Laois County Development Plan 2021–2027

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   Chapter 2 Core and Settlement Strategy 39 | 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) UNSERVICED VILLAGES AND OPEN COUNTRYSIDE No exact population figures available for these villages Arles 1.5 1.3 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0 0 0 0.0 Coolrain 3.1 0.5 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0 0 0 0.0 Clough 2.4 0.2 0.0 0.0 3.9 3.9 1 39 113 3.9 Camross 2.0 0.6 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0 0 0 0.0 Cullahill 2.2 1.3 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0 0 0 0.0 Vicarstown 0.9 2.9 0.4 0.4 1.9 2.3 1 19 55 2.7 Timahoe 1.2 2.6 0.0 1.3 0.6 0.7 0 6 17 0.7 Rosenallis 2.4 2.7 0.2 0.0 0.5 0.5 0 5 15 0.7 Total (Unserviced Villages) (H) 15.6 12.1 0.6 1.7 6.9 8.6 2 69 200 9.2 Total (Small Villages, Unserviced Villages and Open Countryside) (I=G+H) 80.5 72.5 1.2 8.5 39.8 48.3 13 463 1344 49.5 OVERALL TOTAL FOR LAOIS (F+I) 1032 572 21 82.7 277.1 357.7 100.0 8245 23912 378.6 *The Planning Authority notes that further strategic reserve lands may be brought forward for zoning at Graiguecullen once a final preferred option of the Carlow Southern Relief Road has been identified. The figures includes an approximation of 100 rural one off dwellings per annum over the lifetime of the Plan. Refer to Sectio n 6.2 of the Laois Housing Strategy and Housing Needs Demand Assessment to the Laois County Development Plan (2021-2027) for analysis of rural one-off dwellings

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   Chapter 2 Core and Settlement Strategy 40 | P a g e 2.9 CORE STRATEGY POLICIES AND OBJECTIVES Laois County Council shall ensure that the future spatial development of Laois is directed by means of a plan led approach, directing residential and employment generating development to locations in accordance with National and Regional Policy, and with environmental carrying capacity, which can support investment in public infrastructure and services and which is sensitive to the physical character of the built and natural environment. This approach is enshrined in a number of Core Strategy Policy Objectives, as below. Overarching Core Strategy Policy Objectives CS 01 Ensure that the future spatial development of County Laois is in accordance with the National Planning Framework 2040 (NPF) including the population targets set out under the Implementation Roadmap, and the Regional, Spatial and the Economic Strategy (RSES) for the Eastern and Midland Region 2019-2031. CS 01A Following the receipt and consideration of any section 28 Guidelines including the Revised Development Plan Guidelines, the Planning Authority will prepare a report detailing consistency with this guidelines and if required prepare a variation to ensure the County Development aligns with same. CS 02 Implement all land use planning policy and objectives in a manner which takes account of and is consistent with the Core Strategy in order to accelerate a transition to a greener, low carbon and climate resilient county with a focus on reduced travel demand through the promotion of sustainable settlement patterns. CS 03 In the assessment of development proposals, to take account of transport corridors, environmental carrying capacity, availability and/or capacity to provide waste water and water supply services, potential to conflict with Water Framework Directive objectives, potential to impact on the integrity of European sites and Annexed Habitats and species, features of biodiversity value including ecological networks, impact on landscape and visual characteristics, education and other socioeconomic objectives. CS 04 Promote the integration of land use and transportation policies and to prioritise provision for cycling and walking travel modes and the strengthening of public transport. CS 05 Support the regeneration of underused town centre and brownfield/infill lands along with the delivery of existing zoned and serviced lands to facilitate population growth and achieve sustainable compact growth targets of 30% of all new housing to be built within the existing urban footprint of targeted settlements in the County. CS 06 Promote measures to reduce vacancy and the underuse of existing building stock and support initiatives that promote the reuse, refurbishment and retrofitting of existing buildings within urban centres and targeted settlements in the County. CS 07 Incorporate, in the content of the County Development Plan, measures in accordance with Section 10 (n) of the Planning and Development Acts 2000 (as amended) for the promotion of sustainable settlement and transportation strategies in urban and rural areas including the promotion of measures to — (i) reduce energy demand in response to the likelihood of increases in energy and other costs due to long-term decline in nonrenewable resources, (ii) reduce anthropogenic greenhouse gas emissions, and (iii) address the necessity of adaptation to climate change; in particular, having regard to location, layout and design of new development.

