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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- 3. Climate Action - the need to enhance climate resilience and to accelerate a transition to a low carbon economy, recognising the role of natural capital and ecosystem services in achieving this. These principles are in turn underpinned by Regional Strategic Outcomes (RSOs). Regional Strategic Outcomes (RSOs) The Regional Spatial and Economic Strategy (RSES) seeks to determine at a regional scale how best to achieve the shared higher-level goals. It sets out 16 no. Regional Strategic Outcomes (RSOs), in the areas of economic opportunity, healthy placemaking and climate action (Figure 1.6), which are aligned with international, EU and national policy, and which in turn set the framework for the County Development Plan. Thus, the RSES can assist local authorities in aligning with EU priorities in order to better leverage funding and partnership opportunities. Figure 1.6: Regional Strategic Outcomes (Source: EMRA RSES) Climate Action Healthy Placemaking Economic Opportunity Collaboration Platform Sustainable Settlement Patterns Compact Growth & urban Regeneration Rural Communities Healthy Communities Creative Places Integrated Transport & Land Use Sustainable Management of Water, Waste and other Environmental ResourcesBuild Climate Resiliance Support the Transition to Low Carbon and Clean Energy Enhanced Green Infrastructure Biodiversity Natural Heritage A Strong Economy supported by enterprise & Innovation Improve Education Skills & Social Inclusion Global City Region Enhanced Regional Connectivity 11County Development Plan 2021–2027
- The 16 no. Regional Strategic Outcomes relate to the following: 1. Sustainable Settlement Patterns Better manage the sustainable and compact growth of Dublin as a city of international scale and develop Athlone, Dundalk, Drogheda and a number of key complementary growth settlements of sufficient scale to be drivers of regional growth. 2. Compact Growth and Urban Regeneration Promote the regeneration of our cities, towns and villages by making better use of underused land and buildings within the existing built-up urban footprint and to drive the delivery of quality housing and employment choice for the Region’s citizens. 3. Rural Communities Support sustainable rural development and strengthen rural networks, economies and communities. Manage urban generated growth in areas under strong urban influence and encourage sustainable growth in areas that have experienced decline or stagnation. 4. Healthy Communities Protect and enhance the quality of our built and natural environment to support active lifestyles including walking and cycling, ensure clean air and water for all and quality healthcare and services that support human health. 5. Creative Places Enhance, integrate and protect our arts, culture and heritage assets to promote creative places and heritage led regeneration. 6. Integrated Transport and Land Use Promote best use of Transport Infrastructure, existing and planned, and promote sustainable and active modes of travel to ensure the proper integration of transportation and land use planning. 7. Sustainable Management of Water, Waste and other Environmental Resources Conserve and enhance our water resources to ensure clean water supply, adequate wastewater treatment and greater resource efficiency to realise the benefits of the circular economy. 8. Build Climate Resilience Ensure the long-term management of flood risk and build resilience to increased risks of extreme weather events, changes in sea level and patterns of coastal erosion to protect property, critical infrastructure and food security in the Region. 9. Support the Transition to Low Carbon and Clean Energy Pursue climate mitigation in line with global and national targets and harness the potential for a more distributed renewables-focussed energy system to support the transition to a low carbon economy by 2050. 10. Enhanced Green Infrastructure Identify, protect and enhance Green Infrastructure and ecosystem services in the Region and promote the sustainable management of strategic natural assets such as our coastlines, farmlands, peatlands, uplands woodlands and wetlands. 11. Biodiversity and Natural Heritage Promote co-ordinated spatial planning to conserve and enhance the biodiversity of our protected habitats and species including landscape and heritage protection. 12Longford County Council
