Development plan · Waterford City and County Council
Waterford City and County Development Plan 2022–2028 — Chapter 7
One part of the council's development plan written statement, which the council publishes in parts. Variations adopted since are not in this text.
Waterford City and County Council · 2022–2028 · 36 pages
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- WATERFORD CITY & COUNTY DEVELOPMENT PLAN 2022 – 2028210 Housing in Gaeltacht na nDéise Policy Objectives H 34 When authorising proposals for two or more house developments on land zoned for residential use we will require all of the following: • A Language Enurement Clause (LEC) shall be applied requiring a minimum of 80% (rounded up) of the occupants of the proposed development be capable of using the Irish Language on a daily basis. • The LEC will be for a duration of 15 years from the date of first occupancy of the unit; and, • The balance of the units proposed may be made available to occupants who have a local or other need to reside in the Gaeltacht. H 35 When considering proposals for development of a single house within Gaeltacht na nDéise7 as defined in the Development Plan maps, we will require all of the following: • A sequential approach to site identification has been applied and that a more suitable property is not available having regard in particular to availability of existing housing stock and the level of vacancy. • That the proposed development by way of its layout, siting and design will not adversely impact on the character of the area and that the development is consistent with best practice design principles for housing in rural locations;8 • Evidence of a demonstrable economic, social or local need to live in the area, or consent to the attachment of an occupancy condition and a Language Enurement Clause (LEC) for a duration of 15 years from the date of first occupancy of the dwelling. • All applicable development management standards are complied with. Note: The standard of fluency in Irish required to demonstrate compliance with the LEC shall be the standard required to pass Level B2 Meánleibhéal 2 in the Teastas Eorpach na Gaeilge (TEG) exams and shall relate to the head of the household9 7 This relates to all lands located within the CSO defined Gaeltacht area, including Sean Phobal. 8 Applicants for development should ensure proposals are consistent with design principles identified in rural housing design guidelines applicable across many local authorities such as the Cork Rural Design Guide 2003. 9 The purchaser/resident will have to provide the planning authority with proof that they themselves have completed the TEG B2 Examination within a reasonably current timeframe (within the past two years, for example) and give permission for the planning authority to confirm this with the examining body, NUI Maynooth.
- WATERFORD CITY & COUNTY DEVELOPMENT PLAN 2022 – 2028211 7.14 Sustainable Communities Community facilities play a central role in shaping our cities, towns, neighbourhoods and villages. They provide for the educational, cultural, sporting, childcare, environmental health and social needs of our society. Sustainable neighbourhoods need a range of community facilities that are fit for purpose, easily accessed and adaptable. All of our citizens across the Waterford should have easy access to these facilities in order to avoid social exclusion and inequality. The Waterford City and County Local Economic and Community Plan 2015 – 2020 together with policy objectives outlined in this Development Plan provides an opportunity to identify and chart a course of action that will support economic and community development that renders Waterford a better place where a higher quality of life is available to all the people of the County. 7.15 Age Friendly The Age Friendly Strategy 2017-2022 contains nine themes which are used as a basis for improvements that can be made to ensure that our City and County is an ‘Age Friendly’ place and include: 1. Respect and Social Inclusion. 2. Social Participation. 3. Civic Participation and Employment. 4. Home Environment. 5. Health/Active Living. 6. Transportation. 7. Built and Natural Environment. 8. Safer Communities; and, 9. Communication and Information.