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   Chapter 2 Core and Settlement Strategy 41 | P a g e Overarching Core Strategy Policy Objectives CS 08 Review the Local Area Plans for Portlaoise and Mountmellick. During the transition period between adoption of this county development plan and the adoption of the Local Area Plans for Portlaoise and Mountmellick , the objectives (including zoning objectives) , policies and standards in this county development plan shall apply. The Local Area Plan for Portlaoise will be supported by a Local Transport Plan prepared concurrently in consultation with the National Transport Authority and Transport Infrastructure Ireland. The LTP will provide the strategic rationale for the development of any transport infrastructure objectives. CS 09 Prepare a cross boundary Joint Local Area Plan (LAP) for Carlow / Graiguecullen and associated local transport plan in conjunction with Carlow County Council having regard to the projected population growth set out in the Core Strategy of this Plan and to its location within the combined functional area of both Laois County Council and Carlow County Council. During the transition period between adoption of this county development plan and the adoption of the Joint Local Area Plan for Carlow / Graiguecullen, policies and standards in this county development plan shall apply8. CS 10 Prepare a cross boundary Joint Local Area Plans (LAP) for Portarlington and associated local transport plan, in conjunction with Offaly County Council having regard to the projected population growth set out in the Core Strategy of this Plan and to its location within the combined functional area of both Laois County Council and Offaly County Council. During the transition period between adoption of this county development plan and the adoption of the Local Area Plans for Portarlington, policies and standards in this county development plan shall apply. CS 11 Ensure that Laois County Development Plan is consistent with Section 28 Guidelines and support the development of quality residential schemes with a range of housing options having regard to the standards, principles and any specific planning policy requirements (SPPRs) set out in the Sustainable Residential Development and Compact Settlements Guidelines for Planning Authorities (2024); Urban Development and Building Heights Guidelines for Planning Authorities’ (2018) and the Planning Design Standards for Apartments (Guidelines for Planning Authorities (2025). 2.10 FUTURE SETTLEMENT GROWTH 2.10.1 KEY TOWNS Portlaoise and Graiguecullen are designated as Key Towns in the RSES, which are defined as ‘Large economically active service and/or county towns that provide employment for their surrounding areas and with high- quality transport links and the capacity to act as growth drivers to complement the Regional Growth Centres’. 8The Joint LAP shall provide a coordinated planning framework to identify and deliver strategic sites and regeneration areasfor the future physical, economic and social development of Carlow / Graiguecullen to ensure it achieves targeted compact growth of a minimum of 30% and ensure a coordinated approach is taken to the future growth and development of the of the combined urban area, ensuring that it has the capacity to grown sustainably and secure investment as a Key Town. The Joint LAP shall identify a boundary for the plan area and strategic housing and employment development areas and infrastructure investment requirements to promote greater coordination and sequential delivery of serviced lands for development. Regard shall be had to the respective housing, retail and other local authority strategies that may be in place.

