Development plan · Kildare County Council
Kildare County Development Plan 2023–2029 — Chapter 9: Our Rural Economy
One part of the council's development plan written statement, which the council publishes in parts. Variations adopted since are not in this text.
Kildare County Council · 2023–2029 · 17 pages
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- Aim: To support and enable the provision of high-quality rural environments with an increased emphasis on the regeneration and renewal of our smaller rural towns and villages, sustaining the livelihoods of rural communities and promoting the development of the wider rural economy, all within the context of sustainable management of land and resources. Chapter 9 Our Rural Economy 9.1 Background Kildare, the Thoroughbred County, boasts a range of distinguishing and unique natural and built features ranging from the two canals, the River Liffey, the magnificent Curragh Plains, the Bogs and Wetlands including Fens. The County is also home to a number of internationally renowned stately homes including Castletown House, Carton House, Kildoon House and Burtown House, many of which house tourist attractions and hospitality services. Rural areas across the county are facing many challenges, ranging from urban generated pressures in some areas to a declining and aging population in other areas, coupled with lack of access to infrastructure and new technologies. Urban generated pressures such as significant pressure for one off housing in the countryside; with increased commuter traffic on rural roads, exploitation of natural resources – ranging from extractive industry, quarrying, in-fill with Construction & Demolition (C&D) waste, concrete batching plants, diversification of uses on former cut-away bogs and energy production and distribution – wind farms, solar farms, strategic energy infrastructure – expansion of sub-stations, new transmission lines, battery storage facilities. These uses, although in some cases absolutely necessary, represent competing demands on the rural resource and while there are economic opportunities associated with these it requires very careful management. A key challenge is to ensure that in planning for rural places, responses are uniquely tailored to recognise the balance required between managing urban generated demand in the most accessible rural areas (i.e., north of the county) whilst supporting the sustainable growth of rural communities and economies, including those facing decline (i.e., south of the county). Traditional sectors such as agriculture, extractive industries, and forestry will be important in helping Kildare reach targets in relation to climate change and will play a vital role over the coming years and the period of this plan to help Ireland reach its climate targets particularly in relation to food security, carbon storage, provision of renewable energy, reducing emissions, protection of water bodies and increasing biodiversity. These sectors along with tourism will need to be complemented by diversification in areas such as food, renewable energy and opportunities provided from improved digital connectivity e.g., facilitating those in rural areas to work remotely.290
- The agri-food, forestry, and tourism sectors play a significant role in Ireland’s rural economy. Kildare is well positioned to contribute more to the tourism sector with the development of Greenways, Blueways, and Peatways and the potential of a National Peatlands Park providing an alternative eco-tourism visitor experience. Renewable energy production in the form of wind, solar, and biomass have to date been largely provided in rural areas and the location of future renewable energy production is likely to be met in rural areas. For further details in relation to renewable energy refer to Chapter 7 – Energy & Communications. The aim of this chapter is to promote the achievement of the goals and objectives of European and National plans and strategies. The council will continue to support the work of local agencies and groups responsible for rural development within the county. Several elements of the county’s rural economy will be promoted including agriculture, equine, horticulture, forestry, boglands, and renewable energy together with the continued modernisation of the farming / food sector. In parallel, the quality of the rural environment will be enhanced and protected from inappropriate development and / or practices. 9.2 Planning Policy Context Development Plan policies and objectives must be consistent with national and regional planning policy as set out in the National Planning Framework 2040 (NPF), the Eastern Midlands Regional Spatial and Economic Strategy 2019-2031 (RSES) and Our Rural Future 2021-2025. 9.2.1 National Planning Framework 2040 There are several objectives within the National Planning Framework (NPF) which relate to rural development. These are referred to as National Policy Objective’s (NPO’s). The NPF objectives of most relevance to this chapter primarily address climate change and sustainability whilst maintaining and protecting the natural landscape and built heritage which are vital to rural tourism and supporting / facilitating the delivery of the National Broadband Plan. 9.2.2 Eastern Midlands Regional Spatial & Economic Strategy 2019-2031 Within the Eastern and Midlands Regional Economic and Spatial Strategy (RSES) there are several objectives which relate to rural development. These are referred to as Regional Policy Objectives (RPOs). In summary the RSES requires development plans to include policies that: • Recognise the contribution that small towns, villages, and rural areas contribute to social and economic wellbeing, that support the rural economy and initiatives in relation to diversification. • Support the longer-term strategic planning for industrial peatland areas. • Support innovation in rural economic development and enterprise through the diversification of the rural economy into new sectors and services, including ICT-291
