Development plan · Mayo County Council
Mayo County Development Plan 2022–2028
The council's development plan written statement: its strategy, policies, objectives and development standards.
Mayo County Council · 2022–2028 · 165 pages
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- CHAPTER 1 INTRODUCTION 8 9 1.8.1 Strategic Environmental Assessment (SEA) The Plan was subject to a Strategic Environmental Assessment (SEA), as required under the Planning and Development (Strategic Environmental Assessment) Regulations 2004. SEA is the formal, systematic evaluation of the likely significant environmental effects of implementing a plan or programme before the decision is made to adopt the plan or programme. The findings of the SEA process are included in the SEA Environmental Report that accompanies the Development Plan. The outcomes of the SEA process have been fully incorporated into the preparation and making of this Plan. The Environmental Report has been published as a separate document in conjunction with this Plan and is included in Volume 5. 1.8.2 Appropriate Assessment (AA) Article 6(3) of European Council Directive 92/43/ EEC on the conservation of natural habitats and of wild fauna and flora (the Habitats Directive) requires Competent Authorities, in this case Mayo County Council, to undertake an Appropriate Assessment of any plan or project not directly connected with or necessary to the management of a Natura 2000 site, but likely to have a significant effect thereon, either individually or in combination with other plans or projects. The assessment examines the implications of proceeding with the plan or project in view of the relevant European site’s conservation objectives. All AA recommendations have been integrated into the Plan. The emerging conclusion of the AA is that the Plan will not adversely affect the integrity of European Sites, in light of their conservation objectives. A Natura Impact Report has been published as a separate document in conjunction with this Plan and is included in Volume 5. 1.8.3 Strategic Flood Risk Assessment (SFRA) Strategic Flood Risk Assessment (SFRA) is an assessment of flood risk and includes mapped boundaries for indicative flood risk zones, taking into account factors such as local knowledge, site walkovers and flood risk indicators. SFRA is required under ‘The Planning System and Flood Risk Management Guidelines for Planning Authorities’ (Department of Environment and Office of Public Works, 2009) and the associated Department of the Environment, Community and Local Government Circular PL2/2014. All SFRA recommendations have been integrated into the Plan. The Strategic Flood Risk Assessment has been published as a separate document in conjunction with this Plan and is included in Volume 5. 1.9 Format of the County Development Plan The Plan consists of 6 volumes. Volume 1 consists of a written statement and maps. The written statement comprises of 12 chapters. Chapters 2 to 12, inclusive, include an overarching strategic aim and a set of development objectives to achieve the strategic aim. The maps provide a graphic representation of the key elements of the Plan. Volume 1 is set out as follows: CHAPTER 1 INTRODUCTION CHAPTER 2 CORE AND SETTLEMENT STRATEGY CHAPTER 3 HOUSING CHAPTER 4 ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT CHAPTER 5 TOURISM DEVELOPMENT CHAPTER 6 MOVEMENT AND TRANSPORT CHAPTER 7 INFRASTRUCTURE CHAPTER 8 SUSTAINABLE COMMUNITIES CHAPTER 9 BUILT ENVIRONMENT CHAPTER 10 NATURAL ENVIRONMENT CHAPTER 11 CLIMATE ACTION AND RENEWABLE ENERGY CHAPTER 12 SETTLEMENT PLANS Volume 2 contains the Development Management Standards. The aim of this guidance document is to assist those wishing to develop in the county by outlining what will be required when applying for planning permission. The guidance document is based on the objectives in the Plan, government policy, planning guidance documents and established best practice. Volume 3 includes the Book of Maps for Settlement plans. Volume 4 includes Supporting Documents such as the Mayo Renewable Energy Strategy; Mayo Housing Strategy; Landscape Appraisal for County Mayo; Mayo Rural Housing Design Guidelines 2008, and Record of Protected Structures. Volume 5 includes all 3 Environmental Reports (SFRA, SEA and AA) undertaken in the preparation of the plan. Appendices includes the (I) Settlement Assets Capacity Matrix, (II) Municipal District Projects and (III) Key Documents Table. 10 11
