Mayo County Development Plan 2022–2028

1. Page 131

   Cite this pagePDF p. 131 (opens the publisher’s copy in a new tab)
   CHAPTER 12 SETTLEMENT 226 227 12.4.3 Function and Vision Ballinrobe is situated within the Claremorris-Swinford Municipal District. The town provides a wide range of services and facilities to meet the daily needs of the local population. It is an important service town for the wide agricultural hinterland of south Mayo and north Connemara. Ballinrobe also functions as a Gaeltacht Service Town for the nearby Clonbur and Tourmakeady Gaeltacht regions. It is envisioned that Ballinrobe, along with the Claremorris and Ballyhaunis, can form a Growth Cluster in South Mayo to harness their combined strengths to contribute towards the consolidation of the Atlantic Economic Corridor. Opportunity exists in the town for regeneration and consolidated growth within the existing built footprint. 12.4.4 Economic Development The main employment sectors in the town according to Census 2016 is the Services Sector (32%), followed by Education, Human Health and Social Work (20.5%) and Manufacturing Industries (16.9%). The town is well served in terms of convenience and comparison shopping, with three of the main supermarket chains located in or close to the town centre. The town also contains several local independent shops. Potential exists in the town centre in the form of appropriately located, undeveloped lands and the re-use of existing vacant buildings, to further enhance the convenience and comparison retail offer. Ballinrobe is home to McHale Engineering, a successful indigenous business in both the domestic and international agricultural industry, providing innovative technologies in agricultural machinery. The business has a large employment base drawing from Ballinrobe and the surrounding hinterland. 12.4.5 Social Infrastructure Ballinrobe serves as the retail centre and employment base for a larger rural catchment area and provides a range of services, social and community facilities, including a library, garda station, county council office, post office, medical centres, pre-school, primary school, secondary school, churches, banks, enterprise centre, retail shops and public houses within the town. Ballinrobe also has numerous community, sporting and social clubs. Sports and recreational facilities in the town comprise of a racecourse, GAA, soccer pitches, rugby pitches, and children’s playground. The town has an active Community Development Council, their objectives include creating sustainable local development, seeking additional infrastructural services and improving the socio-economic conditions in the town. The Bowers Walk, along the River Robe, and The Green constitute valuable natural amenities and visitor attractions for the town. 12.4.6 Physical Infrastructure Ballinrobe is served by the N84, R331 and R334 national and regional road network. The town is served by an existing municipal wastewater treatment plant (8,000PE) and a water supply from the Lough Mask Regional water supply scheme. There is sufficient capacity for the projected population increase as set out in the Core Strategy. The town also benefits from fibre optic broadband infrastructure (Metropolitan Area Network and VDSL broadband) and has a connection to the national gas grid. A dismantled railway line between runs between Ballinrobe and Claremorris, providing an opportunity to re-establish the line as a walking cycling route or as a spur of the Western Rail Corridor. GSO 9 To facilitate, identify, support and secure a strategic footpath and cycleway network throughout the plan areas, as appropriate and as resources allow. GSO 10 To support and facilitate pedestrian mobility and safety in Tier II and III towns by introducing traffic calming measures and pedestrian crossings, where necessary. GSO 11 To support and where possible, implement measures to create interpretative walking routes in and around Tier II and III towns, linking to special features of built and natural heritage interest. GSO 12 To develop the local economy by encouraging additional commercial businesses and industries and to promote the clustering of such industries on suitably zoned land in Tier II settlements and at appropriate locations within Tier III settlements. GSO 13 To protect the role of the town centre as the dominant retailing and commercial area. GSO 14 To implement the land use zoning objectives in each Tier II settlement plans. GSO 15 To actively provide or facilitate the provision/upgrade of identified infrastructural deficiencies in settlement plan areas. 12.4 Ballinrobe (Tier II) 12.4.1 Location and Context Ballinrobe town is situated along the main Galway to Castlebar road at the junction of the N84 National Secondary Road and the R334 Regional Road. The town is approximately 50km north-west of Galway City, 30km south from Castlebar and 36km southeast of Westport. The Ballinrobe area is known as the ‘Lake District’ of Mayo and the town is well located for easy access to some of the most scenic areas in Ireland. The population of Ballinrobe has more than doubled in size (112.8%) over the last twenty years, from 1,309 persons in 1996 (Census figures) to 2,786 persons in 2016 (Census figures). Ballinrobe is the 5th largest settlement in Mayo, the 19th largest in the Western Region and the 124th largest in the State. According to POWCAR 2016, the total number of jobs located within Ballinrobe was 1,077. The Ballinrobe labour catchment is the 27th largest labour catchment in the Western Region with a resident ‘at work’ population of 1,859, and a job to work ratio of 0.969. 12.4.2 Historical Context and Settlement Form The Irish place name for Ballinrobe is Baile an Róba, which translates as “town of the (river) Robe”. Ballinrobe is said to be the oldest town in Mayo and dates back to 1390. Ballinrobe was first established as a market town in 1605, with the town’s role as a garrison town during British rule still very much evident today, in the form of the town’s rich built heritage. The town has one of the highest concentrations of protected structures in the county. This reflects the historic significance of the town and the important role these buildings play in defining its character and identity. The town has a relatively compacted form framed around a central urban block, with existing residential areas generally located outside of the town centre core. 229228

