Development plan · Leitrim County Council
Leitrim County Development Plan 2023–2029
The council's development plan written statement: its strategy, policies, objectives and development standards.
Leitrim County Council · 2023–2029 · 398 pages
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- 5.1 Introduction Leitrim has an exceptional landscape of unspoilt natural beauty to be explored for sustainable tourism purposes and a range of recreational amenities dotted across the county. The tourism objectives and policies seek to maximise opportunities for growth and realise the economic benefits of tourism for the county in a sustainable manner in line within the national and regional policy framework. Three airports serve the majority of Leitrim - Ireland West Airport Knock (50 minutes distant), Dublin (2 hours) and Belfast (3 hours). The Shannon-Erne waterway runs from the north east of the county to the south west, with Carrick-on-Shannon the ‘navigational capital’ along the waterway. This coupled with the spectacular mountains and valleys of the northwest ensure a remarkable landscape for tourists to explore. Fáilte Ireland’s figures indicate that in 2019, Leitrim welcomed 1% of the 9.7 million overseas tourists who came to Ireland, spending 1% of the €5.2bn overseas tourism expenditure in Ireland, with a further 310,000 domestic visitors to Leitrim and Cavan generating an estimated €53m in revenue. However, the COVID-19 pandemic presents a very challenging time for tourism as people have been unwilling or not permitted to travel. The tourism industry has suffered greatly, with significantly reduced revenue generation, redundancies and a loss of confidence in the industry and in travel in general. The Leitrim Tourism Strategy, “A Growth Strategy for Tourism in Leitrim, 2015-2021” outlined a target of 296,000 tourists to the county in 2021. This target cannot be realised due to the unforeseen pandemic, but opportunities present themselves and with the vast open space of Co. Leitrim and safety in the outdoors, the focus will be on promoting the strong tourism product around family, food and slow adventure tourism across our county. Initially the focus will be on domestic visitors but returning in the short term, to attracting foreign visitors back to our shores. Co. Leitrim is renowned for its festival and events and as an angling and boating county and has opportunities abounding for walking and outdoor activities. The county’s natural assets (waterways; loughs and lakes; glens, valleys and waterfalls; and mountain ranges) are characterised by an abundance of tourist attractions, cultural and built heritage, village life, water-based benefits, visitor amenities and vitality with a charming sense of identity. Leitrim County Council will continue to raise the profile of Leitrim as a tourist destination and ensure that the county is well represented and marketed regarding structured and themed products. The Council is fully supportive of all future developments that will contribute positively to the tourism potential of the county, while protecting the heritage and environment of the county, to achieve maximum economic and social gain. In April 2018, Fáilte Ireland unveiled ‘Ireland’s Hidden Heartlands’, a regional branded experience which encourages consumers to explore the green heartlands of Ireland’s natural beauty, where activity and relaxation are centred around rural communities. ‘Ireland’s Hidden Heartlands’ region includes the entire length of the River Shannon referred to in the Shannon Masterplan as well as the main sections of the Beara Breifne Way. The Wild Atlantic Way continues to be a key driver for tourism growth for North Leitrim extending from the coastline inland to include Manorhamilton and Dromahair. It is through cohesive development and marketing of a variety of activities within the county that will ensure longer stay vacations and increased revenue. This Plan supports the development of accessible facilities and information points at tourist destinations to support tourism development throughout the county whilst also ensuring the protection of the environment. LEITRIM COUNTY DEVELOPMENT PLAN 2023-2029 – VOLUME I112