- WATERFORD CITY & COUNTY DEVELOPMENT PLAN 2022 – 2028212 7.16 Healthy Waterford Healthy Waterford Strategic Plan 2018 - 2021 was prepared in in line with the Governments Healthy Ireland Framework 2019-2025. The Development Plan seeks to provide an environment in which the health of all communities is promoted and improved across the entire life cycle of our residents and to support access to opportunities that help achieve good physical health and positive mental health and wellbeing. The Healthy Waterford Strategic Plan sets out a series of priorities through which healthy choices can easily be accessed by everyone regardless of age, location or socio-economic background. 7.17 Social Inclusion, Equality and Participation Social inclusion is defined in many different ways but one of the most common understandings is that, through acting inclusively, society can ensure that everyone has equal opportunity to participate in, and contribute to, community life – regardless of their age, ability, nationality, religion or any of the many other characteristics which makes society diverse. The Council will encourage and proactively promote an ethos of social inclusion and participation. 7.18 Community Buildings Sustainable neighbourhoods require a range of community facilities as stated in the Department of Environment, Heritage and Local Government Guidelines on Sustainable Residential Development in Urban Areas (2009). The Council will encourage the grouping of community, commercial and local employment facilities such as schools, sporting facilities, childcare facilities, community centres, primary health care centres and local commercial service of a scale appropriate to serve the local community through land use and zoning objectives. This grouping of services will facilitate the development of the 10-minute neighbourhood where they are within walking distance of residents, education and employment centres and can create a focal point for the ‘neighbourhood’. An amenity or service may be present (possibly at close distance) but make little contribution to quality of life if access is poor or perceived quality is low. Where possible permeability should be enhanced and accessibility for all abilities should be facilitated to ensure all levels of access and mobility are accommodated. Allotments Public allotments and community gardens can have several benefits including the promotion of healthy lifestyles, biodiversity, allow for active participation in the growing of food, and includes other sustainable activities such as composting and beekeeping. There are allotments and community gardens are located at Ballybeg Community Development Project.
- WATERFORD CITY & COUNTY DEVELOPMENT PLAN 2022 – 2028213 7.19 Childcare and Educational Facilities Childcare The provision of childcare facilities is an important factor for economic and social wellbeing. The Road Map for Social Inclusion 2020 – 2025 and the National Childcare Scheme in 2019 supports the delivery of improved childcare services across the State. The provision of childcare is essential to enable parents to participate in the workforce and to obtain an income that provides an acceptable standard of living for both them and their children. Quality childcare can also make a significant contribution to child development in the early years of a child’s life. Current issues in general childcare provision include lack of affordable, accessible community based childcare services and before and after school childcare services in urban and rural areas of Waterford, particularly in the vicinity of Waterford City. These services are vital in assisting people to return to work and to facilitate training for persons in long term unemployment. There is also increased demand for school age childcare and wrap around provision such as breakfast clubs, homework clubs and summer camps as parents are returning to the workforce. While the Council is not directly involved in the provision of childcare services, the Development Plan seeks to ensure that sufficient facilities are provided particularly in newly developing areas. Waterford County Childcare Committee – Coisete Cúram Leanaí Phort Láirge supports childcare infrastructure and early childhood facilities across the County and any new development should have regard to their requirements where relevant. The primary policy basis for the provision of childcare facilities is the ‘Childcare Facilities Guidelines for Planning Authorities’ (2001). In the interest of promoting sustainability the Guidelines advocate that suitable locations for the provision of childcare facilities include: • Residential areas. • Places of employment. • Large educational establishments. • City and towns/district/ neighbourhood centres; and, • Areas convenient to public transport networks.
- WATERFORD CITY & COUNTY DEVELOPMENT PLAN 2022 – 2028214 In general, where a new residential development is proposed – with 75+ dwellings (or as otherwise required by the Planning Authority) – one childcare facility shall be provided on site in accordance with Sections 2.4, 3.3.1 and Appendix 2 of the ‘Childcare Facilities Guidelines for Planning Authorities’ (2001). The provision of childcare facilities within new and existing, residential areas shall have regard to the geographical distribution and capacity of established childcare facilities in the locale and the emerging demographic profile of the area. Schools The Guidelines on ‘Sustainable Residential Development in Urban Areas’ (2009) draws particular attention to the need to plan for future school provision and advocates timely consultation between Planning Authorities and the Department of Education. The ‘Code of Practice on the Provision of Schools and the Planning System’ (2008), prepared jointly by the Department of Environment, Heritage and Local Government and the Department of Education, provides guidelines for the forecasting of future planning for schools nationally. The Council will improve sustainable accessibility to existing school facilities by cycling/walking accessibility or public transport and ensure any new school are accessible by cycling/walking from the main catchment areas and accessible by public transport with appropriate safe facilities within reasonable access of public transport and active travel modes in accordance with the DoHPLG Guidance document The Provision of Schools and the Planning System. The Council will also ensure that a robust site selection process is followed in the selection of new school locations taking into account proximity to community developments such as community centres, playing fields, libraries etc. so that the possibility of sharing facilities can be maximised. Following consultation with the Department of Education a number of sites have been identified and are appropriately zoned in for this purpose in the Development Plan. SETU and Higher Education The Council supports the planned transition of WIT to South East Technological University (SETU). This development will act as a key enabler to transform Waterford into the South-East Regional Capital and into a modern European University City. This establishment of the SETU, as a University of International Standing, will build on existing higher education infrastructure and enhance third-level provision in the city, and expand and integrate education provision more broadly in support of the designation of the city as a UNESCO Learning City and a University City 7.20 Places of Worship and Burial Grounds There has been an increase in the number of faith communities in the County in recent times and this has given rise to a demand for worship spaces. While civic halls and community centres may provide opportunities for public worship, faith communities which have a significant number may require their own places of worship. Consideration may need to be given to appropriate locations for new facilities, given the potential for traffic and noise related issues if located in unsuitable areas. Local Authorities have a statutory responsibility to provide for burial facilities. Some burial grounds have reached or are nearing full capacity and there will be a requirement to identify additional lands in the longer term at appropriate locations.