- 1.13 Other Relevant National and Regional Guidelines, Plans and Strategies A large number of other national and regional plans and strategies have also been taken into consideration in the preparation of the Development Plan (see Annex 2). Of those the following are of particular significance: 1.13.1 National Ministerial Guidelines In making development plans, planning authorities are required to have regard to any guidelines issued by the Minister. Accordingly guidelines issued to planning authorities regarding their functions under the Planning Acts have been considered in the making of this Plan in accordance with Section 28 of the Planning and Development Act, 2000 (as amended) (Annex 1). 1.13.2 Irish Water National Plans Under the Local Government Reform Act 2014, the transfer occurred from the local authority to Irish Water of a range of statutory water and wastewater functions. Irish Water is thus responsible for the provision of public water supply, wastewater collection and treatment services. It is an objective of Irish Water to provide both drinking water and wastewater capacity to facilitate growth in accordance with core strategies at county level, and with national and regional planning policies and objectives (subject to the constraints of the Irish Water Capital Investment Programme). Longford County Council retains its role in facilitating the provision of adequate water services, in conjunction with Irish Water, at a local level, through Service Level Agreements (SLAs). As such strategic planning for investment in water services will be provided for by a Water Services Strategic Plan prepared by Irish Water that will be translated into Capital Investment Plans. These Plans will be shaped by wider policy requirements including spatial planning and the contents of the National Planning Framework, Regional Spatial and Economic Strategies and County Development Plans. The following Irish Water Plans are of particular note: 12. A Strong Economy Supported by Enterprise and Innovation To build a resilient economic base and promote innovation and entrepreneurship ecosystems that support smart specialisation, cluster development and sustained economic growth. 13. Improve Education Skills and Social Inclusion To improve education and develop the right skills to attract employers and retain talent and promote social inclusion to ensure opportunities for quality jobs across the Region. 14. Global City Region Promote Dublin as a global city region and protect and enhance international connectivity, including ports and airports and promote the Region as a gateway to Ireland. 15. Enhanced Strategic Connectivity Protect and enhance international connectivity and regional accessibility to support economic development, build economic resilience and support strengthened rural communities and economies including the blue-green economy and tourism. 16. Collaboration Platform Provide a regional framework for collaboration and partnerships and to support local and regional bodies in leveraging funding and partnership opportunities. The County Development Plan has been aligned to the relevant Regional Strategic Outcomes (RSOs) and associated relevant Regional Policy Objectives (RPOs). 13County Development Plan 2021–2027
- 1.13.2.1 Water Services Strategic Plan: A Plan for the Future of Water Services (2015 - 2040) In 2015 Irish Water published its Water Services Strategic Plan (WSSP) which sets out strategic objectives for the delivery of water services over a 25-year period and sets a context for investment and implementation plans. This plan is reviewed every 5 no. years. Irish Water completed the 5-year review of the WSSP in October 2020. The review stated that the current WSSP is still valid and appropriate to provide strategic direction for the planning of water services by Irish Water for the next 5 years. Irish Water and Longford County Council will continue to work together to identify the water services required to support planned development in line with national and regional planning policies for inclusion in the Irish Water Capital Investment Plans. 1.13.2.2 Irish Water Strategic Funding Plan 2019 - 2024 The Irish Water Strategic Funding Plan sets out Irish Water’s multi-annual strategic funding requirement of €11bn to 2024, which comprises of a €6.1bn investment in infrastructure and assets, and €4.9bn in operating costs. This funding requirement will be met through a combination of non-domestic revenue, excess usage charges, government subvention, non-domestic borrowings and capital contributions. The Plan sets out the capital and operational costs expected to be incurred by Irish Water over a multi-annual period and how these costs fall to be recovered. It will ensure a shared understanding between Government and Irish Water of the broad financial parameters and investment priorities. 1.13.2.3 Irish Water Capital Investment Plan 2020-2024 The Capital Investment Programme (CIP) of Irish Water outlines the indicative priorities and investments in water services infrastructure over the plan period. The CIP aims to deliver improvements in drinking water quality, leakage, wastewater compliance, business efficiencies and customer service. The Commission for Regulation of Utilities (CRU) review and approve the CIP. The next programme will cover the period from 2020 – 2024. The Irish Water Investment Plan 2020 to 2024 is the budgetary plan for the five-year period from 2020 to 2024 inclusive, in line with strategic objectives detailed in the Water Services Strategic Plan (WSSP). It sets out where Irish Water are continuing to invest and prioritise where it can deliver the most urgently needed improvements to drinking water quality, leakage, water availability, wastewater compliance, efficiencies and customer service. In providing these services