Limerick Development Plan 2022–2028 (as varied)

1. Page 151

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   Chapter 5: A Strong Economy149 Objective ECON O31 Data Centres It is an objective of the Council to: a) Facilitate the development of Data Centres on lands appropriately zoned for such purposes, subject to normal planning, development and environmental controls and the assessment of the potential impact on such development on adjacent land uses. b) Promote co-location of data centres with renewable energy sources at appropriate locations subject to proper planning and sustainable development considerations. 5.8.13 Cultural and Creative Industries Cultural and creative industries, as a subset of the knowledge economy, are an increasingly important area of economic growth and employment creation. They have been defined as industries which have their origin in individual creativity, skill and talent and which have a potential for wealth and job creation, through the generation and exploitation of intellectual property - including areas such as advertising, software, publishing, architecture, music and the visual and performing arts, film, video and photography. There is a growing movement internationally by cities to become recognised and organised as ‘creative cities’ and in this respect, the location of Limerick School of Art and Design, Troy Film Studios are significant assets. Objective ECON O32 Cultural and Creative Industries It is an objective of the Council to promote the development of cultural and creative enterprises. 5.8.14 Incubator/Starter Units and Rural Hubs The availability of adequate incubator space for enterprises in the early stages of development should be part of the enterprise infrastructure in Limerick City and County. The Council, through the Local Enterprise Office, will liaise with the public sector enterprise support agencies, with voluntary community development groups and with business organisations in Limerick to facilitate the provision of suitable premises for such enterprises. In addition, major commercial planning applications located in employment zoned areas, may be required to provide for incubator/starter units within the development. The Small and Medium Enterprise (SME) sector is critical to both Ireland’s economy and society. Limerick City and County Council will support the SME sector in recovering from financial shocks and adapting successfully to the structural changes accelerated by the pandemic. All Limerick SMEs will be supported by a network of co-working/training/support/ click and collect centres right across the county in town locations, each acting as the spokes of a central hub in the City Centre, at the existing Engine building – a new onestop SME Enterprise Centre in Limerick City. The Council recognises the importance of towns and villages in terms of future enterprise creation and facilitating economic development. With the Covid-19 pandemic, the importance of towns and villages for providing employment will undoubtedly increase, as people seek opportunities to relocate to rural areas, either through remote working in enterprise hubs or working from home. Therefore, enterprise hubs will become even more important for supporting employment growth in the future. The Atlantic Economic Corridor group have published the Hubs Network Strategy 2020-2023 which aims to support the growth of hubs in rural areas throughout the AEC Region including Limerick and the Council will support the development of this strategy.

2. Page 152

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   LIMERICK DEVELOPMENT PLAN 2022-2028150 Objective ECON O33 Enterprise Incubator Units It is an objective of the Council to facilitate the development and growth of incubator/innovation facilities in the City and County, to support the growth and development of SMEs and the creation of a sustainable start-up ecosystem. This will be achieved in conjunction with the Local Enterprise Office and Innovate Limerick, to ensure the long-term resilience of SMEs in Limerick. Objective ECON O34 Rural Remote Working Hubs It is an objective of the Council to facilitate the development of remote working/rural working hubs at appropriate locations across the County. 5.8.15 Rural Enterprise and Employment Opportunities In implementing the objectives below, the Planning Authority will have regard to the provisions of the Government’s Rural Development Policy 2021-2025 - Our Rural Future. The vision of this policy is for a thriving rural Ireland, which is integral to our national economic, social, cultural and environmental wellbeing and development. The Plan seeks to support employment and careers in rural areas and for Local Authorities to bring forward proposals for the development of a policy on the Night Time Economy, which will support the revitalisation of our rural towns, as well as our larger urban centres and cities, in the post Covid-19 recovery. Development Management policy provides for the development of rural enterprise, related to the area’s amenity potential and many enterprise/employment uses are either ‘Open for Consideration’ or ‘Permitted in Principle’ in the rural areas of the County. The Planning Authority will balance the requirement to protect the sensitive nature of the rural area with the requirement to enable enterprise development. Having regard to the location and potential nature of developments facilitated by policies promoting rural enterprise and economic development, including rural tourism, proposals for development shall have regard to Policy TR P12 Safeguard the Capacity of National Roads and Objective TR O39 National Roads in Chapter 7: Sustainable Mobility and Transport. Objective ECON O35 Rural Development It is an objective of the Council to: a) Facilitate the development of acceptable rural enterprises and to minimise pollution from agricultural and industrial sources by means of development management and water pollution legislation. b) Encourage the redevelopment of vacant commercial units for enterprise and industry creation including Kantoher Business Park, Castlemahon and other identifiable rural commercial brownfield sites, subject to normal planning and environmental criteria. c) Promote the development of our rural Towns and Villages as an important focus of restaurant, leisure and evening uses - subject to the safeguarding of surrounding residential amenity and environmental criteria. 5.8.16 Agriculture Limerick traditionally has had a very strong agricultural base and agriculture still has an important role to play in its economy. Although this sector has faced fundamental influences that changed its structure and role, it will continue to play a key role as a building block for a strong and diversified rural economy. The Planning Authority will support and facilitate agricultural developments and improvements, subject to consideration of the proposal’s likely impact on the character and amenity of the surrounding area. Objective ECON O36 Agricultural Developments It is an objective of the Council to favourably consider proposals for agricultural development where: a) They are appropriate in nature and

