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 11 | Physical Infrastructure, Environment and Energy 11.8.9 Telecommunications Infrastructure Fast, reliable and cost effective telecommunications can encourage economic development in an area and can enrich the quality of life at home by offering new choices in education, entertainment and communications. Clare County Council will respond positively to developments of telecommunications infrastructure whilst taking into account other planning policies. The Council will have regard to planning guidelines in the then DEHLG Telecommunications Antennae and Support Structures Guidelines for Planning Authorities, in assessing proposals for telecommunications infrastructure and support structures. The Planning Authority will work with the telecommunications providers to facilitate the development of infrastructure that respects the recognised value of the natural and built heritage and will seek to encourage the co-location of masts and antennae on existing structures within the county. Development Plan Objective: Telecommunications Infrastructure CDP 11.55 It is an objective of Clare County Council: To consider the provision of high-speed, high-capacity digital and mobile infrastructure within the County having regard to the DEHLG Telecommunications Antennae and Support Structures Guidelines for Planning Authorities 1996 (as updated by PL07/12 of 2012) with regard to the appropriate environmental assessments and compliance with objective CDP 3.3 of this plan.297
- __________________________________________________________________________________ Clare County Development Plan 2023-2029 12 | Shannon Estuary Chapter 12 Shannon Estuary Goal XI: A county that builds on the strategic location and natural resources of the Shannon Estuary by facilitating and maximising its potential for various forms of development while managing the estuarine and natural environment in full compliance with all relevant EU Directives. Chapter 12 Table of Contents: 12.0 Introduction 12.1 Strategic Aims 12.2 Strategic Integrated Framework Plan (SIFP) for the Shannon Estuary 12.2.1 Integrated Development of the Shannon Estuary 12.2.2 Strategic Development Locations 12.2.2.1 Inishmurry/Cahiracon 12.2.2.2 Moneypoint 12.3 Shipping and Navigation 12.4 Harnessing the Energy Resource of the Shannon Estuary 12.4.1 Renewable Energy 12.5 Tourism on the Shannon Estuary 12.6 Estuary Settlements 12.7 The Estuary Islands 12.8 Aviation 12.9 Commercial Fishing/Aquaculture on the Estuary 12.10 Maritime Research, Education and Training 12.11 Environment 12.12 Water-Borne Transport 12.13 Marina Developments298
- __________________________________________________________________________________ Clare County Development Plan 2023-2029 12 | Shannon Estuary 12.0 Introduction The Shannon Estuary extends 100km from Limerick City to Loop Head and is Ireland’s largest Estuary. The Estuary with 500km2 of navigable water comprises the tidal reaches of the lower River Shannon between Limerick City and the Atlantic and incorporates the Fergus Estuary south of Clarecastle. As a deepwater port, the Shannon Estuary routinely caters for ships of up to 200,000 deadweight tonnes. It serves a number of large industrial bulk installations and Shannon International Airport has a dedicated fuel terminal. The port of Foynes is located in the southern part of the Estuary, with Limerick City located further to the east. The RSES recognises the national and international importance of Shannon Estuary, its potential to attract multinational development and the significant work that has been undertaken to progress its promotion and development. Figure 12.1 Shannon Estuary Area The Estuary area is a multi-functional zone, with the waters and adjoining lands supporting a range of functions, uses and activities as well as environmental resources and assets which bring character, prosperity and vibrancy to the area. These include shipping and port functions, renewable energy opportunities, aquaculture, fishing, marine tourism, recreation and leisure activities, energy generation, industry and business, fuel storage, aviation, agriculture, valuable habitats and species, seascapes, landscapes and architectural heritage. There is significant potential for growth in many of the above sectors and delivering on this potential will require co-operation between authorities and sectors sharing an interest in the Estuary. The Strategic Integrated Framework Plan (SIFP) for the Shannon Estuary, as contained in Volume 9 of this plan, encourages, facilitates and promotes a balanced approach to the Estuary’s growth, whilst simultaneously encouraging careful protection, management and enhancement of its natural environmental resources. The Shannon Estuary Task Force was established in 2022 on foot of a commitment in the Programme for Government to support the Shannon Estuary and surrounding area. The Task299
