Laois County Development Plan 2021–2027

1. Page 31

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   Chapter 2 Core and Settlement Strategy 29 | P a g e least 30% of all new homes in settlements other than the five Cities and their suburbs, within their existing built-up footprints. WHAT IS THE BUILT UP FOOTPRINT The built-up footprint of an urban settlement is defined by the CSO as an area with a minimum of 50 occupied dwellings, with a maximum distance between any dwelling and the building closest to it of 100 metres, and where there is evidence of an urban centre (shop, school etc.). The built-up area of each settlement has been defined by the Census 2016 and is indicated on each settlement zoning map in Volume 2 of this Plan. A key objective of the Plan is to integrate and reconcile predicted requirements for residential land with actual provision on the ground having regard to, among other factors, the spatial distribution of development lands throughout the county and the need to support sustainable settlement patterns which in the longer term can be provided with essential physical and social infrastructure. The NPF sets out a new, standardised methodology that addresses the differentiation between zoned land that is available for development and zoned land that requires significant further investment in services for infrastructure for development to be realised. In this regard, lands have only been identified for development where they are able to connect to existing development services, i.e. road and footpath access including public lighting, foul sewer drainage, surface water drainage and water supply, for which there is service capacity available, and can therefore accommodate new development. These lands are also positioned within the existing built-up footprint of established settlements or contiguous to existing developed lands. Regard has also been given to the availability of serviced lands as well as the identification of lands that are not currently sufficiently serviced to support new development but have potential to become fully serviced within the life of the plan. 2.7.1 HOUSING TARGETS AND HOUSEHOLD SIZE As summarised in Table 41 and 42 of the Housing Strategy 2021-2027 (See Appendix 3), the number of households in County Laois is expected to increase from 29,107 in 2016 to 35,126 in 2027, an increase of 6,019 households (from 2016 – 2027), or the equivalent of a per annum average of 501 units. However, based on actual housing completions from 2016 – 2020 (Aug) as indicated in the CSO Statbank figures, a total of 817 units have been completed in Laois over that period and therefore 5,202 units will be required over the Plan period in order to achieve NPF population target of 94,700 for the County. Table 2.9: Projected Households over the Plan Period Year Total Population in Laois Avg Household Size in Laois No of Households (private) No of Anticipated Houses per annum Total Anticipated Houses 2021 – 2027 Avg Anticipated Houses per Annum 2021 – 2027 2006 67059 2.97 22591 2011 80559 2.88 28020 2016 84697 2.91 29107

2. Page 32

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   Chapter 2 Core and Settlement Strategy 30 | P a g e Year Total Population in Laois Avg Household Size in Laois No of Households (private) No of Anticipated Houses per annum Total Anticipated Houses 2021 – 2027 Avg Anticipated Houses per Annum 2021 – 2027 2017 85627 2.89 29630 523 2018 86558 2.87 30161 531 2019 87488 2.85 30693 537 2020 88418 2.83 31240 543 2021 89349 2.81 31789 549 2022 90279 2.79 32344 555 2023 91209 2.77 32905 561 2024 92139 2.75 33472 567 2025 93070 2.73 34046 574 2026 94000 2.71 34625 580 2027 94700 2.70 35126 501 3886 555 The above total anticipated housing figure has been based on a graduated household size/occupancy. The average occupancy rate in Laois in 2016 was 2.9 compared to a state average of 2.75. However, the NPF states that this is expected to decline to around 2.5 by 2040, while also acknowledging that household sizes in urban areas tend to be smaller than in the suburbs or rural parts of the country. In line with this projected trend, a graduated average household size is utilised within this Plan, however this rate is expected to fall to 2.7 by 2027 based on an evidenced-based assessment of Laois household size over 2006 - 2016 indicated in the Table 2.10. Table 2.10: Projected Household Size Year Total Population in County Laois Average Household Size in County Laois 2006 67059 2.97 2011 80559 2.88 2016 84697 2.91 2017 85627 2.89 2018 86558 2.87

