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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- 211 CONTENTS Contents 10.1 Introduction 212 10.2 Scale of the Tourism Sector 212 10.3 Tourism Promotion 213 10.4 Fáilte Ireland Regional Brands 214 10.5 Tourism Product in County Cork 214 10.6 Protection of Tourist Assets 215 10.7 Principle Attractions 216 10.8 Marine Leisure 217 10.9 Heritage Tourism 217 10.10 Cultural Tourism 218 10.11 Walking / Cycling 218 10.12 Greenways 219 10.13 Blueway’s and Bridleways 220 10.14 Rural Tourism 220 10.15 Tourism Developments and Facilities 220 10.16 Managing the Provision of Tourist Accommodation 222 10.17 Tourism Potential of Demesnes and Estates 222
- 212 10.1 Introduction 10.1.1 The sustainable development and promotion of a successful well managed tourism industry is critical to the economy of County Cork. While County Cork is one of the leading tourist counties in Ireland, a stronger year-round product needs to be developed. With good planning and management, tourism can be a positive force, bringing benefits to tourist destinations and indigenous communities in the region. If the development of the sector is not planned carefully, it will result in environmental degradation and will impinge upon the quality of life of local communities. 10.1.2 In many areas, there is a natural synergy between the needs of the local community, and the needs of tourists, and improving the local natural and built environment for the local community in the first instance, will also help attract tourists. 10.1.3 In recent years, the tourism sector in Ireland and in Cork in particular has been growing from strength to strength with more tourists and revenue increasing yearly. The Coronavirus pandemic of 2020 and into 2021 is unprecedented and has placed a huge strain on our tourism and hospitality sector which inevitably will take a number of years to recover. International tourism is at a record low level from previous years, increasing the importance of domestic tourism to support the industry. 10.1.4 Underpinning the new tourism agenda is the concept of Sustainable Tourism, which provides a high-quality product, based on, and in harmony with, a high-quality natural environment. Providing a sustainable framework for tourism development will ensure adverse impacts upon local communities, archaeology, built heritage, landscapes and habitats are minimised while at the same time ensuring economic benefits accruing to local communities are maximised. 10.1.5 The main aims of this Plan include the following; • Develop, enhance, and protect new and existing tourism assets, products, attractions and tourism infrastructure; • Maximise the tourism diversity of the County and promote sustainable tourism-related development; • Develop strong, year-round, high quality integrated tourist products and promote the potential of underdeveloped areas for tourism. 10.2 Scale of the Tourism Sector 10.2.1 The South West Region has consistently been the most popular region in Ireland outside Dublin with Cork the second most visited county after Dublin. Fáilte Ireland has estimated 1,605,000 overseas tourists visited County Cork in 2017 (an increase on the estimate of 1,081,000 in 2011). Data on domestic tourists shows that almost 1.1 million stayed in Cork City and County in 2017 resulting in a total of 2.7 million tourists visiting Cork that year. It generated an estimated 833 million euro for the economy in Cork in 2017. 10.2.2 Analysis of the main reasons for overseas tourists to visit the Region in 2018 shows that it is primarily for holidays (55%), followed by visits to friends or relatives (28%). Business tourism is the primary purpose of 13% of trips. 10.2.3 The distribution by source market of overseas visitors to Cork in 2018 show the British and Mainland Europe markets are the largest source markets, followed by the USA and Other Areas. However, for the first time ever, in 2018, more holiday makers from North America were seen in Ireland than from Britain. Cork Airport has good connections with Europe, which offer a vehicle for the development of short breaks and activity tourism in the area. Seasonality is a major issue in Irish Tourism and a season extension is a key objective of national product development and marketing strategies. In 2018 the most popular activity for both international and domestic tourists was hiking/walking. 10.2.4 Based on Fáilte Ireland figures, in 2019 Cork had five attractions in Ireland’s Top 50 Fee Charging visitor attractions, Fota Wildlife Park (462,047 visitors), Blarney Castle (460,000 visitors), Jameson Distillery Midleton (135,000 visitors), Charles Fort (97,990 visitors) and The Titanic Experience (88,000 visitors). While Cork County had three attraction in Irelands Top 50 Free visitor attraction with Doneraile Park (490,000 visitors), Fota Arboretum & Gardens (113,695 visitors) and Youghal Heritage Centre (39,671 visitors). GO TO CONTENTS
