Laois County Development Plan 2021–2027

1. Page 281

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   Chapter 12 Built and Cultural Heritage 279 | P a g e ACA Development Management Standard DM ACA 1 DEVELOPMENT WITHIN AN ACA Ensure that applications for new development within or affecting an ACA (infill development, conversions, alterations, extensions, shopfronts, advertisements) pay attention to detailed matters such as: • finishing materials; • rainwater goods; • fenestration details; • any external illumination; • scale, layout, built form, proportions; and • building lines and relationship of proposals to the site and surrounding area. The following information is required to be submitted with respect to applications for permission for restoration, refurbishment, demolition development or change of use of buildings /structures with Architectural Conservation Areas (ACA): • An Architectural Assessment Report as per the Architectural Heritage Protection: Guidelines for Planning Authorities” (2011) Department of the Arts, Heritage and Gaeltacht, carried out by a suitably qualified person; • A comprehensive schedule of proposed work that follows the guidelines set out in the Architectural Heritage Protection: Guidelines for Planning Authorities” (2011) Department of the Arts, Heritage and Gaeltacht. 12.3.3 VERNACULAR BUILDINGS Vernacular architecture is the expression of the culture of a community and refers to the traditional building forms and types using local materials, skills and building techniques which form a vital component of the landscape. This includes traditional domestic buildings such as thatched cottages but also include other traditional structures such as shop fronts, farmsteads, outbuildings, aspects of the industrial past, including lime kilns, mills, forges and their products, such as gates. These structures reflect the unique local history and character of a place. There are many traditional buildings in the Laois countryside with architectural heritage value which have been left to deteriorate and waste away. Traditional farm buildings can make a significant positive contribution to the Irish landscape. Many were laid out using local tried and tested materials, built to patterns and arrangements that made optimum use of resources. They reveal a great deal about the way the countryside has evolved and the changing fortunes of farming through the ages. A survey of thatched buildings was recently carried out which identified the remaining thatched dwellings within the county. In the interest of sustainability, it is considered that the re-use and adaption of existing buildings is preferable to their demolitionand should be regarded as the first priority in any development project.

2. Page 282

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   Chapter 12 Built and Cultural Heritage 280 | P a g e Policy Objectives for Vernacular Structures VS 1 Recognise the importance of the contribution of vernacular architecture which may not be protected to the promote where feasible the protection, retention and appropriate revitalisation and use of the vernacular built heritage, including structures that contribute to landscape and streetscape character and discourage the demolition of these structures. VS 2 Resist the demolition of vernacular architecture, in particular thatched cottages and farmhouses and to encourage their sensitive reuse having regard to the intrinsic character of the structure. VS 3 Ensure that both new build, and extensions to vernacular buildings are of an appropriate design and do not detract from the buildings character. VS 4 Seek the repair and retention of traditional timber and/or rendered shop fronts and pub fronts, including those that may not be protected structures. VS 5 Develop and publish guidelines on the conservation and appropriate reuse of Local Authority Cottages and similar vernacular structures. VS 6 Have regard, where appropriate, to guidance in the DAHG Guidelines andconservation best practice in assessing proposed interventions and planningapplications relating to vernacular structures, traditional farmhouses, their curtilage, out buildings and settings. Vernacular Structures Development Management Standards DM VS 1 EXTENSION TO VERNACULAR STRUCTURES All applications for extensions to vernacular structures shall comply with the following criteria: • High quality design which respects the character of the existing structure; • The quantity and quality of private open space that would remain to serve the house; • Extensions which break the existing front building line will not normally be acceptable. A porch extension which does not significantly break the front building line will normally be permitted; • Extensions are subordinate to the existing dwelling with a presumption against the size of any extension exceeding 100% of the floor area of the existing dwelling. 12.3.4 HISTORIC GARDENS, COUNTRY HOUSES AND DEMESNES County Laois has a rich heritage of country houses, gardens and designed landscaped gardens. They consist of private gardens, public parks and the landscapes associated with country estates and demesnes. These landscapes often include tree-lined avenues, formal ornamental woods, water-features, planned gardens, a bowling green, grass lawns, terraces and other formal features. In some cases, the house and buildings are gone, but the demesne and designed landscape remain. The two most notable houses and demesnes in the county are Emo House and Castle Durrow Demesne of which are accessible to the public.

