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 7 INFRASTRUCTURE 136 137 Surface Water Objectives INO 16 To support, promote and facilitate the use of green infrastructure, for example green roofs, green walls, planting and green spaces for surface water run-off retention purposes, in the interests of flood mitigation and climate change adaptation. INO 17 To require the use of SuDS to minimise and limit the extent of hard surfacing and paving and require the use of sustainable drainage techniques where appropriate for new development or for extensions to existing developments, in order to reduce the potential impact of existing and predicted flooding risks. INO 18 To ensure new development is adequately serviced with surface water drainage infrastructure, which meets the requirements of the Water Framework Directive, associated River Basin Management Plans and Catchment Flood Risk Assessment Management (CFRAM) Plans. Flood Risk Management Policies INP 14 To have regard to the Guidelines for Planning Authorities on the Planning System and Flood Risk Management (DoEHLG/OPW 2009) and Circular PL2/2014 (or as updated), in the preparation of plans and strategies related to development and in the assessment of projects. INP 15 To support the implementation of the recommendations in the Flood Risk Management Plans (FRMP’s), including planned investment measures for managing and reducing flood risk. INP 16 To support the implementation of recommendations in the CFRAM Programme to ensure that flood risk management policies and infrastructure are progressively implemented. Flood Risk Management Objectives INO 19 To ensure that a flood risk assessment is carried out for any development proposal where a flood risk is identified in accordance with the Planning System and Flood Risk Management (DoEHLG/OPW 2009) and Circular PL2/2014. This assessment shall be appropriate to the scale and nature of risk to the potential development. INO 20 To consult with the OPW in relation to proposed developments in the vicinity of drainage channels and rivers for which the OPW are responsible and retain a strip on either side of such channels where required, to facilitate maintenance access thereto. INO 21 To assist the OPW in developing catchment-based Flood Risk Management Plans for rivers in County Mayo and have regard to their provisions/recommendations. INO 22 To protect the integrity of any formal (OPW or Mayo County Council) flood risk management infrastructure, thereby ensuring that any new development does not negatively impact any existing defence infrastructure or compromise any proposed new infrastructure. INO 23 To ensure that where flood risk management works take place that natural heritage, cultural heritage, rivers, streams and watercourses are appropriately protected. INO 24 To consult, where necessary, with Inland Fisheries Ireland, the National Parks and Wildlife Service and other relevant agencies in the provision of flood alleviation measures in the County. INO 25 To ensure each flood risk management activity is examined to determine actions required to embed and provide for effective climate change adaptation as set out in the OPW Climate Change Sectoral Adaptation Plan Flood Risk Management applicable at the time. INO 26 To cooperate with the Office of Public works in the delivery of the Crossmolina Flood Relief scheme and other schemes that may be brought forward in the lifetime of this Plan. INO 27 To identify and preserve vulnerable floodplains, wetlands and coastal areas to the maximum possible extent in both urban and rural areas. INO 28 Developments on all Opportunity Sites in all towns and villages in the Settlement Hierarchy will be subject to Flood Risk Assessments if required, in accordance with the Planning System and Flood Risk Management (DoEHLG/OPW 2009) and Circular PL2/2014. This assessment shall be appropriate to the scale and nature of risk to the potential development, and this will determine the scale and nature of the development. 7.4.4 Broadband and Information Communications Technology (ICT) High quality ICT, telecommunication and broadband is required to support and enhance the attractiveness of living and working in the county. Mayo continues to benefit from the rollout of several Government led broadband schemes, including the National Broadband Plan (NBP) and the Broadband for Schools initiative, ensuring that broadband services are available in communities across the county. Broadband is central to the development of a knowledge-based economy throughout Ireland, facilitating remote working and promoting social inclusion. Areas without broadband cannot take full advantage of internet-centred developments in education, banking, research, business, etc. Therefore, deficits in provision of broadband, as well as mobile coverage, in County Mayo need to be resolved. In terms of ICT, two trans-Atlantic sub-sea fibre-optic cables will come ashore in Mayo, connecting Europe with North America, providing high-speed broadband which may enable development of ICT facilities such as Data Centres in the county. 7.4.4.1 National Broadband Plan The rollout of the National Broadband Plan (NBP) in Mayo will retain and attract people and businesses to relocate and to work remotely from the county. The NBP for Mayo will cover approximately 44% of all premises in the county. The towns serviced by the Metropolitan Area Network (MAN) presents opportunities for the development of e-working centres throughout the county and region, in line with Smarter Travel Policy of reducing the number of journeys to work by car. The development of e- working centres throughout the region will align employment and transport policies and support the uptake of the MANs network. Mayo County Council was successful in an application for funding under the Department of Rural and Community Development’s Digital Innovation Programme to develop a methodology for establishing where ducting and other telecommunications infrastructure in County Mayo has been installed and to digitally record their location and information in a Geographical 139138
