Kildare County Development Plan 2023–2029 — Chapter 2: Core Strategy and Settlement Strategy

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   concept provides for settlements to be designed to reduce the overall need to travel while also allowing for sustainable transport options (walking and cycling) to become realistic and convenient alternatives to the car for short trips, therefore reducing carbon emissions. While the concept of the 10-minute settlement can be applied to towns and villages of all sizes, the results may not be as effective in smaller towns and villages due to their lack of critical mass to support local services and employment centres. In such instances it is acknowledged that there is a degree of inter-dependency between nearby settlements with regard to the provision of local services, facilities and amenities. 2.6 Town and Village Renewal The framework for the Core Strategy is based on the key principles and objectives of the NPF, RSES including the MASP and Specific Planning Policy Requirements (SPPRs) of the Ministerial Guidelines. It applies a compact growth philosophy to the existing urban footprint of settlements in the county through the consolidation within the existing urban footprint, by ensuring 30% of all new homes are targeted within the existing built-up areas, in line with the NPF National Strategic Outcome. This means that the extent of zoning on peripheral greenfield development sites will need to be critically evaluated with regard to their compatibility with the renewal and regeneration targets set out in the NPF. 2.7 The Core Strategy and Zoning for Residential Use 2.7.1 Tiered Approach to Land Use Zoning The National Planning Framework (NPF) requires the Plan to adopt a Tiered Approach to Zoning. With specific reference to Appendix 3, the NPF sets out a two-tier approach to land zoning as follows: Tier 1: Serviced Zoned Land – comprising lands that are able to connect to existing development services and generally positioned within the existing built-up footprint of a settlement or contiguous to existing developed lands or spatially sequential within the plan area. Tier 2: Serviceable Zoned Land – comprising lands that are not currently sufficiently serviced to support new development but have the potential to become fully serviced within the life of the plan. These lands may be positioned within the existing built-up footprint of a settlement, or contiguous to existing developed lands or to Tier 1 zoned lands. The potential for delivery of the required services and/or capacity to support new development on Tier 2 lands must be identified and specific details provided by the planning authority in the form of an Infrastructural Assessment. To comply with the requirements of Appendix 3 of the National Planning Framework, a Sustainable Planning and Infrastructural Assessment (SPIA) was undertaken to assess the suitability of lands for future development. Volume 2 of the Plan sets out the land use zoning for settlements of the small towns and villages within the county. Volume 2 is accompanied by an assessment which provides a weighting of potential sites for future development on the basis of sustainable planning and serviceability/infrastructural grounds. This assessment assists in the designation of25

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   The RSES Settlement Hierarchy defines settlements as follows: Key Towns are large economically active service and/or county towns (Naas and Maynooth) that provide employment for their surrounding areas and with high-quality transport links and the capacity to act as growth drivers to complement the Regional Growth Centres. Self-Sustaining Growth Towns are towns with a moderate level of jobs and services – includes sub-county market towns and commuter towns with good transport links and capacity for continued commensurate growth to become more self-sustaining. Self-Sustaining Towns are towns with high levels of population growth and a weak employment base which are reliant on other areas for employment and/or services and which require targeted ‘catch up’ investment to become more selfsustaining. Towns and Villages are settlements with local service and employment functions. Rural areas are smaller villages and the wider rural region. lands as either Tier 1 lands or Tier 2 lands and identifies the likely development services required to support new development. The SPIA was integral in informing the future development strategy for the small towns and villages. Individual Local Area Plans will be prepared for higher order settlements, where individual Infrastructural Assessments will be carried out to apply the tiered approach to the zoning provisions associated with their respective housing allocations. 2.8 Devising the Settlement Strategy The targeted distribution of housing and population within the development plan of a city or county council, is referred to in the Planning Act as the ‘settlement hierarchy’. The Settlement Hierarchy details the key locations/settlements where development will take place. The Act requires that a designation be given to a city or town in the area of the development plan, with a population that exceeded 1,500 persons in the most recent census of population. Designations should be made on the basis of the role and function of each settlement consistent with the asset-based approach of the RSES and the potential for economic and social development. Assessments shall be in compliance with policy directives of the Minister issued under Section 29 and have regard to guidelines issued by the Minister under Section 28 or take account of any relevant policies or objectives of the Government, the Minister or any other Minister of the Government, as the case may be. The settlement hierarchy is the defining vision for how the county is likely to grow and develop over the lifetime of the development plan, with a clear set of spatial priorities identified. The settlement strategy of the plan is the means by which spatial choices are made and priorities expressed. The principles governing the categorisation of each settlement type have been defined in the RSES and are summarised below. Table 2.5 - Definitions for settlements within the Settlement Hierarchy26

