Offaly County Development Plan 2021–2027 (as varied) — Chapter 1: Introduction

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   Offaly County Development Plan 2021-2027 Chapter 1 Introduction Page 12 Consultation Consultation and participation with members of the public, community groups, elected members, Strategic Policy Committee, and prescribed authorities, state and government agencies has contributed towards the content of the County Development Plan through an Issues Paper, public consultation events, council meetings, Strategic Policy Committee meetings and the receipt of written submissions / observations. 1.5 Strategic Vision and Objectives Strategic Vision To create a sustainable and competitive county that supports the health and wellbeing of our people and places, from urban to rural, with access to employment opportunities supported by high quality housing and physical, social and community infrastructure for all, in a climate resilient manner and with respect for our biodiversity. The County Development Plan presents an opportunity to shape the future growth of Offaly to plan for and support the sustainable long-term development of the county. The Plan aims to build on our previous successes and to strengthen our strategic advantages as a county, to ensure that we utilise the strengths of our citizens, communities, built and natural heritage, infrastructure and tourism to their full potential. The Strategic Objectives of the county are to: (i) Plan for a population increase in County Offaly during the plan period of 9,239 persons. (ii) Consolidate settlements to avoid undesirable and inefficient sprawl. This will be achieved through targeting a significant proportion of future development on infill/ brownfield/ underutilised sites within the existing built-up footprint of all settlements in accordance with the principle of Compact Growth set out in the National Planning Framework. (iii) Ensure better alignment between the location of population growth and employment growth. This will allow settlements to become more self-sustaining, sustainable and balanced rather than based on long distance commuter driven activity. (iv) Reduce car dependency, and increase the use of sustainable mobility such as walking, cycling and public transport through planning for and encouraging integrated transportation and landuse. (v) Direct a significant proportion of the county’s development and population growth into Tullamore a Key Town as designated in the Regional Spatial and Economic Strategy in order to build up its critical mass and fulfil its role as a key growth driver of the county and midland region. (vi) Reverse the decline / stagnation of towns and villages through renewal and regeneration, and create healthy place-making by improving the attractiveness, quality, design, viability, vibrancy

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   Offaly County Development Plan 2021-2027 Chapter 1 Introduction Page 13 and liveability of the county’s settlements. Also to manage urban generated growth in Rural Areas under Strong Urban Influence and Stronger Rural Areas. (vii) Protect and enhance Offaly’s natural assets of clean water, biodiversity, landscape, green infrastructure, heritage and agricultural land. (viii) Provide high quality housing of a sufficient scale, mix, tenure, sequence and density, located in optimum locations and aligned with adequate infrastructure, services and amenities. (ix) Make more efficient use of key resources such as land, water, energy, waste and transportation infrastructure. (x) Create a competitive business environment supporting economic development, job creation, tourism and prosperity for all. (xi) Achieve transition to a competitive, low carbon, climate resilient and environmentally sustainable economy. This should be facilitated through reducing the need to travel, by integrating land use and sustainable modes of transport, and by reducing the use of nonrenewable resources. In line with this, promote active and healthy lifestyles through increased opportunities for walking, cycling and active sport recreation. (xii) Encourage inclusive and active sustainable communities based around a strong network of community facilities and amenities. (xiii) Contribute, as practicable, towards achievement of the 17 Sustainable Development Goals of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development as outlined in Figure 1.2. Set out in Table 1.2 are the main County Strategic Outcomes which feed from three high level key principles. These key principles reflect the key principles listed in the RSES3, namely healthy placemaking, climate action and economic opportunity: - Healthy Placemaking is focused on promoting people’s quality of life through the creation of healthy and attractive places to live, work, visit and study in. - Climate Action recognises the need to enhance climate resilience and to accelerate a transition to a low carbon economy recognising the role of natural capital and ecosystem services in achieving this. - Economic Opportunity develops from creating the right conditions and opportunities for the county to realise sustained economic growth and employment that ensures good living standards for all. The County Strategic Outcomes are knitted throughout this plan. 3 Section 2.3 of the RSES

