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
Ask this document
Answers come only from the text of Longford County Development Plan 2021–2027, each claim linked to its page. They are not advice; check the page itself.
Free, with a daily limit.
- CPO 12.60 CPO 12.61 CPO 12.62 CPO 12.63 CPO 12.64 CPO 12.65 CPO 12.66 CPO 12.67 CPO 12.68 CPO 12.69 CPO 12.70 CPO 12.71 Require an appropriate level of ecological assessment by suitably qualified professional(s) to accompany development proposals likely to impact on such areas or species. Assess proposed large-scale developments, particularly on greenfield sites and in environmentally sensitive areas, in terms of their impact on the biodiversity of the area. Screen all projects and plans arising from this plan for the need to undertake Appropriate Assessment under Article 6 of the Habitats Directive. All such projects and plans will also be required to comply with statutory Environmental Impact Assessment requirements where relevant. Require mitigating measures in certain cases where it is evident that biodiversity is likely to be affected. These measures may, in association with other specified requirements, include establishment of wildlife areas/corridors/parks, tree planting, wildflower meadows/marshes and other areas. With regard to residential development, in certain cases, these measures may be carried out in conjunction with the provision of open space and/or play areas. Facilitate increased awareness of the County’s biodiversity and natural heritage through the provision of information to landowners and the community generally, in cooperation with statutory and other partners. Investigate and encourage the establishment of wildlife areas and corridors, particularly in the context of educational, recreational and amenity facilities. Enhance the County’s biodiversity and natural heritage, including its landscape, by promoting appropriate recreational and amenity schemes. Ensure that the County’s watercourses are retained for their biodiversity and flood protection values. Conserve and enhance where possible, the wildlife habitats of the County’s rivers and riparian zones, lakes, canals and streams which occur outside of designated areas to provide a network of habitats and biodiversity corridors throughout the county. Maintain a biodiversity zone of not less than 10 metres from the top of the bank of all watercourses in the county, with the full extent of the protection zone to be determined on a case by case basis by the Council, based on site specific characteristics and sensitivities. (Agriculture, native tree forestry, appropriate public amenity and recreational projects (Including the provision of slipways and angling infrastructure) and strategic Green Routes / Blueways / Trails will be open for consideration within the biodiversity protection zone, subject to appropriate safeguards and assessments). Identify and map the identified wildlife corridors within the County during the lifetime of the Plan, as resources and capacity exists. To review the Ecosystems Service Scoring mechanism as a potential tool to support the evaluation of these identified habitats and their biodiversity value across the County. Any development that is visible from any of our protected areas or waterways shall be substantially screened with multiple lines of native tree and hedge planting on all sides.County Development Plan 2021–2027 351
- 12.12 Trees, Woodlands and Hedgerows Trees, woodlands and hedgerows are an important natural and landscape asset within the County and provide a biodiversity function in the provision of food, habitat and shelter in exposed areas, and also act as pollution filters and carbon sinks. Trees are valuable natural resources that improve the quality of life in our communities and make our neighbourhoods greener and more liveable, while providing many other social and ecological benefits. With an increasing need for greener and more sustainable urban communities, there is also a growing awareness of the value of trees in these urban settlements. The Council will consider the inclusion of additional Tree Preservation Orders over the lifetime of this Plan following a detailed survey and analysis of the trees and woodlands as resources become available. Hedgerows are perhaps the most characteristic feature of the County’s landscape and provide an important habitat for many species and act as a wildlife corridor. Hedgerows are important habitat and wildlife corridors for small mammals, birds and bat species. Under the Wildlife (Amendment) Act, 2000 the cutting of hedges (and uncultivated vegetation) during the bird-nesting season (March 1st to September 1st) is prohibited, except in certain legally defined circumstances. A Hedgerow Study was undertaken in 2006 for the County and remains an important resource and tool for the County. The Council will consider the inclusion of a review of the Hedgerow Study over the lifetime of this Plan, as resources become available. NeighbourWood is an international idea concerned with developing a community-based approach to the planning and implementation of the stewardship of the urban forest in a local neighbourhood, including all trees and woodlands. While the focus is on trees on private property, NeighbourWood considers the urban forest of a neighbourhood as an ecosystem, including both private and public lands. Ardagh HillLongford County Council 352
