. The implementation of the Clare Tourism Strategy and investment in towns and villages will be key to their regeneration.209
- __________________________________________________________________________________ Clare County Development Plan 2023-2029 9 | Tourism 9.3.5 Tourism in West Clare West Clare has a diverse range of tourism resources such as the Loop Head Peninsula, the Shannon Estuary and islands, the route of the Wild Atlantic Way, Vandeleur Estate, hotels, golf courses, numerous amenities and a unique culture and landscape. However, tourism remains relatively underdeveloped in the area, mainly due to its peripheral location. Significant potential exists to further promote key settlements such as Doonbeg, Kilrush, Kilkee and Miltown Malbay from a tourism perspective, building on the existing amenities and events in these areas. The geography of the area and its coastal location are ideal to underpin further tourism development, particularly for marine, environmental, geological, educational, outdoor activities and ornithological offerings. The further development of visitor facilities on Loop Head including recreational looped trails and park and ride facilities for the headland are supported by the Council. Development Plan Objective: Tourism in West Clare CDP 9.25 It is an objective of Clare County Council: a) To work with all relevant stakeholders to further develop and enhance the opportunity for tourism products in particular coastal and cliff walks in the Kilkee and Loop Head areas, cycling and niche tourism; b) To promote and market the area, building on the cultural amenities and entertainment facilities of Kilrush, Kilkee, and Doonbeg; c) To further develop Kilrush as a recognised destination for marine-based recreation; d) To support the promotion of the Loop Head Peninsula as a tourist destination and the enhancement of visitor facilities including upgraded visitor experience facilities at the Loop Head Lighthouse, park and ride facilities and looped trails; e) To encourage the development of sustainable tourism at the Bridges of Ross; f) To further promote Vandeleur Gardens and Scattery Island as key tourist attractions in the Kilrush area; g) To support the enhancement of the tourist accommodation offer in West Clare;210
- __________________________________________________________________________________ Clare County Development Plan 2023-2029 9 | Tourism h) To maximise the opportunities of the area’s coastal location and availability of fresh local produce to develop, facilitate and expand the local food and hospitality tourist product; i) To develop and enhance the piers, harbours and slipways along the Shannon Estuary, in accordance with the Strategic Integrated Framework Plan for the area, to maximise their potential for water sports activities; j) To promote and further develop the Shannon Estuary Way and the Wild Atlantic Way; and, k) To work with Fáilte Ireland in the preparation and implementation of the Cliff Coast Destination Experience Development Plan. Development Plan Objective: West Clare Railway Greenway CDP 9.26 It is an objective of Clare County Council: In addition to the development of it as a greenway, potential to facilitate the reopening of appropriate sections of the West Clare Railway as an operational tourist attraction by permitting, where appropriate, new sections of railway to be built as alternatives to parts of the line which have been built on or are inaccessible since its closure. 9.3.6 Tourism and the Islands There are numerous islands in the coastal, estuarine and inland water bodies around County Clare that have significant potential for further tourism development. Scattery Island, located in close proximity to the Heritage town of Kilrush and a Discovery Point on the Wild Atlantic Way, has seen significant increases in tourists visiting the island in recent years with the establishment of a boat tour service. Scattery Island Tours have been awarded two EDEN (European Destination of Excellence) Awards with regard to this service. It is important that the increased levels of tourism and educational field trips are carefully managed to ensure the protection of the heritage of the island. The other islands in the Shannon Estuary are currently under-utilised from a tourism perspective, an issue which has been addressed in the Strategic Integrated Framework Plan (SIFP) for the Shannon Estuary. The SIFP identifies the potential of the islands for the development of ecotourism and heritage-based tourism and recommends a further evaluation of their potential. Clare County Council’s acquisition of Inis Cealtra (Holy Island) on Lough Derg and the preparation and implementation of the Inis Cealtra Visitor Management and Sustainable Tourism Development Plan offers a major opportunity to grow the tourism industry and encourage visitors to East Clare. The island is highly important from both an environmental and historic perspective and careful and sustainable management is required to ensure its ongoing conservation.211
- __________________________________________________________________________________ Clare County Development Plan 2023-2029 9 | Tourism Development Plan Objective: Tourism and the Islands CDP 9.27 It is an objective of Clare County Council: a) To identify the tourism function of the county’s islands and address the functional, planning and environmental impacts of additional visitors in order to facilitate increased access to the islands in a sensitive and appropriate manner; b) To support and promote the Scattery Island Ferry Service and to support the provision of signage associated with this service; c) To ensure the ongoing sustainable management of the historic and natural resources of Scattery Island and support tourism product development on the Island; d) To facilitate the further exploration of the tourism/leisure potential of the Shannon Estuary Islands having regard to the landscape/heritage sensitivities of the area and the European and local designations in the Estuary; and, e) To promote the sustainable tourism development and management of Inis Cealtra (Holy Island) as part of the overall Visitor Management and Sustainable Tourism Development Plan.212
