Development plan · Cork County Council
Cork County Development Plan 2022–2028 – Volume One: Main Policy Material
The council's development plan written statement: its strategy, policies, objectives and development standards. Variations adopted since are not in this text.
Cork County Council · 2022–2028 · 564 pages
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- 151 County Development Plan Objective MCI 7-4: Coastal Protection (a) Ensure the County’s natural coastal defences, such as beaches, sand dunes, salt marshes and estuary lands, are protected and are not compromised by inappropriate works or development. (b) Secure the implementation of a county level strategic approach (subject to SEA and AA) to the deployment of coastal defences. (c) Employ soft engineering techniques as an alternative to hard coastal defence works, wherever possible. (d) Identify, prioritise and implement necessary coastal protection works subject to the availability of resources, whilst ensuring a high level of protection for natural habitats and features, and ensure due regard is paid to visual and other environmental considerations in the design of any such coastal protection works. (e) To support a Coastal Erosion policy for the County in consultation with all relevant stakeholders. Please also refer to MCI 7-4(a). Coastal Recreation 7.6.16 Cork’s coastal and inland waters are a major asset in terms of tourism and marine leisure activities. Cork County Council published Marine Leisure Infrastructure Strategies for the Western and Southern Division’s of the Council in 2008 and 2010, respectively. These strategies have a vision that marine leisure is developed in a coherent and sustainable manner, making the best use of existing and planned infrastructure and resources. 7.6.17 Marine leisure facilities should be sited, designed and managed to avoid the visual intrusion, pollution, and conflicts with other uses with which they can otherwise be associated. 7.6.18 It is the policy of Council to maintain its beaches to a high standard and develop their recreational potential as publicly accessible seaside amenity facilities. Designated bathing areas, Blue Flag beaches and other high quality beaches within the County, are significant local amenities and are also important from a tourism and economic development perspective. County Development Plan Objective MCI 7-5: Marine Leisure (a) Support the development of rural Cork’s coastal marine leisure facilities, where they are compatible with other objectives and policies in this Plan and any Natura 2000 designations. (b) Proposals for development of marine leisure facilities will be subject to ecological impact assessment and, where necessary, Appropriate Assessment, with a view to ensuring the avoidance of negative impacts on designated sites, protected species and on-sites or locations of high biodiversity value. County Development Plan Objective MCI 7-6: Coastal Amenities (a) Maintain and improve County Cork’s beaches to a high standard and develop their recreational potential as publicly accessible seaside amenity facilities where appropriate (including facilities such as toilets and changing areas) , as appropriate to individual site conditions and in accordance with the principles of proper planning and sustainable development. (b) Proposals for development of marine leisure facilities will be subject to ecological impact assessment and, where necessary, Appropriate Assessment, with a view to ensuring the avoidance of negative impacts on designated sites, protected species and on-sites or locations of high biodiversity value. (c) Support the enhancement of existing Coastal Amenities to include parks and harbours along the coastline, including improved or if required new access arrangements for the general public for recreational purposes where safe and possible to do so and in accordance with MCI 7-6 (b). County Development Plan Objective MCI 7-7: Designated Bathing Areas Support and protect Designated Bathing Areas as valuable local amenities and as an important tourism and local recreation resource and continue to work with local communities to identify appropriate new Bathing Areas for monitoring. Encourage the provision of the water services infrastructure required to maintain and improve water quality in these areas having regard to water quality, access, environmental and other sensitives when identifying / developing new recreational bathing areas. GO TO CONTENTS
