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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- The introduction of large-scale forestry areas, particularly conifers can have negative impacts on an area if they are not in harmony with the surrounding environment. Also they provide low biodiversity and ecological value if dominated by one single species. Therefore forestry activities must be appropriate in terms of nature and scale to the surrounding area, so they are not visually obtrusive or cause damage to important habitats or the ecology of the area. Planting of native woodlands will increase biodiversity value in the landscape. Accordingly forestry is encouraged in appropriate areas, where it will not significantly impact upon designated habitats, archaeology, high amenity areas, protected views or scenic routes, be unacceptably obtrusive in the landscape, or present a risk to sensitive ecosystems or water quality. This plan aims supports the sustainable growth of forestry as an economic activity whilst affording maximum protection to the rural environment, landscape and its ecological integrity. This plan acknowledges the tourism and amenity potential of afforested lands. This Plan supports the development of tourism and amenity facilities at such locations, subject to obtaining all relevant consents and the satisfaction of other technical planning requirements. In addition, the Council will encourage the provision of public access to new forests through walking and bridle paths, recreational areas and other similar facilities. This is further addressed in Chapter 13: Green Infrastructure of this Plan. Forestry is encouraged in appropriate areas, where it will not significantly impact upon designated habitats, archaeology, high amenity areas, protected views or scenic routes, be unacceptably obtrusive in the landscape, or present a risk to sensitive ecosystems or water qualityCounty Development Plan 2021–2027 271
- CPO 9.23 CPO 9.27 CPO 9.25 CPO 9.29 CPO 9.31 CPO 9.24 CPO 9.28 CPO 9.26 CPO 9.30 CPO 9.32 Forestry - County Policy Objectives It is the County Policy Objective to: Encourage the development of a well-managed sustainable forestry sector, which is compatible with the protection of the environment including the avoidance of likely significant effects on European Sites (SACs and SPAs); and is planted, managed and harvested in accordance with the Forest Service Guidelines for Landscape, Forest Harvesting and Environmental, Archaeology, Biodiversity and Water Quality. Promote forestry development of appropriate scale and character while ensuring that such development does not have a negative impact on the countryside, (including public access/ rights of way, traditional walking routes and recreational facilities), or cause pollution or degradation of wildlife habitats, natural waters or areas of ecological importance. Promote the avoidance of deforestation or commercial afforestation within European Sites unless directly relating to the management of the site for its qualifying interests. Encourage the provision of public access in conjunction with relevant stakeholders to new forests through walking and bridle paths, recreational areas and other similar facilities. Encourage private forestry developers to provide access through their forests for walking routes, bike trails, bridle paths, and other non-noise generating activities as part of an integrated development. Actively partake in the Neighbour Wood Scheme (Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine) and identify areas at a local level that are suitable for woodland which are accessible and attractive to the local community. Encourage the planting of diverse and native species, with higher proportions of broadleaf, to ensure rich and varied biodiversity value, particularly in areas where there is evidence of a dominant conifer species planted cumulatively within the landscape. Require the repair of any road damaged due to forestry work by the forestry company responsible. Ensure that buffer zones or exclusion zones are applied to aquatic zones and sites of archaeological importance respectively as deemed appropriate by the planning authority. Support the development of appropriate and sustainable tourism development within forestry locations. 9.3.4 Horticulture The production of fruit, vegetables and plants, or horticulture, is a significant element of the national economy, with the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine (DAFM) sources estimating that the Horticulture Industry was worth €477m (farm gate value) in 2019. This is the 4th highest sector in terms of gross agricultural commodity output value with only beef, dairy and pigs larger sectors. This sector is expected to grow further as the demand for fresh local produce increases. Further development in horticulture and in value added food and agricultural production in the county could provide opportunities for growth in this highly sustainable sector. This is particularly the case in the context of traditional intensive farming practices coming under increased scrutiny in terms of carbon emissions and adverse environmental and ecological impacts from such practices. Local farmer and country markets also make important contributions to the food sector and local economy with markets held throughout the county on a weekly basis.Longford County Council 272