2. Page 132

   Cite this pagePDF p. 132 (opens the publisher’s copy in a new tab)
   CHAPTER 12 SETTLEMENT 228 229 12.4.7 Heritage and Tourism Ballinrobe is rich in built heritage with protected structures (35), NIAH structures (35) and local vernacular buildings, all of which are reflective of the historical development, sense of place and character of the town. The protection, promotion and enhancement of the built and natural heritage of the town and its immediate environs is promoted in this plan. Mayo County Council has carried out habitat mapping in Ballinrobe, which has informed the identification of Local Biodiversity Areas in the town, while an Action Plan has been prepared for Ballinrobe, aimed at conserving and enhancing the natural heritage of the town. The Bowers Walk is an important amenity for locals and visitors to Ballinrobe. This riverside walk stretches for approximately 3 kilometres along the River Robe starting at the bridge, on Bridge Street towards Creagh Bridge and along the old towpath of the canal. Swans and wildlife are plentiful along the walk, together with a variety of flora and fauna when in season. Lough Mask is home to the annual trout fly fishing World Cup Championship, which attracts significant numbers of tourists into the town. Horse racing forms an important part of the Ballinrobe’s heritage and also acts as tourist driver for the town. Ballinrobe is also a base to visit other notable tourist attractions such as Bowers Walk heritage trail, Ballinrobe Golf Course, Ballinrobe Racecourse, Cong, Ballintubber Abbey, Moore Hall; and within easy access to Ireland West Airport Knock. Potential exists for the development of tourist accommodation for visitors travelling to and from these locations. This plan seeks to encourage appropriate development within the town to facilitate and support its tourism potential. 12.4.8 Sustainable Communities Ballinrobe provides an attractive place to live, is rich in heritage, natural beauty and amenity. The town plays an important economic, social and cultural role for the inhabitants of the town itself and the wider hinterland. The town has good community stakeholder engagement and an active Tidy Towns committee. In order to help create sustainable communities, the development strategy for Ballinrobe is to support new housing and population growth, consistent with the Core Strategy. The NPF and RSES recognise that settlement patterns play a fundamental role in influencing how people travel, both the distances undertaken and the modal choice. New housing will be accommodated through facilitating compact growth and the through revitalisation of the historic town core, together with providing of a mix of housing types, densities and tenure to meet the needs of the area. A strong emphasis is placed on building communities with a high standard of design, the principles of place-making, green infrastructure, permeability and connectivity alongside the integration of community and recreation facilities. 12.4.9 Sustainable Travel Ballinrobe is located on the main daily bus route between Westport and Galway. A local community bus service, operated by the Mayo Local Link, also serves the town and the surrounding hinterlands. The number of people who walk to their place of work, study and other services in town is above the national average (9.3%). According to 2016 POWCAR, 12.8% of the daily population walk. However, use of cycling as a sustainable mode of travel is less than 1%, compared to the national average (3%). Therefore, Mayo County Council promotes and supports the development of public transport initiatives, in keeping with the principles of Smarter Travel. Increasing the usage of cycling in the town will require further study (audit), including the provision of new or retrofitted infrastructure and adherence to DMURS guidance standards. 12.4.10 Placemaking and Regeneration Ballinrobe provides the focus for a wide range of activities that contribute to a sense of place and identity. The town has a compact town centre with strong continuous street frontages of two and three storey buildings. It has relatively narrow street proportions and resultant traffic congestion. The two iconic water storage towers provide a sense of place for the town. A number of studies have taken place in Ballinrobe to enhance its urban fabric and address the issues of vacancy within the town centre, including a Town Renewal Scheme study (2000); a Public Realm Plan (2018); as well as projects carried out under the Historic Towns Initiative scheme; and an Adaptive Reuse Project (2019). The Public Realm Plan includes key objectives around the sustainable reuse of existing buildings and a need to encourage town centre living. A number of successful projects have received funding under the Rural Regeneration and Development Fund, including regeneration works for the development of Market House, the town library grounds and an upgrade of The Bowers Walk. In terms of placemaking, the main priority is the consolidation of the town centre and support of existing business in order to maintain vibrancy. A challenging issue facing Ballinrobe is the extent of dereliction and vacancy in the town centre, with notable concentrations of vacant structures along Main Street, Glebe Street and especially Bridge Street. Many buildings in the town centre lend themselves for suitable for renovation of upper storeys into residential use. Ground floors should, however, be prioritised for commercial and community uses that activate the street, where possible. Together, these will help sustain town vibrancy, including the evening economy. Accordingly, the potential for more appropriate use of under-utilised sites, vacant sites and buildings within the existing built-up footprint of Ballinrobe, will aid the delivery of quality housing, services and employment opportunities, in tandem with supporting social infrastructure is promoted. A main priority of the Ballinrobe Settlement Plan is the regeneration and repopulation of the town centre, through the sustainable reuse of existing buildings, focusing on dereliction and the appropriate development of infill opportunity site(s), underpinned by good urban design and placemaking principles. 231230