3. Page 33

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   Chapter 2 Core and Settlement Strategy 31 | P a g e Year Total Population in County Laois Average Household Size in County Laois 2019 87488 2.85 2020 88418 2.83 2021 89349 2.81 2022 90279 2.79 2023 91209 2.77 2024 92139 2.75 2025 93070 2.73 2026 94000 2.71 2027 94700 2.70 2.7.1.1 Housing Supply Target With respect to the: • ESRI research work “Structural Housing Demand at County Level” published on the 14th December 2020; • Housing Supply Target Methodology for Development Planning published by DHLGH in December 2020; and • Ministerial Letter advising these publications as the most up to date approach towards demand projection. this projection has been revised using the ESRI EXCEL spreadsheets and most up to date data from CSO Stat bank. According to this method, the housing allocation over the Plan period is to be calculated by not only relying on the population projection, but also factoring in the two elements of housing supply and unmet demand in the county. Table 2.11 reflects the data that has been collated to calculate the housing demand for the Laois County Development Plan (2021 – 2027).

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   Chapter 2 Core and Settlement Strategy 32 | P a g e Table 2.11 – ESRI Household Projections County Council Annual Avg. Households Total Households A ESRI NPF scenario projected new household demand 2017 to Plan end year, or quarter (pro-rata) (Using Data from ESRI Spreadsheet summing up annual NPF figures to 2027) 335 3,688 B Actual new housing supply 2017 to most recent available year or quarter period to Plan commencement (estimated future delivery projected pro rata for 2020) (Using Data from Housing Completions 2017-2020 NDQ05 Label) 231 925 C Homeless households (latest data), and unmet demand as at most recent Census (Using Homeless figure from latest report from the department and overcrowding from ESRI app) N/A 72 D Plan Housing Demand = A - B + C 473 2,835 E Potential adjustment 1 to end 2026 portion of plan period to facilitate convergence to NPF strategy (where justified) Mid-point between ESRI NPF and Baseline scenarios to 2026 in lieu of A above Adjusted Total E1 ESRI Baseline scenario projected new household demand 2017, to 2027 (Using Data from ESRI Spreadsheet summing up baseline figures to 2027) 547 6,013 E2 Mid-point between A and E1 - ESRI NPF and Baseline scenarios, to 2027 (Using Data from ESRI excel spreadsheets - NPF + BASELINE /2) 441 4,851

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   Chapter 2 Core and Settlement Strategy 33 | P a g e County Council Annual Avg. Households Total Households E3 Adjusted Total Plan Demand calculation based on E2 in lieu of A above 571 3,998 According to the ESRI published excel spreadsheet utilising the ESRI NPF method (Row A above), it is projected that over the 2017 to 2027 period, 3,688 no. new households will be required. However, when the ERSI Baseline method is applied (Row E1), 6,013 no. new households are projected. County Laois is facing an overcrowding and concealed housing demand of 42 units, while the latest published statistics on homeless by DHLGH (December 2020) indicates 30 persons are homeless in the County. This gives an overall unmet demand of 72 (Row C). On the supply side, Table 2.11 (Row B) shows that a total number of 925 units had been delivered over 2017-2020, as recorded on CSO StatBank. To identify the housing demand the figures above were applied using the formula as indicated in the “Housing Supply Target Methodology for Development Planning” published by DHLGH in December 2020: Housing Demand 2021-2027 = (Total Projection 2017-2027 - Unit Completions 2017-2020) + Total Unmet Demand (E3 = E2 – B + C) which equates to: 3,998 = 4,851 – 925 + 72. Therefore, the overall housing demand over the Plan period therefore forecast to be 3,998 units, which equates to 571 housing units per annum over the Plan period. This indicates a discrepancy of 16 no. units per annum when compared with the previous method, which can be explained through factoring in the two elements of housing supply and unmet demand in the ESRI method, resulting in a more accurate housing target. Performing the same calculations to estimate housing demand up to 2031, the overall housing demand is expected to be 6,273 units. This equates to 570 housing units per annum over 2021- 2031. Table 2.12 – Total Plan Demand County Council Annual Avg. Households Total Households A ESRI NPF scenario projected new household demand 2017 to 2031 505 5,558 B Actual new housing supply 2017 to most recent available year or quarter period to Plan commencement (estimated future delivery projected pro rata for 2020) 247 925 C Homeless households (latest data), and unmet demand as at most recent Census N/A 72