- CHAPTER 7 INFRASTRUCTURE 139 7.4.4.4 Telecommunications Mayo County Council recognises the essential need for high quality communications and information technology networks in assuring the competitiveness of the county’s economy and increasing the quality of life of its people. The Council also recognises the need to balance the requirement to facilitate mobile telecommunications infrastructure in the county to address existing coverage blackspots and the need to protect residential, visual amenity, the natural environment and built environment. In considering proposals for telecommunications infrastructure, the Council will have regard to the Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government’s “Telecommunications Antennae and Support Structures, Guidelines for Planning Authorities” 1996 and Circular Letter PL07/12 ‘Telecommunication Antennae and Support Structures’ and any amendments thereof. 7.4.4.5 AEConnect 1 AEConnect 1 is a trans-Atlantic sub-sea fibre-optic cable extending from Long Island, New York to Killala, Mayo, which offers the potential for the West of Ireland to become a key telecommunications and data gateway. The AEConnect cable has the capacity to cover the entire European and American information and data traffic currently in existence and the potential to double its capacity within a few years as required. The delivery of advanced technological infrastructure in the area also provides a potential platform for the development of ICT facilities, such as data centres in the county and other businesses to set up their operations in the locality. 7.4.4.6 Digital Strategy Digital technology can help to create places and communities that manage spatial development, population growth, mobility, effects of climate change and transition to greater sustainability. Mayo County Council is currently preparing a new digital strategy for the county to replace the 2015 digital strategy. The overall aim of the new strategy is the creation of a Smart County, through Smart Communities. The Smart Communities is a new approach to community development and activation through exposure to digital content and technology and supporting people to discover the value of using digital in their daily lives. Smart Communities has the potential, in combination with the digital strategy, to deliver enhanced demand of high-speed broadband services and to address challenges in urban and rural communities. The key target areas for Smart Communities are to: • Improve service efficiency and reduce service costs. • Create opportunities for young people. • Tackle social exclusion and isolation. • Develop skills for living and the labour force. • Improve health and wellbeing in communities. Mayo’s Digital Strategy will drive and support connectivity and participation in communities and promote social cohesion to create a healthy digital society. It will promote opportunity and access to learning and employment, protect citizens, drive efficiencies and knowledge. Information System. This register will be made available for the implementation of the National Broadband Plan and other telecommunications providers. 7.4.4.2 Broadband Connection Points In Year 1 of the NBP, Broadband Connection Points (BCPs) will receive high-speed broadband connectivity. BCPs are public locations around the county where the community can avail of a centralised, shared, broadband service to bridge the gap until the roll out of the NBP. There are currently twelve locations identified as BCPs in County Mayo as shown on Map 7.1 below. Map 7.1: Mayo’s Broadband Connection Points (approved/proposed) & WIFI4EU proposed locations 7.4.4.3 Wifi4EU Scheme The Wifi4EU scheme is an initiative of the European Commission which provides funding to local authorities for the development of free Wi-Fi hotspots in public places, such as main streets, public parks, museums, libraries and other public areas. It is part of the wider European initiative to support the development of wireless broadband and promote the advantages of enjoying a high-speed internet connection on the go. It is proposed to provide the scheme to 9 settlements, these are shown on Map 7.1 above. 138 141140
- CHAPTER 7 INFRASTRUCTURE 141 Broadband Policies INP 17 To support and facilitate the implementation of the National Broadband Plan and the Mayo Digital Strategy as a means of developing further opportunities for enterprise, employment, education, innovation and skills development for those who live and work in rural areas. INP 18 To support the delivery of high-capacity Information Communications Technology infrastructure, broadband connectivity and digital broadcasting, throughout the county, in order to ensure economic competitiveness for enterprise and the commercial sectors and enabling more flexible work practices e.g. teleworking/ homeworking. Broadband Objectives INO 29 To require all new developments, including all new housing and commercial developments, and any local authority or community-led town and village centre redevelopment/regeneration projects, to provide specific ducting to enable broadband infrastructure, where appropriate. INO 30 To support and facilitate the European Commission’s “Wifi4EU project” through the provision of free Wifi Hotspots at appropriate publicly