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   Offaly County Development Plan 2021-2027 Chapter 1 Introduction Page 14 Table 1.2 Three Key Principles and supporting County Strategic Outcomes - Compact growth; - Liveable settlements; - Regeneration; - Attractive places; - Sustainable communities; - Protect and enhance heritage, landscape and biodiversity; - High quality housing in optimum locations; - Sustainable settlement patterns; - Avoid inefficient sprawl; - Sequential provision of housing and infrastructure; - Appropriate development of Opportunity Sites; - Develop infill, brownfield, vacant, derelict and underutilised buildings and land; - Promote social integration; - Higher densities; - Permeability; and - Universal and life time adaptable design. - Transition to a low carbon society; - Reduce green house gas emissions; - Compact growth; - Green infrastructure; - Sustainable mobility; - Strategic connectivity and accessibility; - Integrate land use and transportation; - Increase opportunities for walking and cycling; - Reduce car dependency; - Manage urban generated rural growth; - Self-sustaining rather than long distance commuter driven activity; - Cease peat fired electricity generation; - Electric vehicle charging infrastructure; - Sustainable urban drainage systems; - Afforestation; - Co-working hubs; - Green technology; - Renewable energy; - Circular bioeconomy; - Flood risk management; - Pollinator friendly and drought resistent plants and trees; and - Water conservation. - Support Athlone Regional Growth Centre; - Direct significant development into Tullamore Key Town; - Strategic Employment Zones in Tullamore; - Opportunity Sites; - Tullamore as a conferencing hub; - Social enterprises; - Renewable energy; - Co-working hubs; - Green jobs; - Catch-up job creation in Edenderry and Portarlington; - Better education (includes 3rd level) & skills - Clustering of products; - After-use of peatlands and antecendent sites; - Digital technologies; - On-farm diversification; - Appropriate retail development; - Appropriate infrastructure provision; - Protect natural resources on which tourism is based; - Tourism - Capitalise on I-LOFAR in Birr; and - Rhode Green Energy Park and Ferbane Food Campus. Healthy Placemaking Climate Action Economic Opportunity

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   Offaly County Development Plan 2021-2027 Chapter 1 Introduction Page 15 1.6 Statement outlining compliance with Section 28 of the Planning and Development Act 2000 (as amended) Pursuant to Section 28 of the Planning and Development Act 2000 (as amended), Offaly County Council is required to append a statement to the Offaly County Development Plan 2021-2027 to include information which demonstrates the following: (i) How the planning authority has implemented the policies and objectives of the Minister contained in the guidelines when considering their application to the area or part of the area of the Development Plan, or (ii) If applicable, that the planning authority has formed the opinion that it is not possible, because of the nature and characteristics of the area or part of the area of the development plan, to implement certain policies and objectives of the Minister contained in the guidelines when considering the application of those policies in the area or part of the area of the development plan and shall give reasons for the forming of the opinion and why policies and objectives of the Minister have not been so implemented. The following table demonstrates how the Offaly County Development Plan 2021-2027 implements applicable Ministerial Planning Guidelines issued under Section 28 of the Act. Table 1.3 Compliance with applicable Ministerial Planning Guidelines issued under Section 28 of the Act Section 28 Guidelines Offaly County Development Plan 2021-2027 Appropriate Assessment of Plans and Projects in Ireland – Guidance for Planning Authorities (2009) The preparation of the Plan has had regard to this guidance document. A Natura Impact Report was prepared and accompanies the Plan. Strategic Environmental Assessment (SEA) Guidelines (2004) The preparation of the Plan has had regard to these Guidelines. Strategic Environmental Assessment was initiated with the preparation of an SEA Environmental Report accompanying this plan. Architectural Heritage Protection – Guidelines for Planning Authorities (2004), as updated (2011) Chapter 4 Biodiversity and Landscape and Chapter 10 Built Heritage addresses the natural and built heritage, and conservation. Policies and objectives contained within this Plan have had regard to various legislative provisions and policy guidance documents, including, the Planning and Development Act 2000 (as amended), Architectural Heritage Protection – Guidelines for Planning Authorities 2004, (as updated 2011) and the National Inventory of Architectural Heritage (NIAH). The Plan provides policies and objectives relating to the protection and conservation of the Architectural and Archaeological Heritage. It is accompanied by a Record of Protected Structures. The Plan

