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 8.66 CPO 8.67 CPO 8.68 CPO 8.69 CPO 8.70 CPO 8.71 CPO 8.72 CPO 8.73 CPO 8.74 CPO 8.75 Encourage the consolidation of other non-retail based services within the town centres of the County utilising existing vacant retail floorspace where necessary. Identify under-utilised and obsolete areas for potential renewal and encourage and facilitate the re-use and regeneration of derelict land and buildings in the county’s main towns, villages and smaller centres. The Council will use its statutory powers, where appropriate, to facilitate this and will consider such buildings and lands for inclusion in the Register of Derelict Sites or the Vacant Sites Register. Undertake measures to improve the accessibility of town centres by developing a pedestrian and cyclist friendly environment, which improves safety and limits traffic congestion where possible. Encourage the further improvement and development of commercial, service, social and cultural functions which its town and village centres perform, while ensuring the protection of the important heritage and architectural quality of their streetscapes. This will apply to the skyline, shop fronts and advertising structures. Have regard to the principles provided in the Shopfront and Signage Design Guidelines 2021-2027, prepared by Longford County Council and included in Annex 8: Shopfront Design Guidelines of the Longford County Development Plan 2021-2027, and the Retail Design Manual 2012 (Department of arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht) in the assessment of any retail development. Require that any proposals for the creation of new retail floorspace shall be accompanied by an assessment by the applicant of the quality and suitability of existing and available floorspace in the County relative to the circumstances of their proposals. Have regard to the findings of the capacity assessment contained in the Longford County Retail Strategy 2021-2027, including the ability to counteract expenditure leakage, when assessing retail planning applications. The onus will be on any applicant to demonstrate in a Retail Impact Assessment that the proposed floorspace is appropriate, having regard to the quantum of floorspace required within that specific urban centre or settlement, in addition to evidencing all other relevant variables as specified within the Retail Planning Guidelines. Impose a presumption against the provision of large scale out of town retail development located adjacent or close to existing, new or planned national roads in accordance with the provisions of the Retail Planning Guidelines (2012). Prohibit the provision of comparison and convenience retail uses within all employment generating land uses on edge and out of edge centres unless such land is sequentially preferable and could contribute to compact growth. Conduct a review of the Longford County Retail Strategy within two years of the adoption of the County Development PlanCounty Development Plan 2021–2027 251
- 8.7.2.13 Longford Town Specific County Policy Objectives The following County Policy Objectives are devised to address issues related to retail development in Longford Town, given the primacy of its function as the main retail centre in the County. 8.7.3 Smart Enterprises Ireland has developed a world-leading reputation for Information and Communications Technology (ICT) sector development. This has cultivated a number of indigenous enterprises and service providers, ranging from research and development (R&D) enterprises, to large-scale manufacturing of ICT-related components in the fields of medical and life sciences. There will be opportunities to build on the existing enterprise base and develop strengths in emerging digital segments and in the strategic growth area of analytics and ‘big data’52. Improvements in technology also make County Longford an attractive location in terms of data centres. Improvements in technology and ICT infrastructure such as fibre broadband and in particular, the roll out of the National Broadband Plan, will exploit ‘smart’ technologies, with concepts such as ‘smart towns’ and ‘smart communities’ (communities which build on, and enhance their existing strengths and assets through creative thinking, and by embracing innovation, to create desirable places for people to live and work) no longer limited to urban settings. CPO 8.76 CPO 8.77 CPO 8.78 CPO 8.79 Longford Town Specific Retail - County Policy Objectives It is the County Policy Objective to: Permit retail development which is of an appropriate size, scale and type to a town centre location in Longford Town’s core shopping area. Facilitate the expansion of high-end, high street comparison retailing in Longford Town. Improve the retailing environment of Longford Town by improving the public realm and facilitating a resolution to the centre traffic congestion problems. Establish a dedicated Longford Town Team to promote and encourage appropriate evening and night-time economy uses to improve the vitality and vibrancy of Longford Town in accordance with the standards of the Purple Flag Programme, with the aim of achieving Purple Flag status for Longford Town. There is an opportunity for Longford to capitalise on existing key assets, that include its strong industrial base, to develop ‘smart communities’ throughout the County. While not limited to the key settlements of Longford Town, Edgeworthstown, Ballymahon, Granard and Lanesborough, these locations can be the focal point for innovative activities and enhancing existing synergies and clustering effects. The Council also supports innovation and technology as vital to the diversification and strengthening of the rural economy. The Council will seek to leverage the EU Action for Smart Villages Initiative which aims to develop the potential offered by improved rural connectivity and digitisation and to build on local enterprise and infrastructure assets to drive innovations around energy, transport, agrifood, tourism, e-services, and remote working. The Council will seek to support the development of ‘smart communities’ by allowing use of public assets where possible, to support increased local connectivity. 