accessible locations, throughout the county and expand same to as many locations as possible. INO 31 To identify suitable locations and support the provision of co-working facilities, digital hubs/eHubs and eWorking centres throughout the county that function as outreach hubs for employers and promote flexible working arrangements. Telecommunication Policies INP 19 To support the delivery of telecommunication infrastructure in the county, having regard to the Government Guidelines ‘Telecommunications Antennae and Support Structures- Guidelines for Planning Authorities’ 1996 (DoEHLG), the ‘Guidance on the potential location of overground telecommunications infrastructure on public roads’, (Dept of Communications, Energy & Natural Resources, 2015) and Circular Letter PL 07/12 (as updated) and where it can be demonstrated that the development will not have significant adverse impacts on communities, public rights of way and on the built or natural environment, including the integrity of the Natura 2000 network. INP 20 To promote Mayo as a sustainable international destination for ICT infrastructures such as data centres and associated economic activities, at appropriate locations. Telecommunication Objectives INO 32 To maximise and widely promote connectivity of Mayo based on building on existing ICT infrastructure and sub-sea fibre optic cables where possible. INO 33 To encourage the location of any telecommunications structure, have regard to the Landscape Appraisal of County Mayo, and where possible, advise on a less intrusive location in areas where they are unlikely to intrude on the setting of, or views of/from national monuments or protected structures. INO 34 To maintain and update the council’s register of approved ducting and telecommunication structures in the county, to assist in the assessment of future telecommunication developments. The Council will encourage co-location of antennae on existing support structures and require documentary evidence as to the nonavailability of this option in proposals for new structures. The shared use of existing structures will be required where the numbers of masts located in any single area is considered to have an excessive concentration. INO 35 To work with statutory undertakers to make the most efficient use of infrastructure in the delivery of broadband in the county, particularly encouraging the use of existing telecommunications ducting where it is available. INO 36 To actively engage with telecommunication service providers to help identify, improve and/or eliminate mobile phone signal blackspots within the county, including an examination of the feasibility and suitability of council owned lands/assets. 7.4.5 Energy Networks Infrastructure The supply and distribution of electricity and gas throughout County Mayo is an important factor in the provision and location of employment and the creation of sustainable communities. Mayo County Council will continue to work alongside key energy providers in facilitating the future development of networks throughout the county. The Council is also cognisant of national policy, which seeks to promote renewable energy use and generation at appropriate locations within the built and natural environment, to meet national objectives towards achieving a low carbon economy by 2050. 7.4.5.1 Electricity The provision of a safe, secure, and reliable electricity supply is a critical component necessary to sustain economic growth in Ireland. Ireland in recent years has been phasing out the use of fossil fuels, such as oil, natural gas, coal and peat to generate electricity, in favour of renewable energy sources. Ireland’s Transition to a Low Carbon Energy Future 2015-2030, the Government’s White Paper on energy, sets out a roadmap for a low carbon energy system to 2030. The White Paper acknowledges in the short to medium-term, that the mix of non-renewables will shift away from more carbon- intensive fuels, like peat and coal, to lower-carbon fuels like natural gas. The Climate Action Plan (2019) targets 70% of electricity must come from renewables by 2030. In 2018, 22% of all energy inputs to electricity generation were from renewable sources, whereas coal and peat accounted for 21% of fuel inputs. EirGrid is responsible for power across the electricity transmission grid, ensuring a safe, secure and reliable supply of electricity to homes, businesses and industry across the country, while ESB networks are responsible for carrying out maintenance, repairs and construction on the grid. 140 143142
- CHAPTER 7 INFRASTRUCTURE 143 EirGrid has replaced the Grid West project with the North Connacht 110kV project, which will begin at the Moy substation near Ballina and end at Tonroe, Ballaghaderreen. The upgrading of the transmission network will facilitate power flows from both renewable and conventional sources to maximise the use of existing power corridors. In connecting renewable energy from the North West to the grid, this new project will reinforce the electricity network, supporting Mayo County Council’s aim to enhance the attractiveness of the county as a place in which to live, work and invest. Mayo County Council recognises that essential future upgrades are required to the electricity grid in the west, as outlined in Eirgrid’s ‘Tomorrow’s Energy Scenarios 2019 System Needs Assessment’ and will support Eirgrid in future programmes identifying grid solutions, in both infrastructural and technological terms, in order to facilitate the electricity targets, set out in the Government’s Climate Action Plan 2019 and the National Energy and Climate Plan 2021-2030. Electricity Policies INP 21 To support the provision of high-quality, electricity