Offaly County Development Plan 2021–2027 (as varied) — Chapter 10: Built Heritage

1. Page 11

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   Offaly County Development Plan 2021-2027 Chapter 10 Built Heritage Page 327 Figure 10.6 Clononey Castle 10.10.3 Zones of Archaeological Potential In 1986, an Urban Archaeology Study was undertaken by the Department of the Environment which informed the designation of Zones of Archaeological Potential in the following areas in Offaly; • Banagher; • Birr; • Daingean; • Dunkerrin; and • Seir Kieran. 10.10.4 Monastic Sites There are twenty-three recorded Early Christian Monasteries in the county. Conservation Management Plans have been prepared for Clonmacnoise, Leamanaghan, Durrow, Rahan and Killeigh. The Council will have regard to these plans when considering development within their boundaries and will carefully consider other sites which may not yet have conservation plans completed. Clonmacnoise Clonmacnoise is one of Ireland’s foremost national monuments and is of international importance as a spiritual, historic, archaeological and cultural centre. The unique atmosphere and attractiveness of Clonmacnoise derives not only from the monastic site itself but its relationship to the River Shannon and the Callows together with the sense of enclosure provided by the eskers. The effect is heightened by the unfolding of the site as it is approached either from the river or any of the three approach roads.

2. Page 12

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   Offaly County Development Plan 2021-2027 Chapter 10 Built Heritage Page 328 The Council is conscious of the fact that the interaction of all these elements contributes significantly to the impact of the area and that it is necessary to preserve and protect these fully in order to retain the unique and special character of Clonmacnoise. In addition to the monastic site, the area surrounding Clonmacnoise, including Mongans Bog, Fin Lough and Clonmacnoise Callows, are designated sites of international and national conservation importance. A Draft Management Plan for Clonmacnoise was prepared by the OPW in 2009. The Council will support the preparation and subsequent implementation of a new masterplan by the OPW and Department of Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht. Figure 10.7 Clomacnoise Heritage Zone Map (Source: Trinity College Dublin) Figure 10.8 Clonmacnoise Monastic Site

3. Page 13

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   Offaly County Development Plan 2021-2027 Chapter 10 Built Heritage Page 329 Durrow The remains of the monastery of Durrow are situated within Durrow Abbey Demesne. The monastery was founded by St. Columcille in 587 A.D. The site was used as a burial place for bishops, abbots and the nobles of the Midlands and Munster. The most elaborate feature at the site is the mid-ninth century high cross but it also has a number of other features of archaeological significance including the monastic enclosure, St. Columcille’s Island and the Norman motte. A conservation plan was commissioned by the Office of Public Works for Durrow Abbey and the surrounding thirty-one hectares of land acquired by the state in 2003. The Planning Authority will have regard to this Plan when assessing applications that are within this area or in close proximity to this area. Figure 10.9 Durrow High Cross Rahan The monastic site of Rahan lies in flat pasture land on the south bank of the Clodiagh River, seven miles west of Tullamore. The Grand Canal passes to the south of the site. In the fifth century Camelacus was appointed by St. Patrick to establish a monastery at Rahan. The monastic site was re-founded by St. Carthage in the sixth century. The monastery is contained within a large D-shaped enclosure with the Clodiagh River forming the straight section on its northern side. A Conservation Plan for Rahan has been prepared and the Planning Authority will have regard to this Plan in relation to the assessing of applications in the vicinity of the site.