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   Nodes Cadamstown, Carbury, Castlemitchell, Clongorey/Blacktrench, Killina, Kilshanroe, Maddenstown, Newtown, Rathmore/Eadestown, Ticknevin, Timahoe, Tirmoghan The RSES designated Naas and Maynooth as Key Towns with the remaining settlements having been designated in accordance with an evidence-based assessment undertaken by Kildare County Council. A range of factors were considered in the context of the allocation of settlements to each level, as follows: • Key Town designations in the RSES. • Scale of existing population and the performance of individual settlements. • Proximity to high quality public transport services • Availability and capacity of physical and social infrastructure currently in place in each of the settlements. • Environmental sensitives in the county. As part of the preparation of this Plan a survey was undertaken of all settlements in the county that did not require a mandatory Local Area Plan. For each of the 64 identified settlements (as per the Variation to the Kildare County Development Plan in June 2020) a survey was undertaken to determine the level of existing physical, social and community infrastructure in each settlement. A number of amendments were made to the Settlement Hierarchy arising from this process. Narraghmore (previously a rural settlement) was moved up the hierarchy and is now designated as a village. Clogherinkoe and Kilkea (both previously rural nodes) were moved up the hierarchy to become rural settlements while Maddenstown moved down the hierarchy to become a rural node. The collated data that informed the revised Settlement Hierarchy comprising information in relation to the extent of physical, social and community infrastructure present in each settlement as of summer 2020 is presented in Volume 2 of this Plan. This information also appears in the main body of the text for each of the Small Towns and Villages and in the legend for each of the Rural Settlement maps. Table 2.6 - Rural Nodes 2.9 Target Residential Density The Sustainable Residential Development Guidelines generally encourages net densities of between 30-50 dwellings per hectare within larger towns. Net densities of less than 30 dwellings per hectare will be considered on a case-by-case basis having regard to the existing pattern of development and characteristics of the receiving environment. Table 2.8 ‘Core Strategy Table’ includes the proposed residential density target (units/hectare) for each of the settlements, to the end of the Plan period. While many development sites, particularly in central, well serviced areas may achieve closer to the higher end of the identified ranges, for calculation purposes the lower of each of the ranges was taken into account in each instance having regard to the land take that would ordinarily be required for access routes into and through sites, provision of centrally located and well-designed areas of open space, areas for utilities, sustainable27

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   urban drainage systems and so on. Every effort will be made however to increase the quantum of housing delivered on each development site having regard to the above while at the same time ensuring that the quality of the housing to be delivered is not compromised and consideration given to the capacity and character of the receiving environment to absorb new developments. 2.10 Rural Settlements in the Countryside There is continued and considerable development pressure for single homes in the rural area across County Kildare. The National Planning Framework acknowledges that this is a national issue and further acknowledges that in rural Ireland, many people seek the opportunity to build their own homes but find it difficult to do so in smaller settlements because of a lack of available sites and services. The NPF also states that in order to assist this, local authorities will be supported in undertaking the necessary land acquisition, site preparation and local infrastructure provision to delivery self-build development options in smaller towns/villages. National Policy Objective (NPO) 18b of the NPF specifically makes provision for developing a programme for ‘new homes in small towns and villages’ with local authorities, public infrastructure agencies such as Irish Water and local communities to provide serviced sites with appropriate infrastructure to attract people to build their own homes and live-in small towns and villages. It is envisaged that the provision of serviced sites to create ‘build your own home’ opportunities within the existing footprint of rural settlements will provide an alternative to one-off housing in the countryside. A number of the sites have been identified for serviced sites in the county’s small towns, villages and rural settlements (see maps for each settlement type in Volume 2). 2.11 Preferred Development Strategy The preferred development strategy will focus on: • Achieving the critical mass in the Metropolitan Area Strategic Plan (MASP) area (Maynooth, Leixlip, Celbridge & Kilcock) and in the Key Towns of Naas and Maynooth. • Measured growth with emphasis on economic growth in the towns identified as Self-Sustaining Growth Towns and Self-Sustaining Towns as per Table 2.7. • A hierarchy of smaller rural settlements to provide a range of services and employment for their local populations. • Development in rural areas with a focus on agricultural • diversification, appropriate rural enterprise (e.g. renewable energy production) and the strengthening of existing towns and villages. • Protecting the environment by recognising the various environmentally sensitive zones within the county but not to exclude appropriate and otherwise acceptable uses and development.28