- __________________________________________________________________________________ Clare County Development Plan 2023-2029 12 | Shannon Estuary Force is engaged in the evaluation of the potential of the area and tasked with determining how that potential can be realised. The Terms of Reference for the Shannon Estuary Economic Taskforce are to: • Assess the strategic strengths and comparative advantages of the Shannon Estuary from an investment and enterprise development perspective, in a national and international context; • Scope potential areas of opportunity for the Shannon Estuary and specify policy and investment requirements to exploit those areas of potential; • Assess the current connectivity of the region and make recommendations as to how this could be enhanced; • Specify the actions required from national and local government, as well as from other stakeholders, to exploit those areas of potential; and, • Produce a Report and associated Action Plan with specific steps in areas of potential. Clare County Council will support the work of the Task Force in all of its activities. The Estuary is macro-tidal, having the largest tidal range on the Irish coast (5.44 metres at Limerick Docks). Water depths vary from approximately 37 metres at the Estuary mouth and along parts of the County Clare shoreline to less than 5 metres near Limerick City. The Estuary’s deep water, generous hinterland, skilled resident population and location at the entrance to Limerick City make it an attractive base for various industries. The River Shannon and River Fergus estuaries, which adjoin 3 counties (i.e. Clare, Kerry and Limerick), form the largest estuarine complex in Ireland. The entire Estuary is designated as part of a Special Area of Conservation (SAC), namely the Lower River Shannon SAC, which is a wildlife conservation area considered to be of National and European importance. The vast intertidal mudflats exposed at low tide together with a diversity of other wetland habitats results in the estuarine complex being especially important for birds. As a consequence, some 32,000 hectares are designated as the River Shannon and River Fergus Estuaries SPA under the EU Birds Directive. As such, the River Shannon and River Fergus Estuaries form part of a network of sites across Europe protected under the Habitats Directive and Birds Directive. These designations place the area under strict requirements for the assessment of all plans and projects to determine their potential for adverse effects on the integrity of such sites. 12.1 Strategic Aims This chapter presents the objectives required to maximise the potential of the Shannon Estuary while protecting its designated ecological resources. In accordance with the overall vision of the plan, it is based on the following strategic aims: • To implement the SIFP to provide clarity of purpose and direction for the future development of, and investment in, the Shannon Estuary and its environs;300
- __________________________________________________________________________________ Clare County Development Plan 2023-2029 12 | Shannon Estuary • To diversify the economy through the promotion, along the Shannon Estuary, of industry/business and employment opportunities, aquaculture and fisheries, offshore renewables, maritime activities, water-related recreation, tourism industries and maritime training, in a sustainable manner; • To support and expand the existing economic base, including port and harbour facilities and related activities and to regenerate areas previously used for maritime activities; • To appropriately protect, manage and enhance the natural coastal environment, cultural and built heritage of the estuary area; • To ensure that all proposed development is in accordance with the SEA Directive, Birds and Habitats Directives, Water Framework Directive, Marine Strategy Framework Directive, Shellfish Waters Directive, Floods Directive and EIA Directive; and, • To work with the Shannon Estuary Task Force towards delivering on opportunities presented by the Shannon Estuary. 12.2 Strategic Integrated Framework Plan (SIFP) for the Shannon Estuary The Shannon Estuary contains a number of longestablished large commercial ports as well as nationally significant industries and economic centres and is one of Ireland’s most important maritime resources. However, since the enactment of the European Communities (Natural Habitats) Regulations S.I. 94/19971, it has become increasingly apparent that the future development and extension of such activities will need to be closely co-ordinated with the conservation objectives for the European sites concerned. The Shannon Estuary is designated as both a Special Area of Conservation (SAC) and Special Protection Area (SPA). Therefore, no development can be planned for, or permitted, unless the prior assessment regime laid out in Article 6 of the Habitats Directive has been complied with. In addition, public authorities are obliged to avoid pollution and deterioration of natural habitats and the habitats of species, as