Kildare County Development Plan 2023–2029 — Chapter 10: Community Infrastructure and Creative Places

1. Page 21

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   Of the 30 schools in the county one is noted as a boarding facility while 2 are fee paying schools. Census 2016 noted the population aged 13-18 (post primary school going age) residing in the county was 19,188 which again is broadly in line with the number enrolled for the 2020/21 academic year bearing in mind students may attend from bordering counties and others who may be over 18. In addition to the mainstream schools there are also four special schools with 270 students enrolled for the 2020/21 academic year which are located in Celbridge, Newbridge, Kill and The Curragh. The figures above indicate that primary and post primary schools within Kildare are accommodating the current population however, it is evident from social infrastructure assessments undertaken to date as part of local area plan processes that some towns are struggling to accommodate the additional population with many schools operating near, at or over capacity. 10.12.2 Third Level and Further Education Facilities Kildare is fortunate in that it is one of only five counties in the State to have a university. Maynooth University presently has 14,000 students which has increased by 20% from 11,200 in 2015. The University acts as a leading centre for international, national, and local “lifelong learning and development” and is of both social and economic importance to the development of the county and the region. In addition to the courses and facilities available at Maynooth University, there are also several further education and training facilities located throughout Kildare. The Kildare Wicklow Education and Training Board (KWETB) has a variety of courses available throughout both counties. Within Kildare, courses are available through facilities in Athy, The Curragh, Celbridge, Newbridge, Naas, Kildare, Maynooth, Prosperous, and Rathangan. Courses are available from hobby and elementary levels to Degree Level and Professional Qualification Level and are provided for in ETB’s Schools and Adult Education Centres. Policy It is the policy of the Council to: SC P12 Continue to work with the Department of Education and other education authorities to promote and support the provision of primary, post-primary, and further education facilities in the County to reflect the diverse educational needs of communities.326

2. Page 22

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   Objectives It is an objective of the Council to: SC O67 Support the Department of Education’s School Building Programme by actively identifying sites for primary and post primary schools at suitable locations, based on forecast need, subject to AA screening and where applicable, Stage 2 AA. SC O68 Ensure designated sites/new schools are located and designed to promote walking, cycling and the use of public transport. Permeability links and infrastructure should be provided within school sites at design stage to promote sustainable travel. Permeability to adjacent residential areas must be facilitated wherever possible. SC O69 Support the aims of the ‘Safe Routes to School Design Guide’ by ensuring school development proposals incorporate the principles outlined in the guide and contain sustainable travel plans with appropriate and implementable measures. SC O70 Require social infrastructure audits to be submitted with development proposals to outline up to date capacity and enrolment figures of schools within the catchment (10-20 minute walk/cycle) of the proposed development noting that Second Level Schools serve a wider catchment and as such, the assessment of these should include schools within a 5km radius or otherwise agreed by the Planning Authority. The data should be verified in writing by individual schools. SC O71 Continue to identify school capacities through Social Infrastructure Audits undertaken as part of the local area plan process. SC O72 Encourage the dual use of amenity facilities associated with educational facilities (whether outdoor or indoor) by clubs/groups/organisations, where the use of such facilities is agreed in writing in advance with the property owner/school authority/patron of the subject school in each instance. SC O73 Promote the clustering of education related services and facilities proximate to existing/planned community, recreation, sporting, and childcare facilities that are linked to cycle/pedestrian infrastructure. SC O74 Continue to facilitate the re-development and expansion of existing schools including ancillary amenity areas based on identified needs as part of the Government’s School Building Programme, subject to AA screening and where applicable, Stage 2 AA. SC O75 Promote and encourage links between Maynooth University and other education and training facilities in the county. SC O76 Explore the potential for a dedicated technical college within the county. 10.13 Childcare Facilities The provision of childcare facilities, in its various forms, is recognised as a key piece of social infrastructure required to enable people to participate more fully in society. Childcare services in Kildare are delivered primarily by the private and voluntary sectors and regulated under the Childcare Act 1991 and the Childcare Regulations 2016.327