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   Chapter 2 Core and Settlement Strategy 42 | P a g e 2.10.1.1 Portlaoise In line with this objective, the following provides a rationale for directing significant growth towards Portlaoise: a) Population Profile and Growth County Laois has experienced significant population growth in the past decade, growing by 26.3% over the ten year period between 2006 and 2016. In the same ten year period, Portlaoise experienced a significant population growth rate of 45%. The proportion of the county’s population living within Portlaoise has grown steadily over this period, rising from 21% in 2006 to 26% in 2016. Table 2.17: Population statistics for County Laois and Portlaoise between 2002 and 2016 Persons 2002 Persons 2006 Persons 2011 Persons 2016 % Change 06-16 County Laois 58,774 67,059 80,559 84,697 26.3 Portlaoise 12,127 14,613 20,145 22,050 45 (Source: CSO) The 2016 Census reported 8,958 Portlaoise residents commute to either work (8,381) or third-level study (577) on a daily basis. Excluding mobile workers, those who work from or at home and those whose place of work, school or college could not be coded, a total of 6,623 Portlaoise residents regularly commute either to work (92%) or to third-level study (8%). Of those who commute to work, 63% commute to a location within County Laois and 37% leave the County. The majority of Portlaoise commuters drive, accounting for 67% of those who commute to work and 28% of those commuting to third-level study. The next most popular modes of travel for workers is walking (9%) , and for third level students walking (21%) and bus (21%) were the next most popular. Primary and secondary level students most popular mode of travel was passengers by car (57%), with walking (22%) and bus (13%) the next most popular. A large proportion of Portlaoise commuters to work are highly educated with nearly 44% holding a third-level or higher qualification. This compares to 53% for the state. The highest proportion of 29% work in the Wholesale or Retail sector with Education, Human Health and social work activities the next highest at 19%. b) Strategic Infrastructure/Investment As outlined under Project Ireland 2040 some of the other strategic infrastructure/ investment identified for Portlaoise include: Transport Regional and Local Roads: • Portlaoise Southern Distributor Road will be progressed over the course of the National Development Plan – Completed in 2019. Health: • A Mental Health project for a 40 bed Residential Unit.

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   Chapter 2 Core and Settlement Strategy 43 | P a g e Courts Service: • Provision of a new or refurbished Courthouse. Prison Service: • Modernisation or replacement of the historic E Block in Portlaoise Prison. The RSES states that Key Towns should seek commensurate population and employment growth, on high quality public transport corridors coupled with investment in services, amenities and sustainable transport. c) Regeneration and Low Carbon Town The “Portlaoise Public Realm Strategy “2040 And Beyond: A Vision For Portlaoise” sets out a vision for the future development of Portlaoise town centre. Improvements to the public realm through a program of infrastructural works will provide a safe, attractive, and comfortable place to live, work and visit. Infrastructural improvements will prioritise pedestrians through measures such as traffic calming, street maintenance and traffic management in the historic town centre. The town has also been designated Ireland’s first low carbon town which is support by RPO 4.72 of the RSES. The aim of the Low Carbon Town is to reduce the impact of the car on the public realm and improving the mix of uses within the town centre. This will be achieved by removing large volumes of traffic from congested areas, utilising the South Circular Road and by reconfiguration of existing traffic flows throughout the town centre. Building on the development of this ‘Park and Stride’ policy Laois County Council will also be encouraging an increase in the adoption of cycling by extending on-road and off-road cycle ways and the creation of the Triogue River Blueway as an environmental and amenity objective. The Local Authority will also be upgrading the laneway’s of Portlaoise by improving the overall look, retrofitting existing street lights with energy saving LED’s and adding additional lighting to poorly lit areas. Further energy efficient amenities will include the addition of 30 eCar charge Points and an extension of the number of solar powered compactor bins to 50. The Council has also received significant funding to develop a multi-point incubation hub called ‘The Cube’ for the development of a Low Carbon Centre of Excellence, assisting in attracting and developing companies with a low Carbon focus. d) Strategic Employment Zone Additional to this, it is objective to capitalise on Portlaoise’s location on the motorway and rail networks and proximity to the Greater Dublin Area. The zoning and servicing of land at Togher as a National Enterprise Park for enterprise, employment and industrial uses, in the immediate vicinity of national strategic transport infrastructure, represents a unique opportunity to develop a cluster of complementary enterprises and more generally a larger, more robust and diverse economic basis for the town, county and region. J17 National Enterprise Park Masterplan sets out the guidance in this respect. Portlaoise Policy Objectives CS 12 Support the continued growth and sustainable development of Portlaoise to act as a growth driver in the region and to fulfill its role as a Key Town as outlined in the Regional Spatial and Economic Strategy 2019.