- 152 7.7 Islands and Island Communities Islands 7.7.1 The unique group of islands off the coast of County Cork have, for decades, experienced the forces of decline that, only more recently, have been experienced in some rural areas. Of course, the added isolation of an island location has exacerbated the effects of these forces of decline. The island communities, however, have an unparalleled reputation for resourcefulness in surviving daunting physical and economic conditions and have retained, and even developed, their unique culture and identity. The islands are an important part of the culture, heritage, ecology, economy and tourism appeal of the County. 7.7.2 In many ways, the isolation of the islands, that has caused this long period of decline, is also one of their most attractive features. There is an increasing desire amongst those who live in urban communities to holiday or own second homes in very remote locations. The impact of development proposals will need to be carefully assessed to prevent adverse physical or social impacts. Proposals for second homes, even in small numbers, can have seriously adverse effects on islands where the natural population base is already fragile. Therefore, this Plan aims to provide an alternative to the development of second homes through encouraging the sensitive renovation of disused / derelict dwellings. 7.7.3 The following table sets out the most recent population for the Inhabited Islands Off the Coast of Cork County as set out in the most recent Census (2016). Table 7.2: Inhabited Islands Off the Coast of Cork County Islands 2011 2016 % Increase or Decrease Bere Island, Cork 216 167 -22.69% Calf Island East, Cork 0 2 N/A Cléire, Cork 124 147 18.55% Coney Island, Cork 0 1 N/A Dursey Island, Cork 3 4 33.33% Haulbowline Island, Cork 148 216 45.95% Hop Island, Cork 16 18 12.50% Horse Island, Cork 2 1 -50.00% Inchydoney Island, Cork 149 183 22.82% Inishbeg, Cork 25 34 36.00% Inishodriscol (or Hare Island), Cork 29 28 -3.45% Long Island, Cork 10 20 100.00% Mannin Beg, Cork 0 1 N/A Ringarogy Island, Cork 94 84 -10.64% Sherkin Island, Cork 114 111 -2.63% Whiddy Island, Cork 20 18 -10.00% Data Source:CSO (2016) www.cso.ie E2021 - Population of Inhabited Islands Off the Coast 2011 to 2016 GO TO CONTENTS
- 153 7.7.4 As noted in previous sections, numerous political policy initiatives, both nationally and locally have over many years done much to help alleviate the impact of economic and social forces on our isolated communities and working within the new parameters of the new Marine Planning Framework. It is the Council’s policy to facilitate island communities to thrive in a healthy, harmonious environment, bring them opportunities to develop their economic activities and encourages sustainable living. Future policy and strategy will also prioritise the interconnectivity between the islands and mainland to protect island populations and ensure living standards do not decline. West Cork Island Communities 7.7.5 The three islands with the most significant populations along the West Cork Coast are Bere Island, Oileán Chléire and Sherkin Island. According to 2016 Census results, the populations of Bere Island, Oileán Chléire and Sherkin Island were 167, 147, and 111 persons respectively. In recognition of the economic, social and cultural importance of these Islands to the region, they were designated as “West Cork Island Communities” in the settlement network of this previous County Development Plan. There are also 9 uninhabited islands in West Cork with an area in excess of 20 hectares each. 7.7.6 The Bere Island Conservation Plan (2003) is considered to be an innovative example of stakeholder consultation and ownership for the local community and where appropriate, this Plan will support its implementation. 7.7.7 The West Cork Islands Integrated Development Strategy, 2010 was prepared in order to address the physical, economic, social and cultural development of the West Cork Islands of Oileán Chléire, Bere, Whiddy, Dursey, Long, Sherkin and Heir and sets out a framework of objectives and actions for the next 10+ years, with a view to making the islands a better place in which to live, work, visit and do business. 7.7.8 This Plan will encourage and support, where appropriate, the implementation of objectives and actions outlined in the West Cork Islands Integrated Development Strategy, 2010, where these are compatible with other objectives and policies of the Natura 2000 designated sites. 7.7.9 The Islands natural environment, biodiversity and heritage are one of their key resources and new development should acknowledge the environmental sensitivities of the area, with particular regard to nature conservation designations. Some islands are also used by colonies of breeding seabirds and breeding seals and these areas will require access restrictions during the breeding season. 