Waterford City and County Development Plan 2022–2028 — Chapter 4

1. Page 31

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   WATERFORD CITY & COUNTY DEVELOPMENT PLAN 2022 – 2028125 4.11 Education and Learning City/ Region Key Economic Goal 6 of the Waterford Local Economic and Community Plan (2015-2020) seeks to “Support pathways to economic participation and opportunity”. Such a goal is founded on a number of factors, including that of an improved quality of human capital and the availability of a skilled workforce. For more than fifty years WIT/ SETU has acted as an important change agent for Waterford city and county and the wider South East, generating intellectual and human capital assets for use by civil society and the economy, and facilitating, moderating and sustaining partnerships in support of positive change with and between various other agents including the state and the private sector.The expansion and enhancement of activity in higher education in Waterford, including that associated with the transformation of WIT through its merger with Institute of Technology, Carlow into the South East Technological University (SETU), represents an opportunity for Waterford to place learning and education to the fore in its future development and also presents opportunities for future schools/campus expansion within the city core by unlocking underutilized sites and/or by developing new schools/campus(es) within the North Quays area. There is also potential for a higher education satellite campus being developed in Dungarvan by partnering with Educational institutes in Ireland and abroad. Research and consultation as part of this Development Plan process, has also highlighted the need for at least two additional secondary school facilities one in the City and another in the County, as well as a potential need for adaptable resources and facilities around training, upskilling, and lifelong learning/ education including in outreach and/ or remote ‘hubs’.

2. Page 32

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   WATERFORD CITY & COUNTY DEVELOPMENT PLAN 2022 – 2028126 As such, Waterford commits to a policy objective which places ‘Learning’ at its core; by learning from Cork City’s journey as a Learning City8 and Region, and taking measures to implement these and become a Learning City and County (joining the UNESCO Global Network of Learning Cities (GNLC)). Implementing measures towards ‘building’ a learning city will assist in ensuring that Waterford develops a culture of learning opportunity and support that is intended to lead to socially and economically sustainable communities, and will also support attainment of the Sustainable Development Goals at the local level and achieving aspects of the RSES economic vision and principles. Expansion of the SETU and other tertiary education and training facilities closer to the city centre, and improved public transport and connectivity, will also assist in generating academic and tourist related investment and spending within a ‘Campus/ Living City’ concept. The Creative Ireland programme and planned development of a creative industries ecosystem in the Waterford Cultural Quarter will support cultural and economic growth including in employment, tourism and Waterford’s status as regional capital of the South East. 8 Cork 2002-2012: Imagine Our Future: Cork City Development Board, 2002 Education Policy Objectives EDU 01 Education Facilities In collaboration with the Department of Education, Coiste Cúram Leanaí - Waterford Childcare Committee, SETU, Waterford and Wexford Education and Training Board and other agencies we will support the provision of education facilities such as childcare, first and second level schools, and tertiary/ lifelong learning across all providers; in so doing, the Development Plan will seek to ensure that an adequate quantity and range of serviced and appropriately zoned land is available for the provision and expansion of education facilities throughout the City and County. While having a flexible approach to the reuse and redevelopment of redundant educational buildings/ facilities and sites for future educational use; we will protect certain sites where this would support the provision or improvement of education facilities and secure the provision of mixed use, compact 10-minute neighbourhoods. Schools and educational facilities should: • Be provided in accordance with the guidance set out in Guidelines on Sustainable Residential Development in Urban Areas. • Be located so as to be easily accessible by public transport and/ or active modes. • Be delivered at appropriate locations and in support with new residential developments. • Take into account, in the design and layout of the facility, the development management standards set out in Volume 2 the Development Plan. • Be provided in recognition that new residential communities can generate demand for additional school places, and that it is vital to the process of supporting sustainable communities, that the necessary increased capacity in school facilities, either in the form of new schools, or the expansion of existing schools, is provided; • Have regard to other policies of this Development Plan, insofar as they relate to proper and sustainable development, and supports an ecosystem services approach to provision and our just transition to a low-carbon economy.