- 213 10.3 Tourism Promotion 10.3.1 Tourism has a critical role to play in the development of the Irish economy. It has the potential to create and maintain employment, invest in local communities, and contribute to the national economic growth. In 2015, the Department of Tourism, Transport and Sport published People, Place and Policy- Growing Tourism to 2025. People and Place remain as Ireland’s biggest assets in terms of our ability to attract visitors. There are three types of experiences that appeal to visitors: The Culturally Curious, The Great Escapers and The Social Energisers. The aim is to provide attractions to allure to these experiences and the strategy has three key goals by 2025: • Overseas Tourism revenue in Ireland to reach €5 billion, (excluding the effects of inflation) • Employment in tourism sector to reach 250,000 employees; • The visits in Ireland from overseas to exceed 10 million annually. 10.3.2 The National Planning Framework highlights how agriculture and tourism are linked in many ways and tourism can have a direct impact on sustaining communities. NPO 22 emphasises the importance placed on developing Greenways, Blueway’s and Peatways to help promote rural tourism and the many social and economic benefits they can provide locally. The NPF recognises the importance of strategic attractions such as the Wild Atlantic Way and supports these initiatives under NPO 49. The NPF acknowledges the need to develop the Rural Economy and support sustainable tourism in these regions as noted in NPO 23. 10.3.3 The Regional Spatial and Economic Strategy for the Southern Region implements various strategies outlined in the NPF. Cork hosts two of the three main tourism areas developed by Fáilte Ireland, The Wild Atlantic Way and Irelands Ancient East. The County is also part of the Munster Vales Brand which all help provide a framework for local and rural areas to develop. 10.3.4 Tourism Action Plan 2019-2021 and Tourism Development and Innovation- a strategy for Investment 2016-2022 both highlight the importance of tourism to the economy of Ireland. Both plans have included ways to promote and improve tourism in the country and acknowledge the importance of rural areas, not just cities. 10.3.5 In 2013, Ireland had a tourism-led initiative known as ‘The Gathering’, which aimed to encourage the Irish diaspora to return home to take part in special events and gatherings throughout the year. The Programme for Government is planning to make 2023 the year of ‘The Invitation’, to mark the 10-year anniversary of the Gathering and incentivise more emigrants to holiday in Ireland. This proposal will make a positive contribution to boosting the tourism sector in Cork. 10.3.6 The Cork County Council Tourism Department has made great substantial progress on a number of tourism initiatives in the county including the following; • Cork City and County Council launched a jointly commissioned 5-year strategy in 2015, Growing Tourism in Cork- A collective Strategy. The aim was to maximise the economic return from tourism in Cork by increasing visitor numbers. • “Pure Cork” is a joint initiative with Cork City and County Councils, launched in 2016, to brand Cork as a tourist Destination. It is supported by Fáilte Ireland and the objective is to maximise the economic return from tourism within Cork and to promote Cork as a “famous for” and “must visit” destination. In the beginning of 2020, Cork was voted as one of Europe’s top 15 destinations in European Best Destinations 2020, • The successful development of Spike Island and Camden as major tourist attractions in Cork, • Preparation of Marine and Leisure Infrastructure Strategy for the Southern Division of Cork County Council, 2010 – 2020, • Redevelopment of beach amenities at Inchydoney, the Warren Rosscarbery and the Youghal Boardwalk Project, together with other ongoing research work on future greenways, • Preparation of ‘Festival/ Events Guidelines and Policies for Cork County’ was published in 2019. Cork is renowned for festivals including Mallow Racing, Indiependence, Cork Harbour Festival and A Taste of West Cork Food Festival, and many more. • Approval as a project partner in an INTERREG IVC tourism employment initiative entitled CesR – ‘Cooperatives of Employment and Services in Rural Areas’. This trans-national partnership proposes to examine models of best practices in employment creation through investment in tourism attractions and tourism services sector. INTERREG Europe has a 5-year project underway which commenced in April 2016, called Destination SME. The aim is to improve SME competitiveness in the tourism sector by supporting the implementation of destination management policies, 10.3.7 In the future it will be important to concentrate on innovative tourism products that maximise the potential of the County’s natural amenities and marketing to secure the full contribution of tourism to economic growth. Further investment is also needed, for both attractions and activity providers, in digital technology to increase awareness of their services and provide online booking facilities etc. GO TO CONTENTS