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   Chapter 2 Core and Settlement Strategy 44 | P a g e CS 13 Direct population into the Key Town to ensure that population growth is appropriate in scale with its identified role in the Regional and County Settlement Hierarchy. CS 14 Require sustainable , compact , sequential growth in Portlaoise by consolidating the built up footprint9 with a focus on the redevelopment and regeneration of infill and brownfield sites. CS 15 Apply increased residential densities where appropriate having regard to the: (i) Sustainable Residential Development and Compact Settlements Guidelines for Planning Authorities (2024), (ii) Urban Development and Building Heights Guidelines for Planning Authorities’ (2018); and (iii) Planning Design Standards for Apartments (Guidelines for Planning Authorities (2025). Apply appropriate development management measures in ensuring growth is appropriate and in compliance with the RSES 2019. CS 16 Implement the actions of the ‘Portlaoise Public Realm Strategy “2040 And Beyond: A Vision For Portlaoise’ to improve the character of the town of Portlaoise. CS 17 Support and facilitate the transition of Portlaoise to a low carbon centre of excellence in accordance with RPO 4.72 of the RSES. 2.10.1.2 Graiguecullen Graiguecullen is designated as a Key Town in the RSES, which are defined as ‘Large economically active service and/or county towns that provide employment for their surrounding areas and with high- quality transport links and the capacity to act as growth drivers to complement the Regional Growth Centres’. A joint LAP for the Carlow / Graiguecullen area was prepared in 2012 and further extended up to and including 22nd October 2022 after which time a new Joint Spatial Plan will be prepared for the Greater Carlow Graiguecullen Area in conjunction with Carlow County Council which will align with the policy provisions of the EMRA RSES and the Southern Regional Assembly RSES in order to comply with RPO 4.75. In addition to this RPO 4.76 will be considered and inform the preparation of the Joint LAP - support the sustainable development of environmentally sensitive , low intensity amenity development associated with the Barrow Blueway subject to compliance with the Habitats directive and floods Directive. The vision for the Greater Carlow Graiguecullen urban area is as follows:- “A high-functioning, inclusive, compact and accessible greater urban area, underpinned by a robust and diverse local economy comprising retail, commercial, industrial, education and tourism uses; with characteristics including a strong sense of place, a vibrant and vital town centre, opportunities for education and cultural experiences for all, a network of linked open spaces, recreational uses 9 National Policy Objective 3C of the NPF 2018 states “deliver at least 30% of all new homes that are targeted in settlements other than the 5 cities and their suburbs , within their existing built up footprints”

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   Chapter 2 Core and Settlement Strategy 45 | P a g e and other social infrastructure elements to provide for a good quality of life and increased emphasis on sustainable forms of transport and patterns of development” The RSES states that Key Towns should seek commensurate population and employment growth, on high quality public transport corridors coupled with investment in services, amenities and sustainable transport. Graiguecullen Policy Objectives CS 18 Support the continued growth and sustainable development of Graiguecullen to act as a growth driver in the region and to fulfill its role as a Key Town. CS 19 Work with Carlow County Council to Identify strategic housing and employment development areas and infrastructure investment requirements to promote greater coordination and sequential delivery of serviced lands for development. CS 20 Promote higher densities at appropriate locations, owing to position on public transport network where appropriate to do so having regard to Guidelines for Planning Authorities on Sustainable Residential Developments in Urban Areas (DEHLG, 2009) and ensure that any plan or project associated with the provision of new housing is subject to Appropriate Assessment Screening in compliance with the Habitats Directive, and subsequent assessment as required. CS 21 Require sustainable, compact, sequential growth in Graiguecullen by consolidating the built up footprint10 with a focus on the redevelopment and regeneration of infill and brownfield sites. 2.10.2 SELF SUSTAINING GROWTH TOWN The RSES defines ‘Self Sustaining Growth Towns’ as ‘TOWNS WITH A MODERATE LEVEL OF JOBS AND SERVICES – INCLUDES SUB-COUNTY MARKET TOWNS AND COMMUTER TOWNS WITH GOOD TRANSPORT LINKS AND CAPACITY FOR CONTINUED COMMENSURATE GROWTH TO BECOME MORE SELF-SUSTAINING’. Laois County Council has identified Portarlington as a Self Sustaining Growth Town. The population of Portarlington in the 2016 Census is 6,576 persons (Laois County Council Area) and 1,772 persons (Offaly County Council Area). An established measure of the employment “health” of a settlement is a measure called the “Jobs Ratio”. This is the relationship between the number of people in the labour force and the number of jobs in any defined area. A healthy area is considered to be one where the jobs ratio is around 70%. While not all towns will be able to reach this level, it is considered reasonable that the plan should aim to increase the jobs ratio proportionately to accord with the town’s characteristics and level in the County settlement and employment hierarchy. As indicated in Census 2016 Portarlington has a total labour force of 3,798 persons. The census also indicates that there are 1,349 jobs within the settlement of Portarlington. Given an indicated resident worker population of 3,103, Portarlington has a jobs to resident workers ratio of 0.435 which is below the definition of a healthy area where it is considered to be one where the jobs ratio is around 70%. However it should be noted that since 2016 a number of new enterprise / employment opportunities have been established namely – Portarlington Enterprise Centre is now at full 10 National Policy Objective 3C of the NPF 2018 states “deliver at least 30% of all new homes that are targeted in settlements other than the 5 cities and their suburbs , within their existing built up footprints”