- WATERFORD CITY & COUNTY DEVELOPMENT PLAN 2022 – 2028215 7.21 Health Centres/ Services A number of public, voluntary and private agencies are responsible for the provision of healthcare facilities within the County, with the Health Services Executive (HSE) being the primary agency responsible for delivering health and personal social services. There are currently three public hospitals within the Waterford area namely, Waterford University Hospital in Waterford City, and Dungarvan Community Hospital and St. Patricks Hospital, John’s Hill Waterford City. There are 11 health centres in Waterford County located in the larger urban settlements. The primary care strategy ‘Primary Care: A New Direction’ published by the Department of Health and Children in 2001 promotes the development of ‘one stop’ primary health and community care services integrated under one roof. There are 3no. Primary Care Centres in Waterford, one in Waterford City, one in Tramore and one in Lismore. There is also a Primary Care Centre in Ferrybank. University Hospital Waterford (UHW) UHW provides general medical, surgical and maternity care to people living in South Kilkenny, Waterford City and County. The hospital provides specialty services to the population of the south east c. 500 000. The hospital is the designated cancer centre for the south east, providing rapid access assessment for Breast, Prostate, Lung and Skin cancers. Cancer surgery is centralised at UHW. There are 431 inpatient and 85 day procedure beds. In 2019 UHW had 58,448 ED Attendances, 28,554 Day cases treated 21,658 inpatients (24 hours or more) and 142,264 OPD attendances. UHW has a staff of 2,342 (June 2020).
- WATERFORD CITY & COUNTY DEVELOPMENT PLAN 2022 – 2028216 7.22 Libraries Waterford Libraries deliver a wide range of modern community based services and facilities in support of learning, culture, arts and recreation across 12 branch locations. Our libraries are regularly used by 16,000 members and record in excess of 500,000 visits and 500,000 loans annually. In addition, the service provides access to quality online lending, educational, local studies and other electronic resources. Waterford City and County Council will continue to expand and develop this service subject to need and available resources in conjunction with the Library Service Development Plan “Your Library, Your Space, Your future 2017 – 2022”. 7.23 Art and Cultural Facilities Waterford has a rich and living cultural heritage and a strong cultural identity, including its sport, literature, music and creative industries. Culture is an integral part of how we lead our everyday lives. It connects us through our rituals and traditions through our landscape, language, sport, food, song and dance. It roots us and gives us a sense of place. It assists our health and wellbeing, gives expression to our creativity and provides outlets for participation, engagement, reflection, celebration and entertainment for all citizens. Creativity is increasingly been recognised as supporting innovation and economic development. The Creative Ireland programme and planned development of a creative industries ecosystem in the Waterford Cultural Quarter support cultural and economic growth including in employment, tourism and Waterford’s status as regional capital of the South East. Heritage and Culture can all play an important economic role that promotes jobs, encourages tourisms and supports the hospitality sector of Waterford. The Council through its Arts Office seeks to promote the cultural life of the County and increase accessibility to arts and culture facilities for all members of the community. This aim will be achieved through both the retention of existing facilities and the introduction of new facilities, such as Waterford Cultural Quarter in the heart of Waterford City. The location of such facilities in towns, districts and other areas with higher levels of public transport accessibility, together with a diverse range of complementary uses, can make a significant contribution to the vitality and viability of urban areas and the aims of sustainable development.
