Leitrim County Development Plan 2023–2029

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   Introduction The Development Plan sets out an overall strategy for the proper planning and sustainable development of the County for the next six years whilst also aligning with longer term national and regional objectives up to 2040. The Leitrim County Development Plan 2023-2029 (hereafter referred to as “The Plan”) builds on the sound foundations laid in the County Development Plan 2015-2023 for the spatial development of the county. The Plan demonstrates how the vision for the future development of the county is consistent with current national and regional strategies as set out in the National Planning Framework and in the Regional Spatial and Economic Strategy for the Northern and Western Region. The Plan seeks to ensure the sustainable physical and social development of the county, ensuring the conservation and protection of the built and natural environment. The Plan comprises of a written statement and associated maps detailing development objectives and standards, informing where land is to be developed thereby directing public infrastructure and services, and ensuring that employment and services are aligned appropriately to create a cohesive society where people want to live. In this regard the Plan seeks to incorporate national and regional development strategic objectives into local level objectives. This Plan seeks to develop a thriving rural community, protect our environment and celebrate our rich and varied heritage. The Plan seeks to ensure that wildlife species and habitats are conserved, features of heritage interest protected, watercourses and ground water safeguarded from pollution and the beauty of the landscape maintained. The Plan seeks to grow sustainable tourism, diversify rural enterprise and encourage remote working hubs throughout the county, all facilitated by the rollout of broadband infrastructure. The Plan seeks to capitalise on the changes the COVID-19 pandemic has necessitated by attracting those wishing to work from home with our rural lifestyle, unspoilt landscape, and many outdoor recreation facilities. The Plan also seeks to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and capitalise on projects that allow us to become a low carbon, climate resilient and environmentally sustainable economy. 2 LEITRIM COUNTY DEVELOPMENT PLAN 2023-2029 – VOLUME I

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   1.1 Plan Making Process The preparation of this Plan has been informed by a series of consultations in accordance with statutory requirements prescribed in the Planning and Development Act 2000, as amended, as well as several workshops held with Elected Members throughout the preparation process. Key features of the consultations undertaken included public displays, information evenings and engagements with stakeholders and infrastructure and service providers which have informed each key stage of the plan making process from pre-draft stage to draft plan stage to proposed material alterations to the draft plan stage. Each of the statutory public consultations associated with each stage have been documented by a Chief Executive’s Report which has summarised the issues raised in the submissions and observations received and outlined the respective responses and recommendations of the Chief Executive to same. This includes submissions made by the Office of the Planning Regulator, the Northern and Western Regional Assembly, prescribed bodies, stakeholders and the general public. Each of these reports were key considerations for the Elected Members in making of this Plan. The preparation of the Plan was severely disrupted by the various restrictions arising from the Covid-19 pandemic, particularly during the early stages of its preparation. In response to the disruption caused by the restrictions on the planning system and the preparation of Development Plans generally, the Planning and Development (Amendment) Act 2021 was enacted in July 2021. This provided a mechanism for Planning Authorities to avail of an extension to their Development Plan review process and, simultaneously, an extension to the duration of their existing Development Plan for a period not exceeding one year. In this regard, the Elected Members of Leitrim County Council resolved to extend the duration of the review of the Leitrim County Development Plan 2015-2021 (as varied) up to the 31st of March 2023 at a meeting of the Council on the 7th of July 2022. Notwithstanding the delays to the preparation of the Plan, the Elected Members resolved to make the Plan at a Special Meeting of Leitrim County Council on the 7th of February 2023. Table 1.1 sets out the key stages and timelines associated with the preparation of the Leitrim County Development Plan 2023-2029. Table 1.1: Key Stages in the Preparation of the Leitrim County Development Plan 2023-2029 21st March 2023Adopted Development Plan comes into effect 7th February 2023Adoption of Leitrim County Development Plan 2023-2029 26th October 2022 Publication of Proposed Material Alterations to Draft Plan and commencement of public consultation on its content 11th February 2022 Publication of Draft Plan and commencement of public consultation on its content 17th June 2020 Pre-Draft Stage – Notice of Intention to review existing Plan and Prepare new Plan and commencement of associated public consultation LEITRIM COUNTY DEVELOPMENT PLAN 2023-2029 – VOLUME I 3 1 Introduction