- 5.2 Policy Context 5.2.1 People, Place and Policy: Growing Tourism to 2025, Department of Transport, Tourism and Sport, 2015 This National Strategy aims “to facilitate a vibrant, attractive tourism sector that makes a significant contribution to employment across the country; is economically, socially and environmentally sustainable; helps promote a positive image of Ireland overseas, and is a sector within which people want to work”. A series of 3 Year Action Plans will ensure the implementation of the strategy. 5.2.2 Tourism Action Plan 2019- 2021, Department of Transport, Tourism and Sport, 2018 The current National Tourism Action Plan 2019-2021 places an emphasis on regional growth and season extension and on helping to build the attractiveness of some of the less well-known attractions and regions internationally to create more balanced tourism growth across the country and support less-developed tourism areas. 5.2.3 Tourism Development and Innovation, A Strategy for Investment 2016-2022 Fáilte Ireland, 2016 This Strategy includes a strong focus on building memorable visitor experiences, developing a world-class industry, and creating visitor-friendly infrastructure and communities throughout the country. Much of the capital investment nationally is focused on the four regional experience brands, with an emphasis on increased revenue generation from tourism and alignment with the brands. Leitrim forms part of Irelands Hidden Heartlands and the Wild Atlantic Way. The purpose of the new branding is to encourage more visitors and tourists to explore the region’s natural assets such as the River Shannon and its walking trails, boating, fishing, greenways and woodlands. 5.2.4 National Planning Framework 2040 Tourism is part of National Strategic Outcome 7 of the NPF, ‘Enhanced Amenities and Heritage’ which requires investment in well-designed public realm, recreational infrastructure and rural amenities including activity-based tourism and trails such as Greenways, Blueways and Peatways, with the development of a strategic national network of these trails highlighted as a priority (NPO 21). In addition, NPO 22 notes the importance of maintaining and protecting the natural landscape and built heritage which are vital to rural tourism. The NPF clearly states that tourism and agriculture are inextricably linked in rural areas, given that agriculture, in many places, creates and maintains the landscape upon which tourism trades. The built, cultural and natural assets which constitute the ‘raw material’ of the tourism industry are also essential to the production capability of the agricultural sector. Tourism has the capacity to directly and indirectly sustain communities, create employment and deliver real social benefits for rural Ireland. 5.2.5 Regional Spatial and Economic Strategy, Northern and Western Regional Assembly, 2020-2032 The RSES identifies the potential of sustainable rural tourism and supports rural tourism initiatives concerned with agri-tourism, rural enterprise and conservation of natural heritage together with sites that are also important for cultural, archaeological or built heritage reasons. Co. Leitrim has the lowest share of tourists in the region, but the RSES lists key priorities for the county to develop the tourism offer and the Purple Flag Status of Carrick-on-Shannon as a destination town and ensure orientation and tourist information points are facilitated to encourage the slow tourism market to stay in the town. The strategy aims to develop the water based leisure sector and deliver on the Blueway development under the Upper Shannon Erne Future Economy project (USEFE). LEITRIM COUNTY DEVELOPMENT PLAN 2023-2029 – VOLUME I 113 5 Tourism
- 5.2.6 Strategy for the Future Development of National and Regional Greenways, Department of Tourism, Transport and Sport, 2018 This Strategy recognises the high potential of Greenways as economic contributors to rural communities through increased tourism. In order to ensure the maximum benefit in this regard, future greenways funded under this strategy will be required to be ‘strategic, scenic, sustainable, offer lots to see and do and substantially segregated from vehicular traffic and offering shared use between pedestrians and cyclists’. 5.2.7 Realising our Rural Potential, Action Plan for Rural Development This Plan by the Department of Arts, Heritage, Regional, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs (DAHRRGA) highlights the potential of activity tourism to contribute to economic growth in rural areas. 5.2.8 Our Rural Future, Rural Development Policy 2021-2025 This Plan by the Department of Rural and Community Development focuses on the development of rural Ireland over the next five years. The Plan recognises the importance of tourism to the economy and states that ‘tourism is the only employer of note outside of agriculture in many rural areas’. The Plan seeks to explore new tourism initiatives including on a cross border basis. The Plan seeks to promote sustainable tourism and invest in outdoor recreational tourism. 5.2.9 Leitrim Tourism Strategy, A Growth Strategy for Tourism in Leitrim 2015-2021 The Leitrim Tourism Strategy outlines the components of the Leitrim brand as: LEITRIM BRAND BRAND PROMISE Memorable holiday experiences, friendly and authentic people, natural and scenic landscape BRAND VALUES Memorable,ntriguing, proud of our heritage, proud of our unspoilt environment BRAND ESSENCE Gracious, authentic 114 LEITRIM COUNTY DEVELOPMENT PLAN 2023-2029 – VOLUME I 5 Tourism
