Offaly County Development Plan 2021–2027 (as varied) — Chapter 6: Tourism and Recreational Development

1. Page 21

   Cite this pagePDF p. 21 (opens the publisher’s copy in a new tab)
   Offaly County Development Plan 2021-2027 Chapter 6 Tourism and Recreational Development Page 223 Figure 6.18 Public Rights of Way in County Offaly Figure 6.19 Slí na Sláinte, Clonbullogue

2. Page 22

   Cite this pagePDF p. 22 (opens the publisher’s copy in a new tab)
   Offaly County Development Plan 2021-2027 Chapter 6 Tourism and Recreational Development Page 224 6.7 Tourism Policies Tourism Development TRP-01 It is Council policy to implement Offaly Tourism Statement of Strategy 2017-2022 and any subsequent editions. TRP–02 It is Council policy to continue to support and encourage increased co-ordination, cohesion and linkages between agencies involved in tourism development, for example, Fáilte Ireland, Waterways Ireland, Bord na Móna, National Parks and Wildlife Service, Coillte and Offaly County Council. TRP–03 It is Council policy to co-operate with strategic partners such as Bord na Móna, National Parks and Wildlife Service and Coillte on the identification of land use strategies for appropriate areas of peatland and forestry within the county focusing on the tourism, environmental and heritage value of these areas. TRP–04 It is Council policy to encourage tourism related developments inside existing settlements where the scale and size of the proposed development is appropriate and in keeping with the character of the settlement. TRP–05 It is Council policy that tourism related developments outside of settlements will be considered where there is proven sustainable need. The need to locate in a particular area must be balanced against the environmental impact of the development and the benefits to the local community and adhere to Section 13.9.8 of Chapter 13 Development Management Standards which address tourism and recreation. TRP-06 It is Council policy to support the provision and improvement of visitor facilities, infrastructure (including signage, bicycle stands, service facilities, seating and if necessary parking) and accommodation (including self-catering, hotels, hostels, guesthouses, B&Bs, caravanning, campervanning, camping, motorhome service areas and glamping) at appropriate locations, including rural areas in proximity to tourist attractions, in order to expand the visitor experience provided to serve tourist attractions within the county. In so doing, the Council will facilitate increased bed nights supply in accordance with the 2025 targets set out in ‘Tourism: An Industry Strategy for Growth to 2025’ by The Irish Tourism Industry Federation. TRP–07 It is Council policy to favourably consider tourism infrastructure related to sport, recreation and information including boating, cruising, angling, walking, cycling, pony trekking routes, golf courses, bird watching, adventure centres, and interpretive centres subject to proper planning, environmental protection and sustainable development and policies of this plan. TRP–08 It is Council policy to protect natural resources on which tourism is based through the enforcement of policies and relevant legislation in relation to protection of resources, architectural conservation areas, peatlands, water quality, species and populations of conservation concern and biodiversity.

3. Page 23

   Cite this pagePDF p. 23 (opens the publisher’s copy in a new tab)
   Offaly County Development Plan 2021-2027 Chapter 6 Tourism and Recreational Development Page 225 TRP-09 It is Council policy to seek to manage any increases in visitor numbers in order to avoid significant effects including loss of habitat and disturbance and impacts on existing infrastructure. Visitor / habitat management plans will be required for proposed tourism projects as relevant and appropriate. Branding TRP-10 It is Council policy to facilitate Fáilte Ireland initiatives for the development of tourism experiences in the county which deliver on the Ireland’s Ancient East and Ireland’s Hidden Heartland’s brands. TRP-11 It is Council policy to engage with Fáilte Ireland in the making of Ireland’s Ancient East ‘Ancient Visitor Experience Development Plan’ which will be a long-term tourism plan focused on experiences which bring the region’s ancient history to life. TRP-12 It is Council policy to support the making and implementation of ‘Great Houses and Gardens Experience Development Programme’ which will focus on Offaly’s rich historic houses and gardens, as part of Ireland’s Ancient East ‘Tales of Two Worlds Visitor Experience Development Plan’. Monastic Heritage TRP–13 It is Council policy to promote the monastic sites of County Offaly as tourist attractions in conjunction with Fáilte Ireland, the OPW and relevant stakeholders, in particular Durrow Abbey and Monastic Site and Clonmacnoise Monastic Site with a view to developing proposals to enhance their visitor experience through the provision of signage, improved access in the case of Durrow Monastic Site, and associated infrastructure as appropriate and as resources allow. Peatlands TRP-14 It is Council policy to promote the continued development of Lough Boora Discovery Park as a tourist and ecological amenity and its linkages with the Grand Canal Greenway and surrounding towns and villages subject to proper planning, environmental protection and sustainable development. TRP-15 It is Council policy to promote the tourist development potential of ‘after use’ quarries and peatlands, subject to appropriate reinstatement for their recreational amenity value and potential for habitat nesting sites, subject to proper planning, environmental protection and sustainable development. Greenways / Blueways / Peatways / Trails TRP-16 It is Council policy to support the extension of greenways, blueways, peatways and trails within the county and the integration and linkage of them with other existing / proposed greenways, blueways, peatways and trails both within and outside County Offaly. TRP-17 It is Council policy to promote the provision of appropriate infrastructural requirements to meet the needs of greenways, blueways, and peatways and other pedestrian / cycling trails such as high quality signage, bicycle stands, service facilities, seating and if necessary, car parking (all with regard to Department of Transport, Tourism and Sport’s ‘Greenways and Cycle Routes Ancillary Infrastructure Guidelines’), and the provision of visitor interpretation along these routes such as

