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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- 6.5.4 Securing Funding Streams In applying a tailored approach to the location of new housing and economic development, the importance of the role of regeneration in the delivery of Project Ireland 2040 is acknowledged through the Urban Regeneration and Development Fund (URDF) and the Rural Regeneration and Development Fund (RRDF). Regeneration will pursue complementary funding streams that support broader aims to achieve these outcomes in the areas of tourism, economic, recreation, heritage, amenity, social inclusion and climate action. 6.5.4.1 Urban Regeneration and Development Fund (URDF) The URDF which was launched in 2018 and is a ten year national programme which sets out to support compact sustainable development, through the regeneration of Ireland’s cities and large towns towards more compact and sustainable urban environments in line with national and regional policy. It aims to regenerate urban areas by facilitating the redevelopment of the existing built fabric of settlements in order to strengthen and support towns and cities as attractive and vibrant destinations where people choose to live and work, as well as to invest and visit. The URDF has an overall allocation of €2 billion to 2027. Longford Town (which has a population over 10,000 persons; CSO, 2016) is the only town within the County of an appropriate population for this fund, which can be secured to regenerate the core area of town centres and bring back vitality and viability as a sustainable town, by accommodating identified social infrastructure and economic needs of the town. The types of proposals eligible for funding include: ■ Strategic development areas; ■ Active land management; ■ Measures to address building vacancy and refurbishment; ■ Public realm improvements; ■ Enabling infrastructure; ■ Sustainable mobility; ■ Transition to low carbon and climate resilience. 6.5.4.2 Rural Regeneration and Development Fund (RRDF) The Rural Regeneration and Development Fund (RRDF) was established to support job creation in rural areas, address de-population of rural communities and support improvements in towns and villages with a population of less than 10,000, and outlying areas. The Government have committed €1billion to be invested in rural Ireland over the period 2019 to 2027. Apart from Longford Town (which has a population over 10,000 persons), other towns and villages within the County would be of an appropriate population for this fund. This fund provides an opportunity to support the revitalisation of rural Ireland, to make a significant and sustainable impact on rural communities, and to address depopulation in small rural towns, villages and rural areas. It will be a key instrument to support the objectives of the NPF, and in particular to achieve Strengthened Rural Economies and Communities – one of the National Strategic Outcomes of the NPF. Of the projects which have secured funding in County Longford to date, of particular note is the following: - The Historic Granard Motte Project Under the Rural Regeneration and Development Fund (RRDF) approximately €2.9m has been allocated to the Historic Granard Motte Project, to develop a major tourism and amenity attraction at the site of Granard Motte, a national monument at Granard, Co. Longford. The project will develop a heritage park on 15 acres of land and will recreate a living Norman Village and children’s amenities. It will complement previous successful funding applications on the site that saw the development of a ‘Knights and Conquests’ Heritage Centre and an onsite café as part of the REDZ scheme and Town and Village Renewal scheme. The Knights and Conquests Centre is an interpretative centre telling the story of the Norman Knights in Ireland, allowing visitors an opportunity to walk through time and 191County Development Plan 2021–2027
- learn about life in Norman Ireland. The RRDF funds will be used to bring additionality to the overall project, allowing for a tourism product of national and international scale to be opened on the site. This will be a living history village, which will result in an immersive visitor experience on Norman life 800 years ago, where visitors will be transported back to Norman Ireland through a series of innovative living history displays and activities, supported by audio-visual presentations, augmented reality, virtual reality (VR) and print. It will link into the Granard Motte, bringing it back into playing a pivotal role in the development of the town. This project is a collaboration between Longford County Council, the local community and Fáilte Ireland. The RRDF allowed this project to be significantly scaled up to that of a tourism product that would encourage people to visit, enhancing the visitor experience and therefore the long-term sustainability of the project. This means that this project will have a significant economic impact on the town of Granard and the wider region. It is anticipated that in excess of 40 jobs will be created as a result of this project and 15,000 visitors projected to visit the site yearly, once fully operational. This will benefit existing and new businesses in Granard. 