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   Offaly County Development Plan 2021-2027 Chapter 1 Introduction Page 16 Section 28 Guidelines Offaly County Development Plan 2021-2027 includes an objective to investigate the feasibility of designating additional Architectural Conservation Areas during the Plan period. Implementing Regional Planning Guidelines – Best Practice Guidance (2010) Chapter 2 Core Strategy, Settlement Strategy and Housing Strategy sets out policies and objectives to ensure that the Core Strategy requirements of the Plan are consistent with national and regional policy (National Planning Framework 2018, Regional Spatial and Economic Strategy for the Eastern and Midland Region 2019) as required by the 2010 Guidance document (which refers to the former documents National Spatial Strategy 2002-2020, and Midland Regional Planning Guidelines 2010-2022). Childcare Facilities: Guidelines for Planning Authorities (2001) as updated by Circular letter PL3/2016 (2016) Chapter 9 Social Inclusion, Community and Cultural Development and Chapter 12 Land Use Zoning Objectives and Chapter 13 Development Management Standards address the issue of Childcare Facilities. Chapter 9 includes policies which set out the most appropriate locations for childcare facilities in addition to policies which have regard to the recommendations and requirements of the Childcare Facilities: Guidelines for Planning Authorities (2001). Chapter 13 sets out the appropriate locations and development management standards regarding the provision of childcare facilities and advises that planning applications will be considered having regard to compliance with the Childcare Facilities Guidelines. Development Management Guidelines (2007) Chapter 13 Development Management Standards has been prepared having reference to the Development Management Guidelines. Development Plan – Guidelines for Planning Authorities (2007) - and as superseded by Development Plan Guidelines for Planning Authorities (2022). The Development Plan Guidelines for Planning Authorities have informed the preparation of this Development Plan. The Plan also sets out the planning framework for the future development of each of the settlements and rural areas which is informed by national and regional planning policy. Quarries and Ancillary Activities (2004) Chapter 5 Economic Development Strategy and Chapter 4 Biodiversity and Landscape set out the policies and objectives for the extractive industry. Chapter 13 Development Management Standards refers to the Guidelines and states the issues to be addressed in development proposals for quarries. Provision of Schools and the Planning System (2008) Policies and objectives contained in Chapter 9 Social Inclusion, Community and Cultural Development address education provision in the county.

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   Offaly County Development Plan 2021-2027 Chapter 1 Introduction Page 17 Section 28 Guidelines Offaly County Development Plan 2021-2027 Retail Planning Guidelines (2012) Chapter 7 Retail and Town Centre Strategy and Regeneration refers to the Guidelines and sets out the retail policies and objectives of the Development Plan. Sustainable Rural Housing Guidelines (2005) Chapter 2 Core Strategy, Settlement Strategy and Housing Strategy sets out the rural housing policies for the county. These policies incorporate the recommendations of the Guidelines. Chapter 2 of the Plan also contains a Rural Area Types Map for County Offaly. Sustainable Residential Development in Urban Areas (2009) and as superseded by Sustainable Residential Development and Compact Settlement Guidelines for Planning Authorities (2024) The 2009 Guidelines have been considered in the context of Chapter 13 Development Management Standards and also Chapter 7 Retail and Town Centre Strategy and Regeneration to encourage the provision of high-quality design and density in the settlement areas of County Offaly in accordance with the Guidelines. The Development Plan is consistent with density levels as stated in the Compact Settlement Guidelines (2024). The Planning System and Flood Risk Management – Guidelines for Planning Authorities (2009) A Strategic Flood Risk Assessment (SFRA) has been carried out for County Offaly having regard to the Guidelines. The SFRA document accompanies the Plan and identifies areas of flood risk by reference to data available from a number of sources. Policies and objectives in relation to flood risk are included in Chapter 3 Climate Action and Energy. Spatial Planning and National Roads Guidelines (2012) Chapter 8 Sustainable Transport Strategy contains a specific policy which restricts development affecting national primary and secondary roads, outside urban speed limits in accordance with the 2012 Guidelines. Wind Energy Development Guidelines (2006 and draft 2019) Chapter 3 Climate Action and Energy and also the Wind Energy Strategy has been formulated having regard to the Wind Energy Guidelines. Chapter 3 of the Plan contains a positive supporting statement. The Wind Energy Strategy includes a map titled ‘Wind Energy Strategy Designations’ which identifies locations open for consideration for wind energy development. In addition, Chapter 13 Development Management Standards requires all planning applications for wind energy turbines or wind farms be assessed against the Wind Energy Guidelines. Development Contribution Schemes – Guidelines for Planning Authorities (2013) Chapter 13 Development Management Standards refers to the Guidelines, which is designed to assist planning authorities to achieve, through their development contribution schemes, a balance between the costs of the services provided and the need to support economic activity and renewal.