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   Chapter 2 Core and Settlement Strategy 46 | P a g e capacity, sites within the Enterprise park have been further developed, investment in the Garden Shop, etc should be factored now into the figures going forward. Portarlington is one of the most accessible towns within the Midlands Region by virtue of the Train station which has had substantial investment in recent years. The National Planning Framework (NPF) includes a National Policy Objective to prepare a Joint Local Area Plan where a town and environs lie within the combined functional area of more than one Local Authority. The Joint LAP has set out an overall strategy for the proper planning and sustainable development of Portarlington in the context of the relevant county development plans for both counties. Due to the town’s proximity to the Greater Dublin Area and its location on the Dublin-Cork/ Dublin- Galway train line, Portarlington has experienced significant population growth since the beginning of the millennium. In this regard, the town’s population increased from 4,001 persons in 2002 to 8,368 persons in 2016. Portarlington is ranked third in overall population size in County Laois and fourth in County Offaly behind the county towns of Portlaoise and Tullamore. While such population growth has created the critical mass to support the town’s own services and industry, this growth has in turn placed an even greater demand on the town’s infrastructure, in particular education, housing, recreational amenities and services. The development of Portarlington over the lifetime of this plan shall be focused on employment generation, the consolidation of the town centre and the provision of community and social services and the transition to a low carbon town. The Council is currently preparing a Portarlington Regeneration Strategy for the town centre. The aim of the strategy is to create a vision for Portarlington's public realm, including the suitable re-use of Market House and Square. The aim of the Strategy will be to identify key urban spaces designated for enhancement and connection, pedestrian priority linkages and proposals to better link the historic core with adjacent amenities (People's Park, River Barrow, Leisure Centre and play areas) Overarching Core Strategy Policy Objectives CS 22 Promote consolidation in Self-Sustaining Growth Towns coupled with targeted investment where required to improve local employment, services and sustainable transport options and to become more self-sustaining settlements. CS 23 Prepare a Urban Regeneration Strategy for the Town of Portarlington to ensure a framework for its future development which would seek to identify opportunities for heritage led regeneration in the Market Square and pedestrian and cycle linkages between Portarlington Railway Station and (i) Market Square/Main Street (ii) Portarlington Leisure Centre (ii) ColaisteIosagain and Derryounce Lakes and Trails. CS 24 Promote higher densities at appropriate locations, owing to position on public transport network where appropriate to do so having regard to the: (i) Sustainable Residential Development and Compact Settlements Guidelines for Planning Authorities (2024), (ii) Urban Development and Building Heights Guidelines for Planning Authorities’ (2018); and (iii) Planning Design Standards for Apartments (Guidelines for Planning Authorities (2025).

