Leitrim County Development Plan 2023–2029

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   7.7.2 Diverse and Inclusive Communities There are several groups considered to have specific planning and design needs. These include children, young people, and people with a disability or illness, lone parent young families, older people, travellers and members of ethnic minority groups. POLICIES IC POL 1 To recognise that people with special needs have access to and enjoy an appropriate living environment and the Council supports the provision of facilities for people with special needs. IC POL 2 To promote the concept of active citizenship and the value of volunteering and encourage people of all ages to become more involved in and to contribute to their own communities. IC POL 3 To promote the development of opportunities for engagement and participation of people of all ages in a range of arts, cultural, spiritual, leisure, learning and physical activities in their local communities. 7.7.3 Children and Young People The number of children 0-4 age group fell by 11% between 2011 – 2016 while the number of children aged from 5-19 increased by 20% in the same period. In Co. Leitrim, 8,188 children accounting for some 25.5% of the county’s population were 17 years or under (CSO 2016). These figures will inform decision making on present and future needs for facilities such as childcare facilities, play areas, sports facilities, schools, health centres, etc. in the county. Comhairle na nÓg is an initiative of the National Children’s Office under the ‘National Children’s Strategy’. It gives young people, under 18 years of age, a voice on issues that affect their lives and an opportunity to present those issues to policy makers. It is composed of representatives of secondary schools and relevant youth organisations who meet around six times a year and host events. An excellent example of the work of the Leitrim Comhairle is the ‘Use Your Brain Not Your Fists’ project, a campaign that aims to reduce the number of assaults carried out by males between the ages of 18 and 34 years. Leitrim Comhairle won the National Impact Award in 2019 with this campaign. This category recognises a project which has had a positive effect upon the nation, enhancing the environment, cultural or social activities, transport links or the economic stability or growth of the local and national communities who use it. The Leitrim Comhairle project for 2020 was “Open Arms” - a tolerance and inclusion education programme specifically aimed at new communities. The project for 2021 relates to outdoor activity space for teenagers, they will also be working on Climate Change as a topic. POLICY CYP POL 1 To assist in the provision of community and resource centres and youth clubs/cafes and other facilities for younger people. 7.7.4 Older People As with the State, Leitrim’s population is getting older, the population aged from 20-39 fell by 14% in the five years to 2016 whilst the age groups over 65 grew by 15% in the same period. There were 16.9% of people over 65 years old in comparison to the national average of 13.4%. whilst there was 11.4% of people over 70 years old in comparison to the national average of 9.0%. Priorities for older people at risk of social exclusion in Co. Leitrim include maintaining their health and wellbeing, reducing social isolation, improving access to support, information, services and accessibility/ mobility but also providing for the needs of their carers. Health and wellbeing are fundamental to people of all ages and the role the Local Authority plays in the implementation of their planning policy framework is central to the vision set out under the Programme for Government. In creating walkable, attractive communities and age friendly spaces, and by introducing actions to address participation and inequality, Local Authorities enable and facilitate people of all ages to enjoy healthier, more active and connected lives. People of all abilities should be able to use buildings and places comfortably and safely, as far as possible without special assistance. People should be able to find their way easily, understand how to use building facilities and spaces, and know where pedestrian facilities are, and where they may LEITRIM COUNTY DEVELOPMENT PLAN 2023-2029 – VOLUME I 161 7 Sustainable Communities

