Mayo County Development Plan 2022–2028

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   CHAPTER 12 SETTLEMENT 286 287 12.16.10 Opportunity Sites Three Opportunity Sites have been identified for Louisburgh (Refer to Map): Opportunity Site 1 Located north of the town centre close to Santa Maria College and has dual access from the R335 and the local parallel road. Opportunity Site 2 Located off a local road to the west of the R335 adjacent to the Crannogs residential development. Opportunity Site 3 Located east of the town centre along Chapel Street adjacent to the primary school. These sites have been identified in Louisburgh for residential purposes to further contribute to the rejuvenation and revitalisation close to and within the town centre. Proposals for development within the opportunity sites should be accompanied by a site brief and should comply with national guidelines that seek to achieve sustainable compact development and to integrate principles of good urban design and placemaking. Louisburgh Settlement Plan Policies LHP 1 To support the promotion of Louisburgh as a key tourist destination in the county and along the Wild Atlantic Way. LHP 2 To support community-led developments, where appropriate, including the implementation of the Louisburgh Community Futures Action Plan (2016-2021) or any amended or superseding Community Futures Plan for the town. Louisburgh Settlement Plan Objectives LHO 1 To actively work with Irish Water to increase the capacity/upgrade Louisburgh wastewater treatment plant. LHO 2 To re-establish a village green on Church Street. LHO 3 To establish a pedestrian link between the town and Carrowmore Beach. LHO 4 To encourage the development of a Bunowen River walkway and to safeguard the value of the river as an ecological “green corridor”. Riverside walkway provisions should be incorporated into development proposals bounding the river, where appropriate. LHO 5 To protect the water quality and riparian zone of the Bunowen River. 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. LHO 6 To support and, where possible, implement measures to create interpretative walking routes in and around the town, linking the town’s special features of built and natural heritage interest. LHO 7 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. LHO 8 To support and facilitate the development of the three identified Opportunity Sites in Louisburgh for residential development, as outlined in Section 12.16.10 (Refer to Map). LHO 9 No new incompatible development is permitted within Flood Zone A/B areas and that these areas be maintained for the impacts of climate change in accordance with the provisions of the Flood Risk Management Guidelines (DoEHLG/OPW 2009) and Circular PL2/2014 (or any updated/superseding document). 12.17 Newport (Tier III) 12.17.1 Location and Context Newport is a coastal town located on the north-eastern corner of Clew Bay, along the N59, national route. It is located approximately 14km north of Westport and 18km west of Castlebar. The town is located along the Wild Atlantic Way and is well located for easy access to some of the most scenic areas in Ireland. Newport is the 15th largest settlement in Mayo. The population of the town has gradually increased (10.4%) over the last twenty years, from 567 persons in 1996 (Census figures) to 626 persons in 2016 (Census figures). The focus of the settlement plan is to encourage job creation and population growth within the built-up footprint of the town, combined with service provision and attracting investment. 12.17.2 Historical Context and Settlement Form Newport (Baile Úi Fhiacháin) was founded in the early years of the 18th century and was formerly known as Ballyveaghan. The combination of its coastal location on the shores of Clew Bay, intersected by and at the mouth of the Newport River, its distinctive topographical features and changing economic and social fortunes over time have shaped the urban form of Newport, giving it a unique and distinctive character of its own. The town has varying backdrops of mature woodland, seascape and key landmark structures such as the seven arch railway viaduct, St Patrick’s Catholic Church and Newport House. The town has a relatively compact form, though there are existing residential developments located at a remove from the town core, with limited footpath and public lighting linkages. 12.17.3 Function and Vision Newport is located in the Westport-Belmullet Municipal District. The town provides an important economic focus, including providing retail, residential, service and amenity functions for locals and the wider rural hinterlands, while supporting the upper tier towns of the Settlement Hierarchy. The Plan supports opportunities to maximise the potential of Newport, along the Great Western Greenway and the Wild Atlantic Way. Consolidated growth within its footprint, regeneration, supporting local employment, and expansion of services to meet the needs of residents and visitors, together with measures to visually enhance the public realm, will be key in realising the potential of Newport as a Tier III Self-Sustaining Town. 289288