7.7.10 Further details on the West Cork Islands can be found in Volume 5 of this Plan. County Development Plan Objective MCI 7-8: Supporting the Islands Support the inhabited islands in County Cork and to recognise the special planning and development needs of islands and island communities, particularly access, infrastructure and services. County Development Plan Objective MCI 7-9: Economic Development on the Islands Support the economic development of the islands for the benefit of island communities generally and to encourage the development of speciality or niche economic sectors that might be appropriate to different islands in a manner that is compatible with environmental and landscape sensitivities as well as nature conservation designations pertaining to the islands. County Development Plan Objective MCI 7-10: Development Proposals on the Islands (a) Support sustainable development proposals that are compatible with environmental and landscape sensitivities as well as nature conservation designations pertaining to the islands; and contribute to the long term economic and social development of the islands. (b) Prioritise development that contributes to retention of the year-round population on the islands, that has a clear and identifiable economic and social benefit (that endures beyond the construction phase), and that is compatible with the capacity of the local community to accommodate it. (c) Exclude the development of individual second homes, instead encouraging proposals for the sensitive renovation and conservation of existing disused or derelict dwellings in accordance with the provisions of objective RP 5-30 Redevelopment or Replacement of an Uninhabitable or Ruinous Dwelling in Chapter 5 Rural. (d) Ensure that new development of any kind is sympathetic to the individual form and character of the islands’ landscapes and traditional building patterns. GO TO CONTENTS
- 154 County Development Plan Objective MCI 7-11: Uninhabited Islands (a) To generally preserve access to all islands, including uninhabited ones. (b) Recognise on currently uninhabited islands the potentially long term serious impacts that particular kinds of development, such as individual holiday homes or second homes, can have and to restrict developments that lead to individual islands having a single use only. Islands in Metropolitan Cork 7.7.11 The Cobh Municipal District to the east of Cork City includes the islands of Haulbowline, Fota, Spike and the Great Island which includes the town of Cobh. The remaining parts of Great Island outside the town boundary are within the Metropolitan Greenbelt. Spike Island which operated as a prison until 2004 passed into the ownership of Cork County Council. Working with Fáilte Ireland, the Council have developed Spike Island into a leading tourist attraction having been awarded ‘Europe’s Leading Tourist Attraction’ at the World Travel Awards in 2017. This Plan recognises that all the islands have significant roles to play in the future development of Cork Harbour. See Volume 4 South Cork of this plan. GO TO CONTENTS
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- 157 CHAPTER 8 ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT Aim of Chapter Through the application of the planning principles set out in this document, to provide for the development of County Cork as an attractive, competitive and sustainable place to live, visit and do business, where the quality of its economy, natural and built environment, culture and the strength and viability of its communities are to the highest standards.
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- 159 CONTENTS Contents 8.1 Introduction 160 8.2 National Economic Outlook 160 8.3 Policy Context 161 8.4 Cork Economy 164 8.5 Economic Role of Cork Harbour 168 8.6 Future Jobs Growth 171 8.7 Spatial Strategy for Economic Development 172 8.8 The Circular Economy 177 8.9 Placemaking for Enterprise Development 178 8.10 Connectivity 178 8.11 Economic Resilience 178 8.12 Remote Working 179 8.13 Data Centres 180 8.14 Seveso Sites 181 8.15 The Rural Economy 183 8.16 Agriculture and Farm Diversification 184 8.17 Mineral Extraction 185 8.18 Forestry 185 8.19 Film Production 186 8.20 Fishing and Aquaculture 186 8.21 Renewable Energy 186 8.22 Economic Development Land Use Zonings 186
- 160 8.1 Introduction 8.1.1 This chapter sets out the planning policies and objectives in support of the economic development of the County and seeks to inform and guide the plans and strategies of the various agencies involved in Economic Development in Cork, and those thinking of establishing a business in the county. 8.1.2 A common theme throughout all current national policy and initiatives is the need to move away from the ‘business as usual approach’ and to recognise the vulnerabilities facing our national and local economy and prosperity in light of the climate change, local and international changes that are afoot in terms of Brexit, international tax developments, US policies, technological change and most recently, the Covid 19 pandemic. The need to attract and retain high quality jobs that will allow for better standards of living, and sustainable jobs that will be less vulnerable to future loss is also critical. The need to plan for a more sustainable future in the context of climate change, shifting demographics, technological development and the transition to low carbon, bio and circular economies is also very real. Our ability to compete with other locations in offering the full range of quality of life attributes in order to attract and retain employees in Cork will also be important in our success at securing investment in job creation. 