3. Page 23

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   Kildare has a rapidly growing population with the highest rate of young people in the State. According to the 2016 Census, the population aged 0-4 residing in Kildare was 17,314 representing 7.8% of the total population higher than the State average of 7%. Settlements with the highest rates associated with this age cohort were Straffan, Kilcock, Kilmeague, Rathangan and Monasterevin. Given the extent of housing development throughout the county in recent years it is essential that the childcare infrastructure, services and supports required, are in place and easily accessible. Central to this is the provision of good quality and accessible childcare and early education facilities at community level. While the COVID-19 pandemic forced many facilities to close their doors for a period it also facilitated many people to work remotely which may have reduced the strain on some existing childcare facilities. Prior to the pandemic it was evident through some social infrastructure audits undertaken as part of the local area plan process that many were operating very near or at full capacity. It was also evident that many were having to close due to unsuitable premises, rising rental prices and the unavailability of suitable alternative premises. Policy It is the policy of the Council to: SC P13 Support and facilitate the provision of good quality and accessible childcare facilities at suitable locations within the County in consultation with the Kildare County Childcare Committee, subject to AA screening and where applicable, Stage 2 AA. Objectives It is an objective of the Council to: SC O77 Have regard to the criteria specified in the Childcare Facilities for Planning Authorities, DEHLG (2001), Sustainable Urban Housing: Design Standards for New Apartments, Guidelines for Planning Authorities (2020) and any updated policy guidance, regarding the provision of childcare and early years education facilities. SC O78 Require the provision of childcare facilities close to existing built-up areas including: - Business Parks and major employment centres - Neighbourhood and district retail centres - Large scale retail developments - The vicinity of schools and major educational facilities - Adjacent to community centres and facilities - Adjacent to public transport nodes - Convenient to new and existing residential developments SC O79 Ensure childcare provision is delivered in new communities prior to or in tandem with phase 1 of any residential or commercial development and is fully operational prior to the occupation of any residential units within the subject site.328

4. Page 24

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   SC O80 Support the provision of childcare facilities within or co-located with community buildings, such as community centres and schools. SC O81 Support the provision of outdoor based childcare services in the county as an alternative, and in addition to providing purpose-built services in appropriate locations with toilet and shelter facilities for mealtimes, rest, etc., subject to AA screening and where applicable, Stage 2 AA. SC O82 Encourage community childcare facilities through social enterprise initiatives at appropriate locations throughout Kildare. SC O83 Ensure development proposals for childcare facilities incorporate Universal Design Guidelines for Early Learning and Care Settings. SC O84 Require childcare facilities to incorporate a flexible design approach whereby their use could be adapted for other community purposes as the profile of the area changes. Evening uses should also be considered (e.g., a youth facility or activities for older persons). SC O85 Require proposals that include childcare facilities to liaise with key stakeholders including the Kildare County Childcare Committee and to submit written correspondence from such stakeholders with their comments regarding the development proposal. SC O86 Require development proposals for more than 20 residential units or over 2,000sqm in the case of commercial developments (including office/industrial developments) to prepare and submit a social infrastructure audit detailing the level of childcare infrastructure in the catchment which shall outline available capacity and types of service provided in each facility which must be verified in writing by the relevant service providers. SC O87 Require the provision of appropriately located and purpose-built early learning and childcare facilities to meet the pro rata childcare needs of housing development during the plan period. Childcare facilities will be required, by a condition of planning permission, to be developed within the first phase of any new residential development, except where an exceptional circumstance can be provided and agreed with the Planning Authority. Action It is an action of the Council to: SC A19 Continue to identify childcare deficiencies in social infrastructure audits as part of Local Area Plan processes, ensuring lands are zoned in appropriate locations to facilitate childcare services through the application of a location specific objective in Local Area Plans, where appropriate. 10.14 Health Services Healthcare provision encompasses a range of services from small scale GP surgeries to primary care centres and hospitals. Others include pharmacies, mental health services, disability services and nursing homes. Access to health services is very challenging in Kildare with variations in terms of the level of GP services across the county. While the provision of GP services identified329

