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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- 89 Monaghan County Development Plan 2025 – 2031 chapter 04 economic development
- 4.0 INTRODUCTION Monaghan County Council’s role in the areas of land-use planning, infrastructure provision and local community development, make it a key stakeholder in the facilitation and generation of economic activity in the County. The central challenge for the Council is to help create more jobs to ensure that more people who live in County Monaghan can work in County Monaghan, and that the County is not only seen as a place to visit and live in, but a place to invest and work in. Accordingly, the Monaghan County Development Plan 2025-2031 is a key medium through which future economic development can be encouraged. It is critical therefore, that the objectives and policies outlined in this chapter strike a balance between ambition and realism in order to facilitate healthy levels of economic activity and employment growth that will retain and sustain the County’s population. Supporting economic growth correlates with other chapters of this Development Plan, including Chapter 7 Transport and Infrastructure, which references digital infrastructure and connectivity, important elements in creating conditions to support business growth, innovation and remote working opportunities, whilst the growth of the circular economy and bio-economy is referenced and supported through the relevant policies and objectives contained within Chapter 8 Environment, Energy and Climate Change. 4.1 BUSINESS AND EMPLOYMENT IN COUNTY MONAGHAN Renowned for its strong work ethic and entrepreneurial drive, County Monaghan is dotted with a mix of established indigenous and international companies. The agri-food industry plays a significant role in the County’s economy and accounts for over 60% of County Monaghan’s employment, whilst 90% of the food produced within the County is exported. Given the geographical makeup of the County, and its significant rural proportion, it is unsurprising that so many of the County’s population are engaged in agricultural activities. In 2020, 4,478 farm holdings were recorded in the County, with specialist beef production listed as the dominant farming activity. The County is also home to some major food and agri-food companies, such as Monaghan Mushrooms, Greenfield Foods Ltd, Silverhill Foods, ABP Food Group, Abbot Ireland and Bio-Marine Ingredients. Recent years have seen an expansion of the County’s economic base, from a reliance on the agricultural sector to now having a strong presence in the industrial, enterprise and services sectors. This is in some way a result of County Monaghan benefiting from its strategic border location along the Dublin to Letterkenny/Derry City corridor, and adjacent to the Dublin/Belfast eastern economic corridor. Additionally, the ports of Belfast, Larne, Warrenpoint and Dublin are all located within an hour and forty-five minutes’ drive of the County. County Monaghan is home to Ireland’s largest temperature control and logistics firm Castlecool and Combilift, a recognised global leader in the long load handling market. There is a strong entrepreneurial spirit which has seen the successful development of a significant number of Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) in key sectors including engineering, information and communications technology (ICT), tourism, culture and business support services. The importance of SMEs within the County is evident when considering that more than three-quarters (75.9%) of employees residing in the County work for enterprises that employ under 10 people (35.2%) or between 50 and 249 people (40.5%). This is higher than both the Regional and National averages. The importance of sustaining and supporting SMEs is reflected in the objectives and policies contained within this Development Plan. 90 Monaghan County Development Plan 2025 – 2031 ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT STRATEGIC OBJECTIVE EDSO 1 To promote County Monaghan as a local and regional centre of trade, business and tourism and to build on its strong spirit of enterprise to create a dynamic local economy with job creation at its heart.
