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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- 229 8.9 VETERINARY SERVICES Monaghan County Council’s Veterinary Services are responsible for Dog Control and Food Safety in the County. The Control of Dogs Act 1986 (as amended) gave statutory responsibility for dog control and licensing to Local Authorities. Local Authorities can appoint dog wardens, provide dog shelters, seize dogs and impose fines and initiate court proceedings against dog owners. The Control of Dog Regulations 1998 placed additional restrictions in relation to twelve dog breeds (or crosses of breed) which are considered to be dangerous. In relation to Food Safety, the Veterinary Service of Monaghan County Council operate jointly with the Food Safety Authority of Ireland (FSAI), the Department of the Environment, Community and Local Government (DECLG) and Department of Agriculture, Food and Marine (DAFM) with regard to the inspection of abattoirs and meat processing plants (in the wholesale sector). 8.10 LIGHTING The Council will consider the potential for light pollution from development and the intensification or alteration of existing development. The prevention of light pollution is important in the interests of nature conservation, residential amenity and energy efficiency. 8.11 NOISE The impact of noise pollution is an important consideration in assessing all development proposals as it can impact on people’s quality of life and health. The Environmental Noise Regulations 2018 (as amended 2021) give reference to the EU Directive 2002/49/EC relating to the assessment and management of noise pollution. A Noise Action Plan is in place by the Council for major roads within County Monaghan carrying more than 3,000,000 vehicles per year. Using the provisions of the development management process, the Planning Authority will aim to take account of and mitigate noise and/or vibration at site boundaries or adjacent to noise sensitive locations, in particular residential properties with reference to layout, design and/or noise attenuation measures. Consideration also needs to be given to avoid adverse impacts when introducing noise sensitive uses in proximity to existing and future national roads. Where warranted, proposals should include mitigation and should have regard to Section 3.7 of the DECLG Spatial Planning and National Roads Guidelines (2012). VSP 1 To support the implementation of the veterinary functions of the Council. VETERINARY SERVICE POLICY LP 1 To control lighting in urban and rural areas and in sensitive locations, in order to minimise impacts on residential amenity and habitats and species of importance. LP 2 To require the use of energy efficient public lighting in all new development proposals. LP 3 To require that lighting fixtures should provide only the amount of light necessary and should be designed to avoid creating glare or emitting light above a horizontal plane. Lighting fixtures should also have minimum environmental impact and protect light sensitive species such as bats. LIGHTING POLICIES Environment, Energy and Climate ActionEnvironment, Energy and Climate Actionintroductionchapter 01Monaghan County Development Plan 2025 – 2031Environment, energy and climate actionchapter 08 NO 1 To promote the implementation of the Noise Directive 2002/49/EC and associated Environmental Noise Regulations 2006. NOISE OBJECTIVES NO 2 To ensure development design considers noise alleviation measures, were appropriate, to reduce noise and vibration impacts on surrounding amenities, particularly residential amenity and other noise sensitive locations (e.g., places of worship, healthcare facilities).
- 230 EHZO 1 To comply with the provisions of the SEVESO Directive in respect of any development with the potential to cause a major accident. ENVIRONMENTAL HAZARD ZONES OBJECTIVE AQO 1 To promote the preservation of best ambient air quality compatible with sustainable development in accordance with the EU Ambient Air, to ensure that all air emissions associated with new developments are within Quality and Cleaner Air for Europe (CAFE) Directive (2008/50/EC) and Environmental Quality Standards as out in the Air Quality Standards Regulations 2011 (SI No. 180 of 2011) and any new or updated/ subsequent versions. AIR QUALITY OBJECTIVES AQO 2 To contribute towards compliance with air quality legislation, greenhouse gas emission targets, management of noise levels, and reductions in energy usage. Monaghan County Development Plan 2025 – 2031 8.12 AIR QUALITY At present County Monaghan enjoys a high-quality environment with limited air pollution. However, emissions caused by increased traffic, the burning of fossil fuels for heating and the operation of businesses is likely to have a detrimental impact on our environment. 8.13 ENVIRONMENTAL HAZARD ZONES The European Communities (Control of Major Accident Hazards Involving Dangerous Substances) Regulations 2006 transposes the SEVESO II Directive 96/82/EC (relating to the prevention of major accidents involving dangerous substances) into Irish Law. The Directive aims to prevent accident hazards from dangerous substances and to limit the consequence of such accidents through the following measures: k The appropriate siting of new establishments. k Modification of existing establishments. k Control of other development in the vicinity of an establishment which by virtue of its type or siting is likely to increase the risk or consequence of a major accident. k Development of site-specific emergency planning by the local authority and site operator. There are currently no SEVESO sites in County Monaghan, but there are SEVESO sites in adjoining counties.