3. Page 283

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   Chapter 12 Built and Cultural Heritage 281 | P a g e Laois County Council recognises the importance of these historic houses, gardens and designed landscapes and their role in providing the setting for protected structures and thus seeks to ensure that they are properly protected from encroaching or adjacent development. The National Inventory of Architectural Heritage (NIAH) has conducted a field survey which has listed a number of historic gardens in County Laois such as Heywood Gardens near Ballinakill. Policy Objectives for Historic Gardens, Country Houses and Demesnes CH 1 Ensure that new development will not adversely affect the site, setting or views to and from historic gardens and designed landscapes. CH 2 Require that any proposals for new development in an historic garden or demesne include an appraisal of the landscape, designed views and vistas, and an assessment of significant trees or groups of trees, as appropriate. CH 3 Build on the information compiled as part of the National Survey of Historic Gardens & Designed Landscapes, and to carry out a survey to assess the intactness of these assets, including developing a strategy for their conservation, restoration and development. CH 4 Assess the demesnes and historic designed landscapes within Laois and promote the conservation of their essential character, both built and natural, while allowing for appropriate re-use. CH 5 Work with stakeholders including the OPW, The Heritage Council , the Arts Council , local communities and businesses to support the development of heritage and cultural tourism in County Laois. CH6 To implement the action in relation to the development of a Cultural Quarter within the Town Centre of Portlaoise as envisaged in the “Portlaoise 2040 - A Strategy for a Better Town Centre” which places the celebration of its heritage at its core through the provision or expansion of existing facilities to provide heritage related interpretation and archive. 12.4 ARCHAEOLOGICAL HERTIAGE Archaeology is an irreplaceable link with the past and is to be found in virtually every townland in County Laois. Laois County Council recognises the importance of preserving and protecting this resource and fostering a greater public appreciation of it among both residents of the county and visitors. The archaeology of County Laois varies greatly in form, date and condition and includes structures, constructions, groups of buildings, developed sites, all recorded monuments as well as their contexts, and moveable objects, situated both on land and underwater. Archaeological Heritage is comprised of: • Recorded sites and features of historical and archaeological importance included in the Record of Monuments and Places as established under Section 10 of the National Monuments (Amendment) Act,1994, • Major sites of archaeological importance in State Ownership or Guardianship (as outlined in Table 10.1). • National Monuments which are the subject of Preservation Orders in Laois (as outlined in Table 10.2). • All previously unknown archaeology that becomes known (e.g. through ground disturbance, fieldwork, or the discovery of sites underwater).

4. Page 284

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   Chapter 12 Built and Cultural Heritage 282 | P a g e The Rock of Dunamaise is a site of particular historical, archaeological and cultural importance in County Laois. While the monument is owned by the State through the Office of Public Works (OPW), it is appropriate that the Plan sets out special measures to conserve and enhance this site, and to make it more accessible to the public. The Council is committed to the conservation of the Rock of Dunamaise and will work closely with DOAHRRGA to ensure its protection for future generations. Similarly, the Fort Protector in Portlaoise town centre is a significant historical site in the County. It was built in 1547-48 as part of the suppression of the Gaelic Irish territories of the O’Moore and O’Connor clans. The plantation of Laois and Offaly followed shortly thereafter and was formalised in the creation of King’s County and Queen’s County in 1556. The Fort marks the foundation of the town of Portlaoise. Laois County Council was successful in obtaining funding from the Heritage Council and the Department of Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht under the new Historic Towns Initiative. The project funded will see the transformation of Fort Protector and Fitzmaurice Place at the historic core of the town, over several phases to create a new Heritage Quarter for the town. The industrial archaeology of Laois was the subject of a survey by the Laois Heritage Forum in 2003. The results of this survey and future field surveys will be used to inform the implementation of the County Development Plan and the formulation of future policies. Laois County Council will afford appropriate protection to such industrial archaeological sites as may come to light following future surveys. In considering the protection of the industrial heritage of the county ancillary heritage such as millraces will also be protected. 12.4.1 THE RECORD OF MONUMENTS AND PLACES The Record of Monument and Places (RMP) is a statutory audit of archaeological monuments provided for in the National Monuments Acts. It consists of a county by county set of marked-up Ordnance Survey maps and a manual listing basic information in relation to each monument or area included in the RMP. Monuments in the RMP are protected under the National Monuments (Amendment) Act 1994. The RMP is revised periodically. Table 12.1: National Monuments in State Care in Laois DESCRIPTION TOWNLAND RMP NUMBER NATIONAL MONUMENT NUMBER Ringfort Aghnahilly LA013-063 540 Ringfort Coorlaghan LA037-002 567 Castle Dunamase LA013-052 615 Church & Cross Errill, Ballagharahin LA027-024-, LA027-025 113 Church Fossy Lower LA019-016 114 Church Killeshin LA032-020002 115

