Offaly County Development Plan 2021–2027 (as varied) — Chapter 9: Social Inclusion Community and Cultural Development

1. Page 11

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   Offaly County Development Plan 2021-2027 Chapter 9 Social Inclusion, Community and Cultural Development Page 303 locations throughout the county. The Council considers that medical practices should be provided for within town, village, or neighbourhood centres, preferably in purpose built premises and in locations which should have minimal impact on residential amenity. Figure 9.6 Midland Regional Hospital Tullamore 9.18 Libraries County Offaly’s public library service provides an increasingly important community, information, cultural and outreach facility role within the county. Its county headquarters is situated in Tullamore and there are 8 branches in total throughout the county, namely: Tullamore, Birr, Edenderry, Clara, Banagher, Daingean, Ferbane and Kilcormac, a number of which are open libraries which allow selfservice access to the libraries outside normal working hours. The Council will support the provision of library facilities across the county as resources allow. Offaly County Council is committed to the provision of a new purpose built modern community library and arts space at JKL Street Edenderry. The provision of a new library in Edenderry outlined as a key action in the Draft County Library Development Plan 2018-22 can tie in with the recent regeneration of O’Connell Square to bring vibrancy to the area allowing it to become a key location for both community and businesses alike.

2. Page 12

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   Offaly County Development Plan 2021-2027 Chapter 9 Social Inclusion, Community and Cultural Development Page 304 Figure 9.7 Birr Library, Exterior and Interior 9.19 County Archives Offaly History has built an archives building at Axis Business Park, Tullamore to house the documentary heritage of County Offaly. In an agreement with Offaly County Council, the archives building houses the local government and privately donated archives which were previously held in Tullamore Library. It also holds the manuscript archives collected by Offaly History.

3. Page 13

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   Offaly County Development Plan 2021-2027 Chapter 9 Social Inclusion, Community and Cultural Development Page 305 9.20 Offaly Local Development Company Offaly Local Development Company (OLDC) is a partnership of agencies and groups representing the community, statutory and private sectors. It is managed by Pobal on behalf of the Government and funded by a number of Government departments and agencies to deliver a variety of programmes and supports to people, communities and businesses in County Offaly. The Local and Community Development Programme (LCDP) aims to tackle poverty and social exclusion through partnership and constructive engagement between Government and its agencies and people in disadvantaged communities. Many of OLDC's initiatives form part of the LCDP. The council will continue to support OLDC in achieving its objectives, in particular in identifying locations where resources are to be deployed. 9.21 Arts, Culture and Language Arts and cultural facilities not only contribute to the artistic, social and general quality of life of communities, they are also significant contributors to the economy of the County by attracting visitors, investment and job creation. The importance of arts, culture and language is recognised in Culture 2025 – A Framework Policy to 2025 which sets out a framework committing to increasing resources for arts and heritage, supporting Irish culture on the world stage and improving funding structures for investment in national and local services. In addition, the Government’s Creative Ireland Programme from 2017 to 2022, places creativity at the centre of public policy, aiming to improve access to cultural and creative activity in every county across the country. The vision is pursued through the Five-Pillars of the Creative Ireland Programme: • Pillar 1: Enabling the Creative Potential of Every Child • Pillar 2: Enabling Creativity in Every Community • Pillar 3: Investing in our Creative and Cultural Infrastructure • Pillar 4: The Creative Industries: Ireland as a Centre of Excellence in Media Production • Pillar 5: Unifying our Global Reputation Participation and access are central to the vision. Local authorities have a crucial role in the overall local delivery of the entire Creative Ireland programme. Offaly’s Culture Team has the mandate to lead on Pillar 2, Enabling the Creativity in Every Community. However, the Council’s role is not exclusive to Pillar 2 and the Council will collaborate with communities, groups and agencies to assist with developing and delivering the four other pillars.

4. Page 14

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   Offaly County Development Plan 2021-2027 Chapter 9 Social Inclusion, Community and Cultural Development Page 306 Offaly County Council has adopted and published a Culture and Creative Strategy 2018 to 2022, which shares the vision of the Creative Ireland programme that every person living in Ireland will have the opportunity to fully realise his or her creative potential. The Offaly Culture and Creativity Strategy 2018 to 2022 also brings coherence and promotes collaboration between the individual culture based strategies; the Offaly Heritage Plan, the Offaly Arts Plan and the Offaly Libraries Plan, all of which relate to the Offaly Local Economic and Community Development Plan, 2016-2021. The Council acknowledges the importance of arts and cultural infrastructure to the county and that the renovation of Tullamore Community Arts Centre will be a valuable contribution for the people of Tullamore and surrounds. The Council also acknowledges the contribution of Birr Theatre and Arts Centre and Public Access Arts in Edenderry and will support same, where appropriate. The Council acknowledges the significance of utilising the Percent for Art Scheme as a means to create unique and meaningful artistic interventions within towns and communities. Although County Offaly does not have a Gaeltacht area, the Council is cognisant of the importance of promoting Gaeilge, the Irish language and that initiatives be supported to aid in this. Furthermore, the Council recognises the need for access to social supports in terms of language, education and employment for refugees, asylum seekers and migrants. Figure 9.8 Public Art at an Offaly train station