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   1.2 Profile of the County Co. Leitrim is located in the northwest of Ireland, bounded by counties Cavan and Longford to the east, Roscommon to the south, Sligo to the west and Donegal and Fermanagh to the north. The Plan covers the administrative area of Co. Leitrim which encompasses an area measuring approximately 1,590 square kilometres. The county is traversed by three main arterial routes – the N4, the N16 and the R280 with the N15 running close to the short stretch of coastline south of Bundoran. The railway linking Dublin with Sligo runs along the southwest boundary of the county serving Dromod and Carrickon-Shannon. Co. Leitrim has the lowest population of any county in Ireland. The population was recorded at 32,044 people in 2016, which is the highest it has been since 1961. This Plan will allow the population to grow by up to 3,000 people over the life of this Plan which will require a significant level of in migration. Within the county, 89.3% of the population reside in rural area and outside of defined urban areas (i.e. towns with population in excess of 1,500). Carrick-on-Shannon is the largest town in the county and is the only defined urban centre in the county having recorded a population of 4,066 in the 2016 Census of Population (including the village of Cortober, Co. Roscommon). Carrick-on-Shannon is the predominant driver of employment with a very significant employment base. It is strategically positioned on the N4 Dublin to Sligo National Primary Road and on the Dublin to Sligo rail line. Ballinamore and Manorhamilton are classified as Self Sustaining Growth Towns and comprise well developed serviced settlements with significant employment supporting services and community facilities. In particular, Manorhamilton has a significant job to labour force ratio. These are both important towns at a sub-regional level and have capacity for continued commensurate growth to become more self-sustaining. Figure 1.1: Leitrim County Profile from 2016 Census of Population COUNTY LEITRIM CENSUS 2016 POPULATION OF COUNTY 2016 POPULATION CHANGE 2011-2016 POPULATION IN 2016 AS % of 1841 2006-2016 MALES FEMALES OVER 65 UNDER 15 WITH 3RD LEVEL QUALIFICATION BROADBAND ACCESS LIVING IN RURAL AREAS IN LABOUR FORCE WORKING IN AGRICULTURE WORKING IN INDUSTRY IN VERY GOOD HEALTH AVERAGE TRAVEL TIME TO WORK 27.4 minutes LARGEST TOWN: CARRICK-ON -SHANNON POPULATION: 4,062* includes part in Roscommon. 50.1% 16.9% 21.6% 58.0% 49.9% 10.7% 59.3% 11.5%8.6% 56.9% 20.6% 89.3% 37.7% 32,044 0.8% Source: Western Development Commission LEITRIM COUNTY DEVELOPMENT PLAN 2023-2029 – VOLUME I4 1 Introduction

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sss LLLLooouuuuuugggggghhhhhhh MM ee ll vv ii nn RR iii vvv eee rr SSS hhh aaa nnn nnn ooo nn RRR iii vvv eeerr SSS hhh S aaa nnn nnn ooo nn Corry MMountainCorryCo oo MountainC iiCoCoCCoCoorrrrryrryryry MMMoMMoounoununtunntanttataainaininin BogoBoggBogBBBBBBoBoooogogogog SliabhSliabhhhhSliiSSSlillialiiaiabababhhbhbhhh nnrrann In aaaa nnnaraiiianananannn IaIIaaaraarrararaaiiainainininnnnnnnn geKeeeeloogKe gesee esogeKKeKeKeKeeeeeeeeeloelloloogeogesegeeeses nnMoo aouuntM aitainiMMMMMoMMooououununununntantaatataainaininin Thu/ThuThThurgh/DouDoo uhh/ hurugDoughgDDDoDooDoDoouguougouuguggggghhhhgh/h/h/h/TT/T/TThThThhThThThThhuhurrrrurur ntainMoo ntainouuntainsM nsiiMoMMoouuuouununununntanttataainainininnsns g saaglesagEaglesEaEaEaaEaaagaglellesleeses kocRRoRockRRoRRRRRRRRooooRoococococckk Co. Leitrim also possesses a network of attractive towns and villages, with varied landscapes and a high-quality natural environment. The county has a rich and varied natural and built heritage which contributes to the county’s character, identity and sense of place. Resources in the county must be carefully managed to develop our society, economy and people in a sustainable manner. The profile of the county is outlined in Figure 1.1 across. The county comprises of the municipal districts of Ballinamore, Carrick-on-Shannon and Manorhamilton. For descriptive and geographical purposes, Co. Leitrim can be divided into a northern and southern half, generally separated by Lough Allen. The northern half of the county is characterised by mountains, expansive lakes and deep glacial valleys which forms a spectacularly scenic landscape. The southern half of the county is characterised by a drumlin belt interspersed with small lakes and rolling hillocks. The resultant soil type in the southern half of the county is primarily the product of retreating glacial masses. The River Shannon with its associated lake systems forms the county’s southwestern boundary with Co. Roscommon whilst Donegal Bay demarcates the northern extremity of the county along its 4.6 kilometre long coastline. The predominant soil types within the county generally comprise peats and gleys from glacial drift derived from a mix of limestone, sandstone, shale and other rocks. The predominant groupings of gleys and peats together make up 75% of the total county land mass. LEITRIM COUNTY DEVELOPMENT PLAN 2023-2029 – VOLUME I 5 1 Introduction