3. Page 153

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   Chapter 5: A Strong Economy151 scale to the area in which they are located; b) The proposal is necessary for the efficient use of the agricultural holding or enterprise; c) The development is not visually intrusive in the local landscape and, where the proposal is for a new building(s) and there are no suitable redundant buildings, the proposal is sited adjacent to existing buildings; d) The proposal demonstrates that it has taken into account traffic, environmental and amenity considerations and is in accordance with the policies, requirements and guidance contained in this Plan. Appropriate small-scale on-farm agricultural diversification will play an important role in retaining rural communities. Such proposals will be favourably considered where the scale and nature of the activity is appropriate to the location and the proposal can be satisfactorily integrated into the rural landscape. Objective ECON O37 Farm Diversification It is an objective of the Council to favourably consider proposals for farm diversification in the open countryside where the proposal: a) Would not negatively affect public health or agricultural operation on neighbouring farms; b) Is of a size and scale which is sympathetic to and which does not negatively impact on the character and amenity of the surrounding area; and c) Demonstrates that it has taken into account traffic, environmental and amenity considerations and is in accordance with the policies, requirements and guidance contained in this Plan. All development in the countryside will be required to respect the appearance and character of the rural landscape. 5.8.17 Forestry Forestry is an important renewable resource with a major role to play in sustainable rural development. In addition to the direct benefits, forestry also has an important impact on rural economies through the development of related industries and rural tourism. The main forest amenity areas in Limerick are provided at Currachase, Galteewood, Clare Glens and Ardpatrick. Objective ECON O38 Support Sustainable Forestry It is an objective of the Council to support the forestry sector and the development of associated industry on suitable land as identified in the Landscape Characterisation of the County as follows: a) In a manner that protects the environment, while ensuring that the diversity and character of the countryside is maintained; b) Ensuring that afforestation is not located in a manner that will adversely impact on the amenities of adjacent landowners or adversely affect the maintenance of the public road; c) Encouraging the consideration of the visual impact of forestry so that planting conforms to the overall landscape pattern particularly on elevated sites avoiding overall straight lines or regular shapes; and d) Encouraging the development of forest parks, viewing areas, parking areas and other tourism related amenities within afforested areas.

