Development plan · Longford County Council
Longford County Development Plan 2021–2027
The council's development plan written statement: its strategy, policies, objectives and development standards.
Longford County Council · 2021–2027 · 486 pages
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- CPO 5.57 CPO 5.58 CPO 5.59 CPO 5.60 CPO 5.61 CPO 5.56 Sustainable Public Transport - County Policy Objectives It is the County Policy Objective to: Support bus priority measures on existing and planned road infrastructure, where appropriate, in collaboration with the National Transport Authority, Bus Éireann and the Transport Infrastructure Ireland. Facilitate the provision of park and ride facilities in appropriate locations within convenient reach of transport nodes and along strategic transport corridors. Liaise with and encourage transport providers and other agencies (e.g. NTA, developers etc) to provide appropriate bus shelters and real time information panels at bus stops. Facilitate the expansion and development of existing and any future proposed rail facilities and supporting infrastructure within the county. Concentrate development which may be aimed at those commuting to and from Dublin within close proximity of existing rail links and to facilitate, where practical, improved access for pedestrians and cyclists. Support and promote the heritage value of the rail network and the retention and enhancement of disused rail lines with uses to provide for tourism, amenity and sustainable transports uses such as cycleways and walkways. 5.2.6 Electric Vehicles Electric vehicles (EV) refer to both Battery Electric Vehicles (BEV) and Plug-In Hybrid Electric Vehicles (PHEV). In line with the Government target to electrify all new cars and vans by 2030, the NPF acknowledges the need to move away from ‘polluting and carbon intensive propulsion systems to new technologies such as electric vehicles and introduction of electric and hybrid traction systems for public transport fleets’. CSO statistics of new private car registrations in 2019 have seen a 67.4% increase in the number of new private EV cars in 2019, compared with the equivalent of new private EV cars recorded in 2018. However, there remains a significant under investment in public charging infrastructure, with only 6 no. charging points serving the County (March 2020). The Council will seek to promote the use of EVs and the development of associated infrastructure, such as public charging points and in respect of car parking provisions. CPO 5.62 CPO 5.63 CPO 5.64 Electric Vehicles - County Policy Objectives It is the County Policy Objective to: Liaise and collaborate with relevant agencies to support the growth of EVs with support facilities and infrastructure through a roll-out of additional electrical charging infrastructure at appropriate locations. Support the prioritisation of parking for Electric Vehicles (EVs) in town centre locations. Support the provision of electrical charging infrastructure both on street and in new developments in accordance with car parking standards prescribed in Chapter 16: Development Management Standards of this plan. Commuters at Longford Rail Station 141County Development Plan 2021–2027
- Ireland’s carbon reduction emission targets are for a 40% reduction in Greenhouse Gas (GHG) emissions from 1990 levels by 2030; and at least 80% by 2050. Longford Branch of the Royal Canal 142Longford County Council
- 5.2.7 Cycling and Walking The Council recognises the fundamental contribution cycling and walking to the overall wellbeing and quality of life aspects of residents, in addition to its environmental benefits. The Council will encourage and support the delivery of a high quality, permeable and attractive pedestrian and cycling network that allows for multiple direct connections between key destinations. Through the implementation of the Design Manual of Urban Roads and Streets, (DTTS and DECLG, 2020), the Permeability Best Practice Guidelines, (NTA, 2013) and the National Cycle Manual (NTA, 2011), there are opportunities to make walking and cycling more attractive. Where possible, the Council will seek to implement enhanced pedestrian and cycling permeability in urban environments as part of the development management process, in order to provide for continual improvements and coherency to existing cycling and walking network infrastructure with individual settlements. At a wider settlement scale, the Council will seek to implement pedestrian and cycling improvements with the assistance of the NTA through the Green Schools Programme and Sustainable Transport Measures Grants Scheme. This is in line with the guiding principles for land use and transport presented in the RSES, which advocates the management of space in town and village centres to deliver a high level of priority and permeability for walking, cycling and public transport modes to create accessible, attractive, vibrant and safe, places to work, live, shop and engage in community life. County Longford has also seen the development of greenway routes within the County, most notably the Longford Royal Canal Greenway section which runs from Abbeyshrule to Cloondara, with a spur at Killashee to Longford Town. More localised cycleways and walkways have also been developed, such as the Newcastle Woods, Clondra to Lanesborough, Cairn Hill Trail and the Ardagh Mountain Walk. The primary function of such routes relates to tourism and recreational value for the local population in addition to visitors, however, they also form the basis as key components of an overall cycling and walking network. Accordingly, it is the aim of this Council to build upon these successful cycling and walking routes and to promote the continued development of a more integrated and coherent cycling and walking network throughout the County, which provides for more sustainable transport infrastructure for everyday users whilst also catering for tourism and recreational users. Specific policies relating to the development of tourism