- CPO 12.72 CPO 12.73 CPO 12.74 CPO 12.75 CPO 12.76 CPO 12.77 CPO 12.78 CPO 12.79 CPO 12.80 CPO 12.81 Trees, Woodlands and Hedgerows – County Policy Objectives It is the County Policy Objective to: Encourage and promote in co-operation with Coillte and the Department of Communication, Energy and Natural Resources, the preparation and adoption of an Indicative Forestry Strategy for the County, as an important means of contributing to its objective of sustaining, protecting and enhancing the County’s biodiversity, natural resources and landscape and developing tourism product. Preserve and enhance the amenity and biodiversity value of the County, by promoting the protection of trees, groups of trees and ancient woodlands, of significant amenity value, especially native and broadleaf species. Undertake a survey of trees and woodlands within the County in order to identify individual trees and or, groups and stands of trees of value worthy of protection, including those in Demense landscapes. Protect trees subject to Tree Preservation Orders and seek to designate additional Tree Preservation Orders, where appropriate. Protect the following important stands of trees identified in Appendix 7: Natural Heritage and Environment from inappropriate development and unmanaged tree felling not part of an overall plan to ensure their sustainability; The Council reserve the right, through the appropriate process, to add to this list of protected trees over the period of the Development Plan. Discourage the felling of mature trees and hedgerow, particularly species rich roadside and townland boundary hedgerows to facilitate development and seek Tree Management Plans to ensure that trees are adequately protected during development and incorporated into the design of new developments. Protect all substantial areas of deciduous forest within the County, other than areas of commercial forestry. Proposals for development in these areas should seek to interact with the landscape character of the forested areas and its limits, recognising the importance of working with the forest to achieve sustainable development proposals, and enhancing and building on aspects of the forested areas that increase biodiversity and the natural habitat. Encourage the development of proposals for new woodlands and community woodlands in urban/urban fringe areas utilising funding available through schemes such as the NeighbourWood and Native Woodland Schemes. Protect and preserve existing hedgerows in new developments, particularly species rich roadside and townland boundary hedgerows, and where their removal is necessary during the course of road works, or other works, seek their replacement with new hedgerows of native species indigenous to the area. Investigate the potential of completing a review of the Hedgerow Survey 2006. 1. Avenue at Smithfield, Legan 2. Woods at Carriglass, Castleforbes and Cashel. The perimeter deciduous woodland of Newcastle Woods but not the interior areas of commercial forestry. 3. Portanure Pine Woods 4. Derrycassan Woods 5. Culnagore Wood 6. Rathcline Wood 7. Trees along Regional Road R393 at Knockahaw 8. Woodlands at Erne Head, Woodville and Golaroe 9. Lime trees at Mosstown, Keenagh 10. Trees at Rathsallagh 11. Wood at Farragh, KilloeCounty Development Plan 2021–2027 353
- 12.13 Invasive Species Invasive non-native plant and animal species are a major threat to biodiversity and prohibitions are in place in relation to the introduction or dispersal of certain invasive species, as per the Third Schedule of the European Communities (Birds and Habitats Regulations 2011 (S.I. 477/2011) and EU Regulations 1143/2014 on the Prevention and Management of the Introduction and Spread of Invasive Alien Species. CPO 12.82 CPO 12.83 CPO 12.84 CPO 12.85 Invasive Species - County Policy Objectives It is the County Policy Objective to: Promote best practice in the control of invasive species in the carrying out of its functions in association with relevant authorities. Develop and implement a programme of public awareness on the spread of invasive species and noxious weeds. Require landowners and developers to adhere to best practice guidance in relation to the control of invasive species. Ensure that proposals for development do not lead to the spread or introduction of invasive species. If developments are proposed on sites where invasive species are or were previously present, the applicant will be required to submit a control and management program for the particular invasive species as part of the planning process and to comply with the provisions of the European Communities Birds and Habitats Regulations 2011 (S.I. 477/2011). Invasive alien species can negatively impact on native species, transform habitats and threaten whole ecosystems causing serious problems to the environment and the economy. There is potential for the spread of invasive species from private gardens, boat users, horticulture etc. e.g. Japanese Knotweed, Giant Rhubarb, and the Zebra mussel in our lakes. Excavation and construction works can lead to the further spread of such invasive species. Rural landscape LongfordLongford County Council 354