5. Page 25

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   in social infrastructure audits undertaken to date as part of the local area plan process appear relatively healthy (in terms of number of GP/Health services per capita population), the reality can be quite different with many practices confirming during the audits that they were operating at full capacity and could not take on new patients. Within the county there is one general hospital in Naas which plays an important role in serving the catchment area of Kildare and West Wicklow. In addition, there are 70 GP facilities, 7 Primary Care Centres, 10 health centres and 22 nursing homes identified throughout Kildare on the HSE database. Central to Government and Health Service Executive (HSE) policy is a shift away from traditional hospital-based care, towards more community-based care, with an emphasis on meeting people’s needs at local level by primary care teams. The Primary Care Team typically consists of general practice, public health nursing, occupational therapy, physiotherapy and speech and language therapy, supporting populations of around 7,000-10,000 people as identified by the HSE and the Department of Health. Several Primary Care Centres have been developed in recent years and they will continue to be facilitated on suitably zoned lands close to new and existing residential areas to allow communities access to multidisciplinary health care in easily accessible locations throughout the county. The provision of health care services in County Kildare is ultimately the responsibility of the Health Service Executive (HSE) along with other private and voluntary agencies. The primary role of the Council in healthcare provision is to ensure that there are adequate lands available in development plans and local area plans to provide for new facilities and the expansion of existing facilities. Proposals relating to healthcare facilities should reflect the County’s Settlement Hierarchy and be accessible and integrated into communities. Policy It is the policy of the Council to: SC P14 Support the Health Service Executive (HSE) and other statutory and voluntary agencies in the provision of appropriate healthcare facilities, including the system of hospital care and the provision of community based primary care facilities appropriate to the size and scale of each settlement. Objectives It is an objective of the Council to: SC O88 Facilitate the integration of appropriate healthcare facilities within new and existing communities. SC O89 Support the provision of primary care centres and GP practices within existing settlements particularly where they are close to public transport links and safe walking and cycling infrastructure.330

6. Page 26

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   SC O90 Facilitate the further development of Naas General Hospital as an important and major centre for healthcare in the county, subject to AA screening and where applicable, Stage 2 AA. SC O91 Support the provision of after-care facilities for vulnerable groups (i.e., older persons, people with disabilities and those undergoing addiction treatment) within primary care centres to improve social inclusion across the county. SC O92 Support the increased provision of sufficient and accessible mental health services at appropriate locations across the county. SC O93 Ensure healthcare facilities are delivered prior to or developed on a phased basis in tandem with the delivery of new housing and new communities particularly where deficiencies are identified in an area. SC O94 Require development proposals of greater than 20 residential units or commercial developments (including office/industrial developments) greater than 2,000sqm to submit a detailed audit of health services (including GP service hours) and facilities in the area as part of a social infrastructure audit. SC O95 Support the goals and objectives outlined in ‘Healthy Ireland, Strategic Action Plan 2021 – 2025’, ‘The National Physical Activity Plan’ and the ‘Kildare Sports Partnership Strategic Plan 2017-2021’. Action It is an action of the Council to: SC A20 Identify deficiencies in healthcare services/facilities within social infrastructure audits as part of the local area plan process. 10.15 Fire Services The Council provides a Fire Service to the citizens of Kildare. There are six Fire Stations located across the county at Naas, Maynooth, Newbridge, Leixlip, Athy and Monasterevin providing the operational 24-hour Fire and Emergency response service and a headquarters service providing support to the stations as well as Fire Safety and Emergency Planning Services. All Fire Stations operate on a retained basis, meaning there are no full time Fire Stations in Kildare. The Fire Service works with neighbouring Fire Services to ensure that the best available response is always provided in emergency situations. Policy It is the policy of the Council to: SC P15 Maintain and improve fire service provision where required to all settlements/areas in which population and /or demands have increased subject to the availability of resources and finance.331

7. Page 27

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   Objectives It is an objective of the Council to: SC O96 Ensure the fire service in the county is maintained and improved to meet the needs of all citizens. SC O97 Facilitate the accommodation of fire service facilities in locations that allow ease of access and safe functioning with respect to the road network. 10.16 Places of Worship/Burial Grounds In many communities, churches, burial grounds, and other places of worship form a focal point for the local population and often provide not only a religious service, but also meeting places and other cultural services. The Council has responsibility for the provision of burial grounds including, as necessary the acquisition of lands and the undertaking of any necessary works on these lands. Local Area Plans and Village Plans within Volume 2 of this Plan will ensure that adequate land is reserved to accommodate such a use in accordance with the future needs of the county. Some burial grounds may need to be extended and / or new sites identified over the period of this Plan. The Council recognises the valuable contribution that places of worship and multi-faith centres have in a community context and in meeting the diverse religious and cultural needs of Kildare’s citizens. Given the potential noise and traffic impacts associated with the use of a building as a place of public worship or religious instruction, it is important that places of worship and associated uses are suitably located. There is no crematorium in Kildare at present with facilities in Dublin serving the counties need. While crematorium facilities are better served on a regional basis it is likely given the population growth, lack of burial ground space and the burial preferences of people in Kildare that a demand for columbarium walls, rooms, or buildings will be required at or in the vicinity of burial grounds in the future. Policy It is the policy of the Council to: SC P16 Support and facilitate the development of places of worship, multi-faith facilities, burial grounds, columbarium walls, and crematoria to cater for the needs of the county. Objectives It is an objective of the Council to: SC O98 Protect historic graveyards, in co-operation with the National Monuments Service, Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage, including through the avoidance of extensions where such332