and recreational cycleways and walkways are detailed in Chapter 10: Tourism. CPO 5.65 CPO 5.66 CPO 5.67 CPO 5.68 CPO 5.69 Cycling and Walking - County Policy Objectives It is the County Policy Objective to: Work with the relevant statutory bodies and other relevant stakeholders, to improve on the existing level of infrastructure and facilities for walking and cycling. Identify and implement a strategic, coherent and high-quality cycling and walking network across the County that is integrated with public transport and interconnected with cultural, recreational, retail, educational and employment destinations and attractions. Promote the organisation of traffic in towns and villages to separate motor vehicular, bicycles and pedestrian traffic in accordance with the National Manual for the provision of Cycle Facilities in Urban Areas, the Design Manual for Urban Roads and Streets and The National Cycle Manual. Promote walking through the development and expansion of a network of safe walking trails within towns and villages and their environs. Such routes can link with existing walking trials, Sli na Slainte and the Green Infrastructure Network and existing or new public rights of way. Adopt and implement the provisions of the Draft Longford Walking and Cycling Strategy and, where necessary and appropriate, reserve lands for the provision of off-road cycling tracks and cycling/pedestrian infrastructure as identified as part of any such cycling strategy prepared. 143County Development Plan 2021–2027
- CPO 5.75 CPO 5.76 CPO 5.77 CPO 5.78 CPO 5.79 CPO 5.80 CPO 5.72 CPO 5.73 CPO 5.74 CPO 5.70 CPO 5.71 Cycling and Walking - County Policy Objectives It is the County Policy Objective to: Seek the development of effective cycling infrastructure along the key urban arterial routes to and from Longford Town: ■ (R198 – Battery Road/Church Street/Bridge Street; ■ R393 – Dublin Road; and ■ the N63 – Ballinalee Road); in order to coincide with key employment areas, public transport hubs and schools within Longford Town. Facilitate the provision of cycleways and footpaths, particularly in conjunction with new housing developments. Ensure that all new roads and cycle routes implement the National Cycle Manual or any replacement document, with a focus on a high level of service for cyclists and encourage a modal shift from the private car to cycling. Provide for safer routes to schools within the county and promote walking and cycling as suitable modes of transport as part of the Green Schools Programme and other local traffic management improvements. Ensure that the upgrading of roads will not impact negatively on the safety and perceived safety of cyclists. Support the development of safe cycle routes and enhance and maintain these routes with quality signposting, lighting and road surfaces separated from vehicular traffic following the standards set out in 2020 DMURS Interim Advice Note – Covid-19 Pandemic Response and the NTA’s National Cycle Manual and any further review and iteration of the same. Encourage the development of off-road cycling. Ensure that the upgrading of roads will not impact negatively on the safety and perceived safety of cyclists. Ensure that any dedicated cycle routes which are developed away from the main public carriageway are well lit. Routes should, where possible, follow off-road tracks and quiet country roads. Promote the potential development of long-distance walking and cycling routes, particularly those with historical and cultural associations and links to other routes in adjacent counties in association with the Irish Sports Council. Aim to establish and link with a strategic network of trails from residential areas, open spaces and existing or new public rights of way to facilitate the creation of a secure and safe greenway network. Improve the attractiveness and usability of the pedestrian environment of the County, particularly in residential areas, designated settlements and in areas of high amenity. Implement, at appropriate locations, pedestrian permeability schemes and enhancements. Provide signposting, information boards and public lighting for walking and cycling routes at appropriate locations. Require the provision of secure cycle parking facilities in settlements, at public service destinations, key public transport nodes and in all new residential and commercial development in accordance with the cycle parking standards presented in Chapter 16: Development Management Standards - Table 16.2: Cycle Parking Standards. Require suitable and secure shower and changing facilities for all new employment developments in accordance with the requirements set out in Chapter 16: Development Management Standards. 144Longford County Council
- CPO 5.81 CPO 5.82 Aviation Development - County Policy Objectives It is the County Policy Objective to: Facilitate and promote the development of Abbeyshrule Aerodrome as a Midlands Regional Airport, where appropriate and where it would: contribute towards the proper planning and sustainable development of the County; and comply with all environmental legislation and policies and objectives contained within this Plan and higher level planning documents, including the National Planning Framework and Eastern and Midland Regional Spatial and Economic Strategy. Consider the potential expansion of Abbeyshrule Aerodrome in the context of the surrounding heritage features including residential amenity and the architectural and amenity value of the village and the Royal Canal. 5.2.8 Aviation Whilst there are no commercial aerodromes in operation in the County, the private aerodrome in Abbeyshrule remains a key infrastructure element for the County and the wider region in terms of its recreational value for users, as well as its potential as a key transport node. Accordingly, the following policies are relevant in relation to aviation activities: Abbeyshrule Aerodrome 145County Development Plan 2021–2027