- 12.14 Prevention of Environmental Pollution and Emissions to the Natural Environment The Council acknowledges that the protection of our natural environment including that of water resources is crucial to our health and well-being. NSO-9 of the NPF identifies that where sustainable management of our water resources is central and largely depends on the quality of our natural resources to protect public health, the environment, amenities and sustain employment especially tourism and agriculture related industries. In sustaining the environment of the County, it is essential to promote measures that prevent the pollution of water, air and soils. It has been demonstrated that a clean and healthy natural environment can bring multiple associated health benefits to all, as many sources of environmental pollution can be traced back to human activities. As such the Council seeks to encourage and promote the conservation and protection of all elements of the environment and consider the environmental implications of all new development, in terms of pollution potential and prevention measures, energy efficiency, transport implications and visual considerations. CPO 12.86 CPO 12.87 CPO 12.88 CPO 12.89 CPO 12.90 CPO 12.91 Prevention of Pollution - County Policy Objectives It is the County Policy Objective to: Pursue the preparation, establishment and implementation of/compliance with the following (and any future updates): ■ Waste Management Plan for the Midlands Region. ■ National Hazardous Waste Plan. ■ EU and National legislation on the prevention of Air and Noise Pollution. Encourage and promote environmental awareness and environmentally friendly practices in all aspects of life, particularly in industry, agriculture and all other commercial and leisure activities. Reduce the impacts of existing pollutant activities through the following measures: ■ Negotiation of a reduction in the pollutant activity to a non-polluting level or a revision of operating times to reduce the impact of the activity on adjacent land uses. ■ Relocation to a more appropriate location where adjacent land uses are more compatible. ■ Imposition of conditions restricting emissions/activity ■ Use of enforcement action against unauthorised developments/uses. Ensure the implementation of the specific guidance on radon prevention measures for new homes as contained within the existing Building Regulations (including any updated/ superseding regulations that may be published within the lifetime of this Plan). Encourage energy efficient design solutions, such as optimising solar gain and geothermal or air source heating, in order to reduce dependence on fossil fuels and increase environmental quality. Assess any application for planning permission for new development, extension to existing development, or intensification or change of use, in terms of its potential impact on existing adjacent developments, existing land uses and/or the surrounding landscape. Where such development would have a significant adverse effect on the amenities of the area through pollution by noise, fumes, dust, grit or vibration, or cause pollution of air, water and/ or soil, planning permission will not be forthcoming, prior to the proposal and introduction of mitigation measures agreed with the planning authority to eliminate negative environmental impacts or reduce them to an acceptable operating level.County Development Plan 2021–2027 355
- 12.15 Water Quality The EU Water Framework Directive (WFD) sets out the protection and enhancement of the country’s water resources and aims to improve our water quality. It applies to rivers, lakes, groundwater, estuaries and coastal waters. It aims to prevent and reduce pollution, promote sustainable water use, protect and improve the aquatic environment and mitigate the effects of flood and droughts. Among its key measures are the following: ■ Establishment of the Local Authority Waters Programme to carry out localised assessments and promote the implementation of mitigation measures to improve water quality at a local level. ■ Setting up the Agricultural Sustainability Support and Advisory Programme (ASSAP), which is run by Teagasc and the dairy cooperatives and provides water quality advice to the farming community whilst working closely with the Local Authority Waters Programme. ■ Establishment of the Blue Dot Catchments Programme and working group to ensure the protection of our remaining high-status waters. ■ All water systems (lakes, rivers, ground and coastal waters) should achieve and/or maintain at least good status. The implementation of the WFD will have significant impacts on the management of the Counties water resources, which are managed on the basis of River Basin Districts (RBD) and further identified by a number of ‘Catchments’ and ‘subcatchments’, based on the drainage regime of the major rivers of the Country. County Longford is primarily located within the Shannon (International) RBD, with a small portion of the County to the north drains to the North Western RBD. In turn County Longford straddles a number of river subcatchments; including Erne Catchment Code 36, Upper Shannon Code 26C, Upper Shannon 26F, Upper Shannon 26E. The WFD Surface Water Status for the County (see Table 12.9) indicates that rivers in the south and west of the County (subcatchment 