infrastructure and development of an enhanced electricity supply, to serve the existing and future needs of the county and to facilitate new transmission infrastructure projects, including the delivery and integration of renewable energy proposals to the electricity transmission grid in a sustainable and timely manner, whilst seeking to minimise any adverse impacts on local communities and protect and maintain biodiversity, wildlife habitats, scenic amenities, including protected views and nature conservation. INP 22 To co-operate and liaise with statutory and other energy providers in relation to power generation, in order to ensure adequate power capacity for the existing and future business and enterprise needs of the county. INP 23 To support the statutory providers of national grid infrastructure by safeguarding such strategic corridors from encroachment by other developments that might compromise the provision of energy networks where strategic route corridors have been identified. Electricity Objectives INO 37 To facilitate the progression of and implement improvements to the existing electricity networks and facilitate the development of new transmission infrastructure projects in accordance with EirGrid’s Implementation Plan Strategy 2020-2025 (or any superseding strategy) that might be brought forward during the lifetime of this plan. INO 38 To ensure the provision, where feasible, of electricity cables located underground. INO 39 To seek the delivery of the necessary integration of transmission network requirements to facilitate linkages of renewable energy proposals to the electricity transmission grid, in a sustainable and timely manner. 7.4.5.2 Natural Gas The Corrib Gas terminal is located in Bellanaboy, County Mayo. It transports natural gas from subsea facilities to the Gas Networks Ireland grid and currently serves six settlements within Mayo (Crossmolina, Ballina, Castlebar, Westport, Ballinrobe and Claremorris). The Corrib Gas Field is Ireland’s only indigenous natural gas source on the gas network and has been operating since 2015. It has an expected lifespan of 15 to 20 years. Maintaining security of supply of gas is a government priority. However, the government is responsible for reducing Ireland’s greenhouse gas emissions under the Climate Action Plan. The use of renewable sources of gas will have a key role to play in decarbonising the natural gas grid. The existing gas terminal facility at Bellanaboy shall be promoted as the primary hub along the west coast to bring ashore natural gas from any future reserves found offshore therefore ensuring the continued use of the existing facility and gas grid connection. Natural Gas Policies INP 24 To support and facilitate the improvement and extension of the gas grid network in County Mayo to serve existing and envisaged future residential, commercial and industrial development. INP 25 To support the development of enhanced gas supplies, which do not negatively impact on environmental quality, landscape, wildlife, habitats or residential amenity and which are critical to the economic development of the County. INP 26 To support the continued use of the Bellinaboy gas terminal as the primary hub to bring ashore any future gas reserves utilising the existing gas grid connection. Natural Gas Objectives INO 40 To seek the extension of the gas network to other towns in the county and to Ireland West Airport Knock. 142 145144
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- 146 147 Chapter 8 Sustainable Communities 8.1 Strategic Aim: The strategic aim of this chapter is 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. Related UN Sustainable Development Goals Related NPF National Strategic Outcomes Related RSES Regional Growth Ambitions CHAPTER 8 SUSTAINABLE COMMUNITIES 146 147146 CHAPTER 8 SUSTAINABLE COMMUNITIES MAYO COUNTY DEVELOPMENT PLAN 2022 - 2028 149148
- CHAPTER 8 SUSTAINABLE COMMUNITIES 148 149 8.2 Introduction This chapter has been guided by the above strategic aim, sustainable development goals and national strategic objectives to create sustainable communities in County Mayo. The chapter has also considered the key legislative and policy documents set out in Appendix III, including the NPF and RSES for the Northern and Western region. 8.3 National and Regional Planning Position A core objective of the NPF and RSES is to provide comprehensive social, economic and cultural infrastructure, for all people to flourish, so that together we can create a better society. The NPF and RSES also place a strong emphasis on access to a range of quality education and health services, as well as promoting healthy placemaking and quality of life. The RSES includes growth ambitions to create an inclusive and vibrant society for the Northern and Western region. The RSES highlights the importance of the physical and social environment and place in which we live or work, and its impact on the health of people. The RSES aims to create a sustainable and competitive region that supports the health and well-being of our people and places, from urban to rural, and ensures access to affordable housing, travel and employment opportunities for all. 8.4 Mayo in Context Mayo County Council is at the centre of local community and is a key provider of economic and social development supports and services in the county. The Council represents the people, while delivering vital local services which are central to the quality of life of everybody who lives in, works in and visits Mayo. Mayo has a thriving community sector and there is a vast number of agencies, organisations and services that contribute to this. The work of these entities in providing