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   1.3 Statutory Context Under the Planning and Development Act 2000, as amended, each Planning Authority is obliged to prepare a Development Plan for its functional area every six years, the review of which should commence four years after its adoption. This Plan replaces the Leitrim County Development Plan 2015-2023. A Development Plan is required to be consistent with international, national, regional and local policy documents, guidelines and strategies. Project Ireland 2040, which includes the National Planning Framework (NPF) and National Development Plan (NDP), sets out the Government’s policy on spatial planning and infrastructure investment over the period to 2040. The NPF influences all spatial plans from national to local levels. The Regional Spatial and Economic Strategy (RSES) sets out the mechanism for delivering the NPF at a regional level. The County Development Plan provides an overall strategy for development of the county within the parameters of the national and regional planning frameworks. As detail is developed down through the hierarchy, further opportunity for focused assessment is required to inform decision making at a level of granularity which cannot be undertaken at the national scale. This is shown graphically in Figure 1.2. A Development Plan must also have regard to the Development Plans of adjoining Local Authorities and must consider any significant likely effects the implementation of the Plan may have on the area of any adjoining Local Authority. Accordingly, the objectives of this Plan have been prepared having regard to the plans of the adjoining Local Authorities of counties Donegal, Sligo, Roscommon, Longford and Cavan, and Fermanagh and Omagh District Council. Figure 1.2: Spatial Planning Hierarchy INDIVIDUAL PROJECTS LOCAL AREA PLANS AREA BASED LOCAL DEVELOPMENT LOCAL ECONOMIC & COMMUNITY PLANS COUNTY DEVELOPMENT PLANS REGIONAL SPATIAL & ECONOMIC STRATEGIES METRO AREA STRATEGIC PLANS S T R A T E G I C D E T A I L N AT I O N A L P L A N N I N G F R A M E W O R K EIA/ AA SEA/ AA SEA/ AA SEA/ AA SEA/ AA Source: National Planning Framework 6 LEITRIM COUNTY DEVELOPMENT PLAN 2023-2029 – VOLUME I

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   Development plans must comply with the requirements of the Planning and Development Act 2000, as amended. Section 10(2) of the Planning and Development Acts 2000, as amended, requires Development Plans to include mandatory development objectives relating to a range of issues which include the zoning of lands for particular purposes, provision of infrastructure, conservation and protection of the environment and built heritage, management of features and preservation of the landscape, the development and renewal of areas in need of regeneration, provision of traveller accommodation, education facilities, recreational amenities, transportation strategies and the preservation of public rights of way. The Development Plan must include a ‘Core Strategy’ which shows that the development objectives in the plan are consistent, as far as practicable, with national and regional development objectives set out in the NPF and the RSES. The written statement shall include a separate report which shows that the development objectives in the Development Plan are consistent, as far as practicable, with the conservation and protection of the environment. The Environmental Report (included as part of the Development Plan) forms part of the Development Plan process. With regard to climate change, Section 10(2) (n) of the Act requires that a Development Plan include objectives for the promotion of sustainable settlement and transport strategies in urban and rural areas, including the promotion of measures to reduce energy demand and greenhouse gas emissions and to adapt to climate change, having regard to, in particular, the location, layout and design of new development. 1.3.1 UN Sustainable Development Goals In 2015 the UN General Assembly detailed 17 Sustainable Development Goals as a blueprint to achieve better and more sustainable development for all. This Plan seeks to incorporate these overarching themes in the formulation and implementation of policies and objectives. Figure 1.3: United Nations Sustainable Development Goals Source: The 2030 Agenda and the Sustainable Development Goals, United Nations LEITRIM COUNTY DEVELOPMENT PLAN 2023-2029 – VOLUME I 7 1 Introduction