- 5.3 Water Supply and Wastewater Services In terms of the national planning policy context, the NPF emphasises the critical importance of investment in water services infrastructure to the implementation of the National Development Plan and the achievement of NSO 9 and NPO 63, which seek the sustainable management of water and other environmental resources. NPOs 72a and 72b prescribe the requirements for distinguishing between zoned lands that are serviced (Tier 1 lands) and zoned lands that are serviceable within the lifetime of the plan (Tier 2 lands). The NPF also requires planning authorities and infrastructure delivery agencies to focus on the timely delivery of enabling infrastructure to priority zoned lands in order to deliver planned growth and development (NPO 73c). The RSES reinforces NSO 9 at a regionallevel through Regional Strategic Outcome (RSO) 7, seeking the sustainable management of water, waste and other environmental sources, as well as containing policies aimed at ensuring that all residential and employment developments are planned on a phased basis in collaboration with infrastructure providers. Irish Water is responsible for the provision of public water supply, wastewater collection and treatment services. It is an objective of Irish Water to provide both drinking water and wastewater capacity to facilitate growth in accordance with core strategies at county level, and with national and regional planning policies and objectives (subject to the constraints of the Irish Water Capital Investment Programme). Longford County Council retains its role in facilitating the provision of adequate water services, in conjunction with Irish Water, at a local level, through Service Level Agreements (SLAs). Therefore, underpinning the sustainable growth of the County is the alignment of investment in critical infrastructure, such as water supply and wastewater services, with future development needs. This County Development Plan, through the implementation of the Core Strategy, provides for greater linkages between the settlement hierarchy and the timing, scale and provision of water and wastewater facilities. This section should be also read in conjunction with Chapter 12: Natural Heritage and the Environment, Section 12.15 Water Quality for specific detail in relation to groundwater and water quality protection policies. 5.3.1 Water Supply Public drinking water in County Longford is supplied through 5 no. public water supply schemes (Longford Central; Granard; Gowna; Ballymahon; Lanesborough and Newtowncashel). These are predominately surface water abstraction supplies with the exception of Lanesborough and Newtowncashel which are groundwater sourced supplies. The 2016 census indicates that 11,419 private households (75.7%) in the county are served by public watermains. The remaining households are served by either Group Water Schemes or private wells, which do not fall within the remit of Irish Water. Private bored wells used as a source of water supply to single dwellings are the responsibility of the householder. Such wells are not regulated under the European Communities (Drinking Water) Regulations 2014 and Irish Water has no regulatory function in this regard. The Council is responsible for providing guidance and advice in relation to the protection of water quality and in this regard the Council administers and manages well grants on behalf of the Department of Housing, Planning and Local Government (DHPLG). The protection of our surface and groundwater sources is a key challenge facing Longford in the future, and to ensure that existing water services infrastructure and capacity is adequately managed, which includes the ongoing implementation of a Water Conservation Programme. Practical water conservation measures including active leakage detection, demand management and pressure management have played and will continue to play a major role in reducing the demand for potable water, thus facilitating additional development and improving the level of service to existing consumers in the county through the existing watermain networks. The Council will continue to engage with Irish Water to ensure that the future demands of the county are provided for and will continue to promote water conservation in conjunction with Irish Water. 146Longford County Council
- It is an objective of Irish Water to provide both drinking water and wastewater capacity to facilitate growth in accordance with core strategies at county level, and with national and regional planning policies and objectives 147 County Development Plan 2021–2027
- CPO 5.86 CPO 5.83 CPO 5.87 CPO 5.84 CPO 5.88 CPO 5.85 CPO 5.89 CPO 5.90 Water Supply and Distribution - County Policy Objectives It is the County Policy Objective to: Work in conjunction with Irish Water to protect existing water infrastructure, to maximise the potential of existing capacity and to facilitate the timely delivery of new water services infrastructure to facilitate future growth. Protect both ground and surface water resources and to work with Irish Water to develop and implement Water Safety Plans to protect sources of public water supply and their contributing catchment. Have regard to the EPA 2019 publication ‘Drinking Water Report for Public Water Supplies 2018’ (and any subsequent update) in the establishment and maintenance of water sources in the County in conjunction with Irish Water. Support recommendations made by the EPA arising from any failure to meet drinking water standards and any enlistment on the EPA’s Remedial Action List in conjunction with Irish Water. Support the preparation of Drinking Water Protection Plans and Source Protection Plans to protect sources of public water supply, in accordance with the requirements of the Water Framework Directive. Ensure that adequate water services is available to service development prior to the granting of planning permission and to require developers to consult Irish Water regarding available capacity, prior to applying for planning permission. Promote the sustainable use of water and water conservation in existing and new development within the County by encouraging demand management measures among all water users and requiring new developments to incorporate water conservation measures. Provide guidance and advice regarding the protection of water supply to private wells with the overall responsibility remaining with the householder. 