3. Page 133

   Cite this pagePDF p. 133 (opens the publisher’s copy in a new tab)
   CHAPTER 12 SETTLEMENT 230 231 12.4.11 Town Centre Opportunity Sites (Refer to Map BR 2) Site A - Convent Road/New Street A site has been identified along Convent Road in Ballinrobe town centre, which presents opportunity to increase population within the town centre in line with the Core Strategy. This two- hectare site is strategically located to the east of the town centre. An indicative framework has been provided for the site to guide its potential development. Site A: Location: Lands south of Convent Road. Area: Site area of c. 2 ha. Zoning: Town Centre Mixed Use Potential uses: Residential and Mixed-Use Map 12.1 Opportunity Site A Ballinrobe Site B – Cranmore House No indicative development framework has been developed for Site B, owing to the presence of Cranmore House which is a Protected Structure (RPS No. 76). Any future development must prepare a site brief / masterplan for the proposed site and carefully consider the impacts in the Protected Structure. Site B: Location: Lands at Cranmore House. Area: Site area of c. 2.35 ha. Zoning: Town Centre Mixed Use Potential uses: Residential and Mixed-Use Map 12.2 Opportunity Site B Ballinrobe Site C: Location: Bog Road Area: Site area of c.0.58 ha. Zoning: Potential uses: Commercial & Industry Map 12.3 Opportunity Site C Ballinrobe Site D: Location: Watsons Lane Area: Site area of c.0.65 ha.. Zoning: Enterprise & Employment Potential uses: Commercial & Offices Map 12.3 Opportunity Site C Ballinrobe

4. Page 134

   Cite this pagePDF p. 134 (opens the publisher’s copy in a new tab)
   CHAPTER 12 SETTLEMENT 232 233 Site E: Location: New Street Area: Site area of c.0.23 ha. Zoning: Town Centre Mixed Use Potential uses: Residential and Mixed Use Map 12.5 Opportunity Site E Ballinrobe Site F: Location: Neale Road / New Line Area: Site area of c.0.61 ha. Zoning: Town Centre Mixed Use Potential uses: Residential and Mixed Use Map 12.6 Opportunity Site F Ballinrobe Ballinrobe Settlement Plan Policies BRP 1 To promote the development of Ballinrobe, as a driver of economic growth for the south region of County Mayo and fulfil its role as a designated Self-Sustaining Growth Town and support the potential for the creation of an Economic Growth Cluster in tandem with the towns of Ballyhaunis and Claremorris. BRP 2 To promote and support the re-development and refurbishment of Bridge Street/High Street whilst safeguarding the protected structures and their curtilages along the street. BRP 3 To promote and support the appropriate refurbishment of Cranmore House and the Military Barracks for amenity and cultural purposes. BRP 4 To promote and support the re-establishment of the Ballinrobe to Claremorris dismantled railway line as a walking and cycling route or as a spur line of the Western Rail corridor. BRP 5 To promote and support the enhancement and extension of The Bowers Walk River walkway and safeguard the value of the river as an ecological “green corridor”. Riverside walkway provisions should be incorporated, where appropriate, into development proposals bounding the river. BRP 6 To promote and support the implementation of the projects listed within the Ballinrobe Public Realm Plan during the plan period, to improve attractiveness and permeability of the public realm. Ballinrobe Settlement Plan Objectives BRO 1 To ensure infill development respects the unique height-to-width ratio with respect to building design in Ballinrobe town centre and maintain the existing sense of enclosure on town centre streets. BRO 2 To consider the designation in the town centre of an Architectural Conservation Area, including all or parts of Bowgate Street, Main Street, High Street/Bridge Street, Glebe Street and Abbey Street. BRO 3 To support and facilitate the development of the two identified Town Centre Opportunity Sites in Ballinrobe for appropriate uses, as outlined in Section 12.4.11, and as generally permitted on Town Centre Opportunity Sites in the Land Use Zoning Matrix (Refer to Map BR 2). BRO 4 To seek and encourage ways to make more use of the Cornmarket area, including making the area pedestrian and market-place friendly and encourage and support the provision of a weekly market in the Cornmarket area. BRO 5 To protect the water quality and riparian zone of the rivers Robe and Bulkan. Any proposed developments adjacent to or close to watercourses shall be carefully assessed to ensure that there is no adverse impact to the water course, its riparian zone or to any waterbody into which it flows. BRO 6 To seek to make Tree Preservation Orders for the tree groups along the River Robe and important tree groups in the town. BRO 7 To encourage development in the town of Ballinrobe in accordance with the Land Use Zoning Map. BRO 8 To encourage and facilitate the re-use and regeneration of derelict land and buildings for retail and other town centre uses with due cognisance to the Sequential Approach prescribed in the Retail Planning Guidelines 2012. BRO 9 To use active land management measures, such as the vacant site levy and derelict site levy to ensure the delivery of the projected housing units for Ballinrobe, as set out in the Core Strategy, on Town Centre Opportunity Sites and residential zoned lands. 235234