4. Page 24

   Cite this pagePDF p. 24 (opens the publisher’s copy in a new tab)
   Offaly County Development Plan 2021-2027 Chapter 6 Tourism and Recreational Development Page 226 storyboards, artworks and other media to create a greater sense of place, connecting and immersing visitors in the local heritage and stories. TRP-18 It is Council policy to support in conjunction with relevant landowners and recreational / tourism agencies, the maintenance of and enhanced access to the countryside, waterways, monuments, historic properties, for recreational and tourism purposes. Access should be planned and managed in a manner that protects environmental sensitivities, ecological corridors and the ability of local infrastructure to support increased tourism. Where significant effects cannot be ruled out to biodiversity, such as those within riparian zones, floodplains and peatlands, the subject development shall be subject to Ecological Impact Assessment. TRP–19 It is Council policy to further investigate the potential of and opportunities for the development of existing and new trails in County Offaly to include a mixture of walking, cycling and driving trails, for the provision of appropriate services along these trails, and for the development of linkages between these trails and key tourism assets both within Offaly and adjoining counties. An example includes Derryounce Experience Lake and Trails and its potential linkage to the People’s Park in Portarlington (with potential for Portarlington as a trailhead) and the wider linkages to the Mount Lucas windfarm. The Council will only support such developments where it is demonstrated that no significant environmental effects would arise as a consequence of their construction or operation. TRP-20 It is Council policy to promote and facilitate the continued development of the Slieve Bloom Mountains bike trail as a key tourism asset for the county and as part of the tourism offer on the Slieve Bloom Mountains, in conjunction with Laois County Council. In addition, it is the Council policy to (i) promote the further development of walking trails on the mountains, (ii) connect to and develop Kinnitty as a service hub for the area and (iii) promote and facilitate links to / from other existing and proposed greenways, blueways and peatways. TRP–21 It is Council policy to recognise the value of the Slieve Bloom Mountains as an area of natural beauty with considerable recreation value and potential for diverse opportunities for the tourism industry. The Council acknowledges the designation of the Slieve Bloom Mountains as a Special Area of Conservation and a Special Protection Area and will only support opportunities where it can be demonstrated that they would not result in significant effects to the conservation objectives of the Slieve Bloom European Sites and is carried out in a sustainable manner that protects environmental sensitivities, ecological corridors and the ability of local infrastructure to support increased tourism. TRP-22 It is Council policy to promote the ‘Feasibility Study on the Development of a Major Cycling Destination in the Midlands of Ireland’ (2016) in conjunction with Bord na Móna and Coillte in accordance with ‘Outdoor Recreation Plan for Public Lands and Waters in Ireland’ 2017-2021 and in particular to recognise Tullamore as a hub in this respect. TRP-23 It is Council policy to support Fáilte Ireland in the making of ‘The Beara Breifne Way Tourism Activation Plan’ which will identify a number of towns as walking hubs along a trail which extends from Cork to Cavan through Offaly.