- 231 Monaghan County Development Plan 2025 – 2031 chapter 09 Strategic Objectives for Settlements
- 9.0 INTRODUCTION This County Development Plan incorporates Settlement Plans for the five towns of County Monaghan, as listed in Tiers 1, 2 and 3 of the Core Strategy. This chapter sets out the strategic objectives for development within each of these settlements. These should be read in conjunction with the settlement plans for each of the five towns and the associated zoning maps contained within this Development Plan. This chapter also sets out the strategic objectives and settlement maps for the Tier 4 Villages in the County. 9.1 VISION The aim of this chapter is to set out a shared vision, demonstrating how sustainable and co-ordinated growth and development of the towns and villages in the County can be shaped in a planned manner, whilst also acting as a catalyst for the balanced economic, physical, cultural and environmental development of the towns and villages. The concept of sustainable development is a theme which runs throughout this Development Plan which is, development that meets the needs of the present, without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs. This approach also protects the natural and built environment by requiring new development to be of a high standard taking account of surrounding properties and land uses. A key challenge of this Development Plan is to identify the most appropriate areas for the growth of the designated settlements over this plan period. Achieving development which will consolidate the town and village structures, and which provides for the sustainable management of the environment including cultural and natural heritage is of fundamental importance. The specific strategic objective for each town pertains directly to the position of the settlement within the Settlement Hierarchy set out in Chapter 2 Core Strategy of this Development Plan. 232 Monaghan County Development Plan 2025 – 2031 SETTLEMENT STRATEGIC OBJECTIVES SSO 2 CARRICKMACROSS AND CASTLEBLAYNEY SSO 1 MONAGHAN TOWN SSO 3 CLONES AND BALLYBAY Monaghan County Council aims to address the future sustainable development of the towns through the: k Establishment of a viable and growing population, sufficient to support a wide variety of employment and services, k Development of infrastructure to support the existing towns and accommodate future growth within the towns, k Improved transport links both within the County and destinations outside it, k Re-development of backlands and derelict sites throughout the towns where appropriate, and k Provision of sufficient parking within the town centres, where necessary. To promote and develop the Tier 2 Strategic Towns as prosperous and thriving towns where the principles of environmental, economic and social sustainability including protection of the towns’ heritage and natural and built environment are enshrined. To promote and develop the Tier 3 Service Towns to create self-sufficient sustainable and vibrant communities which will act as local economic and service centres for the Border and Mid Monaghan catchment hinterlands, whilst protecting the significant, natural, built and archaeological heritage of Clones and Ballybay town. To facilitate the development of Monaghan Town to maintain its position as the Tier 1 Principal Town in the County at the top of the settlement hierarchy and its status as a Key Town as defined in the Regional Spatial and Economic Strategy, and to ensure that its expansion takes place in an orderly and sustainable fashion that will not detract from the vitality and viability of the town centre.
- 233 strategic objectives for settlementschapter 09 SSO 4 To create a clear strategic framework for the sustainable development of the towns and their hinterlands through the zoning and servicing of lands in a manner consistent with the Core Strategy as set out in Chapter 2 of the Monaghan County Development Plan 2025-2031. STRATEGIC OBJECTIVES FOR THE TOWNS AND VILLAGES SSO 5 To provide a basis for public and private sector investment in infrastructure, services and development in the towns and Tier 4 villages, offering clear guidance to both sectors in framing development proposals, in partnership with the community. SSO 6 To facilitate the provision of adequate services and facilities in the towns in the areas of education, medical/health, transport, public administration, industrial and commercial centres, and to encourage the co-location of these services. SSO 7 To attract investment and new employment opportunities to the towns while supporting sustainable enterprises. SSO 8 To promote the towns as residential, employment, industrial, commercial, retail and service centres. SSO 9 To protect and enhance the heritage, character and streetscape of the towns and ensure they are attractive places to live and work. SSO 10 To provide a wide range of amenity, sporting and cultural facilities including public spaces and parks in the towns. SSO 11 To prepare, as resources permit, specific local area action plans and/or masterplans for the towns to provide for the most efficient and suitable co-ordinated development to take place. SSO 12 To appropriately designate development envelopes around the towns and Tier 4 villages in order to manage development in a sustainable manner and restrict urban sprawl and the merging of distinctive areas. SSO 13 To promote the development of the towns and Tier 4 villages with an appropriate range of facilities and services including social infrastructure, retail units, commercial offices and local enterprise in accordance with the provisions of the Core Strategy, Chapter 2 of the Monaghan County Development Plan 2025-2031. SSO 14 To promote sustainable compact development forms, including more comprehensive backland development, in the towns and Tier 4 villages, where appropriate, and to promote the efficient use of available public infrastructure and services. SSO 15 To facilitate and/or provide the infrastructure and services necessary to accommodate the anticipated population growth in the towns and Tier 4 villages in accordance with the Core Strategy, Chapter 2 of the Monaghan County Development Plan 2025-2031.