2. Page 172

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   encounter traffic. Given the wide diversity of the population, a universal design approach, which caters for the broadest range of users from the outset, can result in buildings and places that can be used and enjoyed by everyone. This approach eliminates or reduces the need for expensive changes or retrofits to meet the needs of particular groups at a later stage and allows for adaptability in the future. The ‘Leitrim Age Friendly Strategy 2017-2020’ seeks to increase the participation of older people in the social, economic and cultural life of Co. Leitrim for everyone’s benefit. A review of this strategy is currently underway. Other ‘Age Friendly’ initiatives being pursued by the Council include: ● Age Friendly Business – launched in Mohill in 2019, it is anticipated that it will be introduced to other towns in the county during this Plan period. ● Age Friendly Buildings and Spaces and Walkability Audits – An audit was carried out in September 2019 in Carrick-on-Shannon. It is hoped that walkability audits will take place for Manorhamilton and Ballinamore during this Plan period. POLICIES OP POL 1 To promote Universal Design and Lifetime Housing in all development proposals in accordance with best practice and the policies and principles contained in Building for Everyone: A Universal Design Approach (National Disability Authority, 2012) and Sustainable Residential Development in Urban Areas and its companion document Urban Design Manual: A Best Practice Guide (DEHLG, 2008) and Age Friendly Principles and Guidelines for the Planning Authority, Age Friendly Ireland, 2021. OP POL 2 To support older people to live in their own home with dignity and independence for as long as possible. OP POL 3 To promote active retirement and positive ageing initiatives to tackle social isolation. OP POL 4 To support the design and development of Age Friendly public spaces and buildings. OP POL 5 To ensure new development is cognisant of the principles of ‘Sustainable Neighbourhoods’ which are inclusive and are well located relative to the social, community, commercial and administrative services which sustain them. OP POL 6 To facilitate the development and improvement of new and existing residential and day care facilities throughout the county. Please refer to Chapter 3: Housing and to Chapter 13: Development Management Standards which also include specific policies and standards in relation to ensuring that regard is had to the Age Friendly Principles and Guidelines for the Planning Authority, Age Friendly Ireland, 2021. LEITRIM COUNTY DEVELOPMENT PLAN 2023-2029 – VOLUME I162 7 Sustainable Communities

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   7.7.5 People with Disabilities People with disabilities and the mobility impaired face particular physical barriers to access and movement not only in buildings, but on footpaths, streetscapes, open spaces, etc. The Council will encourage integration of accommodation within a mix of housing types providing mobility and access for people with disabilities in order to remove barriers to involvement in community and employment activities. In order to ensure an inclusive county, it is essential that the requirements of people with disabilities are met appropriately and positively. All proposals for development shall have regard to the provisions of the National Disability Authority’s document ‘Building for Everyone: A Universal Design Approach – Planning and Policy’ (2012) in order to ensure that access and movement through the development is available to all users of the development. POLICY PD POL 1 To ensure that all buildings, public and open spaces, recreational and amenity areas are accessible for people with disabilities, having regard to the Building Regulations, the objectives of ‘Building for Everyone’ (National Disability Authority) and ‘Access for the Disabled’ (No. 1 to 3)(National Rehabilitation Board). Details of the Leitrim Housing Disability Strategy is contained within Chapter 3 Housing of this Plan. 22 This relates to the usual resident population by their stated nationality rather than birth place. 435 respondents did not answer the relevant question on the Census. 31,725 respondents indicated locations other than Irish as their nationality. The U.K. accounted for 1,502 persons with Poland next at 829 persons followed by Lithuania at 177 persons. 7.7.6 Migration and Diversity Co. Leitrim is becoming an increasingly diverse county. According to the Census 2016, non-Irish nationals22 account for 11.23% of county’s population in comparison to 11.6% nationally. Certain areas of the county such as the larger urban centres including Carrick-on-Shannon have a more ethnic or culturally diverse population than others and service provision and community facilities in these areas should reflect the varying needs of the community. According to the Census 2016, non Irish nationals accounted for 24.4% of the population of Carrick-on-Shannon, 15.9% of the population in Manorhamilton and 8.8% of the population in Kinlough reflecting the variation amongst the 3 largest urban centres in the county, Migrant integration is a dynamic, multi-faceted and long-term process aimed at mutual accommodation and acceptance by both the migrant and host populations. The process of migrant integration involves and affects migrants, Local Government institutions, and the local community. Leitrim Development Company in conjunction with Leitrim County Council have launched the Ethnic Minority Project. The main aim of this project is to foster a greater understanding and tolerance for all communities living in Co. Leitrim. POLICY MD POL 1 To consider cultural diversity and ethnic minorities in planning for the needs of communities. LEITRIM COUNTY DEVELOPMENT PLAN 2023-2029 – VOLUME I 163 7 Sustainable Communities