6.5.4.3 Town and Village Renewal Scheme The Town and Village Renewal Scheme is a key initiative under the Action Plan for Rural Development and is part of a range of measures to support the revitalisation of rural Ireland under the Government’s Project Ireland 2040 Rural Regeneration Programme. Towns and villages are at the heart of our rural communities and can play an important role in revitalising rural Ireland. Its aim is to rejuvenate Ireland’s rural towns and villages to make them more attractive places in which to live, work and visit. The Scheme will help build the resilience of rural communities in the face of Brexit and can help to contribute to the transition to a lowcarbon economy. 6.5.4.4 Outdoor Recreation Infrastructure Scheme (ORIS) The Outdoor Recreation Infrastructure Strategy plays an important part in strengthening rural economies and communities as part of one of the strategic objectives of the Government’s Project Ireland 2040 strategy for rural communities by providing funding for the development of new outdoor recreational infrastructure and for the necessary maintenance, enhancement or promotion of existing outdoor recreational infrastructure in rural areas across Ireland. The scheme seeks to support those sporting and recreational pursuits based on use of the resources of the countryside that contribute to healthy active lifestyles and the economic and tourism potential of the area for both local communities and tourist visitors alike. 6.6 Longford Regeneration Opportunities Going forward over the life time of the Development Plan Longford County council will identify potential projects under the various funding sources. Among the potential projects for advancement are the following: 6.6.1 Longford Key Town In the RSES, Longford Town which is identified as a Gateway Region ‘Key Town’ is regarded as having a particularly high ratio of jobs to resident workers, with significant in-commuting and employment in sectors such as advanced manufacturing, agri-food and the pharma sectors. The planned development of a creative and innovation hub and co-working space on the Main Street are also regarded as providing a further opportunity to drive enterprise development and entrepreneurship in the town. Potential exists to stimulate economic development through the provision of broadband and natural gas within the town. It is recognised that Longford Town has a number of strategic areas that can act as regenerative catalysts increasing the residential, economic and leisure potential of the town centre, whilst also addressing flooding issues, vacancy, derelict buildings and enhancing the vibrancy of the town. Key areas include the Camlin Quarter and Ballyminion areas, with further strategic sites throughout, including possibilities within the southern quarter of the town. The Strategic sites identified in the Longford 192Longford County Council
- and Environs Local Area Plan 2016-2022, and the additional ‘regeneration areas’ identified in this Plan (including the Ardnacassa area) will be targeted for specific action. The Longford Flood Relief Scheme will address flood considerations and support appropriate use of riverside locations. There are opportunities for improved links between both ends of the town and enhanced rejuvenation of, and connections between, the Royal Canal Greenway, the former location of the canal harbour in the vicinity of the Market Square and the Albert Reynolds Peace Park (the Mall). CPO 6.62 CPO 6.63 CPO 6.64 CPO 6.66 CPO 6.65 CPO 6.67 CPO 6.68 CPO 6.69 CPO 6.70 CPO 6.71 CPO 6.72 CPO 6.73 Longford Town Regeneration Opportunities – County Policy Objectives It is the County Policy Objective to: Support and prioritise Longford Town regeneration opportunities and the associated coordination of relevant stakeholders in recognition of its ‘Key Town’ status within the County. Support Longford Town as a strategic portal to the northwest. Support Longford Town in its role as a support centre to the regional growth centre of Athlone. Support Longford town in its role as a strategic employment centre. Support the development of Longford Town as a tourism hub. Support social inclusion measures including the revitalisation of areas by physical regeneration, planning, investment and community development. Support the plan-led development and regeneration of publicly owned land banks in the town for residential, employment, education, community, cultural and recreational opportunities. Support the consolidation of the town centre and the enhancement and linking of brownfield and outlying sites to the town centre, with a focus on the regeneration of underused buildings and strategic sites. Enhance accessibility and sustainable