Offaly County Development Plan 2021–2027 (as varied) — Chapter 5: Economic Development Strategy

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   Offaly County Development Plan 2021-2027 Chapter 5 Economic Development Strategy Page 181 Table 5.5: Future infrastructure requirements to facilitate development of Rhode Green Energy Park • Upgrading physical environment of the existing Business Park (roads, footpaths, landscaping) • R400 road improvements • Footpaths/ cycleways • Improved telecommunications (fibre) infrastructure • Upgrade of capacity at Rhode Wastewater Treatment Plant • Water supply improvements • Electricity grid connections and potential expansion of existing substation • Gas grid connection to the site • Interconnecting services (heat networks, electricity, gas, water, etc.) between companies operating in and around the Park • Modern Interface (MI) Wholesale High Quality Access (WHQA) to fibre-optic communication 5.7 Rural Economic Strategy Offaly is a rural county, with much of its population rural-based and approximately one fifth of the county comprising of peatlands and the majority of the remainder of the land in agricultural / forestry use. Construction, engineering, manufacturing, quarrying, tourism-related services, transport, energy production, forestry, agriculture, food, education, waste disposal and health are all significant areas of employment in the rural areas of County Offaly. The Council recognises, however, that rural-based employment extends beyond these traditional rural sectors to include all aspects of the economy. A national strategic outcome of the NPF is ‘Strengthened Rural Economies and Communities’. Rural areas play a key role in defining our identity, in driving our economy and our high-quality environment and must be a part of the county’s strategic development during the plan period. In addition to the natural resources and food sector as traditional pillars of the rural economy, improved connectivity, broadband and rural economic development opportunities offer the potential to ensure our rural area remains and strengthens as a living and working community. Supporting the following enterprises has the potential to ensure our rural area remains and strengthens as a living and working community; - Rural resource based industry at an appropriate size and scale; - Construction, engineering, quarrying, tourism-related services, transport, energy production, forestry, agriculture, food, education, waste disposal and health; - Connectivity and accessibility; - On-farm based diversification which is complementary to the agricultural operation of farms; - Development of cut away industrial peatlands and associated infrastructure for appropriate alternative uses; - Information and Communication Technology (ICT)-based industries;

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   Offaly County Development Plan 2021-2027 Chapter 5 Economic Development Strategy Page 182 - Industries addressing climate action and sustainability, for example, renewable energy, post thermal energy production, afforestation; - Redevelopment of ESB and Bord na Móna antecedent sites; - Accommodate home-working; and - Within villages; o support start up enterprises; o ensure sufficient land is zoned to facilitate employment and enterprise development; o accommodate remote-working hubs; and o encourage high quality and well-designed buildings, structures, public spaces and streets, in order to make places more attractive. Attractive places attract more inward investment, skills and talent, and increase the livability factor of a place. Improved communications technology mean that remote working is a reality for many professionals and in addition the rise of niche retail and other internet based services may facilitate small-scale commercial opportunities in rural areas of the county. The Council will continue to implement initiatives that are operated by its Local Employment Office to foster an entrepreneurial culture in the county generally. Figure 5.8 Roscrea Fish Farm, County Offaly 5.7.1 Agriculture, Agri-Food, Agri-Tech, Food and Beverage Agriculture has always been and will continue to be a strong employer in the county and the Council recognises and values this fact. The Council will take a positive approach to applications for sustainable agricultural developments generally, subject to the protection of ground waters, residential amenities, designated habitats and the landscape.