- 9.3.5 Equine Industry The equine and bloodstock industry is a burgeoning sector in the rural Longford economy with the potential for further development within the county owing to its proximity to established meeting venues such as Kilbeggan, Roscommon and Sligo as well as a number of stud farms operating within the midlands area. CPO 9.33 CPO 9.35 CPO 9.34 Horticulture - County Policy Objectives It is the County Policy Objective to: Encourage the development of environmentally sustainable horticultural practices, to ensure that development does not impinge on the visual amenity of the countryside and that watercourses, wildlife habitats and areas of ecological importance are protected from the threat of pollution. Support the horticulture and nursery stock industry as a means of diversifying agriculture and contributing to maintaining population in the rural area. Support the development of country and farmers’ markets as key trading areas for the sale of local agricultural and craft produce and to support their role as visitor attractions. In recognising the importance of the potential of the bloodstock industry, both in land use and in terms of direct and indirect employment generated by it, the Council will support and encourage the development of a vibrant bloodstock industry. CPO 9.37 CPO 9.36 CPO 9.38 Equine - County Policy Objectives It is the County Policy Objective to: Support equine related activities (e.g. farriers, bloodstock sales etc.) of an appropriate size and at suitable locations. Ensure that equine based developments are located on suitable and viable landholdings and are subject to normal planning, siting and design considerations and related establishments. Protect the equine industry from inappropriate development which would adversely affect its continued operation.County Development Plan 2021–2027 273
- 9.3.6 Renewable Energy Rural areas have the potential to be harnessed for renewable energy projects – including wind, hydro and solar energy. In addition, waste to energy projects, such as biomass, anaerobic digestion and dry digestion may be suitable subject to planning and development considerations. The Council will support renewable energy projects in rural areas. However, it is mindful of the need to protect landscape sensitivities, residential amenities, views or prospects, public rights of way, wildlife, habitats, special areas of conservation, protected structures, bird migration paths etc. Chapter 5 - Infrastructure of this Plan outlines policies and objectives for renewable energy within the county, which includes rural areas. 9.3.7 Extractive Industries The Council acknowledges the need for extractive industries in terms of supply of aggregate materials for the construction sector, transport infrastructure projects, and for the export market. However, the potential for conflict in the operation of these industries with wider environmental issues needs careful consideration. The County contains a variety of raw materials critical to the construction industry in the form of sand, gravel, stone reserves including high purity 56 Aggregate Potential Mapping, Geological Survey Ireland (2014). Available at: https://dcenr.maps.arcgis.com/apps/webappviewer/index.html?id=ee8c4c285a49413aa6f1344416dc9956 Rhyne Rock Quarry, AughnacliffeLongford County Council 274
- limestones and shale used in cement and magnesia manufacture and base metal deposits. The potential of these resources to underpin construction output and provide employment and economic growth in the local and regional economy is recognised, as is the need to exploit such resources in an environmentally sound and sustainable manner. By their nature, aggregates can only be worked where they geologically occur. In County Longford, these resources are concentrated in the northern uplands, transitional lands in the centre of the County and along the shoreline of Lough Ree56. The northern uplands, due to their elevated and conspicuous nature along Lough Ree are considered sensitive in landscape terms, particularly in the context of the generally flat topography and open character of Longford landscapes. The generally upland or elevated location of quarries has the potential for significantly affecting the local landscape by visual intrusion, especially when the development reaches primary ridgelines. Major ridgelines (i.e. skylines) are visible over a wide area and consequently are vulnerable features, because any development on, or in the vicinity of skylines has the potential to affect the visual integrity of a wide area. Other potential adverse environmental and residential amenity impacts associated with extractive industries include traffic generation, vibration, dust, noise, water pollution, visual intrusion, loss of ground water supplies and impacts on the structural integrity of the road network. In the assessment of planning applications related to the extractive industry, including related buildings and restoration/rehabilitation of existing pits, the Council will have regard to the policy objectives for the specific landscape character of the