- WATERFORD CITY & COUNTY DEVELOPMENT PLAN 2022 – 2028217 7.24 Fire Services The Council will continue to support the development and upgrading of the fire service. 7.25 Recreational and Sporting Facilities The benefits accruing from participation in sport and recreational activities are well documented. There are a variety of sporting and recreational facilities and grounds throughout the City and County, which provide for the active recreational needs of the community. It is important that facilities are located where they are of most value and accessible to the community being served. Accessibility should be promoted primarily through public transport links and by walking/cycling as well as through accessible planning and design. The Council will strive to provide facilities for sport and physical activity that are well maintained, sufficient in number and accessible to as many local people as possible, across a diverse range of sports. The Council will do this through relationships and interactions with Waterford Sports Partnership, local sporting clubs, regional and national sporting organisations, schools, community groups. In providing sporting and recreational facilities the following key policies and plans should be referred to: • National Sports Policy 2018-2027. • National Physical Activity Plan (launched 14/1/16). • Sport Ireland Statement of Strategy 2018-2022. • Sport Ireland Participation Plan. • Waterford Sports Partnership Strategy 2018-2022. • Healthy Waterford Strategic Plan 2018-2022; • Healthy Waterford Report on Designing Communities: the importance of place in promoting health and wellbeing, July 2019. • Waterford’s Local Sports Plan; and • Healthy Waterford Report on Designing Communities: the importance of place in promoting health and wellbeing, July 2019. The Waterford Sports Partnership Strategic Plan 2018 -2022 was prepared in in line with the National Sports Policy, National Physical Activity Plan and the Sport Ireland Strategy. The Development Plan seeks to provide an environment which encourages and supports active and healthy lifestyles in order to maximize participation in sport and physical activity for all across the lifecycle. The Council will continue to work closely with Waterford Sports Partnership to achieve this common goal. The sharing of school and community sports facilities will be addressed through the development management process and in conjunction with the Department of Education. The Council will promote the provision of regional scale open space and recreational facilities including the regional parks and facilities, particularly those close to developing areas within our larger urban settlements.
- WATERFORD CITY & COUNTY DEVELOPMENT PLAN 2022 – 2028218 Play Areas Ready Steady Play! A National Play Policy’ was published by the Department of Children and Youth Affairs in 2019. The principal aim of the National Play Policy is to provide a framework for future development to create better play opportunities for children. Its overall objective is to plan for an increase in public play facilities and, thereby, improve the quality of life of children living in Ireland by providing them with more play opportunities. The Council is moving towards a more Nature Based Play philosophy and approach with respect to the provision of Play Opportunities in the County. This involves shifting the emphasis from merely equipment-based provision to using and leveraging the genus loci and landscape character of outdoor sites in combination with natural elements (e.g. earth sculpting, mounding, ponds, tree stumps). This Naturebased approach provides more rewarding experiences and improves health and well-being.
- WATERFORD CITY & COUNTY DEVELOPMENT PLAN 2022 – 2028219 Water Based Uses It is recognised that the development of improved facilities for water-based sports is important for the revitalisation of harbours along our inland waterways and the coast of the County. The Council will support such water-based uses and activities in the harbours and along the rivers and coastline, with an emphasis on those that cater for a broader spectrum of the population. The County features c.100km kilometres of coastline along with the River Suir and the Blackwater, which are valuable assets. If utilised to their full potential they could contribute to the health and well-being of the residents of, and workers, in the County and will increase sport and physical activity participation levels locally. These activities can also offer significant potential for tourism growth. Swimming Infrastructure The National Sports Policy identified swimming as one of the priority sports having the greatest potential for generating higher levels of active participation over the full life course. Swimming is also a fundamental life skill and one of the few sports that is accessible by all ages, genders and abilities, regardless of fitness levels or health status and as such the provision of facilities for swimming warrants specific consideration in the Development Plan.
Source Waterford City and County Council: Waterford City and County Development Plan 2022–2028 — Chapter 7 (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.