Offaly County Development Plan 2021–2027 (as varied) — Chapter 4: Biodiversity and Landscape

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   Offaly County Development Plan 2021-2027 Chapter 4 Biodiversity and Landscape Page 143 Table 4.18 Low Sensitivity Areas in County Offaly LOW SENSITIVITY AREAS Low sensitivity areas are robust landscapes which are tolerant to change, such as the county’s main urban and farming areas, which have the ability to accommodate development. Characteristics: County Offaly is largely a rural county which comprises of a predominantly flat and undulating agricultural landscape coupled with a peatland landscape. Field boundaries, particularly along roadside verges which are primarily composed of mature hedgerows typify the county’s rural landscape. Sensitivities: • These areas in general can absorb quite effectively, appropriately designed and located development in all categories (including: telecommunication masts and wind energy installations, afforestation and agricultural structures). • Within the rural areas, development shall be screened by appropriate natural boundaries that are sympathetic to the landscape generally, where possible. • New housing proposed in rural areas should respect Offaly County Councils Rural Housing Design Guidelines, together with conformity with development standards. Acceptability of Development for consideration: A wide range of development subject to appropriateness / conditions Need for Landscaping and Appropriate Design: High. Table 4.19 Moderate Sensitivity Areas in County Offaly MODERATE SENSITIVITY AREAS Moderate sensitivity areas can accommodate development pressure but with limitations in the scale and magnitude. In this category of sensitivity, elements of the landscape can accept some changes while others are more vulnerable to change. Characteristics: Cutaway bogs cover a large part of the landscape of Offaly and in their entirety, are approximately 42,000 hectares. Generally, there are a number of land uses suitable for cutaway bog, not included in High Sensitivity Areas, which include wilderness, grassland, forestry and recreation. Some cutaway bog landscapes are more robust and may be considered for other uses. Sensitivities: • The development of Lough Boora (albeit designated as high sensitivity) acts as a prototype in the creation of parkland character.

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   Offaly County Development Plan 2021-2027 Chapter 4 Biodiversity and Landscape Page 144 • However, some of these cutaway bogs may be appropriate for other sensitively designed and located developments including renewable energy (wind farms, biomass crops) and/or industrial use. The Council recognises the need for a land use framework plan for the future development and utilisation of large areas of cutaway bog within Offaly. Acceptability of Development for consideration: Some form of development subject to appropriateness / conditions. Need for Landscaping and Appropriate Design: Very High. Table 4.20 High Sensitivity Areas in County Offaly HIGH SENSITIVITY AREAS High Sensitivity Areas are vulnerable landscapes with the ability to accommodate limited development pressure. In this category of landscape, landscape elements are highly sensitive to certain types of change. If pressure for development exceeds the landscapes limitations the character of the landscape may change. The following include identified features or areas of natural beauty or interest which have extremely low capacity to absorb new development. Areas included within this class are designated Areas of High Amenity. A) THE RIVER SHANNON AND CALLOWS Characteristics: • The Offaly section of the River Shannon flows along the western boundary of the county and passes through Banagher, Shannon Harbour and Shannonbridge. • These lands are extremely liable to flooding. • There are local scenic views along the river and access to the local heritage sites such as Clonmacnoise and the Callows. • The Shannon Callows are water meadows that are the wintering grounds for thousands of migrant wild birds while also providing breeding grounds during the summer. It is an important habitat within this river landscape. • The Council recognises the immense value of the River Shannon as a major tourist resource and recreational asset. Sensitivities: • This area is extremely sensitive to all categories of development, given its scientific, ecological, recreational and scenic value. • The protection of views of special interest and the landscape of this area is paramount. • Development should not be of a nature which could damage the sensitive ecological habitats and the archaeological aspects of the river corridor. Moreover, the attractive waterside edge is open and flat and is therefore highly sensitive to development. Further, development at the water’s edge is often