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   7.8 Community Infrastructure Community infrastructure is an essential part of all communities. Facilities such as community centres, sports centres, libraries and playgrounds can serve as a focal point for the communities they serve, and provide venues for local sporting, cultural, community, education and social events. There are a large number of voluntary agencies and community initiatives that continue to play a central role in contributing to the delivery of a wide variety of local social infrastructure facilities. The Council recognises that the provision of good quality community facilities in existing and developing areas is a key element in the development of sustainable, healthy communities across the county. Different levels of service provision are appropriate to settlements of different sizes. It is therefore important that the Council ensures that an appropriate range of community facilities are provided in all communities, taking account of the population profile and growth targets identified in the Core Strategy. The primary role of the Local Authority is to reserve sufficient lands within the settlement centres to meet likely future demands for community infrastructure. The Council will reserve sites for community facilities as appropriate and seek to remedy deficiencies in existing developed areas. The Council will locate community facilities within existing settlements and where population levels warrant a particular service and will liaise with community groups and assist community initiatives subject to the availability of resources. The Sustainable Residential Development in Urban Areas Guidelines (2009) emphasise the need to integrate housing with the provision of supporting community and social infrastructure. The Guidelines acknowledge that community facilities should be located within, or close to, neighbourhood centres and be well served by public transport. OBJECTIVE CF OBJ 1 To maintain and improve the provision of community facilities in the county. 7.8.1 Education Facilities The population growth projected in the NPF combined with the need to deliver on the strategic objective of compact growth and sustainable development requires a collaborative approach with the Department of Education to support the provision of additional and enhanced education facilities in our communities. In considering potential emerging and future education accommodation requirements, the Council will work with the Department of Education to identify projected population growth over the plan period in order to make sufficient provision for the planning and construction of schools and other education accommodation. 164 LEITRIM COUNTY DEVELOPMENT PLAN 2023-2029 – VOLUME I 7 Sustainable Communities

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   Table 7.1: Second Level Schools in Urban Centres (2020/2021 Enrolment) School Male Female Total Carrick-on-Shannon Carrick-On-Shannon Community School 334 332 666 Manorhamilton St. Clare’s Comprehensive School 240 252 492 Ballinamore Ballinamore Community School 176 153 329 Drumshanbo Drumshanbo Vocational School 156 146 302 Mohill Mohill Community College 191 199 390 Carrigallen Carrigallen Vocational School 207 158 365 Drumkeeran Lough Allen College 85 71 156 Source: Department of Education Table 7.2: Primary Schools in Urban Centres (2020/2021 Enrolment) School Male Female Total Carrick-on-Shannon Scoil Mhuire 227 245 472 Gaelscoil Liatroma 78 68 146 Manorhamilton Gaelscoil Chluainín 30 32 62 Masterson N.S. 12 13 25 St. Clare’s N.S. 106 93 199 Ballinamore Scoil Chlann Naofa 84 97 181 Dromahair Drumlease N.S. 72 75 147 Drumshanbo St. Patrick’s N.S. 108 118 226 Mohill The Hunt N.S. 7 20 27 St. Manchan’s N.S. 104 92 196 Kinlough Four Masters N.S. 145 138 283 Carrigallen Carrigallen N.S. 67 78 145 Drumkeeran Drumkeeran N.S. 32 35 67 Leitrim Leitrim N.S. 112 101 213 Cloone Fatima N.S. 31 33 64 Kiltyclogher Scoil Naisiúnta Mhic Diarmada 13 6 19 Dowra St. Hugh’s N.S. 24 24 48 Newtowngore Newtowngore N.S. 17 8 25 Drumcong St. Bríds N.S. 85 88 173 Glenfarne St. Michael’s N.S. 28 30 58 Source: Department of Education The Department of Education have requested that the Local Authority apply a flexible approach to the suitability of school buildings, of both a temporary and permanent basis, in the consideration of permissible uses within land use zoning objectives. This is provided for in the policy framework below. LEITRIM COUNTY DEVELOPMENT PLAN 2023-2029 – VOLUME I 165 7 Sustainable Communities

