Waterford City and County Development Plan 2022–2028 — Chapter 7

1. Page 31

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   WATERFORD CITY & COUNTY DEVELOPMENT PLAN 2022 – 2028220 7.26 Waterford Active City Initiative Waterford has been nominated as an ‘Active City’ under the Sport Ireland Active City initiative. This initiative will strive to create social norms about the benefits of sport and physical activity and provide opportunities for residents of Waterford City to be active, regardless of ability or age. The programme will work with key partners to increase physical activity and decrease inactivity, by developing environments where people are inspired and supported in being active, ultimately working toward healthier lifestyles for everyone. The Sport Ireland Active Cities concept is built on the principles of the Global Action Plan for Physical Activity, GAPPA, developed by the WHO in 2018. The Council will work closely with the Waterford Sports Partnership and other key stakeholders to support and develop this initiative. Sport Ireland Active City Strategy is broken down into four key pillars: 1. Actives Societies. 2. Active Environments. 3. Active People; and, 4. Active Systems.

2. Page 32

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   WATERFORD CITY & COUNTY DEVELOPMENT PLAN 2022 – 2028221 7.27 Sustainable Community Policy Objectives Sustainable Communities Policy Objectives SC 01 To support the development of socially and economically balanced sustainable communities and assist in delivering and implementing the objectives and actions of the Local Economic and Community Plan (LECP) in collaboration with the Local and Economic Development Committees. SC 02 Promote the highest levels of social inclusion and universal accessibility to all social and community facilities and services. SC 03 To collaborate, support and work, in conjunction with local communities, social and community service providers, Waterford Council Arts Office, The Arts Council and other key stakeholders to provide for the provision of social, community, cultural and recreational facilities throughout the City and County, which are easily accessible, to ensures that all communities have access to a range of facilities that meet the needs, including `changing places bathrooms’. Healthy Waterford Policy Objective SC 05 To support the objectives of public health policy including Healthy Ireland and the National Physical Activity Plan, through integrating such policies, where appropriate and at the applicable scale, with planning policy. SC 06 To support and facilitate the creation of a Healthy City and County in accordance with the Healthy Waterford Strategic Plan 2018 – 2021 and any subsequent revision thereof. The Council will also support the development of the Waterford Active City Initiative as a key partner and stakeholder. Age Friendly Policy Objective SC 04 To support and facilitate the implementation of the Waterford Age Friendly Strategy 2017 – 2022 and any subsequent Age Friendly Strategy for Waterford. Equality, Social Inclusion and Participation Policy Objective SC 07 Consider cultural diversity and ethnic minorities in planning for the needs of communities and ensure community facilities and social services provided are accessible for all individuals, communities and sectors of society, including people with disabilities, people with special needs, elderly, youth, marginalised and disadvantaged groups. SC 08 To promote equality and progressively reduce all forms of social exclusion that can be experienced because of gender, gender identity, marital status, family status, age, race, religion, disability, sexual orientation, nationality, homelessness and membership of the Traveller Community and promote active participation.

3. Page 33

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   WATERFORD CITY & COUNTY DEVELOPMENT PLAN 2022 – 2028222 Childcare and Educational Facilities Policy Objectives SC 14 We will encourage the provision of childcare facilities in appropriate locations, including residential areas, city/town centres, district and neighbourhood centres, in areas of employment and educational establishments in accordance with national policy and the Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government Planning Guidelines on Childcare Facilities: Guidelines for Planning Authorities (DoEHLG, 2001) and any other relevant statutory guidelines which may issue during the period of this Plan. We will require as part of planning applications for new large scale residential, public community, commercial, retail and mixed-use developments that provision be made for appropriate purpose built childcare facilities where such facilities are deemed necessary by the Planning Authority and by Coiste Cúram Leanaí Phort Láirge (CCLPL). SC 15 It is the policy of the Council to have new primary and secondary schools located at the heart of our neighbourhoods and communities. This will be achieved by working in collaboration with the Department of Education and with local communities ensuring the timely provision of school sites to service new development. A policy of shared and multi-use of school/community sports facilities will be promoted. The use of school buildings and facilities outside of normal school hours shall be operated in accordance with Department of Education Guidelines and the provisions of the Planning Acts. SC 16 Protect existing schools and their amenities and ensure the reservation of primary and post-primary school sites in line with the requirements of the relevant education authorities and to support the provision of school facilities and the development / redevelopment of existing schools for educational and other sustainable community infrastructure uses throughout the City and County. Community Facilities Policy Objectives SC 09 Maintain and, where possible, improve and expand the provision of community facilities across the City and County to ensure that facilities are adequate to meet the needs of the communities they serve, are safely accessible by walking and cycling, are within walking or cycling, distance and physically integrated with residential and employment areas and are provided concurrently with new residential development. A policy of shared and multi-use of facilities will be promoted. SC 10 Seek to improve the energy efficiency of the Council’s existing building stock to promote energy efficiency in the design and development of all new buildings in the County, in accordance with the Building Regulations Part L (Conservation of Fuel and Energy) SC 11 To co-operate with all service providers in the provision of new health, educational, library, social and community facilities through the re-use of existing institutional buildings and community facilities or where new buildings are required that they would be suitable for multi-use SC 12 Encourage community gardening, allotments and other use of open space to facilitate lower carbon living education and practice. SC 13 We will seek to provide appropriate community facilities across our communities and provide a community hall/hub in the following locations: • Dungarvan town. • Portlaw; and • Tramore.

