Development plan · Kildare County Council
Kildare County Development Plan 2023–2029 — Chapter 10: Community Infrastructure and Creative Places
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 · 29 pages
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- Aim: To provide for and facilitate the development of healthy, sustainable, socially inclusive communities integrated with the timely delivery of a wide range of community, social, educational, recreational, and cultural facilities that are accessible and promote social inclusion, ensuring County Kildare develops as a location with an enhanced quality of life for its citizens and visitors alike. Chapter 10 Community Infrastructure and Creative Places 10.1 Background Social infrastructure, community facilities and community development are vital to the creation of sustainable communities and supporting a healthy lifestyle. Access to sports, play and recreational facilities are crucial to our health and wellbeing. Essential services such as healthcare, childcare, education, culture, and the arts all have a significant role to play in our quality of life. These services and facilities should ideally be located within each town/village to provide easy access and optimise the opportunity for people to walk or cycle to them. Community/social infrastructure for the purposes of this chapter includes community centres/halls, libraries, cultural facilities, spaces for supporting the arts, places of worship, burial grounds, schools, childcare facilities, youth centres, family resource centres, healthcare facilities, playgrounds, sports, other recreational facilities and other infrastructure required to enable statutory and voluntary sector organisations to undertake their work. Public open space/parks which are also important aspects of community infrastructure are considered in Chapter 13 of this Plan, ‘Landscape, Recreation and Amenity’. The Council will seek to provide, where possible/feasible and within its remit, community infrastructure that meets the social and recreational requirements of each town/village in County Kildare. The Council will also work closely with relevant stakeholders to facilitate and support the provision of such community infrastructure in town/village centres and in residential and employment areas to optimise access, function, and use. Shared use and co-location of facilities is encouraged to align service provision, use land more efficiently and facilitate opportunities for further inclusion and community participation. A key priority in the delivery of such infrastructure and upgrading/expansion of existing infrastructure will be to ensure the social inclusion of areas of disadvantage and communities of interest such as Travellers and Roma amongst others and that they are designed to incorporate universal accessibility to cater for all ages and abilities. 10.2 National and Regional Policy Context Development Plan policies and objectives must be consistent with national and regional planning policy as set out in the National Planning Framework (NPF) and Regional Spatial and Economic Strategy (RSES). Various objectives within these documents are particularly relevant to the area of social inclusion and the provision of community facilities and services such as:307
- - Access to quality childcare, youth, education, and health services. - Planning for a more diverse and socially inclusive society that targets equality of opportunity and a better quality of life for all citizens, through improved integration and greater accessibility in the delivery of sustainable communities and the provision of associated services. - Seek and support the planned provision of easily accessible social, community, cultural and recreational facilities and ensure that all communities have access to a range of facilities that meet the needs of the communities they serve. The National Planning Framework (NPF) notes that ‘planning affords an opportunity to facilitate and deliver a more socially inclusive society through better integration and greater accessibility at all stages of the life cycle’. It therefore requires this Plan to include policies and objectives to obtain universal accessibility that address existing barriers to access and provide for community facilities that can be utilised by all members of the community regardless of age, health or other factors that may impede accessibility. The Regional Spatial and Economic Strategy (RSES) recognises that social infrastructure plays an important role in developing strong and inclusive communities and includes the following guiding principles in relation to such infrastructure: - Support the 10-minute concept whereby a range of community facilities and services are accessible within short walking and cycling timeframes from homes or are accessible by high-quality public transport to these services in larger settlements. - Facilitate a sufficient supply of good quality sports and recreation facilities, including networks for walking, cycling and other activities and shall maximise the multiple uses of such facilities by encouraging the co-ordination of services between sports providers, schools, colleges, and other community facilities. In addition to the above, the Plan will also support the ambition, goals, and commitments outlined in the “Roadmap for Social Inclusion 2020-2025” and any subsequent update of this document. Reference has also been made in the preparation of this Plan to various national strategies and guidelines including: - ‘The Provision of Schools and the Planning System; A Code of Practice for Planning Authorities’, DEHLG (2008). - ‘Childcare Facility Guidelines for Planning Authorities’, DELG (2001). - ‘Sustainable Residential Development in Urban Areas Guidelines for Planning Authorities’, DEHLG (2009). 10.3 Local Context Several recent policy publications specific to Kildare provide guidance on social, community and cultural development. The provision of services must have regard to relevant local policy provisions in the following documents/strategies:308