8. Page 28

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   extensions would have an inappropriate level of impact on sub-surface archaeological remains or on their setting or amenity and, in that regard, as an alternative to extensions to historic graveyards to endeavour to find alternative locations where additional land for burial is considered necessary. SC O99 Zone lands for the accommodation of burial facilities adjoining existing facilities at suitable locations, where such lands are located within or adjacent to existing towns, villages and rural settlements, subject to AA screening and where applicable, Stage 2 AA. SC O100 Facilitate the development of new or extended burial grounds, including green cemeteries, eco-burial grounds, and crematoria having consideration for the burial preferences of multi-faith and non-religious communities by reservation of land at suitable locations and provision of local authority burial grounds subject to appropriate safeguards having regard to environmental, noise, and traffic impacts. SC O101 Facilitate the use of environmentally sound burial site options such as Columbarium Walls, in appropriate locations. SC O102 Encourage community centres/facilities to provide use of their facilities for worship spaces as a temporary solution as communities become more established. SC O103 Encourage and facilitate the development of places of worship in appropriate locations in urban centres and proximate to residential communities, public transport links and walking/cycling infrastructure. SC O104 Continue to monitor and assess capacity of burial ground space at existing cemeteries in the county and ensure future demand in the area is provided for. SC O105 Facilitate the extension of existing burial grounds on unzoned lands at suitable locations. Actions It is an action of the Council to: SC A21 Explore the feasibility of the provision of a district-type burial ground, including crematoria (subject to a site-specific feasibility study), in the: (i) North-east of the county and (ii) Centre of the county SC A22 Investigate the feasibility of developing lands adjacent to Bodenstown cemetery to facilitate an extension to the existing graveyard and to facilitate development of suitable facilities for visitors to Wolfe Tone’s grave. SC A23 Undertake an audit of all burial facilities within the county within the lifetime of the County Development Plan, in order to: (i) Determine the available remaining capacity of all burial facilities. (ii) Identify where extensions to existing burial facilities could be accommodated where facilities are at or close to capacity, having regard to any site restrictions. (iii) Actively pursue lands to accommodate additional burial facilities whether by way of extension or new sites, subject to333

9. Page 29

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   Support the provision of sustainable social, cultural and community facilities and events in each Municipal District as a mechanism to promote and support inclusive community development, healthy lifestyles, training, education, and recreational opportunities. SC P17 appropriate environmental assessments and considerations, and to appropriately zone lands for the accommodation of burial facilities. SC A24 Ensure that historic graveyards in the ownership or care of the local authority are managed and maintained in accordance with appropriate conservation standards and that local communities involved in the care and maintenance of historic graveyards receive appropriate advice in relation to management and maintenance. SC A25 Provide Columbarium Wall facilities in Confey, Derrinturn, Donaghcumper, Newbridge, Rathangan, Monasterevin, and Athy. 10.17 Social, Community and Cultural Events Prior to the COVID-19 pandemic annual social, community and cultural events, such as outdoor concerts and annual festivals have taken place in various locations throughout the county. With the easing of restrictions and the return of such activities as people adapt to living with COVID-19 the Council will continue to support such events in accordance with planning regulations and health and safety requirements. The location for these events will consider the needs of residents in the area including noise levels, traffic management and car parking arrangements, security and liaison with Gardai, health and safety issues and litter prevention. Policy It is the policy of the Council to: Objective It is an objective of the Council to: SC O106 Support inclusive social, community and cultural events in the county, such as outdoor concerts and annual festivals at appropriate locations and at an appropriate type and scale, in accordance with planning regulations and health and safety requirements. SC O107 Liaise with relevant stakeholders to develop and improve public realm spaces throughout Kildare that can facilitate cultural, social and community events. Part VIII proposals will be required to outline activation plans for significant public realm developments.334

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.