- In 2020, the top three economic activities in the County by number of employees were: k manufacturing, k wholesale and retail trade, repair of motor vehicles and motorcycles, and k human health/social work. The top three sectors by number of enterprises in the County were: k construction, k wholesale and retail trade, repair of motor vehicles and motorcycles, and k manufacturing. County Monaghan’s manufacturing sector is strong with over one in ten enterprises in the State operating in the County. Therefore, within the towns and villages, it is necessary that the County offers a variety of locations to work and live. Nationally, the 2022 Census depicts that there is an increase in the number of people in work, rising by 16% to 2.3 million in April 2022 with every county experiencing employment growth. There was also a steady decrease in the unemployment rate in 2022, from 13% in 2016 to 8%. The largest growth nationally has been in the category of other human health activities, which includes professions such as physiotherapy and occupational therapy. The unemployment rate of the County is 8.2%, whilst the long-term unemployment rate is 4.0%. 4.2 RURAL ECONOMY The types of industry in the County and how these industries operate has evolved in recent years because of technological advances, particularly within the County’s rural area. The National Planning Framework (NPF) identifies “strengthened rural economies and communities” as a National Strategic Outcome, and recognises that improved connectivity, broadband and rural economic development opportunities will ensure the countryside remains and strengthens as a living and working community. Local service sectors, including tourism and small-scale manufacturing, are a significant part of the rural economy and are also important local employers. Supporting the diversification of the rural economy is essential. Improved digital connectivity offers new opportunities for rural businesses to reach new markets. The natural resource of the County offers potential, through the development of agriculture, food, forestry, tourism and renewable energy sectors, to grow new businesses or to expand existing ones. In addition, digital improvements create opportunities for remote working, and employment is likely to grow in areas such as agri-tech, ICT, tourism, bio-economy and circular economy. In supporting the economic growth of the County, a high priority must be given to the creation of higher skilled jobs to stem the flow of young, educated people out of the County. Together with County Cavan, County Monaghan has seen the biggest increase in third level education attainment in the Northern and Western Region from 2011. The role of education providers/institutes in supporting innovation and economic growth is reflected across the Regional Spatial Economic Strategy (RSES) 2020-2032, which also acknowledges that one element which informs business location choices is the “co-location or dynamic clustering enabling connectivity and linkages within and between suppliers and purchasers, between enterprises and Higher Education Institutes (HEIs)”. It is therefore considered that increased cooperation with relevant Education and Training Boards (ETB) could ensure that apprenticeships are available to students of the County. 4.3 CONTEXT The economic future of the County is influenced by a number of external factors, including the future implications of Brexit given that the County shares a significant land border with Northern Ireland. In recent years the County has experienced growth within the business export sectors, and this is a sector which is expected to see further growth. There may, therefore, be opportunities for County Monaghan to attract inward investment from businesses wishing to have/continue to have an EU presence, particularly businesses that are currently based north of the Border. Its border proximity, the similarities vis-à-vis doing business, the existing and potential enterprise spaces available in the County and the salary costs in comparison to places like Dublin, make County Monaghan an opportune location for firms wishing to relocate. Although Brexit presents issues that are obviously beyond the remit of this Development Plan, there are issues relating to land-use planning and infrastructure provision which can be addressed through it. This chapter provides a positive vision and spatial land use planning framework to support the significant sectors such as industry, retail and tourism and provides an appropriate readiness to respond to challenges and opportunities that may be presented during the lifetime of this Plan. 91 economic developmentchapter 04
- 4.4 REGIONAL DIRECTION – REGIONAL SPATIAL AND ECONOMIC STRATEGY 2020-2032 (RSES) The RSES 2020–2032 for the Northern and Western Regional Assembly (NWRA) area is a high-development framework that helps to support the National Planning Framework (NPF). It contains six high level goals and is supported by national policy objectives. In considering how best to support the future economic growth of the County, consideration should be given to the following relevant high-level ambitions and their associated regional policy objectives: k Growth Ambition 1: Economy and Employment – Vibrant Region k Growth Ambition 3: Connectivity – Connected Region k Growth Ambition 5: Infrastructure – Enabling our Region 4.5 MONAGHAN LOCAL ECONOMIC AND COMMUNITY PLAN 2023-2029 (LECP) The purpose of the LECP is to set out, over a six-year period, the objectives and actions needed to promote