- CHAPTER 1 INTRODUCTION 10 11 1.10 Statement Outlining Compliance with Section 28 Guidelines Pursuant to Section 28 of the Planning and Development Act 2000 (as amended), Mayo County Council is required to append a statement to the Mayo County Development Plan 2022-2028 to include information which demonstrates the following: i. How the planning authority has implemented the policies and objectives of the Minister contained in the guidelines when considering their application to the area or part of the area of the Development Plan, or ii. If applicable, that the planning authority has formed the opinion that it is not possible, because of the nature and characteristics of the area or part of the area of the development plan, to implement certain policies and objectives of the Minister contained in the guidelines when considering the application of those policies in the area or part of the area of the development plan and shall give reasons for the forming of the opinion and why policies and objectives of the Minister have not been so implemented. The following table demonstrates how the Mayo County Development Plan 2022-2028 implements applicable Ministerial Planning Guidelines issued under Section 28 of the Act. Section 28 Guidelines Interim Mayo County Development Plan 2022-2028 Appropriate Assessment of Plans and Projects in Ireland – Guidance for Planning Authorities (2009) The preparation of the Plan has had regard to this guidance document. A Natura Impact Report has been prepared and accompanies the Plan. Strategic Environmental Assessment (SEA) Guidelines (2004) The preparation of the Plan has had regard to these Guidelines. Strategic Environmental Assessment was initiated with the preparation of a SEA Environmental Report accompanying this Plan. Architectural Heritage Protection – Guidelines for Planning Authorities (2004), and as updated (2011) Chapter 9 (Built Environment) and Chapter 10 (Natural Environment) addresses the natural and built heritage, and conservation. Policies and objectives contained within this Plan have had regard to various legislative provisions and policy guidance documents, including, the Planning and Development Act 2000 (as amended), Architectural Heritage Protection – Guidelines for Planning Authorities 2004, (as updated 2011). The Plan provides policies and objectives relating to the protection and conservation of the Architectural and Archaeological Heritage. It is accompanied by a Record of Protected Structures. The Plan includes an objective to investigate the feasibility of designating additional Architectural Conservation Areas during the Plan period. Implementing Regional Planning Guidelines – Best Practice Guidance (2010) Chapter 2 (Core and Settlement Strategy) sets out policies and objectives to ensure that the Core Strategy requirements of the Plan are consistent with national and regional policy (National Planning Framework 2018, Regional Spatial and Economic Strategy for the Northern and Western Region 2020), as required by the 2010 Guidance document. Section 28 Guidelines Interim Mayo County Development Plan 2022-2028 Childcare Facilities: Guidelines for Planning Authorities (2001) And as updated by Circular letter PL3/2016 (2016) Chapter 8 (Sustainable Communities), Chapter 12 (Settlement Plans) and Volume 2 (Development Management Standards) addresses the issue of childcare facilities. Chapter 7 includes policies which set out the most appropriate locations for childcare facilities in addition to policies which have regard to the recommendations and requirements of the Childcare Facilities: Guidelines for Planning Authorities (2001). Volume 2 (development management standards) set out details regarding the provision of childcare facilities and advises that planning applications will be considered having regard to compliance with the Childcare Facilities Guidelines. Development Management Guidelines (2007) Volume 2 Development Management Standards has been prepared having reference to the Development Management Guidelines. Development Plan – Guidelines for Planning Authorities (2007) The Development Plan Guidelines for Planning Authorities have informed the preparation of this Development Plan. The Plan also sets out the planning framework for the future development of each of the settlements and rural areas which is informed by national and regional planning policy. Quarries and Ancillary Activities (2004) Chapter 4 Economic Development and Chapter 10 Natural Environment set out the policies and objectives for the extractive industry. Volume 2 (Development Management Standards) refers to the Guidelines and identifies the issues to be addressed in development proposals for quarries. Provision of Schools and the Planning System (2008) Policies and objectives contained in Chapter 8 (Sustainable Communities) address education provision in the county. Retail Planning Guidelines (2012) Chapter 4 (Economic Development) refers to the Guidelines and sets out the retail policies and objectives of the Development Plan. Sustainable Rural Housing Guidelines (2005) Chapter 3 (Housing) sets out the rural housing policies and objectives for County Mayo. These policies and objectives incorporate the recommendations of the guidelines. Sustainable Residential Development in Urban Areas (2009) The Guidelines have been considered in the context of Volume 2 Development Management Standards, Chapter 2 (Core & Settlement Strategy), Chapter 3 (Housing), Chapter 9 (Built Environment) and Chapter 12 (Settlement Plans), to encourage the provision of highquality design and density in the settlement areas of County Mayo. The Planning System and Flood Risk Management – Guidelines for Planning Authorities (2009) A Strategic Flood Risk Assessment (SFRA) has been carried out for County Mayo having regard to the Guidelines. The SFRA document accompanies the Plan and identifies areas of flood risk by reference to data available from a number of sources. Policies and objectives in relation to flood risk are included in Chapter 7 (Infrastructure). Spatial Planning and National Roads Guidelines (2012) Chapter 6 (Movement and Transport) contains a specific policy which restricts development affecting national primary and secondary roads, outside urban speed limits in accordance with the 2012 Guidelines. 12 13