26E) are generally ‘unassigned’ while in the centre and east of the County (subcatchment 26F) are generally of ‘moderate’ status. WFD status for rivers is ‘moderate to poor’ in the centre and North (subcatchment 26C), ‘moderate’ in the north (subcatchment 36). The status of some rivers in counties abutting Longford has also been provided with many rivers identified as ‘unassigned’. Longford County Council supports the implementation WFD in achieving and maintaining at least ‘good’ environmental status for all water bodies in the county. Table 12.9: Risk and Review of Surface Water bodies in County Longford Sub catchment Code Name Type Risk Eco Status 10-15 Date to meet Env Objective Recommend Area for Action Name Subcatchment 26C Centre & North 26C_1 Ree Lake At Risk Moderate 2027 26C_1 Ballynakill River Review Unassigned 2027 26C_1 Lough Barrow River Review Unassigned 2027 26C_1 Shannon Upper_100 River At Risk Poor 2027 26C_2 Fardrumman_010 River At Risk Moderate 2027 26C_6 Camlin_060 River At Risk Poor 2027 Camlin 26C_6 Rhine_010 River At Risk Poor 2027 26C_7 Camlin_060 River At Risk Unassigned 2027 Camlin 26C_7 Camlin_070 River At Risk Poor 2027 Camlin 26C_7 Fallan_010 River At Risk Moderate 2027Longford County Council 356
- 26C_7 Shannon Upper_090 River At Risk Moderate 2027 26C_9 Rinn Lake At Risk Moderate 2027 L. Rinn /Forbes 26C_9 Forbes Lake At Risk Moderate 2027 26C_9 Annaghcooleen River Review Unassigned 2027 26C_9 Drumbad River Review Unassigned 2027 26C_9 Rin_010 River At Risk Poor 2027 26C_9 Rin_020 River At Risk Moderate 2027 26C_9 Rin_030 River At Risk Moderate 2027 26C_9 Shannon Upper River At Risk Moderate 2027 Subcatchment 26F Centre & East 26F_1 Inny_100 River Review Moderate 2027 26F_1 Rath26_020 River At Risk Moderate 2027 26F_1 Rath26_010 River At Risk Moderate 2027 26F_7 Bane Clonsura Lake Review Unassigned 2027 26F_7 Kinale Lake At Risk Moderate 2027 26F_7 Coolnagun River Review Unassigned 2027 26F_7 Ferskill River Review Unassigned 2027 26F_7 Glore (WM) River At Risk Poor 2027 26F_7 Glore (WM) River At Risk Moderate 2027 26F_7 Inny River At Risk Moderate 2027 26F_7 Rathcronan Lake Review Unassigned 2027 26F_8 Glen LD River Review Unassigned 2027 26F_8 Black (WM) River At Risk Poor 2027 26F_8 Black (WM) River At Risk Moderate 2027 26F_8 Clontymullan River Review Unassigned 2027 26F_8 Riffey River Review Unassigned 2027 26F_10 Inny_110 River Review Unassigned 2027 Subcatchment 26E South & West 26E_1 Derrymaccar Lake Review Unassigned 2027 26E_1 Ree Lake At Risk Moderate 2027 26E_1 Drumnee_010 River Review Unassigned 2027 The EPA published a ‘Water Quality in Ireland 2013- 2018’ assessment which provides an evaluation of the ecological health of Ireland’s rivers, lakes, canals, groundwaters, estuaries and coastal waters against the standards and objectives set out in the EU Water Framework Directive and National River Basin Management Plan 2018-2021. This assessment finds that there has been an overall decline in surface water quality (see Table 12.8), especially in our rivers and meeting the targets set in Ireland’s River Basin Management Plan will be challenging unless urgent steps are taken to address the causes of deterioration.County Development Plan 2021–2027 357
- Table 12.8: Ecological Status of Rivers and Lakes in Ireland (Source: EPA Water Quality in Ireland 2013 – 2018, p31)77 77 www.catchments.ie/data/#/dashboard/waterquality 78 www.catchments.ie 79 Towards Setting Guideline Values for the Protection of Groundwater in Ireland, EPA. The EPA values for testing locations indicate that of the 25 rivers monitored between 2013-2018; 1 no. river achieved ‘High’ status; 19 no. rivers achieved ‘good’ or ‘moderate’ status; and 5 no. rivers achieved ‘poor’ status. There were no rivers in county Longford with a ‘poor’ status78. The EPA also monitors the quality of lakes, of which there are 3 no. main lakes in the County, all identified as being of ‘moderate’ status. The River Basin Management Plan (RBMP) 2018- 2021, outlines the measures required to improve water quality and achieve ‘good’ ecological status in water bodies (rivers, lakes, groundwaters) by 2027. The Council is committed to implementing the River Basin Management Plan, in fulfilment of its WFD obligations, and the associated programme of measures. ■ Protection and improvement of water quality in water bodies with specialist local authority investigative assessment personnel; ■ Investment in urban wastewater treatment infrastructure; ■ A greater focus on protecting drinking water sources in public and private drinking water supplies; ■ Extension of the local authority-led domestic wastewater treatment systems grant scheme; ■ New agricultural Sustainability Support and Advisory Programme to promote best agricultural practice regarding water quality. Within County Longford, the River Basin Management Plan has identified 2 no. Areas Prioritised for Action; the River Camlin and Lough Forbes for improvement in water quality. The Council supports the development of Drinking Water Protection Plans in line with the requirements of the Water Framework Directive and the River Basin Management Plan. In this regard, the Council supports mitigation and protection measures for all protected areas, including Drinking Water Protected Areas and associated Source Protection Plans. 