Louth County Development Plan 2021–2027

1. Page 91

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   Chapter 2 – Core Strategy and Settlement Strategy Louth County Development Plan 2021-2027 2-43 2.14.4 Buildings of Increased Height As part of the compact growth strategy the Council will actively promote and support proposals to develop buildings of height on suitably located and configured lands. These lands will normally be centrally located, in proximity to public transport or in strategic locations in the town where such buildings could function as a landmark or focal point for development. A building of height is considered to be a building that is 4 storeys or higher. An analysis of areas considered to be suitable for buildings of height in Dundalk was carried out as part of the Dundalk Local Area Plan and are set out below: Table 2.18: Buildings of Increased Height Location Reasoning Along the Ramparts and in the Marshes area Lands are in proximity to existing services and facilities which will support the consolidation of the urban core of the town thereby assisting in the delivery of a more compact settlement pattern. Lands along the waterfront There are existing higher buildings in the vicinity of Dundalk Port. These contribute to Dundalk’s wider setting and provide a sense of place. Opportunity exists to provide well designed landmark buildings which enhance the appearance of the waterfront. Public Transport Hubs, Transport corridors including existing and future bus corridors Opportunity exists to improve the visual appearance of the main arterial transport routes into and through the town, thus assisting in the creation of attractive entrance nodes and encouraging higher densities where there is access to sustainable transport. Mullagharlin Employment Generating Area Potential to provide landmark gateway buildings for employment generating uses. It is essential that any new building makes a positive contribution to the built form of the area. Town Centre and Regeneration Zoned Lands Opportunity exists to provide buildings of height on town centre and regeneration zoned lands to support the consolidation of the urban core and to realise the potential of compact growth. Applications will be considered on a case-by-case basis and building height design should have regard to the prevailing context of the surrounding area. 2.14.5 Residential Development Residential development will focus on the delivery of high quality designed buildings and spaces that can meet the housing needs of all members of the community, regardless of age or ability, and provide connectivity and permeability between existing and future neighbourhood areas. In order to achieve compact growth higher density developments will be required, particularly on centrally located lands or lands well connected to the town centre. Recent household construction has been concentrated primarily in the southern

2. Page 92

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   Chapter 2 – Core Strategy and Settlement Strategy Louth County Development Plan 2021-2027 2-44 parts of the town in the Blackrock area and on the residential lands to the west of the R132. There is also development ongoing in the western and northern areas of the town. With the quantum of residentially zoned lands available in excess of that required for the anticipated population growth during the life of this Plan, an analysis of the undeveloped residentially zoned lands was carried out. Based on this analysis, which took account of the location of the land relative to the town centre, public transport, and local facilities, and the availability of services and infrastructure required to service the lands, the lands were prioritised and ranked accordingly. Any excess lands have been placed in a strategic reserve and will not be available for development during the life of this Plan. One of the primary locations for residential growth during this Plan will be in the Mount Avenue area to the west of the town centre. Whilst part of these lands will be released by the construction of the LIHAF funded Mount Avenue Link Road, there is c.35 hectares of land that are subject to a Masterplan with the capacity to deliver c.1,000 residential units in addition to a park and neighbourhood facilities. The town centre area will be the focus for infill and brownfield development with a number of significant development opportunities available. In the southern area of the town development in the Blackrock area will be carefully managed with the focus on consolidation, the build out of extant permissions and developments currently under construction. The Plan supports the delivery of affordable homes including a mix of house types and tenure suitable for all life stages. 2.14.6 Economy Whilst the location of the town along the border makes Dundalk particularly susceptible to the uncertainties and potential economic instabilities surrounding the UK withdrawal from the EU, this Plan will continue to support and facilitate infrastructural investments and improvements to connectivity that will enable businesses and enterprises to respond to these challenges. It will also support the strengthening of cross-border links and the continued collaboration between government agencies and businesses on both sides of the border that will encourage and facilitate economic growth and enterprise development. The continued expansion of the business and enterprise parks in the town will be supported with the Council continuing to work closely with businesses and stakeholders including the Local Enterprise Office, Enterprise Ireland and the IDA in promoting and attracting further economic investment and employment generating development to the Town. The existing land bank of undeveloped employment zoned lands is strategically located in various parts of the town and is suitable for a range of enterprise and employment uses. DkIT is an important education facility in the town and north-east region that provides opportunities for education and skills development of the local labour force in addition to opportunities for collaboration between local businesses and industry. The continued development of this partnership approach will be supported and facilitated in this Plan. The Plan also supports DkIT as a centre of excellence for education.

