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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- Tourism CHAPTER 10 Aughnacliffe Dolmen (Aughnacliffe Portal Tomb)
- 282 10.2 Aim The aim of this section is to encourage and provide for the continued expansion of the tourism sector. This shall be achieved by the continued development and enhancements of visitor attractions and activities capitalising on our natural and cultural assets in a sustainable manner. Our local communities, towns and villages in partnership with the Council shall be supported and encouraged to continue their great work in developing destination locations and activities to enhance the visitor experience. Longford County Council is committed to working with other relevant statutory agencies, private sector groups, community associations and individuals to develop a coherent and sustainable approach that is necessary to successfully develop and market County Longford on a national and global tourism stage. It is critically important that all Tourism developments and activities are nature enhancing, carbon neutral and climate friendly. Longford puts substantial emphasis on sustainable tourism with priority projects for walking, cycling, exploring the outdoors, immersing in arts, culture and heritage and experiencing nature. The approach of the County Development Plan Tourism Strategy is to position Longford as ‘a goto’ County in terms of protecting and enriching our natural environment while encouraging healthy and sustainable means of tourism and transport. 10.3 Background 10.3.1 Tourism in Ireland National tourism policy falls within the remit of the Department of Transport, Tourism and Sport; while national agencies, Fáilte Ireland and Tourism Ireland, deliver and implement the adopted policy. Ireland is promoted nationally and internationally using ‘Brand Ireland’, under which four distinct experience propositions are used to define the appealing characteristics of each region. Longford sits within the newest of the four brands, ‘Ireland’s Hidden Heartlands’. Longford County Council has its own Tourism Committee and tourism strategy which it uses to develop and promote tourism in Longford. 10.1 Introduction Longford is an attractive rural County with a network of small towns and very dynamic active communities. Its people, history, culture and natural assets lend themselves to the development of a Tourism Sector as one of our great untapped resources. Strategically located in Ireland’s Hidden Heartlands, Longford is well placed to exploit opportunities in slow and experiential tourism, offering both indoor and outdoor experiences. A vibrant tourism offer has the potential to bring economic benefits to the County in terms of jobs and investment. Since the adoption of the County Development Plan 2015 – 2021, County Longford has made significant and substantial progress in developing its Tourism infrastructure within the County. The Council in partnership with its people communities and external agencies has taken the approach of developing sustainable and climate friendly tourism infrastructure that also benefits its people in terms of employment, health and recreational amenities. Developments such as Center Parcs, the Granard, Edgeworthstown and Corlea Visitor Centres, the Royal Canal Greenway, and a network of walking and cycling routes throughout the County has opened up the area for both visitors and locals alike. As tourism knows no borders Longford actively works towards a cross-regional approach by working with its neighbouring Counties, Waterways Ireland and Fáilte Ireland on tourism initiatives and strategies. The development of new tourism infrastructure in the region is increasing the numbers of people visiting the County. Local businesses, accommodation and food providers have seen the benefits of this. There is now a need to continue this good work of developing tourism infrastructure, while developing itineraries and increasing the level of profile and marketing, accommodation and related facilities to cater for these new and increasing visitors.Longford County Council 282
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- 10.3.2 Tourism in County Longford Longford is a county with considerable human, heritage and cultural assets, along with a rich and scenic natural environment. Coupled with our vibrant towns, villages, active communities and easily accessible location, it is evidently a County of high potential for tourism. Historically Fáilte Ireland and CSO visitor research has included County Longford as part of a Midlands region, which has not experienced a growth in visitor numbers commensurate to other parts of Ireland. To promote the region Fáilte Ireland in 2018 launched ‘Ireland’s Hidden Heartlands’ as its fourth regional experience brand which includes all of County Longford. It promises visitors a slow-paced experience, immersed in the natural environment and culture of the region. Activities such as walking, cycling, kayaking, boating, birdwatching, fishing, and watersports are central to this Hidden Heartland theme, along with the chance for visitors to engage with local communities, their culture, crafts and local food. Our welcoming Longford people together with the woods, bogs, and waterways of Longford are some of our major assets to support and promote this tourism theme. The development and opening of Longford Forest Center Parcs also represents a substantial investment in the County and a vote of confidence in Longford as a natural tourism and people orientated County. Longford Forest Center Parcs, Ballymahon opened in 2019Longford County Council 284
