Development plan · Kildare County Council
Kildare County Development Plan 2023–2029 — Chapter 13: Landscape, Recreation and Amenity
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 · 45 pages
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- 13.6.2 Forest Parks, Woodlands & Boglands Approximately 9,200 ha of land in Kildare is under forest cover. Forests and woodlands provide benefits over and above the revenue yielded from timber and other woodbased products. These include recreational and tourism amenities for local communities. Table 13.8 outlines recreational woodlands in the county. Name Location Owner Donadea Forest Park Donadea Coillte Moore Abbey Monasterevin Coillte Mullaghreelan Wood Kilkea Coillte Rahin Edenderry Coillte Killinthomas Wood Rathangan Coillte Table 13.8 - Recreational Woodlands in County Kildare County Kildare is favoured with extensive peatlands which are no longer used for peat extraction. These peatlands provide an opportunity for nature-based solutions on a grand scale to our twin crises of biodiversity loss and climate change mitigation. Peatlands, including restored peatlands and recently rewilded peatlands can be enjoyed as a special new amenity of unique and enduring value for the local people and economy. In addition, these peatlands present an opportunity to increase the percentage of designated land in the County for nature in order to reach Target LR T1 in Section 13.3.2 of this Plan. 13.6.3 Waterways Three great rivers traverse the County, the Liffey, Barrow and Boyne rivers. The River Barrow forms much of the border along western Kildare and is the main river flowing through Athy and Monasterevin. The river Boyne rises near Carbury and traverses the north-eastern corner of county Kildare. Most of the river Liffey flows through the county including through the towns of Blessington, Ballymore Eustace, Kilcullen, Athgarvan, Newbridge, Celbridge and Leixlip. Both the Royal and Grand canals traverse the county. The Royal Canal along the northern boundary of the county passes through the towns of Leixlip, Maynooth and Kilcock. The Grand Canal consists of the main line, Naas branch, Corbally branch, Milltown feeder and Barrow line and flows through a number of settlements of varying sizes including Ardclough, Sallins, Naas, Robertstown, Milltown, Rathangan, Monasterevin and Athy. These waterways play a critical role in the social, economic and cultural life of the county and in particular the development of the towns and villages along its length. Water and land-based recreation along waterways is increasingly valued as a source of amenity. The Council acknowledges the opportunities to enhance and further develop waterway related recreation and amenities. In 2006 the strategy document ‘Towards a Liffey Valley Park’ was published. It represents the first comprehensive strategy for that section of the river between Chapelizod in Dublin and Celbridge.469
- 13.6.4 Greenways, Blueways, Peatways, Trails and Peatland Railways Cycling and walking as a means of recreational activity have increased in popularity over the past number of years. The Council acknowledges that provision for cyclists and walkers should be prioritised as resources permit and where appropriate. The Council also recognises its duty to protect the biodiversity resources and the ecosystem services they provide in the development of additional greenways, blueways, peatways and trails and therefore supports the provision of a detailed ecological impact assessment of all new greenways. The long-distance Royal Canal Greenway has been recently completed. This trail begins in Maynooth and ends in County Longford and goes through Kilcock. The development of the Grand Canal Towpath to the Greenway standard4 is ongoing, with sections of the Grand Canal at various stages of development. Once completed the Grand Canal Greenway will start in County Dublin and end in County Offaly, traversing County Kildare and the towns and villages of Ardclough, Sallins, Robertstown and Allenwood. Work has also commenced on the Barrow Blueway which will run from Lowtown in Kildare, through the towns of Rathangan, Monasterevin and Vicarstown to Athy. Various other short and long-distance walking and cycling routes exist in the county including forest walks, heritage trails and Slí na Sláinte routes. There are also a number of demesne lands within the county which are open to the public for passive recreation, for example Castletown in Celbridge. It is acknowledged that Kildare’s strong tradition associated with the peatlands has resulted in some attractive industrial rail lines which cross some of the county’s local roads and afford scenic qualities and remnants of our past. Some continue to be utilised by Bord na Móna. Consideration should be given to reserving the line of such railways / rights of way for possible future re-use. The national rail network which traverses the county also provides an opportunity for individuals to attain an overall perspective of the quality of the landscape of Kildare. In the Western boglands, the peatlands and disused railway lines coupled with a rich natural, architectural and built heritage provide excellent opportunities to develop further long-distance routes (cycling/walking) and connecting existing canal-side routes together. County Kildare Walking Routes Project5 conducted an audit of walking routes in the county in 2005. It evaluated existing walking routes and made recommendations for their future management and promotion. 4 “Routes of satisfactory standards of width, gradient and surface condition to ensure that they are both user-friendly and low-risk for users of all abilities.” (Lille Declaration, European Greenways Association, 12 September 2000) 5 Kildare County Council, in co-operation with the Heritage Council, INTO Kildare and Kildare Sports Partnership, conducted a study in 2005 of recreational walking routes in County Kildare with a focus on heritage.470