well as disturbance of the species, for which areas have been designated in so far as such disturbance could be significant in relation to the objectives of the Habitats and Birds Directives. Furthermore, the Cloon River, which flows into the Shannon Estuary at Clonderalaw Bay, forms part of the Lower River Shannon SAC and is designated for the freshwater pearl mussel which is the subject of further specific protective measures. The designation of habitats is not meant to prohibit development; it is meant to ensure that policies, plans and projects are conceived having due regard to maintaining the integrity and dynamics of a habitat, its constituent species and the necessary environmental resources so as to sustain them at favourable conservation status. The existence of such designations requires a systematic approach to the development of plans, policies and objectives. This is necessary to demonstrate that environmental considerations have been taken into account from the beginning. An evidence-led approach is required whereby decisions take account of all relevant environmental considerations, 1 Now superseded by European Communities (Birds and Natural Habitats) Regulations 2015 (S.I 355/2015)301
- __________________________________________________________________________________ Clare County Development Plan 2023-2029 12 | Shannon Estuary including resources such as air and water quality, disturbance, pollution and connectivity. To facilitate the implementation of Development Plan Objective CDP 12.2 the inter-jurisdictional Strategic Integrated Framework Plan (SIFP) for the Shannon Estuary has been prepared and comprises Volume 9 of this plan. The SIFP sets out an overall 30-year strategy for the proper sustainable growth, development and environmental management of the Shannon Estuary region. Within its lifetime the SIFP must be able to respond to changing circumstances within policy and governance at EU, national, regional and local levels, as well as contextual changes within the Estuary region, including population, lifestyles and aspirations for the future. The Strategy aims to: • Support the multi-functional nature of the Shannon Estuary and identify opportunities to expand the existing economic base, including port-related industry and other associated activities; • Facilitate the diversification of the economy through the promotion of appropriate commercial/industrial employment, environmentally friendly aquaculture and fisheries, renewable energy, transport, recreation and tourism industries in a sustainable manner; • Promote, manage and enhance the natural coastal environment along the Estuary, including its cultural, natural and built heritage; and, • Safeguard the Estuary’s sensitive environmental resources and natural heritage of National, European and international significance. The RSES supports the delivery of the Strategic Development Locations as set out in the SIFP for the Shannon Estuary and promotes the SIFP initiative as a good practice model for the Southern Region. It is also an objective of the RSES to support the promotion, marketing and seeking of financial and expertise support for the SIFP for the Shannon Estuary and for specific projects emerging there from. Development Plan Objective: Strategic Integrated Framework Plan (SIFP) for the Shannon Estuary CDP 12.1 It is an objective of Clare County Council: a) To support and implement the inter-jurisdictional Strategic Integrated Framework Plan (SIFP) for the Shannon Estuary in conjunction with the other relevant local authorities and agencies. All proposed developments shall be in accordance with the SEA Directive, Birds and Habitats Directives, Water Framework Directive and Shellfish Waters Directive, Floods Directive and EIA Directive. All proposed developments shall incorporate the Mitigation Measures as contained in the SIFP (Volume 9 of this plan) for ensuring the integrity of the Natura 2000 Network; and,302
- __________________________________________________________________________________ Clare County Development Plan 2023-2029 12 | Shannon Estuary b) To proactively market the Strategic Development Locations in County Clare at Inishmurry/Cahiracon and Moneypoint as potential locations for future economic development. 