Kilkenny City and County Development Plan 2021–2027

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   Chapter 4 Core Strategy Kilkenny City and County Development Plan Volume 1 43 availability of infrastructure capacity of each respective settlement over the lifetime of the Plan. Accordingly, development proposals within the boundary will be considered on their merits against the policies and objectives contained in this core strategy and the Development Plan generally. These settlements have been assigned proportionate growth targets for the purpose of this Core Strategy, using the CSO 2016 figures as a base. The County’s Rural Housing Policy will not apply on zoned lands within a Development plan or any Local Area Plan. Similarly, the Rural Housing Policy will not apply to housing within any defined settlement boundary. Where a settlement does not have a statutory Local Area Plan or a settlement boundary in existence at the time of this development plan, then for development management purposes, it will be considered as part of the County’s rural area i.e. the rural housing policy will apply. The local authority will, if the need arises, prepare Local Area Plans or other appropriate planning framework documents for areas within the County whether urban or rural. 4.6.1.1 Serviced Sites For the District Towns and the smaller towns and villages, support is also provided for the development of a ‘New Homes in Small Towns and Villages’ initiative to provide services and serviced sites in rural settlements which is a policy objective of the NPF19 and RSES20. The following incentives are designed to encourage the development of serviced sites within settlement boundaries: • Provision of services by agencies subject to budgetary constraints • Exclusion from the compliance requirements of the Rural Housing Policy for persons wishing to purchase services sites The Council will proactively work with the respective agencies to prioritise services delivery in support of this initiative. 4.7 Rural Nodes Below the level of the Smaller town/village in the settlement hierarchy is the wider rural area containing rural nodes which are small generally un-serviced settlements characterised by an existing clustering of houses around a limited level of support infrastructure such as a school, church or shop. These Rural Nodes are listed in Table 4.3. The list is not exhaustive and settlements not listed displaying these characteristics may also be considered as nodes for the purpose of the plan. In general, housing developments in and around these settlements will be subject to compliance with the rural housing policy, with the following exceptions. For multiple housing developments (2 or more houses in a cluster) 20% of the houses proposed can be made available for people who do not meet the requirements of the rural housing policy. For one-off houses or schemes where 20% cannot be reached in whole housing units in and around these nodes applicants will be required to satisfy the 19 NPO 18b page 73 20 RPO 26g page 89

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   Chapter 4 Core Strategy Kilkenny City and County Development Plan Volume 1 44 Council rural housing policy. Development will be limited to incremental local growth appropriate to their size and character. 4.8 Development Management Requirements • For smaller towns and villages with settlement boundaries, individual serviced sites for individual houses and appropriately designed small housing schemes are promoted where social and engineering infrastructure are available. Housing will be encouraged at 15-2021 units to the hectare and design should be sympathetic to the character of the existing settlement. Designs for the development of backlands should seek, where feasible, to maximise permeability for pedestrians and connectivity to existing streets and roads, rather than creating cul-de-sacs and dead-ends. • The Planning Authority may limit the extent of development on any one site within the designated smaller towns and villages in accordance with the overall water services capacity and the availability of land for development within the village. • For Rural Nodes where no settlement boundary is designated, individual housing sites or small clusters, sympathetic to the existing form, will be considered contiguous to the existing built up 21 Sustainable Residential Development in Urban Areas- Guidelines for Planning Authorities 2009 Objectives 4J To develop a programme for ‘new homes in small towns and villages’ in conjunction with, public infrastructure agencies such as Irish Water and local communities for the provision of serviced sites with appropriate infrastructure to attract people to build their own homes and live in small towns and villages. 4K It is an objective of the Council to facilitate and assist Irish Water with the provision of a Water and Wastewater treatment plant upgrades in settlements, including the villages of Mullinavat, Paulstown, Bennettsbridge, Inistioge, Piltown, Fiddown, Kells and others where capacity is required. 4L It is an objective of the Council to prepare design and best practice guidelines for the provision of cluster housing in the rural settlements and rural nodes of the County. 4La To develop a set of criteria and a programme to carry out an analysis of the Smaller Towns and Villages (Tier 4) to consider: (a) The provision of zoning maps where appropriate (particularly for Ballyragget, Mooncoin, Paulstown, Piltown, Kilmacow and Urlingford) (b) Developing specific objectives for core areas, focal spaces, amenities and opportunity sites etc., (c) Identify land with development constraints. This programme to be commenced within 12 months of the coming into effect of the Plan. 4M To support the recommendations of the town plans compiled under the Town and Village Renewal Scheme subject to compliance with the provisions of the Habitats and Birds Directive and subject to the availability of funding.