Irish Water play a central role in enabling economic growth, protecting both the environment and the health and safety of our customers and the public. The list of projects and programmes included in Irish Water’s Investment Plan is continuously being refined and is subject to budget, technical and environmental constraints, as well as statutory approvals. Further information on the current plan submitted can be found on the CRU Website www.cru.ie 1.13.2.4 National Water Resources Plan (due for completion in 2021) Irish Water is preparing for the future by developing the National Water Resources Plan (NWRP). The strategic plan for water services will outline how Irish Water move towards a sustainable, secure and reliable public drinking water supply over the next 25 years, whilst safeguarding our environment. The NWRP will outline how Irish Water intends to maintain the balance between our supply from water sources around the country and demand for drinking water over the short, medium and longterm. This will allow preparation for the future and ensure the provision of sufficient safe, clean drinking water to facilitate the social and economic growth of our country. The National Water Resources Plan (NWRP) is carrying out a review of all Water Resource Zones in the country, to determine projects to resolve deficits on a nationwide scale. The NWRP will be published in 2 no. distinct stages, the combination of which will form Irish Water’s overall National Water Resource Plan. Phase 1 Phase 1 is the National Water Resources Plan, a framework plan which will be subject to Strategic Environmental Assessment and Appropriate Assessment. Phase 1 includes the methodologies for assessing need (including how the hazards identified in the Drinking Water Safety Plans (DWSPs) are incorporated into the strategic plan); the methodologies for developing strategic plans for 14Longford County Council
- each supply as part of the Regional Water Resources Plans and, a summary assessment of need across all water supplies. The Framework Plan will highlight the vulnerability of water supplies particularly during severe weather conditions (storms and droughts), including the largest supply, the Greater Dublin Area. Phase 2 Phase 2 is made up of 4 Regional Water Resources Plans each of which will be subject to Strategic Environmental Assessment and Appropriate Assessment. The Regional Water Resources Plans will develop the strategic plan for each water supply, including short, medium and long-term options to address risk across our supplies. The Regional Water Resources Plan for the Eastern and Midlands Region will include the strategic Plan for Longford, including an assessment of all potential options to resolve needs in the area, and how these have been assessed to develop a preferred approach; including short, medium and long term investment requirements and operational improvements. Phase 2 follows after the adoption of the NWRP Framework Plan. Phase 1 and 2 combined will form the overall National Water Resource Plan The models and intelligence relating to our existing water sources and asset base that have been developed as part of our water resources planning process have also been used to inform the operation of our supplies, particularly during critical drought periods. Public Consultation information can be found on the Irish Water website at https://www. water.ie/proiectsplans/our-plans/nwrp/ 1.13.3 Action Plan for Rural Development: Realising our Rural Potential (GoI, 2018) The Government’s Action Plan for Rural Development aims to unlock the enormous potential of Ireland’s rural communities and to improve the lives of those living and working in rural areas. The Action Plan sets out a framework of supports at national and local level that aims to ensure that people who live in rural areas have increased opportunities for employment locally, and access to public services and social networks that support a high quality of life. The key objectives are to: 1. Support sustainable and vibrant rural communities; 2. Support enterprise and employment; 3. Maximise rural tourism and recreation potential; 4. Foster culture and creativity in rural communities; 5. Improve rural infrastructure and connectivity. These 5 no. key pillars are underpinned by 270 no. supportive actions, the delivery of which is supported by funding streams. These objectives and actions have been incorporated and translated into the Development Plan where appropriate. 1.13.4 Enterprise 2025 Renewed This aims to embed resilience in enterprises, contributing to strong economic performance over the longer term, through a number of key policy priorities, which include: ■ An increased emphasis on developing Irish owned enterprises – enhancing productivity and delivering quality jobs, and helping companies to navigate Brexit; ■ Exploiting the potential offered by collaboration and clustering within our distinctive foreign and Irish owned enterprise mix; The Regional Water Resources Plan for the Eastern and Midlands Region will include the strategic Plan for Longford, including an assessment of all potential options to resolve needs in the area 15County Development Plan 2021–2027