- 13.6.5 Public Rights of Way Public Rights of Way (PROW) have existed over the centuries and now constitute an important recreational amenity. They enable the enjoyment of high-quality landscape, natural and archaeological heritage and provide links to valuable amenities such as rivers, lakes, bogs, forests and places of natural beauty. A PROW is a physically defined route over which the public have a right of passage even if the route is not in public ownership. It’s an unrestricted right of the general public to pass and repass at all times of the day or night and at all seasons without notice to, or permission from the landowner. The most common characteristic of a PROW is that it follows a defined route which may be sub-divided amongst different branches. Existing public rights of way constitute an important amenity and the Council recognises the importance of maintaining established rights of way and supporting initiatives for establishing walking routes and general accessibility. Policy It is the policy of the Council to: LR P4 Protect and maintain the existing recreation infrastructure in County Kildare and support the diversification of the rural economy through the development of the recreational potential of the countryside in accordance with the forthcoming National Outdoor Recreation Strategy, subject to all relevant and cumulative environmental assessments and planning conditions. Objectives It is an objective of the Council to: LR O39 Promote and enhance public access for all6 to the upland areas, rivers, lakes and other natural amenities of County Kildare, in conjunction with the relevant landowners and agencies, while protecting environmental sensitivities, ecological corridors and built heritage. LR O40 Ensure the biodiversity value of all sites are considered and protected in the development of outdoor recreational facilities including greenways through the preparation of an Ecological Impact Assessment, to include the impacts of recreational disturbance to ground-nesting birds, particularly within cutover and cutaway bogs which shall guide the location and design of such facilities. LR O41 Support Coillte, Bord na Mona, Waterways Ireland and other state agencies to explore the provision of more recreational infrastructure at appropriate locations to include access ways and nature trails with a view to opening up state lands for recreational use. 6 Regardless of age, physical mobility, disability or social disadvantage.471
- LR O42 Support and facilitate Waterways Ireland and other relevant stakeholders with the provision of additional mooring and berthing facilities at appropriate locations throughout the County. LR O43 Normally only permit development proposals associated with water sports adjacent to waterways (including lakes) where the proposed facilities are compatible with the existing use of water including nonrecreational uses, which will not result in damage to important features of archaeological heritage or Natura 2000 sites and where they can be satisfactorily integrated into the landscape so that they will not have an unacceptable impact on visual or environmental amenities especially in areas of high amenity or scenic importance. LR O44 Support and facilitate the development of a National Peatlands Park in consultation with Offaly and Laois County Councils, Bord na Móna, Coillte, NPWS, local landowners and all other relevant stakeholders to include areas of (inter alia) high nature value, amenity, education/science and eco-tourism potential. LR O45 Support the proposed Umeras Peatlands Park development of Umeras Community Development and explore links between the bog and nearby blueways and greenways, whilst ensuring nearby properties would not be negatively affected, in consultation with Offaly County Council, Waterways Ireland and all other relevant stakeholders. The proposed development shall be subject to an AA Screening Report, and where applicable, Stage 2 AA. They shall have regard for any hydrological connection shared with a European Site and their qualifying interest species. The project shall account for any potential likely significant effects and provide mitigation and monitoring where appropriate. LR O46 Lead and support the extension and interconnection of Greenways, Blueways, Peatways and trails within and outside County Kildare in consultation with Coillte, Bord na Móna and all other relevant stakeholders, subject to AA screening and where applicable, Stage 2 AA so as to ensure and protect the favourable status of European sites and their hydrological connections. Such developments will have regard for protected species and provide mitigation where applicable. LR O47 Investigate the feasibility of connecting the Barrow Blueway with Portarlington, Co. Laois along the Mountmellick Grand Canal and Peatways, and, where considered feasible, to undertake all necessary works, subject to all appropriate consents, in consultation with Laois County Council and Waterways Ireland. LR O48 Promote the expansion of cycle facilities throughout the county and to liaise with Fáilte Ireland, the Sports Council, the National Transport Authority and other bodies in the development of cycling touring routes throughout the county and adjoining counties, in particular in areas of high amenity.472