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   Chapter 4 Core Strategy Kilkenny City and County Development Plan Volume 1 45 area so as to promote their contribution to place making and the strengthening of the settlement/village core. No one proposal for residential development should increase the existing housing stock22 by more than 10-12 units within the lifetime of the plan. • To ensure that development of backland areas does not prejudice any potential comprehensive development. • Have regard to existing framework plans/community action plans (including existing Village Design Statements that have been prepared in consultation with the local community, and with relevant agencies), and expired LAPs, as supplementary planning information where appropriate. 4.9 Retail Strategy A Retail Strategy for the County has been prepared as part of this Plan. This Core Strategy is consistent with the Retail Hierarchy as set out in Chapter 5. The County Retail Strategy confirms a retail hierarchy, as set out in Table 5.3. This hierarchy is consistent with the Retail Planning Guidelines and the Regional Spatial and Economic Strategy. Appendix A gives the detailed methodology used in the preparation of the retail strategy. 4.10 Housing Strategy Section 94 of the Planning and Development Act 2000 (as amended) requires a Development Plan to include a strategy for the purposes of ensuring that the proper planning and sustainable development of the area provides for the housing of the existing and future populations of the County. This strategy is known as the Housing Strategy. The Housing Strategy is set out in detail in Appendix B and is supported by Chapter 6 of this plan. Objectives are included in Chapter 6 to secure the implementation of the Housing Strategy. 4.11 Rural Areas RPO 27 of the RSES requires that the Core Strategy identifies areas under urban influence and sets the appropriate sustainable rural housing response which facilitates the provision of single housing whilst having regard for the viability of smaller towns and rural settlements. These areas under urban pressure have been identified and contained in Figure 7.1 Rural Development Strategy. 4.11.1 Rural Housing The Rural Housing Policy is contained in Chapter 7, Rural Development Strategy. The Rural Housing Policy complies with the requirements to designate two policy areas, being • Areas under Urban Influence i.e. within commuter catchment of cities and large towns and centres of employment and elsewhere. • Other Rural Areas i.e. areas where housing will be based on siting and design criteria for rural housing in statutory guidelines and plans, having regard to the viability of smaller towns and rural settlements 22 Including permitted and committed development

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   Chapter 4 Core Strategy Kilkenny City and County Development Plan Volume 1 46 4.12 Core Strategy Table The implementation of the NPF and RSES at the County level will:  Promote the sustainable development of rural areas of the county,  Promote the sustainable growth of Waterford City, Kilkenny as a Key Town and significant regional driver, the District Towns, and smaller settlements and rural areas within the County,  Ensure adequate lands are zoned to provide for the population projections as contained in the Roadmap for the Implementation of the NPF and Appendix 1 of the RSES for the Southern Region,  Ensure that at least 30% of future housing as targeted is delivered within the existing footprint of Kilkenny City and the District Towns and 50% within the Waterford MASP area.  Base zoning on a tiered approach as defined in the NPF, with:  Tier 1 being serviced lands and  Tier 2 being lands that are potentially fully serviceable within the lifetime of the plan  Avoid the overprovision of zoned lands,  Avoid the potential of unsustainable leapfrogging of undeveloped lands In line with the NPF Implementation Roadmap’s requirement for an infrastructure assessment and Tier 1 and Tier 2 considerations for future zoning, it is important to note that the Loughmacask area of the City, which includes extant permissions on 19.23 Ha of zoned lands outside the CSO boundary, is dependent on wastewater investment to realise the existing permissions. (See Core Strategy for Kilkenny City Volume 2 Section 2.2.)