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   Chapter 2 Core and Settlement Strategy 34 | P a g e County Council Annual Avg. Households Total Households D Plan Housing Demand = A - B + C 784 4,705 E Potential adjustment 1 to end 2026 portion of plan period to facilitate convergence to NPF strategy (where justified) Mid-point between ESRI NPF and Baseline scenarios to 2026 in lieu of A above Adjusted Total E1 ESRI Baseline scenario projected new household demand 2017, to 2031 790 8,694 E2 Mid-point between A and E1 - ESRI NPF and Baseline scenarios, to 2031 648 7,126 E3 Adjusted Total Plan Demand calculation based on E2 in lieu of A above 570 6,273 2.7.2 HOUSING PERMITTED AND COMPLETED The global recession and collapse of the property market in 2008 resulted in the stagnation of household construction in the County and across the State. Census data indicates that the private housing stock of the County in 2011 was 28,0204 and increased marginally by 3.7% to 29,1075 in 2016. Since then, there has been a sustained rise in the number of residential units completed. The table below indicates that the housing stock has increased by 3,2916 during the period 2016 – 2025 (Q3). 4 CSO Statbank 5 CSO Statbank 6 CSO Statbank

7. Page 37

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   Chapter 2 Core and Settlement Strategy 35 | P a g e Table 2.13: Unit Completion 2016 – 2025 (Q3) Year Unit Completion 2016 103 2017 117 2018 235 2019 242 2020 300 2021 381 2022 512 2023 747 2024 654 2025 (Q3) 601* Source: CSO 2.7.3 RESIDENTIAL LAND ZONED IN PREVIOUS THE PLAN The following table sets out the area of land zoned for residential use / mixture of residential and other uses in the County Development Plan 2017-2023 and County Development Plan 2021 - 2027, together with the number of housing units allocated to these lands. Table 2.14: Residential Zoned Land CDP 2017 - 2023 CDP 2021 – 2027 (as varied) Land zoned to accommodate residential development 273 ha 382.6 Ha No of residential units7 3,216 units 12,247 2.8 CORE STRATEGY AND HOUSING ALLOCATION The Section of the Plan indicates the distribution of future population and housing across the county’s settlements. The position of each town in the settlement hierarchy has been clearly linked to the quantitative population allocations. The distribution of future population and household growth in this Plan is based on the key principles of the NPF and RSES of delivering more compact growth but must also align population and employment growth. Growth is therefore targeted in large urban centres that have the capacity and greatest potential for 7 This figure did not account for rural one off dwellings This density is based on Sustainable Residential Development and Compact Settlements Guidelines for Planning Authorities (2024)

