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 10.56 CPO 10.53 CPO 10.57 CPO 10.58 CPO 10.54 CPO 10.55 Promote and encourage the recreational use of rivers and the development of blueways which provide opportunities for walkers, cyclist and canoers. Examine the potential for development of fishing and canoe trails on the rivers and the inner lakes of Lough Ree and work with Waterways Ireland to develop facilities where appropriate, subject to the requirements of the Birds and Habitats Directives. Continue to work with Waterways Ireland and Inland Fisheries to develop mooring points for boats and facilities for kayaking and fishing along our waterways including at the Red Bridge, Ballymahon. Continue to work closely with Bord na Móna, Fáilte Ireland, Waterways Ireland, NPWS, Coillte, Just Transition related groups and neighbouring counties to realise and develop the potential of the Mid Shannon Wilderness Park and Lough Ree Biosphere Nature Reserve. In this consideration shall be given to Bord na Móna’s integrated land use-strategy and be mutually inclusive of any of Bord na Mona’s future uses of their land banks. Support the development and expansion of tourism/recreation facilities including forest-based tourism accommodation at appropriate locations while ensuring minimum impact on the natural environment, biodiversity and public recreation. Support and develop opportunities to access, enjoy and understand Longford’s significant archaeological, early Christian Heritage, natural heritage and historical locations including the lake Islands which contain many of these sites. Cooperate with NPWS in the preparation of Habitat Management Plans for Lough Ree and Longford’s protected areas where particular sensitivities occur, in order to support the protection and conservation of our natural environment resources. Corlea bog 301 County Development Plan 2021–2027
- 10.10 Greenways, Cycling and Walking Longford County Council is strongly committed to the development of greenways in the county, in recognising their strong potential for generating tourism activity and associated positive wellbeing, quality of life and economic benefits. Since 2015, working with strategic partners at a national, regional and local level, large tracts of greenway have been provided within the county. More extensions are planned which should provide Longford with the greatest concentration of greenways for any county in the country. Longford will effectively be the ‘Greenway Capital of Ireland’ (see Appendix 5: Tourism - Longford County Waterways Map and Longford On Road Cycleways Map). By 2020 within County Longford, a total of 85km of greenways had been developed for the enjoyment of walkers and cyclists. Of these the Royal Canal Greenway traverses the county from Abbeyshrule to Clondra (36.5km) with a branch line to Longford town from Killashee (8km). Additional extensions to the Greenway have been provided at Corlea (10km), a link from Clondra to Lanesborough (20km) across the bogs and also a River Inny Link to Newcastle Woods (10km). Additional links (40km) are being constructed at present on the old Bord na Móna rail lines traversing the re-wilded bogs. The conversion of the Bord na Móna rail crossing over the Shannon at Kilnacarrow for greenway purposes will facilitate the opening up of the Roscommon Bord na Móna rail line network to allow added links to Roscommon town, Strokestown, Roosky and beyond. In addition, walkways have been developed at Drumlish and Cairn Hill (see Appendix 5: Tourism - Longford County Trails Map). The Royal Canal is also now designated as the National Famine Way from Strokestown, Co. Roscommon to the Liffey Quays in Dublin. The possibility exists to interconnect Dublin to Westport through Longford via the Royal Canal to form the Croagh Patrick to Croke Park Greenway, and a north south route linking Sligo to Limerick along the Shannon. When completed these national greenway routes would provide substantial international-scale tourism offerings with Longford acting as the central crossroads. The Mosstown Mill and mill race walk at Keenagh offers great potential to add a major attraction to the local amenity walk connected with the Royal Canal Greenway. The addition of the Limetree Avenue from the old Mosstown estate would create a looped walk of natural and heritage interest. CPO 10.59 CPO 10.60 CPO 10.61 CPO 10.62 Greenways, Cycling and Walking – County Policy Objectives It is the County Policy Objective to: Continue to develop the greenways in the county and to augment the visitor experience through the provision of infrastructure, including car parking and access barriers, having regard to the Department of