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   CHAPTER 12 SETTLEMENT 288 289 12.17.4 Economic Development Newport is an important service town for the wider agricultural hinterland of the Newport / Mulranny area and provides a range of services and facilities to meet the daily needs of the local population. A range of medium to small retail outlets, tourist accommodation, public houses and restaurants provide important employment in the town. Opportunity exists for the town to enhance its retail offer and in this regard, the Council will look favourably upon the re-use of existing vacant buildings in the town centre for local level convenience and comparison shopping, including tourism/niche comparison outlets in the town. 12.17.5 Social Infrastructure Newport provides a range of services, social and community facilities, including a post office, medical centre, pre-school, primary school, parish hall, church, retail shops, butchers, bicycle rental shops, hotels, restaurants and public houses. Newport has numerous community, sporting and social clubs and recreational facilities. Sports and recreational facilities in the town include the GAA club, MUGA, community pitch and children’s playground. 12.17.6 Physical Infrastructure Newport is served by the N59 and R311 and R317 road network, which directly connects the town to Westport, Castlebar and Achill, respectively. A new municipal wastewater treatment plant (1,800PE) is planned for the town with an expected completion date of 2024. The town draws its water supply from the Newport water supply scheme, which is sourced from the Newport River. The town has high speed broadband and has 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 residents in the town and hinterland, helping to bring about a digitally connected Mayo. 12.17.7Heritage and Tourism The Newport River (also known as the Black Oak River) flows through the centre of the town and there are walking paths along its banks. The Westport-Achill Greenway traverses the centre of the settlement and is an important recreational asset for local residents and tourist alike. Mayo County Council has carried out habitat mapping in Newport, which has informed the identification of Local Biodiversity Areas in the town, while an Action Plan has been prepared for Newport, aimed at conserving and enhancing the natural heritage of the town. Newport contains many protected structures (8), NIAH structures (24), a recorded monuments and other local vernacular buildings, all of which are reflective of the historical development, sense of place and character of the town. Newport is a strong tourist destination due to its coastal location and proximity to Westport, Castlebar, Croagh Patrick, Achill Island and other areas of the west Mayo coastline. Newport’s location on the Newport River, Clew Bay and the Great Western Greenway makes it an attractive place to live in and to visit with great potential for tourism (especially marine related); fishing; cycling /walking and railway enthusiasts. This Plan seeks to encourage appropriate development within the town to facilitate and support its tourism potential. 12.17.8 Sustainable Communities Newport provides an attractive place to live and is rich in heritage, natural beauty and amenity. It has a strong community spirit, and a Community Futures Action Plan (2011 -2016) has been prepared for the town. The development strategy for Newport is to support new housing and population growth, consistent with the Core Strategy, facilitating compact growth through revitalisation of the historic town core, together with providing of a mix of housing types, densities and tenure. This is both to meet the needs of Newport and to offer a viable alternative to single rural housing within the surrounding countryside. The town is located on the daily bus route between Westport and Achill and a local community bus service operated by the Mayo Local Link also serves the town and the surrounding hinterlands. The County Council is keen to continue to promote and support the development of public transport initiatives in keeping with the principles of Smarter Travel and increased active travel in the town. A lighting masterplan for Newport has been prepared. Newport is a registered Sustainable Energy Community with the SEAI and is preparing an Energy Master Plan. 12.17.9 Placemaking and Regeneration The structure of the town is well defined, with retail and commercial uses primarily located within its town core, with educational and community uses generally on the outskirts. Public realm works in the form of paved public open spaces, wider footpaths, safe pedestrian crossings, improved disability access, off-road cycling routes and general streetscape enhancements, including ‘Dark Skies-friendly’ public lighting, are planned for Newport under the RRDF. A new enterprise hub workspace facility and a new tourism office is planned for local authority/community-owned derelict buildings at Barrack Hill. The realisation of these landmark projects will greatly enhance the public realm and vibrancy of the town. A redesign of sustainable dark-sky friendly lighting is planned for St Patrick’s Church and the Viaduct Bridge’. A main priority of the Newport 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 consolidation site(s), underpinned by good urban design and placemaking principles. This will help drive the delivery of quality housing, services and employment opportunities, in tandem with supporting social infrastructure. Mayo County Council, in partnership with key stakeholders, carried out the Newport Character Study which highlighted projects that aim to improve the attractiveness of the town centre whilst revitalising and enhancing the historic fabric of the town. 12.17.10 Opportunity Sites One Opportunity Site has been identified for Newport (Refer to Map): Opportunity Site: Site one is located off Quay Road to the North and abuts the Craobh Ban housing development the west. This site has been identified in Newport for residential purposes to further contribute to the rejuvenation and revitalisation close to and within the town centre. Proposals for development within the opportunity site should be accompanied by a site brief and should comply with national guidelines that seek to achieve sustainable compact development and to integrate principles of good urban design and placemaking. 291290