mobility within the town centre by improving links between the core and surrounding areas through the further integration of public transport, walking and cycling facilities. Connect educational, recreational, employment, civic and town centre economic activity, and in particular improve the relationship between the Albert Reynolds Peace Park (the Mall) and the town core. Build on tourism investment and the profile of the Camlin River in Longford Town through the strategic development of recreational trails and networks. Create north-south linkages from the Canal to the Camlin River incorporating the Royal Canal Greenway and Albert Reynolds Peace Park (the Mall), linking areas of tourism and amenity potential such as; Connolly Barracks, St. Mel’s Cathedral, the Backstage Theatre in relation to the town core. 193County Development Plan 2021–2027
- Recognise the importance of universal accessibility and promote relevant Initiatives in conjunction with representative organisations which will include various interventions in the Albert Reynolds Peace Park (the Mall), the progress of the Longford Connected Project to address targeted areas. Camlin River, Longford Town 194Longford County Council
- CPO 6.74 CPO 6.81 CPO 6.75 CPO 6.82 CPO 6.76 CPO 6.83 CPO 6.78 CPO 6.77 CPO 6.84 CPO 6.85 CPO 6.79 CPO 6.80 Longford Town Regeneration Opportunities – County Policy Objectives It is the County Policy Objective to: Promote the development of the Camlin Quarter area of Longford Town in accordance with the Camlin Quarter Plan, or other relevant subsequent plan / strategy. Develop the Camlin Quarter (including Connolly Barracks, Church St. Great Water Street, Little Water Street onto the Albert Reynolds Peace Park (the Mall), by enhancing the public realm, investigation of potential land uses, landbank assembly and connectivity improvements. Work with elected members and support community capacity building through Town Teams and the URBACT Local Group, in delivering improved regeneration. Recognise the importance of universal accessibility and promote relevant Initiatives in conjunction with representative organisations which will include various interventions in the Albert Reynolds Peace Park (the Mall), the progress of the Longford Connected Project to address targeted areas, and the acquisition of ORIS investment or other relevant funding stream for works to the Camlin Bridge. Support the development of projects identified in the Military Assets as Public Spaces Integrated Action Plan and any other relevant plan or strategy for Longford Town. Promote the development of the Ballyminion Area of Longford Town in accordance with an adopted Masterplan for the area, or other relevant subsequent plan / strategy. Address barriers to development in the Ballyminion area, consulting with the Enterprise, Infrastructure and Planning departments on potential land activation and flood control measures, and with other stakeholders in the public and private sector as appropriate 6.6.2 Other Locations There are many other specific areas in need of regeneration outside of Longford Town, which are also addressed in terms of regeneration over the duration of the Plan. Regeneration Opportunities (Other Locations) – County Policy Objectives It is the County Policy Objective to: Promote the delivery of resource-based tourism initiatives at Granard, Edgeworthstown, Ballymahon, Lanesborough (in conjunction with Roscommon County Council) and Drumlish and provide enhanced, sustainable links between these in conjunction with the community, Waterways Ireland and Bord na Móna. Ensure a coordinated approach to development of rural and urban areas, Greenways, Blueways, and the development of Longford, Ballymahon and Lanesborough as destination towns which are part of wider national and regional networks. Recognise the importance of universal accessibility and promote relevant Initiatives in conjunction with representative organisations, which will include provision of a walkway installation in Drumlish, and universal access to GAA facilities throughout the County. Build on tourism investment in Center Parcs and enhance Longford County as a destination, by enhancing the Royal Canal, Dublin-Westport Greenway, and Mid-Shannon Wilderness Park through the strategic development of recreational trails and networks. Promote the development of Lanesborough – Ballyleague in accordance with the adopted Economic and Enterprise Development Strategy for Lanesborough – Ballyleague, or other relevant subsequent plan / strategy. 195County Development Plan 2021–2027