5. Page 135

   Cite this pagePDF p. 135 (opens the publisher’s copy in a new tab)
   CHAPTER 12 SETTLEMENT 234 235 12.5 Ballyhaunis (Tier II) 12.5.1 Location and Context Ballyhaunis is located in east Mayo at the intersection of the N60 and N83 national routes and within close proximity to a number of large urban centres such as Claremorris and Tuam. The town also lies on the Dublin-Westport railway line and provides a wide range of services and amenities to a significant rural hinterland. The population of Ballyhaunis has nearly doubled in size (84%) over the last twenty years, from 1,287 persons in 1996 (Census figures) to 2,366 persons in 2016 (Census figures). Ballyhaunis is the 6th largest settlement in Mayo, the 27th largest in the Western Region and the 147th largest in the state. According to POWCAR 2016, the total number of jobs located within Ballyhaunis was 1,226. The Ballyhaunis labour catchment is the 21st largest labour catchment in the Western Region with a resident ‘at work’ population of 2,601 and a job to work ratio of 1.460. 12.5.2 Historical Context and Settlement Form Béal Átha hAmhnais translates to “ford-mouth of strife”. The footprint of the town has developed primarily to the west of the River Dalgan, focussed around four main streets: i.e. Main Street, Knox Street, Bridge Street and Clare Road. The town originally developed around the Augustinian Friary, which dates from 1348. The structure of the settlement is well defined with retail and commercial uses primarily located within its town core, and with educational, institutional and community uses generally located on the outskirts. 12.5.3 Function and Vision Ballyhaunis is located in the Claremorris Municipal District. The town is an important employment base in the east of the county, particularly in the areas of food processing, agri-engineering and manufacturing. Mayo County Council promotes the consolidation of growth within the established footprint of the town in conjunction with regeneration, public realm enhancement, while supporting local employment and the expansion of services to meet the needs of residents and visitors. It is envisioned that Ballyhaunis, along with the Claremorris and Ballinrobe can form a Growth Cluster in South Mayo to harness their combined strengths to contribute towards the consolidation of the Atlantic Economic Corridor. 12.5.4 Economic Development Ballyhaunis has an established industrial and manufacturing base in the town. According to 2016 POWCAR figures Manufacturing Industries account for 27.3% of the main employment sectors in the town, which is significantly higher that the state average (13%). The other main employment sectors in the town include the Service Sector (19.3%) and ICT and Professional Services (9%). The key economic activities in Ballyhaunis are concentrated in a number of significant companies that relate directly and indirectly to the food processing industry. The town also has a range of other manufacturing industries that includes furniture, plastics and kitchen construction. A range of medium to small retail outlets, as well as employment in the state sector and the financial sector provide important employment in the town. Opportunities also exist for start-ups and incubation hubs in Ballyhaunis at the Enterprise Centre, located centrally. Additionally, Ballyhaunis remains an important service town for a wide agricultural hinterland in East Mayo and with a reach into County Roscommon. 12.5.5 Social Infrastructure Ballyhaunis serves as the retail centre and employment base for a larger rural catchment area and provides a range of services, social and community facilities, including a library, outdoor swimming pool, garda station, post office, medical centres, pre-school, primary school, secondary school, two churches, bank, enterprise centre, retail shops and public houses within the town. It is also home to Ireland’s first purpose-built mosque. Ballyhaunis also has numerous community, sporting and social clubs. Sports and recreational facilities in the town comprise of a GAA club, a rugby pitch, children’s playgrounds, Multi Use Games Area (MUGA) and outdoor gym at the Friary grounds. The Abbey Walk, along the Dalgan River, at the Friary grounds, also constitutes a valuable natural amenity and visitor attraction for the town. 12.5.6 Physical Infrastructure Ballyhaunis is served by the N60 and N83 National Roads. The town also has direct rail links to Dublin, is located within twenty-minute drive of Ireland West Airport Knock and has VDSL broadband (Very high-speed Digital Subscriber Line) available. Ballyhaunis is served by an existing municipal wastewater treatment plant (4,000PE) and a water supply from the Lough Mask regional water supply scheme. There is sufficient capacity in this infrastructure to cater for the projected population increase as set out in the Core Strategy. 12.5.7 Tourism and Heritage The Augustinian Friary in Ballyhaunis is the second oldest friary in Mayo, after Ballintubber Abbey. The Friary and its grounds and graveyard are a prominent cultural amenity and tourist attraction in the town. Other tourist attractions include Ballyhaunis Golf Course, a 9-hole parkland course situated on the N83 on the outskirts of the town. Knock Shrine, Connaught GAA Centre of Excellence and Ireland West Airport Knock are in close proximity to Ballyhaunis. Potential exists for the development of tourist accommodation in the town for visitors travelling to and from these locations. The Friary Ground in Ballyhaunis also serves as an important natural amenity for locals and visitors alike, and includes a walkway along the river, playground, MUGA and outdoor gym, along with a new sensory garden and an abundance of flora and fauna. 12.5.8 Sustainable Communities Ballyhaunis is rich in culture, heritage and amenity, with a diverse mix of cultures and nationalities. The town is the most diverse and inclusive in the country in the 2016 Census, with migrants from 20 different ethnicities making up more than half of the population. Ballyhaunis is a good example of a mixed community, living, working and co-operating together, to create a great place for people to live and bring up families. The town also has good community stakeholder engagement and an active Tidy Towns committee. In order to help create sustainable communities, the development strategy for Ballyhaunis is to support new housing and population growth, consistent with the Core Strategy. The NPF and RSES recognise that settlement patterns play a fundamental role in influencing how people travel, both in terms of the distances undertaken and the modal choice. Stronger connections and linkages between residential settlements and the town centre is important in ensuring sustainable communities. The NPF and RSES recognise that settlement patterns play a fundamental role in influencing how people travel, both the distances undertaken and the modal choice. New housing will be accommodated through facilitating compact growth and the through revitalisation of the historic town core, together with providing of a mix of housing types, densities and tenure to meet the needs of the area. A strong emphasis is placed on building communities with a high standard of design, the principles 237236