- CHAPTER 1 INTRODUCTION 12 13 Section 28 Guidelines Interim Mayo County Development Plan 2022-2028 Wind Energy Development Guidelines (2006) Chapter 11 (Climate Action and Renewable Energy) has been formulated having regard to the Wind Energy Guidelines. Chapter 11 of the Plan contains a positive supporting statement. The Renewable Energy Strategy includes maps, which identify locations open for consideration for wind energy development. In addition, Volume 2 Development Management Standards requires all planning applications for wind energy turbines or wind farms be assessed against the Wind Energy Guidelines. Development Contribution Schemes – Guidelines for Planning Authorities (2013) Volume 2 (Development Management Standards) refers to the Guidelines, which is designed to assist planning authorities to achieve, through their development contribution schemes, a balance between the costs of the services provided and the need to support economic activity and renewal. National Landscape Strategy for Ireland 2015- 2025 Chapter 10 (Natural Environment) notes the National Landscape Strategy for Ireland 2015-2025, which recognises the importance of landscape protection and its interconnectivity with biodiversity and climate change. It identifies the need for national and regional landscape character assessments to provide a framework for comprehensive and consistent local (county) landscape character assessments. Once the necessary national and regional landscape character assessments and maps are in place, in addition to guidance on local landscape character assessments, the Council will review the Landscape Appraisal of County Mayo to ensure a consistent approach. Sustainable Urban Housing Design Standards for New Apartments (2015) (as updated 2018). Volume 2 (Development Management Standards) refers to these Guidelines which provides guidance including specific planning policy requirements on apartment developments. Guidance Note on Core Strategies (2010) Chapter 2 (Core & Settlement Strategy), states that the Core Strategy has been guided by the content of these guidelines and in particular the provision of the Core Strategy Table and Core Strategy Settlement Map Design Manual for Urban Roads and Streets (2013) (as updated) Chapter 6 (Movement and Transport) and Volume 2 Development Management Standards address these Guidelines and how they provide practical design measures to encourage more sustainable travel patterns in urban areas and best practice in the design of street networks and individual streets. Urban Development and Building Heights – Guidelines for Planning Authorities (2018) Chapter 3 (Housing), Chapter 9 (Built Environment) and Chapter 12 (Settlement Plans) and Volume 2 (Development Management Standards) address types of sites that could be considered for taller buildings Tree Preservation – Guidelines for Planning Authorities Chapter 10 (Natural Environment) states that the Council aims to protect individual trees, groups of trees or woodland, which are of environmental and/or amenity value. This can be done with a Tree Preservation Order (TPO) that can be made through the development plan process or a separate TPO process under Section 205 of the Planning and Development Act 2000 (as amended). The existing Tree Preservation Orders are set out in the plan. Section 28 Guidelines Interim Mayo County Development Plan 2022-2028 Telecommunications Antennae and Support Structures – Guidelines for Planning Authorities Chapter 7 (Infrastructure) states that the Council recognises the importance of achieving a balance between facilitating the provision of telecommunications services in the interests of social and economic progress and protecting residential amenity and environmental quality. The Council will have regard to the Department of the Environment, Community and Local Governments Guidelines on Telecommunications Antennae and Support Structures and Circular Letter PL07/12 (Telecommunications Antennae and Support Structures) in assessing development proposals. Interim Guidelines for Planning Authorities on Statutory Plans, Renewable Energy and Climate Change (2017) Chapter 11 (Climate Action and Renewable Energy) states that renewable development has had regard to various national plans, policies and strategies that relate to renewable