Transport, Tourism and Sport various Guidelines along with high quality signage and links to nearby visitor attractions and places of interest. Support the provision of visitor services within existing towns and villages, such as cafes, accommodation, and changing facilities, by providing linkages with greenways and trails where appropriate. Continue to support the development of the Longford Bogs Greenway, the Royal Canal Greenway, the National Famine Way, a River Shannon Greenway and a Longford to Westport Greenway by working with Bord na Móna, Regional Authorities (EMRA and NWRA), neighbouring counties and national bodies to develop and complete these routes (see Appendix 5: Tourism - Longford County Trails Map). Support increased opportunities for off-road walking, including looped walks and longer distance trails, taking account of ‘positive control points’ in trail design, such as areas of natural beauty, lakeshores or rivers, bogs, built heritage and archaeological features and with links to towns and villages. In designing walking trails, the Sport Ireland Guide to Planning and Developing Recreational Trails will be consulted.Longford County Council 302
- CPO 10.63 CPO 10.64 CPO 10.65 CPO 10.66 CPO 10.67 CPO 10.68 CPO 10.69 CPO 10.70 CPO 10.71 Continue to maintain and further enhance the County’s walking and cycling trails, striving to achieve National Trails accreditation and other standards as set by Sport Ireland, in partnership with local communities and landowners. Continue to develop the Longford Bogs Greenway utilising the Bord na Móna Rail lines from Longford Town to Clondra, Lanesborough, Corlea and Ballymahon interconnected with the Royal Canal Greenway at selected locations. (see Appendix 5: Tourism – Longford County Trails Map). Support the conversion of the Bord na Móna Kilnacarrow Rail Bridge to a greenway crossing of the River Shannon and facilitate a link through the Roscommon bogs to Roscommon, Strokestown and Roosky, Co. Leitrim. Support the development of a Shannon Way, subject to the requirements of the Birds and Habitats Directives, to link the Royal Canal at Clondra to the Grand Canal in Offaly via Athlone in collaboration with local communities, Offaly County Council and Westmeath County Council. This trail shall be located close to the river and linked to scenic areas where possible. Support the provision of various county greenways to link Clondra, Newtownforbes, Roosky, Drumlish, Cairn Hill, Ballinamuck, Lough Gowna, Derrycassin Woods, Aughnacliffe, Granard, Ballinalee, Edgeworthstown, Ardagh and Abbeyshrule subject to the protection of environmentally sensitive areas and the requirements of the Birds and Habitats Directives. Develop the Mosstown Mill and Mill Race walk at Keenagh to connect to the Royal Canal greenway and to incorporate the addition of the Limetree Avenue from the old Mosstown estate which would create a looped walk of natural and heritage interest. Support the provision of visitor interpretation along walking and cycling trails, including storyboards, artworks and other media, to create a greater sense of place, connecting and immersing visitors in our local heritage and stories. Support the provision of services for visitors using walking and cycling trails which are appropriate to the location and activity, including bike rental and service points, picnic benches at scenic locations, public toilets, and other ancillary services in remote areas. Promote the principles of ‘Leave no Trace’ in all trail information panels, promotional materials and events and use all statutory procedures to deter negative environmental impact resulting from use of our trails and outdoor recreation amenities. Ballybrannigan Harbour & Chaigneau Bridge, Royal CanalCounty Development Plan 2021–2027 303
- 10.11 Arts, Sport, Culture, Environment, Food and Festivals Longford with its exceptional community spirit is a county rich in environmental, local food, culture, sport and artistic expression. Facilities such as the County libraries and various theatres such as the Backstage in Longford and the Bog Lane in Ballymahon, offer the chance for visitors to enjoy displays from local talented artists, food producers and craft workers. Smaller shared facilities offering gallery and craft shop provision are also located throughout the county. Sport is supported with a passion in County Longford with numerous sporting facilities and venues in every parish. Musical, drama and dance talent are also on display with many venues featuring home-grown talent. The tradition of Irish, country and contemporary music and dance is celebrated county-wide in various venues and halls and pubs. Similarly, with the