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   Chapter 4 Core Strategy Kilkenny City and County Development Plan Volume 1 47 Table 4.6: Core Strategy 2016-2027 (1) Core Strategy population allocatio n 2016 – 2027 (2) Household Demand NPF 50/50 (3) Housing land requirement to 2027 (hectares) (4) NPO 3C (5) Zoning (Ha) (6) County Kilkenny 11,842 4,649 Kilkenny City 4,144 1,627 (35%) 46.4823 (30%) 13.9ha24 inside CSO boundary and (70%) 32.5ha outside CSO boundary 18.6ha Abbey Quarter 4.4Ha (30-35%) plus 25Ha mixed 42.84Ha25 zoned outside CSO Ferrybank/ Belview (Part of MASP) 2,32026 910 (19.5%) 26 (50%) 14ha inside CSO boundary and (50%) 14ha outside CSO boundary 28Ha District Towns (a) Callan (b) Castlecomer (c) Graiguenamanagh (d) Thomastown 44127 264 278 43728 160 (3.4%) 93 (2%) 100 (2.1%) 159 (3.4%) 8 Ha 4.65 Ha 5 Ha 8 Ha 7.65Ha 5.5Ha 6Ha 6.7Ha (Review land provision in LAPs to 2027)29 Smaller Settlements Remainder area** Rural Housing 1,28430 3,542 467 (10%) 1,133 (24.37%) 128 5831 Total 11,842 4,649 284.13 119.69 23 1,627 households divided by 35units/ha = 46.48 ha. 24 The Council has established through its own research that there is more than sufficient capacity within the existing built up area to cater for this increase. 25 See Housing Strategy and Core Strategy Volume 2 26 Estimated based historical population distribution model in PLUTS 2004 2016- 2026. (subtract no. of units built in Ferrybank to 2021) 27 The figure for Callan is an increase of 150 persons to 2027 over and above the 2019 LAP following review under this Core strategy. 28 The figure for Thomastown includes an additional 150 persons to 2027 over and above the 2019 LAP. 29 To realign the timelines of the LAPs with the City and County Development plan 2021-2027 the housing land required in the District towns will be reviewed to 2027 in light of the new housing demand figures. 30 See housing strategy 31 700 Households divided by 12 units/ha = 58 ha

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   Chapter 4 Core Strategy Kilkenny City and County Development Plan Volume 1 48 *See Table 4.3 Settlement hierarchy: Ballyhale, Ballyragget, Bennettsbridge, Clogh-Chatsworth, Fiddown, Freshford, Goresbridge, Gowran, Inistioge, Johnstown, Kells, Kilmacow, Kilmoganny, Knocktopher, Moneenroe, Mooncoin, Mullinavat, Paulstown, Piltown, Slieverue, Stoneyford and Urlingford. **Remainder area to include smaller towns and villages and environs of New Ross and the rural area of the county. 4.13 Monitoring and Review The period of this Development Plan is one of transition. The targeted pattern of population growth is one which is an attempt to move away from the business as usual model and move towards a more sustainable pattern of development for a competitive low carbon, economy. In setting overall targets for future growth, it is a pattern of development that is being targeted, rather than precise numbers. In line with this, the Council will monitor and review the operation and implementation of this Plan and adjust as needed to ensure the effectiveness of its alignment with National and Regional policy and objectives. This will also ensure that any new statutory guidelines are fully incorporated. Objective 4Ma To monitor the implementation of the Core Strategy during the lifetime of the plan to ensure effective alignment with National and Regional policy and objectives and to adjust, where necessary, the policy and objectives of the Development Plan to secure effective alignment.