- 214 County Development Plan Objective TO 10-1: Promotion of Sustainable Tourism in County Cork Promote a sustainable approach to the development of the tourism sector within Cork County while; a) Ensuring the protection of the natural, built and cultural heritage assets of the county, including Natura sites, which are in themselves part of what attracts visitors to the county. b) Having regard to cumulative impacts increased visitor numbers and visitor facilitates can have on local infrastructure, sensitive areas and sites, water quality, biodiversity, soils, ecosystems, habitats and species, climate change etc. d) Supporting investment in placemaking and the regeneration of towns and villages in recognition of the role ‘People and Place’ make in attracting visitors to Ireland; encouraging the development of tourism and other facilities within settlements to support such regeneration and compact growth. d) Work in partnership with public and private sector agencies to implement the key tourism objectives in this Plan, while first ensuring early consultation with landowners around any new proposed routes and facilities. e) Assist community groups to access funding for appropriate, sustainable and beneficial tourism developments. 10.4 Fáilte Ireland Regional Brands 10.4.1 In recent years, Fáilte Ireland has developed four regional brands to promote and further develop the Tourism sector around the Country. Two of these Brands, The Wild Atlantic Way and Irelands Ancient East are evident in Cork County and are making a significant impact to our tourism industry. The Council intends to continue to support the growth of these regional brands. 10.4.2 The development of the ‘Wild Atlantic Way’ along the west coast from Donegal to West Cork has been a major contribution to the tourism industry. There are 188 Discovery Points along the route with 27 of these in County Cork alone. They are offering the best views of the Irish Landscape. The Wild Atlantic Way is a driving route which provides links between key destinations and attractions along the west coast, displaying scenery and unique culture, providing easy access to walking, and cycling routes with the southern starting point beginning in Kinsale. It is a long-term goal to develop the Wild Atlantic Way Coastal Path from Malin Head to Kinsale to facilitate visitors for walking and cycling of the Wild Atlantic Way. 10.4.3 Fáilte Ireland are preparing Destination and Experience Development Plans for the West Cork Coast (Kinsale to Ballydehob), the West Corks Three Peninsulas and Kenmare (Ballydehob to Kenmare) and the Ancient East area of Cork City and East Cork. They will be commencing a similar plan for North Cork. 10.4.4 Ireland’s Ancient East, was launched in 2016, by Fáilte Ireland. It covers the South and East of the midlands and includes parts of Cork. The brand has a strong focus on the cultural and heritage attractions in the region and there is an extensive range of attractions within the County. Cork has a significant cultural heritage and attractions which keeps Cork a key part of Irelands Ancient East strategy. County Development Plan Objective TO 10-2 Wild Atlantic Way and Irelands Ancient East Continue to actively engage, invest, encourage and promote the development of the Wild Atlantic Way and Irelands Ancient East regional brands through sustainable tourism, which will enable visitors to have enjoyable experiences while having regard for the cultural, built and natural heritage, and environmental impacts, including the protection of Natura 2000 sites. 10.5 Tourism Product in County Cork 10.5.1 Cork’s location in the South West Region means that it is a direct beneficiary of being a part of a popular tourist region. The County has a rich scenic beauty and cultural heritage and is known for its strong maritime, sporting, and traditional music and language traditions. Cork is also well known for being the Food Capital of Ireland, with the many food festivals, markets, trails and restaurants around the county. Nationally, food and beverage consumption accounts for 35% of all International Tourism Revenue and the food and beverage sectors have a significant role to play in growing tourism in Cork and in the sector’s recovery from COVID-19. Initiatives such as ‘West Cork Artisan Food’ help differentiate Cork from other locations in Ireland. The Planning Authority supports the sustainable development of the food tourism sector. GO TO CONTENTS
- 215 10.5.2 Tourism in County Cork is based on its rich natural and built heritage. The principle features of the area’s tourism product include mountains and upland habitats; rivers and lakes, over 1100 km’s of scenic rugged coastline and peninsulas with long stretches of sandy beaches, fertile agricultural land and many upland peatlands and forest/woodland areas. These natural assets combined with a rich heritage of archaeological and historical sites, built environment including manor homes and gardens, attractive towns and villages offer a unique tourism product. 10.6 Protection of Tourist Assets 10.6.1 County Cork has a wide range of nationally significant tourism assets namely (See Figure 10.1 Key Tourism Assets); • The Blackwater Valley - a walking, cycling, fishing destination and other outdoor activities with scope for a Blueway along the route in the future; • The Bandon and Lee River Valley- important recreational amenity, heritage and fisheries areas; • Mountain ranges including: the Slieve Miskish and Caha Mountains, the Galtee Mountains, the Shehy Mountains, and the Ballyhoura Area –important centres for walking, cycling, and adventure related activities; • The Coastline, over 1100kms of scenic coastline and peninsulas. Marine related activities including some fine blue flag beaches, Whale Watching, exploring shipwrecks, Kayaking, and surfing facilities with scope to facilitate blue way initiatives along the coast, • The Gaeltacht areas which are of significant cultural heritage value and frequently visited by tourists. • The West Cork Peninsulas (Beara, Mizen, Sheep’s