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   Offaly County Development Plan 2021-2027 Chapter 5 Economic Development Strategy Page 183 The agriculture sector is a significant source of economic activity throughout the county. It contributes to exports, provides the raw materials for the food processing industry and has potential for providing more added value in the artisan food sector. Food Wise 2025 identifies growth projections in agri-food exports and direct jobs in the agri-food sector. It states that ‘environmental sustainability and economic sustainability are equal and complementary – one will not be achieved at the expense of the other’. The Council promotes the use of Agri-tech which is the use of technology for farming that is developed to improve efficiency and profitability. It aims to improve farming through information monitoring and analysis of weather, pests, soil and air temperature. Agri-tech also includes the use of automation, such as controlling heaters and irrigation and employing pest control through aerosol pheromone dispersal. Led by Bord Bia, Origin Green is a voluntary programme that brings together Ireland’s food industry. From farmers and food manufacturers, through to retailers and foodservice operators, all come together with the common goal of sustainable food production. Origin Green enables Ireland’s food industry set and achieve measurable sustainability targets that respect the environment and serve local communities. Figure 5.9 An Offaly Enterprise (photo by Paula Nolan)

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   Offaly County Development Plan 2021-2027 Chapter 5 Economic Development Strategy Page 184 5.7.2 Peatlands and Antecedent Uses The Council recognises the importance of cutaway bogs as a major natural and archaeological resource. The Council also recognises the potential for the utilisation of protected peatland areas for tourist, amenity, environmental, educational and research purposes. Bord na Móna is the largest single landowner in County Offaly and owns approximately 27,650ha of the 32,400ha of peatland within the county. The term ‘cutaway’ is used to describe the land area left after the major portion of the original peat deposit has been removed or exploited for fuel. This cutaway now presents an opportunity for alternative uses/ rural diversification and to be part of a comprehensive after-use plan. Cutaway bogs have potential landuses that can enhance both the employment, renewable energy generation, and tourism sectors of the county as well as providing a potential habitat considering much of the area will return to wilderness and contribute to the green infrastructure network. A number of the peatlands within the county are protected through European and national designations. The Council will seek to achieve a balance in developing such a valuable land resource whilst also protecting the heritage and environmental value of these areas where required. The Council notes the closure of ESB’s peat fired electricity generating plants at Shannonbridge and Edenderry this decade, and recognises the transition that faces Bord na Móna considering the phased elimination of peat-fired electricity generation. The Council supports the longer-term strategic planning for industrial peatland areas. This should include the preparation of a comprehensive afteruse framework plan for the peatlands and related infrastructure, which addresses environmental, economic and social issues including employment and replacement enterprise reflecting the current transition from employment based around peat extraction. Though this is in the interests of reducing Ireland’s carbon footprint, it is recognised that Bord na Móna face the issue of accommodating staff in alternative work processes. Offaly County Council support the redeployment of Bord na Móna staff in alternative employment. The Council acknowledges and is in favour of the re-development and/or expansion of currently used and disused sites such as former ESB power station sites and Bord na Móna works. The Council supports the efforts of the Midland Transition team to: • Pursue funding opportunities and actions to mitigate the impact of the Bord na Móna job losses on the individuals concerned, and the impact on the local and regional economy; and • Position the region to develop alternative forms of employment, attract investment and maximise existing employment opportunities and resources. Chapter 3 Climate Action and Energy, Chapter 4 Biodiversity and Landscape, Chapter 6 Tourism and Recreational Development and Chapter 13 Development Management Standards also address Peatlands.

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   Offaly County Development Plan 2021-2027 Chapter 5 Economic Development Strategy Page 185 Figure 5.10 Edenderry Electricity Generating Power Station Figure 5.11 Serviced Lands and Sites with ‘Antecedent Uses’