and support the economic development and the local and community development of the County. The vision set out in the LECP is that ‘Monaghan will continue to be an attractive and welcoming County with vibrant communities and a diverse economy, built around wellbeing, innovation, prosperity and sustainability’. The LECP includes six high level goals, each of which are accompanied by specific objectives. The goals and objectives which are particularly relevant to the economic development of the County are detailed below: 92 k Objective 3.1 Encourage life-long learning and upskilling including in the area of digital skills. k Objective 3.2 Increase access to in-county traineeships and apprenticeships to support skills development and training. k Objective 3.3 Support marginalised and vulnerable groups to access education and training. Goal 3 Increase access to training and educational resources to promote opportunities for personal and professional development. k Objective 4.1 Enhance key infrastructure across the County including in relation to roads and public transport. k Objective 4.2 Implement the town centre first policy to reduce dereliction and vacancy. k Objective 4.3 Support the evening and night-time economy. Goal 4 Prioritise the targeted regeneration of the County’s town and villages to address economic and community decline in rural areas. k Objective 5.1 Attract foreign direct investment to support job creation. k Objective 5.2 Support existing enterprises and encourage innovative entrepreneurship. k Objective 5.3 Strengthen and build upon the world-class agri-business sector. Goal 5 Grow and diversify the economy and attract and create high value sustainable employment. Monaghan County Development Plan 2025 – 2031
- The influence of the LECP on the Development Plan is not exclusive to this chapter, and the goals and objectives of the LECP are also reflected across other chapters of the Development Plan. The Monaghan County Development Plan 2025-2031 seeks to support the desired outcomes of the LECP related to economic development, which includes increased levels of employment recorded, increased number of agribusinesses and increased number of Local Enterprise Office (LEO), Enterprise Ireland (EI) and Industrial Development Agency (IDA) supported companies in the County. 4.6 RETAILING The County Monaghan Retail Strategy 2016-2022, prepared in accordance with the provisions set out in the Retail Planning Guidelines for Planning Authorities 2012, was adopted in March 2016. The overriding aim of the strategy is to create the appropriate conditions necessary to foster a healthy and vibrant retailing environment. It does so through policy recommendations which are framed in the context of national and regional plans, strategies and guidelines. The nature of retailing has changed with the growth of online retail changing the way people shop as well as their reasons for visiting town centres. The Town Centre First Policy acknowledges that retailing is shifting away from being solely reliant on the purchasing of goods towards more ‘experience-led’ retailing that includes a blend of retail services (including food and drink), leisure, entertainment and cultural uses. Whilst the Development Plan has an important role in supporting the regeneration and revitalisation of our town centres, it should also protect its function as being the primary location for retail development. It is acknowledged that the County Monaghan Retail Strategy 2016-2022 should therefore be reviewed and updated as necessary to ensure that it provides an upto-date overview of the town centres, the retail hierarchy and appropriately supports the vitality and viability of the County’s towns. The revised Retail Strategy will be prepared taking account of the Town Centre First Policy and any town centre first plans which have been produced. However, until an updated Retail Strategy is published, the County Monaghan Retail Strategy 2016-2022 will be used to determine the approach to retailing within the Development Plan. 4.6.1 RETAIL HIERARCHY Monaghan County Council supports a balanced development model, promoting the treatment of urban and rural settlements, together with the surrounding countryside, as functional areas. The Retail Hierarchy has, as such, been dictated by the County Settlement Hierarchy. The Tier 4 and Tier 5 settlements have been included along with the dispersed rural communities, and the provision of suitable retail development, such as local shops, within these areas will be considered appropriate, subject to normal planning considerations. The Retail Hierarchy is set out as follows: TIER 1 - COUNTY RETAIL CENTRE: MONAGHAN TOWN With the highest population of all settlements, Monaghan Town is the key employment, retail and service centre with the highest proportion of convenience and comparison floorspace. TIER 2 - SUB-COUNTY RETAIL CENTRES: CARRICKMACROSS AND CASTLEBLAYNEY These towns provide an extensive range of local comparison and convenience retail floorspace as well as being significant employment centres. TIER 3 - LOCAL RETAIL CENTRES: CLONES AND BALLYBAY Towns with a limited local comparison and convenience retail offering, serving a localised catchment. TIER 4 - RURAL VILLAGES/SHOPS: ANNYALLA, BALLINODE, CLONTIBRET, DOOHAMLET, EMYVALE, GLASLOUGH, INNISKEEN, NEWBLISS, ORAM, ROCKCORRY, SCOTSHOUSE, SCOTSTOWN, SMITHBOROUGH, THREEMILEHOUSE Villages providing local convenience retail, usually consisting of a post office, one or two pubs and limited comparison retailing. TIER 5 - SMALL RURAL VILLAGES/SHOPS: CARRICKROE, CORCAGHAN, CORDUFF, DRUM, KNOCKATALLON, KNOCKCONAN, LATTON, LISDOONAN, AND TYDAVNET Small villages and dispersed rural communities providing daily convenience goods and possibly a pub and/or community centre. k Objective 6.1 Improve the visibility of Monaghan as a tourism destination. k Objective 6.2 Seek to enhance the County’s tourism offering. k Objective 6.3 Support and develop the Creative and Cultural sector of the County. Goal 6 Foster, develop and invest in arts, culture, and the creative sector and unlock Monaghan’s tourism potential to support economic growth and sustainable development. economic developmentchapter 04 93