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   CHAPTER 12 SETTLEMENT 290 291 Newport Settlement Plan Policies NTP 1 To have regard to the findings and provisions set out in the Newport Character Study. NTP 2 To support the promotion of Newport as a key tourist destination in the county and along the Wild Atlantic Way, with emphasis on cultural heritage, sailing, angling, fishing and walking/cycling. NTP 3 To promote more frequent bus services to Castlebar/Westport allowing increased connectivity and accessibility for tourists and residents alike. NTP 4 To support the favourable conservation status of the Freshwater Pearl Mussel (Margaritifera margaritifera) population located in Newport River, in accordance with the programme of measures contained in the Newport Sub-basin Management Plan. In this regard, development will only be permitted where it can be demonstrated that the proposed development will not have an adverse effect on the Freshwater Pearl Mussel population or its habitat, by virtue of their conservation objectives. NTP 5 To support the implementation of flagship lighting designs for St Patrick’s Church and the viaduct bridge, to support Newport’s Lighting Masterplan and to support the safeguarding the accreditation of nearby Mayo Dark Sky Park. Newport Settlement Plan Objectives NTO 1 To protect and enhance existing amenity areas/facilities in Newport, particularly the river/estuary, the playground, the tennis courts, the sporting pitches, Grace Kelly Amenity Park and the Great Western Greenway. NTO 2 To support and facilitate pedestrian mobility and safety in the town, by introducing traffic calming measures and pedestrian crossings. NTO 3 To identify an appropriate site within the town for the development of a new community hall. NTO 4 To protect the water quality and riparian zone of the Newport River and all water courses and surface waters within the area, their water quality, ecology and function as ecological corridors. In this regard, development will only be permitted where it can be demonstrated that the proposed development will not have an adverse effect on the integrity of the Natura 2000 sites including the Clew Bay Complex (Site Code 001482) and Newport River (Site Code 002144) candidate Special Areas of Conservation. NTO 5 To seek to make Tree Preservation Orders for individual and groups of trees in the town, particularly those located at Newport House, Grace Kelly Amenity Park and along the Newport River. NTO 6 To support and facilitate the provision of a wastewater treatment plant and associated works for the town. NTO 7 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. NTO 8 To support and facilitate the development of the identified Opportunity Site in Newport for residential development, as outlined in Section 12.17.10 (Refer to Map). NTO 9 No new incompatible development is permitted within Flood Zone A/B areas and that these areas be maintained for the impacts of climate change in accordance with the provisions of the Flood Risk Management Guidelines (DoEHLG/OPW 2009) and Circular PL2/2014 (or any updated/ superseding document). 12.18 Settlement Plans for Tier IV Rural Settlements and Tier V Rural Villages Tier IV Rural Settlements and Tier V Rural Villages, as identified in the Settlement Hierarchy, provide important local level residential, retailing and community functions to their rural hinterlands. Rural Settlements consist of serviced villages with population levels greater than 50 persons, but less than 500, while Rural Villages consists of both serviced and non-serviced villages, with population levels less than 50 persons. Irish Water wastewater infrastructure is present in the following Tier V Rural Villages: Aghagower, Ballycroy, Doogort, Moygownagh, The Neale, Tourmakeady, Gaoth Salia (Gweesalia), Hollymount, Roundfort and Kilmovee. Although not all rural villages are serviced, the settlement strategy allows for appropriately scaled developments in such settlements, subject to compliance with normal planning considerations and relevant environmental standards. In order to realise the consolidation of the Tier IV Rural Settlements and Tier V Rural Villages, each settlement and village are defined by a development boundary. A single category mixed-use zoning called Rural Settlement Consolidation Zoning applies to all Tier IV Rural Settlements. New development is encouraged to be delivered in a sustainable, sequential manner from the village core outwards, while promoting the reuse and redevelopment of vacant and derelict sites and buildings. The same development approach is adopted for Tier V Rural Villages, with the single category mixed- use zoning referred to as Rural Village Consolidation Zoning. The single category zoning approach provides for a mix of development types, which supports the sustainable growth of the rural area, while providing an alternative in terms of housing choice in the form of vibrant rural communities. A common set of policies and objectives apply to Tier IV Rural Settlements and Tier V Rural Villages. Rural Settlement and Village Settlement Plan Policies RSVP 1 To promote the development of rural settlements and villages to meet the needs of these established communities and to provide an alternative choice for those seeking to live in a more rural setting, while supporting existing local services and facilities. RSVP 2 To support the consolidation of Mayo’s rural settlements and