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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- 269 Environment, Energy and Climate Actioncarrickmacross town settlement planchapter 11 CMSO 1 To promote Carrickmacross Town as a place of strategic potential at a regional level where the principles of environmental, economic and social sustainability including the protection of the town’s heritage and natural and built environment are enshrined. CMSO 2 To ensure that the following priorities for the town are delivered within the lifetime of the development plan:- k the implementation of the Town Centre First Plan for the town, k the preparation and implementation of a Local Transport Plan for the town, k the incorporation of the Backlands Local Area Action Plans and Convent Lands Master Plan within the County Development Plan by way of variation and the obtaining of all necessary consents for the progression of these plans, k the preparation of a feasibility study in respect of proposed road links within the town. CARRICKMACROSS SETTLEMENT PLAN STRATEGIC OBJECTIVE 11.0 LOCATION AND CONTEXT Carrickmacross is strategically located close to the M1 motorway link at Ardee approximately 80km north of Dublin, 35km south of Monaghan Town and 21km west of Dundalk and is the main town in the south of the County located along the Dublin to Derry (N2) National Route. The town serves the economic needs of a large rural hinterland, which extends into counties Cavan, Meath, Louth and Armagh. The town has a firm commercial and industrial base, and its strategic location has attracted significant inward investment resulting in a buoyant local economy, strong growth and demand for residential and retail development. The N2 Carrickmacross by-pass to the east of the town has relieved the town centre of the traffic congestion which was previously limiting its function and attractiveness as a retail and commercial centre. The development of the Convent Lands south of the town centre by Monaghan County Council for residential purposes created new opportunities for growth and development in the town. This area now includes the civic office which houses the administrative headquarters for Carrickmacross- Castleblayney Municipal District as well as the town library. In recent years development to the south of the town has expanded to include C-Tek and C-Tek II, Aldi, Lidl as well as Carrickmacross Primary Care Centre. There are opportunities for further development located along Riverside Road. 11.1 HISTORICAL CONTEXT A noted market town since the 16th century, Carrickmacross housed the principal pig and butter market for the region. The town was heavily affected by the Great Famine and the population dropped from 2,711 in 1841 to 1,779 in 1891. This period saw the construction of the Workhouse and the Fever Hospital on the Shercock Road. During the 19th Century the town established itself as a market town. The arrival of the Sisters of St. Louis established education for girls at primary and secondary levels. The sisters were associated with the revival of Carrickmacross Lace after its decline in the mid-19th Century. Throughout the 20th Century the town developed as a market town and industrial centre, with the establishment of new industries throughout the 1970’s and 1980’s offering stable employment. The town centre has a wide main street enclosed by the Courthouse to the north and St. Finbarr’s Church at the top of Castle Street, to the south. There are a number of historical buildings in the town, which complement the range of bustling shops on Main Street.