6. Page 136

   Cite this pagePDF p. 136 (opens the publisher’s copy in a new tab)
   CHAPTER 12 SETTLEMENT 236 237 of place-making, green infrastructure, permeability and connectivity alongside the integration of community and recreation facilities. In this regard, a number of Town Centre Opportunity Sites have been identified to encourage development within the town centre. 12.5.9 Sustainable Travel The number of people who walk to their place of work, study and other services in town is above the national average (9.3%). According to 2016 POWCAR, 15.71% of the daily population walk. However, use of cycling as a sustainable mode of travel is less than 1%, compared to the national average (3%). Therefore, Mayo County Council promotes and supports the development of public transport initiatives, in keeping with the principles of Smarter Travel. Increasing the usage of cycling in the town will require further study (audit), including the provision of new or retrofitted infrastructure and adherence to DMURS guidance standards. 12.5.10 Place Making and Regeneration Ballyhaunis provides the focus for a wide range of activities that contribute to a sense of place and identity. Public realm enhancement works have been completed at Market Square, Knox Street, Clare Street and Bridge Street through funding received under the Town and Village Renewal Scheme. These public realm enhancement and refurbishment works comprised of paving, upgrading of pedestrian footpaths and crossings, undergrounding of overhead cables, new public lighting, surface water alleviation works, all of which have visually enhanced the attractiveness of the town centre. These works also provide social and environmental benefits to the local community and to visitors to the town, encouraging economic growth and providing a pedestrian bias within the town centre. It is envisaged these works will act as a catalyst to assist with the revitalisation of existing building stock along Main Street, Knox Street, Bridge Street and Clare Street. Funding has also been received through the Rural Regeneration Development Fund to prepare a design brief for the former convent school on Abbey Street for its redevelopment for community use as a workspace hub and to support local enterprise. The design brief also includes a new public plaza adjoining the community hub building and a new pedestrian bridge connecting the plaza to the public swimming pool. Restoration of the existing riverside walk along the River Dalgan, the creation of a new circular walking route through the town and provision of a new cover and heating facilities at the public outdoor swimming pool have greatly improved the amenity offering of the town. 12.5.11 Town Centre Opportunity Sites The potential exists for better use of under-utilised and vacant sites within the town centre area of Ballyhaunis, to drive the delivery of quality housing, services and employment opportunities, in tandem with supporting social infrastructure. In this regard, four town centre opportunity sites have been identified in the town. An indicative development framework has been provided for each site to guide developers. Site A: Lands east of Aisling Drive Site B: Lands south of Supervalu between St Gerards Crescent and Clare Court. Site C: Lands to the rear of MidWest Radio with access off Barrack Street. Site D: Lands east of Knox Street The redevelopment of these sites presents an opportunity to further contribute to the rejuvenation and revitalisation of Ballyhaunis and to enhance the overall improvement of the public realm and visual amenity of the area. Site A: Location: Lands east of Aisling Drive and West of St. Patricks Church, with access off Upper Main Street and St. Gerards Crescent. Area: Site area of c. 4.69ha. Zoning: Town Centre Mixed Use Potential uses: Residential and Mixed-Use Map 12.7 Opportunity Site A Ballyhaunis Site B: Location: Lands south of Supervalu between St Gerards Crescent and Clare Court. Area: Site area of c. 2.2 ha. Zoning: Town Centre Mixed Use Potential uses: Residential and Mixed-Use Map 12.8 Opportunity Site B Ballyhaunis 239238