energy and climate change. Quality Housing for Sustainable Communities Design Guidelines (2007) Volume 2 (Development Management Standards) has had regard to the Guidelines Table 1.1 - Implementation of Section 28 Ministerial Planning Guidelines 1.11 Implementation and Monitoring Mayo County Council is fully committed to securing and monitoring the implementation of the strategies, policies and objectives of this Plan. The Council will continue to occupy a leadership role to progress and secure the Plan policies and objectives to achieve the sustainable development of the county. The successful implementation of a significant number of the policies and objectives of this Development Plan will necessitate on-going collaboration and a sense of good-will across a range of agencies and stakeholders. The implementation of this Plan will depend also on the economic climate, political support, Council funding and the availability of funding from other sources. The Planning Department of the Council is the main section responsible for monitoring and implementing the Plan, mainly through the development management function. However, it is important to note that this Plan coordinates the work and objectives of other key departments within Mayo County Council, such as Local Economic Office (LEO). In some cases, the body responsible for the implementation of certain Plan objectives may be external, such as Irish Water, National Parks and Wildlife Service, Waterways Ireland, Transport Infrastructure Ireland, and the Environmental Protection Agency. The Planning and Development (Amendment) Act 2018 established the legal basis for the Office of the Planning Regulator and outlines its role and functions, which include the assessment of all local authority forward planning programmes. It operates an independent monitoring role, advising Government on implementation of local authority statutory planning processes. Under the provisions of Section 15 of the Planning and Development Act 2000 (as amended), the Council has a statutory obligation to secure the implementation of the objectives of the Plan and to prepare a progress report on achieving the objectives not more than 2 years after the making of this Plan. Additionally, under Section 22A (2) of the Planning and Development Act 2000 (as amended), 14 15
- CHAPTER 1 INTRODUCTION 14 15 each Local Authority within the Regional Assembly is required, every 2 years, to prepare and submit a report to the Assembly setting out progress made in supporting objectives, relevant to that authority, contained in the RSES. As far as practicable, every effort has been made to formulate objectives that are specific, measurable, achievable and realistic. Some sources of funding that will help in achieving the delivery of objectives within the Plan include: • Public Private Partnerships • Urban Regeneration and Development Fund • Rural Regeneration and Development Fund • Climate Action Fund • Disruptive Technologies Fund • Development Contributions Chapter Objectives Delivery Timeframe Lead Chapter 2 CSO 1, CSO 2, CSO 3 Short Term Planning CSO 7, SO 12, TVHO 12 SSO 14, SSO 16, RHO 6 Medium Term Medium Term Medium Term Planning Forward Planning Architects/Forward Planning Chapter 3 SO 1, SO 12, CSO 4, CSO 5, CSO 6, SSO 11, HSO 1, HSO 2, HSO 3, HSO 4, HSO 5, HSO 6, HSO 7, HSO 8 TVHO 10 Long Term Long Term Long Term Long Term Long Term Long Term Planning Municipal District Forward Planning Housing Housing & Planning Architects/Forward Planning Chapter 4 EDO 18, EDO 28 Short Term Planning / Enterprise & Investment EDO 41, EDO 53 Medium Term Medium Term Forward Planning Enterprise & Investment EDO 7, EDO 24 EDO 40, EDO 64 Long Term Long Term Long Term Enterprise & Investment Forward Planning Marine Chapter 5 TRO 3, TRO 4, TRO 5, TRO 7, TRO 8, TRO 23, TRO 24, TRO 25, TRO 27 & TRO 28, TRO 29, TRO 30 Long Term Long Term Long Term Long Term Tourism, Recreation and Amenity Tourism, Recreation and Amenity Marine Section Planning Section Chapter 6 MTO 1, MTO 7 Short Term Sustainable Transportation Unit MTO 4, MTO 10, MTO 11, MTO 13, MTO 14, MTO 15 MTO 21, MTO 22, MTO 24 MTO 25 MTO 32 MTO 36 Long Term Long Term Long Term Long Term Long Term Long Term Long Term Sustainable Transportation Unit Sustainable Transportation Unit Tourism, Recreation and Amenity Road Design Office/Planning Road Design Office/Planning Road Design Section Marine Section Chapter Objectives Delivery Timeframe Lead Chapter 7 INO 1 INO 4 INO 5 INO 6, INO 9 INO 27 INO 30, INO 34 Long Term Long Term Long Term Long Term Long Term Long Term Rural Water Section Various Sections Murrisk – Rural Water Section Achill/ Water Services on behalf of Irish Water Rural Water Section & Water Services on behalf of Irish Water Environment Enterprise & Investment Unit Chapter 8 SCO 1, SCO 12 BEO 25 Long Term Planning Chapter 9 BEO 8, BEO 12, BEO 13, BEO 27, BEO 28 BEO 32, BEO 33, BEO 38, BEO 39 BEO 14, BEO 16, BEO 25, BEO 31 BEO 35, BEO 36, BEO 37 Medium Term Medium Term Long Term Long Term Planning/Architects