County’s Tidy Town Community groups and environmental activities. Longford communities have an exceptional success record in the Tidy Towns competition with nearly every town, village and community participating and achieving considerable success. A number of activities and festivals enable local communities to celebrate a valuable cultural heritage and spotlight local talent and unique local attributes. While some festivals remain small in scale year after year, reaching only a local audience, others have the ambition to grow into larger events, capable of attracting larger numbers of visitors, resulting in a greater impact to the local economy and highlighting the festival location as one worth visiting to a wider audience. The Council will seek to support these festivals where possible, to support their growth potential, subject to any necessary event licensing and quality standards. The Council will also nurture new festivals, such as Still Voices Short Film Festival, which have the potential to develop into national attractions. The Council provides support for the county’s arts and cultural facilities along with assistance to groups organising festivals through its annual grants scheme and other support through its arts, tourism, planning and heritage sections. CPO 10.72 CPO 10.73 CPO 10.74 CPO 10.75 CPO 10.76 CPO 10.77 CPO 10.78 Arts, Culture, Environment and Festivals – County Policy Objectives It is the County Policy Objective to: Support the continued development of Tidy Towns, local food, culture, sport, visual and performing arts and craft through the various environmental activities, fairs, festivals, arts, music and cultural centres, galleries and craft shops. Continue to support activities, events and evolving visitor experiences such as Creative Ireland, the County Library Service, and the Backstage and Bog Lane Theatres etc. as important tourist offerings. Continue to support activities such as Tidy Towns, community groups, and festivals in the county, with a particular focus on events which have the potential to attract a wider audience and spotlight the county as a visitor destination. Continue to provide supports to community groups, sporting organisations, indigenous enterprises and organisations which create locally produced food, products, activities and events. Support the setting up of a ‘Green Festival’ and a ‘National Cycling Festival’ initiative. Encourage and support Tidy Towns organisations, festivals and event organisers to incorporate green principles in their event planning and management. Identify opportunities to capture and celebrate the rich musical and creative heritage of the county.Longford County Council 304
- 10.12 Tourism 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. Tourism has the capacity to sustain communities, directly and indirectly, create employment and deliver real social benefits for rural Ireland. If we do not curb our Green House Gas (GHG) emissions and start to adapt, regional economies and industries that depend on natural resources and favourable climate conditions (e.g. agriculture and tourism) will begin to suffer greatly. As one of Ireland’s most important economic sectors, the tourism industry generated €5.6 billion 2018, with an addition €2 billion coming from domestic returns alone65. However, tourism is responsible for nearly one tenth of the world’s carbon emissions and set to increase by 4% year on year – outpacing most other economic industries66. The operational impacts on tourism of climate change will be increasingly felt, with reduced water availability, extreme weather events, decline in insurability, and increased costs against efforts to cut emissions. Travel, particularly by air, contributes more than half of the CO2 emissions associated with tourism, with one long-haul flight generating more carbon than the average person produces in a year; notwithstanding the added air pollution67. Short haul flights are the greatest offenders, with 25% of an aeroplane’s CO2 emissions typically generated at take-off alone68. The practice of ‘sustainable tourism’ as a means of supporting environmental conservation, social development and local economies through tourism is considered the most appropriate response. The promotion and development of ‘domestic tourism’ aligns neatly with the concept, while adhering to the NPF ‘NPO 22’ setting out to “facilitate tourism development and in particular a National Greenways, Blueways and Peatways Strategy, which prioritises projects on the basis of achieving maximum impact and connectivity at national and regional level”. The development of such Greenway, Blueway and Peatways, all found within County Longford, has the added benefit of improving our Green Infrastructure provision, encouraging more sustainable means of transport, and supporting biodiversity. 