Head) – with their unique visual amenity and landscape character offer potential for walking and cycling and other outdoor activities. • West Cork Islands and all the other uninhabited islands along the County’s coast; • Cork has rich fertile agricultural land and many bogs and peatlands with a higher than national average land mass of forest and woodland area; • A wide range of archaeological monuments that occur across the County as shown on the Heritage Units maps of Archaeological Sites of West, East, North Cork. • Opportunities to observe wildlife particularly in terms of bird and marine life. • Cork City and Harbour, Spike Island and Fort Camden are internationally recognised tourist attractions; • The Towns and Villages of County Cork where there is significant potential for heritage led tourism 10.6.2 Some of these areas may have the potential for future tourism growth based on a supply of resources and features around which the tourism product can be built. It is important to ensure that other development generally and tourism development in these areas does not have a negative impact on the overall character of such areas and does not cause harm to the environment, designated sites or protected species. Development of ‘heritage’ related tourism activity should be directed only to areas that have been identified to have capacity to absorb increased visitor activity, without causing damage or deterioration to the heritage features of the site or area, or to the surrounding landscape. Development or expansion of sustainable tourism projects (e.g. wildlife tours, marine mammal watching and bird watching) should be only be supported where they have been shown to be compatible with TO 10-1 (a) and objectives BE 15-1 and BE 15-2. See also Chapter 5 Rural, Chapter 14 Green Infrastructure and Landscape and Chapter 16 Built and Cultural Heritage. 10.6.3 Many areas that are important to the tourist industry of County Cork owe their attraction to the exceptional quality of the landscape or particular features of the built environment. It is important to recognise the valuable role of natural assets such as lakes, rivers and forests as economic resources for tourism, particularly in rural areas, and to protect and enhance the qualities of such areas so that they can continue to contribute to the growth in tourism visitors into the County as a whole. It is also important to recognise the night sky as a tourism asset for the county and it should be protected from light pollution in sensitive areas. See Chapter 15 Biodiversity for more details. Figure 10.1 “Key Tourism Assets” shows the diversity and spread of existing tourism assets throughout the County and the range of activities and infrastructure. 10.6.4 ‘Explore Cork’ is a tourism app launched by Cork County Council in May 2021. This free app is available in four languages and features over 850 places to see and things to do in Cork. The app allows users to search for ‘Things to do’ or ‘What’s near me?’. It can also generate directions and offers extensive information on the towns and walking trails across the county. GO TO CONTENTS
- 216 County Development Plan Objective TO 10-3: Tourism Opportunities Facilitate the development of the tourism sector and provide for the delivery of a unique combination of tourism opportunities drawing on the network of attractions in Cork County and potential future attractions. 10.7 Principle Attractions 10.7.1 County Cork has a number of key tourist attractions of national importance which should be protected from inappropriate development. The physical setting of tourist attractions is often a major component in their attractiveness. The surrounding landscape or particular features of the built environment often contribute to the setting or mystique of an attraction. However, appropriate development complimentary to their tourist function will generally be considered. 10.7.2 The key tourist attractions and destinations and significant visitor numbers include; Fota Wildlife Park, Midleton Distillery – Jameson Experience, Cobh Heritage Centre, Kinsale (including Charles Fort), Mizen Head Signal Station, Garnish Island, West Cork Model Railway, Barryscourt Castle, Desmond Castle, Dursey Island Cable Car, Guagán Barra, Cobh Cathedral, Bantry House and Gardens, Doneraile House and Park, Skibbereen Heritage Centre, Spike Island, Camden fort, Youghal Clock Tower and Mallow Castle and many more. 10.7.3 The redevelopment of Spike Island and Fort Camden Meagher as tourist attractions have continued to build on the existing tourist and heritage infrastructure of Cork Harbour and the county in general. Both attractions which are rich in military history also greatly add to the creation of a WW1 Cork Harbour Trail produced by Cork County Council in 2018, which begins at Fort Templebreedy, Crosshaven and ends at Roches Point Lighthouse. 10.7.4 County Cork and in particular Cork Harbour (Cobh) is a popular stop off destination for cruise liners. The Cobh Cruise liner terminal has increased from 53 cruise liners in 2014 to 100 liners in 2019 and therefore has doubled the number of tourists from cruise liners in 5 years. They are providing an interesting attraction in themselves and a large potential clientele for the heritage attractions of Cobh, Metropolitan Cork, and the wider region. Passenger figures in 2019 have been calculated at 169,042 and 72,604 crew. The Council are also promoting cruise line tourism in West Cork and in particular, Bantry, Glengarriff and Bere Island in recent years. Fig 10.1 Key Tourism Assets. GO TO CONTENTS
