Development plan · Monaghan County Council
Monaghan County Development Plan 2025–2031
The council's development plan written statement: its strategy, policies, objectives and development standards.
Monaghan County Council · 2025–2031 · 376 pages
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- Monaghan County Development Plan 2025 – 2031 chapter 01 introduction 19
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- The subsequent Monaghan LECP for the period 2023- 2029, in contrast to the 2015-2021 LECP, covers both community and economic elements in an integrated and combined way that reflects the cross-cutting nature of elements across the goals, objectives, outcomes, and actions. The aim of the Monaghan LECP 2023-2029 is, “to develop and promote social and economic opportunities for all people living in and visiting County Monaghan”. The LECP and the County Development Plan are complementary policy documents, which share the same vision to provide an overall strategy for the social, economic, cultural and physical development of the County. This Development Plan builds on the review of the Monaghan County Development Plan 2019-2025 but also takes account of more recent key development trends, national, regional and local policy documents as well as EU legislative requirements. 1.1 PLAN AREA The Local Government Reform Act 2014 subsumed the administrative areas of Monaghan, Carrickmacross, Castleblayney, Clones and Ballybay Town Councils within the County Monaghan administrative area and established Municipal Districts of Monaghan, Ballybay- Clones, and Carrickmacross-Castleblayney. The Municipal Districts are designed to enhance democratic governance, subsidiarity and accountability while also improving operational efficiency and value for money. Elected Members arising from the recent local elections are elected in the first instance to the Municipal District with the combined District membership constituting the membership of the plenary County Council (18 members). This Plan sets out detailed settlement plans and policies for each of these towns as well as the villages and cluster settlements within the County. 1.2 PLAN TITLE This Plan is titled Monaghan County Development Plan 2025-2031. introductionchapter 01 1.0 INTRODUCTION The Monaghan County Development Plan 2025-2031 provides an overall strategy for the proper planning and sustainable development of County Monaghan over the timescale of the Plan. Spatial planning through the development plan objectives and policies endeavour to achieve balance between the common good and the interests of individuals. It is acknowledged that many of the major issues affecting development in the County are determined by national policy and government funding. The reform of local government in 2014 focussed on what could be achieved locally by working together to bring about a higher quality of life and more sustainable economic development in County Monaghan. Following extensive research and consultation to identify the key challenges, opportunities and priorities from both a community and economic perspective, Monaghan County Council working alongside Monaghan Local Community Development Committee (LCDC) published the first Local Economic and Community Plan (LECP) for County Monaghan covering the period 2015 to 2021. 21
- 22 Monaghan County Development Plan 2025 – 2031 FIGURE 1.1 COUNTY MONAGHAN MUNICIPAL DISTRICTS Source: Local Electoral Area Boundary Committee No. 1 Report 2018.
- 1.3 LEGAL STATUS This Plan has been prepared in accordance with the requirements of the Planning and Development Act 2000 (as amended) (the Act) and supersedes the Monaghan County Development Plan 2019-2025. In accordance with Section 9(1) of the Act every planning authority shall every 6 years make a development plan. The legislation requires that the Development Plan sets out an overall strategy for the proper planning and sustainable development of the County. It must be consistent with national plans, policies and strategies that relate to proper planning and sustainable development. The following mandatory objectives must be included: k Zoning of land for residential, commercial, industrial, agricultural, recreational, open space or otherwise, or a mixture of those uses. It should be noted that there shall be no presumption in law that any land zoned in a development plan (including a development plan that has been varied) shall remain so zoned in any subsequent development plan (Section 10(8) of the Planning and Development Act 2000 (as amended)). k The provision or facilitation of infrastructure including transport, energy and communication facilities, water supplies, waste recovery and disposal facilities, wastewater services and ancillary facilities. k The conservation and protection of the environment, including archaeological and natural heritage, and the conservation and protection of European sites and any other sites which may be prescribed. k The encouragement, pursuant to Article 10 of the Habitats Directive of the management of features of the landscape, such as traditional field boundaries, important for the ecological coherence of the Natura 2000 network and essential for the migration, dispersal and genetic exchange of wild species. k The promotion of compliance with environmental standards and objectives established: (i) for bodies of surface water, by the European Communities (Surface Waters) Regulations (2009), (ii) for groundwater, by the European Communities (Groundwater) Regulations 2010, which standards and objectives are included in river basin management plans (within the meaning of Regulation 13 of the European Communities (Water Policy) Regulations, 2003). k The integration of the planning and sustainable development of County Monaghan with the social, community and cultural requirements of the county and its population. k The preservation of the character of the landscape, including the preservation of views and prospects and the amenities of places and features of natural beauty or interest. k The protection of structures, or part of structures, which are of special architectural, historical, archaeological, artistic, cultural, scientific, social or technical interest. k The preservation of the character of architectural conservation areas. k The development and renewal of areas, identified having regard to the core strategy, that are in need of regeneration, having regard to the core strategy in order to prevent: (i) adverse effects on existing amenities in such areas, in particular as a result of the ruinous or neglected condition of any land, (ii) urban