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   7.8.2 Third Level Education and Further Education Third level education is an important contributory factor to the quality of life of the county’s population. The Council recognises the important role of higher education in providing for the economic and social wellbeing of the county’s population noting the efforts that have been madeon the part of various organisations within the county to develop third level initiatives. The Mayo Sligo and Leitrim Education and Training Board (MSLETB) promote Adult Learning Services, Community Education, Back to Education Initiative, Vocational Training Opportunities Scheme and Adult Guidance. In addition, Leitrim Local Enterprise Office offers business information and advice, business skills training and mentoring support as well as other skills and training options to support businesses in the county. The MSLETB have courses in Drumshanbo Food Hub and Enterprise Centre and Mohill Enterprise Centre. 7.8.3 Childcare Facilities The provision of childcare facilities is recognised as a key piece of social infrastructure required to enable people to participate in accessing employment, education and social networks. There continues to be a growth in demand for childcare services and the provision of good quality and affordable services close to local communities is supported by this Plan. The Early Childhood Care and Education (ECCE) scheme provides early childhood care and education for children of pre-school age. All children are entitled to 2 full academic years or 76 weeks from September 2018 under this scheme. The recent addition of a second ECCE scheme year has increased demand for pre-school services. There are 768 no. ECCE registered children (free preschool places) in our county with the highest areas of demand including Carrick-on-Shannon, Mohill, Kinlough, Ballinamore, Dromod and Carrigallen. Leitrim County Childcare Committee assists in the development and coordination of preschool services in the county. There is a total of 1,557 children attending Early Years & Afterschool services. This is split between the level of provision between community based services which are non-profit and run by voluntary management committees (784 no. children) and privately owned services (783 no. children). Community based services had 348 no. children registered under the Community Childcare Subvention Scheme (CCSS) in August 2020. The National Childcare Scheme (NCS) will replace the CCSS. The then Department of Environment, Heritage and Local Government’s produced Planning Guidelines on Childcare Facilities in 2001 which set out guidance on policies and objectives to be included in a Development Plan with respect to childcare provision. These guidelines identify appropriate locations for childcare facilities including in the vicinity of concentrations of work places, of schools, of neighbourhood, district and town centres and adjacent to public transport corridors, pedestrian routes and dedicated cycle ways. The Guidelines advocate a more pro-active role by Planning Authorities in the promotion of increased childcare provision while at the same time protecting amenities. New childcare facilities, whether in existing or developing areas, should not create a nuisance for the existing and future residents. In particular, set down/pickup areas, parking places and play areas are key considerations when planning new or extending existing childcare facilities. The Council will continue to be proactive in promoting and sustaining childcare facilities in the county. Detailed requirements and standards with childcare development projects are set out in Chapter 13 Development Management Standards. LEITRIM COUNTY DEVELOPMENT PLAN 2023-2029 – VOLUME I166 7 Sustainable Communities

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   POLICIES ED POL 1 To facilitate the development of preschool, primary, post primary, third level, outreach, research, adult and further educational facilities to meet the educational needs of the citizens of the county. ED POL 2 To apply a flexible approach to the suitability of school buildings, of both a temporary and permanent basis, in the consideration of permissible uses within land use zoning objectives. ED POL 3 To ensure the provision of educational facilities maximises opportunities for use of walking, cycling and use of public transport. ED POL 4 To encourage, support and develop opportunities to open up school buildings and their playing pitches to wider community usage in conjunction with the Department of Education, school management and other stakeholders. ED POL 5 To consider the need for buffer zones and land use designations to support the strategic development of existing schools adjacent to existing and established schools (where required to facilitate potential future expansion). ED POL 6 To encourage, promote and facilitate the provision of quality, affordable and accessible childcare facilities in accordance with national policy and relevant guidelines and in consultation with Leitrim County Childcare Committee. ED POL 7 To require the delivery of new childcare facilities in conjunction with larger residential development proposals, in accordance with the Childcare Facilities - Guidelines for Planning Authorities (2001) or any replacement guidelines. ED POL 8 To support the provision of childcare facilities of an appropriate type and scale at the following locations: areas of concentrated employment retail developments schools adjacent to public transport nodes villages and rural nodes within new and existing residential developments ED POL 9 To permit childcare facilities in existing residential areas provided that they do not have a significant negative impact on the character or amenities of an area, particularly with regard to car parking, traffic generation and noise disturbance. ED POL 10 To promote childcare facilities, of appropriate size and scale, in villages and rural nodes, and/or adjacent to community and educational facilities provided the proposed development: will not have a significant impact on the character or amenities of an area, particularly with regard to car parking, traffic generation and noise disturbance satisfies environmental standards addresses the needs of the community OBJECTIVES ED OBJ 1 To ensure that adequate lands are identified and reserved to cater for the establishment, improvement or expansion of all educational facilities in the county working collaboratively with the Department of Education and other stakeholders to meet current and envisaged future educational requirements beyond the Plan period. ED OBJ 2 To facilitate the Department of Education, MSLETB, other statutory and non-statutory agencies in the necessary provision of preschool, primary, post primary and third level educational facilities throughout the county by reserving lands for such uses. LEITRIM COUNTY DEVELOPMENT PLAN 2023-2029 – VOLUME I 167 7 Sustainable Communities