- 270 11.2 STRATEGY AND VISION In recognition of its role in providing employment, housing and services for the south of the County, Carrickmacross is designated as a town with strategic potential on a regional scale in the Northern and Western Regional Assembly Area Regional Spatial and Economic Strategy (NWRA RSES). The town performs important retail, residential, service and amenity functions for its rural hinterland as well as its urban population. It is a town that acts as a driver for local economies in the south of the County with wellestablished economic, administrative and social functions and is strongly positioned to attract businesses that require access to the Belfast/Dublin corridor. The 2022 Census indicates that the population of Carrickmacross is 5,745 representing an increase of 713 from the 2016 Census. Census 2022 indicated that 13% of the housing stock was vacant. The main employment sectors in Carrickmacross are commerce and trade (21%), professional services (20.9%), manufacturing (20.4%) and other industry (17%). The Core Strategy set out in Chapter 2 of this Plan projects that the population of Carrickmacross town will grow to 7,053 over this Plan period and a housing land requirement of over 22 hectares is being provided within the settlement boundary to accommodate this projected growth. In this settlement strategy Carrickmacross is identified as a Tier 2 Strategic Town that will be promoted in driving growth and economic development in the south of County Monaghan. 11.3 EDUCATION Monaghan County Council will ensure that adequate provision is made for educational infrastructure within Carrickmacross during the plan period. Carrickmacross has four national schools and three secondary schools. The number of students attending each school is shown in the table below. Additionally, there are a number of crèches and pre-schools spread throughout the town. 11.4 TOWN CENTRE Carrickmacross prospers as a service and retail town, functioning as a district centre for South Monaghan. In terms of turnover and selling space, the town ranks second in the County. Due to the increased commercial significance of the town of Monaghan and the growing influence of Dundalk, there is a need for the retail sector to look at expanding the commercial base of the town to meet the needs of an increasing population. This can be achieved by redeveloping backland areas and expanding the retail sector onto other streets, while protecting the built heritage of the town and adding value to the town’s shopping image. By enhancing the experience of the shopper and 2022 POPULATION POPULATION AS A % 2031 PROJECTED PROJECTED % OF COUNTY OF COUNTY MONAGHAN POPULATION MONAGHAN POPULATION POPULATION 2031 5,745 8.80% 7,053 9.9% TABLE 11.1 CARRICKMACROSS TOWN POPULATION PROJECTIONS TABLE 11.2 ENROLMENT FIGURES FOR SCHOOLS IN CARRICKMACROSS 2023-2024 NAME OF SCHOOL .................................................................................................No. of Students ST. JOSEPH’S NATIONAL SCHOOL .............................................................................. 248 SCOIL ROIS................................................................................................................................ 252 BUNSCOIL LUGHAIDH NAOFA ...................................................................................... 269 PATRICIAN BROTHERS HIGH SCHOOL..................................................................... 397 ST. LOUIS CONVENT SECONDARY............................................................................... 421 INVER COLLEGE (C.M.E.T.B)............................................................................................. 645 Monaghan County Development Plan 2025 – 2031
- 271 improving the facilities on offer the town will undoubtedly retain its current standing as a quality shopping town within a high-class built environment. A key element in the delivery of the Town Centre First Policy at local level is the preparation of Town Centre First Plans. These plans are non-statutory, community level plans, underpinned by surveys and Town Centre Health Check data analysis and are carried out by Town Teams. Town Centre First Plans must be informed by the policies and objectives of the County Development Plan and vice versa. Following the award of funding from the Department of Rural and Community Development (DRCD), the Carrickmacross Town Centre First Plan was launched on the 22nd March 2024. The Plan maps out a series of transformative projects specifically tailored for Carrickmacross, encompassing a spectrum of scales and ambitions. The Plan is a live document, and will remain responsive to ongoing input and feedback, ensuring its adaptability to the evolving needs and aspirations of Carrickmacross. Additionally, it is an objective of this Development Plan to prepare Local Area Action Plans (LAAPs) for two identified backland areas within the town centre. The LAAPs will provide a framework for the delivery of residential developments and other town centre uses at these locations. 