4. Page 34

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   WATERFORD CITY & COUNTY DEVELOPMENT PLAN 2022 – 2028223 Childcare and Educational Facilities Policy Objectives SC 17 Support the provision of childcare facilities and new and refurbished schools on sites located within or close to existing/proposed neighbourhood/urban areas and on existing/proposed public transport corridors, which meet the diverse needs of local populations. SC 18 To support the development and ongoing provision of Further and Higher Level Institutions in the City and County including SETU, Waterford College of Further Education Institute and any new Further and Higher Level Institutions – including Irish colleges or major overseas universities whether within established campuses or in new campuses. SC 19 To support climate change adaptation in schools & community facilities. Health Centres/Services Policy Objectives SC 20 Support and facilitate the development of health centres, hospitals, clinics, mental health and wellbeing facilities and community-based primary care centres in appropriate urban areas in collaboration with the Health Service Executive and other statutory and voluntary agencies. SC 21 To support the development of University Hospital Waterford as a centre of excellence for the South East capable of providing high quality health care for the expanding population of the Metropolitan Area and wider South-East Region, subject to the outcome of environmental assessments and the planning process. SC 22 To support the development of additional Acute Care Services and additional health services/ facilities at UHW as identified in the National Development Plan Strategic Priorities and provision of a Second Cath Lab Facility in accordance with WMASP PO 22 of the RSES. SC 23 Encourage the integration of appropriate healthcare facilities within new and existing communities. Libraries Policy Objectives SC 24 Continue to support the development of the existing library service and provide for an expanded service and network subject to need and the availability of resources in conjunction with the Library Service Development Plan “Your Library, Your Space, Your future 2017 – 2022”. SC 25 Develop links between existing library facilities for third level education (SETU) and outreach facilities in relation to distance learning.