- ■ Placing a spotlight on innovation (including disruptive technologies) and talent development, so that more enterprises are developing new products, services and solutions, and are more competitive internationally; ■ Realising the full potential of our regions – developing places that are attractive for business investment and for people to live and work; ■ Raising Ireland’s visibility internationally, protecting Ireland’s reputation, and providing opportunities for our enterprises supported by the Global Footprint 2025 Initiative. These strategic objectives are underpinned by supportive actions and have been incorporated and translated into the Development Plan where appropriate. 1.13.5 Midlands Regional Enterprise Plan to 2020 The Midlands Regional Enterprise Plan (MREP) aims to build on positive regional collaboration and to take account of the changed and improved economic circumstances nationally, the emergence of new challenges to enterprise development and competitiveness both domestically and internationally in origin, including Brexit, and the persistence of uneven economic progress across the regions in Ireland. The MREP provides perspective and ideas from the ‘ground-up’ and is informed by an understanding of unique local strengths and assets and has the potential to enable more effective translation of national policy into regional and local impact. It focuses on leveraging the added value from regional and local actors working collaboratively, and in so doing, aims to complement and build on the existing activities being undertaken by the Enterprise Agencies, the LEO and the wider range of state bodies directly involved in supporting enterprise development in the region. The MREP contains 7 no. Strategic Objectives as follows: 1. Ensure that the Midlands is well positioned to address the challenges posed by the transition to a low carbon economy and renewable energy; 2. Leverage opportunities in Big Data & Data Analytics from Ilofar; 3. Position and support the Midlands as an advanced manufacturing centre of excellence; 4. Enhance the collective offering of the Midlands as a place to live, work, and invest in; 5. Strengthen the attractiveness of the Midlands as a destination to visit; 6. Harness the potential of the food and beverage industry in the Midlands; 7. Ensure the availability of skills and talent to realise the Region’s economic potential and address upskilling requirements. These strategic objectives are underpinned by supportive actions and have been incorporated and translated into the Development Plan where appropriate. 1.13.6 The Just Transition Progress Report (Mulvey Report, 2020) This report calls for €25m to be spent over the next year to help the midlands support employment. In the first review to help midlands communities’ transition from fossil to carbon neutral fuels, it recommends the extra money to come from the carbon tax. This report makes a series of interim and innovative recommendations, providing opportunities and processes for securing employment in the Midlands, including for ESB and Bord na Móna workers, in relation to the following: ■ Just Transition Fund; ■ Infrastructure; ■ Land and facilities; ■ Tourism; ■ Heritage and leisure; ■ Planning; ■ Licensing and regulation; ■ Centre for climate change and just transition; ■ Incentivising green and allied enterprises to locate in the Midlands; ■ Renewable energy potential; ■ Carbon tax; ■ Electric vehicle charging; ■ Loss of rates income. The first part of such a plan is to receive and evaluate employment projects in the Midlands that have green enterprise and other employment/tourism potential and to finalise the critical pathways for the retention of employment in Bord na Móna and ESB, give certainty around the future structure of the workforce and to establish further employment opportunities in the region. 16Longford County Council
- 1.13.7 Government Response and launch of Just Transition Fund: In May 2020 the Minister launched a first call for proposals for funding from the €11m Just Transition Fund. The fund will have 5 no. key priorities as follows: 1. Governance Arrangements The report notes the importance of effective governance in the Midlands to deliver a Just Transition. The required structures, fully informed by the Just Transition Report / Mulvey Report recommendations will have to be put in place and will be done in the context of a detailed implementation plan. The Department will continue to work with the relevant local authorities in the Midlands, other Government Departments and State agencies and the Midlands Regional Transition Team to ensure this happens. 2. Use of State Agency Lands in the Midlands for Green Energy Projects The Department of Communications, Climate Action and Environment will write to State agencies and enterprises to identify land and facilities which could be of use for such projects. 3. Study on Energy Hub in the Midlands The Department and ESB will commission a study to examine the potential for using the existing infrastructure in the West Offaly and Lough Ree power plants as an Energy Hub in the Midlands. 