- The Strategy has identified that Leitrim’s tourism product and the realisation from product experience to revenue acquired, is founded on six strategic pillars, underpinned by open communication and partnership which are outlined in Table 5.1: Table 5.1: Strategic Pillars of Leitrim Tourism Product Pillars Goal Key Actions Customer Centricity Customer at heart of everything. We understand what they want and everyone they meet on the journey (pre-visit to end of holiday) delivers a truly memorable experience. 1. Clear focus on segments that have best fit with Leitrim 2. Link between segment needs and Leitrim experiences 3. Capacity building on importance of understanding segments 4. Ensure that trade and public understand brand values and deliver the promise; ‘every customer, every time’. 5. Decision making led by customer insights Product & Infrastructure All investment decisions in product/infrastructure capitalise on, but protect, Leitrim’s natural & built assets that give Leitrim a lead within competitive set. 1. Identify infrastructure requirements for key selling points 2. Focus investment on sustainability and customer needs 3. Improve signage, interpretation and information 4. Ongoing upkeep 5. Support for trade re accommodation approvals. Explore market intervention to encourage increased supply 6. Support for festivals and events Experience Development All areas of Leitrim deliver a unique holiday experience built on product, service and story. Cohesive commitment to experience development creates lasting memories that drive repeat and referral business. 1. Develop experiences around key selling points and products with market leading potential: Lakelands, Blueway, cruising, landscape, Northern Glens, angling, walking, cycling, WAW, eco-tourism, land activities, water activities, culture, festivals, Diaspora 2. Continual, facilitated programme of trade familiarisation and discovery days 3. Capacity building to develop a culture of continuous improvement Collaboration Everyone involved in tourism in Leitrim, directly and indirectly, understands its economic importance. This drives real collaboration, communication and sharing. 1. Systematic programme of communication and sharing; Leitrim Tourism, trade, stakeholders, etc. 2. Local PR – Understand Leitrim’s tourism story & their role in it 3. Familiarisation for local trade and public 4. Proactive networking and referral between tourism businesses 5. Collaboration with neighbouring counties Marketing & Sales Cross-platform marketing communications inspire and influence partners and customers. Leitrim is easy to find in the places where customers search. We make it easy for them to decide and buy. International: 1. Cooperation with FI/TI for PR and overseas trade activity 2. Co-op with airports 3. Digital: web, SEO, social media, web internationalisation 4. In-Ireland TO workshops Domestic & NI: 1. PR 2. Digital marketing (as above) & CRM 3. Joint consumer promotions Governance & Structure Delivery of the strategy is driven by a shared desire for success. Leitrim County Council in conjunction with key stakeholders and industry representatives lead and implement the strategy. 1. Leitrim County Council lead strategy implementation 2. Develop working groups and activation teams 3. Develop coherence & shared knowledge around annual work plans 4. Strong stakeholder relationships; trade, communities, agencies 5. Identify and secure funding based on strategy needs Source: Leitrim Tourism Strategy, A Growth Strategy for Tourism in Leitrim 2015-2021 LEITRIM COUNTY DEVELOPMENT PLAN 2023-2029 – VOLUME I 115 5 Tourism
- 5.2.10 Leitrim Recreation Strategy: A Roadmap for the Future Development of Recreation in Co. Leitrim, 2014 The Recreation Strategy sets out a roadmap for the further development of recreation amenities in the county in the interest of both residents and tourism. The key amenities identified were walking trails and loops (e.g., Glenade uplands); the Shannon-Erne Waterway as a Blueway-Greenway; the Lough Allen Basin; water and land based recreation and adventure (e.g., canoeing, kayaking, rowing, walking, cycling, equestrian); angling (game, pike and other coarse angling), and; rail to trail Greenway projects on the former Sligo Leitrim and Northern Counties rail line and the former Cavan Leitrim rail line. 5.2.11 The Shannon, Mighty River of Ireland, A Tourism Masterplan for the Shannon 2020-2030 ‘The Shannon, Mighty River of Ireland, A Tourism Masterplan for the Shannon 2020 – 2030’ was prepared by Fáilte Ireland in association with Waterways Ireland and the relevant Local Authorities as part of Ireland’s Hidden Heartlands marketing programme. The objective of this plan is to reposition the River Shannon as a key destination in Ireland identifying visitor experiences based on the region’s natural and cultural assets. Listed as a priority in the Plan is Key Action DZ1.2 which seeks to ‘develop the Carrick-to- Leitrim boardwalk; linking northwards to Acres Lake and Lough Allen’. 