- LR O49 Explore the feasibility of developing the route of the Slí Mór and Slí Dála as long-distance walking routes in co-operation with the Irish Sports Council, Fáilte Ireland and other Local Authorities. LR O50 Support the development of the Turas Columbanus walking trail in conjunction with all relevant stakeholders and neighbouring Local Authorities, subject to obtaining all relevant assessments and consents. LR O51 Facilitate the development of a walking route between Ballymore Eustace, Golden Falls, Poulaphouca/Blessington Greenway, Russborough and Barrettstown, in cooperation with landowners and government agencies, subject to AA screening and where applicable, Stage 2 AA so as to ensure and protect the favourable status of European sites and their hydrological connections. Such developments will have regard for protected species and provide mitigation where applicable. LR O52 Explore the feasibility of developing a walking route around the Ballynafagh Lake, in cooperation with landowners and government agencies. LR O53 Identify and assess the impact of the development of cycle and walkways on built and archaeological heritage in the location and design of all cycleways and greenways. LR O54 Ensure any proposed walking or cycling route does not significantly impact the following: - Special Areas of Conservation (SACs) - Special Protection Areas (SPAs) - Natural Heritage Areas (NHAs) - Other areas of importance for the conservation of flora and fauna. - Known sites of Flora Protection Order species - Zones of Archaeological Potential. - The vicinity of a recorded monument. - Sensitive landscape areas as identified in Chapter 13 of this Plan. - Scenic views and prospects. - Protected Structures. - Established rights of way and walking routes. LR O55 Allow for narrower cycleways and greenways when located within highly sensitive ecological areas along the length of the route, as appropriate. LR O56 Require that applications or proposals for recreational / amenity activities involving natural areas such as watercourses, bogs, etc. be accompanied by a management plan which shall indicate projected numbers of users, hours of operation and seasons of operation. There shall also be an undertaking to protect the natural environment in the form of a risk assessment with proposed amelioration measures in respect of flora, fauna, hydrology, geology and soils.473
- LR O57 Require the undertaking of a feasibility assessment with respect to new cycling trails and pedestrian routes in the first instance. Where feasibility is established, a Corridor and Route Selection Process will be undertaken where appropriate, for relevant new infrastructure in two stages, Stage 1 – Route Corridor Identification, Evaluation and Selection and Stage 2 – Route Identification, Evaluation and Selection. LR O58 Support the development of ancillary infrastructure for Greenways and cycle routes (i.e. trailheads, signage, rest areas, parking, lighting, toilets, etc.) in line with the Greenways and Cycle Routes Ancillary Infrastructure Guidelines (2018) of the Department of Transport, Tourism and Sport in co-operation with landowners, Waterways Ireland, Government Departments and other Local Authorities. For the provision of larger infrastructure, regard will be given to European sites, their hydrological connections and qualifying interest species where potential likely significant effects may occur. LR O59 Facilitate the delivery of the (i) Naas to Sallins Greenway and (ii) Naas to Corbally Harbour Greenway, in co-operation with landowners, Waterways Ireland and Government Departments. LR O60 Explore the feasibility of developing a greenway/cycle for amenity purposes, in cooperation with Waterways Ireland and Government Departments. (a) Naas to Corbally harbour (b) Corbally Harbour to Newbridge. LR O61 Explore, in conjunction with Waterways Ireland, the feasibility of reopening the canal between Naas and Corbally Harbour for navigation, mooring and launching vessels, to encourage its use for recreational water sports. LR O62 Explore the feasibility of restoring the dry dock in Athy, in consultation with Waterways Ireland. LR O63 Encourage and support the development of water safety awareness initiatives in association with Kildare Water Safety and related statutory bodies. LR O64 Ensure that any increase in visitor numbers to countryside recreational facilities are managed to avoid significant negative effects including loss of habitat and disturbance. LR O65 Facilitate and support the development of a Liffey Valley Linear Park in collaboration with Fingal County Council, South Dublin County Council, relevant government departments, existing landowners, and other relevant stakeholders. LR O66 Progress the implementation of the following flagship projects identified in the report ‘Towards a Liffey Valley Park Strategy’ (2006) or any superseding plan, while ensuring that environmental and built heritage sensitivities are not negatively impacted upon. • Enhancement work of the Celbridge Town Centre, specifically the refurbishment of the pedestrian bridge over the River Liffey474
