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 10 | Sustainable Communities of existing social enterprises and the development of new social enterprises. 10.4 Social and Community Engagement The work carried out by voluntary groups, community groups and sporting groups makes a significant positive contribution to local communities and the quality of life in the county. The Clare Public Participation Network, which comprises of a network of over 300 community and voluntary groups, is one of the main links through which the Council connects with the community, voluntary and environmental sectors. This places local and community development at the heart of local government and ensures that the work of the Council is consistent with community needs. Development Plan Objective: Voluntary and Community Groups CDP 10.3 It is an objective of Clare County Council: a) To actively engage with the Clare Public Participation Network in the preparation and implementation of this plan and other local authorities’ plans, policies and programmes to ensure that it represents and responds to the needs of the residents of County Clare; and, b) To support the empowerment of individuals and groups in communities through volunteering and active citizen engagement. 10.5 Diverse and Socially Inclusive Society Accessible living, working and leisure environments are necessary so that people of all backgrounds and circumstances can achieve equality of access to the facilities/services they require to fulfil their potential. The recognition of the positive contributions of minority groups to communities and economic life and the promotion of social inclusion are important roles of the development plan and the plan includes a range of strategies to address issues such as access to housing, community facilities and amenities, and increased participation in cultural and social life. The Clare Local Economic and Community Plan has a strong focus on promoting and supporting the interests of local communities, including enhancing quality of life and wellbeing. The plan contains measures aimed at tackling poverty, disadvantage and social exclusion and its implementation will make a positive contribution to communities across the county. The Council will work to support the Clare Local Development Company (CLDC) in the implementation of the Clare Social Inclusion and Community Activation Programme (SICAP) which aims to tackle poverty, social exclusion and long-term unemployment through local engagement and partnership between disadvantaged individuals, community organisations and public sector agencies.217
- __________________________________________________________________________________ Clare County Development Plan 2023-2029 10 | Sustainable Communities Development Plan Objective: Diverse and Socially Inclusive Society CDP 10.4 It is an objective of Clare County Council: a) To plan for a more diverse and socially inclusive society which: i) Recognises the positive contribution of migrants and persons seeking international protection to multi-cultural communities and the economic life of an area and supports the Government’s Migrant Integration Strategy; ii) Prioritises parity of opportunity and improved well-being and quality of life for all citizens of the county including for example the LBGTI+ community, the Traveller community and minority groups through enhanced integration programmes, measures to support sustainable accessible communities and the provision of associated services; b) To work with all relevant stakeholders to help tackle disadvantage and social exclusion, to secure improvements in the quality of life for all citizens and to promote equality of access to public and social services; and, c) To work with all target groups, including older persons, young people, the disabled, the Traveller community, refugees, asylum seekers and migrants, to advance their physical, social and cultural integration. 10.6 Universal Accessibility Inclusivity seeks to ensure that all sections of the population can access high quality public services, education, amenities, employment, and housing in an equal manner without discrimination and/or physical barriers. The importance of social infrastructure in developing strong and inclusive communities is recognised by the Council and the plan includes objectives for tackling poverty, disadvantage and social exclusion. Sections 26, 27, 28 and 29 of the Disability Act 2005 set out the obligations of public bodies to make their services, information, and heritage sites accessible to people with disabilities. In addition, the Code of Practice on Accessibility of Public Services and Information provided by Public Bodies and the Code of Practice on Accessible Heritage Sites guide public bodies in meeting these obligations. Development Plan Objective: Inclusivity and Equal Access CDP10.5 It is an objective of Clare County Council: a) To promote social inclusion by implementing best practice in universal accessibility and design; b) In conjunction with representative organisations to promote disability awareness and improve equal access for218
- __________________________________________________________________________________ Clare County Development Plan 2023-2029 10 | Sustainable Communities all through universal design for public transport access, housing, social, cultural and recreational facilities and the public realm so as to improve quality of life equally for all; c) To work with representative organisations to ensure that investment in infrastructure and facilities is appropriately informed with regard to accessibility issues; d) To take all required steps to ensure compliance with the Disability Act 2005; and, e) To support the upgrade and extension of existing pedestrian provision and public lighting facilities in existing urban areas to further promote walking, cycling and active travel. 