52 Data that contains greater variety arriving in increasing volumes and with ever-higher velocity.Longford County Council 252
- CPO 8.80 CPO 8.81 CPO 8.82 CPO 8.83 CPO 8.84 Smart Enterprises - County Policy Objectives It is the County Policy Objective to: Engage and collaborate with key stakeholders, relevant agencies, and sectoral representatives to develop the ICT sector in the main settlements of County Longford and to ensure that the economic potential of the sector is secured for the benefit of the local and national economy. Support and identify flagship projects that would benefit from public-private partnerships involving experiments with emerging technologies, innovative industries and networks to leverage the Disruptive Technologies Innovation Fund or other relevant fund, Support the development of sites where high-tech and high potential start-ups can thrive, in conjunction with institutes of technology and universities, to create collaborative and innovative growth. Support the development of data centres in suitable locations, subject to other planning, environmental and ecological considerations. Promote the development of Smart Villages to develop and diversify the rural economy to build on local enterprise and infrastructure assets to drive innovations around energy, transport, agri-food, tourism, e-service and, remote working. CPO 8.85 CPO 8.86 Tourism Economic Development - County Policy Objectives It is the County Policy Objective to: Promote tourism as an integral part of County Longford’s overall economic profile supporting urban and rural enterprise, recognising the key strategic location of the County and promoting access to tourist sites and attractions. Promote the development of sustainable tourism as part of our economy, that recognises our landscapes, cultural heritage, environment and linguistic heritage. 8.7.4 Tourism Tourism remains a significant employment sector for Longford, with the county well-endowed with several high-class cultural and natural heritage assets, as well as the location for one of Ireland’s most popular tourist destination, Longford Forest Center Parcs. Chapter 10: Tourism of this plan sets out the relevant tourism assets and associated county polices objectives in more detail. This Economic Development Strategy seeks to further promote and develop tourism, having regard to national and regional tourism policy, taking full advantage of national and regional initiatives and funding schemes and maximising the potential of our unique natural, heritage, cultural, and amenity assets. A strong emphasis will be placed on securing sustainable tourism growth, whereby the quality of our landscapes, natural environment and cultural heritage is protected and safeguarded for the longterm enjoyment of assets.County Development Plan 2021–2027 253
- CPO 8.87 CPO 8.88 CPO 8.89 CPO 8.90 Green and Circular Economy County Policy Objectives It is the County Policy Objective to: Ensure that the County is well positioned to capitalise on the economic benefits associated with the transition to a low carbon economy. Engage with all relevant government stakeholders, enterprise agencies and sectoral representatives in pursuing ‘green’ approaches to economic development, and actively collaborate with key industry and educational bodies to promote Longford based initiatives across the economic sectors. Support the development of industries that create and employ green technologies and take measures to accelerate the transition towards a low carbon economy and circular economy. Support rural diversification through sustainable rural development practices, investment in rural towns and villages, and provision for access to technology and skills development networks. 8.7.5 The Green and Circular Economy According to the United Nations Environment Programme, the Green Economy is defined a low carbon, resource efficient and socially inclusive53. The concept of the Green / Circular Economy and the overall transition towards a low carbon economy is supported by a number of policy instruments in respect of sustainable food production, tourism, green financial services, green products and services, waste and water management, renewable energy and energy efficiency. This is a key feature of the Midlands Regional Enterprise Plan to 2020 (MREP), wherein one of its Strategic Objectives is to “ensure that the Midlands is well positioned to address the challenges posed by the transition to a low carbon economy and renewable energy”. The Council recognises the significant role the ‘Green Economy’ has to play in the competitiveness of the county and the country as a whole. The growing international emphasis on reducing greenhouse gas emissions and improving resource efficiency presents a major opportunity for indigenous enterprises to grow and export innovative products and services. This is further supported in the National Planning Framework, where the transition towards a low carbon and climate resilient society is identified as one of 10 no. National Strategic Outcomes of the NPF. The transition towards a low carbon economy will act as a catalyst for significant economic development, employment and investment opportunities in the fields of disruptive technologies, renewable energy, building retrofitting, enhanced construction smart technologies and agriculture. 