- based industries and those addressing climate change and sustainability. • Facilitate the development of sustainable and economically efficient rural economies. 9.2.3 Our Rural Future (Rural Development Policy 2021-2025) Our Rural Future provides a framework for the development of rural Ireland over the next five years. The policy is forward looking and ambitious and addresses both the challenges facing rural areas and the opportunities which rural economies and communities can benefit from in the coming years. The document focuses on the following thematic objectives: • Optimising the opportunities for rural communities high-speed broadband. • Supporting improved quality employment and career opportunities in rural areas. • Assisting the regeneration, repopulation and development of rural towns and villages. • Enhancing the participation, leadership, and resilience of rural communities. • Enhancing public services in rural areas. • Supporting a just transition to a climate neutral economy. • Supporting the sustainability of agriculture, the marine and forestry. • Nurturing our culture and heritage. 9.3 Rural Economy & Rural Enterprise It is important to recognise that there is a role for rural employment in contributing to the general economic development of the county. In rural areas of the county there is a need to balance social and economic activity with the protection of the environment and character of the rural landscape. The rural employment base should encourage diversification of the rural economy, by promoting economic growth in towns, villages and settlements to support local populations, by facilitating stronger rural based activities including tourism and leisure activities and encouraging more appropriate forms of rural development. The development of rural enterprise and employment opportunities will be vital to sustaining the rural economy. Employment servicing the rural areas should in general be directed to local employment centres, small towns and villages catering for local investment and small-scale industry. Other land uses such as housing while not encouraged may be considered in the rural countryside. If land is not within an identified settlement and is not otherwise zoned as part of this Plan, or any Local Area Plan, the use of such land shall be deemed to be primarily agriculture.292
- Policy It is the policy of the Council to: RD P1 Support and promote rural enterprises and encourage appropriate expansion and diversification in areas such as sustainable agriculture, forestry, peatlands, peatlands rehabilitation and sustainable peatland related tourism, food, crafts, renewable energy at suitable locations in the county, particularly where they contribute to a low carbon and resilient economy. Objectives It is an objective of the Council to: RD O1 Encourage the development of appropriately scaled alternative rural based small-scale enterprises that are appropriate in rural areas. All planning applications for one off enterprises in rural areas shall have regard to the criteria listed in Table 9.1 of the Plan. RD O2 Facilitate agriculture, horticulture, forestry, tourism, energy production and rural resource-based enterprise within the rural settlements and in appropriate rural locations subject to relevant development management standards. RD O3 Promote resource efficiency and support the shift toward a low-carbon and climate resilient economy in the agriculture (including signpost farms), food, and forestry sectors in County Kildare. RD O4 Encourage and facilitate the sensitive re-use of vernacular houses or farm buildings for farm diversification, agri-tourism, and other appropriate ruralbased development. RD O5 Require new buildings and structures: • To be sited as unobtrusively as possible. • To be clustered to form a distinct and unified feature in the landscape. • To utilise suitable materials and colours. • To utilise native species in screen planting to integrate development into the landscape. RD O6 Encourage the conservation and promotion of biodiversity in all rural development activities whilst supporting the restoration, preservation, and enhancement of ecosystems dependent on agriculture and forestry. RD O7 Support the development of renewable energy production in rural areas where appropriate. RD O8 Promote the provision of broadband and other communications infrastructure in rural areas of the county through supporting the continued roll out of the National Broadband Scheme. RD O9 Support the European Network for Rural Development's Smart Villages initiative to improve economic performance and quality of life in rural areas through digital and social innovation in co-operation with West Kildare SMART Rural Alliance and all other relevant stakeholders. In general, existing commercial or industrial activities in towns and villages will not be permitted to re-locate to the countryside or to un-serviced rural areas. However, in specific circumstances, some commercial / industrial developments may be293