- 4.6.2 CORE RETAIL AREAS AND FUTURE NEEDS A key objective of the Retail Planning Guidelines for Planning Authorities 2012 is the promotion of greater vitality in town centres through the implementation of a sequential approach to ensure the retention of activity within the main retail centres or core areas at the expense of more peripheral edge of centre or out of centre locations. Core areas are the most suitable locations for high order and comparison goods as they are generally the most accessible for the catchment population and can also provide a compact and sustainable critical mass of commercial activity and public amenities, thereby reducing the need to travel. In accordance with the Retail Hierarchy, it is expected that the majority of new future retail developments in the County will be in the Tier 1 and Tier 2 towns of Monaghan, Carrickmacross and Castleblayney. The town centres are deemed to be the focus and preferred location for retail development. Monaghan Town has been designated as the County’s Key Town due to its strategic location and increasing population projections, it is therefore anticipated to attract substantially more future retail applications than other settlements in the County. Carrickmacross, given its proximity to major population centres, growing population, larger hinterland, established market and lower vacancy levels, may also draw further new retail floorspace. Appropriately located large-scale retail developments will be directed towards Tier 1 and Tier 2 town centres where a need has been identified having regard to the sequential test. Retail developments in the Tier 3 towns will be limited and any retail developments should enhance the existing retail environment to serve and benefit local communities. Expected types of retail developments would include general grocery shops, post offices, pharmacies, salons and cafes. Going forward, regard must be had to the legacy of vacant retail floorspace and consideration must be given to addressing this issue in the towns. 94 Monaghan County Development Plan 2025 – 2031 RTO 1 To commence the preparation of a new Retail Strategy for the County within the first two years following the adoption of the Monaghan County Development Plan 2025-2031. RTO 2 To ensure the orderly development of future retail development in County Monaghan is appropriate to the scale and function of the settlement. RTO 3 To direct retail development to serviced areas to reinforce the role and function of the core retail areas. RTO 4 To support the vitality and viability of existing town and village centres and facilitate a competitive and healthy retail environment by ensuring that future growth in retail floorspace responds to the identified retail hierarchy. RTO 5 To promote and encourage the enhancement of retail floorspaces and town centre functions, in order to reduce retail expenditure leakage out of the County and to sustain competitiveness of retail centres in the County. RTO 6 To encourage the reuse of derelict sites and vacant town centre commercial premises for appropriate and acceptable alternative uses, and adapt a flexible approach to reoccupation, particularly where this can complement the existing service base, whilst also having due regard to the need to not adversely affect: surrounding residential amenity, protected bat species, European sites, and areas of biodiversity value: and the need to appropriately conserve-built heritage. RETAIL OBJECTIVES
- 95 economic developmentchapter 04 RTO 7 To reduce retail expenditure leakage out of the County to competing town centres by working collaboratively with local groups to develop the retail offering in the County within key retail sectors where this leakage occurs. RTO 8 To encourage and facilitate innovation and diversification of the County’s retail offer, including tourism, agri-tourism and craft related ventures and markets where appropriate. RTO 9 To improve the public realm areas within town centres through the encouragement of high-quality design. RTO 10 To improve the accessibility of town centres by encouraging a pedestrian and cyclist friendly environment. RTO 11 To promote complementary non-retail uses in town centres, particularly where this can encourage cross-visitation. RTO 12 To promote activities that will bring enhanced footfall, such as festivals, events and farmers’ markets in town centres. RTO 13 To promote the night-time economy in accordance with the recommendations of the Report of the Night-time Economy Taskforce (Department of Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sports and Media, 2021). RETAIL POLICY RTP 1 Proposals for retail development shall comply with the County Monaghan Retail Strategy 2016-2022, the Retail Planning Guidelines for Planning Authorities 2012 (and the accompanying Retail Design Manual) and any new or updated/subsequent versions.