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   Hierarchy Description Locations Key Towns Large towns which are economically active that provide employment for their surrounding areas. High quality transport links and the capacity to act as regional drivers to complement the Regional Growth Centres. Naas Maynooth Self-Sustaining Growth Towns Moderate level of jobs and services. Newbridge Leixlip Kildare Town Athy Self-Sustaining Towns High levels of population growth and a weak employment base. Celbridge Kilcock Monasterevin Clane Towns Local service and employment functions in close proximity to higher order urban areas. Castledermot Derrinturn Kilcullen Kill Prosperous Rathangan Sallins Table 2.7 - Settlement Hierarchy and Typology County Kildare29

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   Table 2.8 – Core Strategy Table Settlement Type8 Settlement Name Census 2016 Population Settlements percentage per total County population 2021 Population Estimate (based on % growth from 2011-2016)9 Housing & Population Target % Population Target 2023 to 2028 (end of Q4) (persons) Housing Target 2023 to 2028 (end of Q4) (units) in accordance with HSTGs Residential Zoned Land Requirement (ha) Target Residential Density (UPH) County Kildare 222,504 235387 260533 9144 Key Town Naas 21,393 9.60% 22632 14.9% 3747 1362 40 35-50 Maynooth (MASP) 14,585 6.60% 15429 10.90% 2741 997 10 35-50 Self- Sustaining Growth Towns Newbridge 22,742 10.20% 24059 11.60% 2917 1061 35 35-50 Leixlip 15,504 7% 16402 10.20% 2565 933 31 35-50 Kildare Town 8,634 3.90% 9134 4.70% 1182 430 14 35-40 Athy 9,677 4.30% 10237 4.80% 1207 439 15 35-40 Self- Sustaining Towns Celbridge 20,288 9.10% 21463 10.00% 2515 914 30 35-40 Kilcock 6,093 2.70% 6446 4.00% 1006 366 12 35-40 Monasterevin 4,246 1.90% 4492 2.60% 654 238 8 35-40 Clane 7,280 3.27% 7702 2.40% 604 219 7 35-40 Towns Sallins 5,849 2.62% 6188 1.90% 478 174 6 35-40 Kilcullen 3,710 1.70% 3925 2.50% 629 229 8 35-40 Kill 3,348 1.50% 3542 1.30% 327 119 4 35-40 Prosperous 2,333 1.04% 2468 1.00% 251 91 3 30-35 Rathangan 2,611 1.20% 2762 0.90% 226 82 3 30-35 Castledermot 1,475 0.70% 1560 0.50% 126 46 2 30-35 Derrinturn 1,602 0.70% 1695 0.60% 151 55 2 30-35 8 Objective V GO 4 (Volume 2) is to generally control the scale of individual development proposals to 10-15% of the existing housing stock of any village or rural settlement over the lifetime of the Plan in accordance with the Sustainable Residential Development in Urban Areas Guidelines (2009). Furthermore, Objective V GO 9 (Volume 2) is to restrict growth in a village/rural settlement where necessary physical and social infrastructure cannot be delivered. In the absence of the necessary physical or social infrastructure, the projected growth for that development centre may be allocated to other serviced settlements within the same Municipal District or adjoining Municipal District or to serviced towns within the upper range of the settlement hierarchy. 9 The 2021 population estimate is a holding figure and is used as a guide only until a detailed 2022 county profile is published by the Central Statistics Office (CSO). Preliminary Census 2022 data was published by the CSO on 23rd June 2022 which indicates that County Kildare has a population of 246,977 persons in 2022. Detailed CSO data for the settlements and population analysis for the County will not be published until 2023. As Local Area Plans are prepared during the lifetime of this County Development Plan, the Census 2022 figure will be used as the population baseline from which projected population growth will be calculated for each individual LAP town, where available. Any LAP prepared before the publication of the Census 2022 Small Area Population Statistics (SAPS) will require an updated population estimate to be prepared for the Draft LAP (to be based on factors including the quantum of residential units built since Census 2016), which will differ from that shown in the ‘2021 Population Estimate’ column in this table. 10 Additional population allocation for Maynooth of up to 10,000 persons from redistribution of NPF City and Suburbs allocation (EMRA, July 2020). The precise allocation that will be attributed to Maynooth however will be determined at LAP stage on foot of detailed assessments and audits of available social and physical infrastructure.30