- 217 10.8 Marine Leisure 10.8.1 The Marine Leisure sector is the fastest growing sector within the tourism industry. Cork, with its maritime history, is well positioned to further develop its marine leisure product. Cork is known as ‘Ireland Maritime Haven’. The potential for growth within the marine leisure sector in Cork has long been recognised. The Marine Leisure Infrastructure Strategy for the Western Division and South Cork, 2007 and 2010 respectively, identify existing marine infrastructure and facilities along the coastline. 10.8.2 To fully capitalise on the potential of the marine leisure sector, there is a need to focus primarily on the rejuvenation of existing infrastructure and create opportunities for new development. While many marine activities require very little in the way of infrastructure and organisation, some activities, such as leisure boating and sport fishing will require sophisticated infrastructure that needs to be planned for and delivered in a strategic manner. Land based facilities are important if a marine leisure development is to meet the needs of as wide a range of activities and uses as possible. 10.8.3 Cork Harbour has a long tradition of recreational boating, is home to the oldest yacht club in the world (Royal Cork Yacht Club) and hosts the bi-annual Cork Week Sailing Regatta. In 2020 the Royal Cork Yacht Club celebrated the 300-year anniversary. A series of events are to be held in the summer of 2021 to celebrate the anniversary known as Cork 300. It has been postponed to 2021 due to the Coronavirus Pandemic. Recreation in and around the harbour is not restricted to water-based activities. According to the Assessment of Coastal Recreational Activity and Capacity for Increased Boating in Cork Harbour (UCC, 2007), the natural assets of the harbour encourage walking and cycling along the shoreline. It is an aim of this Plan to acknowledge the role of Cork Harbour in developing the marine leisure sector in County Cork and assist in providing a balance between environmental considerations and competing land-uses specifically in relation to the relocation of the Port of Cork and further industrial development in Ringaskiddy. 10.8.4 Cork County Council recognises that the maintenance, improvement and in some cases construction of new piers and harbours is essential in coastal and estuarine areas. These structures are needed to facilitate the activities associated with fishing and tourism. See Chapter 7 Marine Coastal and Islands. 10.8.5 Marina developments have grown in importance and are necessary to cater for the requirements of pleasure crafts such as yachts and cruisers. They not only provide services for tourist 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. Recent and proposed improvements in water quality around the Cork Harbour area are a positive step in the development and promotion of Marine Leisure. County Development Plan Objective TO 10-4: Developing the Marine Leisure Sector a) Develop the marine leisure sector in the County in a coherent and sustainable manner making the best use of existing and planned infrastructure and resources, in a manner that is sensitive to the natural and cultural heritage resources of our coastal zone, and complies with relevant environmental legislation including the Habitats, Birds, Water Framework, Floods, SEA and EIA Directives. b) Support the development of sustainable recreation and activity-related marine tourism developments at appropriate locations along the coastline and in the vicinity of the inland waterways and lakes where these are compatible with the environmental and heritage sensitivities of identified sites. 10.9 Heritage Tourism 10.9.1 Heritage Tourism is a branch of tourism that involves visiting historical, industrial, or natural sites, and which is oriented towards the cultural heritage of the location where tourism is occurring. 10.9.2 It is recognised as one of the most important and fastest growing aspects of the tourist industry and County Cork with its vast array of heritage sites including, battlefields, museums, interpretive centres, archaeology and historic town centres is well positioned to benefit from this activity. 10.9.3 Cork County Council has developed Spike Island as a unique tourism, heritage, and recreational resource in Cork Harbour. The attraction offers a fantastic experience with a ferry ride in Cork Harbour, beautiful scenic walks and various excellent historical exhibitions. Spike Island can be visited by a short boat trip from Kennedy Pier in Cobh with approximately 81,000 visitors in 2019. The attraction was voted Europe’s leading tourist attraction in World Travel Awards 2017 and in 2019 won the International Travel and Tourism Award. County Development Plan Objective TO 10-5: Protection of Natural, Built and Cultural Features Protect and conserve those natural, built, and cultural heritage features that form the resources on which the County’s tourist industry is based. These features will include areas of important landscape, coastal scenery, areas of important wildlife interest, historic buildings and structures including archaeological sites, cultural sites including battlefields, the Gaeltacht areas, arts and cultural sites, the traditional form and appearance of many built up areas and promote access and interpretation of archaeological sites in State and Local Authority ownership. GO TO CONTENTS