Forward Planning Architects Section Forward Planning Chapter 10 NEO 1, NEO 2, NEO 5, NEO 10, NEO 15, NEO 18 NEO 20, NEO 28, NEO 32, NEO 35 Long Term Long Term Long Term Heritage Office Heritage Office / Forward Planning & Environment Climate Action & Environment Chapter 11 CAO 2, CAO 3, CAO 4, CAO 5, CAO 7, CAO 8 REO 1, REO 2, REO 7, REO 21, REO 23 Long Term Long Term Ballina MD, Environment & Climate Action Unit Forward Planning Chapter 12 GSO 4, GSO 6, GSO 7, BRO 3, BRO 6, BRO 9, BSO 2, BSO 12, BTO 4, BTO 7, CMO 3, CMO 12, SDO 2, SDO 3, SDO 12, BAO 5, CNO 1, CNO 11, CRO 7, FDO 6, KAO 6, KAO 8, KAO 10, KTO 7, KKO 6, LHO 8, NTO 5, NTO 8 GSO 9, CRO 4, FDO 3 GSO 10, GSO 11, GSO 15, BSO 4, CMO 1, CMO 4, LHO 2, LHO 3, CMO 2, KTO 3, KTO 4, KTO 5, NTO 2, NTO 3, NTO 6, SDO 7, SDO 8, SDO 9, SDO 13, BAO 3, CNO 5, CNO 8, CNO 9 LHO 4, KAO 4, KTO 5, BSO 8, CMO 5, CNO 2, CNO 5 KTO 2 LHO 1 BRO 2, CRO 2, BSO 3, KKO 2, LHO 6 CAO 4, LHO 5, RSVO 9 & NTO 6 BTO 3 BTO 2 Long Term Long Term Long Term Long Term Long Term Long Term Long Term Long Term Long Term Long Term Long Term Long Term Long Term Long Term Long Term Long Term Long Term Long Term Long Term Forward Planning Forward Planning Forward Planning Forward Planning Forward Planning Sustainable Transport Unit Climate Action /Env /MD Office Municipal District Office MD Office MD Office MD Office Heritage Office/ MD Office Road Design Office Arts Office Water Services Architects Tourism, Recreation and Amenity Environment Belmullet District Office 1.12 Interpretation In interpreting this document in all cases should any conflict arise between the written word and accompanying maps the written word shall take precedence. 16 17
- CHAPTER 1 INTRODUCTION 16 1.12.1 Protocols In all cases the following protocols apply: • The Council refers to Mayo County Council. • The Plan refers to the County Development Plan 2022-2028. • The County refers to County Mayo. 18
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- CHAPTER 2 CORE & SETTLEMENT STRATEGY Chapter 2 Core & Settlement Strategy 2.1 Introduction The Core Strategy and Settlement Strategy for the County Development Plan has been prepared through extensive collaboration between the Forward Planning team, Elected Members and all relevant sections of the Council. It has also been informed by the National Planning Framework (NPF), the Regional Spatial and Economic Strategy (RSES) for the Northern and Western Region, the UN Sustainable Goals and the Strategic Economic Drivers influencing the sustainable future growth of County Mayo over the lifetime of the plan and beyond. The challenge is to build on the unique dispersed settlement characteristics of Mayo, in order to provide a balance, link and synergy between the rural countryside and urban settlements of the County. This will be realised through the following vision for County Mayo and the strategic aims set out below. 2.2 Vision of County Mayo To create a sustainable and competitive county that supports the health and well-being of the people of Mayo, providing an attractive destination, as a place in which to live, work, invest, do business and visit, offering high quality employment and educational opportunities within strong and vibrant sustainable communities, whilst ensuring a transition to a low carbon and climate resilient county that supports high environmental quality. 2.3 Strategic Aims The strategic aims which relate to the advancement of this vision, are set out hereunder for each chapter of Volume 1 of the County Development Plan. The Plan aims to build on previous successes and to strengthen Mayo’s strategic advantage as a county, to ensure that we meet the needs of our citizens, communities, built and natural environments, infrastructure and economic/employment development to their full potential, while combatting and adapting to climate change. • Housing - To facilitate the sustainable growth of all rural areas, towns, villages and countryside throughout the county by seeking to accommodate, as far as possible, all persons in their choices to live in our rural areas, towns and villages; by supporting and strengthening the rural economy to sustain vibrant rural communities and by promoting consolidation and compact development of all urban 18 19 CHAPTER 2 CORE & SETTLEMENT STRATEGY MAYO COUNTY DEVELOPMENT PLAN 2022 - 2028 2120