8.1.3 Government policy points to the need to broaden the base of the economy, use innovation to drive growth and build on our locational distinctiveness with place making strategies that acknowledge the reality of what attracts companies to invest in an area i.e. access to skills, talent, higher education and a combination of factors, such as innovation capacity, infrastructure investments, competitive services and amenities, property solutions, housing, quality of life, access to trade and markets etc. 8.1.4 Both the National Planning Framework (NPF) and the Regional Spatial and Economic Strategy (RSES) point to the need for transformational change in the pattern of development in the future, for population growth to be jobs led, and for the population and jobs growth to be more closely aligned geographically, to reduce the need to travel and support sustainable growth. 8.1.5 In this context, the policies and objectives in this Plan seek to position Cork, in land use planning terms, to respond to the challenges ahead, to enhance our resilience and our ability to attract and sustain sustainable investment into the future. The plan is aligned with the National Strategic Outcomes of the National Planning Framework (NPF), the Regional Spatial and Economic Strategy (RSES), the Cork Metropolitan Area Transport Strategy (CMATS) and the state agencies that are responsible for the delivery of essential infrastructure, in order to ensure that Cork secures its share of the national investment budget and successfully delivers the employment and population growth allocated to it. 8.1.6 Chapter 2 Core Strategy of this Plan allocates population, housing and employment growth in line with the provisions of the NPF and RSES, strengthening the settlement network and main centres of employment while also revitalising rural areas by strengthening rural towns and villages and supporting the diverse nature of the urban and rural economies of the county. Other chapters and volumes of the plan support this strategy with investment in infrastructure, services, amenities, and the zoning of land for development. 8.1.7 At a national level, job creation is supported by the IDA which promotes Foreign Direct Investment into Ireland by helping investors to establish and expand their business in Ireland, and Enterprise Ireland which works with Irish companies to help them develop and grow their business in world markets. Both are very active in supporting investment in the Cork economy. At a local level, Cork County Council has established an Economic Development, Enterprise and Tourism Directorate which has community and economic development at its core. The Directorate seeks to support and engage businesses and communities at a local level throughout County Cork through the work of the Local Enterprise Offices, which provide a range of services including advice, financial support and training to support entrepreneurship and foster business start-ups. 8.1.8 The economic policies and objectives set out in this Plan seek to be aligned with the provisions of recent national and regional policy initiatives, respond to recent economic, demographic and employment trends, strengthen the employment network of the County while also supporting the revitalisation of rural areas and realising the full potential of Cork County’s broad range of locational and infrastructural advantages. The Plan seeks to position Cork to attract sustainable economic investment and jobs growth into the future. 8.2 National Economic Outlook 8.2.1 Pre Covid, the national economy had made a strong recovery since the recession ended in 2013 and growth was projected to continue, although with some risk around the potential impacts of Brexit and the deteriorating outlook in the international environment. Since the 2nd Quarter of 2020 the coronavirus pandemic has triggered a national and global economic shock which continues to have a significant impact on the labour market in Ireland. In the short term the outlook is very uncertain while in the longer term there is some uncertainty about the longer-lasting effects on behaviour and economic activity; the damage to the productive capacity of the economy and the pace at which economic activity normalises.1 1 Quarterly Bulletin 03/July 2020 – Central Bank of Ireland, p 6 GO TO CONTENTS
Source Cork County Council: Cork County Development Plan 2022–2028 – Volume One: Main Policy Material (2022–2028) · 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.