11.5 RETAILING The County Monaghan Retail Strategy 2016-2022 sets out the policy context for retail development within County Monaghan. Surveys conducted as part of the Retail Strategy show that in 2015 there was 10,190sqm of retail floor space in Carrickmacross and an overall vacancy rate of 11%, the lowest of all the towns in the County. The County Monaghan Retail Strategy 2016- 2022 sets out the policy context for retail development within the County along with objectives and policies contained within Chapter 4 Economic Development and Chapter 15 Development Management Standards, of this Plan. CMO 1 To support the existing town centre use along Main Street while facilitating the expansion of the town centre south of the town. CARRICKMACROSS TOWN CENTRE OBJECTIVES CMP 1 Notwithstanding the land use zoning provision set out in this plan, development which would prejudice the development and implementation of a Local Area Action Plan(s) will be resisted. CARRICKMACROSS TOWN CENTRE POLICIES CMO 2 To prepare and implement Local Area Action Plans (LAAPs) for lands identified on Map CKDP1 of the Monaghan County Development Plan 2025-2031, between Main Street and Castle Street, and to the rear and east of Main Street between O’Neill Street and Monaghan Street. CMO 3 To support the implementation of the Carrickmacross Town Centre First Plan. CMO 4 To resist the loss of retail, commercial and service uses at ground floor level, within the town centre. CMP 2 Planning permission will not be granted on a site within an area identified for a Local Area Action Plan in the absence of a LAAP. Permission will only be granted where development proposals set out an overall urban design framework for the development of the area and are prepared in consultation with the Planning Authority. Environment, Energy and Climate Actioncarrickmacross town settlement planchapter 11
- 272 11.6 INDUSTRY, ENTERPRISE AND EMPLOYMENT Carrickmacross has a number of industries operating from the town. The major employers in the town are Pilgrim Foods, Farney Foods, C&M Coldstores, Gernord Limited and Active8 Solar Energies. These industries provide a substantial amount of work for the local population and the large number of people who come to live and work in the town. Approximately 85 hectares of land has been zoned for Industry, Enterprise and Employment development in Carrickmacross as indicated on Map CKDP1 of the Monaghan County Development Plan 2025-2031. These lands will provide sufficient capacity for the development of the town’s industrial base during the plan period. The provision of sufficient zoned Industry, Enterprise and Employment lands will provide certainty for potential developers and encourage new industries to locate to the town. 11.7 POWER AND TELECOMMUNICATIONS The Carrickmacross Metropolitan Area Network (MAN) provides a fibre ring around Carrickmacross. E-net are the wholesale company charged with maintenance of the MAN network, operating through a series of retail broadband providers. This infrastructure provides access to dedicated high speed and secure, broadband networks. High speed broadband is also available in the town. SIRO, a joint venture between ESB and Vodafone, has completed the build of their full fibre network which will deliver high speed broadband services to homes and business throughout the town. Eir/Openeir has also completed the upgrade of their fibre broadband networks within the Town. Additionally, there are also extensive wireless and satellite broadband networks in and around Carrickmacross Town. Monaghan County Council will continue to co-operate with statutory and regulated bodies in the provision of power and communication facilities throughout the town. 11.8 ROADS AND TRAFFIC MANAGEMENT The Carrickmacross Town (N2) by-pass has significantly improved the quality of life within the town, by reducing congestion and improving amenity in the town centre. East-west traffic must continue to access the town centre, but a key objective of this plan is to relieve traffic congestion and divert through traffic, particularly commercial traffic and heavy goods vehicles, from residential areas and the town centre by providing alternative routes around the town. Government policies now encourage modal shift, where possible, away from private car use and towards more sustainable transport modes such as walking, wheeling or cycling, also known as active travel. Government investment in active travel has increased significantly in recent years. The provision of quality cycling, wheeling and walking facilities can provide an economical, non-polluting, and flexible form of transport which can deliver improvements to overall health and wellbeing and reduce congestion and carbon emissions. The provision of active travel and recreational walking and cycling infrastructure, such as designated cycle paths, greenways, walking paths and trails, also supports recreation and tourism. The development of active travel and recreational walking and