3. Page 33

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   WATERFORD CITY & COUNTY DEVELOPMENT PLAN 2022 – 2028127 Education Policy Objectives EDU 02 SETU To support the continued enhancement of the facilities and campus (es)/ consolidation of the SETU, in a manner consistent with the policy objectives of the RSES and MASP. Future developments of university campuses in Waterford should take a “smart campus” approach to design and development. This will include the Cork Road Campus expansion, Waterford Knowledge Campus, the provision of third and fourth level research, unlocking underutilised sites within the city core and/or by developing new schools/campus(es) within the North Quays area,collaboration and course provision in centres throughout the city and county on an outreach/ remote campus basis, such as Nemeton TV – an outreach campus in the Gaeltacht, and supporting the potential for a higher education satellite campus in Dungarvan by partnering with Educational institutes in Ireland and abroad. Development proposals for the SETU should ensure that: • They form part of a comprehensive development strategy that will ensure that the continued evolution of the SETU estate is properly coordinated and managed within its wider environs. • They support an increase in the proportion of staff, students and visitors who access the university, and move between its campuses, by public transport, cycling and walking. • They take advantage of opportunities for greening the campus environment, renewable energy, and using nature-based infrastructural solutions (e.g. SuDS and permeable paving); and, • That they seek to promote links/ synergies between the city centre, business sectors, enterprise and innovation, and SETU skills and research strengths in support of the Learning City/ Region. EDU 03 Learning City/ Region To support the development of Waterford as a University and Learning City/ Region through the following measures: • Creating an inclusive and Learning Region, building on our existing universities, colleges, and learning partnerships, and establishing the new technological university of SETU, a new Learning Region Network, and developing a SMART Region. • Working with the education and training sectors to develop the skills of Waterford’s people to match the needs of existing and future businesses. • Seeking to integrate learning opportunities in all aspects of development, such as enabling people to understand better their natural environment and local history. • Facilitating education facilities and shared learning spaces at appropriate locations across Waterford. • Facilitating the continued growth and appropriate development of SETU, and other tertiary education, training and research organisations. • Supporting the development of new incubation and training facilities, including within existing employment areas, and the provision of apprenticeships where possible. • Supporting the provision of outreach educational facilities and centres across public libraries and through other education/ training providers. • Ensuring the provision of high-quality neighbourhoods, amenity areas, the public realm and a mix of affordable new homes that can help to attract and retain skilled staff; and, • Promoting the integration of ‘smart city’ technology within buildings and spaces, to facilitate the more efficient and effective management of the built environment for the benefit of residents and businesses. • Recognises and support the ongoing development and evolution of our unique skill sets in Waterford which includes glass blowing and cutting, traditional building skills, our brewing/ distilling, artisan food production and equine and bloodstock etc.

4. Page 34

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   WATERFORD CITY & COUNTY DEVELOPMENT PLAN 2022 – 2028128 4.12 Retail Strategy The retail sector is a key element of the economy in terms of employment, economic activity and maintaining the vitality of our city and towns. A Retail Strategy (Appendix 4) has been prepared as part of the Development Plan preparation process. The purpose of the retail strategy is to: • Implement Policy Objective 19a of the MASP and the objectives of the Retail Planning Guidelines, with a key aim being to ensure that Waterford City fulfils its role as the principal retail destination and major economic driver in the County and the South East region, and • Ensure that the towns of Dungarvan and Tramore continue to play important complimentary and supportive roles within their respective catchment areas. • Support an appropriate range of retail facilities at a local and rural level throughout the County. 4.12.1 Waterford County Retail The Council seeks to achieve sustainable urban centres and communities through facilitating multifunctional uses in town and village cores, investment in public realm projects and supporting residential uses back into town and village centres. Our urban centres require regeneration and rejuvenation as well as investment in environmental assets to ensure their resiliency and vitality into the future. The Council will favour development which encourages people, jobs and activity back into and within existing urban centres of all sizes. We will also support the Government’s policy (NPO 16) in relation to addressing vacancy rates in small town and village centres to reduce rural decline and encourage the viability and vibrancy of rural areas.