12.2.1 Integrated Development of the Shannon Estuary The Shannon Estuary lies within the functional areas of a number of local authorities and other statutory agencies and its successful development requires a co-operative approach between these bodies. It is an objective of the Council to work with other bodies to facilitate development in respect of the entire Estuary and, in particular along the northern shoreline which lies within County Clare. The Council will undertake the role of enabling the implementation and delivery of the SIFP for the Shannon Estuary within the administrative area of the county in a co-ordinated and integrated manner and in co-operation with the relevant statutory authorities and agencies. The SIFP comprises Volume 9 of this plan. Development Plan Objective: Integrated Development of the Shannon Estuary CDP 12.2 It is an objective of the Clare County Council: a) To co-operate with the relevant agencies to facilitate, encourage and promote development and economic growth and employment in environmentally sustainable areas along the Shannon Estuary, by implementing the Strategic Integrated Framework Plan (SIFP) for the Shannon Estuary; b) To support the promotion, marketing and seeking of financial and expertise support for the Strategic Integrated Framework Plan (SIFP) for the Shannon Estuary and specific projects emerging there from; and, c) To promote a co-ordinated approach to the collation of baseline data for the Shannon Estuary as one ecosystem or entity. 12.2.2 Strategic Development Locations The Shannon Estuary has the deepest watercourse in Ireland and is one of the deepest estuaries in the world. It is one of Ireland’s premier maritime resources with a number of long-established and successful marine enterprises including major ports and nationally significant industries and economic centres. The Estuary benefits from key attributes that influenced the development of large scale industry and the marine industrial base that currently operates there. These existing industries have the potential to attract further significant investment to the area. There are two definable clusters of industry on the Shannon Estuary, one concentrated broadly around Moneypoint, Tarbert and Ballylongford, and another focussed around Foynes, Aughinish and Cahiracon.303
- __________________________________________________________________________________ Clare County Development Plan 2023-2029 12 | Shannon Estuary Development Plan Objective: Marine-Related Industry/Large-Scale Industry on the Estuary CDP 12.3 It is an objective of Clare County Council: To capitalise on the natural deep water potential and existing port and maritime infrastructure, by facilitating and proactively encouraging the environmentally sustainable development of maritime industries at appropriate locations within the Shannon Estuary, while seeking to improve and promote the road and transport connectivity of the deepwater ports in the county. All proposed developments shall be in accordance with the Birds and Habitats Directives, Water Framework Directive and all other relevant EC Directives. All development associated with marine related industry shall incorporate the sector and site-specific Mitigation Measures as contained in the SIFP (Volume 9 of this plan) for ensuring the integrity of the Natura 2000 Network. Strategic Development Locations are areas identified in the SIFP that are likely to generate the greatest potential opportunities in terms of social and economic aspirations, while safeguarding the essential integrity of the natural environment. Two Strategic Development Locations (SDLs) have been identified on the Shannon Estuary in County Clare and these are: • Strategic Development Location A: Inishmurry/Cahiracon (Map 12A); • Strategic Development Location B: Moneypoint (Map 12B). Lands at both of these locations have been zoned for Marine-Related Industry and have the potential to facilitate a concentration of marine-related industrial development, including offshore wind energy component manufacturing and subsequent onshore energy conversion, storage and onward transmission. The SDLs are critical to the future development potential of marine-related development in the Estuary. Clare County Council recognises the importance of safeguarding the current roles and functions of the SDLs, as well as allowing flexibility to encourage diversification into other compatible marine-related industrial activities that are attracted by the existing facilities and other potential synergies at these locations. Development Plan Objective: Strategic Development Locations CDP 12.4 It is an objective of Clare County Council: a) To safeguard the roles and functions of the Strategic Development Locations, which are identified on Map 12A and Map 12B at the end of this chapter and in the SIFP (Volume 9 of this plan); and,304
- __________________________________________________________________________________ Clare County Development Plan 2023-2029 12 | Shannon Estuary b) To support economic development by encouraging the sustainable growth, development and appropriate diversification of Strategic Development Locations; All proposed developments shall be in accordance with the Birds and Habitats Directive, Water Framework Directive and all other relevant EC Directives. 