Development plan · Louth County Council
Louth County Development Plan 2021–2027
The council's development plan written statement: its strategy, policies, objectives and development standards.
Louth County Council · 2021–2027 · 548 pages
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- Chapter 4 – Social & Community Louth County Development Plan 2021-2027 4-11 Policy Objective SC 22 To continue to enhance the public domain by encouraging the provision of public art across all art forms and throughout the County, supported by the Percent for Art Scheme. 4.9 Louth Library Service Louth Library Service plays an important role in addressing a variety of needs by offering a diverse range of services to all ages, free of charge, particularly in the area of lifelong learning, literacy, culture and wellbeing, and in connecting and empowering communities. Louth Library Service operates through a network of five libraries: Dundalk, Drogheda, Ardee, Dunleer and Carlingford, along with a reference, genealogical and local history service, a mobile library service and schools service. The development and publication of ‘Louth Library Service’s Development Plan 2020-2025’’ will outline the developmental trajectory of the library service and strengthen the service offering and its attractiveness to new members. In tandem, Louth Library Service will further strengthen and embed the strategic objectives set out in ‘Our Public Libraries 2022’, including the roll out of digital learning spaces and delivering a multi-functional library service using the latest technology, such as virtual reality, accessible to all. Policy Objective SC 23 To support the development of County Louth’s library services and the implementation of the actions and objectives of the Louth Library Service Development Plan 2020-2025 and any subsequent plan to meet the needs of all members of the community and strengthen links with socially excluded members and groups of society. Policy Objective SC 24 To deliver a library facility in the Cooley Area. 4.10 Education Education is a critical driver of economic success and social progress. The provision of quality education and training is central to a skills, knowledge and innovation based economy that will underpin future prosperity. Improved access to education and training opportunities also plays a significant role in helping to achieve the objectives of a more sustainable, balanced and inclusive society.
- Chapter 4- Social & Community Louth County Development Plan 2021-2027 4-12 There are 71 primary schools and 20 post primary schools in County Louth. Third level education is represented by the Dundalk Institute of Technology (DkIT) and the Drogheda Institute of Further Education (DIFE), both of which play a very important role in the County. The Department of Education is responsible for the delivery of educational facilities and services. Louth County Council will continue to work closely with the Department of Education under the 2012 nationally agreed Memorandum of Understanding in relation to the proactive identification and acquisition of school sites and in support of the Department’s schools building programme, into the future. The Provision of Schools and the Planning System, a Code of Practice for Planning Authorities, published jointly by the Department of Education and Skills and the Department of Environment, Heritage and Local Government, sets out the best practice approach to facilitate the timely and cost effective roll out of school facilities. The planning process can address future requirements for educational facilities through the reservation of specific lands for such uses or through permitted uses within other zoning categories, thereby ensuring flexibility to accommodate future needs. School provision should be an integral part of the evolution of compact sustainable urban developments, where the opportunities to walk or cycle to school are maximised. This Plan makes provision for educational facilities through the identification and reservation of potential school sites. Consideration needs to be given to the co-location of childcare provision and the potential use of school facilities by the wider community, outside of school hours, and during school holidays. Future school provision within new growth areas, particularly the Regional Growth Centres of Drogheda and Dundalk, should be planned and implemented in tandem with residential development. The Council supports the concept of multicampus educational arrangements, which can lead to more sustainable provision of schools through reductions in the landtake required for such developments. The Department of Education has identified that the two Regional Growth Centres of Dundalk and Drogheda will require additional sites to be zoned over the Plan period to accommodate the following: • Drogheda: One new primary school and one new post primary school; and • Dundalk: Two new primary schools and one new post primary school. The identification and reservation of appropriate school sites will be further explored as part of the preparation of the Drogheda Joint LAP and the Dundalk LAP. While the reservation of sites for educational use does not in itself guarantee the timely provision of necessary educational facilities, the Council will continue to liaise with the Department of Education, the Louth Meath Education and Training Board (LMETB) and other stakeholders to assist, where possible, in the development of suitable educational facilities.