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   Chapter 2 Core and Settlement Strategy 36 | P a g e growth on a sustainable platform. In addition there will be greater co-ordination between land use zoning and infrastructure availability through the implementation of the ‘Tiered Approach to Land Use Zoning’ set out in the NPF as indicated in Section 2.7. Along with key demographic change in indicated in Section 2.6.2, the following key considerations also informed this approach: (i) Compact Growth In accordance with the principles of compact Growth, at least 30% of housing within settlements is to be within the existing built up footprint area in conjunction with sequential development of settlements. The preferred choice for residential development is within town and village centres, however there are limiting factors which may be applicable e.g. the historic formation of many of the main towns in County Laois, flooding implications (as identified in the Strategic Flood Risk Assessment (SFRA), inadequate access, limited and fragmented land holdings and the requirement to facilitate retail development in these locations in accordance with the sequential test under the Retail Planning: Guidelines for Planning Authorities (DECLG, 2012). This Plan also recognises the social and economic benefits of the redevelopment of brownfield lands to promote urban regeneration and will continue to support the delivery of compact growth and regeneration of under utilised sites in towns and villages throughout Laois. The achievement of this, the NPF notes, has the potential to make a transformational difference. It can bring new life and footfall to existing settlements, contribute to the viability of services, shops and public transport, increase housing supply and enable more people to be closer to employment and recreational opportunities, as well as supporting a more sustainable transport mode shift. An analysis of the potential capacity of infill and brownfield lands zoned for residential, town/village centre, or mixed use developments in all settlements indicates that approximately 1,709 units could be delivered on these lands. This equates to 33% of the household allocation for the County. The development of these lands will make an important contribution to the creation of more sustainable communities in the County and will support the implementation of the national and regional policy objectives of creating more compact settlements. (ii) Climate Change and Environmental Sensitivity Climate change has an increasing role to play in how we plan for the future. This Plan has a critical role to play in ensuring our communities develop having regard to sustainable infrastructure networks which build resilience to climate change. A key component is delivering housing in a compact, sustainable way which better integrates with sustainable transport modes to become less dependent on single vehicular use. Consideration is given to; ground and surface water vulnerability and any potential environmental impact (including SEA, HAD, EU Water Framework Directive, River Basin Management Plans and Flood Risk Management) requirements; availability of services and infrastructure; potential for economic and social development of the settlement; the sequential test; ground and surface water vulnerability; planning history and market availability/choice. A Strategic Environmental Assessment and Appropriate Assessment has been prepared in tandem with the Core Strategy. The Core Strategy has had regard to both assessments with any changes/recommendations incorporated into the strategy.

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   Chapter 2 Core and Settlement Strategy 37 | P a g e (iii) Extant Planning Permission A detailed review of extant planning permissions has been carried out and a total of 1562 units has been recorded. It has been concluded that there are a number of unknowns in relation to the delivery of these units. While the Council works closely with associated parties to assist in bringing forward these sites for development, external market forces may prohibit this. It is considered that there is a relatively small number of these permissions to wither over the plan period. Many of those that have acquired extension of durations on permissions during the plan period 2017-2023 pursuant to Section 42 of the Planning and Development Act 2000 (as amended), may also not come forward during this Plan period. The Core Strategy Table (Table 2.16) does not deduct population that would be catered for in committed land by way of extant permission or Part VIII approvals. (iv) Vacant Housing Stock Census 2016 results record a total housing stock of 33,115 in Laois, an increase of just 541 on 2011 levels. In that time, the rate of vacant housing has fallen from 12.5% to 10.0% (-785 units). In other words, there were 35.5 vacant homes per 1,000 people in 2016, a fall from the corresponding figure of 48.88 recorded in 2011. This indicates the existing vacant stock is absorbing much of the growing need for housing in the county. Table 2.15: Residential Vacancy Housing Stock Vacant Holiday Homes Other Vacant Dwellings Total Vacancy % Vacancy 33,115 139 3,163 3,302 10 Source: CSO Statbank 2.8.1 CORE STRATEGY TABLE The ‘Core Strategy Table’ below, sets out the population projections and household allocation for each settlement up to the end of 2030. This table provides details of the housing allocation for 2021 – 2030 for each settlement based on the Housing Strategy (Appendix 3) analysis and the Ministerial Guidelines published in July 2025. Land which allows for a mix of uses including residential has also been indicated. For the purposes of this Plan, such uses consist of ‘Mixed Use’ and ‘Town/Village Centre’, where the objective and purpose of that zoning specifies residential use along with the primary objective (commercial/retail) of that zoning. Following the population allocations set out in the Core Strategy Table below, zoning maps are provided in Volume 2, Settlement Plans, to reflect these figures and to indicate the quantum and locations of future development for the plan period. It is considered that the lands identified for residential development are sufficient to meet the population targets set out in the Core Strategy Table 2.16 and reflect each settlements role in the Settlement Hierarchy. The amount and location of zoned lands required in each settlement was determined using an evidence-based settlement typology and asset-based approach, as detailed in Section 2.4.1 of the Plan and the considerations of Section 2.7.3 and also an Infrastructure Assessment in Appendix 9. The following table, indicates the population and housing projections for County Laois.