5.3.2 Wastewater The provision of well-maintained, quality wastewater treatment infrastructure is essential to facilitate sustainable development in the county in line with the Core Strategy, while also protecting the environment and public health in accordance with the requirements of the River Basin Management Plan for Ireland 2018-2021. 5.3.2.1 Serviced Areas In Longford, there are currently 20 no. wastewater treatment plants, the majority in the ownership and maintenance of Irish Water. However, Longford County Council operate and maintain 5 no. wastewater treatment plants on behalf of the Irish Water, with the foul sewer network collecting effluent from approximately 11,400 homes. Monitoring of the treated effluent from the plants is carried out as required in accordance with the Urban Wastewater Treatment Directive and conditions of the Discharge Licences and Certificates of Authorisation issued by the Environmental Protection Agency. The Council, in conjunction with Irish Water, has identified specific capacity constraints associated with the Edgeworthstown and Ballymahon wastewater treatment plants. While both of these settlements feature prominently in the settlement hierarchy for the county, (as detailed in Chapter 4: Core Housing and Settlement Strategies), consideration of further development in these settlements will be contingent on the upgrading of these treatment plants, or the submission of appropriate engineering solutions for individual developments which suitably address wastewater treatment and disposal to the satisfaction of the Council and Irish Water. Irish Water has committed to the upgrade of these treatment plants within the lifetime of this plan. 148Longford County Council
- 5.3.2.2 Unserviced Areas In unserviced areas and outside the main settlements, the main method of sewage disposal is by individual septic tanks and proprietary wastewater treatment systems. The requirements for these systems are set out in the EPA Code of Practice for Wastewater Treatment Systems and Disposal Systems Serving Single Houses (2010). For larger developments the requirements are set out by the EPA Wastewater Treatment Manuals – Treatment Systems for Small Communities, Business, Leisure Centres and Hotels (1999) and EPA Guidance on the Authorisation of Discharges to Groundwater (EPA 2011). The control of development in areas of high groundwater vulnerability is a priority for the Council. Where existing clusters of septic tanks in vulnerable groundwater areas are augmented with additional septic tanks, the risk of pollution increases significantly and therefore excessive concentrations of septic tanks which would adversely affect groundwater quality will be strictly prohibited. 149County Development Plan 2021–2027
- CPO 5.91 CPO 5.98 CPO 5.92 CPO 5.99 CPO 5.93 CPO 5.94 CPO 5.95 CPO 5.96 CPO 5.97 Wastewater - County Policy Objectives It is the County Policy Objective to: Liaise and work in conjunction with Irish Water during the lifetime of the Plan in the provision, upgrading or extension of wastewater collection and treatment systems in the County to serve existing and planned future populations and enterprise in accordance with the requirements of the Core Strategy. Ensure that development will only be permitted in instances where there is sufficient capacity for appropriate collection, treatment and disposal (in compliance with the Water Framework Directive and River Basin Management Plan) of wastewater. Collaborate with Irish Water in contributing towards compliance with the relevant provisions of the Urban Wastewater Treatment Regulations 2001 and 2004 and the Wastewater Discharge (Authorisation) Regulations 2007 as amended. Support strategic wastewater treatment infrastructure investment and provide for the separation of foul and surface water networks to accommodate future growth in the County. Have regard to the capacity of the Edgeworthstown and Ballymahon wastewater treatment plants (and any other plants within the County of limited capacity to accommodate the core strategy and settlement hierarchy), with any further growth in these settlements contingent on the upgrading of these treatment plants, or the submission of appropriate temporary engineering solutions for individual developments which suitably address wastewater treatment and disposal to the satisfaction of the Council and Irish Water and in accordance with the provisions of the Water Framework Directive and relevant River Basin Management Plan. Resist the discharge of additional surface water to combined sewers and promote Sustainable Urban Drainage Systems (SuDs) and solutions to maximise the capacity of towns with combined drainage systems. Protect against development proposals, involving individual treatment systems, which would increase effluent loading within existing housing clusters located within areas of high groundwater vulnerability. Ensure that private wastewater treatment plants, where permitted, are operated in compliance with EPA’s. ‘Promote changeover from septic tanks to public collection networks in all cases where this is feasible.’ ■ Code of Practice Wastewater Treatment and Disposal Systems Serving Single Houses (PE. ≤10) (EPA 2009), as may be amended. ■ EPA Wastewater Treatment Manuals – Treatment Systems for Small Communities, Business, Leisure Centres and Hotels (1999) and EPA Guidance on the Authorisation of Discharges to Groundwater (EPA 2011), as may be amended. Support appropriate options for the extraction of energy and other resources from sewerage sludge in the County. 150Longford County Council
Source Longford County Council: Longford County Development Plan 2021–2027 (2021–2027) · 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.