blight and decay, (iii) anti-social behaviour, or (iv) a shortage of habitable houses or of land suitable for residential use or a mixture of residential and other uses. k The provision of accommodation for travellers, and the use of particular areas for that purpose. k The preservation, improvement and extension of amenities and recreational amenities. k The control, having regard to the provisions of the Major Accidents Directive and any regulations, under any enactment, giving effect to that Directive of; (i) The siting of new establishments, (ii) Modification of existing establishments, and (iii) Development in the vicinity of such establishments for the purposes of reducing risk or limiting the consequence, of a major accident. k The provision, or facilitation of the provision, of services for the community including in particular schools, crèches and other educational and childcare facilities. k The protection of the linguistic and cultural heritage of the Gaeltacht including the promotion of Irish as the community language, where there is a Gaeltacht area in the area of the development plan. 23 introductionchapter 01
- k The promotion of sustainable settlement and transportation strategies in urban and rural areas including the promotion of measures to: (i) reduce energy demand in response to the likelihood of increases in energy and other costs due to long-term decline in nonrenewable resources; (ii) reduce anthropogenic greenhouse gas emissions and address the necessity of adaption to climate change, taking account of the local authority climate action plan; (iii) address the necessity of adaptation to climate change, in particular, having regard to location, layout and design of new development. k The preservation and identification on map and by list of public rights of way which give access to mountains, lakeshores, riverbanks or other places of natural beauty or recreational utility. k The provision of a framework for the identification, assessment, protection, management and planning of landscapes, having regard to the European Landscape Convention. In accordance with Section 15(1) of the Act, there is a duty on the Planning Authority to take such steps within its powers as may be necessary for securing the objectives of this Plan. The Council recognises the role and importance of infrastructure providers, semi-state bodies and landowners/stakeholders in County Monaghan in realising the objectives of this development Plan. 1.4 CHALLENGES FOR COUNTY MONAGHAN During the 2019-2025 plan period more growth took place in the rural areas of County Monaghan than in the urban areas. Therefore, the key challenges facing County Monaghan for this Plan period include the following: k Promoting the main urban centres as the principal areas for population growth. k Promoting sustainable economic and community development with the delivery of objectives set out in the Local Economic and Community Plan. k Facilitating employment generating uses within the settlement centres and in the rural area, where appropriate. k Facilitating housing in accordance with the provisions of the Core Strategy. k Delivering community facilities throughout the settlements at an appropriate scale to the level of population growth. k Ensuring adequate investment in infrastructure that will maintain and facilitate economic development. k Protecting the built heritage, drumlin landscape, natural heritage and biodiversity and provide for a sustainable resource for tourism activity. k Providing for the regeneration of the town and village centres including tackling vacancy and dereliction. k Integrating climate change considerations into strategic objectives. k Implementing the Habitats Directive for Natura 2000 sites and to recognise that projects that may have an adverse impact on the designated sites will not be permitted unless for imperative reasons of overriding public interest (IROPI). This Plan sets out the planning policy response of the County Council to these challenges. The aim of this Plan is to ensure that the future development of County Monaghan is promoted and regulated in a manner that will improve living standards and facilitate social and cultural development for the population of County Monaghan without jeopardising the ability of future generations to do likewise. 24 Monaghan County Development Plan 2025 – 2031
- 1.5 CONTENT AND FORMAT The Monaghan County Development Plan 2025-2031 comprises a written statement with supporting maps and appendices. The written statement includes strategic objectives and policies for the development and use of land within County Monaghan. In the event of any conflict or ambiguity between what is contained within the written statement and the supporting maps, the written statement will take precedence. 1.6 PREPARATION OF THE DRAFT PLAN Section 11 of the Act outlines the statutory process for the preparation of a development plan. A notice was published in the local press, The Northern Standard on 11th May 2023. This notice outlined the intention of the Council to review the 2019-2025 County Development Plan and to prepare a new plan for 2025-2031. It also informed the public that the Planning Authority would carry out a Strategic Environmental Assessment (SEA) and Appropriate Assessment (AA) as part of the review process and prepare an Environmental Report on the likely significant effects on the environment resulting from the implementation of the Plan together with associated mitigation measures. 1.7 PRE-DRAFT CONSULTATION The pre-draft consultation commenced for an eightweek period on 11th May 2023. Widespread consultation was engaged in with the public, interested and relevant bodies, statutory providers, government departments and public agencies. A consultation paper was published and widely distributed as well as being made available online. The consultation paper was also advertised through local press and media. The consultation paper outlined a summary of the key strategic issues for the Development Plan review and provided details of the consultation workshops and how to make a submission. A press release was issued to the Northern Standard newspaper, the Monaghan County Council website and social media pages, as well a radio advert on Northern Sound to promote public participation in the consultation process. Facilitated evening consultation workshops with council staff and elected members were organised in the five towns. These events included formal presentations, question and answer sessions and meetings with members of the public. 