4. Page 154

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   LIMERICK DEVELOPMENT PLAN 2022-2028152 5.8.18 Mineral Extraction The Council recognises and distinguishes between aggregate and mineral extraction and mining. The Council also recognises the importance of Scheduled Minerals as defined in the Minerals Development Act 1940-1999. Minerals are important to the economy and in particular to renewable energy and battery technology. Both these areas of technology are hugely important in terms of achieving local and national climate mitigation targets. The Minerals Map shows the location of mineral deposits in Limerick. Further details of minerals and aggregates can be found on the Geological Survey of Ireland website, https://www.gsi.ie It is recognised that the exploration and extraction of minerals, aggregates (stone, sand and gravel) and the concrete products industry contribute to economic development, are essential building materials and are required for industrial processes. However, they can give rise to land use and environmental issues, which are required to be mitigated and controlled through the planning process. Objective ECON O39 Mineral Extraction and Environmental Impacts It is an objective of the Council to: a) Recognise the potential of the extractive, mineral and mining industries to contribute to Limerick’s economy and endeavor to protect access to these resources, where known. b) Minimise environmental and other impacts of mineral extraction through rigorous application of development management and enforcement requirements for quarry and other developments; and c) In particular, to have regard to visual impacts, methods of extraction, noise levels, dust prevention, protection of rivers, lakes and other water sources, impacts on residential and other amenities, impacts on the road network (particularly with regard to making good any damage to roads), road safety, phasing, re-instatement and landscaping of worked sites. d) Ensure that development for aggregates/mineral extraction does not significantly impact on County Geological Sites / Sites of geological interest. 5.8.19 Equine Industry The Council recognises the importance of the equine industry in Limerick and the positive contribution that the industry makes towards agricultural diversification and rural employment. Objective ECON O40 Equine Industry It is an objective of the Council to promote and support the development of the equine industry in Limerick. 5.8.20 Home Working/E-Working The Council acknowledges the increasing role and importance of home working/eworking in our economy and its associated benefits, including reduced demand for commuting-related travel and associated carbon emissions, increased work flexibility and improvements in work-life balance. Proposals for use of the home, be it own door units or apartment schemes, as a workplace will be controlled through the development management system in order to ensure that development can be integrated without detriment to the amenities of residential areas. Objective ECON O41 Home Working/E-Working It is an objective of the Council to facilitate home-based economic activities where, by virtue of their nature and scale, they can be accommodated without detriment to the amenities of residential areas.

5. Page 155

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   Chapter 5: A Strong Economy153 Map 5.3: GSI Mineral Map GSI Mineral Map CDP-C_-GSIMQL DATE DWG. No. OSI LICENCE No. calcite chalcopyrite clay clay, ball clay, brick clay, fire clay, shale, brickshales coal conglomerate (in general) copper dolomite, (dolostone) galena gold greenstone haematite iron lead limestone (in general) limonite malachite phosphate pyrite quartz sand and gravel sandstone (in general) shale silver slate spa water or minerals sphalerite tennanite tuff zinc Active Quarries Limerick County Boundary LEGEND Limerick Development Plan 2022-2028 © Ordnance Survey Ireland. All rights reserved. Licence No. 2017/09/CCMA/Limerick City & County Council Adopted June '22 Background © Open Street Map

6. Page 156

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   LIMERICK DEVELOPMENT PLAN 2022-2028154 5.8.21 Limerick’s Food Sector The Agri-Food sector is one of Limerick’s most important indigenous industries, playing a vital role in the local economy. Limerick also supports the rich heritage of market towns with the potential to revive farmer markets to support local SMEs and food tourism. The Council supports the Department of Rural and Community Development’s Action Plan for Rural Development (APRD), which focuses on the continued development of the agri-food sector through implementation of Food Wise 2025. The Food Vision 2030 Strategy is a new tenyear Strategy for the Irish agri-food sector (taken to include primary agriculture, food and drink processing and manufacturing, fisheries, aquaculture and fish processing, forestry and forestry processing and the equine sector). Its vision is that Ireland will become a world leader in Sustainable Food Systems (SFS) over the next decade. This will deliver significant benefits for the Irish agri-food sector itself, for Irish society and the environment. In demonstrating that the Irish agri-food sector meets the highest standards of sustainability (economic, environmental and social), this will provide the basis for the future competitive advantage of the sector. By adopting an integrated food systems approach Ireland will seek to become a global leader of innovation for sustainable food and agricultural systems. This will include producing safe, nutritious and high-value food, while protecting and enhancing our natural and cultural resources and contributing to vibrant rural and coastal communities and the national economy. The Failte Ireland Food Tourism Development Strategy 2018-2023 aims to increase the availability of great Irish food and drink experiences across the country, to increase the number of tourism businesses engaged with development initiatives and overseas, to increase and enhance the awareness and perception of Ireland’s food and drink offering. In order to develop and improve the food and drinks experiences in pubs, the product must be authentic and the service must be of high quality. The Food Strategy for Limerick 2016–2018 is a plan to develop and enhance Limerick’s reputation for outstanding food and drink by supporting Limerick’s food and drink producers. The Food Strategy aims to encourage, support and develop Limerick’s rural and urban food scene through information, education and marketing. Objective ECON O42 Limerick Food Strategy It is an objective of the Council to: a) Support the Food Vision 2030 Strategy and the Food Strategy for Limerick 2016–2018 and any subsequent updates. b) Develop and enhance Limerick’s reputation for outstanding food and drink, by supporting producers and to ensure the development of Limerick as a leader of innovation for sustainable food and agricultural systems. Support the production of safe, nutritious and high-value food, while protecting and enhancing our natural and cultural resources and contributing to vibrant communities and the economy. Objective ECON O43 Food Destination Limerick It is an objective of the Council to promote Limerick as a food destination and to implement the Fáilte Ireland Food Tourism Development Strategy 2018-2023 and the Limerick City and County Council Food Strategy 2016-2018, regarding the development of food tourism in conjunction with relevant stakeholders. 5.8.22 Circular Economy The transition to a more circular economy, where the generation of waste is minimised by the principles of designing out waste and pollution and keeping products and materials in use for as long as possible, is essential in developing a competitive, sustainable, low carbon, resource efficient economy. The Council recognises the multiple economic and environmental benefits and opportunities that arise from a more circular economy, particularly in the creation of job opportunities in recycling and high-quality repairs and new innovative enterprises. More information on the economic opportunities around the Circular Economy can be found in Chapter 8: Infrastructure. Objective ECON O44 Circular Economy It is an objective of the Council to support the economic benefits and opportunities that exist in the transition to a more circular economy.