9. Page 49

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   Chapter 2 Core and Settlement Strategy 47 | P a g e Overarching Core Strategy Policy Objectives Ensure that any plan or project associated with the provision of new housing is subject to Appropriate Assessment Screening in compliance with the Habitats Directive, and subsequent assessment as required; 2.10.3 SELF SUSTAINING TOWNS Self-Sustaining Towns, according to the RSES, are towns with high levels of population growth and a weak employment base which are reliant on other areas for employment and/or services and which require targeted ‘catch up’ investment to become more self-sustaining. Mountmellick, Abbeyleix, Mountrath, Stradbally form this tier of the settlement hierarchy. Each of these towns have experienced limited growth over the past development plan period. The Self Sustaining Towns are so designated, because they are important urban centres within their hinterlands, providing community and infrastructural facilities and services and the population base to maintain them. These towns perform important retail, residential, service and amenity functions for local, essentially rural hinterland and support the upper tiers of the urban hierarchy, including the key towns. Many of these towns have experienced high levels of population growth over the last census period, in some cases without the necessary supporting services. The development of these towns needs to be increasingly aimed at consolidating growth within the Self sustaining Towns and better matching it to the development of social and physical infrastructure. Mountmellick has a role to play in supporting both the Key towns of both Portlaoise and Tullamore within the Midlands Region. Abbeyleix, Stradbally, Mountrath are also Self Sustaining Towns dispersed around the county on the national road network. These towns are considered appropriate for managed population growth over the plan period, together with employment opportunities, business, industry and tourism and infrastructural development. The RSES states that population growth in Self-Sustaining towns shall be at a rate that seeks to achieve a balancing effect and shall be focused on consolidation and inclusion of policies in relation to improvements in services and employment provision. Self Sustaining Towns Policy Objectives CS 25 Promote commensurate population and employment growth in the designated Self- Sustaining towns, providing for natural increases and to become more economically self- sustaining, in line with the quality and capacity of public transport, services and infrastructure available. CS 26 Identify opportunities sites within the Self sustaining towns for residential, employment or social functions. CS27 Ensure that population growth is appropriate in pace and scale and diversity of uses and services within its identified role in the settlement hierarchy. 2.10.4 TOWNS Durrow, Rathdowney and Ballylinan are included within this tier of the settlement hierarchy. Facilitating housing is paramount to ensuring the sustainability, vitality and viability of the rural

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    Chapter 2 Core and Settlement Strategy 48 | P a g e places of the Region, according to the RSES. Support for housing and population growth within rural towns and villages in County Laois will provide a viable alternative to rural one-off housing, contributing to the principle of compact growth. These towns have an important role to play in performing local residential, retailing, social and leisure functions and providing appropriate local services to a wider rural hinterland. They have attractive streetscapes, physical settings and heritage buildings that present a strong visual character. Rathdowney provides a range of services and facilities for the population of the immediately surrounding hinterland. It is a focus for social interaction in the west of the county, and provides linkages to the smaller settlement nodes [such as Errill and Donaghmore] in its district. Durrow provides a limited range of services and facilities for the population of the immediately surrounding hinterland. It is a focus for social interaction in the south of the county, and provides linkages to the smaller settlement nodes in its districts. Ballylinan also provides a limited range of services and facilities in the north eastern quadrant of the county for its population and that of its rural hinterland. Its proximity to Athy and Carlow has placed pressure on it from a commuting perspective and so it is considered appropriate to identify opportunities within the town that could grow employment and enterprise and potential serviced sites for residential purposes. Having regard to their existing and envisaged size, their general structure as small country settlements, their range of housing requirements and their semi urban character, their plans include statutory zoning of particular land for particular purposes. Towns Policy Objectives CS 28 Promote consolidation coupled with targeted rural housing and investment policies in Towns and Villages where required to improve local employment, services and sustainable transport options and to become more self-sustaining. CS 29 Promote regeneration opportunities within these towns to ensure their viability as service centres for the surrounding areas. 2.10.5 VILLAGES AND RURAL AREAS Laois has traditionally been a predominantly rural county. The 2016 Census results show a distribution between the urban and rural population as 48.4% and 51.6% respectively. In 2011, this distribution was as 47.4% and 52.6% respectively. Thus, the overall proportion of the County living in urban settlements is increasing. Rural population will continue to be supported through the small towns and villages and through a sustainable approach to maintaining the rural population and rural economy, balanced against measures to protect the environment. Support for providing housing within our small towns and villages as an alternative to the consideration of one off housing in the countryside will be enable in this development plan in order to achieve the principles of compact growth while transitioning to a low carbon economy. A national programme will be developed for new homes in small towns and villages with Local Authorities, public infrastructure agencies such as Irish Water and local communities providing serviced sites with appropriate infrastructure. Examples of this have already emerged in County Laois in Small towns such as Castletown and are planned in towns such as Killeen in the East of the County.

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