cycling routes in and around Carrickmacross Town will contribute towards Government objectives around active travel. Carrickmacross Active Travel Town – A Walking and Cycling Strategy was adopted in 2017. This document identifies a strategy and actions for the improvement of walking and cycling infrastructure including improved routes/linkages, signage etc together with soft measures such as awareness, the promotion of community involvement and actions that tie in with school and workplace plans. In conjunction with the National Transport Authority (NTA), it is an objective of Monaghan County Council to develop a Local Transport Plan (LTP) to identify transport requirements and solutions for Carrickmacross Town and its environs. The LTP will set out the outcomes of an Area Based Transport Assessment (ABTA) with the overall aim of improving the current sustainable transport offering in Carrickmacross Town and its environs for all travel modes. CMO 5 To promote Carrickmacross as the key industrial, enterprise and employment centre in the south of the County and as a place of strategic development potential of a regional scale. CARRICKMACROSS INDUSTRY, ENTERPRISE AND EMPLOYMENT OBJECTIVE Monaghan County Development Plan 2025 – 2031
- 273 The following list of proposed roads will contribute towards improved traffic and pedestrian safety, provide greater and safer access to all parts of the town and open lands for development: k Develop a western link road to provide connection between the R179 Kingscourt Road, R178 Shercock Road and R180 Lough Egish Road. k Develop an inner link between the R178 Shercock Road and the R180 Ballybay Road/Castleblayney Road (N2) These potential links are identified by indicative lines on Map CKDP1 of the Monaghan County Development Plan 2025-2031. These new potential links will be subject to options selection, detailed design and will be taken through the relevant consent procedures, as such, these indicative lines represent the centre line of a 100-metrewide preliminary corridor. To provide for such projects, new development that may prejudice the delivery of these projects will not be permitted, and development that impacts potential route options, preferred route corridors, or designed alignments for transport projects identified in national/regional policies will be resisted. Public and private bus service operators travel from and through Carrickmacross Town offering services to surrounding towns and settlements, Dublin Airport, City and third level institutions. It is an objective of this Development Plan to encourage the provision of infrastructure and supports that could increase public and shared transport use, and it is acknowledged that the provision of a park and ride facility would afford commuters with an alternative to their current form of travel whilst also helping to reduce transport emissions. CMO 6 To prepare a Local Transport Plan for Carrickmacross Town using the Area Based Transport Assessment process commencing by 2026. CARRICKMACROSS ROADS AND TRAFFIC MANAGEMENT OBJECTIVES CMO 7 To undertake feasibility and viability studies regarding the options for potential relief roads around Carrickmacross Town, to include a review of the congestion at the junction of the Kingscourt Road and Dundalk Road, during the lifetime of this plan, subject to available resources. CMO 9 To facilitate the provision of a Park and Ride facility at an appropriate location subject to relevant planning and environmental criteria, within the lifetime of the plan. CMO 10 To plan and develop infrastructure which supports access to and encourages the use of public and shared transport. CMO 11 To vary the Development Plan to incorporate the objectives and measures of the Local Transport Plan for Carrickmacross Town when finalised, and to implement its objectives and measures during the lifetime of this Plan. CMO 8 To protect, design and develop new road and road upgrade projects identified during the lifetime of this plan, subject to resources. Road schemes and Park & Ride schemes proposed and identified for development locally will be developed complementary to safeguarding the strategic function of the national road network. Proposals impacting on the national road network should be developed in consultation with and subject to the agreement of TII. Environment, Energy and Climate Actioncarrickmacross town settlement planchapter 11