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   Offaly County Development Plan 2021-2027 Chapter 9 Social Inclusion, Community and Cultural Development Page 307 Figure 9.9 Singing Performance during Culture Night held at Áras an Chontae 9.22 Places of Worship and Burial Grounds / Crematoriums The Council recognises the valuable contribution that places of worship have in a community context and will endeavour to accommodate and facilitate their provision and/or extension, where appropriate. The Council has a responsibility for the provision of burial grounds including as necessary, the acquisition of lands and the undertaking of any necessary works on these lands. The Offaly County Council Burial Ground Byelaws 2015 outlines the use, protection and management of cemeteries provided by and under the control of Offaly County Council in this regard. The Planning Authority has a role in ensuring that adequate land is reserved to accommodate such a use in accordance with future needs within the county. A number of these burial grounds may need to be extended and/or new sites identified over the period of this Plan (2021-2027). The use of crematoriums has increased significantly in recent years but there is currently no such facility serving County Offaly. In recognition of the multi-cultural population of the county and the changing trends in end-of-life service, the Council will support the development of crematorium in the county, where appropriate.

6. Page 16

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   Offaly County Development Plan 2021-2027 Chapter 9 Social Inclusion, Community and Cultural Development Page 308 9.23 Fire and Rescue Services The role of Offaly County Fire and Rescue Service is to prevent the occurrence of fire and to protect life and property throughout the county. There are presently five stations in the county in Birr, Clara, Edenderry, Ferbane and Tullamore. The Council will continue to support the provision of a modern and effective fire service for the county. Figure 9.10 Offaly Fire Services 9.24 Other Traditional Local Services Other traditional local services such as small shops, post offices and licensed premises provide an important role for the communities of the smaller settlements in particular villages throughout the county. The challenge to maintain local services in our towns and villages is recognised. 9.25 New Residential Developments All proposals for large scale residential developments must consider existing or future community facilities. Sustainable neighbourhoods require a range of community facilities. The Council will seek to ensure that facilities for social and cultural use, such as resource centres, are available within the community. Such facilities play an important role in helping to create a vibrant community and thereby contribute to the quality of life of the residents in the area and are vital to their wellbeing. This requirement will ensure that new residential areas in the county will have access to local community facilities. Refer to Chapter 13 Development Management Standards.

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   Offaly County Development Plan 2021-2027 Chapter 9 Social Inclusion, Community and Cultural Development Page 309 9.26 Naming of New Developments Place names are part of our cultural heritage and the Council actively seeks to ensure that this rich heritage is protected and enhanced through the naming of new residential and amenity developments. Naming of streets and residential developments shall reflect the old local place names in Irish and local people of note, heritage, language or topographical features as appropriate. The use of the Irish language is strongly encouraged. However, mixing Irish and English in one name is not considered appropriate. When choosing an Irish name, for example which may describe a geographic feature in the locality, the grammar and spelling of each word must be correct. In order to ensure the above and to avoid confusion and duplication, the naming of developments will require the prior agreement of the Planning Authority. Proposed names shall be submitted to the Planning Authority and agreed prior to launching any advertising campaign for the development.

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   Offaly County Development Plan 2021-2027 Chapter 9 Social Inclusion, Community and Cultural Development Page 310 9.27 Social Inclusion, Community and Cultural Development Policies General SICCDP–01 It is Council policy to assist, where feasible, in the provision and extension of social, community and cultural facilities and amenities within the county in a low carbon climate resilient and environmentally sustainable manner to serve individual communities throughout the county. SICCDP–02 It is Council policy to identify and facilitate the development of suitable sites for community facilities within the county, particularly in newly developing areas. These sites should be easily accessible (walking and cycling) and promote the use of public transport. SICCDP–03 It is Council policy to support the implementation of the Offaly Local Economic and Community Plan in collaboration with the Local and Economic Development Committee to reduce the number of people in or at risk of social exclusion. SICCDP-04 It is Council policy that proposals for new developments will have regard to the Department of Environment Heritage and Local Government Guidelines on Sustainable Residential Development in Urban Areas (2009) in relation to sustainable neighbourhoods to provide new facilities (including play facilities) for community use. Proposals should be in suitable locations and be compatible with adjoining developments. Such proposals will be subject to other policies of the Development Plan, in particular those concerning open space provision. Further, it is Council policy to encourage the provision of multi-functional buildings, which are adaptable to accommodating a range of community facilities, where appropriate. (This is particularly apparent in the case of new housing estates, whereby a crèche facility can be designed to be re-developed in subsequent years, if required, for an alternative community facility). Further, it is Council policy that the multi-use of public spaces will be encouraged. SICCDP-05 It is Council policy to facilitate the co-location and shared use by community groups of community facilities, amenities and schools and to ensure communities are active during the day and into the evening, to use land more efficiently and to facilitate opportunities for further inclusion of community participation. SICCDP–06 It is Council policy to facilitate a more diverse and socially inclusive society that targets equality of opportunity and a better quality of life for all citizens, through improved integration and greater accessibility in the delivery of sustainable communities and the provision of associated services. SICCDP-07 It is Council policy to support ‘Offaly County Council Accessibility Project 2020, (and any updated editions) and any key recommendations in relation to the physical environment. Childcare SICCDP–08 It is Council policy to encourage the provision of childcare facilities in residential areas, employment areas, retail centres and other areas as appropriate, when development proposals are put forward for consideration.