65 Failte Ireland (2019), ‘Key Tourism Facts 2018’, September 2019. http://www.failteireland.ie/FailteIreland/media/WebsiteStructure/Documents/3_Research_Insights/Key-Tourism-Facts-2018. pdf?ext=.pdf 66 Gabbatiss, J. (2018), ‘Tourism is responsible for nearly one tenth of the world’s carbon emissions’, Independent Newspaper, 07 May 2018, UK. https://www.independent.co.uk/environment/tourism-climate-change-carbon-emissions-global-warming-flying-carstransport-a8338946.html 67 Kommenda, N. (2019), ‘How your flight emits as much CO2 as many people do in a year’, The Guardian Newspaper, 19th July 2019, UK. https://www.theguardian.com/environment/ng-interactive/2019/jul/19/carbon-calculator-how-taking-one-flight-emits-as-muchas-many-people-do-in-a-year 68 Jung, Y. (2010), ‘Fuel Consumption and Emissions from Airport Taxi Operations’, Green Aviation Summit, NASA Amers Research Center, Sept 8-9, 2010, USA. https://flight.nasa.gov/pdf/18_jung_green_aviation_summit.pdfCounty Development Plan 2021–2027 305
- A10.1 A10.4 A10.3 A10.6 A10.2 A10.5 Tourism Climate Change Actions Longford County Council shall: Collaborate with relevant state bodies, neighbouring Local Authorities and local communities in delivering a UNESCO accredited, Biosphere for Lough Ree and the Mid-Shannon Wilderness Park. Continue to fund, improve, develop all Greenways, Blueway, Peatways, and achieve Sport Ireland Trail registration for all existing and proposed trails, wherever possible. Seek funding for the responsible development of Biodiversity Interpretative Centre within The Commons area of Lanesborough Town. Support opportunities for increased tourism within limits of existing infrastructure and sensitive habitats. Prioritise tourism marketing to the domestic market, across multiple media platforms. Invest in the development of the local sustainable tourism market with zero carbon impact. Newcastle Bridge over Inny River c1775Longford County Council 306
- Built and Cultural Heritage CHAPTER 11 Abbeylara, Cistercian Abbey ruins
- 308 11.1 Introduction Built and Cultural Heritage, in the form of architectural and archaeological assets are an intrinsic part of our heritage, as they provide our communities and society with unique opportunities to learn about the past, support our sense of place, and form an intrinsic part of the character and attractiveness of the County. Longford has an abundance of built and cultural heritage that gives the county its own unique and distinct character, from its castles to its ancient burial sites. Longford also contains Europe’s oldest iron age trackway at Corlea, and the architectural award-winning Saint Mel’s Cathedral, which was rebuilt and reopened in 2014 after a devasting fire left it in ruins. In addition to the protection of these resources as Recorded Monuments and Places, there is also provision under the Planning and Development Act to afford protection by way of the Record of Protected Structures and Architectural Conservation Area designations. It is important that this plan also recognises our cultural heritage that gives the historic background to the rich built environment that underpins Longford’s historical sense of identity. Preservation of these resources not only enriches the identity of Longford for generations to come but also provides for a unique selling point in terms of tourism and thus the local economy. 11.2 Statutory Context 11.2.1 Planning and Development Act 2000 (as amended) Section 10 of the Planning and Development Act 2000, as amended, sets out a list of mandatory objectives to be included in a development plan. A number of these relate to cultural heritage, including the protection of archaeological heritage, structures and areas of special interest, and the preservation of the character of the landscape, views and prospects. Part IV of the Planning and Development Act, 2000 (as amended) relates to Architectural Heritage and includes reference to Protected Structures and Architectural Conservation Areas (ACAs). 11.2.2 The National Monuments Acts 1930 – 2004 The Act confirms that Archaeological Heritage is legally protected from unauthorised damage or interference. Section 12 of the National Monuments (Amendments) Act 1994 made specific provision for the compilation of all recorded sites and features of historical and archaeological importance in the County into the Record of Monuments and Places (RMP). 