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   Offaly County Development Plan 2021-2027 Chapter 5 Economic Development Strategy Page 186 5.7.3 Farm Diversification Offaly County Council will favourably consider and promote projects that may be ancillary to farming activities but will contribute to the continued economic viability of the farm and contribute to the vibrancy of rural life generally. 5.7.4 Rural Based Industry Rural areas in Offaly have traditionally sustained some small-scale employment based activities, such as car repair and light-industrial workshops. While Offaly County Council directs industrial development towards serviced sites in urban areas, there is limited scope for small-scale industrial development appropriate to a rural area. 5.7.5 Forestry The Council will seek to accommodate afforestation throughout the county where it is deemed appropriate, both native broadleaf and coniferous species, in accordance with the proper planning and sustainable development of the county. Much of the existing forested land is owned by Coillte. Woodlands provide recreational opportunities in addition to their heritage and economic benefits. They are also important as links in the county’s green infrastructure network. 5.7.6 Energy The Council recognises that the energy sector, both renewables and non-renewables, is currently a significant employer in the county and has potential for considerable growth over the lifetime of this plan. The Council will encourage and facilitate the development of renewable energy projects in rural areas. Please refer to the Chapter 3 Climate Action and Energy for more details. 5.7.7 Circular Bio-economy The bio-economy comprises ‘the production of renewable biological resources, such as crops, forests, fish, animals, and micro-organisms and the conversion of these resources and waste stream residues, by-products or municipal solid waste into value added products, such as food, feed, bio-based products and bioenergy’ (E.C. 2012). The transition to a more circular economy and bio-economy, where the value of bio-based products, materials and resources is maintained in the economy for as long as possible, and the generation of waste minimised, will provide an essential contribution to Offaly developing a sustainable, low carbon, resources efficient and competitive economy. The Council will support the development of the bio-energy industry in the county (including bio-gas) where appropriate.

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   Offaly County Development Plan 2021-2027 Chapter 5 Economic Development Strategy Page 187 Figure 5.12 Bio-economy 5.7.8 Aggregates and Minerals The Council recognises the importance of sand and gravel extractions in the economic life of the county and its importance as a valuable source of employment in parts of the county. It is also recognised, however, that exploitation of deposits can have a seriously damaging environmental impact on the county’s natural landscape, in particular its esker network. Offaly County Council acknowledges that a satisfactory balance is required between the needs of the building industry and the need to protect the environment. The Council recognises the importance of ensuring that those extractions which would result in a reduction of the visual amenity of areas of high amenity or damage to areas of scientific importance or of geological, botanical, zoological and other natural significance including all designated European Sites are not be permitted. The Council requires that all such workings should be subjected to landscaping requirements and that worked out quarries should be rehabilitated to a use agreed with the Planning Authority. The use of these rehabilitated sites shall be limited to wastes such as soil, stone and subsoils and sites shall be authorised under the appropriate waste regulations. The Planning Authority will have regard to the Department of the Environment’s Guidelines for Planning Authorities for Quarries and Ancillary Activities 2004 (and any updated editions) when

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   Offaly County Development Plan 2021-2027 Chapter 5 Economic Development Strategy Page 188 assessing applications relating to the extraction industry in the county. Quarries are addressed further in Chapter 4 Biodiversity and Landscape and in Chapter 13 Development Management Standards. 5.7.9 Tourism The Council recognises that tourism plays a role in economic development and enterprise activity. Tourism is dealt with separately in Chapter 6 Tourism and Recreational Development. 5.8 Information and Communication Technologies Offaly County Council recognises that Information and Communication Technologies (ICT) play a crucial role in enabling social and economic activity and is therefore committed to enhancing the ICT infrastructure throughout the county. It is acknowledged, however, that this must be managed to ensure a balance between the provision of such infrastructure in the interests of social and economic progress, and sustaining residential amenity and environmental quality. The Council is preparing the Offaly Digital Strategy which seeks to facilitate and support the rollout of Digital Infrastructure and Skills to all citizens in County Offaly. 5.8.1 Broadband and Wi-Fi Access to quality high speed broadband is essential for economic growth, sustainable development (by facilitating remote working and reducing long distance commuting), social inclusion and an enhanced quality of life for all. The county broadband services have improved significantly over the past number of years. The Metropolitan Area Networks (MANs) provides broadband to the urban areas of Banagher, Birr, Edenderry and Tullamore. The National Broadband Plan (NBP) is a Government initiative to deliver high speed broadband services to all premises in Ireland. Under the NBP, the delivery of access to high speed broadband to every home and business in Ireland will be achieved through a combination of accelerated commercial investment and a State intervention in those parts of the country where there is no certainty that the private sector will invest. In this way, it will enable all citizens throughout Ireland to benefit from technology advances including in eHealth and eEducation, smart farming and tourism. Offaly County Council will continue to support the delivery of the NBP and ICT infrastructure in the county in conjunction with the relevant bodies and service providers. The Council also seeks to promote the provision of Wi-Fi zones in public buildings and tourist destinations across the county. ‘Visit Offaly Free Wi-Fi’ is currently installed at a number of locations throughout the county.