- 218 10.10 Cultural Tourism 10.10.1 County Cork has a wealth of cultural product to offer the visitor including traditional and contemporary music, a vibrant arts and crafts sector and numerous arts festivals. Cultural tourism is a very broad term that encompasses a wide spectrum of cultural and heritage experiences that generally involve events, festivals, artistic performances, cultural activities, museums, galleries. 10.10.2 The West Cork Arts Centre in Skibbereen with an expanded capacity for holding visual art exhibitions of international stature is a significant addition to the cultural infrastructure of the county. 10.10.3 Creative Ireland is an initiative set out by the Government from 2017-2022 focusing on creativity. It is a culture-based programme designed to promote individual and community wellbeing. Creative Ireland implements the priorities set out in Culture 2025. Art and Culture are important to our country and the policy has outlined the need to increase participation in these sectors in order to maintain a vibrant cultural society. 10.10.4 The Council will continue to support cultural tourism initiatives that aim to promote aspects of the county’s cultural production or heritage. This may include modest building proposals that aim to meet specific accommodation needs for cultural/creative tourism providers. See also Chapter 16 Built and Cultural Heritage. County Development Plan Objective TO 10-6: Cultural Tourism a) Consider the sustainable development of facilities that enhance the audience capacity of festivals. b) Encourage the development of Cultural trails around the County while having regard for the cultural built heritage and environmental impacts, including the protection of sites designated or proposed to be designated for nature conservation including NHAs and pNHAs and other areas of high biodiversity value. 10.11 Walking / Cycling 10.11.1 International trends suggest that the walking and cycling sectors of the tourism economy have the potential to grow considerably during the lifetime of the Plan. Cork County is ideally placed to exploit this trend. Newly developed Heritage Trails and Historic Walking trails have been developed in towns and villages throughout the county including the Youghal Boardwalk Project. 10.11.2 The 4.5km Passage West to Rochestown combined walk and cycle path linking Passage West and Rochestown to Cork City Centre is an off-road route located on the line of the former railway. It is a very attractive and safe option for people and tourists wishing to commute between Passage West, Rochestown and Cork City Centre. Youghal has also secured Fáilte Ireland and Cork County Council Sponsored Ironman Triathlon for the next three years. The event attracts competitors and visitors from all over the world to this East Cork town. 10.11.3 While there are some examples of successful walking trails in Cork, there is a need to identify more dedicated cycle and walking routes across the county. Cork County Council currently supports several significant walkways, such as The Blackwater Way, Ballyhoura Way, The Beara Way, Seven Heads Walks and Sheep’s Head. Cork is also promoting the Munster Vales to the north of the county. The Council is actively exploring new routes around the county to provide for walking and cycling. The development of cycle and walking tourism presents a particular opportunity to bring the economic benefits of tourism to the rural areas of Ireland. Cyclists and walkers enjoy the outdoor rural environment; they stay longer in an area and benefit local accommodation providers. See also Chapter 12 Transport and Mobility. 10.11.4 The Programme for Government intends to further develop the Wild Atlantic Way Brand by creating a continuous walking route from Malin Head to Mizen Head. Fáilte Ireland has begun a feasibility study of Long-Distance Coastal trail along the Wild Atlantic Way. There are several existing long-distance walkways on the Cork Coastline that have the potential to be further developed such as Sheep’s Head trail (88km), Beara Way in Cork/Kerry (206kms). Greenways are an excellent resource to help provide long distance walks around the County Cork. County Development Plan Objective TO 10-7: Long Distance Walks a) Support and promote the development of long-distance walkways at appropriate locations around the County, while having consideration for any environmental, social, and economic impacts. Proposals for development of long-distance walks 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. b) Promote cross boundary linkages and walkways to develop a network of wider routes and long walkways beyond the county boundary. GO TO CONTENTS