- - ‘Kildare Local Economic and Community Plan 2016-2021’ (or any subsequent plan1) - ‘The Social Inclusion Community Activation Programme (SICAP) 2018-2023.’ - ‘Kildare Age Friendly Strategy 2019-2021’ (or any subsequent/updated version) - ‘The Traveller Accommodation Programme 2019-2024’ - ‘Kildare Integration Strategy 2021-2026’ - ‘Short Grass Stories: An Arts Strategy for Kildare 2018-2022’ - ‘Kildare - Culture and Creativity Strategy 2018-2022’ - Kildare Library Service Interim Development Plan 2020-2022 titled ‘Recover, Refocus, Re-energise’ - ‘Kildare Sports Partnership Strategic Plan 2017-2021’ (or any subsequent replacement) - Kildare Children and Young People’s Plan (CYPP) 2019-2021 (or any subsequent replacement) - County Kildare Traveller & Roma Strategy 2019-2023 10.4 Strategy The promotion of social inclusion, cultural development, and the provision of community facilities through the planning process will be facilitated in accordance with the following principles: - Ensuring sufficient and appropriately zoned land is identified through the relevant Local Area Plans and village plans to meet community infrastructure requirements over the period of this Plan. - Promoting the retention and enhancement of existing community services. - Requiring the provision of services and facilities in tandem with and during the early phases of new housing developments (e.g, shops, businesses, schools, childcare, recreational/sports areas, and community centres) - Requiring the provision of neighbourhood centres and community facilities within walking distance of and concurrent with new residential development and promoting the use of shared facilities. - Using the Council’s Development Contribution Scheme to provide benefits to the community, including the provision of open space, recreational facilities, and community facilities. - Facilitating the provision of access and facilities for people with disabilities and the integration of ethnic-minority groups in the county. - Promoting the development of, and access to, public transport and safe pedestrian and cycle routes. - Ensuring that relevant development proposals incorporate access to facilities for people with disabilities such as level access to buildings, dished kerbs, changing places, appropriate parking spaces and accessible toilet facilities. - Promote participation, develop the capacity of marginalised communities and foster community leadership in areas of disadvantage and among communities of interest experiencing inequalities. 1 LECP review underway.309
- 10.5 Kildare LCDC & Kildare LECP 2016-2021 The Kildare Local Community Development Committee (LCDC) was established following the Local Government Reform Act in 2014 and brings together the elected members and officials of Kildare County Council, representatives from other agencies, community representatives and representatives from civil society to secure the participation of all stakeholders and contribute to building a joined-up approach to the development of local and community development in Kildare. The 2014 Act also requires local authorities to prepare an integrated Local Economic and Community Plan (LECP), which identifies objectives and actions for strengthening economic and community development in the county. The Kildare LECP 2016-2021 was adopted in December 2015 and ensures that relevant community and economic elements will be implemented in an integrated way. The LECP is currently being reviewed and updated. While the LECP provides the framework for this development, the County Development Plan provides the spatial strategy for the realisation of these objectives and actions. Policy It is the policy of the Council to: SC P1 Support and promote the timely delivery of the goals, objectives and actions set out in the Kildare Local Economic and Community Plan 2016-2021 (or any subsequent replacement). Objectives It is an objective of the Council to: SC O1 Liaise with community and economic stakeholders to promote the sustainable development of economic and community services and infrastructure in the county, in accordance with the objectives and actions set out in the Kildare LECP 2016-2021 (or any subsequent replacement). SC O2 Make provision, through appropriate land use zoning in the CDP settlement plans and Local Area Plans to deliver community infrastructure, supports and services in a planned and co-ordinated manner within the county, subject to AA screening and where applicable, Stage 2 AA. SC O3 Utilise the Kildare LECP Baseline Report (2015), and any subsequent update of this evidence base, to inform the development of policies, objectives, and actions for the delivery of community facilities and services within Local Area Plans and planning schemes. SC O4 Support and encourage youth and community engagement in local decision making through a range of methods and channels, and through networks including among others, the Kildare Public Participation Network. SC O5 Promote volunteerism by supporting the work of the Kildare Volunteer Centre as well as other voluntary groups and networks.310
- 10.6 Community Services and Facilities The provision of adequate and suitably located community, leisure and cultural facilities are critical infrastructure to support our towns and villages. These services significantly enhance the quality of life of the citizens of Kildare and enhances the attractiveness of Kildare as a place to visit. While Kildare has a wide range of community services and facilities, the county’s young and growing population is placing considerable pressure on these services in many areas. The Council will seek to ensure that an appropriate range of facilities are provided in all communities taking account of the population profile and growth targets identified in the Core Strategy. Policy It is the policy of the Council to: SC P2 Require the delivery of a range of universally accessible, integrated, and well-connected social, community, cultural, and recreational facilities, close to the communities they serve through the designation and safeguarding of specific land uses at appropriate strategic and optimised locations in settlement plans and mandatory Local Area Plans in County Kildare. Objectives It is an objective of the Council to: SC O6 Protect and enhance existing social infrastructure/community facilities and increase the provision as required in accessible and sustainable locations