Roscommon County Development Plan 2022–2028

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   10.15 Green Infrastructure Strategy It is the intention of the Council to develop a Green Infrastructure Strategy for the county, in consultation with all key stakeholders during the lifetime of this Plan. The Green Infrastructure Strategy will include provisions for improved accessibility across the County through improved and connected walking and cycling routes whilst also ensuring adequate protection to the existing environment and ecology of the landscape. Proposed infrastructure should contribute towards the protection or enhancement of existing green infrastructure and have regard to the “Connecting with nature for health and wellbeing” EPA Research Report 2020. The Strategy will seek to ensure that areas and networks of green infrastructure are identified, protected, enhanced, managed and created to provide a wide range of environmental, social and economic benefits to communities. NATURAL HERITAGE POLICY OBJECTIVES It is a policy objective of Roscommon County Council to: NH 10.28 Create an integrated and coherent green infrastructure network to enhance biodiversity and quality of life, provide sustainable water management and a green setting for urban areas. NH 10.29 Facilitate the on-going development and improvement of green infrastructure in the Plan area, including green networks, green amenities and linked green corridors which ensure the provision of recreational amenities, natural areas for the growth of wildlife and biodiversity, and a network of infrastructure which results in a better quality of life for visitors and inhabitants alike. NH 10.30 Prepare and implement a Green Infrastructure Strategy for the county in partnership with key stakeholders and the public. NH 10.31 Support the development of strategic greenways, blueways and peatways in the county in accordance with the Strategy for the Future Development of National and Regional Greenways (2018). 151151Roscommon County Development Plan 2022-2028 – Volume I Chapter 10: Natural Heritage

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   152152Roscommon County Development Plan 2022-2028 – Volume I Chapter 10: Natural Heritage

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   CHAPTER11Social, Community and Cultural Development 153

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   11.1 Introduction In conjunction with the overall settlement strategy set out in the Plan in relation to where people have the opportunity to live and work, the purpose of this chapter is to set out a framework to ensure that the residents of the county can access a range of quality community and cultural facilities. This is considered to be an essential component in increasing social inclusion and contributing to quality of life for all. 11.2 Social Inclusion Social inclusion aims to achieve equality of access to services and goods for all, to assist all individuals to participate in their community and society, to encourage the contribution of all persons to social and cultural life, and to be aware of and challenge all forms of discrimination. Roscommon County Council has a duty to promote social inclusion in all aspects of its activities and does this through the Social Inclusion Unit. The Unit embeds social inclusion policy and practice into the day to day activities of Roscommon County Council and also works with other agencies involved in social inclusion to ensure a co-ordinated approach to service delivery. In addition, the county is served by the Roscommon Public Participation Network (PPN) which is one of the main links through which the Council connects with the community, voluntary and environmental sectors. It provides the opportunity to create greater synergies between local government and community development placing community development at the heart of local government. The Council will continue to support the implementation of the Roscommon Social Inclusion and Community Activation Programme (SICAP) which aims to tackle poverty, social exclusion and long- term unemployment through local engagement and partnership between disadvantaged individuals, community organisations and public sector agencies. SOCIAL, COMMUNITY & CULTURAL DEVELOPMENT POLICY OBJECTIVES It is a policy objective of Roscommon County Council to: SCCD 11.1 Facilitate and support, through the Public Participation Network, the involvement of the community in consultative structures and public participation in Local Government policy and decision making. SCCD 11.2 Continue to promote programmes, such as SICAP, that encourages the development of disadvantaged areas and individuals by working in partnership with other agencies. 11 Social, Community and Cultural Development 154Roscommon County Development Plan 2022-2028 – Volume I154