- 219 10.12 Greenways 10.12.1 Combined off-road cycle and walking routes and recreational trails developed along abandoned rail lines, utility corridors or other natural linear open spaces such as riverbanks are often referred to as Greenways. County Cork has a large number of abandoned rail lines and while some of these routes are being brought back into use with commuter rail services as part of the Cork Suburban Rail Network Project, there is no immediate prospect that many of these routes will revert to rail use. They could, however, make a highly valuable contribution to the recreation and tourism infrastructure of the county if developed as multi-user recreational trails. See also Chapter 12 Transport and Mobility. 10.12.2 In 2018, the Department of Transport Tourism and Sport launched the Strategy for Future Development of National and Regional Greenways. The objective is to help choose and deliver significant Greenways in appropriate locations, constructed to an appropriate standard to deliver a quality experience for all Greenway users. It also aims to increase the number and geographical spread of Greenways of scale and quality around the country over the next 10 years with a consequent significant increase in the number of people using Greenways as a visitor experience and as a recreational amenity. 10.12.3 Greenways can attract visitors from busy cities to the most rural areas and can provide a very different experience. The length of a greenway should be at least 20kms at a minimum but preferred to be closer to 40kms to encourage visitors to have a longer stay or potentially stay overnight to complete the route. National Greenways are required to be 100 kms in length. Greenways offer a fantastic opportunity to greatly enhance activity-based tourism around the country and this is also reflected at county level with the current and proposed developments seen in Cork. 10.12.4 The Greenway strategy notes the Eurovelo, a European cycle network with 15 routes across Europe. Eurovelo 1 traverses Europe from the North to South (Norway to Portugal) and includes the southern part of Cork. The aim is to develop the Eurovelo as Greenways over the next number of years. Greenway Development in Cork 10.12.5 Greenways are growing in popularity. Existing greenways in the county include the Cork Harbour Greenway along the old coastal rail line on the western side of Cork Harbour linking Blackrock in the City to Rochestown and on to Passage West. There is also a greenway from Carrigaline to Crosshaven. A feasibility study is being prepared on developing a greenway from Passage West to Carrigaline. If successful, it would link the existing greenways and 25km of linked greenway from the city to Crosshaven. This route also offers the potential to make important links with transport connections at the Carrigaloe cross river ferry (and hence onwards to Cobh) and more significantly, the passenger ferry terminal at Ringaskiddy. 10.12.6 Work has also commenced on the construction of the 23km Midleton to Youghal greenway which is due to be completed by 2023. 10.12.7 A study of the feasibility of providing greenways along the abandoned rail lines of South and West Cork was completed in 2011. Nine sections of rail line including routes from Cork to Kinsale, Clonakilty, Skibbereen, Baltimore, Schull and Bantry, totalling 188km, have been identified. The report concludes that no section of the line should be precluded on engineering grounds for the construction of a greenway. The study found that, while it should be possible to provide the majority of the routes on the existing track alignment, there may be a need for local diversions and deviations following detailed survey and design work, landowner consultation and having regard to environmental sensitivities. Further work, including environmental and ecological assessment etc, would be required to identify the most feasible route/ design etc. Part of some of the rail lines are located close to sites that have been designated for the protection of habitats and species or may pass through other environmentally sensitive areas. Full regard would need to be had to potential impacts of the development and use of Greenways on such sites and areas at the detailed design stage, in order to avoid significant impacts. Measures which may be implemented could potentially include minor rerouting, or the buffering or screening of particularly sensitive areas along the Greenways. Until such time as potential greenway routes can be identified, adequate protection needs to be given to the abandoned rail lines so as to avoid inappropriate development that could compromise the viability or delivery of the routes. 10.12.8 Consideration is also being given to the potential for developing a greenway between Mallow/Fermoy and the county boundary near Ballyduff Co. Waterford, on the disused railway line. A similar study is currently being undertaken in Waterford with a view of connecting the Mallow greenway to the Waterford Greenway at Dungarvan. 10.12.9 There have also been discussions about the development of the ‘Lee to Sea’ Greenway from Inniscarra, through the city to Blackrock, which could then link in with the other greenways to Passage West and onwards around the harbour as discussed above. See also Chapter 12 Transport and Mobility. Environmental, ecological and heritage sensitivities will need to be taken into account at design and development stages of this route. 10.12.10 With the growth in the popularity of Greenways, and the increased availability of funding for such projects, it would be beneficial to prepare a County Strategy on Greenways, building on the feasibility studies that have already been carried out to date and having regard to the changing national and regional policy context as set out in the ‘Strategy for the Future Development of National and Regional Greenways’, the Regional Spatial and Economic Strategy and the Cork Metropolitan Areas Transport Strategy. The main purposes of the strategy would be identify and prioritise suitable greenway routes to be progressed through the relevant environmental assessment/ design / consent processes and to support the funding and delivery of such projects. GO TO CONTENTS