- adjacent to The Mill building. • The acquisition and development of the Donaghcumper land into a public park with the opportunity to create a linkage with Castletown estate in co-operation with the OPW and all other relevant stakeholders. • Preparation of a Masterplan for the Donaghcumper land. • The development and installation of high-quality interpretative boards in each of the towns and villages along the Liffey from Leixlip to Ballymore Eustace. LR O67 Investigate the feasibility of; (i) creating a pedestrian link between the Liffey Valley, the Wicklow Mountains and the Wicklow Way, in consultation with Wicklow County Council, as recommended in the report ‘Towards a Liffey Valley Park Strategy’. (ii) The possible expansion of recreational open space at other locations along the River Liffey, all subject to environmental considerations. LR O68 Preserve the pedestrian and cycle link between the River Liffey and the Grand Canal at the Leinster Aqueduct and to explore making the existing underpass fully accessible as recommended in the report ‘Towards a Liffey Valley Park Strategy.’ LR O69 Preserve, protect, promote and improve for the common good, existing rights of way which contribute to general amenity, particularly those which provide access to archaeological sites and National Monuments and amenities, including upland areas and water corridors, and to create new ones or extend existing ones where appropriate either by agreement with landowners or through the use of compulsory powers, without adversely affecting landscape conservation interests, subject to AA screening and where applicable, Stage 2 AA so as to ensure and protect the favourable status of European sites and their hydrological connections. Such developments will have regard for protected species and provide mitigation where applicable. LR O70 Identify existing rights of way and walking routes prior to any new forestry planting, infrastructural development and any energy/ telecommunications or golf course developments and ensure that new development does not have a negative impact on established walking routes/public rights of way. LR O71 Take the potential impact of proposed development into account when considering/assessing applications for permission in the vicinity of established walking routes that might impinge on walking routes (including long distance or potential walking routes). LR O72 Protect, enhance and improve existing public rights of way and where possible, provide additional access to inland waterways through agreement, permissive access and/or the acquisition of land for public rights of way and parking and lay-by facilities.475
- LR O73 Seek to identify, list and map public rights of way in County Kildare that gives access to riverbanks, canal banks or other places of natural beauty or recreational value over the lifetime of this Plan and to provide for the preservation of such public rights of way. LR O74 Protect and enhance existing biodiversity rich areas within state and publicly owned land, peatlands, river, canal and railway corridors, grass verges along public roads and existing and future greenways, public parks and public open spaces in towns and villages. LR O75 All developments that would be visible from the canal network shall be required to submit a visual assessment of the proposal relative to the canal in order to determine any negative impacts on the visual amenity and environmental quality of the canal. LR O76 Promote the role of parks and open spaces in conserving and restoring biodiversity, ecosystems and the ecosystem services they provide in accordance with the objectives of the National Biodiversity Action Plan (2017-2021), the All-Ireland Pollinator Plan (2021- 2025), the Council’s Biodiversity Action Plan (2009-2014) and Heritage Plan (2019-2025) or any superseding plans. In the development of individual management plans for parks the requirements of the aforementioned biodiversity and pollinator plans will be taken into consideration and will form part of the management requirements for the park. The development of individual management plans for parks will include consultation with local stakeholders. LR O77 Encourage the planting of pollinator friendly trees and plants, where appropriate, to improve pollinator populations within state and publicly owned land, public parks and public open spaces in towns and villages, including as part of mixed use and residential developments, in accordance with the All Ireland Pollinator Plan 2015- 2020. LR O78 Liaise with Bord na Móna to investigate the feasibility of providing access for a local amenity/heritage site at Prosperous Bog. LR O79 Support the protection and retention of peatland railway lines including narrow gauge railway lines and rolling stock where possible to support amenity use of the peatlands. Action It shall be an action of the Council to: LR A8 Review all public rights of way, having regard to the Office of the Planning Regulators recent Case Study Paper titled “Public Rights of Way and the Local Authority Development Plan” June 2021 (Survey Report on the Operation of Section 10(2)(o) of the Planning Act), during the lifetime of this Plan.476