including the development of new and expansion of existing facilities and services. SC O7 Support and encourage the clustering of community facilities such as community centres, with a priority towards community and youth facilities, sports and leisure facilities, schools, childcare facilities, facilities for older persons, and open spaces to create multi-purpose community hubs. SC O8 Ensure that communities across the county have access to multifunctional and intergenerational community centres that provide a focal point for community activities. SC O9 Ensure that all communities are supported by a range of sporting facilities that are fit for purpose, accessible and adaptable and that recreational and sports amenity space is provided that supports the work of Kildare Sports Partnership in promoting participation in sports and physical activity for all. SC O10 Support the work of Kildare Sports Partnership and their Strategic Plan 2017-2021 (and any subsequent replacement) to promote participation in sports and physical activity. SC O11 Support and encourage the co-location and sharing of educational, community and sporting facilities for non-school purposes, to maximise the sustainable use of such infrastructure.311
- SC O12 Proactively seek suitable sites within the Key Towns of Naas and Maynooth for the provision of Municipal Sporting Facilities where shared amenities are provided for sports clubs and the general public. SC O13 Facilitate the provision of appropriately scaled children’s play facilities and teen space facilities at suitable locations within existing and new residential development. SC O14 Investigate the feasibility of making available suitable unused council owned brownfield sites and buildings for sport, the arts and community groups on a temporary or long-term lease basis, where possible. SC O15 Require that community facilities are provided in new communities on a phased basis in tandem with the provision of new housing or other large-scale developments. In cases where there is a deficiency of a certain type of infrastructure as part of the development proposal, the frontloading of such infrastructure will be required as part of the first phase of development and must be fully operational prior to the occupation of any residential unit on the subject site. Such deficiencies should be identified in the Social Infrastructure Audit prepared to accompany the planning application. Where the Planning Authority is not satisfied with the information supplied as part of the Social Infrastructure Audit or where inadequate measures are proposed to address any identified shortfalls in social infrastructure as part of a proposed development scheme, a planning application for new housing developments or large-scale developments may not be favourably considered. SC O16 Require residential schemes of 20 units or greater to submit a Social Infrastructure Audit which shall determine how the capacity of the assessed infrastructure will be affected by the proposed increase in population. Where a deficit is identified, the developer will be required to make provisions/submit proposals to address such deficits. SC O17 (a) Require social infrastructure audits submitted in accordance with SC O15 of this Plan to include a map of educational, community, childcare, healthcare, sporting, and open space/play facilities within a 10-15 minute (800-1200 metre radius) walk of the proposed development. The audit should identify public / non-fee paying and private/fee paying facilities. Such audits may consider, where appropriate, services which are accessed by car. Capacities must be confirmed with supporting documentation submitted from service providers in order to verify the assessment as set out in the audit. (b) Include an assessment of the availability of or the provision of a new neighbourhood centre. SC O18 Encourage and facilitate, where appropriate, the introduction of accessible amenities in parks and other suitable locations, which may include outdoor gyms and adult exercise equipment. SC O19 Support, facilitate and acquire, where possible, playing facilities for sporting organisations across the county including the County Kildare Ladies GAA and Camogie Association for their continued development. SC O20 Engage with relevant sporting agencies/organisations/entities to identify lands for the provision of a national and/or regional sports facility/venue at appropriate locations in County Kildare.312
- Actions It is an action of the Council to: SC A1 Examine the feasibility of providing a regional sports centre for all which may include provision for Air Domes in the county during the life of the Plan that will particularly encourage female participation in sport as well as including facilities for minority sport and people with disabilities. SC A2 Prepare Social Infrastructure Audits as part of the suite of mandatory Local Area Plans to identify gaps/deficiencies in community facilities and services including the mapping of existing community, educational, sporting, childcare, and healthcare facilities and to zone sufficient lands to accommodate identified requirements. SC A3 Undertake to prepare an audit of community, religious and disused school buildings in villages and rural settlements throughout the county in order to determine their suitability to accommodate community uses where they are not already being used for such purposes. Where it is determined that there is an identified need for the provision of community uses in these areas, the Council will liaise with the relevant landowners in order to revitalise these structures for suitable community uses. SC A4 Where lands currently zoned ‘Open Space & Amenity’ are being rezoned, an equitable replacement will be so zoned. SC A5 Progress plans for the provision of a new fully accessible regional swimming pool in North Kildare in conjunction with other relevant bodies. SC A6 Carry out an audit of leisure facilities across the County, within the lifetime of the Plan, including in Kildare County Council owned/operated facilities to provide standards on the basic level of social infrastructure provision based on population thresholds and reasonable travel times to services and put in place provisions for additional facilities where deficiencies are identified. 