5. Page 35

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   WATERFORD CITY & COUNTY DEVELOPMENT PLAN 2022 – 2028224 Art and Cultural Facilities Policy Objectives SC 26 The Council will encourage the preservation, enhancement and provision of Arts and Culture identified as being of value in terms of contributing towards physical, social, and economic benefit for the County. The Council will also facilitate the continued development of general arts and cultural facilities throughout Waterford though an evidence based local needs assessments taking into account – current and future population and age dynamics, current arts and cultural assets provision and access, community aspirations, opportunity for place making enhancement through physical infrastructure and development including provision of communal multi-use open space where it can have the most impact. This will be done in accordance with the Council's Culture and Creativity Strategy (2018- 2022) and the Arts Strategy (2016 - 2021) or update of these as well as subsequent Arts Development Policy. Particular attention should be paid to the spatial objectives set out in Action 5.1 of the Culture and Creativity Strategy (2018- 2022) which aims to ‘Identify opportunities for shared use of spaces locally for cultural engagement and activities ’and, the County Arts Strategy Objective 4 (I.P.4.2) which seeks to “Commission an Infrastructure Research Report to determine current arts infrastructure and strategies for maximising usage and improving arts infrastructure throughout the county. SC 27 Support and develop existing arts and cultural facilities and festivals in Waterford and encourage the provision of new or improved arts and cultural facilities and the establishment of new festivals and events, in particular those of national and international distinction and in parts of the County where there is a deficiency in such provision. To assist in this a county register of arts and cultural assets shall be complied during the lifetime of the Development Plan. SC 28 Actively foster and develop the Waterford Cultural Quarter (as set out in the WCQ Strategic Plan 2021 – 2025) as a place which is inclusive and a place for sustainable innovation and growth for the cultural and creative sectors of south east Ireland; to become a distinctive and engaging place to the heart of Waterford which is open, inspiring and a vital addition to the city’s creative, knowledge and visitor economy. SC 29 Promote the provision of public art, including temporary art and sculpture, through such mechanisms as the government supported Percent for Art Scheme and the development management process. Recreational and Sporting Facilities Policy Objectives SC 30 To promote the provision, and management of high-quality sporting, and recreational infrastructure throughout the City and County, in collaboration with local communities, in accordance with the National Sports Policy 2018-2027, and WCCC, to ensure that the particular needs of different groups are incorporated into the planning and design of new facilities. SC 31 To improve access to recreational spaces, facilities, and amenities for all citizens regardless of ability, age, socio-economic status and to support the development of multipurpose covered outdoor areas for all year-round outdoor activities such as yoga, pilates, outdoor swimming. SC 32 To continue to support the development of Urban and Rural Community Sports Hubs through Waterford Sports Partnership as a model of delivery across the County. SC 33 To facilitate and support the development of new sustainable 25m community swimming pool facilities in Waterford City, Tramore and Dungarvan/West Waterford Region, to achieve maximum accessibility to the residents of Waterford, including the integration with and development of existing associated sports facilities, accompanied by appropriate infrastructure. The Council will also facilitate and support suitable and sufficient access to public swimming opportunities at outdoor locations.

6. Page 36

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   WATERFORD CITY & COUNTY DEVELOPMENT PLAN 2022 – 2028225 Recreational and Sporting Facilities Policy Objectives SC 34 To support the provision of structured and unstructured play areas with appropriate equipment and facilities, incorporating and facilitating Nature-based Play with respect to the provision of play opportunities throughout the County. These play facilities will also seek to maximise inclusivity and accessibility, to ensure that the needs of all age groups and abilities - children, teenagers, adults and older people - are facilitated in the public parks and open spaces. SC 35 Provide for the development of dedicated youth spaces in key urban areas such as Waterford City, Dungarvan and Tramore and the development of multifunctional spaces in smaller communities/ rural areas. SC 36 To protect and enhance access to the River Suir, particularly within Waterford City, and to water based recreational and sporting amenity of all our rivers, waterways, coastline and harbours subject to Council Byelaws, and the Habitats and Birds Directives SC 37 Support the objectives of the Waterford Sports Partnership in the delivery of its strategy to increase participation in sport and physical activity in Waterford. SC 38 To enhance safe access to the Waterford Greenway and form new links to our rural settlements. Open Space Policy Objectives SC 39 To support the objectives of the Waterford Metropolitan Open Space, Recreation and Greenbelt Strategy which seeks to identification a location for a Regional Scale Park within the Waterford Metropolitan Area as well as the development of neighbourhood parks and open spaces. This will be achieved and work in collaboration with Kilkenny County Council and relevant stakeholders to deliver said strategy. SC 40 Prepare an Open Space Strategy for the County having regard to the town parks, trails, walks, outdoor recreation and other amenity spaces and resources and ensure that any plan or project associated with open space planning or tourism is subject to Appropriate Assessment Screening in compliance with the Habitats Directive, and subsequent assessment as required. SC 41 Provide a hierarchy of attractive parks and public open spaces, which vary in size and nature, are all inclusive, by being readily accessible and at a convenient distance from people’s home and/ or places of work. We will also work with the Waterford Disability Network to provide where necessary inclusive communication boards in parks and other public spaces. SC 42 To protect existing public and private recreational open space and the loss of such facilities will normally be resisted unless alternative recreational facilities are provided in a suitable location, or it can be demonstrated that there is no longer sufficient demand to sustain the facility. SC 43 Provide, where practical, additional open space at a minimum rate of 2.83ha (7 Acres) per 1000 population.

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