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   Settlement Type8 Settlement Name Census 2016 Population Settlements percentage per total County population 2021 Population Estimate (based on % growth from 2011-2016)9 Housing & Population Target % Population Target 2023 to 2028 (end of Q4) (persons) Housing Target 2023 to 2028 (end of Q4) (units) in accordance with HSTGs Residential Zoned Land Requirement (ha) Target Residential Density (UPH) Villages Athgarvan (1176), Allenwood (981), Ballitore (793), Ballymore Eustace (873), Caragh (966), Coill Dubh (746), Coolearagh (377), Crookstown (105), Johnstown (1,005), Johnstownbridge (683), Kildangan (317), Kilmeague (1082), Moone (127), Narraghmore (378), Robertstown (707), Straffan (853), Suncroft (746), Timolin (136) 9,984 4.80% 10562 4.70% 1006 366 Rural Settlement11 Allen (94), Ardclough (220), Ballyshannon (111), Brannockstown (217), Broadford (50), Brownstown (883), Calverstown (699), Clogherinkoe (196), Cutbush (278), Kilberry (400), Kilkea (105), Kilmead (309), Kilteel (214), Lackagh/ Mountrice (99), Maganey/ Levitstown (88), Milltown (344), Nurney (456), Rathcoffey (271), Staplestown (116), Two Mile House (460) 3,310 1.40% 3502 1.50% 377 137 Rural Dwellers12 25% 8% 2012 732 Blessington Environs 1% 251 91 Population Growth 25146 Total 222504 235387 260533 9144 11 Not all Rural Settlements are captured under CSO Census and therefore are not independently verified. 12 The figure included for “Rural Dwellers” is an estimate and is not a verified population from Census 2016. It should be noted that areas within or in the environs of designated towns and settlements may be ‘rural’ houses however are included in the small area population for that settlement as a consequence of the Small Area Population Statistics boundaries.31

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   2.12 Core Strategy Statement Having regard to SPPR DPG 6 of the Development Plan Guidelines, it is considered that the above approach is consistent with the National Spatial Strategy and the Regional Economic and Spatial Strategy and moreover takes into account the more recently published Housing Supply Target (HST) Methodology for Development Planning (December 2020). In this regard Table 2.4 above determines the target number of housing units to be delivered to the end of the Plan period having regard to Table 2.3 above which is taken directly from the HST Guidelines with respect to County Kildare. The national average household size is then applied to the housing figure in order to determine the projected population target to the end of the Plan period13. Section 2.11 above sets out the preferred development strategy for Kildare, including the Key Towns, Self-Sustaining Growth Towns, Self-Sustaining Towns and Towns throughout the county. With respect to all other settlements, Section 2.8 above justifies the placing of the remaining settlements in the hierarchy having regard to the availability of physical, social and community services which are detailed in Volume 2 of this Plan. 2.13 Employment in Kildare The Guidance Note on Core Strategies (2010) states that while the Act does not expressly require core strategies to contain information concerning other land uses such as employment it is stated that planning authorities should undertake an appropriate level of analysis to ensure that sufficient lands are identified for employment purposes at suitable locations, taking proper account of national planning policies such as those above and the availability of the required physical infrastructure, particularly access and water services. The 2016 Census identified, that of the 222,504 population of the county, that 106,849 comprised the total labour force of the county. The total jobs in Kildare in 2016 totalled 62,985 giving a jobs ratio for the county of .6 which implies a net outflow. Given its location in the state, being well served by both road and rail infrastructure and being located in close proximity to Dublin, the airport and port it has traditionally attracted a lot of inward investment. Kildare had the 6th highest rate of outbound commuters in 2016 with 39.1% out commuting with the top employment destinations being Dublin City, South Dublin, Fingal, Dun Laoghaire-Rathdown and Meath. By comparison, more than 33% of all jobs in Kildare are occupied by persons outside the county with the top employment origins being Laois, South Dublin, Meath, Dublin City and Offaly. 2.13.1 Naas to Newbridge Strategic Economic and Employment Zone The Newbridge to Naas corridor is seen as a Strategic Economic Zone in the centre of the County, comprising the Tougher Industrial Estate and the industrial zone on the northern end of Newbridge. This zone comprises some global names such as Pfizer Pharmaceuticals, the Lidl Regional Distribution Centre, DSV, the Barola/Primark Distribution Centre (with national and international distribution planned) and Dr. 13 A review in line with trends as per next CSO figures may be required.32