- 6.6.3 Climate Change and ‘Just Transition’ Fund Opportunities Climate Action is a significant theme in national policy. At a national level funding under the National Development Plan 2018-2027 is provided to support positive climate action through the Climate Action Fund, which aims to support climate action projects which will leverage investment by public and private bodies. The Fund will have an allocation of at least €500m over the period to 2027. The Climate Action Fund includes the objective of funding initiatives that contribute to the achievement of Ireland’s climate and energy targets in a cost-effective manner. It also offers the potential for innovative interventions which, in the absence of support from the Fund, would not otherwise be developed. In terms of the ‘Just Transition’ Fund, this also relates to the provision and encouragement of ecological, environmentally and climate friendly initiatives. As part of the scheme an EU Start Engagement Process, the Midlands Regional Transition Team (MRTT) is collating proposals for projects which can assist a positive transition from peat harvesting and power generation in affected communities and related groups in the wider Midland Region. In this regard an Engagement Document, ‘Midlands Engagement Process’ (May 2020), has been produced which provides guidance on which organisations can make proposals and gives ideas and insights on potential types of projects and activities which could help create a more positive future for communities affected by peat phase out. Registering projects through this Engagement Process, is the first stage in applying for funds from the ‘Just Transition’ Fund. Community based organisations, public, private and third sector organisations can make proposals on potential types of projects and activities which could help create a more positive future for communities affected by peat phase out. CPO 6.86 CPO 6.87 CPO 6.88 CPO 6.89 CPO 6.90 CPO 6.91 CPO 6.92 CPO 6.93 Climate Action and ‘Just Transition’ Fund Opportunities – County Policy Objectives It is the County Policy Objective to: Support the development and delivery of projects in County Longford under the Just Transition Fund and as identified in any related Implementation Plans. Investigate the use of State Agency Lands in County Longford for Green Energy Projects. Examine the potential for using the existing infrastructure in the Lough Ree power plant in Lanesborough for the development of an energy/tourism hub in the midlands. Further expand the Electric Vehicle (EV) charging infrastructure nationally, including the enhancement of the charging network in County Longford. Support the development of digital Hubs for Remote Working in County Longford. Work with Gas Networks Ireland, Teagasc, Irish Water, Bord na Móna, Just Transition process, and the private sector to develop and deliver renewable energy solutions. Prioritise regeneration proposals that focus heavily on sustainable responses to Climate Change mitigation and adaptation. Seek to utilise the Council response to Climate Change as a catalyst for future regeneration within the county and ensure the alignment of all future proposals with its Climate Change Actions and relevant policy, and Climate Change Adaptation Strategy 2019 – 2024. 196Longford County Council
- 6.7 Regeneration Climate Context and Associated Actions In accordance with the format set out in Chapter 3: Climate Change of this Plan, the following is an assessment of the content of this chapter in a Climate Context and associated Actions. Stopping CO2 emissions from fossil fuels today will not reverse the damage already been inflicted on the planet44. Climate change will continue to advance but at a slower rate if action is not implemented. Never has regeneration played such in pivotal role in its ability to deliver not just ‘carbon-neutral’, but ‘carbon negative’ development. This challenge is set against a world where more than one million people every week relocate from rural to urban environments, each with the expectation of better access to jobs, education, health care, housing and quality of life45. Urban Regeneration has been defined as “a comprehensive and integrated vision and action which leads to the resolution of urban problems and which seeks to bring about a lasting improvement in the economic, physical, social and environmental conditions of an area that has been subject to change”46. The sustainable delivery of this concept can be simply achieved by, putting brownfield and empty buildings first, applying higher densities, engaging with existing communities, encouraging mixed use development, using sustainable energy and causing minimal environmental impact. In order to make our towns and cities more sustainable, they must be made more compact, better connected and less damaging to the environment; as the less dense our cities, the further the sprawl, the worse the traffic problem. Encouraging and replicating mixed-use, closely knit neighbourhoods ordered around streets and open spaces through good design and planning, intensifying and maximising mixed-use development while protecting the character of existing communities remains constant. Regeneration has the potential to extend its scope well beyond the traditional realms of urban design and immerse itself into agriculture, technology, waste, and even human behaviour or biophilic design to combat climate change. Biophilic design is based on using nature-based systems, engineering principles (low energy buildings) and design cues to ultimately improve our environment, health and efficiency. Four funds are available under ‘Project Ireland 2040’ designed to stimulate renewal and investment in rural and urban and urban areas, the environment and innovation. These consist of the Climate Action Fund, Urban Regeneration and Development Fund (URDF), Rural Regeneration and Development Fund (RRDF) and the Disruptive Technologies Innovation Fund, all of which have the potential to play a leading role in addressing climate change. 