area (see Chapter 14: Landscape Character, Annex 11: Landscape Character Assessment and Chapter 16: DM Management Standards). Similarly, worked out quarries shall be rehabilitated to a use agreed with the Planning Authority, which could include recreational, amenity and end-of-life uses. The use of these rehabilitated sites shall be limited to inert waste as defined in the Waste Management (Licensing) (Amendment) Regulations, 2002 and shall be authorised under the provisions of the Waste Management Act, as amended. The suitability of any extraction enterprise shall be assessed on the basis of the sensitivity of the local environment to such impacts, the scale of the development proposed and the capacity of the road network in the area to accommodate associated traffic. The Council will endeavour to ensure that those extractions which would result in a reduction of the visual amenity of areas of high amenity or damage to designated areas of scientific importance or of geological, ecological and other natural significance including all designated European Sites shall not be permitted. The Council will also have regard to Guidelines for Planning Authorities on Quarries and Ancillary Activities 2004 (DoEHLG), and any updated guidance, when assessing applications relating to the extraction industry in the county. In this regard, bonds or levies will be required by the Council as a condition of any planning permission granted to ensure satisfactory reinstatement on completion of extraction. Also the Council will require the payment of a contribution towards the cost of road improvement and reinstatement works necessitated by permitted developments. Aggregate development usually results in steep rock faces and a flooded pit. With reasonable and economic design, these can become valuable local habitats and even recreational amenities. Sand and gravel workings on the other hand can easily be restored to agricultural use. However, post closure uses must have regard to the likely land use context at the time of closure. Allowing rehabilitation of quarry faces to take place parallel to extraction operations and providing planting on earth mounds at quarry entrances significantly reduces visual impacts while allowing for ecological and habitat recovery. Road reinstatement should also be ongoing during operations, rather than after the site has been exhausted, in the interests of road and traffic safety.County Development Plan 2021–2027 275
- CPO 9.39 CPO 9.43 CPO 9.44 CPO 9.41 CPO 9.40 CPO 9.42 Extractive Industry - County Policy Objectives It is the County Policy Objective to: Recognise the role and facilitate the exploitation of County Longford’s natural aggregate resources in a manner which does not unduly impinge on the environmental quality and the visual and residential amenity of an area, while continuing to regulate the extraction of aggregates and to seek the delivery of environmental benefits in the form of sustainable habitat creation in conjunction with the restoration phases of development. Facilitate the sourcing of aggregates for and the operation of the extractive industry in suitable locations, subject to the protection of landscape, environment, road network, heritage, visual quality and amenity of the area. Ensure that development for aggregate extraction, processing and associated concrete production does not significantly impact the following: ■ Existing and Candidate European Sites (Special Areas oi Conservation (SACs) and/or Special Protection Areas (SPAs)) ■ Existing and proposed Natural Heritage Areas (pNHAs) ■ Other areas of importance for the conservation of flora and fauna and biodiversity value ■ Zones of archaeological potential ■ Important aquifers and sensitive groundwater resources ■ The vicinity of a recorded monument ■ Sensitive landscape areas ■ Established rights of way and walking routes Consult with the Geological Survey of Ireland (GSI), with regard to any developments likely to have an impact on Sites of Geological Importance listed in the County Development Plan (Chapter 12: Natural Heritage and Environment and Appendix 7: Natural Heritage and Environment). Ensure that extraction activities address key environmental, amenity, traffic and social impacts and details of rehabilitation. In the assessment of planning applications for new development, intensification of use or diversification of activity, the Council will have regard to the nature of the proposal, the scale of activity proposed, the impact on the adjoining road network, the effect on the environment including important groundwater and aquifer sources, natural drainage patterns and surface water systems and the likely effects that any proposed extractive industry may have on the existing landscape and amenities of the county, including public rights of way and walking routes. Ensure that all extractions shall be subjected to landscaping requirements and that worked out quarries should be rehabilitated to a use agreed with the Planning Authority which could include recreational, biodiversity, amenity or other end-of-life uses. The use of these rehabilitated sites shall be limited to inert waste and sites shall be authorised under the appropriate waste regulations. Carrickateane Former QuarryLongford County Council 276