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   7.8.4 Healthcare Facilities The Planning Authority has a significant role in supporting suitable healthcare provision through ensuring that there are sufficient lands reserved in the Development Plan to accommodate the development of adequate healthcare facilities for the population of an area. Healthcare and medical facilities are provided by a range of public, private and voluntary agencies. The Health Service Executive (HSE) is the primary organisation responsible for the delivery of health care and personal social services to the people of Co. Leitrim. The HSE provides services in the county such as nursing, occupational therapy, physiotherapy, speech and language therapy, social work, psychology, general practitioners and home help. In addition, the HSE provides disability services and services for older people, which include day care and residential facilities. Child Care services include child protection, fostering and long-term care and Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services (CAMHS). The Department of Health and Children published ‘The Primary Care Strategy’ in 2001 which promotes a team-based approach to service provision, designed to make available a fully integrated primary care service. Primary care centres provide a mix of the following services at each centre: psychology; occupational therapy; physiotherapy; speech and language therapy; public health nursing; social work; primary care counselling; podiatry; dietetics. Some centres also provide community Mental Health Services and Palliative Care. The centres also accommodate local G.P. Practices. The ability of Primary Care Centres to provide local and integrated facilities, in line with the Government’s Primary Care Strategy, is acknowledged and supported by the Council. The Plan seeks to locate these facilities, together with community support services, on suitably zoned lands in close proximity to new and existing residential areas to allow communities access to multi-disciplinary health care, mental health and wellbeing services in easily accessible locations throughout the county. POLICIES HF POL 1 To co-operate with the Health Service Executive and other statutory and voluntary agencies and the private sector in facilitating the provision of appropriate health care facilities and well being services, covering the full spectrum of such care subject to proper planning considerations and the principles of sustainable development. HF POL 2 To support the provision of new or extensions to existing health care facilities and ensure that such facilities are well located in town centres, served by public transport options, where practicable. HF POL 3 To-operate with the Health Service Executive and other statutory and voluntary agencies in the provision of healthcare and other facilities to provide for those with specific needs such as older or young people, as well as those with learning disabilities and special needs. HF POL 4 To consider change of use applications from residential to health care facilities/ surgeries only where the privacy and amenity of adjacent occupiers can be preserved, and the proposal does not have a detrimental effect on local amenity. The full conversion of semi-detached or terraced type dwellings will not normally be permitted. OBJECTIVE HF OBJ 1 To facilitate the Health Service Executive and the Department of Health in the provision, improvement and expansion of Primary Care Centres, health centres and other health related facilities throughout the county through the reservation of adequate lands for such uses. LEITRIM COUNTY DEVELOPMENT PLAN 2023-2029 – VOLUME I168 7 Sustainable Communities

9. Page 179

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   7.8.5 Healthy Communities Sporting, leisure and recreational facilities are essential to promoting good health, social cohesion, a sense of community and enhancing quality of life and wellbeing. Nationally there has been, in recent years, an increased focus on fitness, sports and recreation generally. The provision of facilities for sports and recreation to serve our growing communities has become an increasingly important planning issue. Thus, the appropriate provision of these facilities is a key issue for Development Plans. There is a Local Sports Partnership (LSP) in every county in Ireland and they operate under the umbrella of the Irish Sports Council. Leitrim LSP is a sub-committee of the LCDC and aims to increase the number of people involved in sport or physical activity in Co. Leitrim. There are 15 no. members on the board of Leitrim LSP, with representatives from sporting organisations, agencies involved in sport related activities, community forum and elected representatives. Leitrim LSP Strategic Plan seeks to increase participation in sports and physical activity throughout the county and to provide more quality sports and physical activity opportunities, participation and resources available to and enjoyed by all citizens. The World Health Organisation priorities for a healthier world are set out in Health 2020. “Healthy Ireland” is a Government initiative which seeks to improve the health and wellbeing of the citizens of Ireland. NPO 26 of the NPF seeks to support the objectives of public health policy including Healthy Ireland and the National Physical Activity Plan, through integrating such policies, where appropriate and at the applicable scale, with planning policy. The “Keep Well” Campaign, The Government Plan for Living with COVID-19: Resilience and Recovery 2020- 2021 highlights the important role that individual and community resilience will play in contributing to our ongoing response to COVID-19. The launch is a call to action to everyone across our society. It is an invitation to individuals, communities, voluntary groups, sporting organisations, those involved in creativity and the arts, local heritage and history, businesses, as well as local and national government to find ways to support everyone to discover new activities and routines that will do us good. The “Keep Well” campaign is aimed at showing people of all ages how we can mind our own physical and mental health and wellbeing by adding healthy and helpful habits to our daily and weekly routines. It will provide guidelines, information, and tips on things that will help us keep well through the coming months. The ‘Healthy Leitrim Strategy’ 2019-2021 aims to improve the health and wellbeing of the people of Leitrim over the coming years. The Strategy was informed by both national and local policy alongside extensive consultation with agencies, organisations, clubs and communities. The ‘Healthy Leitrim Strategy’ provides a framework for the delivery of a suite of actions that will have a positive impact on the health and wellbeing of the residents of Leitrim. POLICIES HC POL 1 To work in collaboration with local communities and local development committees in the provision of recreation and amenity facilities which also respond to the demands of a growing and diverse population. HC POL 2 To work in conjunction with the Leitrim Sports Partnership in the development of sporting facilities in the county and providing opportunities for increasing physical activity levels generally in the community. HC POL 3 To facilitate the provision of appropriate high quality recreational and amenity facilities within the county. HC POL 4 To increase the range of public play opportunities for children within the county by working in collaboration with local communities and local development committees. HC POL 5 To protect existing sport, recreation and open space areas from inappropriate development. HC POL 6 To ensure that open space provided as part of new residential developments is of high quality, designed and finished to ensure its safe use and that it is retained as communal open space to serve the social and recreational needs of the resident population. No further residential development shall be facilitated on lands identified through the planning consent process as open space to serve the residents of a development. LEITRIM COUNTY DEVELOPMENT PLAN 2023-2029 – VOLUME I 169 7 Sustainable Communities