12.2.2.1 Inishmurry / Cahiracon With its location on the Shannon Estuary Way which is a route off the world-famous Wild Atlantic Way – the longest defined and among the most stunning coastal routes in the world – with natural deep and sheltered waters, County Clare and the Shannon Estuary are welcoming and attractive destinations for cruise liners and their passengers. The Shannon Estuary is bounded by three of Ireland’s most scenic and historic counties, Clare, Kerry and Limerick, each of which has significant tourism offerings. The Inishmurry/Cahiracon SDL is located to the south west of the settlement of Killadysert and is on the north shore of the Shannon Estuary. There is an existing pier and a large pocket of deep water located on the edge of the SDL which provides significant potential for maritime industry. The site which has an overall area of 65.94 hectares is predominantly used for agriculture and forestry. The SDL is identified within the Mid-West Regional Enterprise Plan which indicates its potential for growth of commercial/regional facilities for foreign direct investment and indigenous industry, enterprise and culture. The SDL is located adjacent to the Lower River Shannon SAC and the River Shannon and River Fergus Estuaries SPA. Cahiracon House, which is on the Record of Protected Structures (Volume 4 of this plan), is located approximately one kilometre to the southwest of the SDL. There are also a number of protected archaeological monuments located within the SDL area. A portion of the lands within the SDL are subject to risk from coastal and pluvial flooding. Clare County Council considers that the SDL has potential for development of marine-related industry due to: • It’s well sheltered location with an existing pier offering direct access to a large pocket of deep water and the main navigation channel; • A considerable area of hinterland being available in close proximity to the R473 regional road; • The identification of the land in the Regional Spatial and Economic Strategy for the Southern Region as having realistic potential for marine-related industry; • Its strategic location on the opposite side of the Estuary to the SDL at the Port of Foynes; • A major industrial development having been previously permitted on the site; • It provides an opportunity to redevelop and reuse the existing marine infrastructure at the existing pier; and,305
- __________________________________________________________________________________ Clare County Development Plan 2023-2029 12 | Shannon Estuary • The presence of flood embankments. Tidal Energy at Cahiracon Pier Significant potential exists for the exploitation of the tidal energy resource in the Shannon Estuary and in particular off the Clare coastline. There is an opportunity to utilise the considerable capacity and commitment within the region for research and development in this field and to sensitively explore this renewable energy potential. Technical analysis of the Estuary and its port infrastructure in the Irish Ports Offshore Renewable Energy Services (IPORES) Report 2012 concluded that the Shannon Estuary has the potential to become a European Ocean Energy Hub. In County Clare, the SIFP identifies an area adjacent to Moneypoint as having significant potential for development of the tidal energy resource in the Shannon Estuary. This site is also identified as an area of significant potential in the SEAI Report Tidal & Current Energy Resources in Ireland. The Clare Renewable Energy Strategy identifies a potential generation capacity of 20MW of energy from tidal sources. Cahiracon pier provides an ideal location from which to deploy tidal devices with the tidal regime at this location providing the optimal conditions for testing. Approval for the testing of such devices at this location in Cahiracon will ultimately lead to a number of jobs locally through the provision of training on the deployment, utilisation and maintenance of such devices to a global market. Following environmental and site appraisal, Clare County Council supports the development of an offshore maritime renewable test location off Cahiracon Pier. Development Plan Objective: Strategic Development Location A – Inishmurry/Cahiracon CDP 12.5 It is an objective of Clare County Council: To facilitate and promote the sustainable development of the lands at Strategic Development Location A – Inishmurry/Cahiracon for marine-related industry. All proposed developments shall be in accordance with the Birds and Habitats Directive, Water Framework Directive and all other relevant EC Directives. All proposed development at Strategic Development Location A shall incorporate the Mitigation Measures as contained in the Strategic Integrated Framework Plan (SIFP) for the Shannon Estuary (Volume 9 of this plan) for ensuring the integrity of the Natura 2000 Network. 12.2.2.2 Moneypoint The SDL at Moneypoint is located on the northern shore of the Shannon Estuary, is 3 kilometres south east of Kilrush and is recognised as a strategic national asset in the RSES. As the producer of 25% of the national energy output, Moneypoint is Ireland’s largest electricity generation station. The overall SDL lands comprise of approximately 280 hectares of which 227 hectares are occupied by the power generating station with a further 53 hectares of land306
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.