Development plan · Donegal County Council
County Donegal Development Plan 2024–2030 (As Varied)
The council's development plan written statement: its strategy, policies, objectives and development standards.
Donegal County Council · 2024–2030 · 783 pages
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- County Donegal Development Plan 2024-2030 (As Varied) 228 Chapter 11 Natural, Built and Archaeological HeritageChapter 11 Natural, Built, and Archaeological Heritage Donegal has a rich and diverse archaeological heritage. In terms of protected Archaeological Heritage in Donegal there are currently: • 17 ‘National Monuments’ considered to be of national importance and archaeological merit that are in state ownership/care (such as Grianan of Aileach and Donegal Castle), designated under the National Monuments Act 1930. • 33 ‘Historic Monuments’ on the Register of Historic Monuments (RHM) (such as Burt Castle, ringforts and megalithic tombs) designated under the National Monuments (Amendment Act) 1987. • Over 3,400 ‘Recorded Monuments’ on the Record of Monuments and Places (RMP) (such as historic churches, standing stones and souterrains) designated under the National Monuments (Amendment) Act 1994. Note: There is some overlap between these designations. In addition, the Department of Housing, Local Government & Heritage has designated the following Historic Towns for general protection: Ballyshannon, Donegal Town, Killybegs, Lifford, Ramelton, Rathmullan and St. Johnston. These towns contain Zones of Archaeological Potential where intense archaeology is present and where prior consent for works is required. Furthermore, there are also 50 Historic Graveyards in the Guardianship of Donegal County Council which are on the Record of Monuments and Places (RMP). With the enactment of the National Monuments (Amendment) Act 2004, any archaeological sites on the RMP in the ownership/care of local authorities are, in effect, National Monuments. Prior consent for works to, or in the vicinity of, an archaeological monument is required from the National Monuments Service.
- County Donegal Development Plan 2024-2030 (As Varied) 229 Chapter 11 Natural, Built and Archaeological HeritageChapter 11 Natural, Built, and Archaeological Heritage Donegal has also yielded significant underwater archaeology in our coastal areas, lakes and rivers (e.g. Spanish Armada Kinnagoe Bay, Log Boats Lifford/Strabane, Crannogs) and all wrecks over 100 years old (whether previously known or just discovered) and all archaeological objects situated underwater, are protected under the National Monuments (Amendment) Act 1987. . Donegal also contains a number of battlefield sites (e.g. Farsetmore and Scarrifholis) which may contain significant archaeological remains and represent an important part of our historical and cultural heritage. In addition, developments have the potential to uncover previously unrecorded archaeological sites or objects during the course of their construction. 11.4.2 Sites and Monuments Record Many community groups undertake archaeological heritage initiatives to protect, conserve and promote our archaeological heritage. Grant Schemes such as the National Monuments Service’s Community Monuments Fund and the Heritage Council’s Community Heritage Grant Scheme provide opportunities to conserve our archaeological and built heritage with appropriate specialist expertise and traditional skills. As part of the Colmcille 1500 commemorations in 2021, Donegal County Council commissioned conservation works to Kilmacrennan Abbey and to St. Colmcille’s Chapel at Gartan. The Heritage Council also provides support to local community groups who care for archaeological heritage in their own locality under the Adopt a Monument Scheme. At present, four archaeological monuments in County Donegal are included in the scheme – Doon Fort, Kilbarron Castle, Malin Well Old Church & Old Killaghtee Graveyard. The importance of archaeological protection is underlined by the fact that Ireland is a party to the 1992 Council of Europe European Convention on the Protection of the Archaeological Heritage (the “Valletta Convention”), and the 1972 UNESCO World Heritage Convention. Furthermore the Planning and Development Act requires that the Development Plan include objectives for the ‘conservation and protection of the environment including in particular archaeological ….heritage’ (Section 10(2)(c) refers) and ‘the protection of structures ….. of special … archaeological …. interest (Section 10(2)(f)) refers). It is also an objective of the NWRA Regional Spatial and Economic Strategy to Support the conservation of the region’s National Monuments (RPO 5.13) and support a targeted programme of National Monument sites to be developed in a manner that shall enhance the visitor experience (RPO 5.16). The publication of The Framework and Principles for the Protection of the Archaeological Heritage (Government of Ireland 1999) sets out national policy on the protection of the archaeological heritage in the course of development. In particular it states that: • Archaeological heritage is a non-renewable resource requiring careful management. • There should be a presumption in favour of avoidance of development impacts on archaeological heritage with Preservation in Situ the preferred option • Preservation by Record including appropriate excavation and recording should only utilised in very exceptional circumstances • The carrying out of archaeological assessment is an important tool in assessing the implications of proposed developments on known or suspected sites or monuments, whilst archaeological monitoring during the course of development can help to identify and protect archaeology. It is also important to highlight that in addition to the need to obtain and comply with planning permission there are additional archaeological protection requirements which must be adhered to under the National Monuments Act which developers should also be cognisant of.