1.8 STAKEHOLDER CONSULTATION All prescribed bodies, stakeholders, schools and service providers were contacted, issued with a link to the consultation paper and invited to make submissions. Submissions received have been included in the Chief Executive’s Report. A list of all bodies notified is set out in Appendix 20 of the Monaghan County Development Plan 2025-2031. 1.9 CHIEF EXECUTIVE’S REPORT The Chief Executive’s Report was prepared on the submissions and observations received and, on all matters, arising from the consultation meetings. A list of everyone who made a submission, a summary of the issues raised, the opinion of the Chief Executive taking account of the proper planning and sustainable development of the area and the statutory obligations of the Local Authority and finally, recommendations on the policies to be contained in the Draft Plan are all outlined in this report. The Chief Executive’s Report was circulated to the Elected Members on, 1st March 2024 for their consideration. On the 8th April 2024 the Members issued directions to the Chief Executive to proceed with the preparation of the Draft Plan. 1.10 STRATEGIC AIM To facilitate sustainable development and to build on the strengths of County Monaghan by supporting the provision of employment opportunities and residential developments within quality urban and rural environments that provide a high standard of physical and social infrastructure necessary for their respective communities. 25 introductionchapter 01
- 26 SO 1 To develop to its full potential each part of County Monaghan in economic, social and environmental terms. SO 2 To sustain traditional settlement patterns while developing the role and function of each town, village, and settlement throughout the County in accordance with the settlement strategy. SO 3 To promote sustainable compact development forms, including more comprehensive backland development where appropriate, ensuring the efficient use of available public infrastructure and services. SO 4 To realise the potential of County Monaghan in the context of its strategic location along the border, adjacent to the eastern economic corridor and to improve linkages and communications between County Monaghan and its neighbouring counties. SO 5 To support balanced economic development throughout the County by delivering improved infrastructure and services. SO 6 To protect, nurture and enhance the County’s rich natural resources, heritage, tourism assets and amenities along with the environmental quality of the natural and built environment in both the urban and rural areas. SO 7 To prepare and implement a Masterplan and Development Framework for Lough Muckno and its environs, which will act as a blueprint for its evolution and sustainable development as an exemplar recreational and amenity facility, having due regard to constraints and sensitivities associated with the area and relevant environmental protection requirements. SO 8 To plan for greater social inclusion and to improve the quality of life of all who live and work in County Monaghan. SO 9 To provide a framework for the management and regulation of development and use of land that will guide day to day planning decisions. SO 10 To maintain the strategic capacity and safety of the national roads network and to safeguard the investment in national roads. Monaghan County Development Plan 2025 – 2031 plan strategic objectives 1.11 STRATEGIC OBJECTIVES The realisation of the strategic aim will be pursued by seeking to secure the following strategic objectives of the Plan.
- 1.12 POLICY CONTEXT The Planning and Development Act 2000 (as amended) requires that the Development Plan shall, so far as is practicable, be consistent with national plans, policies, and strategies. The National Planning Framework (NPF) which is the overarching planning policy for the State was published in February 2018 under Project Ireland 2040 and contains ten National Strategic Outcomes and numerous National Policy Objectives. This planning framework sets out where development and investment should be guided to shape the national, regional, and local spatial development in economic, environmental, and social terms to 2040. In summary it provides for: k 50% of overall national population and employment growth to be directed to the five cities of Dublin, Cork, Limerick, Galway and Waterford. k Large and smaller towns, villages and rural areas to accommodate the other 50% of population. k Improved national infrastructure grid in terms of mobility, communications, energy systems and essential public and community services and facilities. k A more effective balance of growth between Ireland’s three regions (Northern and Western, Eastern and Midland, Southern Regions). k Northern and Western and Southern Regions combined to grow at broadly comparable rates to the Eastern and Midland Region. k Major new policy emphasis on renewing and developing existing built-up areas rather than continual expansion and sprawl into the countryside. k Target of at least 40% of new housing nationally to be delivered within the existing built-up areas. k Significant proportion of national population and economic growth targeted at building up the fabric of smaller towns, villages and rural areas. 27 Environment, Energy and Climate Actionintroductionchapter 01 County Monaghan is located within the Northern and Western Regional Assembly area (NWRA), along with the counties of Cavan, Donegal, Leitrim, Sligo, Mayo, Roscommon and Galway. Although County Monaghan is located within the NWRA the NPF also recognises that it is also part of a North East functional area where a key driver is the Dublin-Belfast cross border economic corridor. The Regional Spatial and Economic Strategy 2020-2032 (RSES) provides a high-level development framework for the Northern and Western Region that supports the implementation of the NPF and the relevant economic policies and objectives of Government. It provides a 12- year strategy to deliver the transformational change that is necessary to achieve the objectives and vision of the Regional Assembly. It sets out the key strategic assets, opportunities and challenges for the Northern and Western Regional Assembly as well as setting out the policy responses to ensure that people’s needs for housing, jobs, ease of travel and overall well-being are met up to 2032 and beyond. FIGURE 1.2 REGIONAL ASSEMBLIES Source: Regional Spatial and Economic Strategy 2020-2032 (RSES).
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Source Monaghan County Council: Monaghan County Development Plan 2025–2031 (2025–2031) · 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.