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   Offaly County Development Plan 2021-2027 Chapter 5 Economic Development Strategy Page 189 Figure 5.13 High Speed Broadband Map for County Offaly – Quarter 3 of 2019 5.8.2 Telecommunications The Council recognises that there is a balance between facilitating the provision of mobile telecommunications infrastructure and the need to protect residential, visual amenity and the natural and built environment. When considering proposals for telecommunications infrastructure, the Council will have regard to the Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government’s “Telecommunications Antennae and Support Structures, Guidelines for Planning Authorities” 1996 and Circular Letter PL07/12 ‘Telecommunication Antennae and Support Structures’ and any amendments thereof.

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    Offaly County Development Plan 2021-2027 Chapter 5 Economic Development Strategy Page 190 5.9 Enterprise Policies Strategy ENTP-01 It is Council policy to support the Midlands Regional Enterprise Action Plan 2019-2020 and any future editions. ENTP-02 It is Council policy to facilitate and work pro-actively with interest groups (both public and private sector) in the location of industry, business and enterprise in particular by zoning of lands for enterprise development and activity which can facilitate the provision of large-scale and small-scale development, as appropriate. This includes the identification and possible reservation of lands at suitable locations which will accommodate, where appropriate – for example, business / technology activity, industry, enterprise and retail having regard to proper planning and sustainable development. The Council will protect zoned lands from inappropriate development that would undermine future economic activity or the unsustainable development of such areas. ENTP-03 It is Council policy to co-operate with local, regional and national enterprise authorities, most notably the IDA Ireland and Enterprise Ireland, in the attraction of investment into the county, including both overseas investment and local investment and the provision of employment and enterprise within County Offaly. ENTP-04 It is Council policy to promote Tullamore as a suitable location for Foreign Direct Investment. ENTP-05 It is Council policy to build a resilient economic base and promote innovation and entrepreneurship ecosystems that support smart specialisation, cluster development and sustained economic growth. ENTP-06 It is Council policy to support existing successful clusters in Offaly, such as those in Med-Tech, FinTech, ICT, and Engineering and Food and Drinks sectors, and promote new and emerging clustering opportunities across all economic sectors within the County. ENTP-07 It is Council policy to recognise the significant economic and employment benefits of similar enterprises clustering in an area. ENTP-08 It is Council policy to prioritise, facilitate and promote the development of infrastructure that supports and attracts new economic activity-related investment in County Offaly. Settlement Hierarchy ENTP-09 It is Council policy that future economic and enterprise development in Offaly that is urban in nature should be in the first instance located in urban areas and be largely distributed throughout the county’s settlement hierarchy, having regard to each individual area’s (a) identified role within the region, (b) existing size, (c) existing function (d) capacity for sustainable growth (i.e. growth without detriment to its surroundings, its built or natural assets and/or its character) and (e) available infrastructure capacity. There is, however, a positive presumption in terms of employment creation and therefore it is Council policy to examine such proposals within other locations on a case-by-case basis for example employment related development in a location clearly linked to a rural resource activity.

Source Offaly County Council: Offaly County Development Plan 2021–2027 (as varied) — Chapter 5: Economic Development Strategy (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.