- acceptable in rural areas due to their dependence on an existing local resource or source material that is required for the carrying out of the process / activity or service. In such instances the local resource or source of material shall be situated close to the location of the proposed development. Established authorised rural based enterprises seeking to expand beyond their existing capacity, where in the opinion of the planning authority, the expansion proposed would seriously affect the rural nature or amenity of the rural area and surrounding countryside, will be encouraged to relocate on nearby serviced zoned lands. Uses that would attract significant customer draw, including non-farm related shops/retailing in un-serviced rural areas will not be favourably considered particularly where they negatively impact on the vitality and vibrancy of nearby established and serviced centres. One-off enterprises in the rural area may be situated in the open countryside only where the council is satisfied that there is a demonstrable need for the enterprise at the specific location in the first instance and where it complies with the criteria outlined in Table 9.1 below. Proposals for the development of one-off new small-scale enterprises in rural areas outside of designated employment centres will be assessed against the following criteria: • Development proposals shall be limited to small-scale rural based business development with a floor area at circa 200 square meters and shall be appropriate in scale to its location. • The development will enhance the strength of the local rural economy. • The proposed development will normally be located on the site of a redundant farm building / yard or similar agricultural brownfield site. • There is a demonstrable social and economic benefit to being located in a rural area. • The proposal shall include a comprehensive planting plan of native species to screen the development. • The proposal will not adversely affect the character and appearance of the landscape. • The proposal will not be detrimental to the amenity of nearby properties, and in particular the amenities of nearby residents. • The existing or planned local road network and other essential infrastructure can accommodate extra demand generated by the proposal. • The proposal shall be accompanied by a mobility plan catering for employees’ home to work transportation. • Adequate proposals to cater for any waste arising at the facility. • All advertising should be kept to a minimum and be suitable in design and scale to serve the business. • Proper planning and sustainable development. • The proposals should conform to all other objectives of the County Development Plan. Table 9.1 - Criteria for Assessment of One-off Enterprises in Rural Areas.294
- 9.4 Agriculture/ Agri-Food Sector The plan recognises and supports the role of farmers as custodians of the natural resources of the countryside and of rural landscapes. Over the past number of years there has been a significant fall off in agricultural employment. This is indicative of the changing nature of the rural economy. The total area of land farmed in Kildare is 113,765 ha, comprising 67% of the overall area of the county. Since 1991 the number of farms has reduced from 3,251 to 2,578 in 2010. This represents a reduction of 20% compared to a 17% reduction for the state. The 2010 Census of Agriculture has recorded Kildare’s average farm size as 44.13ha. This compares to the 2000 Census of Agriculture Figure of 2,694 farms with an average size of 41.8ha. Labour Input 2010 Total Farms 2,578 Regular Labour Family 2,853 Non-Family 340 Non-Regular Labour Contract 60 Casual 62 Relief 4 Table 9.2 - Labour input including casual, contract, and relief workers on farms in county Kildare in 2010. Source: CSO Census of Agriculture 2010. In terms of employment, the 2016 Census of Population recorded 3,190 persons of the labour force of County Kildare in the “farming, fishing, and forestry” occupational group. This represents only 3.3% of the County Kildare workforce, notably lower than the state average of 4.4%. These figures indicate that whilst the number of farms may have decreased over the period, their average size increased marginally, suggesting that consolidation of farms may have taken place, to create larger, more viable / diversified landholdings employing larger numbers of people. Teagasc National Farm Survey 2019 shows that over half (52%) of all farm households have off-farm income. 9.4.1 Agri Food Sector The Irish agri-food sector is Ireland’s oldest and largest indigenous industry. In 2020, the sector accounted for almost 7% of Gross National Income (GNI) and 10% of exports in value terms. The sector grew substantially over the past decade, with Irish food and drink exports increasing by 60% from €8.9 billion in 2010 to €14.2 billion in 2020. The sector also employs approximately 164,400 people representing 7.1% of total employment. Outside of Dublin and the mid-east region, the sector provides between 10% and 14% of employment1 The sector plays an increasingly crucial role in the rural economy and in the development of the county in general. 1 Food Vision 2030295
- Policy It is the policy of the Council to: RD P2 Support the future and continued development of agriculture and the agri-food sector in County Kildare. Objectives It is an objective of the Council to: RD O10 Encourage the development of environmentally sustainable agricultural practices, to ensure that development does not impinge on the visual amenity of the countryside and that the quality of the natural environment (watercourses, wildlife habitats and areas of ecological importance) is maintained and protected from the threat of pollution to support the achievement of climate targets. RD O11 Facilitate the development of alternative farm enterprises, and appropriate small scale start-up rural enterprise in the countryside with the intention to supplement existing farm incomes e.g., converting redundant farm buildings for other farm-based activities such as agrifood, tourism, crafts, and energy whilst balancing this with the need to protect, promote, and enhance the viability and environmental quality of the existing rural economy and agricultural land. RD O12 Support the implementation of the objectives identified in the County Biodiversity Action Plan 2009-2014 (or as updated). RD O13 Encourage farmers markets and local food Hubs for the sale of locally produced goods at appropriate locations in the towns and villages across the