- County Donegal Development Plan 2024-2030 (As Varied) 230 Chapter 11 Natural, Built and Archaeological HeritageChapter 11 Natural, Built, and Archaeological Heritage As such the development plan has an important role to play in providing appropriate protection to, achieving a greater appreciation and knowledge of, and where appropriate improving access and visitor/interpretative facilities to Donegal’s archaeological heritage. Objective AYH-O-1 To conserve and protect archaeological heritage, achieve a greater public knowledge and appreciation of archaeology, protect existing access to, and where appropriate provide new access and visitor infrastructure for, such heritage. Policies AYH-P-1 a. conserve and protect all forms of archaeological heritage including: i. National Monuments, ii. Structures on the Record of Historic Monuments (RHM), iii. the Record of Monuments and Places (RMP) iv. Sites and Monument Record (SMR), v. Historic Graveyards and environs, vi. Historic Towns, vii. Historic battlefield sites, viii. Unrecorded archaeology ix. Industrial and post-medieval archaeology; x. Underwater archaeology and xi. The settings of such heritage in accordance with the publication Framework and Principles for the Protection of Archaeological Heritage (DoAHGI 1999); and b. Conserve and Protect Zones of Archaeological Protection located in Urban areas of Ballyshannon, Donegal Town, Killybegs, Lifford, Ramelton, Rathmullan and St. Johnston as identified in the Record of Monuments and Places including requiring the carrying out of an archaeological assessment prior to the granting of permission and the undertaking of additional archaeological mitigation where
- County Donegal Development Plan 2024-2030 (As Varied) 231 Chapter 11 Natural, Built and Archaeological HeritageChapter 11 Natural, Built, and Archaeological Heritage required (e.g. more extensive testing, excavation or licensed archaeological monitoring) to inform the planning application or, if appropriate, the imposition of similar archaeological mitigation (more extensive testing, excavation or licensed archaeological monitoring) as conditions of planning. The policy will be implemented save to the extent necessary to provide for strategic infrastructure projects including, but not restricted to, the TEN-T Priority Route Improvement Project, Donegal the Bridgend to County border project scheme, the Buncrana Inner Relief Road and Greenways, subject to such projects being in accordance with all relevant statutory and regulatory provisions or where no statutory or regulatory provisions apply in so far as the policy provisions can be practicably and reasonably achieved within the context of such projects. AYH-P-2 Protect existing access to, and facilitate appropriate new public access, informational and visitor infrastructure for, archaeological heritage (including signage, parking, pedestrian access, commemorative memorials, and interpretative facilities) where such development would not be detrimental to the character or setting of said heritage where statutory consent has been obtained from the National Monuments Service and where the development would not otherwise negatively impact on traffic safety, local residential amenities, natural environment or the visual or scenic amenities of the area. This policy will be implemented by the Council in so far as same can be practicably and reasonably achieved within the context of Strategic Infrastructure Projects including, but not restricted to, the TEN-T Priority Route Improvement Project, Donegal, the Bridgend to County border project scheme, the Buncrana Inner Relief Road and Greenways. AYH-P-3 Ensure that development proposals affecting archaeological heritage sites shall: a. Sensitively incorporate archaeological heritage Preserved In Situ in a manner which is compatible with the protection and proper management of such heritage and its setting including adequate safeguards from damage/vandalism and for public safety and suitable informational signage. b. Be accompanied by a long-term management plan that incorporates appropriate protections for the heritage site. c. Provide appropriate informational signage regarding any archaeological heritage which has been identified and Preserved by Record during the course of construction to an agreed standard with Donegal County Council and the National Monuments Service. The policy will be implemented save to the extent necessary to provide for strategic infrastructure projects including, but not restricted to, the TEN-T Priority Route Improvement Project, Donegal, the Bridgend to County border project scheme, the Buncrana Inner Relief Road and Greenways subject to such projects being in accordance with all relevant statutory and regulatory provisions or where no statutory or regulatory provision applies in so far as the policy provisions can be practicably and reasonably achieved within the context of such projects. AYH-P-4 Ensure that historic graveyards in the ownership or care of the Council are managed and maintained in accordance with legislation, appropriate/best conservation standards, in consultation with the National Monuments Service and the Department of Housing Local Government and Heritage.