5.2.12 Tourism Masterplan for the Beara Breifne Way The ‘Tourism Masterplan for the Beara Breifne Way’ is based on the vision and aspirations of Fáilte Ireland and the regional destination brands, particularly Ireland’s Hidden Heartlands. The primary aim of the Beara Breifne Way is to attract visitors ‘off the beaten track’, creating significant economic and social benefits to the rural communities, towns and villages along the route. The existing Beara Breifne Way stretches from Dursey Island in Co Cork to Blacklion in Co Cavan. It runs for over 700km and traverses the counties of Cork, Kerry, Limerick, Tipperary, Offaly, Galway, Roscommon, Sligo, Leitrim and Cavan. The Beara Breifne Way is made up of 12 existing National Waymarked Trails or long-distance walking routes, including the Leitrim Way, and sections of trail that link these. The Beara Breifne Way runs through the experience brand region of Ireland’s Hidden Heartlands and is a signature visitor experience in this destination. The route also traverses the Wild Atlantic Way and Ireland’s Ancient East destination brands. Fáilte Ireland has procured consultants to conduct a detailed infrastructural and visitor experience review of the Beara Breifne Way to bring the trail up to best-in-class international standards. The review includes a full trail audit, trail design, development of an interpretation framework, orientation and wayfinding strategies and environmental assessments for the Beara Breifne Way. The project is scheduled for completion Q2 2022 with the findings to be implemented through a collaborative approach with all stakeholders over the lifetime of the Tourism Masterplan (2030). LEITRIM COUNTY DEVELOPMENT PLAN 2023-2029 – VOLUME I116 5 Tourism
- 5.3 General Tourism Development Leitrim County Council is committed to supporting the growth of tourism in the county by taking full advantage of national and regional initiatives and funding schemes and maximising the potential of our unique natural, heritage, cultural and amenity assets. In reaching this potential, it is essential that a co-ordinated and collaborative approach is taken with relevant agencies, tourism businesses and communities throughout the county. Emphasis will be placed on securing sustainable tourism development whilst also ensuring the protection of environmental assets that tourism is dependent upon. Leitrim County Council will promote the principles of ecotourism namely – environmentally sustainable practices; natural area focus; interpretation and education; contributing to conservation; benefiting local communities; visitor satisfaction; responsible marketing and communication; cultural awareness and respect. The Council seeks to further develop Slow Adventure Tourism for Co. Leitrim. Our county alongside Co. Derry are the designated areas for Slow Adventure tourism in Ireland under the international trademark. Slow Adventure is defined as a form of tourism which avoids the quick-fix adrenalin-pumping hits of convenient adventure experiences, in favour of slow, immersive journeys, living in and travelling through wild places and natural spaces – experiencing nature in its timeframe, its seasons, its weathers and its variations. These journeys typically include elements of wild food; wildlife; comfort in the outdoors; creating and enhancing peoples understanding; an enhance engagement with place. POLICIES TOUR POL 1 To support the development of new strategic tourism attractions that can create ‘experiences’ as motivational ‘must do’ signature experiences to draw visitors to the county, in a manner consistent with Leitrim’s own brand identity. TOUR POL 2 To enable, facilitate and encourage the growth of sustainable tourism enterprise developments in rural areas including open farms and eco-tourism initiatives subject to the provision of adequate infrastructure and compliance with normal planning considerations. TOUR POL 3 To preserve and protect verified public rights of way which give access to seashore, mountain, lakeshore, riverbank, canals or other places of natural beauty or recreational utility. TOUR POL 4 To develop opportunities for ‘Slow Tourism’ or ‘Regenerative Tourism’ clusters to be established within the county. LEITRIM COUNTY DEVELOPMENT PLAN 2023-2029 – VOLUME I 117 5 Tourism