- 274 11.9 TOURISM Carrickmacross is a recognised tourist destination with the Shirley Arms Hotel and a number of guesthouses located in and around the town. There are also a number of tourist attractions within close proximity to the town, including the Carrickmacross Lace Gallery, Collective at Market Square, Carrickmacross Workhouse as well as the Brehon Brewhouse and the Patrick Kavanagh Centre located in nearby Inniskeen. The town is also a suitable venue for anglers who avail of the good coarse angling lakes dotted around the local area. Golf is an important recreational amenity, and Mannan Castle Golf Club and driving range is located close by in Donaghmoyne. There is also a pitch and putt course in Inniskeen. Carrickmacross Festival is an annual event which attracts both visitors and revenue to the town. The refurbishment of the main building block of the Market House building along Main Street has been completed and houses the Carrickmacross Lace Gallery, arts studio and Collective at Market Square which sells locally made unique gifts. Carrickmacross Workhouse has been restored and is now a community resource, training, heritage and tourist centre operated by Farney Community Development Group (FCDG). The visitor exhibition experience at Carrickmacross Workhouse has undergone an impressive refurbishment and now includes an audiovisual display as well as exhibits by local artists. The Workhouse also provides a genealogy service which is focused on families in South Monaghan. 11.10 RECREATION AND AMENITY Recreational needs in Carrickmacross are well catered for throughout the town. Facilities within the town include the existing G.A.A grounds on the Ballybay Road and the soccer grounds on the Shercock Road. Carrick Fitness Centre and the Phoenix Sports Centre provide high quality indoor facilities. Carrick Aces running track and sports field is located at Drummond Otra and includes a basalt surfaced running track and a central sports field incorporating two long jump pits, a pole vault area, a shot putt and a high jump area. A number of walking and cycling routes have been developed and are utilised by locals and tourists. There are 5 walking loops located within and around Carrickmacross: k Town, Avenue and Lakeside Walk, k Town and Country Ramble, k The Lakes Walking Trail, k Four Counties Walking Trail, and k Pilgrims’ Way Tin Church Trail The Hilly Way, an on-road cycling route has been developed from Carrickmacross to Kingscourt and is 8.7km in length and there is a heritage trail of the town centre (guided option during summer season). A linear park and associated car parking is located at Tullynaskeagh East. The park has a cycle link to the town and a new dog walking park was opened at Drummond Otra in June 2023. Under the Town and Village Renewal Scheme, funding was obtained to complete a masterplan for the Gallows Hill amenity area of the town. The masterplan will provide a framework to deliver new, usable, high quality and accessible public green space which will include an amenity area to the northern end of town. Additionally, work has commenced on the preparation of a Concept Landscape Masterplan for the Convent Lands/Convent Avenue area of the town which will investigate the potential for improved pedestrian and cycle linkages with the town centre. CMO 12 To promote and facilitate the development of Carrickmacross as a tourism centre in co-operation with the public and private sector. CARRICKMACROSS TOURISM OBJECTIVES CMO 13 To support and facilitate the continued redevelopment of the Carrickmacross Workhouse site. CMO 14 To encourage and facilitate sensitive and appropriate development in conjunction with the Market House and Carrickmacross Workhouse. CMO 15 To support and encourage the development of appropriately scaled alternative forms of tourism accommodation on suitable sites within the town subject to Chapter 15 Development Management Standards. Monaghan County Development Plan 2025 – 2031
- 275 Golf facilities are available at Mannan Castle Golf Club outside the town in Donaghmoyne. Coarse fishing is a popular activity in the area and is a recognised fishing destination for a large number of anglers. Convent Avenue, a tree lined walkway through the Convent Lands, and the town park at Lisanisk Lake provide important passive recreational amenities close to the town centre. In addition, there are several lakes located within or close to the town including Lough Naglack with its wooded shoreline and Lough Fea, which is of natural scientific value. There may be potential to facilitate public access to Lough Fea, subject to agreement with relevant parties. Monaghan County Council in partnership with FCDG, plan to restore the remainder of the Carrickmacross Workhouse site to include the re-development of the derelict buildings to the rear of the site and develop a new multi-purpose community hub to cement its future as a focal point and centre for social, community and arts services in Carrickmacross town and the south Monaghan area. The development of an overall plan to guide the complete restoration and redevelopment of the derelict buildings and 6-acre site for community use will transform the area and provide a sustainable template for development into the future. The absence of a swimming pool has been a long-cited gap in leisure provision in Carrickmacross. Monaghan County Council has engaged consultants to evaluate the technical and economic feasibility of providing a swimming pool and leisure complex in the town which would serve the urban area and the wider south Monaghan community. CMO 16 To further develop lands at the Ardee Road as the primary location