health, education, wellbeing, outreach supports and physical infrastructure to individuals, groups and communities is very relevant and necessary in ensuring sustainable, healthy and inclusive communities across the county. A priority of this plan is the creation of sustainable, healthy, inclusive neighbourhoods, which support thriving communities and provide for a wide range of household types, age groups, diversity, including those with a disability or illness, lone parent young families, older people, travellers and members of ethnic minority groups, with community facilities located close by. 8.4.1 Mayo Local Community Development Committee Mayo Local Community Development Committee (LCDC), established in 2014, consists of public private partnerships of socio-economic interests. Mayo LCDC has a number of functions, one of which is to prepare and agree the local community elements of the Local Economic and Community Plan (LECP). The purpose of the LECP is to identify objectives and implement actions to strengthen and develop both the economic and community dimensions of the county. Central to the Mayo LECP and Action Plan 2016-2021, is the understanding that economic, local and community development is mutually supportive in building sustainable communities with strong local economies. The LECP seeks to progress the following goals: community development; social inclusion; health and wellbeing; education training and skills and culture, heritage and the Arts. The LCDC has oversight of the Rural Development Programme and Social Inclusion Community Activation Programme, which is run by a number of Local Development Companies in the County. 8.4.2 Community Development in Mayo The Mayo ‘Community Futures’ Programme facilitates community action planning by assisting communities preparing action plans which identify existing services, key priority areas and opportunities for development and growth within their community. ‘Community Futures’ encourages more people to become active in their communities, helps strengthen and develop local community organisations, enables communities to identify and progress priority projects and actions and enables them to effectively represent their interests at local, county and national levels. The Mayo Public Participation Network (PPN) provides a mechanism to facilitate and enable the public and the community and voluntary organisations to articulate a diverse range of views and interest within the local government system. The aim of the PPN is to encourage and enable public participation in local decision making, to actively support inclusion of socially excluded groups and to identify issues of collective concern and working to influence local policy in relation to these. ‘Pride of Place’ has been a successful initiative in Mayo and is another example of active community participation in the county, whereby communities work in partnership with the Council to encourage best practice, innovation and leadership in providing vibrant sustainable communities, which improves the quality of life for all, through environmental improvements to towns and villages. Local development companies continue to remain at the forefront promoting community development through a bottom-up approach in the areas of social inclusion, inequality, and local development. Mayo has four local development companies which deliver a wide range of programmes, including, but not limited to, LEADER, Local Community Development Programme, Rural Social Scheme, Tus, Rural Recreation, Community Employment, Local Employment Services and local training initiatives. Local development companies also develop additional projects using a range of other funding sources, for example Comhar na nOileán Teo delivers the LEADER programme to Mayo’s inhabited islands. Other agencies that assist community development in Mayo include Family Resource Centres which provide practical assistance to community groups, such as training, information, advice and use of shared facilities, in addition to educational and training opportunities. Sectoral communities are also assisted in the county by agencies, such as South West Mayo Development Company, Mayo North East Leader Partnership, Mayo Traveller Support Group, Mayo Traveller Inter Agency Forum, The Regional Drug Task Force, The Mayo Joint Policing Committee, The Disability Federation of Ireland and Outwest. Economic Development Policy SCP 1 To support empowerment and capacity building in communities and support participation in community development initiatives. SCP 2 To recognise and support the Mayo diaspora worldwide through the implementation of the Mayo Diaspora strategy. Community Development Objectives SCO 1 To identify and facilitate the development of suitable sites for community facilities within the county, particularly in newly developing areas. These sites should be easily accessible (walking and cycling) and promote the use of public transport. SCO 2 To support and assist communities to plan for the future of their villages and towns through a bottom up, participative and inclusive approach of the Mayo Community Futures process of community action planning. 151150