4. Electric Vehicle Charging The Minister has asked for an evaluation study on the potential to further expand the electric vehicle (EV) charging infrastructure nationally, including the enhancement of the charging network in the Midlands region, to commence immediately. 5. Digital Hubs for Remote Working Under the National Broadband Plan, 91 no. broadband connection points will be provided in the Midlands over the coming months. These will provide the necessary infrastructure including high-speed broadband to support remote working in the Midlands. It is planned to grow the existing Midlands Network of coworking facilities, through development of additional facilities/hubs through the region. The Minister has asked that urgent action be taken on foot of the Just Transition Report (Mulvey Report) publication. A detailed implementation plan will be completed as soon as possible, with certain, high priority measures implemented before then. The recommendations of the Just Transition Report (Mulvey Report) and the Governments chosen actions have been incorporated and translated into the Development Plan where appropriate. 1.13.8 The Shannon Mighty River of Ireland: A Tourism Masterplan (2020-2030) The overall aim of this Masterplan to grow tourism in Ireland’s Hidden Heartlands aligns with national rural development policy to drive rural development through tourism. The Development Plan will set out to translate and incorporate this Masterplan where appropriate. 1.14 Local Level Policy A large number of county level plans and strategies have been taken into consideration in the preparation of the Development Plan (Annex 1). The following are of particular significance: 1.14.1 Longford County Council Corporate Plan 2019 - 2024 The Corporate Plan provides the strategic document identifying how the Council is structured and managed to deliver key services throughout the County. It includes the following Corporate Vision: ‘to make Longford a prosperous County that seeks to support: a vibrant economy; rural quality of life; active and safe communities, diversity, culture and heritage; a healthy and sustainable natural environment; and, a sense of community pride and place’. The Corporate Plan also contains a number of objectives and supporting strategies which have been incorporated into the Development Plan where appropriate. Some of the objectives of relevance are as follows: 17County Development Plan 2021–2027
- Longford – A thriving County ■ Continue to grow and transform our county’s economy; ■ Lead and support the regeneration of our county towns and villages; ■ Develop new and existing business districts and encourage the growth of a skilled workforce; ■ Improve connectivity and accessibility, both infrastructural and digital, to attract and support business community and our people; ■ Strive to develop a Public Service Centre of Excellence. Longford – A Greener County ■ Lead and provide a planned and coherent response to the effects of climate change; ■ Support the transition to a low carbon economy and ensure that policies and practices lead towards low carbon pathways and put in place processes for carbon proofing major decisions, programmes and projects, moving over time to a near zero carbon investment strategy; ■ Protect our natural and built environment. Longford – A Safer County ■ Safeguard, protect and enhance the environment in the interests of quality of life, economic development and regulatory compliance; ■ Address safety and security issues and concerns for our communities; ■ Partner with other principal response agencies to plan and respond to emergencies. Longford – A County for Everyone ■ Develop connected, sustainable and prosperous communities with access to housing, education, work, healthcare and leisure; ■ Enhance, celebrate and support our rich culture, heritage, diversity, sport and creativity; ■ Advocate social inclusion through respect and promotion of equality and human rights and be guided in all our work by public sector duty principles; ■ Support and strengthen local democracy. These Corporate Plan objectives are to be delivered by a number of identified supporting strategies, which have been incorporated into the Development Plan where appropriate. 1.14.2 Longford Local Economic and Community Plan 2016-2022 The Development Plan and the Local Economic and Community Plan (LECP) are strategically aligned; the LECP providing a framework for the economic development and local community development of the County, the County Development Plan identifying and providing an overarching strategy and statutory policy support for the proper planning and sustainable development of the County at a spatial level. The Vision of the LECP is to create ‘a regenerated economically sustainable County which values equality of opportunity, excellent quality of life, collaborative community and rural development, sense of place and where the wellbeing of all residents and future generations is central to everything we do’. This is supported by 6 high level goals and associated actions. The high-level goals relate to the following: 1. HLG 1: Maximise economic activity, pursue new growth opportunities and support pathways to educational attainment 2. HLG 2: Reduce poverty, disadvantage and social exclusion and promote equality in the community; 3. HLG 3: Improve prosperity, health/wellbeing and quality of life of the community; 4. HLG 4: Maximise the attractiveness of County Longford as a favourable place in which to live, visit work and transact business; The Vision of the LECP is to create ‘a regenerated economically sustainable County which values equality of opportunity, excellent quality of life, collaborative community and rural development, sense of place and where the wellbeing of all residents and future generations is central to everything we do’. 18Longford County Council