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    Chapter 2 Core and Settlement Strategy 38 | P a g e Residential 1 Mixed Use Lands for Residential (Ha) Residential 2 Total land for New Residential Settlement Hierarchy Settlement Name Existing Residential 1 Lands (ha) Existing Lands that permit residential (ha) Mixed Use Lands for Residential (HA) (A) New Residential (Ha) (2022 - LCDP, 2024 - JULAP, 2025- JLAP) (B) Total new residential land from variation (Ha) based on Ministerial Guidelines (July 2025)(2026) (C ) Total New Residential Land (Ha) (D=B+C) Proportion of Overall Residential 2 Zoning (%) Settlement Distribution from Variation Zoned Lands Population Growth Target from Variation Zoned Lands Total Land Zoned for Residential Uses (Mixed Use, New Residential) (E=A+D) Key Growth Towns Portlaoise 383.0 171.0 15.7 22.2 142.3 164.5 46 5550 16094 180.2 Graiguecullen 74.0 6.1 0.0 17.7 11.2 28.9 8 437 1267 28.9 Total Percentage for Key Growth Towns 54 Self Sustaining Growth Town Portarlington 104.7 44.4 0.0 14.5 8.9 23.4 7 312 903 23.4 Total Percentage for Self Sustaining Growth Town 6 Self Sustaining Towns Mountmellick 90.0 45.5 0.0 2.5 13.7 16.2 5 329 954 16.2 Abbeyleix 81.0 48.6 1.0 8.1 11.1 19.2 5 265 770 20.2 Stradbally 28.0 26.8 0.6 3.1 9.5 12.6 4 228 661 13.2 Mountrath 43.2 31.4 0.6 0.5 5.7 6.2 2 137 397 6.8 Total Percentage for Self Sustaning Towns 15 Small Towns Durrow 20.0 15.4 0.0 2.4 4.9 7.3 2 74 213 7.3 Rathdowney 41.0 30.3 0.9 1.0 8.0 9.0 3 120 348 9.9 Ballylynan 21.2 10.3 0.5 2.2 0.5 2.7 1 8 22 3.2 Total Percentage for Small Towns 6 Villages Clonaslee 8.2 14.6 0.0 0.0 0.3 0.3 0 5 13 0.3 Borris In Ossory 9.5 16.2 0.0 0.0 10.6 10.6 3 159 461 10.6 Ballyroan 10.0 10.9 0.4 0.0 4.1 2.0 1 62 178 2.4 Killenard 37.3 27.6 0.0 0.0 6.6 6.6 2 99 287 6.6 Total Percentage for Villages 5 Total (Key Growth Towns to Villages) (F) 951.1 499.1 19.7 74.2 237.4 309.5 86 7782 22568 329.2 SMALLER VILLAGES WITH ZONING (CSO SETTLEMENT) Ballacolla 2.5 1.7 0.0 0.0 4.4 4.4 1 53 153 4.4 Ballybrittas 8.4 1.9 0.2 0.0 9.5 9.5 3 114 331 9.7 Ballinakill 9.3 14.7 0.2 0.0 4.8 4.8 1 58 167 5.0 Castletown 13.0 2.6 0.0 0.0 1.4 1.4 0 17 49 1.4 Emo 2.7 3.0 0.2 0.0 0.7 0.7 0 8 23 0.9 Errill 3.0 2.6 0.0 0.0 3.2 3.2 1 38 111 3.2 Kileen 2.9 0.1 0.0 2.1 0.0 2.1 1 0 0 2.1 Killeshin 6.7 0.7 0.0 3.9 4.7 8.6 2 56 164 8.6 Newtown 9.6 1.7 0.0 0.8 3.3 4.1 1 40 115 4.1 The Swan 7.0 0.8 0.0 0.0 0.9 0.9 0 11 31 0.9 Total (Smaller Villages) (G) 64.9 29.8 0.6 6.8 32.9 39.7 11 394 1144 40.3

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.