3. Page 93

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   Chapter 2 – Core Strategy and Settlement Strategy Louth County Development Plan 2021-2027 2-45 Further details on the economic and retail profile of Dundalk are set out in Chapter 5 ‘Economy and Employment’. 2.14.7 Movement The Local Authority will work closely with the NTA to develop a travel plan for the town which focuses on the provision of an integrated pedestrian and cycle path network throughout Dundalk. Whilst sustainable modes of transport will be prioritised, if Dundalk is to increase its population at the rate anticipated in the RSES investment in roads infrastructure will be required to ensure the efficient movement of people and goods around the town. Taking account of the quantum of lands zoned for residential use in the Mount Avenue area, the roads infrastructure will be required to be upgraded to facilitate additional traffic flows and movements. There is a requirement for link roads connecting neighbourhoods and industrial/business areas to the main access roads in and out of the town. Further details on this project are set out in Chapter 7 ‘Movement’. 2.14.8 Strategic Settlement Strategy Policy Objectives for Dundalk Policy Objective SS 19 To support the role of Dundalk as a Regional Growth Centre and a driver of growth along the Dublin-Belfast Economic Corridor and in the border area and to facilitate the continued expansion and growth of the town based on the principles of balanced, sustainable development that enables the creation of employment, supports economic investment, and creates an attractive living and working environment. Policy Objective SS 20 To continue to support and promote the economic role of Dundalk as a regional centre of employment in the border area and to facilitate any infrastructural investment or employment generating development that will strengthen the role of the town and maintain its competitiveness. Policy Objective SS 21 To support sustainable high density development, particularly in centrally located areas and along public transport corridors and require a minimum density of 50 units/ha in these locations. Policy Objective SS 22 To support increased building heights at appropriate locations in Dundalk, subject to the design and scale of any building making a positive contribution to its surrounding environment and streetscape. Policy Objective SS 23 To enhance the established role of Dundalk town centre and position it as a destination of choice for shopping with a special emphasis on revitalising and reducing vacancy in the retail core area.

4. Page 94

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   Chapter 2 – Core Strategy and Settlement Strategy Louth County Development Plan 2021-2027 2-46 Policy Objective SS 24 To promote and facilitate the development of key opportunity or regeneration sites within or proximate to the town centre. Policy Objective SS 29 To secure the provision of the proposed Link Roads including the LIHAF funded Mount Avenue Link Road, and other road improvements, in co-operation with stakeholders and government agencies. Policy Objective SS 30 To work with the NTA, local landowners, and developers to implement an integrated pedestrian and cycle path network throughout Dundalk. Policy Objective SS 31 To develop a network of green areas throughout the town, building on existing green infrastructure, and advancing the delivery of the Great Eastern Greenway along the coast incorporating the delivery of greenway and pedestrian infrastructure on both sides of the Castletown River, while maintaining the integrity of the Dundalk Bay Natura 2000 sites. Policy Objective SS 32 To recognise the strategic piece of infrastructure that is the former Dundalk Landfill Site to be developed for playing pitches and for recreation purposes. Policy Objective SS 25 To manage the growth of Dundalk in a manner that will achieve the creation of a compact settlement with attractive and inclusive neighbourhoods where there is a choice of affordable homes for all. Policy Objective SS 26 To support the progression and implementation of any projects in Dundalk funded by the Urban Regeneration and Development Fund including the Longwalk Quarter Project. Policy Objective SS 27 To support the sustainable development of the regeneration sites identified on the land use zoning map for appropriate uses compatible with the surrounding neighbourhood. Policy Objective SS 28 To support the role of Dundalk Institute of Technology (DkIT) as a centre for excellence for education and to facilitate any proposals that would strengthen the role and raise the profile of DkIT as a research and education facility.