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   Offaly County Development Plan 2021-2027 Chapter 9 Social Inclusion, Community and Cultural Development Page 311 SICCDP–09 It is Council policy to encourage the provision of childcare facilities as an integral part of proposals for new residential developments. The Planning Authority will have regard to the DEHLG’s Childcare Facilities Guidelines for Planning Authorities, 2001 (as may be updated) in relation to the provision of childcare facilities. SICCDP–10 It is Council policy to assist the County Childcare Committee in identifying priority areas within the county for the provision of childcare facilities. Older People and People with Disabilities SICCDP–11 It is Council policy to support ‘the Offaly Age Friendly County Programme 2018-2021’ as implemented by the Offaly Age Friendly Alliance (and any updated editions) and any key actions in relation to the physical environment. SICCDP-12 It is Council policy that residential care homes for older people, retirement homes, nursing homes, independent living units, assisted living units, retirement villages and sheltered accommodation are located within defined settlement boundaries and are appropriate in scale to the size of the settlement. The provision of these accommodation types within the open countryside is considered only in such cases where it is clearly demonstrated that due to the nature of the services to be provided, the open countryside is necessary and that no suitable alternative sites are available within a nearby settlement. SICCDP-13 It is Council policy to ensure that all buildings, public open spaces, recreational and amenity areas are accessible for people with disabilities, having regard to; • Part M of the Building Regulations and the requirement for Disability Access Certificates (DACs) • Buildings for Everyone: A Universal Design Approach (National Disability Authority, 2012); • Sustainable Residential Development in Urban Areas: Guidelines for Planning Authorities and its companion document Urban Design Manual (DEHLG, 2009); and • Great Outdoors - A Guide for Accessibility (2018) SICCDP-14 It is Council policy to cater for all levels of disability, through the appropriate mitigation of the built environment for example, through the selection of building materials; the provision of quiet rooms and sensory gardens where appropriate; and in the design of pedestrian facilities for the visually impaired. SICCDP-15 It is Council Policy to promote Universal Design and well-designed lifetime adaptable and age friendly housing in accordance with best practice and the policies and principles contained in Building for Everyone: A Universal Design Approach (National Disability Authority, 2012) and Sustainable Residential Development in Urban Area: Guidelines for Planning Authorities and its companion document Urban Design Manual (DEHLG, 2009) and particularly in infill and brownfield developments walkable to existing services and facilities.

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    Offaly County Development Plan 2021-2027 Chapter 9 Social Inclusion, Community and Cultural Development Page 312 SICCDP–16 It is Council policy to ensure that new social infrastructure developments are accessible and inclusive for a range of users by adopting a universal design approach and provide for an age friendly society in which people of all ages can live full active, valued and healthy lives. Young People and Children SICCDP-17 It is Council policy to consider the needs of children and young people, including those with disabilities and additional needs, in the provision of indoor and outdoor recreational facilities. Open Space / Amenity Facilities SICCDP–18 It is Council policy to preserve the land use of existing public and private recreation areas, including sports clubs, built leisure facilities and open space areas. In exceptional circumstances, a change of use may be sought, but must demonstrate that alternative recreational provisions are provided in a suitable location. Further, it is Council policy to identify, where possible and appropriate, sites for possible future extensions of public open space areas and amenities within settlement plans. SICCDP–19 It is Council policy to encourage and facilitate the provision of community and recreational infrastructure as an integral component of proposed new residential schemes and in particular, the provision of playgrounds for children. SICCDP-20 It is Council policy to support the development of dedicated youth spaces in towns and villages and the development of multi-function spaces in Sráids and the open countryside. Education Facilities SICCDP–21 It is Council policy to liaise with and to facilitate the Department of Education and Skills in the provision of education facilities, as appropriate. This includes the identification and reservation of sufficient land to meet the need for expansion of existing schools and/or provision of new schools in accordance with the county’s settlement hierarchy, requirements of individual settlements, their catchment area and the requirements of the relevant education authority, in accordance with ‘The Provision of Schools and the Planning System, A Code of Practice for Planning Authorities’, the Department of Education and Science, and the Department of Environment, Heritage and Local Government (2008). SICCDP–22 It is Council policy to ensure that no significant residential developments proceed without an assessment of existing school capacity or the provision of new school’s facilities in tandem with the development. SICCDP–23 It is Council policy to give careful consideration to the appropriateness and location of fast food outlets in the vicinity of schools and, where considered appropriate, to restrict the opening of

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