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   1.3.2 Pr oject Ireland 2040 Project Ireland 2040 is the Government’s longterm overarching strategy to make Ireland a better country for all its people. This approach changes how investment is made in public infrastructure in Ireland, moving away from the approach of the past, which saw public investment spread too thinly and investment decisions that didn’t align with a wellthought-out and defined strategy. Alongside the development of physical infrastructure, Project Ireland 2040 supports business and communities across all of Ireland in realising their potential and is composed of two key policy instruments, the National Planning Framework (NPF) and the National Development Plan (NDP). The NPF sets the vision and strategy for the development of our country to 2040 whilst the NDP provides enabling investment to implement the strategy. By 2040, it is projected that there will be roughly an extra one million people living in Ireland. This population growth will require hundreds of thousands of new jobs, new homes, and heightened cultural and social amenities, enhanced regional connectivity and improved environmental sustainability. Figure 1.4: National Strategic Outcomes 1. Compact Growth 2. Enhanced Regional Accessibility National Strategic Outcomes 3. Strengthened Rural Economies and Communities 4. Sustainable Mobility 9. Sustainable Management of Water, Waste and other Environmental Resources 8. Transition to a Low Carbon and Climate Resilient Society 7. Enhanced Amenity and Heritage 6. High-Quality International Connectivity 10. Access to Quality Childcare, Education and Health Services 5. A Strong Economy supported by Enterprise, Innovation and Skills Source: National Planning Framework Project Ireland 2040 is underpinned by a shared set of 10 no. goals or National Strategic Outcomes established in the NPF for every community across the country. The National Strategic Outcomes are contained in Figure 1.4 above. It is an approach that integrates ambition for improvement across the different areas of our lives, bringing the various government departments, agencies, State owned enterprises and local authorities together behind a shared set of strategic objectives for rural, regional and urban development. Regional and local plans must align with these National Strategic Outcomes which are underpinned by 75 no. National Policy Objectives. The preparation of this Plan has been informed by these National Strategic Outcomes and Policy Objectives. Emphasis is placed on enhanced regional accessibility, the compact sustainable growth of urban areas, strengthened rural economies and communities, and enhanced amenities and heritage. LEITRIM COUNTY DEVELOPMENT PLAN 2023-2029 – VOLUME I8 1 Introduction

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   The NPF places specific emphasis on the regeneration and rejuvenation of towns with investment in regeneration, public realm improvements and the appropriate adaptation and re-use of built heritage. There is also a focus on placemaking and upon securing improvements to quality of life. The NPF recognises that the regeneration and rejuvenation of towns and villages of all types and scale can play a role in making stronger urban places and contributing to compact growth. The NPF supports the use of performancebased standards for infill/brownfield developments. The NPF also places great emphasis on addressing the issues associated with climate change. 1.3.3 Regional Spatial and Economic Strategy (RSES) The RSES for the Northern and Western Region (2020-2032) is a strategic plan to support the implementation of Project Ireland 2040 (NPF and NDP) and the economic policies and objectives of the Government, by providing a long-term strategic planning and economic framework for the development of the region. Development plans for counties within the Northern and Western Regional Assembly (NWRA) area must align with this RSES. The RSES seeks to realise an ambition for our region that is Vibrant, Connected, Natural, Smart and a Great Place to Live, consolidated by a strong settlement strategy focusing on ‘People’ and ‘Places’. The intention is that it becomes a living framework, which will be supported as required by detailed action plans, investment proposals and delivery partnerships. It brings a new ‘place based’ approach that involves tapping into the economic potential that remains unused, so that all parts of regions, be they cities, towns or their rural hinterlands, can contribute to national development. Investment in the creation of ‘place’ is key to delivering the key elements that inform business location choices. Figure 1.5: Growth Ambitions PEOPLE AND PLACES SPATIAL AND ECONOMIC STRATEGY KEY INGREDIENTS AND METRICS VIBRANT AMBITION NATURAL AMBITION CONNECTED AMBITION INNOVATIVE PEOPLE INCLUSIVE AMBITION INFRASTRUCTURE AMBITION SUPPORTIVE INFRASTRUCTURE GREAT PLACE TO LIVE LOW CARBON FUTURE SUSTAINABLE GROWTH COMPACT GROWTH Source: Northern and Western Regional Spatial Economic Strategy 9LEITRIM COUNTY DEVELOPMENT PLAN 2023-2029 – VOLUME I 1 Introduction