county. RD O14 Preserve the open character of commonage land. 9.5 Equine The equine industry is hugely important to Kildare’s economy, generating significant foreign direct investment and attracting large numbers of tourists each year. Known as ‘The Thoroughbred County,’ Kildare has a world-renowned reputation for breeding and is home to three of the country’s leading racecourses (The Curragh, Naas, and Punchestown) and many other training and educational facilities and other bodies and organisations established in County Kildare which support the equine industry such as such as Horse Racing Ireland, The National Stud, the Equine Innovation Hub (at the National Stud), Horse Sport Ireland, the Equine Centre, Goffs. The industry provides over 4,700 jobs (direct, indirect, and secondary employment) in the county and over €420 million in annual expenditure2. In recognising the importance of the bloodstock industry, both in land-use and in terms of direct and indirect employment generated by it, the Council will continue to support and encourage the development of a vibrant bloodstock industry, which plays a major role in the rural economy. 2 Horse Racing Ireland report commissioned in 2019296
- Policies It is the policy of the Council to: RD P3 Support equine related activities of an appropriate size at suitable locations in the county. RD P4 Support and encourage the continued development of a distinguished bloodstock and equine industry in the County, including breeding and training, and seek to ensure appropriate environmental conditions for equine operations, insofar as is practicable. Objectives It is an objective of the Council to: RD O15 Encourage the expansion of the bloodstock industry by appropriately protecting the environment and amenity value of rural areas from encroachment by urban sprawl and incompatible development. RD O16 Ensure that equine based developments are located on suitable and viable landholdings and are subject to normal planning, siting and design considerations. RD O17 Protect the Curragh, Punchestown, and Naas racecourses from any development that would interfere with their amenity value and qualities while, at the same time promoting the enhancement of facilities as an attraction for visitors / attendees. RD O18 Promote and encourage the development of activities that relate to the equine industry in the county such as riding schools, pony trekking and the development of bridle paths. RD O19 To continue to promote Kildare’s world-renowned reputation for breeding and racing at The Curragh, Naas, and Punchestown) and to support the ongoing operation of training and educational facilities and other bodies and organisations established in County Kildare. 9.6 Horticulture The Irish Horticulture Industry was worth €477 million farm gate value (market value minus selling costs) in 2019. Horticulture Food output (i.e., mushrooms, potatoes, vegetables, and fruit) represented €410 million and Amenity Horticulture €67 million (i.e., nursery stock, Christmas trees, flowers, and bulbs). While there has been a continual reduction in the number of produce growers over the past two decades those remaining in production have broadly maintained the same level of output. Across the industry there are approximately 1,000 growers currently in commercial production with an estimated 6,600 people working within the industry while another 11,000 jobs are in ancillary employment.3 Most of the horticulture output in Ireland is consumed in this country. However, a major challenge for the industry is the shortage of peat to assist in growing produce following restrictions on peat extraction and the closure of Bord na Mona facilities. 3 Department of Agriculture297
- Policy It is the policy of the Council to: RD P5 Support the horticulture and nursery stock industry in County Kildare. Objectives It is an objective of the Council to: RD O20 Support and encourage the work of the horticultural sector and third level institutions in the development of peat free media/compost to assist growers, producers, garden centres and homeowners with a sustainable alternative to peat-based compost and the negative environmental impacts associated with peat extraction. RD O21 Encourage the development of environmentally sustainable horticultural practices, to ensure that development does not impinge on the visual amenity of the countryside and that watercourses, wildlife habitats and areas of ecological importance are protected from the threat of pollution. 9.7 Forestry Forests and woodlands have played and will continue to play an important role in terms of rural employment, climate change management / carbon sequestration and biodiversity. The forest sector provides around 12,000 jobs nationally most of which are in rural Ireland. Forests and forest products are playing an increasingly important role in mitigating the effects of climate change. In 2017, 10,396ha of the county was in forest cover4. Coillte manages 2,050ha (c. 20%) of the forest cover in Kildare. Currently only 11% of the country is forested which is the lowest in Europe compared to an average of over 40%. This degree of forest cover is below the national objective set out in the Strategic Plan for the Development of the Forestry Sector in ‘Ireland Growing for the Future’ (1996), which sets a target of 17% of the country’s total land area to be under forest cover by 2030. Policy It is the policy of the Council to: RD P6 Increase forest cover in the county at appropriate locations while protecting sensitive landscapes, water bodies, all sites, habitats, and species of ecological importance including European sites and amenity areas. 4 National Forestry Inventory, 2017298
Source Kildare County Council: Kildare County Development Plan 2023–2029 — Chapter 9: Our Rural Economy (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.