- County Donegal Development Plan 2024-2030 (As Varied) 232 Chapter 11 Natural, Built and Archaeological HeritageChapter 11 Natural, Built, and Archaeological Heritage
- County Donegal Development Plan 2024-2030 (As Varied) 233
- County Donegal Development Plan 2024-2030 (As Varied) 234 Chapter 12 Community Development Chapter 12 – Community Development 12.1 Introduction Sustainable, healthy, socially inclusive and culturally vibrant communities with an optimal quality of life are dependent on a wide range of childcare and education, recreational, healthcare, social and cultural infrastructure/facilities for all sectors of society in accessible locations and within a built environment which encourages active lifestyles. Responsibility for the delivery of such infrastructure and services is shared across a spectrum of government departments, agencies, and community organisations. The development plan has a crucial role to play by working with key stakeholders to ensure that sufficient high-quality community infrastructure and services are provided at sustainable locations to meet a wide diversity of both current and future societal needs. In this regard there is a statutory requirement for the plan to include objectives for: the zoning of land for recreational and open space (S.10(2)(a) of the Planning Act refers), the integration of the planning and sustainable development with the social and community requirements of the area (S.10(2)(d) refers), the preservation, improvement and extension of amenities and recreational amenities, (S.10(2)(j) refers), and the provision of schools, crèches and other education and childcare facilities; (S.10(2)(l) refers). In addition, it is recognised that in order to justify, sustain and maximise the potential of social and community infrastructure and services it is imperative to; achieve a critical mass of population in our settlements, locate new community developments in close proximity to residential areas and public transport nodes, and ensure that such developments are of high quality layout and a universal and age friendly design. General Objectives CCG-O-1: To create sustainable, healthy, socially inclusive, and culturally vibrant communities with an optimum quality of life and high-quality childcare, education, recreational, and cultural infrastructure and facilities and to integrate the planning and sustainable development of the County with the social, community and cultural requirements of its population.
- County Donegal Development Plan 2024-2030 (As Varied) 235 Chapter 12 Community Development General Policies CC-P-1: CC Support the provision of new social and community infrastructure/service related developments (e.g. childcare, education, healthcare, sports/recreational facilities, playgrounds, community resource centres sheltered housing, residential care/nursing homes, large scale cultural facilities etc) where such proposals are consistent with the zoning objectives of the Plan, and otherwise in accordance with the following locational criteria: a. At locations within the defined boundaries of settlement framework/urban areas which are within safe walking distance (i.e. via an existing or proposed footpath) of local services and residential areas or are accessible by public transport and which would otherwise promote social inclusion. b. At alternative locations within settlement framework/urban areas where it is demonstrated that there are no suitable sites available which meet the locational criteria in point a) above. c. In rural locations in close proximity to existing rural infrastructure (e.g. rural schools, Community centres, sports facilities, churches etc) where it is demonstrated that; the development is intended to serve an exclusively rural need, the development is functionally dependent on a specific rural location, or where there are no sites available which meet the abovementioned locational criteria in points a) and b) above. d. At other rural locations where it is demonstrated that; the development is intended to serve an exclusively rural need, the development is functionally dependent on a specific rural location, or where there are no sites available to meet the abovementioned locational criteria in points (a), (b) and (c) above. CC-P-2: Require that social, community cultural development proposals generally comply with the policies and technical standards of this plan and the following specific development management criteria: a. Are compatible with adjacent existing or approved land uses. b. Do not have a significant impact on adjacent residential amenities. c. Provide adequate effluent treatment in compliance with the wastewater treatment policies of this plan. d. Do not cause a traffic hazard and ensure the existing road network can safely handle any extra vehicular traffic generated by the proposed development. e. Provide adequate parking provision, access arrangements, manoeuvring and servicing areas in line with technical standards and policies of this plan. Specifically in relation to schools and similar education facilities, incorporate measures that de-prioritise set-down/drop-off arrangements. f. Prioritises, and provides for a high level of, pedestrian and cycling permeability and access. g. Do not create a noise nuisance and or cause significant environmental emissions. h. The location siting and design of the development is of a high quality, successfully integrates with the host environment including the landscape and/or built environment of the area and does not negatively impact on the visual and scenic amenities of the area. i. Provides appropriate boundary treatment and screening of storage areas from public view.