10. Page 180

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    7.8.6 Libraries The library service provided by the Council is playing a very important community, information, cultural and outreach facility role within the county. The public library service has for many years provided an important means of access to information and to (leisure) reading facilities and has played a major role in the advancement of the arts, education and local history throughout the county. Libraries have also become an important venue for cultural activities. This cultural role is recognised by the central role libraries occupy in the delivery of cultural projects such as the decade of centenaries and the Creative Ireland programme. Leitrim County Council manages and operates the county public library service from its headquarters in Ballinamore which also provides a local studies library. In addition, there are 9 branch libraries throughout the county at Ballinamore, Carrick-on- Shannon, Carrigallen, Dromahair, Drumshanbo, Kiltyclogher, Kinlough, Manorhamilton and Mohill. These services play an important role in connecting and empowering communities and in providing community-based educational, cultural and lifelong learning centres as well as hosting and facilitating events and activities in relation to business and employment, healthy living and personal well-being. During 2019, Leitrim Library Service delivered on the strategic objectives as set out in the national library strategy ‘Our Public Libraries 2022’ aimed at establishing the library as the trusted ‘go to’ place in the community for guidance and support in areas such as reading and literacy, lifelong learning, business and employment, healthy living and well-being. The library is a centre of community and cultural activity promoting a welcoming space for individuals and communities, celebrating diversity and fulfilling personal development. The library service in Co. Leitrim is focused on developing the service as an evolving 21st century public service at the heart of communities. Its focus will be centred on the three strategic programmes – reading and literacy development, learning and information, and community and culture as outlined in the Government’s national library strategy ‘Our Public Libraries 2022: Inspiring Connecting and Empowering Communities’. Library buildings in Co. Leitrim offer a welcoming, public and most importantly neutral space for all. All libraries strive to ensure that library spaces are as agefriendly and sensory friendly as possible in order to ensure that library visits are an enjoyable experience. Membership is free and in addition to physical books in a variety of formats, there are a wide range of online services such as e-books, e-magazines and e-newspapers as well as e-courses and e-language learning opportunities available to members. Existing and emerging technologies such as Library Apps, enhanced Wi-Fi and self-service printing make the library a trusted ‘go to’ place in the community. The Library Service intends to commence a new 5 year development plan in 2021 which will aim to meet the demands of the evolving economic and community profile of the county. Improvements in library facilities and services will aim to support communities which have undergone rapid increases in population or are designated for future development as well as supporting individuals who have changing requirements in terms of remote working and blended learning. OBJECTIVE LIB OBJ 1 To support the further development and enhancement of the library service in Co. Leitrim and the implementation of actions set out in the Library Development Plan, when completed, subject to funding being available. 170 LEITRIM COUNTY DEVELOPMENT PLAN 2023-2029 – VOLUME I 7 Sustainable Communities

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.