11.3 Planning Policy Context 11.3.1 Project Ireland 2040 – National Planning Framework (NPF) The National Planning Framework (NPF) sets out to protect and value our important and valuable built heritage and Protected Structures. The NPF is built around 10 no. National Strategic Outcomes (NSO’s), with NSO7 of particular relevance: ■ NSO 7 aims to enhance amenity and heritage. This will ensure that our cities, towns and villages are attractive and can offer a good quality of life. It will require investment in welldesigned public realm, which includes public spaces, parks and streets, as well as recreational infrastructure. It also includes amenities in rural areas, such as national and forest parks, activity-based tourism and trails such as greenways, blueways and peatways. In the NPF there are 3 no. National Policy Objectives (NPOs) which relate to heritage as follows: ■ NPO 17 - Enhance, integrate and protect the special physical, social, economic and cultural value of built heritage assets through appropriate and sensitive use now and for future generations. ■ NPO 23 - Facilitate the development of the rural economy through supporting a sustainable and economically efficient agricultural and food sector, together with forestry, fishing and aquaculture, energy and extractive industries, the bio-economy and diversification into alternative on-farm and off-farm activities, while at the same time noting the importance of maintaining and protecting the natural landscape and built heritage which are vital to rural tourism. ■ NPO 60 - Conserve and enhance the rich qualities of natural and cultural heritage of Ireland in a manner appropriate to their significance.Longford County Council 308
- Section 12 of the National Monuments (Amendments) Act 1994 made specific provision for the compilation of all recorded sites and features of historical and archaeological importance in the County into the Record of Monuments and Places (RMP). Oliver Goldsmith statue outside the Ballymahon Library. 309 County Development Plan 2021–2027
- 11.3.2 Eastern and Midlands Regional Spatial and Economic Strategy (RSES) 2019-2031 The RSES makes a strong reference to the heritage value of the region’s towns and settlements. The RSES identifies the specific significance of Cultural Heritage, Architectural Heritage, Heritage Led Regeneration and Archaeological Heritage, as set out accordingly: Cultural Heritage Cultural heritage is the fabric of our lives and societies. It surrounds us in the buildings of our towns and cities, our landscapes, natural sites, monuments and archaeological sites. Cultural heritage brings communities together and builds shared understandings of the places we live. Intangible cultural heritage refers to the practices and traditions that are central to the lives and identities of our communities, groups and individuals. Architectural Heritage Local authorities, through their city and county development plans and designation through the Record of Protected Structures (RPS) and Architectural Conservation Areas (ACAs), enable places of architectural value to be protected. Good heritage management should be incorporated into spatial planning to promote the benefits of heritage led urban regeneration in historic towns, for example through the protection of historic urban fabric, the reuse of historic buildings and the enhancement of places of special cultural or natural interest. The National Inventory of Architectural Heritage (NIAH) is an invaluable built heritage resource for local authorities and the general public. Heritage-Led Regeneration Planning for the regeneration of a historic town needs an integrated approach that balances the protection of the built heritage and the sustainable development of historic urban areas with the needs of modern living and takes account of the concerns and aspirations of the community and key stakeholders. This requires the coordination and management of sometimes conflicting demands and interests of different stakeholders. However, the development of a common vision for the town, supported by a coordinated and integrated series of objectives and a programme of realistic, achievable actions, will balance the conservation of the heritage with the needs of those who live in and use the historic town. Archaeological Heritage The Region’s historic environment, represented in its built form, landscape heritage and archaeology, provides a depth of character that benefits the Region’s economy, culture and quality of life. The built environment, combined with its historic landscapes, provides a unique sense of place, whilst layers of architectural history provide an environment that is of local, national and international value. Johnny’s Cottage, BallinamuckLongford County Council 310
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.