53 Green Economy, United Nations Environment Programme. Available at: https://www.unenvironment.org/explore-topics/green-economy/aboutgreen-economy 8.7.6 ‘Just Transition’ Ireland is required to ensure that policy response to climate change is governed by the principles of a Just Transition to a low carbon economy. The concept of ‘Just Transition’ is an economy-wide process that produces the plans, policies and investments that lead to environmentally and socially sustainable jobs, sectors and economies. Just Transition has significant implications for County Longford, given the closure of the ESB power station in Lanesborough at the end of 2020. The indirect effect of this has been the cessation of industrial peat harvesting by Bord na Móna in the region, which will also have significant indirect economic impact on the wider area.Longford County Council 254
- The Government has committed to overseeing the implementation of Just Transition for the region and a midlands targeted Just Transition Fund (JTF) of €11 million, with the aim of supporting the retraining and reskilling of workers and to assist local communities and businesses in the midlands to adjust to the low carbon transition. Other measures announced associated with ‘Just Transition’ include: ■ €5 million for bog restoration and rehabilitation which will restore non-Bord na Móna bogs to their natural habitat. This programme will support the National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) to restore 1,800 hectares of bog in 7 counties and will create 70 jobs in year one, rising to 100 as the programme develops. ■ €20 million to deliver a new model of group housing upgrades as set out in the Climate Action Plan. Targeted at the Midlands, this will support an estimated 400 jobs directly and indirectly The JTF is also operating in parallel with a regional MRTT (Midlands Regional Transition Team) START process. START (Secretariat Technical Assistance to Regions in Transition) is an EU technical assistance programme to support regions in transition across Europe. It aims to leave a legacy of enhanced transition-related expertise, capabilities, and capacities in the coal and peat regions that receive support. Just Transition also forms a major policy pillar of the EU 2030 Climate and Energy Framework targets in its overall aim of moving towards a low carbon society. This is underpinned by a €30 billion investment fund to aid territories and regions most affected by the transition to a climate-neutral economy, prioritising those that have less capacity to deal with the costs of the transition. Given its substantial policy and financial support, both nationally and at EU level, ‘Just Transition’ marks the most significant catalyst for economic and social change in the midlands since the formation of Bord na Móna and the industrialisation of peat harvesting in 1946. It represents a significant step forward in the transition towards a low carbon economy. CPO 8.91 CPO 8.92 CPO 8.93 CPO 8.94 CPO 8.95 ‘Just Transition’ - County Policy Objectives It is the County Policy Objective to: Engage with all relevant government stakeholders, sectoral representatives, ESB and Bord na Móna in developing and supporting sustainable alternative economic development, guided by the principles of ‘Just Transition’, for those employees and communities affected by the closure of the ESB Lough Ree Power Station and associated Bord na Móna peat harvesting practices. Identify, in collaboration with all relevant government stakeholders, sectoral representatives, ESB and Bord na Móna, potential uses for the ESB Lough Ree Power Station site as part of an overall regeneration programme for the site underpinned by the principles of ‘Just Transition’. Support the use of the former Lough Ree Power Station site in Lanesborough for energy generation and transmission, tourism, industrial, commercial or other suitable alternative use, subject to other planning considerations and the proper planning and sustainable development of the area. Support in principle the rehabilitation and restoration of bog habitats and any associated eco-tourism development underpinned by the principles of ‘Just Transition’, subject to other planning, environmental and ecological considerations. Support in principle, measures relating to the retrofitting of existing residential units, as part of the ‘Just Transition’ process, subject to other planning considerations.County Development Plan 2021–2027 255