4. Page 14

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   Offaly County Development Plan 2021-2027 Chapter 10 Built Heritage Page 330 Killeigh Killeigh has been a site of historical importance since the early days of Christianity in Ireland. St. Senchell is credited with founding the first church at Killeigh at the beginning of the sixth century. The village contains a number of key sites of archaeological significance including the site of the Franciscan Friary, the site of the Augustinian Priory, the site of the Augustinian Nunnery and the Holy Wells. An Historic Landscape Character Assessment for Killeigh was carried out in 2006. The Planning Authority had regard to this study when preparing the village plan for Killeigh (refer to Volume 2). The Planning Authority will have regard to this village plan when assessing applications within and adjacent to sites of archaeological significance. Lemanaghan The historic complex at Lemanaghan, with its focus at the early monastic site dedicated to St Managhan, is situated on the R436 between Ballycumber and Ferbane at the junction of the road to Pollagh. These monuments occupy an upland area in Lemanaghan Bog which is bordered to the south by the callows of the River Brosna. Surrounding them is an exceptional number of archaeological find sites, many relating to a complex infrastructure of trackways or toghers, which were built and repaired over several centuries. It consists of a medieval church, St. Mellas Cell, Holy Well and Togher, and a cluster of relatively small dwellings, the largest of which, Lemanaghan House, is to the south-west of the monastic site. The Heritage Council prepared a Conservation Plan for Lemanaghan in 2007. The Planning Authority will have regard to this plan when assessing applications that are within this area or in close proximity to this area.

5. Page 15

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   Offaly County Development Plan 2021-2027 Chapter 10 Built Heritage Page 331 10.11 Built Heritage Policies Protected Structures BHP-01 It is Council policy to ensure the protection, sympathetic and sensitive modification, alteration, extension or reuse of protected structures or parts of protected structures, and the immediate surrounds included and proposed for inclusion in the Record of Protected Structures that are of special architectural, historical, archaeological, artistic, cultural, scientific, social or technical interest, together with the integrity of their character and setting. BHP-02 It is Council policy to ensure the protection of the curtilage of protected structures or proposed protected structures and to prohibit inappropriate development within the curtilage or attendant grounds of a protected structure which would adversely impact on the special character of the protected structure including cause loss of or damage to the special character of the protected structure and loss of or damage to, any structures of architectural heritage value within the curtilage of the protected structure. BHP-03 It is Council policy to promote best practice and the use of skilled specialist practitioners in the conservation of, and any works to, protected structures. Method statements should make reference to the Department of Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht’s Advice Series on how best to repair and maintain historic buildings. BHP-04 It is Council policy to favourably consider the change of use of any structure included on the Record of Protected Structures provided such a change of use does not adversely impact on its intrinsic character and is in accordance with the proper planning and sustainable development of the area. BHP-05 It is Council policy to actively encourage uses that are compatible with the character of protected structures. BHP-06 It is Council policy to retain where practicable a protected structure which has been damaged by fire, and to retain those elements of that structure that have survived (either in whole or in part) and that contribute to its special interest. BHP-07 It is Council policy to prohibit the demolition of any protected structure unless the Council is satisfied that exceptional circumstances exist. The demolition of a protected structure with the retention of its façade will likewise not generally be permitted. BHP-08 It is Council policy to require an Architectural Heritage Assessment Report, as described in Appendix B of the Architectural Heritage Protection, Guidelines for Planning Authorities, Department of Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht (2013), to accompany all applications involving a protected structure. BHP-09 It is Council policy to advise owners of protected structures in preparation of funding applications under Built Heritage Scheme of the Historic Structures Fund. BHP-10 It is Council policy to ensure that in the event of a planning application being granted for development within the curtilage of a protected structure, the proposed works to the protected