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   Offaly County Development Plan 2021-2027 Chapter 4 Biodiversity and Landscape Page 145 inappropriate, as it would be exposed to view and is generally prohibited in that part of the Shannon River Valley that carries a nature designation. • New development which is considered necessary should be located within towns, villages or within close proximity to existing natural screening and should also be clustered together to avoid ribbon development. This will maintain long distant views out into the open countryside. B) THE GRAND CANAL CORRIDOR Characteristics: • The Grand Canal is a focus for a wide range of uses, in particular, for recreation and tourism purposes. • The visual quality of the surrounding areas is intrinsic to maintaining the attractiveness of the Grand Canal corridor. Sensitivities: • Hence, the corridor particularly outside of settlements is especially sensitive to large development structures, insensitively designed sporadic housing and large-scale land uses such as extractive industries. • Offaly County Council will have regard to the Waterway Corridor Study 2002 (and any relevant successive studies) in relation to development in the Grand Canal Corridor. C) WETLANDS Characteristics: • The Lough Boora Discovery Park includes Turraun Wetlands, Finnamore Lakes Area and Loch Clochan Wetlands. The areas which were previously cutaway bogs are now a nature reserve colonised by fen type vegetation, which boasts a rich diversity of flora and fauna. The Discovery Park is an open, expansive vista that is currently largely free of buildings and associated installations such as overhead wires. • The scenic and recreational value of Pallas Lake is recognised, as is the value of the unspoilt rural setting of this area. • Fin Lough which is a shallow lake, about 16 ha in extent (in winter) and bounded to the north and east by the Clonfinlough esker ridge, and to the south and west by Blackwater Bog, which is now largely cutover. Fin Lough is characterized by relatively flat open expansive terrain with notable features of interest such as open water, reed swamp, tall sedge, alkaline fen, fen-bog transition, swamp woodland and bog. Sensitivities: • Wetlands are of importance for their habitat value and their provision of wildlife shelter. • Wetlands provide an important recreational space with a distinctive sense of place and peacefulness. • Any development proposed which occurs within these areas, should demonstrate a necessity to be developed in this location, be very small scale and have minimum visual impacts ensuring that it does not detract from the open expansive vistas present at these locations. In particular, agricultural buildings and dwellings shall be both sensitively designed and sited as to minimise their impact on the landscape.

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   Offaly County Development Plan 2021-2027 Chapter 4 Biodiversity and Landscape Page 146 D) SLIEVE BLOOM MOUNTAINS UPLAND AREA Characteristics: • The Slieve Bloom Mountain area is the only substantial upland area in County Offaly, with approximately 12,000 hectares (i.e. one-third of the mountains) within County Offaly, the remainder being in County Laois. • Their value is derived from the contrast they offer to the county’s otherwise flat landscape. The mountains afford a range of spectacular views, forest and riverside walks, bike trails, picnic sites, historic and archaeological sites and areas subject to environment / conservation designations. • The entire mountain area is identified as an Environment Park and has the largest unbroken area of upland blanket peat in Ireland. • Housing should be very low impact in design, scale, mass and site selection. Robust, well screened sites should be chosen over unscreened elevated sites in order to restrict the visual impact to as small an area as possible. Sensitivities: • This area is extremely sensitive to all categories of development, and the upland area itself is visible from extensive surrounding areas. It is particularly sensitive to large agricultural structures, sporadic housing, major afforestation proposals and masts. • Softening of the coniferous edge with native deciduous planting is recommended and new recreational facilities associated with forestry should be developed using natural materials. • Car parking should be set within existing tree canopies where it will not cause visual intrusion from / to viewpoints. E) CROGHAN HILL AND ITS ENVIRONS Characteristics: • Croghan Hill and its environs including Raheenmore Bog (which was designated a nature reserve under the Wildlife Act 1976) and Cannakill Deserted Medieval Village, are the main elements of this high amenity area. • Croghan Hill is an extinct volcano which lies 234 meters above sea level and commands views over north and east Offaly and the surrounding counties. Sensitivities • This is an area of archaeological and high amenity value and is highly sensitive to new developments. • Croghan Hill, due to its elevated nature in comparison to its surrounding flat landscape, impacts on the visual quality of the surrounding area and is highly sensitive to developments of any nature, in particular sand and gravel extraction. The Council recognises the scenic quality and recreational value of the Croghan Hill area including Croghan Hill, Raheenmore Bog and Cannakill Deserted Medieval Village.

