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 12 | Shannon Estuary 12.10 Maritime Research, Education and Training Kilrush Maritime Training Centre The Kilrush Maritime Training Centre established by Clare Maritime Economic Zone (MEZ) DAC will provide the infrastructure and specialist equipment to support a range of complementary maritime services along the Estuary. Clare MEZ will have responsibility for managing, developing, and promoting the maritime facilities and for ensuring the sustainability and success of this initiative. It will seek to take advantage of the emerging markets in renewable energy in particular, at this strategic location on the West Clare coastline. Clare County Council carried out a Feasibility Study on the Potential Development of a Maritime Centre of Excellence in County Clare in 2017 and this was funded through the Enterprise Ireland Regional Development Fund. The feasibility study had regard to: • The commercial focus of other maritime clusters in Ireland including those located on the Atlantic coast in Cork, Limerick and Galway; • The unique properties and location of the Shannon Estuary coastline in County Clare centered on Cahiracon, Moneypoint and Kilrush zones identified in the SIFP, and the unique infrastructure within the zone; • The zone’s location on the northern shore of the Shannon and the challenging socioeconomic conditions in the immediate area and the surrounding region. The Council secured a further €1.78 million through Enterprise Ireland’s Regional Enterprise Development Fund and a further €3.5 million through the Rural Regeneration and Development Fund (RRDF) to establish a Maritime Training Centre in Kilrush. The project will include the establishment of a specialist commercial training facility providing mandatory maritime training courses and value-added training for non-seafaring personnel taking up positions at sea. Development Plan Objective: Maritime Training Centre CDP 12.14 It is an objective of Clare County Council: To support and facilitate the establishment of a specialist Maritime Training Centre in Kilrush. Third Level and NGO Research Facility The Shannon Estuary is a unique environment of high global nature conservation value. The delivery of accommodation, field labs, classrooms and other marine facilities with direct access to the Shannon Estuary will enable 3rd level institutes together with Non-Governmental Organisations (NGOs) such as the Irish Whale and Dolphin Group (IWDG) access to facilities which are otherwise not available in Ireland. The Maritime Training Centre in Kilrush will provide an opportunity for the IWDG to expand their research and education sectors and will317
- __________________________________________________________________________________ Clare County Development Plan 2023-2029 12 | Shannon Estuary also enable them to provide a unique service to their supporters. Many of our Universities and Institutes of Technology offer a broad range of undergraduate and postgraduate programs in the areas of marine ecology and biology and collaborate with international partners in the delivery of these programmes. These types of programs include field research training elements which can be provided for at the Maritime Training Facility in Kilrush through the provision of the facilities coupled with the direct access to the Shannon Estuary for the field research elements. At present there is no other facility in Ireland offering a similar 3rd level opportunity. The facility will also look to the overseas network to undertake research training and exchange programs using the unique and diverse amenity that is the Shannon Estuary. National Collaboration The Limerick and Clare Education and Training Board (LCETB), acting as a conduit to the 15 other National Education and Training boards, are engaging with Clare MEZ and the Kilrush Maritime Training Centre with a view to potentially offering training opportunities to enable graduates of their relevant courses to follow a career pathway from junior roles into senior management in the maritime industry. There is further opportunity for collaboration to build on the pilot Maritime Training Course in Kilrush Marina delivered in 2019 by the LCETB and take graduates into the Clare MEZ through the Kilrush Training Centre, thus providing a clear career path and up skilling in the maritime sector. 12.11 Environment The Shannon Estuary is a unique ecosystem in Ireland and of International significance, being one of the few large estuaries on the Atlantic seaboard of Europe. The importance of the Estuary for birds, plants and animals is acknowledged through the designation of the Estuary as a Special Area of Conservation (EU Habitats Directive 92/43/EEC) and a Special Protection Area for birds (EU Birds Directive 2009/147/EC). The Shannon Estuary is also a Marine Protected Area. A Marine Protected Area is a geographically defined area of marine character or influence which is protected through legal means for the purpose of conservation of specified species, habitats or ecosystems and their associated ecosystem services and cultural values and is managed with the intention of achieving stated objectives over the long term. The Shannon Estuary and its surrounding hinterland is long established as a major communications and transport corridor and as an area for settlement and other human activity. The area is therefore rich in cultural heritage, with many castles and fortifications, crannógs, enclosures, industrial archaeology and religious sites within the vicinity of the shoreline and on the numerous islands throughout the Estuary. This natural and cultural heritage allied to the attractive rural landscape and small towns and villages in coastal settings result in an environment that is a real asset to the communities living there and to the wider region. The quality environment of the Shannon Estuary provides318