- 10.4 Policy Context The development of the Tourism sector in Longford supports the provisions of the National Strategies on Tourism, the National Planning Framework and the Regional Spatial and Economic Strategy for the Eastern and Midland Region and supports the Settlement Strategy for the County as detailed in the Core Strategy. Key to this is creating a tourism product that provides increased linkages and targeted integration of key tourism potential opportunities with the settlement structure and its hinterland, and thereby optimising economic benefits for the County. 10.4.1 People, Place and Policy: Growing Tourism to 2025, Department of Transport, Tourism and Sport, 2015 This National Strategy aims “to facilitate a vibrant, attractive tourism sector that makes a significant contribution to employment across the country; is economically, socially and environmentally sustainable; helps promote a positive image of Ireland overseas, and is a sector within which people want to work”. Implementation of this strategy is being realised through a series of Three-Year Action Plans. 10.4.2 Tourism Action Plan 2019-2021, Department of Transport, Tourism and Sport, 2018 The current National Tourism Action Plan 2019-2021 places an emphasis on regional growth and season extension and on helping to build the attractiveness of some of our less well-known attractions and regions internationally, thereby creating a more even spread of tourism growth across the country and supporting less-developed tourism areas. 10.4.3 Tourism Development & Innovation, A Strategy for Investment 2016- 2022, Fáilte Ireland, 2016 This Strategy includes a strong focus on building memorable visitor experiences, developing a world-class industry, and creating visitor-friendly infrastructure and communities throughout the country. Much of the capital investment nationally is focused on the four regional experience brands, with an emphasis on increased revenue generation from tourism and alignment with the brands. 10.4.4 National Planning Framework (NPF), 2040 Tourism is part of National Strategic Outcome 7 of the NPF, ‘Enhanced Amenities and Heritage’ which requires investment in well-designed public realm, recreational infrastructure and rural amenities including activity-based tourism and trails such as Greenways, Blueways and Peatways, with the development of a strategic national network of these trails highlighted as a priority (NPO 21). In addition, NPO 22 notes the importance of maintaining and protecting the natural landscape and built heritage which are vital to rural tourism. Longford is primarily a rural and agricultural county. The NPF clearly states that Tourism and Agriculture are inextricably linked in rural areas, given that agriculture, in many places, creates and maintains the landscape upon which tourism trades. The maintenance of access to our landscape and the creation of new accesses are dependent on maintaining good links with the agricultural sector. Likewise, the built, cultural and natural assets which constitute the ‘raw’ material’ of the tourism industry are also essential to the production capability of the agricultural sector. This is relevant in Longford as a rural county. Tourism has the capacity to directly and indirectly sustain communities, create employment and deliver real social benefits for rural Ireland. 10.4.5 Eastern and Midland Regional Spatial and Economic Strategy 2019-2031 The Strategy identifies growth enablers for the region which includes supporting rural areas by harnessing natural resources to develop renewables, recreation and tourism opportunities including green infrastructure planning and the development of an integrated network of Greenways, Blueways and Peatways while ensuring that high value assets and amenities are protected and enhanced. The RSES recognises Longford as having a rich cultural heritage with potential to develop as a recreation and tourism hub, building on its proximity to attractions such as Center Parcs, the Royal Canal and the Mid Shannon Wilderness Park. Longford Town has the potential to expand its role as a hub for enterprise, employment and tourism.County Development Plan 2021–2027 285
- In regard to rural areas the RSES sets out a number of Regional Policy objectives which include (RPO 4.84) supporting the rural economy and initiatives in relation to diversification, agri-business, rural tourism and renewable energy so as to sustain the employment opportunities in rural areas. It also supports the longer-term strategic planning for the industrial peatland areas. The RSES also seeks to support tourism development and promotional branding to ensure that areas associated with Ireland’s Hidden Heartlands and Ireland’s Ancient East are developed and promoted to tap into the economic potential of rural areas. In this regard, the RSES makes specific reference to the proposed Granard Motte Heritage Park as a case study in the use of the Rural Regeneration and Development Fund (RRDF) to develop a major tourism and amenity attraction at the site. 10.4.6 Strategy for the Future Development of National and Regional Greenways, (Department of Tourism, Transport and Sport, 2018) This Strategy recognises the high potential of Greenways as economic contributors to rural communities through increased tourism. In order to ensure the maximum benefit in this regard, future greenways funded under this strategy will be required to be ‘strategic, scenic, sustainable, offer lots to see and do and substantially segregated from vehicular traffic and offering shared use between pedestrians and cyclists’. 10.4.7 Action Plan for Rural Development, Realising our Rural Potential Department of Arts, Heritage, Regional, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs 2017 This Plan by the Department of Arts, Heritage, Regional, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs (DAHRRGA) highlights the potential of activity tourism to contribute to economic growth in rural areas. 10.4.8 Longford Tourism Strategy 2017-2022 The County Tourism Strategy was prepared by Longford County Council working in partnership with County Longford Tourism Committee, the representative body of all tourism interests within County Longford. The Strategy sets out the overall Vision for tourism in County Longford over the relevant period. The primary goal of the Longford Tourism Strategy is to achieve positive outcomes in a set of identified actions over the year life of this strategy. This will be achieved through the fulfilment of the following key objectives: ■ Developing tourism infrastructure ■ Delivery of visitor centric experiences ■ Development of a Longford Tourism Brand ■ Generating greater awareness of Longford as a tourism destination. Webb Bridge, AbbeyshruleLongford County Council 286