12.16 Groundwater Protection Groundwater quality and quantity is protected under the Water Framework Directive (2000/60/ EC). Groundwater is an essential and important natural resource with only a proportion of the available source being used79. Groundwater bodies are important water supply sources for private wells, group schemes and local authority supplies and for use in a range of commercial activities. Groundwater directly and indirectly contributes to and sustains a variety of important ecosystems. This is particularly the case in rural areas that are not served by public or group water schemes, with private bored wells being the only source of supply. In this regard, the 2016 Census recorded approximately 1,640 dwellings as having a private well supply source. Given limited surface water the demand for groundwater will increase, particularly in meeting the demands for drinking water. Accordingly, it is essential that known sources of groundwater used for drinking supply are protected from pollution in County Longford. Aquifer protection zones for the known water sources in the County are shown in Appendix 7: Natural Heritage and Environment. 4% High Rivers Lakes 100% Moderate 40% Good 36% Moderate 20% PoorLongford County Council 358
- County Longford currently enjoys a high standard of air quality, with the Air Quality Index for Health (AQIH) rating the air quality as ‘Good’. Derrycassin Wood, Ballinalee 359 County Development Plan 2021–2027
- Development management can play a significant role in the prevention of further deterioration of water status and in the protection of existing ‘high’ and ‘good’ quality waters. Water protection measures are best incorporated into site selection and site design plans. Therefore, developers should adequately assess environmental risks, take account of site limitations and prepare a Water Protection Plan as part of a planning application. Site selection should take account of sensitive areas and sensitive water bodies. Water Protection Plans should aim to prevent contamination of storm water, minimise soiled and waste waters, install proper containment for material storage, install appropriate treatment and disposal arrangement for soiled and waste waters and take account of legal requirements for discharges to ground and surface waters. Developments generating trade effluents (wastewaters) or discharging domestic type wastewater in unsewered areas may be subject to the discharge licensing system under the Local Government (Water Pollution) Acts 1977 and 1990. Such developments need to address requirements of the European Communities Environmental Objectives (Surface Waters) Regulations, 2009 (S.I. No 272 of 2009) and the European Communities Environmental Objectives (Groundwater Regulations, 2010 (S.I. No 9 of 2010) for the entire site. All wastewater discharges, including storm water discharges which come within the scope of the Wastewater Discharge (Authorisation) Regulations are required to be licensed. Incorporation of water conservation measures into developments would contribute to minimisation of wastewater generation. CPO 12.92 CPO 12.93 CPO 12.94 CPO 12.95 CPO 12.96 CPO 12.97 CPO 12.98 Water Quality and Groundwater Protection Policies - County Policy Objectives It is the County Policy Objective to: Protect and develop, in a sustainable manner, the existing groundwater sources and aquifers in the County and manage development in a manner consistent with the protection of these resources in conformity with the EU Environmental Objectives (Groundwater) Regulations 2010, and any subsequent plan and the Groundwater Protection Scheme. Implement the relevant recommendations contained within the River Basin Management Plan for Ireland 2018-2021 or any such plan that may supersede same during the lifetime of the plan Development proposals shall not have an unacceptable impact on the water environment, including surface waters, groundwater quality and quantity, river corridors and associated woodlands. Collaborate with Irish Water and other relevant stakeholders with the aim of protecting existing and potential water resources and achieving ‘good status’ in all water bodies in accordance with the requirements and guidance of relevant EU Directives and Regulations, including associated national legislation and policy guidance (including any superseding versions of same). Ensure licensing of discharges of effluent to groundwater, having particular regard to the requirements of the EC Environmental Objectives (Groundwater) Regulations, 2010 (S.I. No. 9 of 2010). Discourage the over-concentration of individual septic tanks and treatment plants to minimise the risk of groundwater pollution. Ensure implementation of the EC (Good Agricultural Practice for Protection of Waters) Regulations, 2010 (S.I. No. 610 of 2010, which give effect to several EU Directives including in relation to protection of waters against pollution from agricultural sources (‘the Nitrates Directive’), dangerous substances in water, and protection of groundwater. Encourage the use of catchment-sensitive farming practices, in order to meet Water Framework Directive targets and comply with the National River Basin Management Plan.Longford County Council 360
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.