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   11.3 Community Facilities The Council will seek to protect existing community facilities and to ensure that an appropriate range of community facilities is provided in all communities taking account of the county’s young and ageing population alike, as well as planning for facilities to accommodate population growth targets identified in the Core Strategy of this County Development Plan. New community related facilities will be encouraged where a need has been identified. Reference has already been made in Chapter 6 (Economic Development) to the Council’s support for the establishment of a network of co-working hubs. The concept has taken on an increased significance in recent times given the unprecedented rise in remote working practises, initially due to Covid 19 related restrictions, but becoming more embedded into the mainstream work environment. It is considered that there is potential to facilitate the development of coworking hubs ancillary to public buildings, libraries and community centres in our towns and villages. SOCIAL, COMMUNITY & CULTURAL DEVELOPMENT POLICY OBJECTIVES It is a policy objective of Roscommon County Council to: SCCD 11.3 Ensure that an appropriate range of community facilities is provided in all communities taking account of the county’s young and growing older population and growth targets identified in the Core Strategy of this County Development Plan. SCCD 11.4 Retain existing community facilities and support the development of new facilities where a need is established and where locationally appropriate, and in particular within the boundaries of the towns and villages of the county. 155155Roscommon County Development Plan 2022-2028 – Volume I Chapter 11: Social, Community and Cultural Development

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   11.4 Education The Department of Education and Skills, is responsible for the delivery of quality educational facilities and services. The Council’s role in education provision is in ensuring that adequate serviceable land is available in appropriate locations to meet current and envisaged future requirements beyond the Plan period. Furthermore, schools need to be located along sustainable transport corridors, i.e. walking, cycling, public transport. Table 11.1 aligns the population growth established in the Core Strategy, with indicative new primary and secondary places that will be required in the county by 2028. Assuming 28 students per classroom, this equals 3 1new primary classrooms and 536 new secondary places over the lifetime of this plan. Although existing schools in the County may be able to meet the needs of some of these new pupils, it is likely that new schools or an extension to existing schools will be needed in Monksland/ Bellanamullia, Roscommon, Boyle, Castlerea and Ballaghaderreen. Table 11.1: New Educational Facilities Required to 2028 Town Population Growth 2022-2028 New primary places required (12% of pop.) New primary classrooms required* New secondary places require (8.5% of pop.) Roscommon Town 1514 182 7 129 Monksland/ Bellanamullia 1763 211 8 150 Boyle 541 65 2 46 Castlerea 354 43 2 30 Ballaghaderreen 340 40 2 29 Cortober 188 22 1 16 Strokestown 155 18 1 13 Elphin 107 13 1 9 Rest of the County 1342 161 7 114 Total 6387 755 31 536 * Assuming 28 students per classroom 156Roscommon County Development Plan 2022-2028 – Volume I156 Chapter 11: Social, Community and Cultural Development

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   The RSES indicates that by 2032 there will be a significant increase in the number of people in the 15-24 years’ age cohort which will lead to greater demand for third level education. The RSES promotes the potential creation of links with third level colleges in order to facilitate the development of off campus locations at which to deliver third level courses/programmes. Roscommon town is considered to be a prime location in the county at which to establish such a facility. There are many post-secondary opportunities available throughout the county through SOLAS, Roscommon LEADER Partnership training and the Galway and Roscommon Education & Training Board (GRETB) These programmes could be delivered in existing educational buildings and through online courses on a part and/or full time basis. In addition, the dual use of educational facilities, where it does not conflict with the delivery of the main educational service (i.e. outside school hours and during school holidays) can contribute to meeting the wider needs of the community by helping to satisfy demand for a variety of activities, for example after school care. SOCIAL, COMMUNITY & CULTURAL DEVELOPMENT POLICY OBJECTIVES It is a policy objective of Roscommon County Council to: SCCD 11.5 Work in collaboration with the Department of Education and Skills, to ensure that adequate serviceable land is available in appropriate locations to meet current and envisaged future educational requirements beyond the Plan period. The expansion of existing school sites in accordance with the proper planning and sustainable development of the area will also be supported. SCCD 11.6 Facilitate the location of new educational facilities along sustainable transport corridors, where such facilities can be assessed by walking, cycling or public transport. SCCD 11.7 Support the potential development of an off campus third level facility in Roscommon town, in order to facilitate the delivery of third-level courses, possibly in collaboration with Athlone Institute of Technology (AIT). 157157Roscommon County Development Plan 2022-2028 – Volume I Chapter 11: Social, Community and Cultural Development