10.7 Social Inclusion, Spatial Justice and Community Development Social exclusion describes the separation from the benefits of inclusion in the mainstream of society in terms of an adequate income, participation in decision making, access to life chances and social and cultural recognition. Council actions to bring about social inclusion cut across many of the Council’s functions and are addressed in a number of policies listed in Section 10.3 above. Most deprivation in Kildare is clustered in the east and south of the county with the most disadvantaged areas around Athy. The Social Inclusion Community Activation Programme (SICAP) 2018-2023 aims to tackle poverty, social exclusion and long-term unemployment through local engagement and partnership between disadvantaged individuals, community organisations and public sector agencies. This is the second SICAP programme and runs to December 2023. The current programme has been informed by the LECP and responds to social inclusion issues highlighted in the county.313
- The Public Participation Network (PPN) set up in Kildare is open to all community and voluntary groups and organisations active in the county. The PPN will be the main link through which the council will connect and seek representation from the local community/voluntary, social inclusion and environmental sectors. The NPF states that towns and villages will have enhanced amenities and heritage (public spaces, parks, streets and recreational infrastructure) and this will be attractive, offer a good quality of life and add some character to the towns and villages (Department of Housing, Planning and Local Government, 2018). It also mentions how to improve spatial justice. Examples include good-sized footpaths, cycle lanes (increase health and exercise), recreational areas and wheelchair accessible areas. Another example mentioned in the NFP is the importance of facilities such as childcare and education. If these are insufficient, it increases the risk of poverty, lack of skills and social exclusion, which leads to a poor quality of life (Department of Housing, Planning and Local Government, 2018). This can affect both the physical and mental well-being of an individual. Policy It is the policy of the Council to: SC P3 Promote social inclusion and spatial justice through equality of access to services and facilities and to assist in the removal of barriers to full participation in society. Objectives It is an objective of the Council to: SC O21 Work with all target groups, such as young people (including among other networks, Comhairle na nÓg), older people, people with disabilities, migrants, ethnic minorities, including Traveller and Roma communities, to advance, encourage and support their full participation in society. SC O22 Ensure that all arts and cultural facilities in the ownership and management of the Council are accessible to the wider community and to promote these facilities as focal points for the community. SC O23 Support and encourage communities in the restoration and rehabilitation of community halls/centres, thereby facilitating a greater level of social and community inclusion. SC O24 Ensure, where feasible, that facilities and services are located close to identified areas of deprivation, public transport links, and on walking/cycling routes in order to encourage use and participation.314
- 10.8 Groups with Specific Design/Planning Needs There are several groups in society with specific design and planning needs including: children, young people, people with disabilities, older people, ethnic minorities, and the Traveller community. The council recognises the importance of planning for the needs of all these groups. 10.8.1 Children and Young People Kildare has the highest rate of young people aged 0 to 24 years in the State with 36.6% of the total population. According to the 2016 Census, the population aged 0 to 24 years residing in Kildare was 81,517. Over 28% of Kildare’s population is aged 0 to 18 years which is the third highest rate of all local authorities in Ireland. Kildare’s child and youth dependent cohort is the sixth highest in the State, meaning those of working age have a relatively greater burden in supporting the young population. Given the size and significance of Kildare’s existing population cohorts in the 0-4, 5- 12 and 13-17 age ranges, it is evident that the profile of the county’s population has not yet peaked, and that there is likely to be an increased demand for children’s and young people’s services over the next decade. For instance, the number of secondary school population (13-17 years) residing in Kildare has increased by 17.5% in the five years prior to the 2016 census. These factors have a bearing on the present and future need for facilities such as childcare, play areas for children, youth spaces, sports facilities, schools, and safe walking and cycling routes in the county. Given the projected population growth for the region to 2031 it is clear the provision of youth facilities is a priority in future planning for the county. Kildare Children and Young Peoples Services Committee (CYPSC) brings together the main statutory, community, and voluntary providers for services to children and young people. They provide a forum for joint planning and co-ordination of activity to ensure that children, young people, and their families receive improved and accessible services. The Council will work closely with CYPSC to implement actions and address key priorities such as provision of youth facilities/activities and childcare infrastructure outlined in the ‘Kildare Children and Young People’s Plan 2019-2021’ (or any subsequent replacement) that respond to children and young people’s needs in the County. Policy It is the policy of the Council to: SC P4 Ensure the needs of children and young people, including those with disabilities and additional needs, in the provision of indoor and outdoor recreational facilities are provided for in the community in which they live.315
Source Kildare County Council: Kildare County Development Plan 2023–2029 — Chapter 10: Community Infrastructure and Creative Places (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.