10.7 Age-Friendly County The number of older persons (defined as 65+) in County Clare has increased by over 3,000 since 2011 representing 15% of the overall population of the county and a 2.6% increase since 2011. It is important to assess the needs of this ageing community and to facilitate the maintenance of a good quality of life as people grow older by ensuring that available resources are optimised, and necessary facilities are provided. The Smart Ageing and National Positive Ageing policies, the An Garda Siochána Older People Strategy and the Council’s Clare Age Friendly County Programme, including the Age Friendly Strategy and Action Plan provide the foundations for ensuring that older people are supported, connected and valued for their contribution to community and family. The Council’s Programme seeks to ensure that Clare’s social, cultural, economic and physical environments become more age-friendly and supportive of a healthy and positive experience of ageing. The age friendly approach will also benefit persons with impaired mobility and parents with young children. The development plan aims to develop lifelong communities with adequate housing, transport, local retail and services, and social and outdoor facilities for all age groups. 10.7.1 Ageing in Place ‘Ageing in Place’ means that older people can continue living in their communities and homes for as long as their health and financial situation allows and should have continued access to educational, cultural, and recreational facilities. The creation and modification of the built environment can affect the lives of all community members and through the implementation of the principles of ‘Universal Design’, architects, designers and planners have a major impact in terms of creating the environment that enables people to remain in their own homes.219
- __________________________________________________________________________________ Clare County Development Plan 2023-2029 10 | Sustainable Communities Development Plan Objective: Age-Friendly County CDP 10.6 It is an objective of Clare County Council: a) To proactively support the implementation of the Smart Ageing and National Positive Ageing policies, the An Garda Siochána Older People Strategy and the Clare Age Friendly Strategy and Action Plan 2018-2022 (and any subsequent strategy and action plan); b) To work with developers, communities, and relevant stakeholders to achieve accessible and age-friendly built environments across the county including housing, transport infrastructure and leisure amenities and facilities; and, c) To have regard to the Age Friendly Principles and Guidelines for the Planning Authority in the assessment of proposed developments. 10.8 Community Facilities There is a large range of amenities and facilities in the county including community buildings, youth clubs and sporting facilities that contribute to quality of life, wellbeing, and social interaction and many of these are owned and/or managed by local communities. To assist in retaining these amenities and facilities the Council will discourage their change of use to noncommunity uses and will also work with community groups to ensure that their potential uses are fully explored and availed of. Development Plan Objective: Community Facilities CDP 10.7 It is an objective of Clare County Council: a) To promote and encourage optimum usage of the large number of community facilities across the county; b) To update the inventory of community, social and cultural facilities throughout the county within the lifetime of this plan; c) To encourage, advise and assist community groups wishing to provide community facilities in their area; and, d) To ensure that sufficient lands are zoned for community use to meet the demands of the projected population during the lifetime of this plan. 10.9 Community Gardens and Allotments Community gardens and allotments contribute to neighbourhood improvement, the creation of a sense of community, increased connections to the environment and the enhancement of biodiversity and the overall green infrastructure network in the county. Where these are220
- __________________________________________________________________________________ Clare County Development Plan 2023-2029 10 | Sustainable Communities developed and managed appropriately, they can also play important educational and social roles in local communities. Development Plan Objective: Community Gardens and Allotments CDP 10.8 It is an objective of Clare County Council: To facilitate the development of community gardens and allotments in County Clare (subject to normal environmental and planning considerations). 10.10 Social Infrastructure Strong and relevant social infrastructure is essential to the creation of healthy, inclusive, and sustainable communities and includes locations and amenities such as cemeteries, childcare facilities, colleges, day centres, health centres, libraries, museums, places of worship, public halls, schools, and sports fields. These should be provided in a coordinated manner in communities across the county and at locations that are accessible to the population that they serve. The Council facilitates and supports the development of these facilities. 10.11 Arts, Culture & Language Clare County Council supports and facilitates traditional and contemporary cultures and cultural activities and embraces the dynamic and multi-cultural society in the county. The ‘arts’ are defined under the Arts Act 2003 and the Council provides financial and other assistance for the purpose of stimulating public interest in the arts, promoting knowledge, appreciation and practice of the arts and the improvement of standards in the arts. A strong arts and cultural sector can enhance the quality of life, promote social inclusion, attract visitors, create employment, and contribute to the economic growth of the county. Whilst County Clare does not have a Gaeltacht area the Council is cognisant of the importance of promoting the Irish language and is supportive of initiatives in this regard. Development Plan Objective: Arts and Cultural Development CDP 10.9 It is an objective of Clare County Council: a) To develop programmes that support the arts and people’s experience of the arts both as participants and audience members; b) To support and to seek investment for the development of a network of workspaces/hubs and display facilities for visual arts works throughout the county for artists, artistic organisations and community groups; c) To support the implementation of the Clare County Council Arts Strategy 2019-2023 and subsequent revisions;221