- TOUR POL 5 Appropriate Assessments for lower-tier recreation projects shall demonstrate that potential direct, indirect and cumulative effects including in relation to the following issues, have been adequately mitigated, where they exist: Hard infrastructure in riparian zones; Increased recreational access; Species and populations of conservation concern where relevant; and Water quality. TOUR POL 6 To seek to sustainably manage any increase in visitor numbers in order to avoid significant effects including loss of habitat and disturbance, including ensuring that any new projects, such as blueways and greenways, are a suitable distance from ecological sensitivities, such as riparian zones. TOUR POL 7 Where relevant, the Council and those receiving consent for development shall seek to sustainably manage any increase in visitor numbers and/or any change in visitor behaviour in order to avoid significant effects to sensitive habitats, including loss of habitat and disturbance. Management measures may include ensuring that new projects and activities are a suitable distance from ecological sensitivities. Visitor/Habitat Management Plans will be required for proposed projects as relevant and appropriate. TOUR POL 8 To consider and mitigate, as appropriate, the potential environmental effects of a likely increase in tourists/tourism-related traffic volumes in particular locations and/or along particular routes in the assessment of development proposals. Such consideration shall include potential impacts on existing infrastructure (including drinking water, wastewater, waste and transport) resulting from tourism proposals. TOUR POL 9 To protect, harness and develop the natural heritage assets of the town including the River Shannon, wetlands and other ‘Green Infrastructure’ for tourism and recreational purposes and to promote sustainable mobility. TOUR POL 10 To facilitate, where appropriate, proposals to improve access for all at existing tourism sites and facilities, and to require all new tourism related developments to ensure the development is accessible to everyone, regardless of their age, or ability. OBJECTIVES TOUR OBJ 1 To promote and market Leitrim as a tourist destination with the delivery of the ‘Growth Strategy for Tourism in Leitrim 2015-2021’ or any subsequent replacement strategy which supports Leitrim as a tourist destination over the period of this Plan. TOUR OBJ 2 To develop sustainable tourism products and work in conjunction with local groups and communities and other relevant agencies in the development and promotion of sustainable tourism offerings which extend the tourist season and stay-time by providing memorable experiences. TOUR OBJ 3 To investigate the feasibility and potential of North Leitrim, Sliabh an Iarainn and its hinterland as a National Park/Recreational Area designation in conjunction with the National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) and other relevant stakeholders. TOUR OBJ 4 To utilise the county’s natural and heritage resources to foster the development of tourism as a viable sustainable sector of the economy, in a sustainable manner, which complements the scale, quality and unique features of the county. TOUR OBJ 5 The Council, within two years of the coming into effect of the County Development Plan, shall commence a process to identify, list and map public rights of way which give access to recreational areas including the coast, upland areas, lakeshores, riverbank areas, heritage sites or other places of natural beauty or recreational utility. When finalised, the Council will seek to preserve and enhance such existing accesses and public rights of way. The resultant list and map will then be inserted into the County Development Plan 2023-2029 by way of variation. LEITRIM COUNTY DEVELOPMENT PLAN 2023-2029 – VOLUME I118 5 Tourism
- TOUR OBJ 6 To work with all relevant stakeholders to promote and support the implementation of the Shannon Tourism Masterplan, the Tourism Masterplan for the Beara Breifne Way and findings of the technical trail audit for the Beara Breifne Way and promote and support the ‘Wild Atlantic Way’ and ‘Irelands Hidden Heartlands’. TOUR OBJ 7 To explore in conjunction with Waterways Ireland the extension of the navigation channel from Lough Allen to Dowra as part of an overall strategy for the further development of water-based leisure activities on Lough Allen. This will include the improvement of existing infrastructure at both Spencer Harbour and Cleighran More in the short term. The extension of the navigation channel will be subject to the undertaking of the required environmental assessments at planning consent stage. TOUR OBJ 8 To explore options to enhance the existing access to O’Donnell’s Rock (Protected View and Prospect 17) and to create a designated viewing area at this location, subject to the availability of funding and