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   Chapter 5 Economic Development Kilkenny City and County Development Plan Volume 1 49 5 Economic Development Strategic Aim: To provide a framework for the implementation of the Council’s economic strategy by fostering competitiveness and innovation in all sectors within a high-quality physical environment while having due regard to the protection of the environment and heritage, in order to position the county for sustainable economic growth. 5.1 Introduction The economic development of the County and associated job creation will be supported by the work of the Planning and Economic Development Directorate and the Local Enterprise Office (LEO) guided by this Plan and the Local Economic and Community Plan1 and any revisions thereof. 5.1.1 Impact of Covid-19 The Covid-19 pandemic has had a significant impact on economic performance internationally, nationally and consequently at local level. The closure of businesses in March of 2020 as a result of the Covid-19 pandemic has had a significant impact on economic performance including in terms of; • Loss of revenue at national level • Loss of revenue at local level (Rates and car parking) • Reduction in activity within town centres generally • Loss of business activity and revenues in the majority of sectors • Increase in the numbers in the Labour Force availing of state employment supports. Both nationally and at local level there have been initiatives to counteract the impact through: • A range of emergency legislation to deal with the impacts of Covid-19 • Making town centres more pedestrian and cycle friendly o One-way traffic system in Kilkenny City core area o Tables and chairs in the public realm • Implementation of financial supports – LEO • Partial waiver of commercial rates for impacted businesses It is Council policy to support the provision of co-working facilities and digital hubs in settlements that promote flexible working arrangements for the established businesses, self-employed persons and start-up enterprises. The Covid-19 pandemic has created many challenges for society including the Council in terms of assessing the potential long-term impact on the economic and development progress of the Council. 1 Local Economic and Community Plan 2016-2021

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   Chapter 5 Economic Development Kilkenny City and County Development Plan Volume 1 50 At the time of writing of this plan, it is national and local policy to assume that the restrictions created by Covid-19 will last at least into the short term, until such time as we as a society learn to adjust to its presence or a medical cure is developed in order to control the virus which would negate the physical impacts. For the purpose of this plan it is assumed that the physical impacts of the pandemic will be short term in the context of strategic planning. 5.1.2 Local Economic and Community Plan The Local Economic and Community Plan 2016-2021 (LECP) is an integrated statutory plan that is reviewed and adopted by the Council every 6 years. The County Development Plan informs the content of the LECP, and the content of the LECP must be consistent with the Development Plan. In this regard, both plans are interdependent in setting out the strategic vision for the economic growth of the County, accompanied by supporting policies and objectives to be employed in securing this vision. The Local Economic and Community Plan (LECP) details the following economic actions: • strengthening the local enterprise base, and thereby encouraging job creation and multisectoral employment potential. • providing an integrated support structure for enhanced levels of enterprise start-up and growth, including through the LEO and Enterprise Ireland (EI). • supporting, co-ordinating and optimising the visitor experience across the county. • encouraging and supporting up-skilling, job mobility and enterprise creation in key economic growth sectors. • increasing the levels of rural economic activity and building sustainability into the rural economy. • encouraging integrated transport systems through the use of existing and new infrastructure innovations, and increasing the use of communications technologies through enhanced infrastructure and skilled communities. • encouraging and supporting biodiversity and the protection and enhancement of local heritage and culture, supporting energy efficiency and maximising the circular economy potential. • proactively working with IDA Ireland to increase inward investment. • contributing to the growth of the region and expanding the international reach of the local economy. Objective 5A1 To review and complete a new Local Economic and Community Plan for the period 2021 to 2027.