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   Offaly County Development Plan 2021-2027 Chapter 1 Introduction Page 18 Section 28 Guidelines Offaly County Development Plan 2021-2027 National Landscape Strategy for Ireland 2015-2025 Chapter 4 Biodiversity and Landscape notes the National Landscape Strategy for Ireland 2015-2025 which recognises the importance of landscape protection and its interconnectivity with biodiversity and climate change. It identifies the need for national and regional landscape character assessments to provide a framework for comprehensive and consistent local (county) landscape character assessments. Once the necessary national and regional landscape character assessments and maps are in place in addition to guidance on local landscape character assessments, the Council will carry out a comprehensive County Landscape Character Assessment to ensure a consistent approach. Sustainable Urban Housing Design Standards for New Apartments Chapter 13 Development Management Standards refers to these Guidelines which provides guidance including specific planning policy requirements on apartment developments. Guidance Note on Core Strategies (2010) Chapter 2 Core Strategy, Settlement Strategy and Housing Strategy, states that the Core Strategy has been guided by the content of these guidelines, in particular the making of the Core Strategy Table and Core Strategy Map. Design Manual for Urban Roads and Streets (2013) as updated in 2019 and complimentary TII publication The Treatment of Transition Zones to Towns and Villages Chapter 8 Sustainable Transport Strategy and Chapter 13 Development Management Standards address these Guidelines / Publications and how they provide practical design measures to encourage more sustainable travel patterns in urban areas and best practice in the design of street networks and individual streets. Urban Development and Building Heights – Guidelines for Planning Authorities (2018) Chapter 7 Retail and Town Centre Strategy and Regeneration addresses sites that could be considered for taller buildings and the requirements at planning application stage on this sites. Tree Preservation – Guidelines for Planning Authorities Chapter 4 Biodiversity and Landscape states that the Council aims to protect individual trees, groups of trees or woodland, which are of environmental and/or amenity value. This can be done so with a Tree Preservation Order (TPO) that can be made through the development plan process or a separate TPO process under Section 205 of the Planning and Development Act 2000 as amended. The existing Tree Preservation Orders are set out in the plan. Telecommunications Antennae and Support Structures – Guidelines for Planning Authorities Chapter 5 Economic Development Strategy states that the Council recognises the importance of achieving a balance between facilitating the provision of telecommunications services in the

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   Offaly County Development Plan 2021-2027 Chapter 1 Introduction Page 19 Section 28 Guidelines Offaly County Development Plan 2021-2027 interests of social and economic progress and protecting residential amenity and environmental quality. The Council will have regard to the Department of the Environment, Community and Local Governments Guidelines on Telecommunications Antennae and Support Structures and Circular Letter PL07/12 (Telecommunications Antennae and Support Structures) in assessing development proposals. Interim Guidelines for Planning Authorities on Statutory Plans, Renewable Energy and Climate Change (2017) Chapter 3 Climate Action and Energy has had regard to various national plans, policies and strategies that relate to renewable energy and climate change. Quality Housing for Sustainable Communities – Design Guidelines (2007) Chapter 13 Development Management Standards has had regard to the Guidelines. NPF Implementation: Housing Growth Requirements Guidelines (July,2025) The Core Strategy Table in Chapter 2 as inserted by Variation No. 1 of the Development Plan has been informed by these Guidelines (2025) by incorporating national and county population and housing growth requirements into the CDP.

Source Offaly County Council: Offaly County Development Plan 2021–2027 (as varied) — Chapter 1: Introduction (2021–2027) · 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.