- CHAPTER 2 CORE & SETTLEMENT STRATEGY and rural settlements in an attractive setting that provides a suitable mix of housing with supporting amenities; and by ensuring coordinated investment in infrastructure that will support economic competitiveness and create a high quality living and working environment. • Economic Development - To promote and enhance Mayo’s economic development potential through increased resilience in the county’s enterprise, underpinned by talent and innovation, thereby ensuring that Mayo is best placed to excel in the long-term delivery of sustainable jobs and an enhanced standard of living for all. • Tourism Development - To develop Mayo as a leading tourism destination through continued sustainable expansion of the tourism sector, with a focus on creating high-quality visitor services and the continued development and enhancement of visitor attractions and activities, capitalising on our natural and cultural heritage assets, whilst safeguarding these resources for future generations. • Movement and Transport - To support increased use of sustainable modes of transport; the integration of spatial planning with transport planning; enhanced county and regional accessibility; the transition to a low carbon energy efficient transport system; and the development of a safer, more efficient, effective and connected transport system within Mayo. • Strategic Road Network - To maintain the strategic function, capacity and safety of the national roads network, including planning for future capacity enhancements, and to ensure that the existing extensive transport networks, are maintained to a high level to ensure quality levels of service, safety, accessibility and connectivity to transport users. Map 2.1 Strategic Road Network in Mayo • Infrastructural Development - To protect, improve and provide water, wastewater, surface water and flood alleviation services throughout the county, and to facilitate the provision of high-quality information communication technology, broadband, telecommunication information and electricity network required to support and enhance the key aims of best place to live, work, visit and invest. • Sustainable Communities - To develop and support vibrant sustainable communities in Mayo where people can live, work and enjoy access to a wide range of community, health, educational facilities and amenities, suitable to all ages and needs, in both urban and rural areas, thereby supporting a high quality of life for all to enjoy. • Built Environment - To recognise and enhance the unique identity, character and built heritage of Mayo’s towns, village and rural areas, to improve quality of life through the application of healthy placemaking, underpinned by good urban design with the creation of attractive public spaces that are vibrant, distinctive, safe and accessible and which promote and facilitate positive social interaction. • Natural Environment - Continue to protect and enhance the county’s natural heritage and biodiversity and ensure that networks of green and blue infrastructure are identified, created, protected and enhanced to provide a wide range of environmental, social and economic benefits to communities; To also improve the knowledge and understanding of the county’s landscape and coast, and enhance the overall characteristics, qualities and diversity of landscape character, its sense of place and local distinctiveness in recognition of the amenity potential of the county. • Climate Action and Renewable Energy - To transition to a low carbon and climate resilient county, with an emphasis on reduction in energy demand and greenhouse gas emissions, through a combination of effective mitigation and adaptation responses to climate change; in addition to maximising the opportunities to become a national leader in renewable energy generation, whilst increasing the resilience of our Natural and Cultural Capital to climate change by planning and implementing appropriate adaptation measures. • Settlements - To develop Mayo’s settlements as a network of attractive, liveable towns, villages and countryside in the county with sustainable levels of population, employment activity and enhanced levels of amenity which encourage a high quality of life and well-being and support a sustainable synergy with the rural countryside. 2.4 Cross-Cutting Themes The following cross-cutting themes also inform the plan: • Sustainable Communities • Placemaking • Social Inclusion • Regeneration • Green Infrastructure • Climate Action These six-key cross-cutting principles reflect the three pillars of sustainability: Social, Environmental and Economic. The policy context and central objective of this plan is people focussed, recognising that ‘quality of life’ encapsulates strong economic output and stability, good environmental performance and a good standard of living for all, through the creation of healthy, sustainable and attractive places to live, work, invest and visit. 20 212322