5. Page 95

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   Chapter 2 – Core Strategy and Settlement Strategy Louth County Development Plan 2021-2027 2-47 2.15 SELF-SUSTAINING GROWTH TOWNS 2.15.1 ARDEE Ardee is an important local service centre in mid-Louth providing a range of services and employment to an extensive catchment that extends into parts of Meath and Monaghan. In 2016 there were over 1,700 jobs in the town. The total jobs in the town, in combination with its high Job:Workforce ratio, which was 0.93 in 2016, is an indication of the strong employment base in the town. It also demonstrates the town is well balanced in its Population:Employment ratio. Table 2.19: Overview of Key Statistics for Ardee ARDEE Population 4,928 Projected population 2027 6,583 Projected population increase 1,655 Housing Stock 2,002 Projected Housing Stock increase 2021-2027 440 Residents Workers 1,819 Total Jobs 1,716 Job: Workforce Ratio 0.93 The connectivity and accessibility that the town provides due to its location along the national road network makes it an attractive location for growth and investment. This connectivity includes access to the Dublin-Belfast Corridor via the M1, the north-west of the country via the N2, and access to local centres of employment in the Eastern and Midland Region via the N52. The growth strategy for Ardee, during this Plan, will be to consolidate its designation as a ‘Self-Sustaining Growth Town’ and continue to expand its employment base and facilitate sustainable residential growth that would meet the needs of a localised demand. Any expansion of the town shall be complementary to the development of the Regional Growth Centres of Drogheda and Dundalk. There is an existing land bank of undeveloped lands zoned for residential and employment uses in Ardee which will meet the residential and employment/ economic needs of the town during this Plan period. A sequential approach to the development of residential lands will be encouraged, with priority given to lands in proximity to the town centre. The development of these lands shall facilitate the creation of attractive, sustainable communities.

6. Page 96

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   Chapter 2 – Core Strategy and Settlement Strategy Louth County Development Plan 2021-2027 2-48 Any excess residential lands have been placed in a strategic reserve and shall not be available for development until after the expiration of the Plan. As part of the strategy of promoting town centre renewal this Plan will support and facilitate high quality development that results in the development of vacant or under-utilised lands which will improve the vibrancy of the town centre and create a more compact settlement. Part of the regeneration strategy for the town is the redevelopment of Ardee Castle, which is located on the Main Street in the town. Funding was received to redevelop the Castle under the Rural Regeneration and Development Fund. This is an important tourism project for both the County and Ardee, as it has the potential to significantly increase visitor numbers to the area. As part of the policy of improving connectivity at a National and Regional level there are proposals to upgrade the N2 and N52. These proposals will involve a by-pass of Ardee along both of these routes. When delivered these projects would transform Ardee town centre as it would remove through traffic from the urban core of the town and provide opportunities for investment in the public realm that would give greater priority to walking and cycling. These environmental improvements would make town centre living much more appealing. A Land Use Zoning Map has been prepared for Ardee and can be viewed in Volume 1A of this Plan. Strategic Settlement Strategy Policy Objectives for Ardee Policy Objective SS 33 To support the role of Ardee as a Self-Sustaining Growth Town, which shall be complementary to the Regional Growth Centres, and to facilitate balanced population and economic growth that will meet the needs of the residents of Ardee and its hinterland. Policy Objective SS 34 To continue to support the economic growth of Ardee by facilitating and supporting a range of employment generating uses in the town. Policy Objective SS 35 To support the creation of a sustainable compact settlement in Ardee that provides opportunities for walking and cycling and to encourage a minimum density of 25 units/ha for new residential developments. Policy Objective SS 36 To support the creation of sustainable attractive and inclusive communities where the residential needs of the entire population can be met. Policy Objective SS 37 To work closely with business groups and stakeholders to revitalise and reduce vacancy in the town centre area of Ardee and to support and facilitate the re-use of existing buildings within the town centre or edge of centre.

7. Page 97

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   Chapter 2 – Core Strategy and Settlement Strategy Louth County Development Plan 2021-2027 2-49 Policy Objective SS 38 To support the progression and implementation of any projects in Ardee funded by the Rural Regeneration and Development Fund including the Restoration of Ardee Castle and the Regeneration Plan for Ardee. Policy Objective SS 39 To secure the construction, pending approval by Transport Infrastructure Ireland, of the N2 bypass and N52 bypass and preserve free of development their proposed routes. Policy Objective SS 40 To facilitate the provision of a new link road from Rathgory and Mulladrillen to Black Road. Policy Objective SS 41 To upgrade footpaths and provide a cycle lane along Sean O’Carroll Street. Policy Objective SS 42 To facilitate the provision of a north-south link road to the west of the town. Policy Objective SS 43 To examine the feasibility of a running track for Ardee during the lifetime of this Plan.