5. Page 35

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   WATERFORD CITY & COUNTY DEVELOPMENT PLAN 2022 – 2028129 4.12.2 Retail Context For more detail on Retail Context and below heading please see Waterford City Retail Strategy in Part 2 Chapter 3 and the Retail Strategy Appendix 4. • Retail Planning Guidelines for Planning Authorities – 2012. • Retail Design Manual – 2012. • Waterford City and County Retail Strategy 2020. • The Retail Hierarchy. • Assessment of Retail Developments; and • Covid 19 and Retail 4.12.3 Multifunctional and Flexible Centres Waterford’s urban centres need to become more resilient and adaptable to change. They must evolve to become a multifunctional and flexible space which, in addition to providing important retail uses, also provides a range of other uses including residential, leisure, recreation, employment, tourism, civic, community, cultural, health and education for the communities they serve. The combination of these uses will assist in further adding to the vibrancy and vitality of existing uses and can help to foster a real sense of place, identity and inclusivity for local residents and visitors alike

6. Page 36

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   WATERFORD CITY & COUNTY DEVELOPMENT PLAN 2022 – 2028130 The focus going forward in physical retailing is on what is referred to as ‘experiential’ retail, with a resultant shift from a town/village centre dominated by comparison/convenience retail offer to one where more time is spent on ‘experiences’ such as leisure, culture, heritage, food, beverages and retail services. Traditional economic indicators alone are no longer sufficient to measure the performance of a town in what is now a much more diverse and complex offer. This new departure presents considerable opportunity for Waterford to strengthen our urban centres. 4.12.4 Core Retail Area (CRA) Waterford City (CRA): Waterford City is dealt with in detail in Part 2 Chapter 3. Dungarvan Town (CRA): The core retail area of Dungarvan Town is identified on Figure 4.3 and incorporates the following Streets: • Grattan Square, • Parnell (Main) Street, • High Street • Mary Street. • O’Connell Street Figure 4.4 Dungarvan Core Retail Area Waterford City & County Development Plan 2022 - 2028 Dungarvan Retail Core Area Legend: Retail Core Area

7. Page 37

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   WATERFORD CITY & COUNTY DEVELOPMENT PLAN 2022 – 2028131 Waterford City & County Development Plan 2022 - 2028 Tramore Retail Core Area Legend: Retail Core Area Tramore Town (CRA) Tramore does not have a well-defined core retail area, but the main spine (Main Street/Strand Street) from the lower to upper town is important in retail terms. The focus for new retail development should be on lands zoned M2 Town Centre or M5 General Business in the vicinity of the town centre. Figure 4.5 Tramore Core Retail Area Both Dungarvan and Tramore town centres need to maintain and strengthen the retail character of their CRA’s, which can be adversely affected by dead frontage and lower-order retail uses. They also need to become more flexible and multifunctional with regards to their retail function. Both CRA’s already provide a mix of retail and nonretail uses. However, in order to strengthen their retail character, further development of retail frontages will be encouraged within the CRA. Complementary non-retail uses such as a café and restaurants that add to the vibrancy of the CRA and create a mixed use environment to provide for a more integrated shopping and leisure experience, will also be considered favourably but with regard also to the primary retail function of the CRA’s. Applications for other retail service outlets and other uses such as internet residential, cafés, call centres, bookmakers, take-aways, off-licences, amusement arcades, car rental, financial institutions and offices at ground floor level will be assessed on their merits, and may only be permitted where such development would not result in a predominance of such similar non-retail frontages in the CRA.

8. Page 38

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   WATERFORD CITY & COUNTY DEVELOPMENT PLAN 2022 – 2028132 Other Urban Centres For Urban Towns, Rural Settlements and Rural Nodes, as listed in the settlement hierarchy, the retail offer does not warrant a Core Retail Area in the same way that is appropriate for Waterford City, Dungarvan and Tramore. However, the focus for new retail development should be on lands zoned M2 Town Centre or M5 General Business or within area identified as town centre on the settlement maps. 4.12.5 Town Centre First / Sequential Approach Where the location of a proposed retail development is in an edge-of-centre or out-of-centre location, a sequential test must be applied in line with the Retail Planning Guidelines. The order of priority for the sequential approach is to locate retail development in town centre core retail areas, on lands zoned M2/M5 or within areas identified as town centre on settlement maps, and only to allow retail development in edge-of-centre or out-of-centre locations where all other options have been exhausted. Where retail development in an edge-of-centre site is being proposed, the applicant must demonstrate that there are no sites or potential sites including vacant units within a city centre or within a designated district/suburban centre that are (a) suitable (b) available and (c) viable, can that edge-of-centre site be considered. 4.12.6 Retail Hierarchy and Local Shopping Retail provision has an important role to play in the creation of vibrant centres and sustainable communities. In the smaller rural centres of the County, the Council will support a positive approach to promoting appropriate retail provision, in keeping with the scale and character of the town/ village in accordance with the Retail Planning Guidelines (2012) and the settlement and retail hierarchy. Table 4.2 provides such examples.