- Chapter 4 – Social & Community Louth County Development Plan 2021-2027 4-13 Policy Objective SC 25 To ensure that adequate lands are zoned and reserved to cater for the establishment, improvement and expansion of all educational facilities in the County. Policy Objective SC 26 To reserve sites for educational use in those areas identified for significant population increase or where there is likely demographic demand for further school places and to ensure the development of educational facilities to meet the educational requirements of the citizens of County Louth. Policy Objective SC 27 To promote and facilitate multi-campus educational facilities. Policy Objective SC 28 To reduce the need to travel by car to schools. Applications for extension to an existing school or a new educational facility must be accompanied by a sustainable travel plan. The plan should indicate how students will access the school and provide for measures and facilities that promote sustainable modes of travel. Policy Objective SC 29 To promote and support schemes that facilitate shared use of school facilities, particularly at planning stage, such as sports halls, all weather pitches etc. for community use outside of school hours and support the co-location of pre and after school facilities on new primary school developments. Policy Objective SC 30 To ensure appropriate infrastructure is provided concurrent with the development of an educational facility, including technology, footpaths, pedestrian crossings, cycle lanes and parking facilities, with accessibility for all. Policy Objective SC 31 To maximise the use of and support the expansion of existing school sites in accordance with the proper planning and sustainable development of the area. Policy Objective SC 32 To continue to support and promote existing schools serving communities in town and village centres.
- Chapter 4- Social & Community Louth County Development Plan 2021-2027 4-14 4.10.1 Third Level Education and Further Education Education is a key driver of economic success and social progress in modern society. Third level education and training is central to the high skills, knowledge and innovation-based economy that will underpin ongoing and future prosperity. The Dundalk Institute of Technology (DkIT) provides a valuable third level educational facility for Dundalk and the wider north-east region, which extends north of the border. Coinciding with the expansion of its Research and Development and 3rd Level courses and services, the DkIT campus has expanded onto adjoining lands. The Council supports the further expansion and development of DkIT and on its elevation to technological university. The Drogheda Institute of Further Education is the largest provider of Further Education courses in the Northeast, offering a valuable tertiary educational facility for Drogheda and the wider hinterland, with courses spanning a wide variety of disciplines. Since opening, the college has experienced continued and sustained growth, which is reflected in the student numbers and in the courses and facilities offered. The Council will continue to support the further expansion of the Institute. Policy Objective SC 33 To support the expansion and development of Dundalk Institute of Technology as a centre of excellence and its elevation to technical university status. Policy Objective SC 34 To support the expansion and development of Drogheda Institute of Further Education.
- Chapter 4 – Social & Community Louth County Development Plan 2021-2027 4-15 4.11 Childcare Facilities The provision of childcare facilities is acknowledged as a vital component of social infrastructure, fundamental to national economic and social wellbeing as it facilitates participation in the workforce, education and social networks. The Council supports the sustainable development of good quality and accessible childcare facilities in the County. The ‘Childcare Facility Guidelines for Planning Authorities (DEHLG 2001)’ advocates a pro-active role by planning authorities in the promotion of increased childcare provision, whilst simultaneously protecting residential amenities. It is recommended that a 20 unit crèche or childcare facility should be provided for every 75 houses within new residential developments. Having regard to the guidelines, the Council will take account of existing childcare provision when considering the delivery of new facilities as part of residential development in order to avoid over provision. In these instances and with the agreement of the Council, developers will be required to provide in lieu, other community benefits by way of direct provision or financial contribution. The Council is committed to working with Louth County Childcare Committee (LCCC) in developing optimum facilities at appropriate locations throughout the County. In accordance with sustainable development, crèche or childcare facilities will be directed to settlements as identified in the Settlement Hierarchy. The Council will encourage the co-location of childcare facilities with schools so as to reduce travel patterns in the County. Childcare facilities are taken to encompass full day care, sessional facilities and after school services. Policy Objective SC 35 To support and facilitate the sustainable provision of childcare facilities in appropriate and suitable locations and seek their provision concurrent with new residential development, all having regard to the Childcare Facilities Guidelines for Planning Authorities (2001) and Childcare Regulations (2006) and any subsequent guidelines, in consultation with the Louth County Childcare Committee. Such facilities will be directed to settlements identified in the Settlement Hierarchy. Policy Objective SC 36 To seek the provision of additional community benefits by way of direct provision or financial contribution in lieu of the provision of childcare facilities where it is demonstrated to the satisfaction of the Council that there are sufficient childcare spaces available in the locality. Policy Objective SC 37 To permit childcare facilities of appropriate size and scale in settlements, in proximity to existing community and/or educational facilities and in existing residential areas provided they do not have a significant negative impact on the character or amenities of an area, particularly with regard to traffic generation, car parking and noise disturbance.