- 5. HLG 5: Improve the level and quality of community identity, solidarity, civic pride and participation; 6. HLG 6: Utilise the natural, cultural and built environment in accordance with the principles of sustainable development. The Development Plan aims to recognise relevant LECP goals and associated actions. 1.14.3 Longford Climate Adaptation Strategy 2019 It is recognised that policy responses are required in terms of both mitigating the causes of climate change and in adapting to the now inevitable consequences. Action at local level is vitally important to help reduce the economic, environmental and social impacts of climate change across communities. This Strategy is an attempt to assemble the existing body of knowledge on climate change effects at county level and address hazards, risks, impacts and opportunities that may be associated with these through specific actions that will be implemented primarily through established mechanisms within Longford County Council. The strategy also aims to increase awareness of climate change at a local level and illustrate its relevance to the functions and operations of the organisation. The Development Plan aims to recognise relevant goals and associated actions of the Longford Climate Adaptation Strategy. The issue of Climate Change is dealt with in detail in Chapter 3 of this Plan, which outlines the Development Plan Climate Change Strategy. In addition, each policy chapter of the Development Plan contains specific actions, which act as a climate check to proof the area of activity in terms of climate implications. 1.15 Longford County Development Plan 2021-2027 Layout Taking account of the aforementioned global, European, national, regional and county level plans and other relevant guidance as required, this Development Plan sets out policies and strategies to strengthen and develop the economic, social and cultural life of the County in a way that can be sustained to safeguard the quality of life for future generations. The preceding chapter will set out the county profile in terms of key demographic and socio-economic trends. Subsequent chapters in this Plan will set out the issues facing the County and associated policies taking account of national and regional guidance in in relation to: ■ Climate Change; ■ Housing and Settlement Strategy; ■ Infrastructure, Transport, Energy and Communications; ■ Regeneration; ■ Placemaking; ■ Economic Development; ■ Rural Enterprise; ■ Tourism; ■ Built and Cultural Heritage; ■ Natural Heritage and Environment; ■ Green Infrastructure; ■ Landscape Character. Each chapter starts with reference to statutory context, followed by reference to national, regional and other relevant policy and guidance documents. Many of the chapters and sections contain overlapping content. Accordingly, every effort has been made to co-ordinate and crossreference sections, where relevant, in order to provide a comprehensive and easy to read guide for developers and the public. Cognisance has been given to the development of policy in terms of linking to higher level regional and national policy where possible. At the end of each chapter, are a number of climate actions which indicate specific climate actions to be undertaken in relation to the chapter content. The climate actions have been indicated in box format and are colour coded for ease of reference. In addition to this Written Statement (Volume 1), the Plan also contains separate volumes which contain important support information. Volume 2 consists of Appendices in the form of largely mapping and visual content, with some associated written content (land use zoning, various designations). The maps which accompany this written document aim to show what the Plan facilitates. They are representative of and show in a visual and appealing way, the quality and offer that exists in Longford, the types of development that may be considered and areas of opportunity and prospect within the Town and County. 19County Development Plan 2021–2027
- Volume 3 is an Annex which contains reference to specific reports and individual support studies (Housing Strategy, Retail Strategy, Shopfront Design Guidelines etc.) and other written support studies and material. Volume 4 consists of a SEA Environmental Report, Natura Impact Report and Strategic Flood Risk Assessment. 20Longford 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.