- CHAPTER 2 CORE & SETTLEMENT STRATEGY Map 2.2: Strategic Economic Drivers in County Mayo. 2.5 Strategic Economic Drivers with County Mayo The core and settlement strategies are shaped by the key strategic economic drivers within the county and the wider region. These strategic economic drivers have the potential to drive real transformational change for Mayo, making the county one of the most attractive places to live, work, invest and visit in Ireland. Map 2.2 above illustrates the spatial influence of the strategic economic drivers for County Mayo. The map highlights the influence of the Coastal Corridor to the west and north of the county; the influence of the Atlantic Economic Corridor to the east of the county, including Ireland West Airport Knock and its economic Strategic Development Zone; and the influence of Economic Growth Clusters corridors to the south and through the central reach of the county. The increase of ‘Smarter-working’ options such as remote working and co-working hubs also has real potential to sustain strong and vibrant rural communities throughout the county. 2.5.1 Coastal Zone Corridor County Mayo has an extensive and varied coastline, which is one of the most valuable and sensitive resources in the county. Coastal areas also support a diverse array of related industries such as fisheries and aquaculture, tourism, shipping and gas industries, which generate enormous economic productivity. The Wild Atlantic Way has also been an important initiative that has showcased how the natural beauty of this landscape has contributed to the economic development of the coastal corridor in recent years. Significant potential exists to harness the marine resources along the County Mayo coastline for recreation and leisure; transport; renewable energy; and appropriate industry. Mayo is strategically located to grow the ‘blue economy’ not only in County Mayo but also at a regional and national level. Economic growth in the marine sector also has the potential to create employment and increase prosperity in all parts of the County, most particularly in coastal communities. 2.5.2 Atlantic Economic Corridor (AEC) Mayo is strategically located along the Atlantic Economic Corridor (AEC). The AEC aims to combine the economic hubs, clusters and catchments of the area to attract investment, improve competitiveness, support job creation and contribute to an improved quality of life for the people who live there. The AEC has significant potential for future economic growth of/in County Mayo and the wider region. The advancement of Mayo’s economic growth clusters; Ireland West Airport Knock and its Strategic Development Zone; key capital infrastructural projects under Project 2040; and the potential future reopening of the Western Rail Corridor will all consolidate the AEC. The success of the AEC initiative will attract more enterprise and people to the county and the region, progressing balanced regional development, whilst sustaining strong and vibrant communities. 2.5.3 Ireland West Airport Knock (IWAK) and Strategic Development Zone (SDZ) Ireland West Airport Knock acts as a magnet to draw people and investment to the county and the region, driving economic activity in the form of business and investment as well as tourism and travel. The airport acts as an international gateway to the West of Ireland as well as the North, North-West and Midlands areas. The role of IWAK as a county and regional driver has been further enhanced through the designation of IWAK as an economic Strategic Development Zone (SDZ). The SDZ secures the future development and expansion of the airport and surrounding lands and will form an enterprise and employment hub for the region. 2.5.4 Growth Clusters The economic development of Mayo will be further enhanced through the development of economic growth clusters for Castlebar-Westport; Ballina and its catchment; and Ballinrobe-Ballyhaunis- Claremorris. These economic growth clusters seek to harness and develop the complementary strengths and synergies between the settlements and their functional hinterland, to create highly connected centres of scale, with the necessary critical mass, in terms of population and employment, to enable them to compete and grow to fulfil their potential and drive regional and national development in tandem with regional and national policy. 2.5.5 Smarter-Working The growth of digitalisation and the rising accessibility of new technology is having a significant influence on where people live and work. Flexible, smarter-working options such as remote working at home or in a co-working space within a local town or village, will play a critical role in maintaining strong and vibrant rural communities in County Mayo over the plan period and beyond. Such options will retain and attract skilled workers to live, work and invest in Mayo, driving sustainable economic activity, building communities and supporting the transition to a greener economy. 22 232524
- CHAPTER 2 CORE & SETTLEMENT STRATEGY 2.6 Strategic County Development Plan Objectives The overarching strategic county development plan objectives, as set out hereunder, are predominantly underpinned by the strategic aims of the Mayo County Development Plan 2022-2028 and the Mayo County Council’s Corporate Plan 2019-2024. Strategic County Development Plan Objectives SO 1 Population Growth To plan for a population increase in County Mayo during the plan period of 15,200 persons. SO 2 Quality of Life for Citizens and Communities To promote the well-being and quality of life of all citizens and communities in Mayo and to enhance the attractiveness of the county as a place in which to live, work, visit, invest in and enjoy. SO 3 Employment and Investment To support employment, encourage