- 220 County Development Plan Objective TO 10-8: Walking/Cycling and Greenways Promote the development of greenways, walking and cycling routes throughout the County as an activity for both international visitors and local tourists in a manner that is compatible with nature conservation and other environmental policies. County Development Plan Objective TO 10-9: Greenways Support the development of a county-wide greenway strategy in Cork, building on the feasibility studies that have already been carried out to date and having regard to the changing national and regional policy context. The strategy would identify and prioritise suitable greenway routes to be progressed through the relevant environmental and ecological impact assessment/design/consent processes and to support the funding and delivery of such projects. 10.13 Blueway’s and Bridleways 10.13.1 Blueway’s as identified and supported in the Regional Spatial & Economic Strategy, are a network of multi-activity trails, based on or alongside lakes, canals, rivers and coast. They can offer another form of recreational activity for communities, and support activity tourism. Bridleways, also known as an equestrian trail, are routes used for horse riding trails and have been expanded to be used by hikers and cyclists. Irelands first trail was the Beara Bridle Way, situated in West Cork allowing visitors to take in the landscape of the Beara Peninsula on horseback. It straddles the borders of both Cork and Kerry. The main trail overlooks 17 kilometres of rugged mountainous scenery and seascapes with views of the West Cork Islands. 10.13.2 Locations for proposed new Blueway’s and Bridleways would need to be carefully selected and designed to be sensitively integrated into the receiving environment. Such developments would be likely to 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. 10.14 Rural Tourism 10.14.1 In most rural area’s tourism is an integral component of wider rural enterprise and should be developed in an integrated manner whenever possible. Rural tourism involves visits to rural settings or rural environments for the purpose of participating in or experiencing activities, events, or attractions not readily available in urbanised areas. These are not necessarily agricultural in nature but are usually closely linked with agricultural activity and are often associated with rural sites of a heritage nature, such as archaeological monuments. 10.14.2 Realising our Rural Potential Action Plan for Rural Development, prepared by the Government outlining a three-year plan to unlock the potential of rural Ireland at local and national level was published in 2017. The plan acknowledges the potential activity-based tourism can provide for the economic growth in rural areas. The key aims of the Plan were to increase tourist numbers by 12% in rural Ireland, develop and promote activity tourism through blue ways, greenways and other recreational opportunities, support sustainable jobs through targeted rural tourism initiatives and develop and promote our natural and built heritage. 10.14.3 The aim of this Plan is to support rural tourism initiatives concerned with Agri-tourism, rural enterprise, and conservation of natural heritage together with sites than are also important for cultural, archaeological, or built heritage reasons. A number of open farms and farm shops have developed throughout the county and have had the benefit of large domestic tourist figures including repeat visitors. Many of these developments have seen original farm buildings restored and reutilised in accordance with good conservation practice, a practice very much favoured by the Heritage Council, not least because such buildings form an intrinsic part of our rural landscape and heritage. See also Chapter 5 Rural, Chapter 14 Green Infrastructure and Landscape and Chapter 16 Built and Cultural Heritage. 10.14.4 Additionally, Cork needs to promote long-stay tourism destinations throughout the county as outlined in the Programme for Government. There are several key towns within the county have a number of attractions to allure visitors to have longer visits, particularity along the coast such as Kinsale, Bantry, Clonakilty etc. 10.15 Tourism Developments and Facilities 10.15.1 Facilitating the development of infrastructure to meet the needs of visitors is fundamental to the effective delivery of a sustainable tourism product in County Cork. 10.15.2 The Council will seek to promote the development of tourism in a manner that is compatible with the conservation and enhancement of the environment. The Planning Authority will support improved access to visitor attractions where feasible for all ages and abilities. Examples include visitor attractions/centres; educational tourism facilities; wellness and self-development amenities and facilities; equestrian facilities; facilities for outdoor adventure activities and pursuits; facilities for boat hire in coastal areas and river trips. 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.