villages, by promoting proposals that contribute to the sustainable and sequential development of serviceable lands. RSVP 3 To encourage in-depth residential development in rural settlements and villages, of an appropriate scale, design and density, compatible with the intrinsic character and scale of those settlements/villages. RSVP 4 To support, promote and encourage the appropriate development of infilling, brownfield or the use of derelict or under-utilised land or premises, subject to siting, design, protection of residential amenities and normal planning considerations. RSVP 5 To encourage the re-use of existing vacant buildings for commercial or residential purposes and the development of infill sites to create compact, vibrant rural settlements and villages. RSVP 6 To support public realm enhancements in rural settlements and villages, including signage, public lighting (Dark Sky Friendly), public seating, hard and soft landscaping and improvements to the road and footpath network, where appropriate. RSVP 7 To support rural settlements and villages in their role as local rural service centres for their population and its rural hinterland. 290 293292

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   CHAPTER 12 SETTLEMENT 292 293 RSVP 8 Support community-led developments in rural settlements/villages, where appropriate, including the implementation of Mayo Community Futures’ Community Action Plans. RSVP 9 To support the development of a “New Homes in Small Towns and villages” initiative which would augment the delivery of actions by Local Authorities, Irish Water, communities and other stakeholders, in the provision of services and serviced sites to create “build your own home” opportunities, within the existing footprint of rural settlements and villages, in order to provide new homes to meet housing demand. RSVP 10 To liaise and work in conjunction with Irish Water in the delivery of an adequate level of water and wastewater services in rural settlements and villages, including pursuing wastewater treatment upgrades, where appropriate, through Irish Water’s Small Towns and Villages Growth Programme. RSVP 11 To support the creation of cycling infrastructure within the rural villages and settlements, their hinterlands and at areas of interest and attractions. Rural Settlement and Village Settlement Objectives RSVO 1 To ensure that future housing occurs in rural settlements and villages within the settlement/village boundary (based on the sequential approach), where serviced lands are available. RSVO 2 To ensure that all rural settlements and villages develop in a self-sufficient manner, utilising existing physical and social infrastructure, where appropriate. RSVO 3 To promote and facilitate residential development commensurate with the nature and scale of the particular rural village or settlement, utilising brownfield and infill opportunities in order to regenerate and consolidate the rural settlements and villages. RSVO 4 To support the development of appropriate housing in rural settlements and villages, in order to provide a choice for those who wish to live in a rural setting but not in the rural countryside, subject to a limited scope for individual small-scale multi-house developments of up to 12 houses only or 10% of the existing housing stock, unless it can be demonstrated to the satisfaction of the Planning Authority that local infrastructure, such as schools, community facilities and water services, are sufficiently developed to cater for a larger residential development. RSVO 5 To facilitate the expansion of and provision of new mixed-use and employmentgenerating development within rural settlements and villages at an appropriate size and scale, subject to normal planning requirements and the “good neighbour” principle. RSVO 6 To seek the improvement, consolidation and expansion of the public lighting and footpath network in rural settlements and villages, including a footpath / cycle link, where appropriate and feasible. RSVO 7 To facilitate the expansion of the employment and service base in the village. RSVO 8 To actively support the objectives of the ‘Rebuilding Ireland’ Strategy to address the shortage of housing. RSVO 9 To protect groundwater resources within Source Protection Zones. RSVO 10 To improve recreational/community/social facilities in rural settlements and villages, where appropriate and as resources allow. RSVO 11 To facilitate additional community facilities and services within the rural settlement and village envelope, where possible. RSVO 12 To promote and facilitate development that is commensurate with the nature and extent of the existing settlement to support their role as local service centres. RSVO 13 To ensure new developments do not adversely impact on the setting and/or integrity of the built or natural heritage in or adjacent to rural settlements and villages. RSVO 14 To facilitate the provision of gateway features and natural edges on the key approaches to rural settlements and villages. RSVO 15 To facilitate public realm improvements in rural settlements and villages, including signage, public seating, hard and soft landscaping and improvements to the road and footpath network, where appropriate and feasible. RSVO 16 To consider proposals for small scale, clustered residential development in rural settlements and villages that are not serviced by a wastewater treatment plant. Subject to complying with the most up-to-date EPA Code of Practice Manual for Wastewater Treatment and Disposal Systems Serving Single Houses. 295294

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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.