44 Mauristen, T. & Pinus, P. (2017), ‘Committed warming inferred from observations’, Nature Climate Change Journal, 31 July 2017. https://www.nature.com/articles/nclimate3357 45 International Organisation for Migration (2015), ‘World Migration Report 2015, Overview – Migrants and Cities: New Partnerships to Manage Mobility’. https://www.iom.int/sites/default/files/country/docs/syria/IOM-World-Migration-Report-2015-Overview.pdf 46 Roberts, P (2000), ‘The Evolution, definition and Purpose of Urban Regeneration’, Urban Regeneration Handbook, London, SAGE Publications, UK. https://www.scirp.org/(S(czeh2tfqyw2orz553k1w0r45))/reference/ReferencesPapers.aspx?ReferenceID=2167998 197County Development Plan 2021–2027
- Works on Market Square Longford Town A6.1 A6.2 A6.3 A6.4 Regeneration Climate Actions Longford County Council shall: Discourage single land use and typologies within large scale developments, as considered by the Planning Authority. Require all large-scale developments (as determined by the Planning Authority) to submit supporting and professionally prepared carbon footprint calculations, and an outline of the proposed measure to be implemented to offset same; Seek an annual flagship Regeneration application, to exclude those relating to trails, exclusively for the benefit of climate change. Prepare a marketing leaflet for Longford Town and towns within the functional area to encourage development within the serviced settlements. 198Longford County Council
- Placemaking CHAPTER 7 Public art installation, Centenary Square Longford Town
- 200 7.1 Introduction Placemaking relates to the interrelationship and connection between people and the spaces they use. It includes how people move around places, the buildings and structures as well as the open space and landscape of an area and place. It therefore requires a people-centred approach to the planning, design and management of our settlements and the built environment. Placemaking is underpinned by good urban design, which seeks to create public spaces that are vibrant, distinctive, safe and accessible and which promote and facilitate social interaction and economic growth. Placemaking is an essential link between spatial planning and improving people’s quality of life through the creation of attractive places to live, work, visit and invest. The place or environment in which we live or work, including its physical nature and social environment or community has a profound impact on our physical and mental health well-being. The availability of, and access to, services is key to creating healthier places. This includes access to adequate housing and employment choice, supported by good healthcare and education, quality public realm and access to nature, the arts and cultural heritage. There are significant national and regional policy requirements, along with section 28 guidelines which relate to Placemaking. In working towards establishing viable and sustainable communities, it is important to ensure that the Development Plan is underpinned by policies and proposals that are consistent with overarching national and regional guidance and policies in respect of social and community development. The National Planning Framework (NPF) and the Regional Spatial and Economic Strategy (RSES) place a new policy emphasis on renewing and developing existing urban settlements. The importance of healthy placemaking and the provision of adequate social infrastructure are central components of same. The COVID-19 crisis and subsequent lockdowns have highlighted the need for good placemaking practice. Strong accessible connections to amenity areas and recreational facilities for residents of Longford town core in particular, were essential during this time and provide insight into the development requirements of future proposals to enhance liveability and the maintenance of local economies in the County over the plan period. In terms of placemaking this overlaps with the concept of regeneration. A central objective of this Plan is to regenerate the County’s towns and villages by making better use of under-used land and buildings within the existing built-up urban footprint (see Chapter 4: Core, Settlement and Housing Strategies and Chapter 6 Regeneration for more detail). Camlin River, Longford Town 200Longford 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.