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   11.5 Healthcare Responsibility for providing healthcare facilities in County Roscommon lies with a number of public, voluntary and private agencies. The Health Service Executive (HSE) is the main agency responsible for delivering health and social services in the county. Primary Care Centres and local health centres are emerging in the county in recent years and will continue to be facilitated, where appropriate, to allow communities access to multidisciplinary health care in easily accessible locations throughout the county. SOCIAL, COMMUNITY & CULTURAL DEVELOPMENT POLICY OBJECTIVES It is a policy objective of Roscommon County Council to: SCCD 11.8 Facilitate the development, expansion and improvement of healthcare facilities, where appropriate, including community-based primary care and local health care facilities, to meet the needs of the county. SCCD 11.9 Co-operate with the HSE and other statutory and voluntary agencies in the provision of healthcare and other facilities and services for everyone in the county, and in particular to provide for those with specific needs such as older or young people, as well as those with learning disabilities and special needs. 158Roscommon County Development Plan 2022-2028 – Volume I158 Chapter 11: Social, Community and Cultural Development

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   11.6 Childcare Provision and Children’s Play Increasing numbers of people in the workforce and changing lifestyles have increased the demand for childcare facilities in our communities. A high quality childcare setting is important to ensure that early childhood development is appropriately supported. The Roscommon County Childcare Committee (RCCC) is the local support agency for childcare provision in the County. As well as the need for good quality childcare, play and recreational activities are essential in childhood. In line with Government policy (The National Children’s Strategy: Our Children – Their Lives, 2000 and Ready, Steady, Play: A National Play Policy, 2004), the Council recognises the need to maximise opportunities for play in both the natural and built environment. Proposals for childcare facilities will be considered in the context of national policy as set out in Childcare Facilities - Guidelines for Planning Authorities (2001). SOCIAL, COMMUNITY & CULTURAL DEVELOPMENT POLICY OBJECTIVES It is a policy objective of Roscommon County Council to: SCCD 11.10 Require the delivery of new childcare facilities in conjunction with residential development proposals, in accordance with the Childcare Facilities - Guidelines for Planning Authorities (2001). SCCD 11.11 Support the delivery of childcare services and support childcare providers in delivering high quality, accessible and affordable childcare in the county. SCCD 11.12 Work in a collaborative and co-ordinated manner with Roscommon County Childcare Committee to identify local childcare needs and support opportunities provided through the various national childcare schemes. SCCD 11.13 Maximise opportunities for play facilities for children both within the natural and built environment, by working in collaboration with local communities and local development Committees. 159159Roscommon County Development Plan 2022-2028 – Volume I Chapter 11: Social, Community and Cultural Development

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    11.7 Sports, Recreation and Open Space One of the main functions of this Plan is to protect existing facilities and open space such as green areas, open spaces, walks along the canals/rivers/lakes, greenbelt sports and other recreational facilities so that locals and visitors can be made aware of them. County Roscommon has a dedicated Local Sports Partnership unit which provides a leadership role for the coordination, development and delivery of sports and physical activity opportunities in County Roscommon. The Council supports the development of sports facilities within local communities. Sports facilities are vital in encouraging people to get involved in sports and attract more visitors to the County. Lifelong involvement in sports and activities has significant health benefits also. The Council has given long-term leases of land to community groups in order for them to develop large-scale sports facilities which will be available to the wider community. SOCIAL, COMMUNITY & CULTURAL DEVELOPMENT POLICY OBJECTIVES It is a policy objective of Roscommon County Council to: SCCD 11.14 Protect existing sport, recreation and open space areas from inappropriate development. SCCD 11.15 Ensure that public open space provided as part of new development is of high quality, designed and finished to ensure its usability, security and cost efficient maintenance, and that it is retained in perpetuity as communal open space to serve the social and recreational needs of the resident population. SCCD 11.16 Support the provision of facilities for in the county including sports and recreation facilities, youth clubs and supervised places. 160160Roscommon County Development Plan 2022-2028 – Volume I Chapter 11: Social, Community and Cultural Development

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