for active recreational development in the town. CARRICKMACROSS RECREATION AND AMENITY OBJECTIVES CMO 17 To investigate the potential to develop and expand facilities at Lisanisk Lake in a sensitive manner with appropriate planning and environmental considerations during the lifetime of this plan. CMO 18 To protect Convent Avenue from intrusive development. CMO 19 To support and facilitate the development of a swimming pool and leisure complex at a suitable location within the town. CMO 20 To support the continued growth of the library facilities, which are operating at full capacity, to ensure that local community needs are adequately met. CMO 21 To review the extent of existing green space within the town and investigate the potential to deliver additional green space areas which can be easily accessed across the town. Environment, Energy and Climate Actioncarrickmacross town settlement planchapter 11
- 276 11.11 NATURAL HERITAGE Lough Naglack (and its environs) and Lough Fea are both designated as Areas of Secondary Amenity in the Monaghan County Development Plan 2025-2031. Convent Avenue, an attractive tree-lined walk to the south of the town, is an important recreational route for walking and cycling which links the town to the wider area and is an important part of the green infrastructure of Carrickmacross Town. 11.12 BUILT HERITAGE Carrickmacross was a noted market town from the 16th century. Its broad Main Street facilitated the holding of various markets. Today, Main Street has a number of buildings of architectural merit including the Bank of Ireland, The Allied Irish Bank, The Ulster Bank, the Shirley Arms Hotel and the Garda Barracks, which date from the 19th Century. At the north end of Main Street, a considerable portion of the original Market House and Square remains, with its cast iron colonnade, pediment and cupola. The Courthouse is an excellent example of a fine, five bay Georgian building with entrance doors at either end. Other buildings of note throughout the town are the Fever Hospital and the Workhouse on the Shercock Road, the stone cottages with the Bath Crest in St. Joseph’s Terrace, St. Joseph’s Church, with its soaring slender spire, and the castellated Convent of St. Louis. A list of protected structures is contained within Appendix 1. There are five Architectural Conservation Areas (ACAs) designated within Carrickmacross which are also listed in Table 6.10 of Chapter 6 Heritage, Conservation and Landscape of the Monaghan County Development Plan 2025-2031. Guidance in relation to carrying out works to a structure located within an ACA is also provided for in Chapter 6 Heritage, Conservation and Landscape and Chapter 15 Development Management Standards of this Plan. 11.13 ARCHAEOLOGY From the earliest days of Christianity in Ireland a monastic establishment was sited in the town of Carrickmacross and was referred to as “Cell Rois”. On the earliest known map of the area, Thomas Raven’s survey of the Essex Estate 1634, Essex’s Castle and bawn indicated a prominent mound at the southern end of the Main Street. Essex’s Castle was destroyed in the Williamite Wars but was partially rebuilt as a lodge for Lord Bath’s land agent. The St. Louis nuns acquired this in turn, and beneath the Convent and its immediate environs may lie the foundations of the extensive fortification that was the castle and bawn. The remains of 18th Century industries are to be found in various parts of the town. At one time the town had three distilleries, a brewery, a tanyard, tobacco manufacturers and bakeries. On the perimeter of the town there are two features of historical importance. They are the fort on Lurgan Hill and the Crannog on Lisanisk Lake. The Lurgan’s fort was the seat of the McMahon’s of Farney, and on occasion the seat of the ruling chieftain of Monaghan. Towards the end of the 1500’s the McMahons moved their residence to the crannog on Lisanisk Lake, and it was there that the leaders of the 1641 rebellion planned the rising. The old famine graveyard called “Bully’s Acre” is considered worthy of preservation. All those undertaking development work should be aware of their obligation under the National Monuments Act to report the discovery of archaeological objects to the National Museum. CMO 22 To limit development in Areas of Secondary Amenity to those where it has been proven to the satisfaction of the Planning Authority that the proposed development would not threaten the integrity of these areas. CARRICKMACROSS NATURAL AND BUILT HERITAGE OBJECTIVES CMO 23 To protect and enhance the character of the Architectural Conservation Areas within the town. CMO 24 To limit development within the environs of Lough Naglack, unless in exceptional circumstances, where it has been proven to the satisfaction of the Planning Authority that the integrity of the Lough and its surrounding landscape will not be threatened. Monaghan County Development Plan 2025 – 2031
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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.