- Chapter 4- Social & Community Louth County Development Plan 2021-2027 4-16 Policy Objective SC 38 The Council will encourage the co-location of childcare facilities with schools in the interest of sustainable development. 4.12 Healthcare Facilities Healthcare and medical facilities are provided by a range of public, private and voluntary agencies. The HSE is the primary body responsible for the delivery of health and personal social services to the people of Louth, while also providing a vital role in promoting health and wellbeing. The Council has an important role in supporting suitable healthcare provision, by ensuring that sufficient lands are reserved in the Plan to accommodate the provision of adequate healthcare facilities for the County’s population. Louth is home to two hospitals serving its residents and those from surrounding counties, namely Louth County Hospital in Dundalk and Our Lady of Lourdes Hospital in Drogheda. The Council will seek to support the co-existence of healthcare facilities with community support services, on suitably zoned lands, in accessible locations, convenient to pedestrian access and public transport. Suitable lands for the provision of healthcare facilities will include town and village centres and/or lands proximate to new and existing residential areas, which will allow communities access to multi-disciplinary health care, in easily accessible locations throughout the County. The primary role of the Council in healthcare provision is to ensure there are adequate lands available in development plans and local area plans to provide for new facilities and the expansion or adaptation of existing facilities. These facilities should reflect the County’s Settlement Hierarchy with regard to scale and location. The Council considers that healthcare facilities should be located in the Level 1, 2, 3 and 4 Settlements within the County. Policy Objective SC 39 To co-operate with the HSE and other statutory and voluntary agencies and the private sector in the provision of appropriate health care facilities to all sections of the community, subject to proper planning considerations and the principles of sustainable development. Policy Objective SC 40 To support the provision of healthcare facilities on suitable lands within the existing Level 1, 2, 3 and 4 Settlements and on sites convenient to pedestrian and public transport. Policy Objective SC 41 To encourage where feasible, the integration of healthcare facilities with new and existing community facilities.
- Chapter 4 – Social & Community Louth County Development Plan 2021-2027 4-17 4.12.1 Residential Care, Retirement and Nursing Homes With increased life expectancy and an ageing population there is increasing demand for the provision of residential care, retirement and nursing homes, retirement villages and sheltered accommodation within the County. Residential Care Home: The term ‘residential care home’ refers to a number of different types of property in which accommodation is provided for people in need of care for various reasons. The occupants, usually in single rooms, have access to on site care services. Care can be provided on a 24 hour basis or partial care depending on the person's needs. Retirement Home: A ‘retirement home’ is a multi-residence housing facility intended for older persons. The usual pattern is that each person or couple in the home has an apartment style room or suite of rooms. Additional facilities are provided within the building. Often this includes facilities for meals, gathering, recreation, and some form of health or hospice care. Nursing Home: A ‘nursing home’ is a facility for the care (usually long-term) of patients who are not sick enough to need hospital care but are not able to remain at home. Today, nursing homes have a more active role in health care, helping patients prepare to live at home or with a family member when possible. They help conserve expensive hospital facilities for the acutely ill and improve the prospects of the chronically disabled. A retirement home differs from a nursing home primarily in the level of medical care given. Retirement Village: A ‘retirement village’ is a complex containing separate and independent homes for residents, that are intended to be predominantly or exclusively occupied by retired persons, who have entered into village contracts with the operator of the complex. The presumption for such retirement villages is that they be located within an urban setting so that services and facilities are accessible. Sheltered Accommodation: Sheltered accommodation are housing schemes with on-site communal facilities for assisted independent living. Sheltered housing schemes usually have an on-site warden and include care supports such as the provision of meals and health care assistance. Communal on site facilities can include recreation areas, alarm systems and a laundry. The Council considers the provision of such services should be accommodated in the Level 1, 2, 3 and 4 Settlements where: • Public utilities (water and wastewater) are available; • Public transport accessibility is available; • Opportunities for social inclusion and integration of the community exist; • Connectivity is promoted through high speed broadband to support telecare and telemedicine; and • A combination of visitor trips can be accommodated. In general, there is a presumption against the provision of these facilities in the open countryside for reasons relating to unsustainability, poor accessibility, social exclusion and visual intrusion.