- __________________________________________________________________________________ Clare County Development Plan 2023-2029 12 | Shannon Estuary communities with valued opportunities for accommodation, work, recreation and socialising. Clare County Council will facilitate an integrated and sustainable approach to accommodate development that will not adversely compromise the environment which is the core asset of the region. Development Plan Objective: Building on the Shannon Estuary as an Environmental Asset CDP 12.15 It is an objective of Clare County Council: a) To facilitate appropriate development which is compatible with the areas of the Estuary which are designated under the Habitats and Birds Directives, whilst ensuring that the environment is protected, conserved and maintained and where possible restored, ensuring the dual goals of economic development and environmental conservation can be achieved; b) To ensure that all proposed developments shall be in accordance the Birds and Habitats Directive, Water Framework Directive and all other relevant EC Directives; c) To ensure that all proposed developments do not compromise the achievement of the objectives of the River Basin Management Plans, prepared in accordance with the Water Framework Directive and the Flood Risk Management Plans prepared in accordance with the Floods Directive; d) To work in partnership with all relevant statutory and other bodies to support and facilitate the preparation of an Integrated Environmental Management Plan for the Shannon Estuary; and, e) To work in partnership with all relevant authorities to support the preparation of a site-specific conservation management plan for the Lower River Shannon SAC taking into consideration the status of the Shannon Estuary as a Marine Protected Area. 12.12 Water-Borne Transport The Council recognise the importance of the ferry service between Killimer and Tarbert. The Council will, where required, work with others to identify opportunities for the establishment of additional viable water-borne routes within the Estuary area. This issue is discussed in further detail in Section 11.2.13 Coastal and Estuarine Transportation and Section 11.2.14 Ports, Jetties, Harbours, Quays and Piers.319
- __________________________________________________________________________________ Clare County Development Plan 2023-2029 12 | Shannon Estuary 12.13 Marina Developments Marina developments have grown in importance and are necessary to cater for the requirements of pleasure craft such as yachts and cruisers. They not only provide services for tourists and local residents involved in water-based activities but are also an important mechanism through which visitors can access local towns and villages and their associated services and amenities. Development Plan Objective: Marina Developments CDP 12.16 It is an objective of Clare County Council: To facilitate the sustainable development of marinas and associated amenities at appropriate locations along the Shannon Estuary ensuring that all such developments shall not adversely affect species and habitats designated by the Birds and Habitats Directives and is in compliance with all relevant environmental objectives.320
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- __________________________________________________________________________________ Clare County Development Plan 2023-2029 13 | Marine, Coastal and Island Management Chapter 13 Marine, Coastal and Island Management Goal XII: A county that maximises and manages the economic, social and recreational potential of the Atlantic Coastline and Shannon Estuary while protecting the coastal zone and its resources and adapting to and managing the challenges of climate change including flooding and sea-level rise. Chapter 13 Table of Contents 13.0 Introduction 13.1 Strategic Aims 13.2 Management of the Marine and Coastal Area 13.3 Environmental Designations in Coastal Areas 13.4 Management of the Coastal Zone 13.5 Maritime Spatial Planning 13.5.1 EU Marine Spatial Planning Directive (2014) 13.5.2 Planning and Development (Amendment) Act (2018) 13.5.3 Marine Planning Policy Statement (2019) 13.5.4 Maritime Area Planning Act (2021) 13.5.5 National Marine Planning Framework 13.6 Integrated Coastal Zone Management (ICZM) 13.7 Coastal and Estuarine Transportation 13.8 Renewable Energy 13.9 The Fishing Industry and Seafood Sector 13.10 Aquaculture 13.11 Shellfish Designations 13.12 Ports, Jetties, Harbours, Quays and Piers 13.13 Coastal Marina Developments 13.14 Coastal Erosion and Flood Defence 13.14.1 Shannon CFRAMS 13.14.2 Coastal Protection in County Clare 13.15 Coastal Squeeze 13.16 Beaches, Sand Dunes, Reefs and Shorelines 13.17 EU Bathing Water Directive 13.18 Island Development323
- __________________________________________________________________________________ Clare County Development Plan 2023-2029 13 | Marine, Coastal and Island Management 13.0 Introduction The coastline of County Clare is both extensive and varied and accommodates attractive towns and villages, commercial and recreational activities and a wide array of habitats and species. The coastline is both a valuable and sensitive resource and its ecosystems, which are highly productive, contain high biological diversity, rich fishery resources and significant seabed minerals. The coast supports recreational activities and also industries such as aquaculture, fisheries, shipping and tourism all of which generate significant economic productivity. County Clare’s coastline offers significant potential to grow the ‘blue economy’ through the harnessing of its marine resources for transport, renewable energy and industrial activities and this economic growth in the marine sector has the potential to create employment and increase prosperity in all parts of the county, especially in coastal communities. The Wild Atlantic Way is one important initiative that has showcased how the natural beauty of this landscape has contributed to the economic development of the coastal areas in recent years. Coastal resources by their nature are complex and dynamic and an integrated and adaptable management approach is therefore necessary to achieve sustainable growth in coastal areas. While erosion is a normal occurrence, rates of erosion will be accelerated due to rising sea levels caused by climate change and the predicted increase in the frequency of storm surges and high tides. This will increase the extent, severity and recurrence of coastal flooding and new coastal protection schemes may be necessary in the future to protect coastal areas which are vulnerable to erosion. This chapter outlines how Clare County Council will manage decisions for our coastal areas to ensure the appropriate and sustainable development of marine resources, the appropriate and sustainable management of coastal erosion and flooding, the protection of habitats and species of importance and the building of climate resilience.324