- CHAPTER 8 SUSTAINABLE COMMUNITIES 150 151 SCO 3 To facilitate voluntary and community groups through the ongoing development of the Mayo Public Participation Network. SCO 4 To promote and advance the attractiveness of the towns and villages throughout the county by assisting in the enhancement of the natural and built environment, through initiatives such as Pride of Place and the coordinated efforts of Mayo County Council, tidy towns organisations, community groups and local development companies. SCO 5 To retain existing community facilities and public open spaces, unless a sustainable alternative can be provided in the immediate locality. 8.4.3 Community Facilities and Social Infrastructure Social Infrastructure in this Plan includes health care services, education facilities, burial grounds, fire and emergency services and recreational and cultural facilities. The Council are responsible for the provision of some social infrastructure while the remainder is provided by Government departments, state and local agencies, and private providers and in such cases the Council works to facilitate the provision of social infrastructure. The Mayo LCDC provides oversight of all local and community development programmes in the county. Investment in social infrastructure assists in achieving economic growth, employment and improves the well-being and quality of life of our citizens. Community infrastructure is an essential part of all communities. Facilities such as community centres, sports centres, libraries and playgrounds can serve as a focal point for the communities they serve. They also provide venues for local sporting, cultural, community, education and social events. The provision of good quality community facilities in existing and developing areas is a key element in the development of sustainable, healthy communities across the county. The Sustainable Residential Development in Urban Areas Guidelines (2009) emphasise the need to integrate housing with the provision of supporting community and social infrastructure. The guidelines acknowledge that community facilities should be located within, or close to, neighbourhood centres and well served by public transport. Different levels of service provision are appropriate to settlements of different sizes, it is therefore important that the Council ensures that an appropriate range of community facilities are provided in all communities, taking account of the population profile and growth targets identified in the Core Strategy. Community Facilities and Social Infrastructure Policies SCP 3 To ensure that County Mayo is equipped with physical and other infrastructure (including blue and green infrastructure) necessary to allow communities the capacity to develop and flourish. SCP 4 To support the provision of a modern and effective fire and rescue services for the county. SCP 5 To support and facilitate the development of places of worship and multi-faith facilities at appropriate locations, such as town and village centres. SCP 6 To promote new social infrastructure developments which are accessible and inclusive for a range of users, by adopting a universal design approach and providing for an age friendly society in which people of all ages can live full active, valued and healthy lives. SCP 7 To protect the cultural heritage of historical burial grounds within the county and to encourage their management and maintenance in accordance with conservation principles. SCP 8 To facilitate the development of new or extended burial grounds and crematoria by the zoning of land at suitable locations, where appropriate, and providing local authority burial grounds, subject to appropriate safeguards with regard to environmental, noise and traffic impacts. SCP 9 To ensure that all buildings, public open spaces, recreational and amenity areas are accessible for people with disabilities. SCP 10 To direct residential care homes for older people, retirement homes, nursing homes, independent living units, assisted living units, retirement villages and sheltered accommodation into towns and villages, ensuring that they are appropriate in scale to the size of the settlement. SCP 11 To support the enhancement of postal facilities in the County. Community Facilities and Social Infrastructure Objectives SCO 6 To work with public service delivery bodies to improve the level of accessibility and facilitate the delivery of more effective and integrated services in communities. SCO 7 To support and assist the provision of a broad range of community facilities within settlements or in close proximity to existing facilities or multi-purpose centres or public transport routes to meet the changing needs of all sectors of the community. SCO 8 To support, promote and facilitate the development of an inter-county coastal path linking Mayo, Galway and Sligo, subject to no significant adverse impacts on the environment including the integrity of any Natura 2000 site. 153152
- CHAPTER 8 SUSTAINABLE COMMUNITIES 152 153 8.4.4 Social Inclusion in Mayo Social inclusion refers to the manner in which all members of the community are integrated in an equal manner. It seeks to reduce barriers to participation in areas such as education, recreation, employment, health and housing. It incorporates the need to ensure that minority groups, people of different nationalities and cultural backgrounds, the travelling community, ethnic minorities, people with disabilities, the elderly, children and young people are recognised as valuable members of the community. Mayo County Council supports a socially inclusive county for all communities. Inclusive communities are achieved by improving the lives of people living in disadvantaged areas and building social capital. Priorities to achieve inclusive communities include access to and availability of services, housing and infrastructure provision. 