enterprise, maximise investment and create an environment that will establish Mayo as a premier investment location, capitalising on the county’s existing and emerging key economic drivers, such as the Coastal Corridor and Marine Environment, the Atlantic Economic Corridor, Ireland West Airport Knock (IWAK), the IWAK Strategic Development Zone and the Economic Growth Clusters of Ballina/North Mayo, Castlebar-Westport, Ballinrobe, Ballyhaunis and Claremorris, and Ballina-Killala. SO 4 Low Carbon and Climate Resilient County To transition to a low carbon and climate resilient county, by promoting sustainable settlement patterns, the integration of land-use and sustainable modes of transport, encourage walking, cycling and public transport, increasing reliance on green energy sources, encouraging urban and rural communities to facilitate effective change and by building climate change resilience and climate action into all services and functions of Mayo County Council. SO 5 Development of Sustainable Communities To support and develop sustainable communities and a competitive county that enhances the health and wellbeing of our people and places from rural to urban, with access to employment opportunities, accessibility to high quality housing and physical, social and community infrastructure, including quality transport infrastructure and new digital technologies, where people of all ages can enjoy a good quality of life and a sense of pride in their place. SO 6 Inclusive Society To promote and assist an inclusive county, to ensure that all people of Mayo have access to the range of resources to allow them to fully participate in their local communities, to tackle poverty and social exclusion. SO 7 Protection of Natural and Built Environment To create a sustainable Mayo that protects and enhances the natural and built environment, which underpins Mayo’s unique identity, environmental character and quality of life and also creates a vibrant county that is an attractive destination for business and enterprise, tourists, residents of the county and creative industries alike. Strategic County Development Plan Objectives SO 8 Supporting Rural Areas To promote the role of Mayo’s rural countryside, by developing a sustainable synergy between the rural area and network of settlements, enhancing the rural economy with improved connectivity, broadband, rural economic development opportunities and smarter working opportunities, all within the context of the sustainable management of land and resources. SO 9 Ecological Impact Assessment, Appropriate Assessment, Strategic Environmental Assessment and Strategic Flood Risk Assessment. To ensure the assessment of all planning applications in the Plan area have regard to the information, data and requirements of the Appropriate Assessment Natura Impact Report, SEA Environmental Report and Strategic Flood Risk Assessment Report contained in Volume 5 of the Mayo CDP 2022-2028. To require project planning to be fully informed by ecological and environmental constraints at the earliest stage of project development and any necessary assessment to be undertaken, including Ecological Impact Assessments(EcIA) and assessments of disturbance to species protected under the Wildlife Act and/or the Flora Protection Act and of Habitat IV species protected under the Habitats Directive. Ensure that proposals for developments located within identified or potential flood risk areas, or which may exacerbate the risk of flooding elsewhere, are assessed in accordance with the provisions of the Flood Risk Management Guidelines (DoEHLG/OPW 2009) and Circular PL2/2014 (or any updated/superseding document), the relevant policies, objectives and guidelines within this plan and shall also take account of the National CFRAM Programme Flood Hazard Mapping and Flood Risk Management Plans when they become available. SO 10 Implementation of National and Regional Objectives To contribute and progress, as practicable, towards achievement of the National Strategic Objectives of Project 2040, the Regional Growth Ambitions of the Northern and Western Regional Assembly’s RSES, and the Sustainable Development Goals of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. SO 11 Urban Renewal and Regeneration Continue to enhance the towns and villages of County Mayo, through renewal and regeneration, improvements to public realm infrastructure, healthy place-making and by improving the visual amenity, urban design, viability, vibrancy of these areas so that people can live, work and invest in these areas. SO 12 Integrated Land Use and Transportation Planning Integrate land use planning and sustainable transportation planning, promote the consolidation of development, encourage sustainable travel patterns by reducing the need to travel particularly by private transport, while prioritising walking, cycling and public transport. 24 252726
Source Mayo County Council: Mayo County Development Plan 2022–2028 (2022–2028) · 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.