6. Page 16

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   Offaly County Development Plan 2021-2027 Chapter 10 Built Heritage Page 332 structure should occur, where appropriate, in the first phase of the development to prevent endangerment, abandonment and dereliction of the structure. BHP-11 It is Council policy to ensure that measures to upgrade the energy efficiency of Protected Structures and historic buildings are sensitive to traditional construction methods and materials and do not have a detrimental physical, aesthetic or visual impact on the structure. They should follow the principles and direction given in the Department of Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht’s publication Energy Efficiency in Traditional Buildings. Architectural Conservation Areas BHP-12 It is Council policy to encourage the retention of original windows, doors, renders, roof coverings, street furniture and other significant features of historic buildings and landscape features within Architectural Conservation Areas. BHP-13 It is Council policy to proactively promote conservation through the Planning and Development Act 2000 (as amended), the Built Heritage Investment Scheme and other schemes available to the Council. BHP-14 It is Council policy to preserve the character of Geashill Architectural Conservation Area (ACA) and any future ACA’s in County Offaly by ensuring that any new development within or contiguous to the ACA is sympathetic to the character of the area and that the design is appropriate in terms of scale, height, plot density, layout, materials and finishes having regard to the advice given in the Statements of Character for each area. Vernacular Buildings BHP-15 It is Council policy to encourage the protection, retention, appreciation and appropriate revitalisation of the vernacular heritage of Offaly. BHP-16 It is Council policy to consider the guidance in “The Thatched Houses of Kildare” and “Reusing Farm Buildings, A Kildare Perspective” published by Kildare County Council in assessing planning applications in County Offaly relating to thatched cottages and traditional farm buildings. BHP-17 It is Council policy to preserve the character and setting (for example, gates, gate piers and courtyards) of vernacular buildings where deemed appropriate by the planning authority. BHP-18 It is Council policy to seek the repair and retention of traditional timber and/or rendered shop fronts and pub fronts, including those that may not be protected structures. BHP-19 It is Council policy to communicate and work with owners of thatch buildings regarding the availability of conservation grants and funding.

7. Page 17

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   Offaly County Development Plan 2021-2027 Chapter 10 Built Heritage Page 333 BHP-20 It is Council policy to encourage where appropriate the covering of thatch with metal, as a measure for the protection of buildings which are unoccupied and showing signs of considerable distress. BHP-21 It is Council policy to support proposals to refurbish vernacular structures that are in a run down or derelict condition, provided that; • Appropriate traditional building materials and methods are used to carry out repairs to the historic fabric; and • Proposals for extensions to vernacular structures are reflective and proportionate to the existing building and do not erode the setting and design qualities of the original structure which make it attractive. Industrial Heritage BHP-22 It is Council policy to protect the industrial heritage of Offaly, including mills, historic industrial buildings, canals and historic bridges. BHP-23 It is Council policy to utilise the information provided within Mills of County Offaly: An Industrial Heritage Survey (2009) when assessing development proposals for surviving industrial heritage sites. BHP-24 It is Council policy to protect and enhance the built and natural heritage of the Grand Canal and ensure that development within its vicinity is sensitively designed and does not have a detrimental effect on the character of the canal, its built elements and its natural heritage values and that it adheres to the Waterways Ireland’s Heritage Plan 2016-2020. BHP-25 It is Council policy to encourage appropriate change of use and reuse of industrial buildings, provided such a change does not seriously impact on the intrinsic character of the structure and that all works are carried out in accordance with best conservation practice. BHP-26 It is Council policy to seek the retention and appropriate repair/maintenance of the historic bridges and harbours of the county whether they are protected structures or not. BHP-27 It is Council policy to restrict vehicular access onto public roads that were formerly towpaths and any development permitted with access off a towpath must be screened effectively with trees and hedging. In relation to planning applications for housing in the open countryside with access proposed off towpaths, applicants must demonstrate compliance with Policy SSP-27 as towpaths are located within Natural Heritage Areas and Areas of High Amenity.