- 8.7.7 Home Based Economic Activity and Remote Working A number of variables dictate where we live and work ranging from economic activity, affordability, connectivity, personal circumstances and quality of life. Longer commuting times from major economic centres is to the detriment of personal quality of life, as well as contributing to climate change and infrastructure pressures. Prior to the COVID-19 pandemic, there was a growing trend of remote or home working, facilitated by advances in ICT and telecommunications infrastructure, with the roll out of fibre broadband and increased broadband access in rural locations. The subsequent COVID-19 pandemic provided an opportunity to evaluate the concept of remote working. In this regard, remote working is seen to be a success across a number of industry sectors, therefore reducing locationspecific employment requirements in many sectors. This provides a key opportunity to promote Longford as an attractive location to live and work with substantial quality of life benefits available in terms of the quality of its natural environment, its high standard of physical infrastructure, affordable housing market and wide range of social infrastructure. Many of the quality of life aspects are detailed in various chapters throughout this Plan (namely Chapter 6: Placemaking, Chapter 12: Natural Heritage and Environment and Chapter 13: Green Infrastructure). CPO 8.96 CPO 8.97 CPO 8.98 CPO 8.99 CPO 8.100 Home Based Economic Activity and Remote Working - County Policy Objectives It is the County Policy Objective to: Facilitate and enhance the collective offering of County Longford as an attractive place to live, work and invest in. Engage with all relevant stakeholders and broadband infrastructure providers to ensure the roll-out of the National Broadband Plan in County Longford, as well as supporting in principle improvements to existing broadband networks. Facilitate home-working and innovative forms of working which reduce the need to travel. Encourage local partnership, Town Team or community organisations to develop and implement local economic initiatives which enhance towns and villages. Give consideration to the establishment, or suitable expansion, of small-scale home-based economic activity where the main use of the dwelling remains as residential, subject to compliance with normal development management requirements and technical criteria.Longford County Council 256
- 8.8 Economic Development 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. Economic development plays a crucial role in improving our overall living standards while making society a better place. However, the negative effects of climate change, including damage to property and infrastructure, lost productivity, mass migration and threats to security are set to increasingly challenge our stable development. Unabated climate change is likely to cost the world economy a minimum of 5% GDP every year, increasing to 20% if more dramatic predictions come to pass, and yet a 1% GDP investment in reducing GHG emissions has the potential to completely offset this very cost54. The solution is easily transferred into an Irish context, whereby the Irish Government has committed to a €80 per tonne carbon tax by 2030, when an investment of €25 per tonne on reducing carbon emissions would eliminate this problem ever occurring. In fact, 30% of GHGs can be reduced at negative or zero cost to the global economy55. Encouragingly, the European Commission launched the ‘Green Deal’ programme in 2019 with the very aim of the European Union (EU) becoming a carbon neutral economy by 2050 and entering into a legally binding commitment to reduce carbon emissions by 2030 by 40%. Prior to this, the National Development Plan (NDP) 2018 -2027 made the €500m Climate 54 Stern, N. (2006), ‘The Economics of Climate Change: The Stern Review’, 27 November 2006 http://mudancasclimaticas.cptec.inpe.br/~rmclima/ pdfs/destaques/sternreview_report_complete.pdf 55 McKinsey & Company (2009), ‘Pathways to a Low-Carbon Economy’, Version 2 of the Global Greenhouse gas Abatement Cost Curve, 2009. https:// www.mckinsey.com/~/media/mckinsey/dotcom/client_service/sustainability/cost%20curve%20pdfs/pathways_lowcarbon_economy_version2.ashx Action Fund available to support initiatives that contribute to the achievement of Irelands’ climate and energy targets in a cost-effective manner, supporting innovation and generation of wider socioeconomic benefits such as job creation, reduction in fuel poverty and community development. The Department of Communications, Climate Action & Environment’s followed with the launch of the ‘Future Jobs Ireland 2019’ framework, aligning to three of the five CAP ‘pillars’ including: - ‘Embracing Innovation and Technological Change’; - ‘Improving SME Productivity’ and; - ‘Transitioning to a Low Carbon Economy’. In the same year and originating out of Budget 2020 the ‘Just Transition Fund’ was created by Government to retrain and reskill workers, and assistant local communities in transitioning to a low carbon economy. According to the European Commission’s ‘Innovating for Sustainable Growth – A Bioeconomy for Europe’ (2012), Ireland’s ‘National Policy Statement on the Bioeconomy’ (2018), the NPF, and transformed into policy under the EMRA RSES (Regional Policy Objective (RPO) 7.43), the concept of the ‘bioeconomy’ holds many of the answers in the promotion of more efficient use of renewable resources, including sustainable land management that supports economic development and employment in rural areas. National Policy Objective (NPO) 21 and RPO 6.5 of the EMRA RSES further establish the need for local authorities to play a greater role in supporting innovation and rural economic development through the diversification of the rural economy into new sectors and services, including ICT-based industries and those addressing climate change and sustainability.County Development Plan 2021–2027 257