- 234 SSO 16 To protect important landscape features within or on the edge of the towns and Tier 4 villages by prohibiting development within designated Landscape Protection/Conservation (LPC) areas unless it is proven to the satisfaction of the Planning Authority that the proposed development would not detrimentally impact on the amenity of the LPC areas or the wider setting or character of the towns and Tier 4 villages. SSO 17 To promote strategies that could facilitate public transport services in the towns and Tier 4 villages. SSO 18 To encourage the creation and development of specialist niche activities that could help distinguish and promote the growth of the towns and Tier 4 villages. SSO 19 To ensure that new development within towns and Tier 4 villages is appropriate in terms of use, siting, scale, layout, design, materials and character. SSO 20 To promote and encourage the regeneration of the back lands in the towns and Tier 4 villages as well as appropriate development on infill sites, derelict sites, vacant properties and brownfield sites. SSO 21 To develop, as resources permit, sustainable transport solutions within and around the towns which encourage a transition towards more sustainable modes of transport. SSO 22 To apply the precautionary principle in relation to development on lands identified as being at risk of flooding and to restrict development to uses that are compatible to the level of flood risk unless supported by a site-specific flood risk assessment and development management justification test. 9.2 LAND USE ZONING The settlement plans for each of the towns aim to promote growth and development while protecting the natural and built environment. The primary tool to achieve this is through land use zoning objectives which indicate the purpose for which areas of land may be used. Land use zoning objectives allow for the appropriate and rational use of land, protecting the amenity of the towns and facilitating adequate space for current and future developments. Favourable consideration will be given to proposals for community facilities, on suitable sites within all land use zoning categories, where such a proposal is suitably located within the settlement boundary and is easily accessible for all sections of the community. LUZO 1 To implement the land use zoning categories and objectives in each of the settlement plan areas as set out in Table 9.1, Chapter 9 of the Monaghan County Development Plan 2025-2031. LAND USE ZONING OBJECTIVE The land use zonings categories and objectives in respect of each area identified on the settlement maps are set out in Table 9.1. Monaghan County Development Plan 2025 – 2031
- 235 To provide, protect and enhance town centre facilities and promote town centre strengthening. The principal permitted land use is town centre related uses including retail, residential, commercial, social, cultural, medical/health and other similar type uses. TOWN CENTRELUO 1 PURPLE To protect and enhance existing residential amenity, to facilitate residential development on small infill sites within established residential areas, the comprehensive redevelopment of brownfield residential sites for sustainable residential development, and to facilitate and encourage the completion of commenced and not yet completed residential developments. The principal permitted land use is residential. However other uses open for consideration include education, nursing homes, creches, health centres, community facilities, and guesthouses provided that all such proposals are in keeping with the established built character of the area and do not adversely impact upon the amenity of existing residential properties. Infill residential development on small sites and the comprehensive redevelopment of large residential plots for proposed residential development will be acceptable subject to the development proposal having regard to the character of the surrounding residential development. EXISTING RESIDENTIAL LUO 2 PEACH To provide for new residential development and for new and improved ancillary services. The principal permitted land use is residential. However other uses open for consideration include education, nursing homes, creches, health centres, community facilities, and guesthouses provided all such proposals are in keeping with the established built character of the area and do not adversely impact upon the amenity of existing residential properties. Single dwellings will be considered on these lands provided they do not compromise the overall objective of comprehensively developing the lands for sustainable urban housing in the future. In such cases the applicant will be required to demonstrate by way of an overall plan for the development of the lands, how the proposed development would not adversely affect the comprehensive development of the lands in the future. PROPOSED RESIDENTIAL A LUO 3 LIGHT BLUE To facilitate the provision of serviced residential sites and low-density residential development in a structured and co-ordinated manner. The