9. Page 39

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   WATERFORD CITY & COUNTY DEVELOPMENT PLAN 2022 – 2028133 Table 4.2 Appropriate Level of Retail Development Tier Settlement Class & Type Settlement Appropriate Level of Retail Development 1 Regional City Waterford City Centre Major retail destination within the Region, offering a wide variety of convenience and comparison goods along with an extensive offer of retail, financial and business, leisure services including arts and cultural facilities. Provides a range independent and specialist shops. 2 Level 1 Sub Regional Key Town Dungarvan Town Centre Key shopping destination offering a variety of convenience and comparison goods, along with a range of retail and leisure services and some financial and business services 2 Level 2 Sub Regional District/Suburban Centres Tramore Town Centre Ardkeen/ Farronshoneen Waterford Shopping Centre Lisduggan Tramore Road/ Inner Relief Road, Ferrybank Centre Abbeylands Key shopping destination offering a variety of convenience and comparison goods, along with a range of retail and leisure services and some financial and business services 3 Urban Towns (>1500 Pop) Large Dunmore East Portlaw Lismore Ardmore Kilmacthomas Cappoquin Tallow Local shopping destination serving the surrounding hinterland with a limited offer of convenience and comparison goods, and retail and leisure services. 5 Rural Towns (<1500 Pop) Large Gaeltacht na nDéise inc Sean Phobal Passage East/ Crooke Stradbally Neighbourhood Centres Waterford City 5 Rural Villages (<400 Pop) / Local Shops in Waterford City Various Limited retail offer generally comprising a local convenience store, public house, fuel filling station and post office.

10. Page 40

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    WATERFORD CITY & COUNTY DEVELOPMENT PLAN 2022 – 2028134 Retailing in rural areas should generally be directed to existing settlements; development for this purpose in the countryside should be resisted. However, that there may be exceptional circumstances where the development of certain types of retail units in rural areas could be acceptable. The retail units in question could be: • A retail unit which is ancillary to activities arising from farm diversification. • A retail unit designed to serve tourist or recreational facilities, and secondary to the main use. • A small-scale retail unit attached to an existing or approved craft workshop retailing the product direct to the public; and/or, • A small-scale retail unit designed to serve a dispersed rural community. 4.12.7 Retail Warehousing The Waterford City and County Retail Strategy highlights that there will be limited demand for further retail warehousing floorspace in Waterford city or county in the short term. The Retail Planning Guidelines, state that individual retail units should not be less than 700 sq. metres and not more than 6,000 sq. metres in size. These figures are gross floor area, including storage and garden centres. In respect of retail warehouse developments outside town centres, it is essential that the range of goods sold is restricted by planning condition to bulky household items such as DIY products, carpets, furniture, and electrical goods. Failure to do so may have a negative impact on the vitality and viability of the town centre area. Waterford County Retail Policy Objectives Retail 01 Retail Guidelines Ensure that all proposed retail development accords with the relevant policies of the Development Plan and the requirements and criteria as established within the Retail Planning Guidelines 2012, the accompanying Retail Design Manual and the Waterford City and County Retail Strategy 2020 (or any subsequent updates). Retail 02 Retail Hierarchy and Urban Centres To promote retail provision in the following location: • Dungarvan and Tramore Town Centres, • Urban Towns, • Rural Settlements; and, • Rural Nodes The type of retail development should be of an adequate level, type, size, scale and the nature of the floorspace proposed should be appropriate to that centre having regard to the retail hierarchy, the appropriate level of development at each tier of the settlement hierarchy (as set out in Table 3.3) and in the context of the guidance set out in the Retail Planning Guidelines (2012) or any update thereof. Due regard should also be had to the policies, action and vision and the assessment criteria for future retail development as set out in Chapters 7 and 8 respectively of the Retail Strategy (Appendix 4 of the Development Plan).

Source Waterford City and County Council: Waterford City and County Development Plan 2022–2028 — Chapter 4 (2022–2028) · 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.