- A4.1A8.1 A4.1A8.2 A4.1A8.3 A4.1A8.4 A4.1A8.5 A4.1A8.6 Economic Development Climate Change Actions Longford County Council shall: Require all future commercial and/or industrial development applications to be accompanied by a signed statement outlining the current and any future environmentally friendly / sustainable activities – prioritising energy efficiency, replacement of fossil fuels, careful management of materials and waste, and carbon abatement (e.g. in-house green team, carpooling, workingfrom-home, etc). Consider planning applications for multiple and complementary use classes to encourage greater use of our existing infrastructure, and in support of the day/night economy. Support enterprise and Local Enterprise Office (LEO) on the development of industries that create and employ green technologies and take measures to accelerate the transition towards a low carbon economy and circular economy. Apply the principles of the voluntary Green Public Procurement (GPP) initiative in accordance with the Office of Government Procurement (OGP) across all local authority procurement, wherever feasible. Seek Environmental Management Systems accreditation (e.g. ISO 14001 and similar) within the lifetime of the plan, as part of the European Union’s Eco Management and Audit Scheme (EMAS). Provide community/public, ‘hot desking’ provision in Longford Town, Ballymahon, Lanesborough and Granard.Longford County Council 258
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- 260 9.2 Policy Context 9.2.1 Project Ireland 2040 – National Planning Framework The National Planning Framework (NPF) acknowledges that ‘rural areas have a major role to play in Ireland 2040 and encourages Local Authorities to ensure that connectivity gaps are addressed and that planning and investment policies support job creation in the rural economy’. Improved coordination of existing investment programmes dealing with social inclusion, rural development and town and village renewal are sought, as is planning for the future growth and development of rural areas. National Strategic Objective (NSO) 3 identifies traditional pillars of the rural economy, such as the natural resource and the food sector, as being key to future economic development as well as those emerging from improved connectivity and broadband access which has the potential to yield further rural economic development opportunities. 9.2.2 Eastern and Midland Regional Spatial and Economic Strategy 2019-2031 The Eastern and Midland RSES gives regional expression to the policy and objectives contained within the NPF in providing a long-term, strategic development framework for the physical, economic and social development of the Eastern and Midland Region and subsequently gives direction to policy making decisions at a local level through the County Development Plan. The Eastern and Midlands Regional Spatial and Economic Strategy (RSES) recognises the major contribution that rural areas make towards regional and national development in economic, social and environmental terms. The RSES aims to strengthen the fabric of rural Ireland, supporting rural towns and communities as well as the open countryside, improving connectivity, and supporting job creation, particularly in a more diverse range of sectors. The RSES supports the consolidation of the town and village network, to ensure that development proceeds sustainably and at an appropriate scale, level and pace in line with the Core Strategies of County Development Plans. 9.1 Introduction In contrast to recent demographic trends towards urbanisation experienced by other counties, Longford remains, in population terms, a predominantly rural county with over 65% of the County’s population identified as living in a rural setting (Census, 2016). This illustrates the longstanding rural demographic and economic base within the county, with Longford home to a diverse range of and uses including agriculture, silviculture, renewable energy, the equine industry, local food production, micro and home enterprises, recreational and tourist activities, as well as rural housing. The sustained social and economic fabric in Longford’s rural areas combine to provide residents and visitors with a quality environment to live, work and recreate. Advances in technology and the increased roll out of communication infrastructure such as fibre and mobile broadband, as well as the provision of key tourism infrastructure such as greenways and trackways, have revitalised rural areas and facilitated increased levels of rural diversification in areas which had largely been dependent on farming as the main employment source. The restrictive workplace measures introduced to combat the COVID-19 pandemic have illustrated the effectiveness of remote working as a viable alternative for many to traditional office-based employment, and the advances in remote working technologies will ensure that home-working will be an increasingly significant workplace for many into the future. Such trends will have a significantly positive impact on sustaining and revitalising rural communities, with issues such as quality of life, reducing personal carbon footprint and health benefits featuring more prominently in the choices in relation to where people live and work.Longford County Council 260
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.