- Chapter 4- Social & Community Louth County Development Plan 2021-2027 4-18 The Council recognises that instances may arise where buildings are vacant and no longer used for their original purpose. In such cases, and subject to the proper planning and sustainable development, consideration may be given to the conversion and re-use of these existing buildings. Policy Objective SC 42 To require that residential care, retirement and nursing homes, retirement villages and sheltered accommodation be located in Level 1, 2, 3 and 4 Settlements for reasons of sustainability, accessibility, social inclusion and proximity to services. In exceptional circumstances and where considered suitable, the re-use and conversion of existing buildings shall be considered. 4.13 Emergency Services Louth County Council provides a fire and rescue service and fire prevention and building control service in Louth, in compliance with statutory requirements. The Fire Service also runs a regional training centre in Dundalk. Louth County Council has made arrangements, in co-operation with other emergency response agencies, (Health Service Executive and An Garda Síochána) to effectively respond to major emergencies and severe weather events. The Council has developed a Major Emergency Plan and Severe Weather Plan and has kept these plans updated. These Plans have been tested by means of regular inter-agency exercises. Policy Objective SC 43 To provide an efficient and effective fire and rescue service and prevention service in Louth and to ensure an effective response to major emergencies and severe weather events. 4.14 Community Funding The Louth Local Community Development Committee (LCDC) has oversight of all community funding in County Louth. In line with the strategic vision of both the Local Economic and Community Plan (LECP) and the Plan and in coordination with other local authority grants, to ensure a fair and equitable delivery across the whole of the county. The most significant funds are: LEADER, Social Inclusion Community Activation Programme (SICAP), Healthy Ireland Fund, and Community Enhancement Programme. These funds complement and supplement other funds such as the Town and Village Renewal Scheme, CLÁR, Outdoor Recreation Scheme and in some cases the Rural Regeneration Scheme. The Council encourages and supports community funded projects proposed at various locations throughout the County. It will facilitate, where appropriate, with others including the LCDC through the various funding programmes both locally and nationally, in carrying out projects, which will improve the stock of recreation facilities throughout the County, depending on the availability of funding.
- Chapter 4 – Social & Community Louth County Development Plan 2021-2027 4-19 Policy Objective SC 44 To deliver national funding programmes in conjunction with the strategic vision of both the Plan and the Local Economic and Community Plan, while supporting and co-operating where appropriate, with development agencies, community groups and organisations in carrying out projects, funded nationally and locally, designed to improve the stock of amenity and recreational facilities and services in the County. 4.15 Places of Worship The Council recognises the importance of places of worship and multi-faith centres in meeting the religious needs of the County’s population. Having regard to the noise and traffic impacts associated with such uses, the Council will seek that these are suitably located where they do not adversely impact on existing amenities. Policy Objective SC 45 To support the development of places of worship/places of assembly and multi-faith facilities at appropriate locations such as town or village centres or other suitable locations in close proximity to residential communities where they do not adversely impact on existing amenities. 4.16 Burial Grounds The Council is responsible for ensuring that there are adequate burial facilities, including the acquisition of lands for such facilities where necessary. Cemeteries and crematoria can also be provided by the private sector. Burial grounds may need to be extended during the period of the Plan to address capacity issues as they arise. The burial needs of multi-faith and nonreligious communities may also need to be taken into account with regard to such facilities. Policy Objective SC 46 To support the development of new or extended burial grounds, including natural burial grounds and crematoria at suitable locations in the County, subject to appropriate safeguards with regard to environmental, noise and traffic impacts, and residential amenities. Policy Objective SC 47 To protect historic graveyards and encourage their management and maintenance in accordance with best conservation practice.
- Chapter 4- Social & Community Louth County Development Plan 2021-2027 4-20 4.17 Community Allotments Under the Planning & Development Act 2000 (as amended), an allotment means an area of land comprising not more than 1,000 square metres, let, or available for letting to, and cultivation by, one or more than one person who is a member of the local community and lives adjacent or near to the allotment, for the purpose of the production of vegetables or fruit mainly for consumption by the person or a member of his or her family. Louth County Council recognises that the public’s interest in growing fruit and vegetables locally has increased significantly in recent years. This has been due to a number of reasons including economic circumstances, health benefits, along with concerns regarding sustainability and the embodied energy involved in the global production and transportation of food. The Planning Authority will therefore facilitate the development of allotments at suitable locations throughout the County. Such locations should be consistent with the terms of the definition above and should be located within or close to existing settlements, where they will be more easily accessible to all sections of society. Policy Objective SC 48 To facilitate the development of allotments at suitable locations throughout the County. Any such facility should be located within or close to an existing settlement and should be easily accessible.
Source Louth County Council: Louth 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.