8. Page 98

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   Chapter 2 – Core Strategy and Settlement Strategy Louth County Development Plan 2021-2027 2-50 2.15.2 DUNLEER Dunleer is a small settlement to the east of the M1 situated between Drogheda and Dundalk. The R169 links Dunleer to the motorway at Junction 12, providing excellent connectivity via the National and Regional road network. Whilst the population and service provision in the town is lower than that of Ardee, it has a strong employment sector, with over 800 jobs in the town in 2016. In fact in 2016 there were more jobs than resident workers, resulting in a Jobs:Workforce ratio of 1.10. This was the highest rate recorded in the County and is confirmation of the strength of the employment base. Table 2.20: Overview of Key Statistics for Dunleer The development strategy for Dunleer during this Plan will be to continue to support economic and employment related development in the town in addition to residential growth that meets the housing requirements of the local population. This growth shall be complementary to the development of the Regional Growth Centres of Drogheda and Dundalk. This Plan will promote the consolidation of the urban core of Dunleer and support the development of vacant or underutilised infill and brownfield lands. Economic and employment related development shall be concentrated in the established employment areas in the town. A Masterplan for the undeveloped lands zoned for employment related uses to the south west of the town centre will be required to be prepared and agreed with the Planning Authority prior to any planning application being lodged. Recent residential activity in the town includes the construction of 80 social housing units at Ravel Grange. Any future residential developments shall be of a high quality that promote connectivity and permeability and meets the residential needs of all members of the community. A Land Use Zoning Map has been prepared for Dunleer and can be viewed in Volume 1A of this Plan. DUNLEER Population 1,822 Projected population 2027 2,757 Projected population increase 935 Housing Stock 719 Projected Housing Stock increase 2021-2027 146 Residents Workers 751 Total Jobs 822 Job: Workforce Ratio 1.10

9. Page 99

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   Chapter 2 – Core Strategy and Settlement Strategy Louth County Development Plan 2021-2027 2-51 2.15.3 Strategic Settlement Strategy Policy Objectives for Dunleer Policy Objective SS 44 To support the role of Dunleer as a Self-Sustaining Growth Town, which shall be complementary to the Regional Growth Centres, and to facilitate balanced population and economic growth that will meet the needs of the residents of Dunleer and its hinterland. Policy Objective SS 45 To continue to support the sustainable economic growth of Dunleer by facilitating and supporting a range of employment generating uses in the town. Policy Objective SS 46 To support the creation of a sustainable compact settlement in Dunleer that provides opportunities for walking and cycling and to encourage a minimum density of 25 units/ha for new residential developments. Policy Objective SS 47 To support the creation of sustainable attractive and inclusive communities where the residential needs of the entire population are met with the commensurate provision of community and social infrastructure. Policy Objective SS 48 To work closely with business groups and stakeholders to revitalise and reduce vacancy in the town centre area of Dunleer and to provide for town centre living. Policy Objective SS 49 To require the preparation of a Masterplan on the lands to the south-west of the town centre zoned for Industry, Enterprise, and Innovation. No planning application shall be submitted prior to the agreement of this Masterplan. Policy Objective SS 50 To work with local landowners and businesses in facilitating and carrying out public realm works in Dunleer including works to roads and footpaths and existing laneways / cycle ways. Policy Objective SS 51 To examine the feasibility of providing additional off-street car parking locations in Dunleer.

10. Page 100

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    Chapter 2 – Core Strategy and Settlement Strategy Louth County Development Plan 2021-2027 2-52 2.16 SELF-SUSTAINING TOWNS There are 5 settlements in the County which are identified as Self-Sustaining Towns:- • Carlingford; • Clogherhead; • Castlebellingham/Kilsaran; • Termonfeckin; and • Tullyallen. They have experienced residential expansion with varying levels of growth and investment in employment generating development and service provision. Carlingford, which is an important tourist destination in the County, recorded the highest number of jobs in this settlement category, with 370 jobs and a Job:Workforce ratio of 0.81. Castlebellingham/Kilsaran is another settlement with a strong employment base, with a jobs ratio of 0.65. However Clogherhead, with the highest population of 2,145 in 2016, has the lowest Job:Workforce ratio of 0.17. This is an indication that a high proportion of the residents in the town are required to travel outside the settlement for employment. The growth strategy for these Self-Sustaining Towns will focus on driving investment in services, employment growth and infrastructure while balancing housing delivery, including consolidation of the core areas and delivery of compact growth. Volume 2 of this Plan provides a Written Statement and associated Land Use Zoning and Composite Maps for each of the Self-Sustaining Towns.

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.