7. Page 137

   Cite this pagePDF p. 137 (opens the publisher’s copy in a new tab)
   CHAPTER 12 SETTLEMENT 238 239 Site C: Location: Lands to the rear of MidWest Radio with access off Barrack Street. Area: Site area of c. 0.42 ha. Zoning: Town Centre Mixed Use Potential uses: Residential and Mixed-Use Map 12.9 Opportunity Site C Ballyhaunis Site D: Location: Lands east of Knox Area: Site area of c. 1.68 ha. Zoning: Town Centre Mixed Use Potential uses: Residential and Mixed-Use Map 12.10 Opportunity Site D Ballyhaunis Ballyhaunis Settlement Plan Policies BSP 1 To promote the development of Ballyhaunis as a driver of economic growth for the southeast region of County Mayo and fulfil its role as a designated Self-Sustaining Growth Town and to further investigate the potential for the creation of an Economic Growth Cluster, in tandem with the towns of Ballinrobe and Claremorris. BSP 2 To protect St. Mary’s Abbey and its associated lands as one of the town’s key tourist attractions. BSP 3 To support community-led developments, where appropriate, including the implementation of Community Futures Action Plan for Ballyhaunis (2016-2021) or any amended or superseding Community Futures Plan for the town. BSP 4 To promote and support the enhancement and extension of the Dalgan River walkway and to safeguard the value of the river as an ecological “green corridor”. Riverside walkway provisions should be incorporated, where appropriate, into development proposals bounding the river. BSP 5 To promote the town’s strategic location in relation to Ireland West Airport Knock. Ballyhaunis Settlement Plan Objectives BSO 1 To improve the attractiveness of the built fabric of the town centre, including the encouragement of appropriate redevelopment and renewal of vacant sites and buildings, in particular Knox St, and to ensure high architectural quality in all new developments. BSO 2 To support and facilitate the development of the four identified Town Centre Opportunity Sites in Ballyhaunis for appropriate uses, as outlined in Section 12.5.11, and as generally permitted on Town Centre Opportunity Sites in the Land Use Zoning Matrix (Refer to Map BS 2). BSO 3 To continue to facilitate the further development of the Abbey Walk as an amenity/ recreation area in Ballyhaunis. BSO 4 To provide a civic amenity facility in Ballyhaunis. BSO 5 To continue to encourage rail use as a sustainable mode of transport and to promote the upgrading of the rail services to the town and connecting bus services. BSO 6 To ensure the future protection of lands adjacent to the railway station from inappropriate development that could jeopardize the long-term viability and improvement of the transport facility. BSO 7 To protect the water quality and riparian zone of the Dalgan River and to encourage appropriate developments that enhance its landscape setting and public benefit. BSO 8 To facilitate the construction of the town’s outer bypass. BSO 9 To ensure that the strategic importance, capacity and safe operation of the Knock Link Road is maintained by restricting the number of access points entering and exiting onto the road. BSO 10 To encourage development in the town of Ballyhaunis in accordance with the Land Use Zoning Map. 241240

8. Page 138

   Cite this pagePDF p. 138 (opens the publisher’s copy in a new tab)
   CHAPTER 12 SETTLEMENT 240 241 BSO 11 To encourage and facilitate the re-use and regeneration of derelict land and buildings for retail and other town centre uses with due cognisance to the Sequential Approach prescribed in the Retail Planning Guidelines 2012. BSO 12 To use active land management measures, such as the vacant site levy and derelict site levy to ensure the delivery of the projected housing units for Ballyhaunis, as set out in the Core Strategy, on Town Centre Opportunity Sites and residential zoned lands. 12.6 Béal an Mhuirthead (Tier II) 12.6.1 Location and Context Béal an Mhuirthead is a coastal Gaeltacht town located in northwest Mayo, between Broadhaven Bay and Blacksod Bay at the entrance to the Mullet Peninsula. The town is situated along the Wild Atlantic Way and is well located for easy access to some of the most scenic areas in Ireland. The town is situated approximately 62km west of Ballina and 75km to the north-west of Castlebar. The population of Béal an Mhuirthead has marginally increased over the last twenty years, from 954 persons in 1996 (Census figures) to 1,019 persons in 2016 (Census figures). The population of the town is the 12th largest settlement in Mayo, the 60th largest in the Western Region and the 276th largest in the state. According to POWCAR 2016, the total number of jobs located within of Béal an Mhuirthead was 689. The labour catchment is the 28th largest labour catchment in the Western Region with a resident ‘at work’ population of 1,751 and a job to work ratio of 1.735. 12.6.2 Historical Context and Settlement Form The Irish place name for Belmullet is Béal an Mhuirthead, which translates as “mouth of the Mullet Peninsula”. The origin’s if the town can be traced back to Arthur Shaen, who, in 1715, began to develop the town, when he was trying to create a new canal passageway from Blacksod bay into Broadhaven Bay. By the 1820’s, Béal an Mhuirthead begin to develop and prosper following the construction of a new road to Castlebar. The landlord, William Henry Carter, was very influential in the development of the town by improving its infrastructure, building the Erris Hotel and a quay, which could accommodate large vessels. The settlement quickly developed into the principle town in the barony of Erris. The structure of the town today is well defined, with retail and commercial uses primarily located within its town core, and with educational and community uses located on edge of town centre locations. 12.6.3 Function and Vision Béal an Mhuirthead is located in the Westport-Belmullet Municipal District. The town is recognised as the main service centre for the Northwest of Mayo. The function of Béal an Mhuirthead is to provide local residential, retail, services and community facilities to residents and the wider dispersed, rural hinterland. The town is also a designated Gaeltacht Service Town and the largest settlement within the Mayo Gaeltacht. Opportunity exists to increase the population of the town and enhance jobs and services, by consolidating growth within the existing urban footprint. The Plan supports measures to provide local employment opportunities and an increase in services, together with measures to visually enhance the public realm and historic character and setting of this settlement. The plan also provides an opportunity to maximise the potential of the strategic location of Béal an Mhuirthead, as a Fáilte Ireland ‘Destination Town’ along the Wild Atlantic Way. 12.6.4 Economic Development The largest employment sectors in Béal an Mhuirthead according to the Census 2016 are the services sector and the education & social work sectors both accounting for 27.6%, which is higher than the state average for both sectors, 25.7% and 22.8% respectively. Manufacturing industries (10.9%) and ICT and professional services (8.3%) are the third and fourth largest employment sectors, respectively. The town is well served by Údaras na Gaeltachta, which has a business park accommodating many indigenous firms. Údaras also has a state-of-the-art innovation and digital hub. The economic profile of the town is further supplemented by tourism, hotels, large comparison shops, convenience shops and several independent traders. Potential exists in the town centre in the form of the appropriate development of undeveloped lands and the re-use of existing vacant buildings, to further enhance the convenience and comparison retail offer. 12.6.5 Social Infrastructure Béal an Mhuirthead also has numerous community, sporting and social clubs. Sports and recreational facilities in the town environs comprise of a tidal swimming pool, MUGA. pier, links golf course, GAA pitches, soccer pitches, a handball alley, and children’s playgrounds. Áras Inis Gluaire /Erris Arts Centre is Ireland’s only bilingual arts centre. It provides a cultural, social, economic and educational service, via the medium of the arts, for and on behalf of the Erris community. 12.6.6 Physical Infrastructure Béal an Mhuirthead is served by an existing municipal wastewater treatment plant (2,500PE) and a water supply from the Erris Regional water supply scheme, which is sourced from Carrowmore Lake. There is sufficient capacity in this infrastructure for the projected population increase, as set out in the Core Strategy. The town is mainly served by the R313 regional route, which intersects with the R314 regional route serving the north coast and the N59 national secondary route in Bangor. The Belmullet Aerodrome is located 3.7 km west of the town. Béal an Mhuirthead benefits from fibre optic broadband infrastructure know as Metropolitan Area Network (MAN) capable of delivering virtually unlimited bandwidth. The town has also been selected as a location for the provision of free outdoor public Wi- Fi hotspots under the European Commission Wifi4EU scheme. This will provide free Wi-Fi for visitors and local residents in the town and hinterland, helping to bring about a digitally connected Mayo. 12.6.7 Heritage and Tourism There are two protected structures in Béal an Mhuirthead, namely Tallagh House and the Church of Ireland, however, there are many more structures included in the NIAH, all of which contribute to the sense of place and character of the town. Mayo County Council have identified Local Biodiversity Areas within the plan area of the town. Béal an Mhuirthead due to its scenic and coastal location, is a popular tourist destination. The town was also awarded Tourism Destination Town Status by Fáilte Ireland. There are numerous Blue Flag beaches within the area. A strong tradition of fishing prevails and Béal an Mhuirthead Harbour is a focal point for visiting fishermen and locals alike. This plan seeks to encourage appropriate development within the town to facilitate and support its tourism potential. The town has a very distinctive and strong cultural and linguistic heritage, and this combined with its role as a tourism is one of the main drivers behind economic growth in the town and region into the future. Béal an Mhuirthead also has a rich history as a market town and facilitates many heritage and craft events such as the Erris Agricultural/Heritage Show. 243242