principal permitted land use is residential. Development permitted on these lands will be low density residential development or serviced residential sites. However other uses open for consideration include education, nursing homes, creches, health centres, community facilities, and guesthouses provided all such proposals are in keeping with the established built character of the area and do not adversely impact upon the amenity of existing residential properties. Where a landbank in single ownership is zoned for both Proposed Residential A and Proposed Residential B, the location of the low density or serviced site development can be located within any part of the landbank, provided a comprehensive layout for the entire land bank is being proposed and where the equivalent area of ‘Proposed Residential B’ zoning is not reduced. As the quantum of Proposed Residential B lands has been doubled within the Core Strategy to offer more locational and market choice and to provide an incentive to release these lands for development, only 75% of the Proposed Residential B quantum shall be developed during this plan period. PROPOSED RESIDENTIAL B LUO 4 MEDIUM BLUE MAP COLOURLAND USE ZONING OBJECTIVE LAND USE ZONING CATEGORY TABLE 9.1 LAND USE ZONING CATEGORIES AND OBJECTIVES strategic objectives for settlementschapter 09
- 236 PURPLE PEACH Single dwellings will be considered on these lands provided they do not compromise the overall objective of comprehensively developing the lands for sustainable urban housing in the future. In such cases the applicant will be required to demonstrate by way of an overall plan for the development of the lands, how the proposed development would not adversely affect the comprehensive development of the lands in the future. MEDIUM BLUE To protect lands that are considered strategic in location for future residential development. The principal permitted use is residential. The comprehensive development of these lands will only be permitted in instances whereby 75% of the Proposed Residential A and B lands have been developed. Any development which would prejudice the principal use of these lands for residential development in the future will be resisted. Single dwellings for landowners or their immediate family members will be considered on these lands provided they do not compromise the overall objective of comprehensively developing the lands for residential development in the future. Justification for a dwelling in this instance will have to be demonstrated by the applicant including the submission of documentation to show that the landholding has been in family ownership for at least 5 years. In such cases the applicant will also be required to demonstrate by way of an overall plan for the development of the lands, how the proposed development would not adversely affect the comprehensive development of the lands in the future. STRATEGIC RESIDENTIAL RESERVE LUO 5 DARK BLUE To provide for new industrial, enterprise and employment generating development and to facilitate the expansion of existing industrial and employment generating enterprises. The principal permitted use is a range of employment, industry and business uses. INDUSTRY ENTERPRISE AND EMPLOYMENT LUO 6 RED To provide for established commercial development and facilitate its appropriate expansion. The principal permitted use shall be related to the existing established commercial use on site. The redevelopment and expansion of existing commercial lands may be permitted. EXISTING COMMERCIAL LUO 7 YELLOW To protect, provide and improve community facilities and services. The principal permitted use is community, civic, religious, medical/health, educational facilities and any uses ancillary and related to these uses such as playing fields or car parks. COMMUNITY FACILITIES AND SERVICES LUO 8 ORANGE To protect and provide for recreation, open space and amenity. The principal permitted use is passive and active recreation and any uses ancillary and related to this use such as recreational buildings or car parks. RECREATION AND AMENITY LUO 9 LIGHT GREEN MAP COLOURLAND USE ZONING OBJECTIVE LAND USE ZONING CATEGORY Monaghan County Development Plan 2025 – 2031
- PURPLE PEACH To protect important landscape features within the towns from development that would detrimentally impact on the amenity of the landscape, on the natural setting of the town, or on the natural attenuation offered by flood plains. To only permit development where it has been clearly demonstrated to the satisfaction of the Planning Authority that the development will not be contrary to the overall zoning objective of the lands, for example the provision of open space or services to adjoining land uses. Tree felling in these areas will only be permitted in exceptional circumstances. LANDSCAPE PROTECTION/ CONSERVATION LUO 10 DARK GREEN To apply the precautionary principle and require justification for development on these lands. Any development proposed on these lands or, where deemed necessary by the Planning Authority, within the