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   Pepper. The overall area is strategically located at the confluence of the M7 and M9.A number of these are hyper scaled distribution centres and will include the largest of their kind in the country following the granting of Barola/Primark with a 68,000 square metre facility. The Industrial Development Authority (IDA) has also acquired a strategic bank of land in the zone, which will over time see the Tougher area linked back into Newbridge. While only a portion of their IDA landholding is zoned, it is the intention of the Council to work with them and other relevant stakeholders should any new Foreign Direct Investment company express an interest to establish a strategic employer in the County. The long-term vision for this area between Naas and Newbridge is for two dynamic and vibrant town centres linked by a strong economic corridor focused on the eastern side of the R445. Each town will offer a wide range of retail, commercial, leisure, social and cultural enterprises, and civic amenities (civic squares/public realm interventions) and a vibrant evening economy sustaining a strong residential base that will be served by a future DART service (electrification of the rail line from Sallins to Newbridge). This will evolve over many years – well beyond the lifetime of this County Development Plan. What is critical during the lifetime of this plan (and subsequent plans) is that there is an avoidance of haphazard industrial units, sporadically located on either end of the corridor or at either side of the R445. The focus for this plan period will be to concentrate on the Newbridge end of the corridor linking back up to Tougher and this strategy will be developed further as part of the preparation of the Newbridge Local Area Plan. The vision will be to provide a higher end profile - i.e. offices and/or strong architectural and landscape treatment - with more consistent building lines along the east side of the R445 (Newbridge to Naas Road), with more ‘big box’ developments (i.e., logistics, warehousing and possibly data centres) to the rear (further east). The development of the area will be underpinned by an Urban Design Framework, identifying key landscape/heritage features to be retained, indicative areas for strategic and sustainable urban drainage systems (SUDs), key road linkages/circulation routes and indicative urban design treatments (landscaping and building lines). 2.14 Settlement Hierarchy 2.14.1 Metropolitan Area Strategic Plan (MASP) The Regional Economic and Spatial Strategy included the preparation of a Metropolitan Area Strategic Plan (MASP) which, for Kildare, included the northeastern towns of Maynooth, Leixlip, Celbridge and Kilcock. Given the particularly strong road and rail networks in these areas, both existing and proposed (including Dart+ proposals) and their proximity to Dublin, a number of key strategic employment sites were identified including, in particular, a research and technology park adjoining Maynooth University (further emphasising the importance of Maynooth as a Key Town) and the former Hewlett Packard site and Collinstown site at Leixlip. The development of both these sites could attract further inward investment and counter commuter outflows from the county.33

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    2.14.2 Key Towns The primary focus for employment growth in Kildare will be towards the Key Towns of Naas and Maynooth. In Naas, key employment opportunities will arise within Millennium Park and the Northwest Quadrant areas as well as the expansion of a range of enterprises in the existing industrial parks around the town, with a particular focus on the food processing sector, in addition to IT, digital/tech, logistics and hightech manufacturing. The Naas LAP also makes a special provision for data centre development at two sites. In Maynooth the potential of the Research and Technology lands to the west of Maynooth University could be realised to deliver significant commercial functions. Knowledge based employment focusing on ICT and manufacturing could also be strengthened through the development of a research and technology campus. Further development of Maynooth University as a leading third level research and educational facility with potential synergies to large new and established employers offers significant potential as does the development of St. Patrick’s College Campus for a mix of uses. 2.14.3 Self-Sustaining Growth Towns The self-sustaining growth towns of Newbridge, Leixlip, Kildare Town and Athy will continue to attract a moderate level of jobs and services through a range of employment types including biotechnology, ICT, high-tech manufacturing and research, bloodstock, tourism and food and beverage products. 2.14.4 Self-Sustaining Towns The self-sustaining towns of Celbridge, Kilcock, Monasterevin and Clane which have a high level of population growth and a weak employment base have the potential to improve their employment offering through biotechnology, knowledge based digital enterprises, logistics, tourism and food and beverage products in order to strengthen their overall economic offering. 2.14.5 Towns The towns of Sallins, Kilcullen, Kill Prosperous, Rathangan, Castledermot and Derrinturn will continue to improve their economic offering through small scale industries, traditional natural and resource assets including food, energy and tourism. As part of the preparation of this Plan an assessment was undertaken of the quantum of undeveloped employment lands in County Kildare, the details of which are presented in Table 2.9 below under the various types of land use zonings. Type of employment use Ha Business & Technology 2.493 Data Centre 93.242 Enterprise and Employment 223.124 General Development 3.41834

Source Kildare County Council: Kildare County Development Plan 2023–2029 — Chapter 2: Core Strategy and Settlement Strategy (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.