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    The RSES Settlement Strategy identifies the role of Key Towns such as Carrick-on-Shannon which should provide a regionally strategic employment development of significant scale and also provide functions and services to an entire sub region, in this instance south Leitrim/east Roscommon. Carrick-on- Shannon is targeted to have a 30% population uplift with development focused on compact growth and prioritising the development of opportunity sites close to the town centre. This growth should be supported with employment growth and increased service provision. The RSES sets out the future priorities for Carrick-on-Shannon including the need to prepare a joint Local Area Plan with Roscommon County Council. The Development Plan is required to include measures to prioritise a programme for serviced sites to be provided in selected settlements (RPO 3.7) which is now included in the Programme for Government. In terms of rural housing, the RSES seeks to deliver at least 20% of all new housing in rural areas on brownfield sites (RPO 3.3). This needs to be considered in a wider reflection of the rural nature of settlement patterns across the county and a balance between the needs of all places, including towns and villages and rural areas. The RSES requires that the supply and location of jobs and homes must be aligned. This includes providing homes that are affordable and accessible to house the labour force, and the provision of land and premises that meet the needs of current and future businesses, including for smart design and orientation meeting present and future energy efficiency demands. To comply with such requirement, the Plan should identify a roadmap for this, and zone lands in a range of locations, whilst simultaneously striving to achieve the targets of compact growth. The NWRA believes that strong economic growth, which creates permanent, sustainable jobs, is best achieved by building a competitive and productive economy. The RSES advocates focusing policies on scale, investing in connectivity and in our people whilst aggressively pursuing a low carbon approach to enhance our differentiation. Under this Growth Ambition, the RSES gives recognition to the importance of place-based networks such as the Upper Shannon Erne Future Economy Project. The importance of Research and Innovation and policies which encourage and support the development of local entrepreneurial ecosystems through local clustering and smart specialisation are highlighted. The agri-food sector is vital to the region and the stimulation of gastronomy as part of our cultural heritage is something that offers local opportunities and is encouraged. The RSES acknowledges the importance of the link between accessibility and mobility having a direct effect on economic competitiveness and the attractiveness of the region for living/visiting. The provision of prudently managed transport and digital infrastructure is key to delivering on the regional vision. Integrating land use and transport planning is key in this regard along with focusing on the facilitation of the digital economy. The incorporation of Local Transport Plans for key settlements which includes Carrick-on-Shannon would enable an examination of potential growth from sustainable modes of transport, focusing on modal shift. The priorities for road and rail investment projects are set out in the RSES which includes the provision of the bypassing of Carrick-on-Shannon. The RSES also recognises the need to upgrade incrementally the N16 which forms part of the Dundalk to Sligo route which will impact on north Leitrim. The RSES emphasises the provision and maintenance of economic infrastructure, such as energy, water, and wastewater, are key to delivering compact growth and a connected, vibrant, inclusive, resilient and smart region. The ambition for growth in the NWRA area needs to be balanced with cognisance of our natural resources, landscape and heritage. The importance of greenways as sustainable and smart transportation links in rural areas achieving such a balance are included in the RSES. In addition, they will further enable the appropriate development of local businesses and start-ups in the vicinity of greenways. The SLNCR is referenced as a key route within the region in this regard. With regard to Quality of Life, the region aspires to be one of the ‘most liveable places in Europe’ with a commitment to sustainable and inclusive growth. To encourage job creation, the RSES requires a specific focus upon the enablement of access to education, health, employment, recreation and opportunity for all. The co-ordination and delivery of infrastructure, housing and employment land in the right places at the right time is a key outcome, with homes that are affordable. LEITRIM COUNTY DEVELOPMENT PLAN 2023-2029 – VOLUME I10 1 Introduction

Source Leitrim County Council: Leitrim County Development Plan 2023–2029 (2023–2029) · Licence the publisher's termsText read from the publisher’s PDF; tables, maps and drawings do not survive as text, and page numbers are the PDF’s (its first page is 1). Check the original before relying on a passage.