5. Page 285

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   Chapter 12 Built and Cultural Heritage 283 | P a g e Church & Crosses Sleaty LA032-018001-, LA032-018003-, LA032-018007- 116 Church & Round Tower Timahoe LA018-031002-, LA018-031005 114 Table 12.2: Monuments protected by Preservation Orders in County Laois PRESERVATION ORDER NO MONUMENT NAME RMP NUMBER TOWNLAND EFFECTI VE DATE 3/95 Clogrennan LA034-008--- Clogrennan 1995 197 Lamberton Fort LA018-010--- Lamberton Demesne 1957 190 Motte LA024-006001- Ballyroan 1952 4/81 Motte & Bailey LA024-015001 LA024-015002- Ballinclogh 1981 9/77 Ringfort LA028-011--- Garryduff 1977 12.4.2 ZONES OF ARCHAEOLOGICAL POTENTIAL Historic Towns which have been identified by the Department of Environment, Heritage and Local Government for general protection are towns which were first identified in the Urban Archaeological Survey of Laois and which have been included in the RMP. Within Laois these historic towns include Ballinakill, Castletown, Dunamase, Killaban, Portarlington and Portlaoise. The guideline boundaries for these towns are illustrated within the RMP. The areas within the historic boundaries are known as Zones of Archaeological Potential, and are areas where intense archaeology is present. The following zones of archaeological potential have been identified by the Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government, and are detailed of the settlement maps for the following settlements: • Ballinakill • Castletown • Dunamaise • Killabban • Portarlington • Portlaoise Any proposed development (due to its location, size or nature) with the potential to affect the archaeological heritage resource will be subject to an Archaeological Impact Assessment. This includes proposals close to archaeological monuments, extensive in area) or length and development that requires an Environmental Impact Assessment. Other areas of high archaeological potential may exist outside the boundaries of conventionally recognised monuments especially in wetlands and former wetlands.

6. Page 286

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   Chapter 12 Built and Cultural Heritage 284 | P a g e Policy Objectives for Archaeological Heritage AH 1 Manage development in a manner that protects and conserves the integrity and character of archaeological heritage of the county which avoids adverse impacts on sites, monuments, settings, features or objects of significant historical or archaeological interest and secure the preservation in-situ or by record of all sitesand features of historical and archaeological interest. AH 2 Support the preservation or conservation of historically significant street patterns, building lines and plot widths in its towns and villages as well as the preservation of features such as town walls, historic revetments, and public realm features such as granite kerbing, historic drinking fountains, cobbles, vent pipes whether or not they benefit from protection in their own right. AH 3 Protect the intrinsic value, character, integrity and settings of monuments and places in the Record of Monuments and Places (RMPs) and any forthcoming statutory register and protect Zones of Archaeological Potential against inappropriate development. AH 4 In areas of archaeological potential, where groundworks are proposed, ensure thatall works are undertaken to the highest standard and the resultant information made publicly available. Developers will be required to have regard to Archaeology and Development: Guidelines for Good Practice for Developers (ICOMOS, 2000) in planning and executing development in sensitive areas. The Council favours the preservation in-situ of archaeological remains, where areas of archaeological potential are located in town centres or villages, preservation of archaeological remains by record will be considered. AH 5 Encourage, where practicable, the provision of public access and signage to sites identified in the Record of Monuments and Places under the direct ownership, guardianship or control of the Council and/or the State. AH 6 Work closely with the relevant State bodies to deliver the conservation objectives of the Rock of Dunamase and redevelopment of Fort Protector to secure funding for the preservation and development of these culturally important sites. AH 7 Require visual impact statements for developments within the area around the Rockof Dunamaise in order to assess the potential impacts of development in the area. AH 8 Work with stakeholders including the OPW, the Heritage Council, the Arts Council, local communities, Bord Failte and businesses to support the development of heritage and cultural tourism in County Laois . AH 9 Maximise the potential of Dunrally Viking Fort, as a heritage/cultural and tourism site. AH 10 Protect where appropriate industrial heritage structures or elements of significance identified in the Laois Industrial Archaeology Survey by adding them to the Record ofProtected Structures during the lifetime of the Development Plan.

7. Page 287

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   Chapter 12 Built and Cultural Heritage 285 | P a g e DM Standard for Archaeological Heritage DM AH 1 ARCHAEOLOGICAL POTENTIAL In areas of archaeological potential, where groundworks are proposed, the Council favours the preservation in-situ of archaeological remains, where areas of archaeological potential are located in town centres or villages, preservation of archaeological remains by record will be considered. Where it is proposed to undertake groundworks to lands within an area of archaeological potential or in the vicinity of Recorded Monuments or Zones of Archaeological Potential, the Council will require the preparation of an archaeological field evaluation by a licensed archaeologist, the details of which will be submitted with a planning application. Such development shall be assessed in the context of the following documents:- • Accord with the Framework and Principles for the Protection of Archaeological Heritage (DoAHG, 1999). • The National Monuments Acts 1934-1994. • Heritage Council’s Archaeology and Archaeology and Development Guidelines for Good Practice for Developers (2000). Map 12.1 Portlaoise Archaeological Significance Zone

8. Page 288

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   Chapter 12 Built and Cultural Heritage 286 | P a g e Map 12.2 Portarlington Archaeological Significance Zone

9. Page 289

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   Chapter 12 Built and Cultural Heritage 287 | P a g e Map 12.3 Ballinakill Archaeological Significance Zone

10. Page 290

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    Chapter 12 Built and Cultural Heritage 288 | P a g e Map 12.4 Castletown Archaeological Significance Zone

Source Laois County Council: Laois County Development Plan 2021–2027 (2021–2027) · 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.