- 9.3.8 Rural Tourism Tourism is a growing sector within Longford’s rural economy. The natural environment and landscape of the county together with key tourism assets such as the Royal Canal and its associated greenway, the Shannon Blueway, and a network of walkways and cycle tracks are significant attractions to a wide ranging consumer profile. Rural tourism has the potential to support and augment the county’s economic profile. The Council will endeavour to facilitate the development of the tourist industry in rural areas in accordance with the policies and objectives outlined in Chapter 10: Tourism. 9.4 Rural Economy Climate Change 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 change context and associated actions. Agriculture We live in a world with a population of 7.7 billion, expected to rise to 9.7 billion by 205057. Agricultural production will need to increase by an estimated 70% to meet this projected demand. The associated demand for water will also be high, with the United Nations predicting a 40% worldwide water shortfall and a 55% increase in demand within the next 15 years; while 18% of the European population is already water stressed58. The Irish Farmers Association (IFA) has announced that feeding the world while addressing climate change will be one of the biggest challenges of the 21st century. We must seek to diversify our diets and eliminate food waste, and we must deliver action across all sectors to ensure future food security. The future for agriculture is in the development of sustainably grown, local sourced, predominantly plant-based produce. The current farming model and its related industries consumes almost 40% of the worlds habitable surface, whereas a vegan system would require a tenth of that, while reduced CO2 levels and protecting biodiversity and habitats59. In Ireland we continue to import €79 billion of food each year, including foodstuff easily grown in60. Improving our self-sustainably will leave Ireland in a more resilient position during times of crisis, including those relating to climate change and/or pandemic, akin to the Covid-19 outbreak of 2020. Encouragingly, Ireland’s climate and grass-based production systems enables it to deliver the lowest carbon footprint of milk and fifth lowest for beef production in Europe61. It plays an important role in our economy, employing 7.7% of the population and contributing 7.5% to Gross National Income (2018)62. However, this exposure generates a third of Ireland’s total GHG emissions, which as a proportion of overall emissions is higher than any other EU member state and expected to rise even further over the next five years. Referenced within the RSES EMRA (2019), the concept of ‘Smart Farming’ in its application of resource efficiency through cost saving and environmental benefit is seen as an appropriate response at reducing our carbon emissions. CAP (2019) meanwhile supports the diversification within agriculture and land use to develop sustainable and circular value chains and business models for lower carbon intensity farming, including, organic production, protection and enhancement of biodiversity and water quality, and the production of bio-based products and bioenergy through the Common Agricultural Policy and implementation of the ‘National Policy Statement on the Bioeconomy’ 57 United Nations (2019), https://www.un.org/development/desa/publications/world-population-prospects-2019-highlights.html 58 Irish Farmers Association (2015), ‘Wider Debate Required Regarding Impact Water Scarcity is Having on Food Security’, IFA, Environment and Rural Affairs, Brussels, 25 March 2015. https://www.ifa.ie/wider-debate-required-regarding-impact-water-scarcity-is-having-on-food-security/#.XqK0y1dKhPY 59 Owen, J. (2005), ‘Farming Claims Half Earth’s Land, New Maps Show’, National Geographic, 9 December 2005 https://www.nationalgeographic.com/news/2005/12/agriculture-food-crops-land/ 60 Central Statistic Office (2017), ‘Ireland’s Trade in Goods 2017’ https://www.cso.ie/en/releasesandpublications/ep/p-ti/irelandstradeingoods2017/food2017/ 61 Webb, E., Soiles and Environment Advisor Tuam and Teagasc Galway/Clare (2019), ‘Climate Change and Irish Agriculture’, Media Article, 20 December 2019. https://www.teagasc.ie/publications/2019/climate-change-and-irish-agriculture.php 62 Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine (2019), ‘Annual Review and Outlook for Agriculture, Food and the Marine 2019’. https://www.agriculture.gov.ie/media/migration/foodindustrydevelopmenttrademarkets/agri-foodandtheeconomy/publications/ annualreviewandoutlook2019/chapter-1.htmlCounty Development Plan 2021–2027 277
- Irish forestry is a major carbon sink and afforestation is the most significant mitigation option that is available to Ireland’s land use sector. View from Corn Hill (Cairn Hill)Longford County Council 278