5. Page 25

   Cite this pagePDF p. 25 (opens the publisher’s copy in a new tab)
   Offaly County Development Plan 2021-2027 Chapter 6 Tourism and Recreational Development Page 227 Towns and Villages TRP–24 The Council acknowledges that towns and villages act as focal points and service zones for nearby tourist attractions and so it is Council policy to invest in public realm enhancements in order to increase the attractiveness of Offaly’s towns and villages and so in turn encourage further investment and increased visitor numbers. TRP-25 It is Council policy to support Birr’s role as a Tourism Destination Town having particular regard to its built heritage including Birr Castle, Gardens and Science Centre, its accessibility and proximity to key tourism destinations including natural amenities, and recreational opportunities including the Slieve Bloom Mountains, Lough Boora Discovery Park and Banagher marina on the River Shannon. TRP-26 It is Council policy to support Tullamore’s role as a tourism hub and its development as a Tourism Destination Town having particular regard to its distilling heritage including Tullamore Dew Visitor Centre, its accessibility and proximity to key tourism destinations including natural amenities, and recreational opportunities including the Grand Canal and adjoining greenway, Lough Boora Discovery Park, Slieve Bloom Mountains, Durrow Monastic Site and Clara Bog Visitor Centre. TRP–27 It is Council policy to encourage and facilitate Charleville Castle and Demesne as an amenity area for the longer-term development of Tullamore. The Council acknowledges the designation of Charleville Wood as a Special Area of Conservation and will only support opportunities where it can be demonstrated that they would not result in significant effects to the conservation objectives of Charleville Wood European Site and is carried out in a sustainable manner that protects environmental sensitivities, ecological corridors and the ability of local infrastructure to support increased tourism. TRP–28 It is Council policy to promote and facilitate conferencing facilities in the county and in particular recognise Tullamore’s role as a conferencing and event hub, given its location, accessibility and experience. TRP–29 It is Council policy to recognise Edenderry’s role as a service hub for the Grand Canal Greenway in the east of the county. Arts, Heritage and Culture TRP-30 It is Council policy to promote and facilitate the role of arts, heritage and culture in recognition of its importance to people’s identity and the potential for economic development through a unique cultural tourism offering, including the development of themed trails to showcase Offaly’s rich monastic heritage, culture and food offering. Public Rights of Way TRP-31 It is Council policy to support the preservation, protection, promotion and improvement, for the common good, existing public rights of way for recreation and tourism purposes, particularly those which provide access to state and semi-state lands such as archaeological sites, National Monuments and amenities, including upland areas and water corridors, and to create new ones or extend existing ones where appropriate either by agreement with landowners or through the use of compulsory purchase powers, whereby access is planned and managed in a sustainable manner that protects

6. Page 26

   Cite this pagePDF p. 26 (opens the publisher’s copy in a new tab)
   Offaly County Development Plan 2021-2027 Chapter 6 Tourism and Recreational Development Page 228 environmental sensitivities, ecological corridors and the ability of local infrastructure to support increased tourism. TRP-32 It is Council policy to seek to ensure that new development will not have a negative impact on established walking routes/public rights of way, in particular in Areas of High Amenity and along the inland waterways of the county. TRP-33 It is Council policy to identify existing public rights of way and walking routes prior to any new planting, new infrastructural development and any new energy / telecommunications or golf course developments. Climate Action TRP-34 It is Council policy to promote and support the enhancement and development of the tourism industry in County Offaly in a manner which contributes to the transition to a low carbon, climate resilient and environmentally sustainable county.

7. Page 27

   Cite this pagePDF p. 27 (opens the publisher’s copy in a new tab)
   Offaly County Development Plan 2021-2027 Chapter 6 Tourism and Recreational Development Page 229 6.8 Tourism Objectives Tourism Development TRO–01 It is an objective of the Council to implement the actions and measures in Offaly Tourism Statement of Strategy 2017-2022 in conjunction with the community, businesses, state agencies, and Offaly Tourism Marketing CLG. TRO- 02 It is an objective of the Council to support the increase in dwell time spent by tourists in County Offaly and to support the development in a sustainable manner of a range of tourism accommodation options for visitors. TRO-03 It is an objective of the Council to support the preservation, improvement and extension of recreational amenities. TRO-04 It is an objective of the Council to provide public Wi-Fi in proximity to tourist attractions in County Offaly. TRO–05 It is an objective of the Council to ensure that the tourist attractions of the county are appropriately signposted and to seek to promote the provision of tourism amenity signs in accordance with the Policy on the Provision of Tourist and Leisure Signage on National Roads (March 2011) and the Spatial Planning and National Roads Guidelines (2012) or any updated editions, and any other relevant Government policy. Branding TRO-06 It is an objective of the Council to work in collaboration with other key stakeholders to implement the programmes and plans of the Ireland’s Ancient East initiative and Ireland’s Hidden Heartland’s initiative over the lifetime of the plan. Monastic Heritage TRO-07 It is an objective of the Council to support and work with the Office of Public Works who manage Clonmacnoise Monastic Site on behalf of the National Monuments Service to conserve the site and present it appropriately to visitors. TRO-08 It is an objective of the Council to develop proposals in conjunction with the OPW for Durrow Abbey and Monastic Site to become a key tourist attraction in County Offaly and potentially become a UNESCO World Heritage Site by enhancing the visitor experience through the provision of signage, improved access, and associated infrastructure as appropriate and as resources allow. Peatlands TRO–09 It is an objective of the Council to facilitate the development of a tourism resource using cutaway peatlands in conjunction with Bord na Móna and Fáilte Ireland, subject to environmental considerations and nature designations for example, recreational forestry, outdoor pursuits, peatways on the network of bogs and industrial railways and a designation of a National Peatlands Heritage Park.