- County Donegal Development Plan 2024-2030 (As Varied) 236 Chapter 12 Community Development j. Does not have a negative impact on the built or natural heritage of the area and complies with the built and natural policies of the plan. k. Complies with the flood risk management guidelines and the associated flood risk policies of this plan. l. Have suitable soil depth and water table (in the case of burial grounds/graveyards). 12.2 Childcare The provision of high-quality Early Childhood Care and Education (ECCE) and School Age Childcare (SAC) facilities at accessible and socially inclusive locations is a central component of childhood development, sustainable communities, and a prosperous economy with high labour market participation. The National Planning Framework aims to achieve ‘Access to Quality Childcare’ (NSO 10) and cites the need to provide childcare facilities on well located sites within or close to built-up areas, that meet the diverse need of local communities (NPO 31 refers). The NWRA Regional Spatial and Economic Strategy also cites the need for a multi-stakeholder approach in childcare provision. The 2001 Childcare Facility Planning Guidelines identifies residential areas/new housing developments, employment centres, sites in the vicinity of schools, neighbourhood centres and public transport nodes, as appropriate locations for new childcare developments. The guidelines also identify, compliance with Childcare Regulations, site suitability, outdoor play areas, safe access and convenient parking, traffic conditions as key development management criteria28. In addition, the Universal Design Guidelines for Early Learning Centres and Care Settings (2019) sets out guidance in relation to the location, layout, access, internal and external spaces of such facilities. The Council will specifically have regard to these guidelines in relation to the location, siting, and overall design of new childcare facilities. Furthermore consultations with the Donegal Childcare Committee indicate that: there is currently a significant deficit in baby/toddler and ECCE capacity in most areas of Donegal particularly in urban areas, high property rents are a deterrent for childcare providers, many childcare facilities have been affected by Mica and there is a need to provide childcare facilities in tandem with larger scale residential developments. Policies CC-P-3 Have regard to childcare capacity and requirements in the local area when considering applications for new multiple residential development, and to require the provision of purpose-built facilities as an integral part of large scale residential development proposals in accordance with the thresholds and requirements set out in Childcare Facilities: Guidelines for Planning Authorities (DoEHLG 2001) (save Appendix 1 of said guidelines), the Universal Design Guidelines for Early Learning Centre and Care Settings (2019) or any subsequent relevant guidelines. 28 Circular Letter PL 3/2016 Request that planning authorities exclude the general facility standards outlined in Appendix 1 of these guidelines from their consideration of applications as such standards are now dealt with by the Childcare (Pre-School) Regulations 2006
- County Donegal Development Plan 2024-2030 (As Varied) 237 Chapter 12 Community Development 12.3 Primary, Post Primary and Third Level Education Quality education facilities at sustainable locations is essential to the creation of strong communities, social inclusivity, a skilled workforce, and future economic prosperity. The NPF highlights the need for additional facilities where population growth has occurred and seeks to align targeted and planned population growth with investment in new and refurbished schools (NPO 31 refers). The NWRA RSES in particular encourages a multi-agency approach in delivering education services (RPO 7.15). The departmental guidelines ‘ The Provision of Schools and the Planning System ‘ (DoEHLG 2008) states that schools should be an integral part of compact sustainable urban development, the provision of new schools should be based on an integrated approach between planning authorities and the Department of Education and local authorities should assist the department in the timely provision of school sites. It also highlights the need for Local Authorities to anticipate school demand arising from new development, identify suitable lands for same, locate new schools close to new residential areas and community facilities and in a manner which aids sustainable mobility. The Sustainable Residential Development in Urban Area Guidelines (2009) highlights the need to provide school facilities in tandem with residential development and to share community facilities with education facilities. In addition, the Department of Education and Skills Technical Guidance Documents sets out a range of guidance for the identification of suitable sites for, and the detailed design of new primary and post primary schools. As part of the consultation process for this plan the Department of Education highlighted the need for collaboration and long term planning and recommended that the plan should: explicitly support the provision of school accommodation, retain zonings for educational provision, provide school sites to accommodate new brownfield/infill development, provide buffer zones/land use designations around existing schools, support urban design schools, zone land to meet current need, planned population growth or current school projects, facilitate schools in as many zonings as possible, utilise departmental technical guidance when identifying school sites, site schools close to community facilities, and consider school capacity when assessing new residential development. Furthermore, Department of Education enrolment projections for Donegal predict at: • Primary Level: An overall trend of falling enrolments across all school planning areas out to 2030. • Post Primary: A short term growth in enrolments in certain school planning areas (e.g. Milford and Raphoe) but otherwise an overall trend of falling school enrolments out to 2030. Consequently, the Council will take the above technical guidance and recommendations into account when identifying suitable lands for and assessing development proposals for new primary and post primary schools and additionally will have regard to the existing capacity of schools when assessing and planning new residential development. The Atlantic Technological University Donegal campuses at Letterkenny and Killybegs provide a wide range of 3rd level business, engineering, technology, and tourism related courses, and thus represent a key educational asset playing a key role in providing a skilled workforce and enabling growth in Donegal. ATU Letterkenny has extensive plans for expansion of the Port Road campus (for additional teaching/education, research, and student accommodation facilities) and a new campus at Knocknamona (for agricultural education, student housing and sports facilities) which will be supported by both this plan and the detailed policies and zonings of the Letterkenny Plan 2023-2029.
Source Donegal County Council: County Donegal Development Plan 2024–2030 (As Varied) (2024–2030) · 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.