- 96 Monaghan County Development Plan 2025 – 2031 4.7 ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT The policy aims of the Development Plan are reflective of the Councils overall growth ambitions, as set out in the Local Economic and Community Plan 2023-2029. A priority of this Development Plan is therefore to promote the County as a location for economic development that is attractive and competitive in terms of inward investment as well as supporting indigenous businesses. The overarching challenge for the Council is to assist in creating more jobs so that more people who live in County Monaghan can work in County Monaghan. With respect of the role the development plan has to assist this, there are a number of key aims: k To ensure that sufficient and suitable land is reserved for new enterprise development at appropriate locations throughout the County, whilst also facilitating the reuse of disused industrial buildings for appropriate, alternative uses. k To promote new industrial development in suitably serviced areas (or at locations where such required infrastructure can be reasonably provided) so as to encourage the generation of employment and increased economic activity in a sustainable and spatially balanced manner. k To co-operate with relevant national and local bodies to foster a partnership approach to the location of industry and enterprise: ensuring that the provision of necessary infrastructure and service supports are developed in awareness of the conservation of the natural, recreational and cultural amenities of the County. k To promote the County’s thriving agri-food sector with a view to using indigenous resources to create new enterprise and employment opportunities and to explore opportunities to further develop competitive advantage in such areas. k To support the development of appropriate small scale rural businesses, or suitable expansion of existing businesses to help support the rural economy. k To ensure a high-quality environment and standard of design is provided and maintained in relation to new and existing industrial development. k To support the training, development and retention of a highly skilled and educated workforce in order to consolidate and enhance the economic environment within the County. k To promote (i) the renewable energy sector in the County and (ii) clean technology usage in existing and proposed industrial developments, including the use of alternative and renewable energy sources. k To build on and promote the development of Lough Egish as a centre for industrial development and create new enterprises in this area and explore the potential for cluster developments of agri-food businesses and other emerging enterprises. k To support and liaise with the Local Enterprise Office (LEO) in order to optimise the County’s economic development potential and provide a strong framework for sustainable job creation and economic growth. k To continue to support and facilitate crossborder cooperation and trade between County Monaghan and Northern Ireland, notwithstanding the issues presented by Brexit. k To provide serviced industrial sites/lands for the purposes of Industry, Enterprise and Employment within County Monaghan, taking account of the sequential approach to zoning. k To improve digital infrastructure, digital skills and connectivity to support business growth, innovation and remote working opportunities. k To promote Carrickmacross’s role as a ‘Place of Regional Potential’ with regards to Enterprise and Employment infrastructure as outlined in the RSES.