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- __________________________________________________________________________________ Clare County Development Plan 2023-2029 10 | Sustainable Communities Chapter 10 Sustainable Communities Goal IX: A county where healthy and sustainable communities are developed and integrated with the timely delivery of a wide range of community, educational and cultural facilities and where, through a commitment to equality, participation, accessibility and social inclusion, the county develops as a unique location with an enhanced quality of life for its citizens and visitors. Chapter 10 Table of Contents: 10.0 Introduction 10.1 Strategic Aims 10.2 Sustainable and Inclusive Communities 10.3 Local Community Development Committee 10.4 Social and Community Engagement 10.5 Diverse and Socially Inclusive Society 10.6 Universal Accessibility 10.7 Age-Friendly County 10.7.1 Ageing in Place 10.8 Community Facilities 10.9 Community Gardens and Allotments 10.10 Social Infrastructure 10.11 Arts, Culture and Language 10.12 Physical Recreation and Active Living 10.13 Recreational Routes 10.14 Countryside Recreation 10.15 Public Rights of Way 10.16 Play Facilities 10.17 Educational Services 10.17.1 Pre-School/Childcare Facilities 10.17.2 Primary and Secondary School Facilities 10.17.3 Third Level and Higher Education 10.17.4 Further Education and Lifelong Learning 10.18 Dual Use of Community Facilities 10.19 Digital Hubs 10.20 Healthcare and Wellbeing 10.20.1 Air Ambulance Facilities 10.21 The Library Service 10.22 Burial Grounds and Crematoria214
- __________________________________________________________________________________ Clare County Development Plan 2023-2029 10 | Sustainable Communities 10.0 Introduction Sustainable communities that are vibrant, healthy, accessible and inclusive, and which are served by social and community services and facilities are of fundamental importance to the achievement of a high quality of life in the county and in ensuring that Clare is an attractive place to visit, invest and work. This chapter presents the strategic aims and objectives required to support community development, enhance social infrastructure, promote social inclusion and support physical, social and cultural integration as well as addressing deficits in social, community and physical infrastructure. 10.1 Strategic Aims The strategic aims of this chapter are: • To promote, encourage and facilitate physical, social and cultural inclusion throughout the county and across all communities; • To ensure that the principles of accessible, inclusive and sustainable community development are central in all developments; • To implement the community elements of the adopted Local Economic and Community Plan; • To promote the creation of strong, vibrant neighbourhoods in the settlements of County Clare, each with a range of services and amenities which are easily accessible by local residents; • To promote and support improved social and community infrastructure throughout the county; and, • To encourage, promote and facilitate active and inclusive participation in physical and social activities. 10.2 Sustainable and Inclusive Communities A key aim of the development plan is to ensure that the county is synonymous with a high quality of life based on healthy, vibrant, accessible, and inclusive communities, and by ensuring that future developments support these communities Clare County Council has a significant role to play in this regard. The Council will promote the: • Reduction in car dependency through locating residential developments in close proximity to existing services; • Provision of accessible community facilities to enhance social interaction and quality of life; • Creation of activity-friendly environments e.g. cycle-lanes and walkways with lighting; • Creation of compact and walkable urban forms to increase community cohesion; and, • Provision of local play and community facilities adjacent to existing services to encourage linked trips and to ensure that facilities are accessible to all local residents.215
- __________________________________________________________________________________ Clare County Development Plan 2023-2029 10 | Sustainable Communities It is an aim of the Council that each settlement (and neighbourhoods in large settlements) will be high quality places in which to live with conveniently located essential services. To achieve this, future development proposals are required to be of high quality design and layout and to integrate with or where needed make provision for these essential services. Development Plan Objective: Sustainable Communities CDP 10.1 It is an objective of Clare County Council: a) To ensure that future development proposals contribute to the creation of sustainable communities throughout County Clare; and, b) To work in collaboration with all relevant stakeholders to facilitate the planning and delivery of accessible community facilities throughout the county. 10.3 Local Community Development Committee The Clare Local Community Development Committee (LCDC) plays a pivotal oversight role in local and community development programmes and in preparing the community element of the Local Economic and Community Plan (LECP). The LCDC promotes coherent and meaningful citizen and community engagement in the scoping, planning, delivery, and evaluation of local and community development programmes. In implementing the Clare LECP, the Council works in partnership with local communities to promote quality of life and well-being, addresses the needs of disadvantaged communities, pursues labour activation schemes such as social enterprises, supports rural transport initiatives and enhances the county’s towns and villages. Development Plan Objective: Local Community Development Committee CDP 10.2 It is an objective of Clare County Council: a) To support the work of the Clare Local Community Development Committee; b) To work with the Clare Local Community Development Committee and all relevant stakeholders to seek investment in delivering the actions and stakeholder initiatives of the Clare Local Economic and Community Plan 2016-2021 (and any subsequent Plan) so as to strengthen community infrastructure and promote social inclusion for all citizens across all our communities; c) To seek investment in initiatives that achieve the physical, economic, social, and environmental regeneration of disadvantaged areas in the county and the Limerick Shannon Metropolitan Area; and, d) To support the development of an inter-agency Social Enterprise Strategy to support the retention and expansion216
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.