- __________________________________________________________________________________ Clare County Development Plan 2023-2029 10 | Sustainable Communities d) To support cultural and entertainment activities in the county by operating within the national cultural policy framework 'Culture 2025' and by co-operating with the Arts Council of Ireland, community groups and other bodies; e) To support events and activities that allow people from different cultures to meet and learn about their different traditions, music, food, religions etc. in order to support the development of an open, inclusive and multi-cultural society in County Clare; and, f) To support and facilitate the development of new indoor and outdoor spaces in County Clare that can enable formal and informal community engagement. 10.12 Physical Recreation and Active Living The aim of the National Physical Activity Plan is to “increase physical activity levels across the entire population thereby improving the health and wellbeing of people living in Ireland, where everybody will be physically active and where everybody lives, works and plays in a society that facilitates, promotes and supports physical activity and an active way of life with less time spent being sedentary.” Active Living refers to the integration of physical activity into everyday routines such as cycling to work or walking to the local shop. Physical recreation and active living are inherently interlinked with health and wellbeing, increase opportunities for socialisation, networking and cultural activities and tackling sedentary lifestyles. The Council has a central role in ensuring that towns, villages, and communities develop in a manner that enables physical activity and active living. A significant determinant of the health of people is accessibility to local recreational spaces and facilities and there is a need to ensure that when such facilities are provided, they cater for different groups in the community and enable all citizens to be physically active in their daily lives. The Healthy Clare Strategic Plan 2019-2021 sets the policy context for the provision of a wide variety of amenities for communities across the county. Development Plan Objective: Physical Recreation and Active Living CDP 10.10 It is an objective of Clare County Council: a) To support the implementation of the National Sports Policy 2018-2027 (both the vision and objectives), the National Sports Capital Programme, the Healthy Ireland initiative, the National Physical Activity Plan and the Healthy Clare Strategic Plan 2019-2021 and any subsequent policies, strategies, plans or programmes; b) To promote Active Living as a means of enhancing health, wellbeing and social inclusion;222
- __________________________________________________________________________________ Clare County Development Plan 2023-2029 10 | Sustainable Communities c) To work with local community groups to support and expand the Slí na Sláinte network in County Clare, in compliance with all relevant legislation; d) To work with Clare Sports Partnership, local communities, clubs and relevant bodies to support local groups that promote/organise walking, cycling and other recreational activities and to increase sport and physical activity participation in the county; e) To support the coordinated development of new indoor and outdoor recreational facilities in County Clare, based on need; f) To support investment in the sustainable development of larger sports projects in the region under the Large-Scale Sports Infrastructure Fund; g) To work in coordination with all relevant stakeholders to ensure that the necessary facilities and infrastructure are in place to support Active Living and increased levels of physical recreation; h) To support the development of cycle-parking facilities at appropriate locations in all urban areas in the county; i) To ensure that new recreation facilities/amenities are based on the principles of sustainable development and incorporate efficient heating systems, lighting etc.; j) To ensure that sufficient lands are zoned for recreational uses to meet the needs of the projected population during the lifetime of this plan; k) To ensure that future development, zoning or recreational facilities are in compliance with all relevant legislation as outlined in objective CDP 3.3; and, l) To support the extension and modification of existing sports, social, cultural and leisure facilities where these are consistent with the proper planning and sustainable development of an area. 10.13 Recreational Routes The County’s off-road walking and cycling routes provide recreational opportunities and amenities for both local residents and visitors to the county. The walks include numerous way-marked trails and looped walks such as the Doolin to Hags Head cliff walk. Ennistymon and Lahinch now benefit from a cycleway link and the development of a greenway along the former route of the West Clare Railway will further add to the recreational walking and cycling infrastructure of the county. There are further opportunities across County Clare to develop the network of walking and cycling trails, blueways and peatways.223