- __________________________________________________________________________________ Clare County Development Plan 2023-2029 13 | Marine, Coastal and Island Management 13.1 Strategic Aims This chapter presents the objectives required to develop and manage marine, coastal and island resources so as to achieve maximum benefits for the people of the county whilst having minimum impacts on the environment. In accordance with the overall vision of the plan it is based on the following strategic aims: • To adopt an integrated and collaborative approach to the management of coastal areas in County Clare; • To balance the protection of sensitive environmental areas with the utilisation of the natural resources in the area; • To encourage improved access to the marine resources for both visitors and residents of the county; • To promote the further development of the fishing and aquaculture industries; • To protect the beaches and sand dunes of the county from degradation and damage; • To proactively manage and adapt to coastal erosion and flooding issues in the coastal areas of County Clare; and, • To build climate resilient coastal communities which focus on nature based solutions which will ensure the replenishment of our natural capital. 13.2 Management of the Marine and Coastal Area A diverse and complex range of issues affect coastal areas and coastal communities in County Clare and proactive management is required in order to create sustainable communities, support economic growth, protect the natural environment and achieve balance in the interactions between the multiple users of the coastal area. 13.3 Environmental Designations in Coastal Areas The County Clare coastline is densely inhabited by a variety of flora and fauna and many of these habitats and species are of national and/or international importance. Therefore, many coastal areas have been designated for environmental protection or conservation under the EU Habitats Directive and/or the EU Birds Directive. Full descriptions of these designations, the impact that the designation may have on a proposed development and the policies and objectives that relate to development in these areas can be found in Chapter 15 Biodiversity, Natural Heritage and Green Infrastructure. Development Plan Objective: Environmental Designations in Coastal Areas CDP 13.1 It is an objective of Clare County Council: a) To promote the sustainable development of the potential of the marine environment; b) To foster opportunities for innovation in the maritime economy and drive forward the county as a first mover under the National Marine Planning Framework (NMPF) and the325
- __________________________________________________________________________________ Clare County Development Plan 2023-2029 13 | Marine, Coastal and Island Management draft Offshore Renewable Energy Development Plan II (or any finalised version of same), while preserving the environmental and ecological conservation status of our marine natural resource. Close interaction between higher education, state agencies, and enterprise will be facilitated in this regard; and, c) To require proposals for development which may impact on a European site to undertake and submit a Natura Impact Statement and Environmental Impact Assessment Report should it be deemed necessary as part of any planning application in accordance with the requirements of the Habitats and EIA Directives. 13.4 Management of the Coastal Zone At present management of the coastal zone is the responsibility of various different authorities including the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine, the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage, the Department of Environment, Climate and Communications and the local authorities. Reforms to the management of the foreshore and offshore areas and the consenting process associated with developments in these areas are currently underway. It is envisaged that these reforms under the Maritime Area Planning Act 2021 will simplify the management structure and expedite the consenting process. Local authorities, including Clare County Council, will also play a stronger role in the management of their coastal areas. In addition the Council will support the Maritime Area Regulatory Authority (MARA) in fulfilling their functions which will include maritime area consents and licences, compliance and enforcement and the management of the existing State Foreshore portfolio of leases and licenses. Development Plan Objective: Management Structures CDP 13.2 It is an objective of Clare County Council: a) To support and implement the Maritime Area Planning Act 2021; and, b) To support the Maritime Area Regulatory Authority (MARA) in the consenting and licensing of the maritime area. 13.5 Maritime Spatial Planning Maritime spatial planning looks at how multiple users of the ocean come together to make informed and coordinated decisions about how best to sustainably utilise these resources in the future. It seeks to balance the different demands for using the sea including the need to326
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.