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   Chapter 5: A Strong Economy155 5.9 Tourism and the Economy Tourism is a proven economic driver, playing a significant role in the overall development of Limerick. The sector is uniquely positioned to contribute strongly to job creation and reversing unemployment in communities throughout Limerick. As a significant economic activity, Limerick City and County Council in partnership with local and national stakeholders, seeks to increase tourist numbers and support sustainable job creation, through targeted tourism initiatives including the development of new tourism products and leveraging natural and built heritage assets to support tourism across Limerick. Limerick is strategically positioned in the Mid- West Region with excellent connectivity nationally by rail and road corridors and internationally by its proximity to Shannon International Airport, which has capacity to cater for 4.5 million passengers per annum. The RSES acknowledges Shannon International Airport as a national and infrastructural driver of tourism growth and as an international gateway to the tourism assets of the Limerick Shannon Metropolitan Area, Mid-West and wider region. Failte Ireland’s Wild Atlantic Way Gateway Plan for Limerick is currently in development and provides a focused roadmap to deliver this collective ambition to transform Limerick into a compelling visitor destination and base for exploring the Wild Atlantic Way. In this regard, the MASP aims to ensure collaboration between Local Authorities and tourism agencies. The Limerick Tourism Development Strategy 2019-2023, the Limerick 2030 Economic and Spatial Plan for Limerick and the River Shannon Tourism Masterplan, are key strategic plans which will form the basis for the development of tourism in Limerick. Section 3: Tourism

8. Page 158

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   LIMERICK DEVELOPMENT PLAN 2022-2028 5.9.1 Urban Tourism: City Centre and Suburbs (in Limerick) During the lifespan of the Plan, Limerick will increase the range of day and evening experience options for visitors by working collaboratively to deliver an improved visitor environment. Ongoing public realm improvement works in the City Centre and a new Wayfinding Orientation and Signage Plan will enhance the visitor experience, by introducing and orientating visitors through the City, delivering new and coherent visitor experiences. The tourism sector in the City Centre has experienced growth in recent years with hotel occupancy rates improving. The café and restaurant sector has also expanded and provide an important source of employment in the City, while the City’s Waterfront has seen a notable increase in river activities and engagement. New developments such as the International Rugby Experience, currently under construction, will enhance Limerick’s sporting culture and identity. Improvements to existing venues will also be supported to achieve international visitor experience status. Improved connectivity will see the City positioned as a gateway and base for visitors to the stunning natural and built heritage sites of the county and the Wild Atlantic Way (WAW), offering visitors stress free accessibility and choice of experience. Critical success factors for the development of Limerick as a Wild Atlantic Way Gateway City include: •• Continuous development of new visitor experiences across the day and evening economy; •• The development of the City as a coherent visitor destination through a Wayfinding, Orientation and Signage Plan in 2021; •• The development of new globally significant attractions and activities that provide reasons to visit Limerick; •• Capitalising on the cultural and urban edge of Limerick to build a global tourism positioning; •• Sustained economic success achieved through domestic and international visitor numbers growth, increased dwell time, bed nights and new levels of employment supported through an extended tourism season; •• Maximising the tourism potential of the Medieval Quarter/Nicholas Street, Georgian Neighbourhood and Market Quarter; •• Supporting existing tourist attractions including King John’s Castle, Hunt Museum, St. Mary’s Cathedral, Limerick City Gallery of Art, Limerick Museum and the People’s Museum of Limerick. 156