- __________________________________________________________________________________ Clare County Development Plan 2023-2029 10 | Sustainable Communities Sustainably developed and maintained active travel routes, in addition to having educational, recreational and conservation roles are also of considerable economic benefit to the local areas along the routes. Having regard to Coillte’s Recreation Strategy and Off-Road Cycling Strategy 2012, the Council recognises the potential to increase the recreational role of forestry in the county including projects such as the development of a regional-scale trail centre for off-road cycling at Cratloe Woods. Development Plan Objective: Recreational Routes CDP10.11 It is an objective of Clare County Council: a) To support the maintenance of existing off-road walking and cycling trails and support investment in the sustainable development of walking and cycling facilities, greenway and blueway corridors within the county and region extending into and between our county's settlements; b) To support and facilitate the development of a network of interlinked greenways and necessary supporting infrastructure along the former route of the West Clare Railway subject to project level environmental assessments (refer to Volume 2 for the Indicative Route of the West Clare Railway Greenway); c) To promote the development of regional-scale off-road cycling trails and associated facilities in the Cratloe Woods area; d) To ensure that any proposed development for off-road walking and cycling are based on rigorous site/route selection studies, take into consideration the safe and adequate provision of access, set down and parking areas, and where appropriate that natural borders/buffers are included as an integral component of the design; e) To complete heritage audits and improve heritage interpretation along walking and cycling routes in the county; f) To encourage and support the development of ancillary businesses such as bike hire and repair, outdoor clothing sales, drying rooms for walkers, surfers and others as well as businesses offering walking and cycling tours subject to normal planning considerations; g) To ensure that the development of any off-road walking and cycling routes, blueways and peatways is informed by an appropriate level of environmental assessment, including all necessary reports to assess the potential impact on designated European sites and any impacts that may arise from increased visitor pressures;224
- __________________________________________________________________________________ Clare County Development Plan 2023-2029 10 | Sustainable Communities h) To ensure that all cycle routes adhere to the principles contained within the national policy document Smarter Travel: A Sustainable Transport Future, and the National Cycle Policy Framework or any updated/amended guidance document and that integration between routes is achieved where appropriate; and, i) To have regard to the Code of Best Practice for National and Regional Greenways in the development of greenway corridors within the county. 10.14 Countryside Recreation County Clare has a varied countryside which offers abundant opportunities for recreational activity. These activities have the potential to diversify and strengthen the rural economy and include developments such as walking and mountain bike trails, forestry-based recreation and the reuse of quarries for activities such as climbing, abseiling and off-road sports. To ensure that these activities in rural areas can be safely and easily accessed the development of links with adjacent towns and villages is required. Development Plan Objective: Countryside Recreation CDP 10.12 It is an objective of Clare County Council: a) To support the diversification of the rural economy through the development of the recreational potential of the countryside in accordance with the Comhairle na Tuaithe: National Countryside Recreation Strategy and the Walks Scheme and subject to compliance with Objective CDP3.3; and, b) To promote and support access to rural areas including upland areas, forestry, coastal areas and the development of existing walking routes, pilgrim paths, mountain trails and nature trails in conjunction with other public bodies, representative agencies and community groups. c) To support the Leave No Trace Outdoor Ethics Education Programme designed to promote and inspire responsible outdoor recreation through education, research and partnership. 10.15 Public Rights of Way Established public rights of way constitute an important amenity and the Council recognises the importance of maintaining these and supporting initiatives for establishing walking routes in the county. The Development Plan is required under the Planning and Development Act, 2000, as amended, to preserve public rights of way which give access to seashore, mountain, lakeshore, riverbank or other places of natural beauty or recreational utility. The Act requires225
- __________________________________________________________________________________ Clare County Development Plan 2023-2029 10 | Sustainable Communities that such public rights of way shall be identified both by marking them on at least one of the maps forming part of the development plan and by including a list with their location appended to the plan. The inclusion of a public right of way in this plan is based on evidence of such a right of way existing and in particular of its compliance with the specific requirements of Section 10(2)(o) of the Act. This is not an exhaustive list and does not affect the existence or validity of any other public rights of way which are not included in the plan. Public rights of way are set out in Appendix 6 (Volume 1) of this plan including a list of locations and associated maps. Development Plan Objective: Public Rights of Way CDP 10.13 It is an objective of Clare County Council: a) To encourage the preservation of existing public rights of way within the plan area; and, b) In accordance with the provisions of the Planning and Development Act 2000, as amended, including Sections 10 and 14, to preserve public rights of way which give access to seashore, mountain, lakeshore, riverbank or other places of natural beauty or recreational utility, as set out in the maps associated with this plan. 10.16 Play Facilities The Council recognises the need to maximise opportunities for play facilities for children and teenagers in the natural and built environment to enhance the quality of life and sense of community. Facilities can range from tot-lots in town center areas to encourage family activity in urban settings to larger community playgrounds and play areas. Through the implementation of a highly successful ‘community ownership’ approach, in recent years significant investment has been made in children’s play and recreational facilities across the county.226
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.