- (2018). If current farmland practices shifted to regenerative, organic approaches, 100% of the annual global CO2 emissions would be sequestered. Teagasc have published ‘Improving Farm Sustainability – Practical Tools for Farmers’ (2019) setting out the following seven actions to deliver improved ‘farm sustainability’: ■ Improving Economic Breeding Index (EBI) and extending the grazing season; ■ Substituting clover for chemical fertiliser; ■ Changing to protected urea; ■ Reducing losses from slurry; ■ Improved energy efficiency and renewable energy; ■ Incorporating forestry and hedgerows on farm; ■ Using the Agriculture Sustainability Support and Advice Programme (ASSAP) Advisors to help improve water quality. More locally and within a country with a high percentage of peatland cover, collaboration with Bord na Mona as one of Ireland’s largest landholders, must not be underestimated or underdeveloped. Aside from their key goals that include the rehabilitation of our peatlands, advancement in solar and wind power, and innovative waste regeneration, Bord na Mona’s agricultural portfolio includes organic and sustainable aquaculture and the cultivation of willow, medicinal herbs and energy crops. Forestry The depletion of forests in Ireland from approximately 80% land cover to 1% at the start of the 20th century has been largely due to the exploitation of timber, competition from agricultural enterprises and the development of human settlements. Today 11% of Ireland is covered with forestry, mostly non-native species63. The main objective of these forests has been to develop Irish grown timber that can be used for construction, furniture or energy production, and thereby reducing the reliance on wood imports. Ireland’s forests continue to play an important role in helping with climate change mitigation, through carbon sequestrations and the provision of renewable fuels and raw materials. Irish forestry is a major carbon sink and afforestation is the most significant mitigation option that is available to Ireland’s land use sector. Ireland is committed to the practice of Sustainable Forest Management, which, under the Helsinki and Lisbon Agreements, is understood to mean: “The stewardship and use of forests and forest lands in a way and at a rate that maintains their biodiversity, productivity, regenerative capacity, vitality and their potential to fulfil now and in the future, relevant ecological, economic and social functions as local, national and global levels and that does not cause damage to other ecosystems”. 63 https://www.teagasc.ie (2020), ‘History of Forestry in Ireland’. https://www.teagasc.ie/crops/forestry/advice/general-topics/history-of-forestry-in-ireland/County Development Plan 2021–2027 279
- A key objective of the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine’s ‘Growing for the Future – A Strategic Plan for the Development of the Forestry Sector in Ireland’ (1996) has remained “to develop forestry to a scale and in a manner which maximises its contribution to national economic and social wellbeing on a sustainable basis and which is compatible with the protection of the environment”. Today the industry employs an estimated 12,000 people, set to increase to 12,000, and generates €170m per annum through the forest recreational sector64. 64 Department of Agriculture, Food & the Marine (2016), ‘Annual Report 2016’. https://www.agriculture.gov.ie/media/migration/publications/2017/FinalDAFM2016AnnualReport090817.pdf A9.1 A9.6 A9.3 A9.2 A9.7 A9.5 Rural Economy Climate Change Actions Longford County Council shall: Require high-speed broadband connection for commercial and/or industrial developments applications, where proposed in rural areas. Require all agricultural applications to be accompanied by evidence of valid GLAS (Green Low Carbon Agri-Environmental Scheme) or equivalent scheme, where available. Require all future agricultural applications to be accompanied by a ‘Soil Fertility and Soil Nutrient Management Plan’, unless deemed otherwise by the Planning Authority. Encourage the development of agriculture under the following: - The scaling up of cereal, fruit and vegetable production - Training people in the proper stewardship of the land - Protection of our environment - Elimination of all chemical use - Remediation of our freshwater lakes - Recovery of biodiversity - The building of regenerative systems - Educating people on home economics - Incentivising food technologists to create better systems for managing scarce resources. Require forestry applications to adhere to the Department of Agriculture’s ‘Forest Biodiversity Guidelines’ (2000) including: - Favour broadleaf where appropriate site conditions exist, planted in swathes; - Provide for a minimum 80/20 mix of silvicultural compatible tree species; - Designate 15% of the forest area (including neighbouring land use in sites less than ten hectares as ‘Areas of Biodiversity Enhancement’ (e.g. 5/10% open space alongside 5/10% retained habitats). Professionally prepare an implement the recommendation therein of a county wide Sustainable Forest Management (SFM) Plan, to include protection, restoration, afforestation and reforestation, and increased efforts to prevent forest degradation. Seek access permission and use to all existing or planned service access routes and entranceways within a forestry development, for the sole amenity of Local Authority developed trackways or similar, wherever considered advantageous to improved connectivity across its functional area.Longford County Council 280
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.