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   Offaly County Development Plan 2021-2027 Chapter 4 Biodiversity and Landscape Page 147 F) RAISED AND BLANKET BOGLAND AREAS Characteristics: • County Offaly contains a number of raised and blanket bog lands, which in addition to their near natural ecosystems are important for their visual amenities and scenic qualities. • Other important bog land areas include the All Saints Bog, Sharavogue Bog, Slieve Bloom Blanket Bog and Raheenmore Bog. Sensitivities • Offaly County Council has a strong policy of conservation of a representative sample of peatlands and the protection of peatland habitats. G) THE ESKER LANDSCAPE Characteristics • Eskers were built up under the ice cap about ten thousand years ago and have archaeological significance, as they formed the early highways in Ireland. • In old Irish, ‘eiscir’ means divide while ‘riada’ means road. Sensitivities • The eskers have geomorphologic, scientific, historical, cultural, recreational and amenity value and uniqueness. • In particular, the esker system north of Clara bog is critically important, as it is most likely the source of nutrient rich water, which feeds the bog’s soak systems. • There is a need to balance the conservation of the important landscape features associated with eskers providing educational / tourism and recreational potential with the requirements of aggregate extraction and economic development. Hence, the esker landscape is highly sensitive to any future development and the opening up of new pits for sand and gravel extraction will be strongly resisted (refer to Chapter 5, Economic Development Strategy). H) ARCHAEOLOGICAL AND HISTORICAL LANDSCAPES Characteristics • County Offaly is rich in landscapes of archaeological and historic interests ranging from large ecclesiastical sites such as Clonmacnoise and Durrow Abbey to archaeological features such as Durrow High Cross. • Section 10.11 and 10.12 of Chapter 10 Built Heritage provides further policies and objectives concerning the county’s archaeological and historical landscapes. These primarily include Clonmacnoise, Durrow, Killeigh, Leamonaghan and Rahan. Sensitivities • These landscapes are highly sensitive to new developments, which could potentially damage the historical character and the cultural and social importance of the area.

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   Offaly County Development Plan 2021-2027 Chapter 4 Biodiversity and Landscape Page 148 The Council shall endeavour to ensure that planning applications for development, refurbishment and restoration works etc. within close proximity to these areas are sympathetic to the sensitive nature of the landscape. Acceptability of development for consideration: Very limited development subject to appropriateness / conditions. Need for Landscaping and Appropriate Design: Essential. 4.14.2 Protection of Key Scenic Views, Prospects and Key Amenity Routes County Offaly contains a number of valuable views and prospects which offer a very attractive crosssectional view and overall impression of differing landscapes as one traverses the county. The Council recognises the need to protect the character of the county by protecting Key Scenic Views, Prospects and Key Amenity Routes within the county. The Council will aim to protect sensitive areas from injurious development, while providing for development and change that will benefit the rural community by ensuring that appropriate standards of location, siting, design, finishing and landscaping are achieved from implementing the development management standards contained in Chapter 13 of this plan. Table 4.21 below lists the Key Scenic Views and Prospects ‘from’ i.e. the specific road and/or townlands from which the view is experienced and ‘to’ the particular amenity or area which is visible from that view. Table 4.21 Key Scenic Views and Prospects in Offaly Map Ref. View From View To V1 N80 in the townland of Ballynasragh, Pigeonhouse, Killeigh, Derryclure, Derrybeg and Cloncon. South-West Slieve Bloom Mountains and Killeigh Village V2 Road No. L-08003 in the Slieve Bloom Mountains, townlands of Clough, Ballykelly, Coolcreen, Glenletter, Glenregan, Castletown, Forelacka and Glinsk. Slieve Bloom Mountains, River Shannon northwards over lowlands V3 Pilgrims Road (Road No. L-07013) in the townlands of Clonmacnoise, Clonascra, Ballyduff and Bloomhill. Clonmacnoise and River Shannon, Eskers, Mongan Bog and Finlough. V4 Road No. R444 in the townlands of Clonmacnoise, Creevagh. River Shannon and bog lands V5 N52 in the townlands of Heath, Bunaterin, Derrydolney, Ballywilliam, Curraghmore, Ballynacard, Bally na Curra. Slieve Bloom Mountains V6 R356 and Road No. L-07014 in the townlands of Cushcallow, Park, Mullaghakeeraun and Curralahan. River Shannon and bog lands V7 Road No. L-01018 in the townlands of Cannakill and Croghan Demesne. Slieve Bloom Mountains

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   Offaly County Development Plan 2021-2027 Chapter 4 Biodiversity and Landscape Page 149 V8 Townlands of Barnan, Kilduff, Old Croghan, Croghan Demesne, Down. Views towards Croghan Hill and bog lands. V9 Townlands of Grovesend and Coole. South to bog lands V10 Road No. L-03004 in the townlands of Skehannagh, Killagally Glebe, Ballyclare. Southwards towards Slieve Bloom Mountains V11 Regional Road R357 in the townlands of Lumcloon, Bun, Rin, Leabeg and Leamore. Southwards towards Slieve Bloom Mountains V12 Road No. L-07009 in the townland of Stonestown. Over bog lands and Slieve Bloom Mountains V13 Road No. L-03012 in the townlands of Glaster, Ballynasrah, Newtown, Kilmochonna. Over Little Brosna and Callows V14 R440 in the townlands of Kyle, Cloghanmore, Streamstown, Ballinree, Killaun. Towards Slieve Bloom Mountains V15 Road No. L-04006 in the townland of Knock. Slieve Bloom Mountains, Leap Castle V16 Road No. L-04025 in the townlands of Clonee, Cumber Lower. Westward over farmland V17 Road No. L-06034 in the townlands of Knockhill and Drinagh. Towards North East and North West over lowlands V18 Road No. L-08008 in the townlands of Grange, Belhill, Longford Big and Church Land. Views towards Seir Keiran Monastic Site V19 Road No. L-02011 in the townlands of Rahan Demesne, Newtown. Churches and Earthworks