8. Page 28

   Cite this pagePDF p. 28 (opens the publisher’s copy in a new tab)
   Offaly County Development Plan 2021-2027 Chapter 6 Tourism and Recreational Development Page 230 TRO–10 It is an objective of Offaly County Council to encourage the development of water-based recreation activities on flooded cutaway bog where the opportunity arises, including possibly in Noggus Boy Bog and in Garryhinch, subject to environmental considerations and nature designations. TRO-11 It is an objective of the Council to promote the existing educational and amenity facilities at Clara Bog Nature Reserve and Visitor Centre and Lough Boora Discovery Park and their expansion, subject to appropriate assessment and environment. TRO-12 It is an objective of the Council to investigate the feasibility of an Energy Park with educational and amenity facilities, relating to any future development of renewable energy projects of significant scale that comes forward over the lifetime of this plan. Any development of renewable energy on cutaway bog will be required to provide increased opportunities for amenity access and education facilities. TRO-13 It is an objective of the Council to explore the potential for a Dark Sky area in County Offaly which is an area possessing an exceptionally or distinguished quality of starry nights and a nocturnal environment that is specifically protected for its scientific, natural, educational, cultural heritage and / or public enjoyment. Greenways / Blueways / Peatways / Trails TRO-14 It is an objective of the Council to implement ‘A Strategy for Walking and Cycling in Offaly; Connecting People Connecting Places’ (2015). TRO-15 It is an objective of the Council to implement the ‘Feasibility Study on the Development of a Major Cycling Destination in the Midlands of Ireland’ (2016) in conjunction with Bord na Móna, Coillte, Waterways Ireland, the Office of Public Works and the Product Development Group, in accordance with the Offaly Tourism Statement of Strategy 2017-2022. TRO-16 It is an objective of the Council to implement the ‘Outdoor Recreation Plan for Public Lands and Waters in Ireland’ 2017-2021 and any subsequent edition in conjunction with stakeholders, in the design of outdoor recreational facilities. TRO-17 It is an objective of the Council to protect potential greenway, blueway and peatway routes (i) along and in proximity to abandoned rail lines and (ii) routes identified in Figure 6.13 ‘Midlands Cycling Destination, Offaly Network Map’ from inappropriate development that could compromise the delivery of a cycling or walking route in the future. TRO-18 It is an objective of the Council to work with the relevant stakeholders to examine the feasibility of developing the Kilbeggan to Ballycommon link of the Grand Canal, as a potential navigational route. TRO-19 It is an objective of the Council to support the implementation of ‘The Lough Ree and the Mid- Shannon Spirit Level; Wet and Wild Lands; A Shared Ambition’ (December 2017) Waterway Ireland’s Tourism Masterplan for the Shannon, and any other future tourism initiatives by state or semi-state bodies.

9. Page 29

   Cite this pagePDF p. 29 (opens the publisher’s copy in a new tab)
   Offaly County Development Plan 2021-2027 Chapter 6 Tourism and Recreational Development Page 231 Towns and Villages TRO- 20 It is an objective of the Council to build on Birr’s role as a Destination Town in particular having regard to its built heritage and proximity to key tourism attractions. TRO-21 It is an objective of the Council to explore the potential of Tullamore becoming a destination for Whiskey tourism based on the presence of the Tullamore Dew Visitor Centre in the town, and the potential of Tullamore forming part of a ‘Whiskey Trails’ linkage throughout the region and beyond. Rights of Way TRO-22 It is an objective of the Council to examine the feasibility of identifying and mapping new Public Rights of Way in the recreational and amenity areas of the county in the context of emerging national guidance.

Source Offaly County Council: Offaly County Development Plan 2021–2027 (as varied) — Chapter 6: Tourism and Recreational Development (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.