9. Page 139

   Cite this pagePDF p. 139 (opens the publisher’s copy in a new tab)
   CHAPTER 12 SETTLEMENT 242 243 12.6.8 Sustainable Communities Béal an Mhuirthead provides an attractive place to live, is rich in heritage, natural beauty and amenity. The town plays an important economic, social and cultural role for its inhabitants and the wider hinterland. It has good community stakeholder engagement and an active Tidy Towns committee. Building on this, the Plan supports Béal an Mhuirthead’s transition to a low carbon town through Sustainable Energy Community Belmullet. Works include energy efficiency in buildings, installation of renewable technology, distributive grid and smart grid technology. To help sustainable communities, a strong emphasis is placed on building communities with a high standard of design, on the principles of place-making, green infrastructure, permeability and connectivity alongside the integration of community and recreation facilities and supporting community-led projects. In this regard, a number of Town Centre Opportunity Sites have been identified to encourage development within the town centre. 12.6.9 Sustainable Travel The private car is the primary mode of transport at 79.14%, which is substantially above the national average (61.40%). In terms of public transport, less than 1% use public transport, which can be attributed to the geographical location of the Béal an Mhuirthead in northwest. The town is located on the daily bus route between Béal an Mhuirthead and Ballina, and private bus operators and a local community bus service operated by the Mayo Local Link serves the town and the surrounding hinterlands. The Council is keen to promote and support the development of public transport initiatives in keeping with the principles of Smarter Travel. The number of people who walk to their place of work, study and other services in town is above the national average (9.3%). According to 2016 POWCAR, 10.95% of the daily population walk. However, use of cycling as a sustainable mode of travel is less than 1%, compared to the national average (3%). Mayo County Council promotes and supports the development of increased cycling in the town, including the provision of new or retrofitted infrastructure and adherence to DMURS guidance standards. 12.6.10 Placemaking and Regeneration The main priority, in terms of placemaking, is the appropriate protection and enhancement of the built environment in the town centre, including consolidation and support of existing businesses, in order to maintain vibrancy. Béal an Mhuirthead, as a Destination Town, has secured funding for public realm enhancement works. A public realm plan would provide a planned approach to inform enhancement works in the town centre. The town has also been successful under the Town and Village Renewal Scheme for the provision of covered outdoor spaces for community purposes, which will contribute to a sense of place. Many buildings in the centre would be suitable for the renovation of upper storeys into residential use. Ground floors should be prioritised for commercial and community uses that activate the street level. Such measures will help sustain town vibrancy, including the evening economy. Mayo County Council maintains a live GIS database of all vacant and derelict buildings in Béal an Mhuirthead and will work with key stakeholders to actively tackle vacancy and dereliction, including through active land management options. Accordingly, the potential exists for better use of under-utilised land, vacant sites and buildings within the existing built-up footprint of Béal an Mhuirthead exists, in order to drive the delivery of quality housing, services and employment opportunities, in tandem with supporting social infrastructure. 12.6.11 Town Centre Opportunity Sites (Refer to Map BT 2) To actively progress town centre regeneration, three Town Centre Opportunity Sites have been identified for comprehensive redevelopment or refurbishment of existing brownfield/infill lands over the lifetime of the plan. The redevelopment of these sites presents an opportunity to contribute to Béal an Mhuirthead’s rejuvenation and revitalisation and to the overall improvement of the public realm and visual amenity of the area. An indicative framework has been provided to guide the appropriate development of each site. Site A: Greenfield site (c.0.31ha.) off Main Street towards western end of settlement. Potential suitable uses for residential and mixed use purposes. Map 12.11 Opportunity Site A Béal an Mhuirthead Site B: Brownfiled infill site (c0.10ha.) located in between American Street and Chapel Street. Potential suitable uses for residential and mixed use purposes. Map 12.12 Opportunity Site B Béal an Mhirthead 245244