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   Offaly County Development Plan 2021-2027 Chapter 4 Biodiversity and Landscape Page 150 Figure 4.24 Key Scenic Views and Prospects The following routes are designated as Key Amenity Routes within Offaly. They are also mapped in Figure 8.10 of Chapter 8 Sustainable Transport Strategy.

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   Offaly County Development Plan 2021-2027 Chapter 4 Biodiversity and Landscape Page 151 Table 4.22 Key Amenity Routes in Offaly Route Description R357 Blueball to Shannonbridge. This route links the N52 at Blueball to Shannonbridge. It passes through esker landscape, peatlands, undulating agricultural lands, Lough Boora Discovery Park and the Callows area of the River Shannon in particular. R440 Birr through Kinnitty to the county boundary towards Mountrath, and R421 Kinnitty to Ballard. This route provides an attractive drive within the open countryside to the attractions of the Slieve Bloom Mountains and around the foothills of the mountains themselves. 4.15 Railways It is acknowledged that Offaly’s strong tradition associated with the peatlands has resulted in some attractive industrial rail lines which cross some of the county’s local roads and afford scenic qualities and remnants of our past. Some continue to be utilised by Bord na Móna. Consideration should be given to reserving the line of such railways / rights of way for possible future re-use. The national rail network which traverses the county also provides an opportunity for individuals to attain an overall perspective of the quality of the landscape of Offaly. Any development proposed adjacent to or within such a location where it may be visible from the rail lines in the county must address this feature as part of its design proposal (See Policy BLP-44 below).

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    Offaly County Development Plan 2021-2027 Chapter 4 Biodiversity and Landscape Page 152 4.16 Biodiversity and Landscape Policies Designated and Non-Designated Sites BLP-01 It is Council policy to protect, conserve, and seek to enhance the county’s biodiversity and ecological connectivity. BLP-02 It is Council policy to conserve and protect habitats and species listed in the Annexes of the EU Habitats Directive (92/43/EEC) (as amended) and the Birds Directive (2009/147/EC), the Wildlife Acts 1976 (as amended) and the Flora Protection Orders. BLP-03 It is Council policy to support and co-operate with statutory authorities and others in support of measures taken to manage proposed or designated sites in order to achieve their conservation objectives. BLP-04 It is Council policy to protect and maintain the conservation value of all existing and future Natural Heritage Areas, proposed Natural Heritage Areas, Nature Reserves, Ramsar Sites, Wildfowl Sanctuaries and Biogenetic Reserves in the county. BLP-05 It is Council policy to ensure that development does not have a significant adverse impact, incapable of satisfactory avoidance or mitigation, on plant, animal or bird species protected by law. BLP-06 It is Council policy to consult with the National Parks and Wildlife Service, and take account of any licensing requirements, when undertaking, approving or authorising development which is likely to affect plant, animal or bird species protected by law. BLP-07 It is Council policy to support the implementation of the National Biodiversity Action Plan 2017- 2021 and the Offaly Heritage Plan Key Actions 2017-2021 and future editions in partnership with relevant stakeholders subject to available resources. BLP-08 It is Council policy to work with all state agencies to promote the development of all aspects of park management in the Slieve Bloom Mountains. Geology, Eskers and Quarries BLP-09 It is Council policy to protect from inappropriate development and maintain the character, integrity and conservation value of features or areas of geological interest as contained in the scheduled list of geological heritage sites identified in Table 4.11 Offaly Geological Sites. BLP-10 It is Council policy to encourage, where practical and when not in conflict with ownership rights, access to geological features in the county. BLP-11 It is Council policy to protect and conserve the landscape, natural heritage and biodiversity value of esker systems in the county as identified in the Offaly Esker Study, 2006. BLP-12 It is Council policy to assess the impact of proposals for quarry development on nearby eskers, with reference to their status or relative importance, for example, amenity, landscape and scientific value in the context of the overall esker system. BLP-13 It is Council policy to recognise the natural heritage value of disused quarries as rich habitats and to encourage landowners to preserve quarries post extraction as habitats rather than levelling or

Source Offaly County Council: Offaly County Development Plan 2021–2027 (as varied) — Chapter 4: Biodiversity and Landscape (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.