- 10.4.9 The Shannon, Mighty River of Ireland, A Tourism Masterplan for the Shannon 2020 – 2030 (Feb. 2020) In April 2018 Fáilte Ireland set up a new marketing brand for the Midlands including Longford called the Ireland’s Hidden Heartlands. The purpose of this new brand is to encourage more visitors and tourists to explore the region’s natural assets such as the River Shannon and its walking trails, boating, fishing, greenways and woodlands. As part of this a new plan called ‘The Shannon, Mighty River of Ireland, A Tourism Masterplan for the Shannon 2020 – 2030, Feb. 2020’ has been prepared by Fáilte Ireland in association with Waterways Ireland and the relevant Local Authorities. The objective of this plan is to reposition the River Shannon as a key destination in Ireland identifying visitor experiences based on the region’s natural and cultural assets. Longford is identified as part of ‘Discovery Zone 2; Mid Shannon’ in the Shannon Tourism Masterplan. This area stretches from Clondra in the north to Portumna in the south of the region. The area is described as an elemental zone where lakes, rivers and canals meander through wetlands, peatlands and lowland farms, creating the distinctive ‘soft’ landscapes of the region. Lough Ree is described as the beating heart of Mid Shannon, a wonderful mosaic of open waters, hidden bays, monastic islands and wooded shorelines, renowned for angling, cruising, sailing and kayaking. Specifically, for Longford and the Mid Shannon zone the Shannon Tourism Masterplan recommends Priority Project DZ2.3 Wet’n’Wild Peatlands of Mid Shannon. This involves developing an integrated Discovery Zone focused on peatlands, environmental and industrial heritage, recreational opportunities such as walking, hiking, cycling, guided tours and outdoor classrooms to demonstrate nature, biodiversity and the impact of climate change. The Shannon Tourism Masterplan also identifies for the Mid Shannon zone that proposals are afoot to create a dedicated Lough Ree Biosphere Reserve, celebrating the natural heritage of the lake, raised bogs and wetlands, as well as proposals for rewilding of (post-production) peatlands. The proposed Biosphere Reserve project is a collaboration between the relevant Local Authorities including Longford County Council, Bord na Móna and the National Parks and Wildlife Services, Waterways Ireland and Fáilte Ireland. It is intended to achieve the UNESCO Biosphere status during the life-time of this plan. (see Appendix 5: Tourism - Biosphere Reserve Map). 10.4.10 Just Transition (2020) With the end of peat production, the future use of the Bord na Móna Bogs is currently being considered under the Just Transition program. No doubt this will produce many innovative projects as well as rewilding large sections of cut away bog land. The Cutaway bogs have potential for beneficial uses including renewable energy, herb, fish and food production, birch water, biodiversity, amenity uses, water storage and other infrastructure. Corlea Amenity Park is an example of a cutaway area that has been developed as an amenity with high biodiversity value, with restored wetland and woodland habitats. As part of the Development Plan this progress is to be developed and built upon. 10.5 Policy Objectives 10.5.1 General Tourism Development Having regard to national and regional tourism policy, the Council is committed to supporting the growth of tourism in the county. To achieve this, it shall take full advantage of national, regional and local initiatives and funding schemes to maximise the potential of our people, rich natural, heritage, cultural, and amenity assets. In reaching this potential, it is essential that a coordinated and collaborative approach is taken with relevant agencies, tourism businesses and communities throughout the county.County Development Plan 2021–2027 287
- The Council will continue to collaborate with relevant agencies and stakeholders through the County Tourism Committee and other established working groups and will continue to support collective development and marketing initiatives underway, including the Royal Canal Greenway. 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 these assets. Council policy is to support tourism while also facilitating the protection of the County’s environmental assets that tourism is dependent upon including lakes, green infrastructure and places of cultural heritage which are further outlined in Chapter 6: Regeneration, Chapter 9: Rural Enterprise, Chapter 11: Built and Cultural Heritage and Chapter 13: Green Infrastructure of this plan. The outdoor Activity and Adventure Tourism Market can be developed in Longford by building upon the opening of Center Parcs in the County. Given that the activity and adventure tourism market is considered to be potentially one of the most significant for the County, with an array of many opportunities that promote and facilitate this type of development include walking, cycling, water sports, camping and glamping. The various Longford Greenways, Bogs, Woods, Rivers, Lakes and rural countryside among others all fall within this category. The