10. Page 140

    Cite this pagePDF p. 140 (opens the publisher’s copy in a new tab)
    CHAPTER 12 SETTLEMENT 244 245 Site C: Brownfield site (0.61ha.) located in between Bridge Road Cúirt Na Canála. Potential suitable uses for residential/ Camping and Caravan Park. Map 12.13 Opportunity Site C Béal an Mhirthead Béal an Mhuirthead Settlement Plan Policies BTP 1 To promote the development of Béal an Mhuiread as a driver of economic growth for the Erris region and fulfil its role as a designated Self-Sustaining Growth Town. BTP 2 To strengthen and protect the linguistic heritage of the town and to promote use of the Irish language in the public realm through signage and other measures throughout the town centre area. BTP 3 To support the provision of a swimming pool in Béal an Mhuirthead through public private partnership, assistance to a private promoter or any other means. BTP 4 To support community-led development, where appropriate, including the implementation of Community Futures Action Plan for Belmullet (2019-2024) or any amended or superseding Community Futures Plan for the town. BTP 5 To support, where appropriate, proposals for the enhancement of the public realm within the town core. Béal an Mhuirthead Settlement Plan Objectives BTO 1 To work with local agencies, in particular Údarás na Gaeltachta, to encourage the development and growth of Béal an Mhuirthead as an employment centre for the wider rural area. BTO 2 To prioritise the construction of a civic amenity site in Béal an Mhuirthead. BTO 3 To create a more pedestrian friendly environment in the town centre of Béal an Mhuirthead. BTO 4 To support and facilitate the development of the three identified Town Centre Opportunity Sites in Béal an Mhuirthead for appropriate uses, as outlined in Section 12.6.11, and as generally permitted on Town Centre Opportunity Sites in the Land Use Zoning Matrix (Refer to Map BT 2). BTO 5 To encourage development in the town of Béal an Mhuirthead in accordance with the Land Use Zoning Map. BTO 6 To encourage and facilitate the re-use and regeneration of derelict land and buildings for retail and other town centre uses with due cognisance to the Sequential Approach prescribed in the Retail Planning Guidelines 2012. BTO 7 To use active land management measures, such as the vacant site levy and derelict site levy to ensure the delivery of the projected housing units for Béal an Mhuirthead, as set out in the Core Strategy, on Town Centre Opportunity Sites and residential zoned lands. 12.7 Claremorris (Tier II) 12.7.1 Location and Context Claremorris is located in southeast Mayo at the intersection of the N17 and N60 national routes and within close proximity to a number of large urban centres such as Castlebar, Ballinrobe, Ballyhaunis and Tuam. The town also lies on the Dublin-Westport railway line and provides a wide range of services and amenities to a significant rural hinterland. The population of Claremorris has nearly doubled in size (92%) over the last twenty years, from 1,914 persons in 1996 (Census figures) to 3,687 persons in 2016 (Census figures). Claremorris is the 4th largest settlement in Mayo, the 18th largest in the Western Region and the 108th largest in the state. According to POWCAR 2016, the total number of jobs located within Claremorris was 1,411. The Claremorris labour catchment is the 19th largest labour catchment in the Western Region with a resident ‘at work’ population of 2,871 and a job to work ratio of 0.906. 12.7.2 Historical Context and Settlement Form The town was founded during the late 17th century and early 18th century. The basic linear pattern of the town with its distinctive market square around which the town has grown was already established by the late eighteenth century. The opening of the railway in 1863 strengthened the role of Claremorris and the railway heritage of this era is a distinctive feature of the town. 12.7.3 Function and Vision Claremorris is located in the Claremorris–Swinford Municipal District. The town is recognised as the main service centre in the southeast of the county and is therefore an important economic driver for the region. Mayo County Council promotes the consolidation of growth within the established footprint of the town in conjunction with regeneration, public realm enhancement, while supporting local employment and the expansion of services to meet the needs of residents and visitors. It is envisioned that Claremorris, along with the Ballyhaunis and Ballinrobe can form a Growth Cluster in South Mayo to harness their combined strengths to contribute towards the consolidation of the Atlantic Economic Corridor. 247246

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.