8.4.4.1 Children, Young People and Family Support Mayo has a multi-agency approach in assisting and supporting families, children and young people. The work of the Children and Young Persons Strategic Committee (CYPSC); Mayo County Childcare Committee; Family Resource Centres; the Traveller Inter Agency Forum; local development companies; Mayo Disability Federation and the HSE are fundamental in this regard. The provision of childcare facilities is recognised as a key piece of social infrastructure required to enable people to participate in accessing employment, education and social networks. There continues to be a demand for childcare services and the provision of good quality and affordable services close to local communities. Mayo County Childcare Committee assists in the development and coordination of preschool services in the county. 8.4.4.2 People with Disabilities There are different types of disability, including physical, intellectual, mental health and chronic illness. In order to ensure an inclusive county, it is imperative that the requirements of people with disabilities are met appropriately and positively. There are many organizations in Mayo who assist in improving the lives of people with disabilities in areas of health, transport, accessibility and in ensuring that people with disabilities are encouraged and supported in all aspects of their lives and make positive contributions in the communities in which they live. 8.4.4.3 Older People Mayo has a significant level of older residents, many of which live in rural areas. It has the highest rate of older people in the state. Priorities for older people at risk of social exclusion in Mayo include maintaining their health and wellbeing, reducing social isolation, improving access to support, information, services and accessibility and mobility generally and also to provide for the needs of carers. The implementation of the ‘Age Friendly’ programme in Mayo assists in the inclusion and improved health and wellbeing for older people in the county. Housing is also a key social policy area that needs to adapt to meet the changing needs of older people. The NPF supports national policy to assist older people to live with dignity and independence in their own homes and communities, for as long as possible. It highlights the need for well-designed lifetime adaptable infill and brownfield development, close to existing services and facilities, supported by universal design and improved urban amenities. Accommodation for the elderly, should be located in existing residential areas, well served by social infrastructure and amenities, such as footpath networks, public transport (where possible) and local facilities and services, to allow for better care in the community, independence and access, ensuring that residents are not isolated. New developments will be required to provide accommodation suitable and adaptable for the elderly. Social Inclusion Policies SCP 12 To support initiatives that foster social inclusion amongst groups that are vulnerable to poverty and exclusion. SCP 13 To support the implementation of the Mayo Local Economic and Community Plan in collaboration with the Local Community Development Committee to reduce the number of people in or at risk of social exclusion. SCP 14 To support and promote a more diverse and socially inclusive society that targets equality of opportunity and a better quality of life for all citizens, through improved integration and greater accessibility in the delivery of sustainable communities and the provision of associated services. SCP 15 To support the implementation of the Mayo Age Friendly County Programme 2016-2020, as implemented by the Mayo Age Friendly Alliance (and any updated editions), and any key actions in relation to the physical environment. SCP 16 To promote universal design and well-designed lifetime, adaptable and age friendly housing in accordance with best practice and with the policies and principles contained in Building for Everyone: A Universal Design Approach (National Disability Authority, 2012) and Sustainable Residential Development in Urban Area: Guidelines for Planning Authorities and its companion document Urban Design Manual (DEHLG, 2009) and particularly on infill and brownfield sites, walkable to existing services and facilities. SCP 17 To support initiatives which provide access to social supports in terms of language, education and employment for refugees, asylum seekers and migrants. Social Infrastructure Objectives SCO 9 To facilitate the provision of community and resource centres and youth clubs/ cafes, recreational amenities and other facilities for younger people by the identification of suitably located sites, including Council landbanks and by assisting in the provision of finance, where possible. SCO 10 To secure the implementation of the Council’s Traveller Accommodation Programme (2019-2024) and to review this programme if required and/or deemed to be necessary, during the Plan period. SCO 11 To seek to provide Changing Spaces in the provision of any new public toilets, where feasible. 8.4.5 Health and Wellbeing At a national level, the Government, through the implementation of Healthy Ireland: A Framework for Improved Health and Wellbeing 2013-2025, aims to improve the health and wellbeing of people living in Ireland. The Health and Wellbeing Working Group of Mayo LCDC, together with Mayo Children and Young Persons Services Committee (CYPSC), have received funding through the Healthy Ireland Fund for a series of actions, which will implement the national plans at county level. Mayo County Council has also received ‘Healthy County Status’ under The National Healthy Cities and Counties of Ireland Network and is committed to making Mayo a healthier county. The Council is actively promoting healthy communities through Mayo Sports Partnership, a multi-agency forum, that works to increase participation in sports and physical activity throughout the county. 155154
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.