potential environmental effects of a likely increase in tourists/tourism-related traffic volumes shall be monitored and mitigated as appropriate. Such a consideration shall include not only impacts on natural heritage but also potential impacts on existing infrastructure (including drinking water, wastewater, waste and transport) resulting from tourism proposals. Visitors to Longford shall be encouraged to arrive by sustainable means of transport and to leave their private vehicles at home. 10.5.2 Sustainable Tourism and Ecotourism Principles for Tourism Development. It is intended to encourage the use of Sustainable Tourism and where relevant Ecotourism principles in the development of Tourism products in Longford. The intention of the Council is to encourage car free tourism and to encourage more longer areabased stays, based on enhanced promotion and development of safe greenway cycling routes, and attractive walking and hiking routes for all ages and abilities. There is an established criterion which must be met in order to qualify for the ecotourism label. These cover a wide range of practices in eight key components of ecotourism as follows: ■ Environmentally sustainable practices ■ Natural area focus ■ Interpretation and Education ■ Contributing to Conservation ■ Benefiting local Communities ■ Visitor Satisfaction ■ Responsible Marketing and Communication ■ Cultural Awareness and Respect. Longford County Council promotes and encourages the use of the above ecotourism principles in its approach to tourism in the County. The Council shall develop its tourism products and projects to educate the visitor about our natural environment, heritage and local culture. Every effort shall be made to make all our activities carbon neutral, climate friendly and contributing to protect and enhance our natural and community environment.Longford County Council 288
- Richmond Harbour, Royal Canal ClondraCounty Development Plan 2021–2027 289 Council policy is to support tourism while also facilitating the protection of the County’s environmental assets that tourism is dependent upon including lakes, green infrastructure and places of cultural heritage
- CPO 10.1 CPO 10.4 CPO 10.3 CPO 10.8 CPO 10.6 CPO 10.5 CPO 10.9 CPO 10.2 CPO 10.7 General Tourism - County Development Policy Objectives It is the County Policy Objective to: Continue to support the implementation of the County’s Tourism Strategy in line with national and regional policy in collaboration with Fáilte Ireland, Waterways Ireland, EMRA, adjoining Local Authorities, tourism businesses and communities and other supporting agencies. As part of this process Longford County Council will liaise with Fáilte Ireland as required on the development of its strategy, as well as any smaller scale plans or programmes that are prepared to give effect to that strategy. Any such plans, programmes or policies shall be screened or assessed in full compliance with EU Directives including the SEA Directive and the Habitats Directive. Ensure all tourism developments shall integrate climate change adaptation, the enhancement of nature and biodiversity measures and the protection of the natural environment and the County’s heritage into their activities, plans and proposals. Utilise the County’s natural and heritage resources to foster the development of tourism in a sustainable manner which complements the scale, quality and unique features of the location and the County. Protecting and enhancing these sensitive resources shall be the primary aim of any tourism development. Engage and collaborate with key stakeholders including Fáilte Ireland, relevant agencies, sectoral representatives and local communities to develop the tourism sector in Longford to ensure that the economic potential is developed for the County, to support local business development and encourage new enterprise opportunities. Promote the development of sustainable and high-quality visitor attractions, activities and infrastructure, enabling an increase in the overall capacity, encouraging longer area-based stays and long-term development of the County’s tourism industry, subject to appropriate siting and design criteria and the protection of environmentally sensitive areas. Identify all funding opportunities, including local, national and European funding schemes and seek to maximise the benefit of such funding opportunities for the County. Protect and conserve the natural, built recreational and cultural heritage features which add value to the visitor experience in County Longford and seek to restrict and prevent developments which would damage or detract from the quality of scenic areas and identified natural and cultural heritage assets. Particular care shall be taken in regard to the siting of noise generating sports and golf course development so as not to conflict with the enjoyment of areas used for informal recreation and existing public rights of way and walking routes. Promote increased access to state and semi-state lands such as Bord na Móna Bogs, Coillte Forests, Waterways, etc., together with monuments and historic properties, for recreation and tourism purposes, subject to the requirements of the Habitats Directive, National Monuments Act and other provisions and policies to protect and safeguard these resources and the relevant local infrastructure. Support the Shannon Tourism Masterplan and tourism projects as a result of the Just Transition process and to support an application for UNESCO Biosphere Reserve for the Lough Ree area during the lifetime of this plan. Continue to support the development and expansion of tourism-related enterprise including visitor attractions, services and accommodation, food and craft businesses. 10.5.3 General Tourism Development Policy ObjectivesLongford County Council 290
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