- 97 economic developmentchapter 04 EDO 1 To prepare an Economic Development Strategy based upon an economic development model that will support the future economic growth of the County and the towns within it, during the lifetime of this plan, subject to available resources. EDO 2 To zone a sufficient amount of land in appropriate serviced locations for the facilitation of industrial and commercial activities that will stimulate the economic viability and vibrancy of the County. EDO 3 To encourage industrial and economic development, including small scale/startup businesses of appropriate scales, at locations in line with the Settlement Strategy and Economic Strategy as set out in Chapter 2 Core Strategy of the Monaghan County Development Plan 2025 – 2031. EDO 4 To enhance the competitiveness of rural areas by supporting innovation in rural economic development and enterprise, through the diversification of the rural economy into new sectors and services, including ICT-based industries and those addressing climate change and sustainability. EDO 5 To acquire and develop suitable serviced sites for the development of industrial/business parks and actively encourage industry and economic development, particularly new business start-ups or expanding enterprises, to locate at such selected sites. EDO 6 To assist in the establishment or expansion of industrial, commercial or other such endeavours that will provide increased employment opportunities in the County, subject to normal development management, environmental and technical requirements. EDO 7 To promote the use of appropriate lands at Lough Egish for the development of employment generating, industrial and other such uses, including self-build units and the provision of serviced sites, to enhance and contribute to its growth as a centre for industrial development. EDO 8 To develop a policy framework for Lough Egish industrial development area within two years of the adoption of the development plan to include specific objectives for Development Management Standards and sustainable transport having regard to National Policy Objectives NPO 10b and NPO 23 in the National Planning Framework, and Regional Policy Objective RPO 4.24 in the Regional Spatial and Economic Strategy for the Northern and Western Regional Assembly Area. EDO 9 To consult with industry stakeholders to support the concept of the establishment of an engineering hub in County Monaghan. EDO 10 To encourage and assist in the education, training and upskilling of the County’s workforce to attract and retain employment opportunities. EDO 11 To encourage the development of clusters in the areas of agri-business, engineering and high potential sectors such as the green economy and artificial intelligence including the provision of Data Value Hubs, at appropriate locations within the County. ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT OBJECTIVES
- 4.8 AGRICULTURE AND FORESTRY County Monaghan has always had a very strong agricultural base, and agriculture still has an important role to play in the County’s economy. The Council recognises the increasing importance of small indigenous businesses in providing employment in local rural areas, and in turn helping to stimulate economic activity and support rural communities. The Councils aims and objectives in supporting the rural economy are reflected across a number of Council documents, including the Local Economic and Community Plan (LECP) 2025-2031. The Councils position with regard to agricultural and forestry development is to: k Facilitate the modernisation of the agricultural industry in the County in accordance with statutory responsibilities and national guidance. k Encourage best practice in the design and construction of agricultural installations to protect visual amenity prevent pollution, particularly in sensitive areas. k Encourage and promote appropriate initiatives that will support existing rural communities. k To realise the positive potential of forestry on rural economies through the promotion of appropriate policies in relation to industry and tourism. Where an area of land is outside a settlement envelope and is not otherwise zoned as part of this Plan, the use of such land shall be deemed to be primarily agricultural. The establishment of suitable small-scale indigenous business in rural areas on family-owned land and development which would promote rural diversification, subject to compliance with Chapter 15 Development Management Standards, of this Development Plan, will be encouraged. The importance of forestry development is recognised and whilst forestry can have both a positive and negative environmental effect, it can greatly impact on the landscape, wildlife and bio-diversity. The Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine (DAFM) published Irelands Forestry Strategy 2023-2030, which has the overriding objective to expand the national forest estate on both public and private land in a manner that will deliver lasting benefits for climate change, biodiversity, water quality, wood production, economic development, employment and quality of life. It is recognised that the various larger woods within the County for example, Rossmore and Lough Muckno, provide significant amenity value, offer great opportunities to develop tourism facilities, provide wonderful visitor attractions, and create sustainable local employment opportunities. Measures to support these assets in terms of sustainable tourism is further considered in Section 4.12 in this Chapter. 98 Industrial and economic development shall be at appropriate locations in line with the Settlement Strategy as set out in Chapter 2 of the Monaghan County Development Plan 2025-2031, and of a scale commensurate with its location. EDP 1 Where a proposed industrial or economic development is considered to be a significant employer and/or intensive in nature, such developments shall preferably be located within the settlement envelopes of the five towns and should be in locations accessible by public and active travel methods. EDP 2 The Best Available Technology (BAT) principle will be required to ensure the protection of the environment with regard to pollution mitigation in respect of proposed developments. EDP 4 Proposals for industrial and commercial development shall be designed to a high standard in accordance with the specific provisions set out in Chapter 15, Development Management Standards of the Monaghan County Development Plan 2025-2031, to provide quality environments with adequate allowance where necessary for landscaping, machinery, access, parking and circulation, and the appropriate disposal of foul and surface water. EDP 3 ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT POLICIES 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.