- LR A9 Prepare and implement a County Walking Strategy, within the lifetime of the Plan, in consultation with statutory bodies and landowners and in accordance with the recommendations of the County Kildare Walking Routes Project, 2005. This strategy will seek to identify established and proposed walking routes in the county, evaluate these routes and make recommendations for their promotion. LR A10 Develop a strategy for the Barrow & Rye Valleys to enhance and protect their historical, ecological, and amenity value, in cooperation with the relevant stakeholders. LR A11 Investigate the feasibility of developing long distance walking and cycling routes along disused sections of railway lines (e.g. Tullow line, Edenderry to Enfield (former Midland Great Western) line, Harristown Railway line) and canals (Corbally Line, Blackwood Feeder, and Mountmellick Line) or through boglands, possibly using the bog railway routes, during the lifetime of the Plan, in conjunction with the Irish Sports Council and adjoining Local Authorities. These walking and cycling routes will be segregated where possible. LR A12 Develop, in conjunction with local communities, short walking routes, such as looped walks, heritage/historic trails, famine trails, historical trails, and Slí Na Sláinte routes. LR A13 Develop Monitoring and Management Plans for Greenways, Blueways, Peatways and Trails, in their ownership, with the protection and enhancement of biodiversity at their core, to ensure the success of these routes and environmental sustainability. LR A14 Liaise with Waterways Ireland and other agencies to investigate the feasibility of creating inland Marinas / mooring facilities on canals at Lullymore / Lodge, Ummeras, and Ticknevin Bogs. LR A15 To progress the implementation of the Liffey Valley Linear Park. A map showing the full extent of the routes shall be prepared and policies shall be identified that support the development of the linear park which shall then be included in relevant Local Area Plans. 13.7 Urban Recreation and Amenity Access to opportunities for recreation and amenity is an important consideration in improving quality of life. This is likely to become more significant as the population increases, and land becomes more valuable and pressure from competing land uses becomes more intense. Local networks of high quality, well managed and maintained open spaces, sports and recreational facilities help to enhance the urban environment and should be planned to be easily accessible to all.477
- 13.7.1 Open Space New development of housing and / or commercial development influences the need for new sports and outdoor community facilities. The zoning of land for “open space” is an important element of land-use planning and should be provided within Development Plans and Local Area Plans as appropriate. The Kildare Open Space Strategy (2021), identified a hierarchy of open space within the county, including three categories of open space types, which will influence future open space provision in County Kildare (Appendix 3 refers). This strategy includes an audit of facilities currently available and an assessment of current and future needs within the county. Recommendations are outlined for the current and future open space requirements for villages and towns in the county and will form an important input into the preparation of future Local Area Plans. The provision of accessible open space is an integral part of the provision of high-quality green infrastructure for communities. Overall, the Council will seek the provision of open space at a standard of 2.5 ha per 1000 population in accordance with the Kildare Open Space Strategy (2021). 13.7.2 Allotments, Community Gardens and Farms Allotments and community gardens are becoming increasingly popular. Allotment gardens allow a number of people to cultivate their own vegetables in individual plots/land parcels on lands owned by another private individual or body. Both types of facilities can have a number of benefits including the promotion of healthy lifestyles, biodiversity and providing a cheaper local and sustainable source of food. There are currently 55 no. allotments at the Wonderful Barn in Leixlip. Derrybeg Farm, in Celbridge, operates under the model of a Community Supported Agricultural (CSA) and is part of a national and international network that serves residents in the Celbridge, Leixlip and Maynooth Area. The farmers work the land and the consumers/members commit to pay a sum of money in advance to cover the day to day running of the farm in return for a box of seasonal vegetables each week over a nine-month season. The model could be extended to other communities in County Kildare. 13.7.3 Green Infrastructure Green infrastructure refers to the network of linked high quality green spaces and other environmental features within an urban setting. This strategically planned and delivered network should be designed and managed as a multifunctional resource, capable of delivering a wide range of environmental and quality of life benefits for local communities. This includes climate change adaptation, waste and water management, food production, recreation and health benefits, biodiversity enhancement linkages and economic benefits.478
Source Kildare County Council: Kildare County Development Plan 2023–2029 — Chapter 13: Landscape, Recreation and Amenity (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.