8. Page 18

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   Offaly County Development Plan 2021-2027 Chapter 10 Built Heritage Page 334 Country Houses, Gardens and Demesnes BHP-28 It is Council policy to encourage the protection, conservation, promotion and enhancement of Country Houses, Gardens and Demesnes in the county and support public awareness, enjoyment of and access to these sites where appropriate. BHP-29 It is Council policy to encourage the conservation, preservation, restoration and protection in their original setting of mausoleums and monuments: follies, grottoes; garden buildings and other structures of particular beauty or historic, environmental, architectural or industrial significance. BHP-30 It is Council policy to discourage development that would lead to a loss of, or cause damage to, the character, the principle components of, or the setting of Country Houses, Gardens and Demesnes. BHP-31 It is Council policy to consider the “Guidance Notes for the Appraisal of Historic Gardens, Demesnes, Estates and their Settings” published by Cork County Council 2006 in the appraisal and description of the impacts of proposed developments in County Offaly within or in close proximity to country houses and demesnes on historic designed landscapes, demesnes and gardens. Protected Species BHP-32 It is Council policy to protect habitats and species when considering proposed works to buildings and structures which are likely to impact on protected ecological sites and protected species. Archaeological Heritage BHP-33 It is Council policy to support and promote the protection and appropriate management and sympathetic enhancement of the county’s archaeological heritage within the Plan area, in particular by implementing the Planning and Development Act 2000 (as amended) and the National Monuments Act 1930 (as amended). BHP-34 It is Council policy to seek to promote awareness of and access to archaeological sites in the county where appropriate. BHP-35 It is Council policy to consult with the National Monuments Service of the Department of Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht (DCHG) in relation to archaeological sites within and/or adjoining a proposed development. BHP-36 It is Council policy to facilitate the identification of important archaeological landscapes in the county. BHP-37 It is Council policy that any development that may, due to its size, location or nature, have implications for archaeological heritage (including both sites and areas of archaeological potential / significance) shall be subject to an archaeological assessment. When dealing with proposals for

9. Page 19

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   Offaly County Development Plan 2021-2027 Chapter 10 Built Heritage Page 335 development that would impact upon archaeological sites and/or features, there will be presumption in favour of the ‘preservation in situ’ of archaeological remains and settings, in accordance with Government policy. Where permission for such proposals is granted, the Planning Authority will require the developer to have the site works supervised by a licenced archaeologist. BHP-38 It is Council policy to ensure that archaeological excavation is carried out according to best practice as outlined by the National Monuments Service, Department of Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht, the National Museum of Ireland and the Institute of Archaeologists of Ireland and to protect previously unknown archaeological sites and features, where they are discovered during development works. BHP-39 It is Council policy to ensure the protection and preservation of underwater and terrestrial archaeological sites, both known and potential in riverine or lacustrine locations including wrecks such as the remains of bridges. BHP-40 It is Council policy to require archaeological assessment, including underwater archaeological assessment where relevant, for such developments that due to their location, size or nature may have implications for archaeological heritage. Such developments include those that are located at or close to an archaeological monument or site, those that are extensive in terms of area (0.5 hectares or more) or length (1 kilometre or more and developments that require an Environmental Impact Statement. Monastic Sites BHP-41 It is Council policy to retain the nominated status of the area comprising the National Monument at Clonmacnoise, enclosing eskers, Mongans Bog, Clonmacnoise callows, Fin Lough and the limestone pavement at Clorhane as the “Clonmacnoise Heritage Zone” in accordance with the recommendations of the study of the area carried out by the Environmental Sciences Unit of Trinity College, Dublin as shown in Figure 10.7 of this Plan. BHP-42 It is Council policy to investigate the potential of Durrow Demesne as a public amenity and tourism asset. BHP-43 It is Council policy to support and promote the protection and appropriate management of all monastic sites in the county. Mass Rocks and Holy Wells BHP-44 It is Council policy to preserve, protect and, where necessary, enhance mass rocks and holy wells in the County.

10. Page 20

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    Offaly County Development Plan 2021-2027 Chapter 10 Built Heritage Page 336 Historic Military Fortifications and Castle Sites BHP–45 It is Council policy to support and promote the protection and appropriate management of historic military fortifications and castle sites in the county. Funding BHP-46 It is Council policy to support the progression and delivery of projects that repair and conserve historic structures under the Historic Structures Fund, the Built Heritage Investment Scheme or other funding schemes as applicable. Community Archaeology BHP-47 It is the policy of the Council to support the concept of Community Archaeology and greater collaboration in promoting awareness, knowledge and understanding of local archaeological resources in County Offaly.

Source Offaly County Council: Offaly County Development Plan 2021–2027 (as varied) — Chapter 10: Built Heritage (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.