9. Page 159

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   Chapter 5: A Strong Economy157 5.9.2 Rural Tourism Limerick is fortunate to have a broad geographic spread of visitor experiences across the county from the Munster Vales and Ballyhoura Country in the East, through to Lough Gur and Curragh Chase and on to the Limerick Greenway and Shannon Estuary Way in the west. Our rich tapestry of historical and heritage sites both built and natural, have the potential to animate the stories of this place and its people in an engaging way for our visitors. Limerick City and County Council works collaboratively with West Limerick Tourism, Muster Vales and Ballyhoura Failte to support the sustainable geographic spread of tourism development across rural Limerick and actively seeks collaboration opportunities for cross promotion and development with neighbouring Local Authorities and national agencies. The Limerick Greenway’s ongoing development and ambition to connect the City with West Limerick, through sustainable travel options will play a key role in the development of tourism amenities and attractions in the area as part of the West Limerick Tourism Strategy. Similarly, Limerick City and County Council will continue to support the objectives of the Munster Vales Strategic Tourism Development Strategy 2020 – 2025. Adare Manor and Limerick will play host to the Ryder Cup in 2027. Limerick City and County Council will work collaboratively to ensure that the appropriate infrastructure and transport provisions are in place, capitalising on the event to ensure economic and social benefits for the region. Limerick City and County Council continues to work in partnership with Failte Ireland and local stakeholders to maximise the potential of tourism attractions on the Shannon Estuary Way including Glin, Askeaton and the Foynes Flying Boat and Maritime Museum. The Implementation of the Wild Atlantic Way Gateway City Plan and development of improved transport links in the area, will optimise the region’s potential to increase visitor numbers drawing on the success of the Wild Atlantic Way.

10. Page 160

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    LIMERICK DEVELOPMENT PLAN 2022-2028158 Objective ECON O45 Tourism It is an objective of the Council to: a) Support strong growth in the tourism sector in Limerick ensuring the economic and societal benefits of tourism are effectively distributed throughout the County, through connections between complementary sites and attractions, by encouraging visitors to move around the County and to enable them to do so with ease. b) Support the development of Limerick’s capacity for largescale group tourism, through improved transport amenities for bus tours, group tours and cruise ship visitors. c) Recognise the heritage value of Limerick’s towns and villages such as Adare, Kilmallock and Askeaton and seek opportunities to enhance their tourism potential. d) Support and harness the tourism potential of existing rural and heritage site amenities/attractions, including The Clare Glens, Lough Gur, Knockfierna, Munster Vales, Ballyhoura Country, Foynes Flying Boat and Maritime Museum, The Shannon Estuary Way, Curragh Chase, Fullers Folly and Adare Heritage Centre, in a way that promotes sustainable tourism. e) Actively develop Limerick as an Events location with the appropriate infrastructure to attract international conferences, sporting, cultural and commercial events, including the development of an International Conference Centre and improved public realm, which supports outdoor performance and events of scale (Refer to Chapter 3: Spatial Strategy Section 3.4.5.1). f) To adopt a strategic collaborative approach to the delivery of the Ryder Cup in Adare/Limerick in 2027 to leverage the legacy potential of this major event and ensure maximum return on investment for Limerick and the region. g) To work with Waterways Ireland and Fáilte Ireland to develop the water activity sector in Limerick by exploring the potential for increased accessibility to Limerick’s waterways for water-based tourism activity (refer also to Chapter 10: Sustainable Communities and Social Infrastructure and Chapter 11: Development Management Standards). h) Support and promote the development of the Shannon River Interpretative Centre in Limerick City. Objective ECON O46 Festivals It is an objective of the Council to support and develop existing festivals and encourage the establishment of new festivals and events on a yearly basis in conjunction with relevant stakeholders. Objective ECON O47 Shannon Tourism Masterplan It is an objective of the Council to: a) Promote, encourage and facilitate the implementation of the Shannon Tourism Masterplan and its objectives in co-operation with Waterways Ireland, Fáilte Ireland and adjoining Local Authorities. This includes proposals for the increased access to and visibility of the Shannon’s scenic attributes and its use for land-based activities, such as cycling and walking. b) Promote, encourage and facilitate the implementation of the Lower Shannon Priority Projects as identified in the Shannon Tourism Masterplan, where they relate to Limerick.

Source Limerick City and County Council: Limerick Development Plan 2022–2028 (as varied) (2022–2028) · 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.