the undertaking of the required environmental assessments as part of the planning consent process. The options to be explored include the potential of establishing a public right of way from the L-62031-2 at Larkfield to O’Donnell’s Rock along an existing track at this location. This would connect to the existing Greenway developed from Manorhamilton to Boggaun as part of the proposed SLNCR Greenway. (Note: From O’Donnell’s Rock, there are fabulous extensive views of the surrounding hills and valleys as far as Lough Gill, Knocknarea in Sligo and the Atlantic Ocean. Access to O’Donnell’s Rock presently consists of a poorly surfaced roadway (which does not seem to be a public road) advertised as an off road bike trail and which route is also quite circuitous for walkers and cyclists approaching from the Manorhamilton direction. The Council wishes to enhance the enjoyment of this protected view and prospect. TOUR OBJ 9 In the absence of a national programme which would identify and bestow Heritage Town/Village designations, the Council will, during the life of the Plan, undertake an evaluation/assessment exercise which would consider the heritage strengths (built, natural and cultural elements) of individual centres. When complete, this would inform the promotion and marketing of such centres but also ensuring that appropriate centres are nominated for funding programmes which may arise. TOUR OBJ 10 To support the preparation and implementation of Regional Tourism Plans and when complete, to support the continued collaboration with Fáilte Ireland and tourism stakeholders to ensure successful implementation and delivery of these Tourism Plans. TOUR OBJ 11 To support the preparation of Destination Experience Development Plans (DEDP) and other tourism masterplans both within the county and also those which crosses from the county into neighbouring counties in collaboration with Fáilte Ireland and other tourism stakeholders. TOUR OBJ 12 To encourage and support investment in digital technology in the tourism sector, with a particular focus on sectors such as visitor attractions and activities with low digital presence and/or integration. TOUR OBJ 13 To support the future success and deliverability of The Beara Breifne Way and promote and identify the need for key facilities and services for visitors such as accommodation, signage, parking, and sustainable transport as identified in the ‘Tourism Masterplan for the Beara Breifne Way’ prepared by Fáilte Ireland. 119LEITRIM COUNTY DEVELOPMENT PLAN 2023-2029 – VOLUME I 5 Tourism
- 5 .4 Arts, Culture, Heritage and Festivals Leitrim has a rich heritage of myths and legends of ancient Ireland. A number of vibrant festivals enable local communities to celebrate their cultural heritage and unique local attributes. Some festivals remain small in scale, reaching only a local audience, but others have the ambition to grow into larger events, capable of attracting larger numbers of visitors and highlighting the festival location as one worth visiting to a wider audience. The Council will seek to support these festivals where possible, to support their growth potential, subject to event licensing and quality standards. The Council provides support for the county’s arts and cultural facilities along with assistance to groups organising festivals through its annual grants scheme and other support through its arts, tourism and heritage sections. Theatre spaces range from intimate venues that support both amateur and professional productions, to arts centres, contemporary art exhibitions and music events. Encouraging and supporting new artists is at the core of Leitrim’s creative community. Art spaces and exhibition opportunities are made available to emerging talent and Leitrim Design House brings the work of 250 artists and master crafts people to the public eye. POLICIES ARTS POL 1 To support the protection and enhancement of historic buildings, gardens and museums as cultural tourist attractions. ARTS POL 2 To support and promote existing festivals, heritage and cultural events, in conjunction with the relevant tourism agencies to increase the cultural, heritage and lifestyle profile of the county, and to facilitate the establishment of new events. OBJECTIVES ARTS OBJ 1 To support the promotion of local culture, arts, food and crafts as unique visitor experiences in the form of events, festivals, food trails, craft fairs, visitor centres and arts venues. ARTS OBJ 2 To support the development of food networks and trails, particularly those that can showcase the wealth of artisan food producers in the county in conjunction with Fáilte Ireland and other relevant stakeholders. LEITRIM COUNTY DEVELOPMENT PLAN 2023-2029 – VOLUME I120 5 Tourism
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.