vicinity of these lands, shall demonstrate full compliance with the requirements of The Planning System and Flood Risk Management Guidelines for Planning Authorities 2009 and any new or updated/subsequent versions. FLOOD RISK AREAS LUO 11 GREEN LINES To resist development which would prejudice the preparation and implementation of Local Area Action Plans for areas identified within the towns. Local Area Action Plans will be developed to establish strategic planning principles for each identified area including land use, infrastructure provision, layout, open spaces, linkages and design. Development will only be considered on these lands where it is demonstrated that it does not compromise the overall objective for sustainable development in the future. In such cases the applicant will be required to demonstrate how the proposed development would not adversely affect the comprehensive development of the lands in the future. LOCAL AREA ACTION PLAN LUO 12 YELLOW OUTLINE MAP COLOURLAND USE ZONING OBJECTIVE LAND USE ZONING CATEGORY Development within each zoned area will be determined having regard to the Land Use Zoning Matrix set out in Table 9.3. Uses other than the primary use for which an area is zoned may be permitted in certain circumstances provided they are not in conflict with the primary land use zoning objective. The Land Use Zoning Matrix illustrates the acceptability or unacceptability of various uses for each of the zoned areas. The Land Use Zoning Matrix is intended to provide guidance to potential developers and members of the public on the category of development which is acceptable in principle, open for consideration in certain circumstances, or not normally permitted. The Land Use Zoning Matrix relates to land use only and important factors such as density, building height, design standards and traffic generation are also relevant in establishing whether a development proposal would be acceptable at a particular location. ✓ = ACCEPTABLE IN PRINCIPLE A development type which is acceptable in principle is one which complies with the primary zoning objective for the area and is generally permitted subject to compliance with the relevant policies, standards and requirements contained within the Development Plan. O = OPEN FOR CONSIDERATION A development type that is open for consideration is one that by reason of its nature and scale would not be in conflict with the primary zoning objective for the area subject to the proper planning and sustainable development of the area. X = NOT NORMALLY PERMITTED A development type that is not normally permitted is one that would be contrary to the zoning objectives and thus will not normally be permitted, except in exceptional circumstances. 237 strategic objectives for settlementschapter 09
- 238 OTHER USES Proposed uses that are not listed in the Land Use Zoning Matrix will be considered on the merits of the individual planning applications having regard to the most appropriate use of a similar nature indicated in the Land Use Zoning Matrix. Uses that conflict with the general overall objective of the zoned area will not be permitted. NON-CONFORMING USES It is acknowledged that there are existing established uses which are inconsistent with the primary zoning objective. It is not intended that these established uses should be curtailed. Where extensions or improvements to these uses are proposed, each proposal shall be considered on its own merits in accordance with the proper planning and sustainable development of the area. TOWN CENTRE TC EXISTING COMMERCIAL EC EXISTING RESIDENTIAL ER COMMUNITY FACILITIES AND SERVICES CS PROPOSED RESIDENTIAL (A AND B) PR RECREATION AND AMENITY RA STRATEGIC RESIDENTIAL RESERVE SR LANDSCAPE PROTECTION/CONSERVATION LPC INDUSTRY, ENTERPRISE AND EMPLOYMENT IE TABLE 9.2 LAND USE ZONING MATRIX CODES TABLE 9.3 LAND USE ZONING MATRIX DEVELOPMENT TYPE TC ER PR SR IE EC CS RA LPC Abattoir X X X X O X X X X Advertising and Advertising Structures ✓ X X X ✓ ✓ X X X Agricultural Buildings X X X X X X X X X Allotments O ✓ ✓ O O O O O O Amusement/Gaming Arcades ✓ X X X X X X X X Bank/Financial Services ✓ X X X X X X X X B&B/ Guest House ✓ ✓ ✓ O X O X X X Betting Office ✓ X X X X X X X X Boarding Kennels X X X X O O X X X Business/Technology Park O X X X ✓ ✓ X X X Builders Providers O X X X ✓ O X X X Call Centre ✓ X X X ✓ O X X X Camping/Caravan Park X X X X X O X O X Car Park/Park and Ride O X O O O O X X X Car Wash O X X X ✓ O X X X Cash & Carry/Wholesale unit O X X X ✓ ✓ X X X Cemetery X X X O X X O O X Church/Place of Worship ✓ O O O X O ✓ X X Cinema/Theatre/ Bingo Hall ✓ X X X X O O X X Community Facility ✓ O O O X O ✓ O X Conference Facility ✓ X X X X O O X X Creche/Nursery ✓ O O O O O O X X Cultural/Library/Museum/Gallery ✓ O O O X O O X X Nightclub/Dance Hall ✓ X X X X O X X X Doctor/Dentist/Health Practitioner ✓ O O O X O ✓ X X Drive Through O X X X O O X X X Education/Training/Schools O O O O O O ✓ X X Monaghan County Development Plan 2025 – 2031
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.