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   Chapter 5 Economic Development Kilkenny City and County Development Plan Volume 1 51 5.2 Economic Strategy for City & County County Kilkenny has a rich diversity of mainly indigenous enterprises across the full spectrum of industry sectors and is not overly reliant on large employers. From the profile of the County in Chapter 3 it can be seen that there were 4,635 businesses operating in County Kilkenny (in 2018), with 20,321 people employed. The Retail and Wholesale Sector with 909 businesses employed the largest percentage of people (at c23%), the Manufacturing Sector the next highest proportion (at c20%) and the Hospitality Sector was the third highest employer (at c17% - c42% higher than the national average employed in Hospitality. The following industry sectors are identified as being key to Kilkenny’s future economic development, especially in terms of employment growth: • Financial Services • Technology • Manufacturing • Agriculture & Food • Creative Industries • Tourism & Hospitality (See Section 5.3 Tourism) • Third Level Education In addition to the above sectors, the retail sector is critical, especially in terms of promoting the vitality and viability of town centres. In this regard, this Development Plan includes a Retail Strategy which sets out clear evidence-based policies and objectives. 5.2.1 Financial Services Kilkenny has attracted significant investment from leading financial services companies such as State Street International, Carne Group and BOI 365. A proven location for financial services, Kilkenny has a cluster of other high-profile companies in the sector including personal & corporate tax solutions provider Taxback.com and Taxback International along with international payments company TransferMate. 5.2.2 Technology Kilkenny is home to global tech organisations and start-ups including global cyber security specialists, CipherTechs and SRA Security Risk Advisors and agri-tech AB Agri. Applied research centres in the region are leading the agenda in the Internet of Things and next generation. ICT research group Telecommunications Software & Systems Group (TSSG) have a base at Burrells Hall, St Kieran’s College, Kilkenny along with the innovation centre – PACE (Precision Agriculture Centre of Excellence). The Centre for Design (C4D) has also recently set up a base in Kilkenny (See Section 5.3 for details.) Objective 5A To ensure an adequate amount of employment land is available within the City and County for ICT and technology office-based industry at the appropriate strategic locations.

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    Chapter 5 Economic Development Kilkenny City and County Development Plan Volume 1 52 5.2.3 Manufacturing The Belview Port area near Ferrybank in South Kilkenny is just 4 miles from Waterford City and is an ideal location for large-scale industries and manufacturing companies. Belview Port is the nearest major Irish port to mainland Europe providing a saving to shippers of both time and fuel while being a natural hub for the integration of port, shipping, road and rail freight services. Existing businesses operating from there include Medite Smartply, part of the Coillte group. The Ferrybank Belview Local Area Plan provides ample zoned land for large scale industries, including a strategic IDA site of 53 hectares, the Marine Point Business Park and Belview Port. Belview has all the necessary infrastructure for high volume production and is supported by significant water, waste water and gas capabilities. 5.2.4 Agriculture & Food The agriculture sector is important, with almost twice the proportion of the labour force employed in the sector compared to the national average. There are c 3,750 farms in County Kilkenny employing over 5,244 people directly. However, the agri-food sector supports thousands of additional jobs including in food & drink processing, input suppliers, agricultural contractors, transport and engineering, professional services, veterinary and other advisory services. Kilkenny forms part of the Waterford/Kilkenny Teagasc Advisory Region. The average farm size in the region is 44.7 hectares (over one third larger than the national average), the largest of any region in the country. The standard output per farm as measured by the CSO is almost double the national average. Dairying is the dominant enterprise in the region. Key components of the Teagasc Strategic Plan for the region (to 2020) is for farmers to become world leaders in sustainable agricultural production; increase milk production by 60%; maintain suckler cow numbers while increasing the calf to beef enterprise; and increase the number of ewes by 10%. All development is to be carried out in harmony with the environment and all clients are to complete a Carbon Navigator to guide their farming activities. The abolition of milk quotas, changes in income tax reliefs for land leasing, a broadening of partnership rules and the introduction of share farming combined with a growing demand for food all provide an opportunity for farmers in the region to exploit. Kilkenny has a long established agri-food sector with major companies operating in the county including Glanbia and Connolly’s Red Mills, complemented by an emerging artisan food producer base of micro and medium sized food producers. During the period of the last Plan, Glanbia opened a highspecification processing facility in Belview and planning permission has been granted for a cheese manufacturing facility also in Belview. Objective 5B To ensure that there is sufficient quantity of zoned land available and serviced at suitable locations within the City and County to maximise the potential for employment and Foreign Direct Investment in the County.

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