Westmeath County Development Plan 2021–2027

1. Page 141

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   ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT & EMPLOYMENT 5 Westmeath County Development Plan 2021-2027 133 equipment, conference facilities and incubation facilities supporting early stage FDI companies and second-stage indigenous companies. The RSES places a focus on increasing the role of education institutes in economic development, and in facilitating the collaboration between such institutes and industry actors, as it supports wider, overarching aims, such as the ‘smart cities’ and ‘smart communities’ concept. The Smart Cities concept is already being developed in the region, where attempts to exploit technologies to solve everyday issues and develop policy outcomes is underway. However, ‘smart’ exploitation of technologies need not be limited to larger towns and cities. There is an opportunity for Westmeath to capitalise on existing key assets, that include its strong industrial base and education institutes such as Athlone IT, to develop ‘smart communities’ throughout the County. While not limited to the key settlements of Athlone and Mullingar, these locations can be the focal point for innovative activities and collaboration between the public sector, educational institutes and industry. Westmeath is a part of a regional network of innovation, which enables the development of ‘Disruptive Technologies’ that displaces an established technology and shakes up the industry or a ground-breaking product that creates a completely new industry. The DBEI Disruptive Technologies Innovation Fund (DTIF) aims to encourage collaboration in science, technology and innovation to increase our innovation capacity, and it draws from the Research Priority Areas 2018-2023. Westmeath County Council, as part of EMRA, will leverage the Disruptive Technologies Innovation Fund and support and identify flagship projects that would benefit from public-private partnerships involving experiments with emerging technologies and a focus on the citizen experience. This will demonstrate ambition and showcase Ireland as a technology-rich economy in an international context. The Council also supports Innovation and technology as vital to the diversification and strengthening of the rural economy. The Council will seek to leverage the EU Action for Smart Villages initiative which aims to develop the potential offered by improved rural connectivity and digitisation and to build on local enterprise and infrastructure assets to drive innovations around energy, transport, agri-food, tourism, e-services, remote working, etc. The Council will seek to support the development of ‘smart communities’ by allowing use of public assets where possible, to support increased local connectivity. Skills and Innovation - Smart Economy Economic Development Policy Objectives It is a policy objective of Westmeath County Council to: CPO 5.35 Engage and collaborate with key stakeholders, relevant agencies, and sectoral representatives to develop the ICT sector in Westmeath and to ensure that the economic potential of the sector is secured for the benefit of the local economy, and national economy. CPO 5.36 Promote and support County Westmeath as an advanced manufacturing centre of excellence.

2. Page 142

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   ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT & EMPLOYMENT 5 Westmeath County Development Plan 2021-2027 134 CPO 5.37 Support a multi-partner approach to the provision of a ‘Midlands Technology Campus’ to AIT. The delivery and implementation of this campus will assist in building regional competitiveness and innovation capacity within the region. CPO 5.38 Assist where possible in developing a coordinated approach to advanced manufacturing, enabling deeper links with Institutes of Technology, Universities, IMR Mullingar, STREAM Creative Suite, LEO and the research and business community in its entirety. CPO 5.39 Engage with innovative industries and networks to leverage the Disruptive Technologies Innovation Fund and support and identify flagship projects that would benefit from public-private partnerships involving experiments with emerging technologies. CPO 5.40 Support and foster the collaboration of industry and research to identify areas of research, development and innovation, and to identify projects for funding. CPO 5.41 Support the development of sites where high-tech and high potential start-ups (HPSU29) can thrive, in conjunction with IoTs and Universities, to create collaborative and innovative growth. CPO 5.42 Support the development of Smart City initiatives in Athlone and Mullingar. CPO 5.43 Promote the development of Smart Villages to develop and diversify the rural economy to build on local enterprise and infrastructure assets to drive innovations around energy, transport, agri-food, tourism, e-services, remote working.

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   ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT & EMPLOYMENT 5 Westmeath County Development Plan 2021-2027 135 5.13.12 Promoting Economic Development and Local Enterprise (Guiding Principle 4) National enterprise policy places an increased emphasis on building resilience and to accelerate the speed at which we implement change6. Enterprise policy seeks to deliver quality jobs – that are sustainable over the longer term – skills-based jobs that can support productivity-led wage increases. This is designed to drive productivity growth that will deliver higher standards of living and quality of life for all and ensure that all of our citizens and our regions can benefit from economic growth. Focused investments in infrastructures, and particularly broadband and housing, are crucial to redress constraints on growth potential and are a key focus of the recently launched National Development Plan 2018-2027. The competitive advantage Westmeath enjoys in terms of access, affordability, urban centres and networks of enterprise and skills development offer a significant opportunity for the County. The Council recognises the opportunity to capture the benefits of Ireland’s distinctive enterprise mix through clustering, collaboration and connections. Manufacturing plays a significant role in the Westmeath economy, and the Council recognises the need to continue to support the opportunities in the manufacturing sector, thereby promoting the County as the location of choice for a range of manufacturing enterprises. In this regard the Regional Enterprise Development Fund (REDF) provides important support for major new collaborative and innovative initiatives that can make a significant impact on enterprise development. The RSES also acknowledges the need to build the ‘third sector’ or the ‘social economy’ in seeking to address challenges which the private sector may not see a viable or profitable opportunity and in which the public sector may struggle to provide effective service delivery. The key focus of this sector is to embrace and embed collaboration, solidarity, pluralism and sustainability leading to integrated economic and community development. 5.13.12.1 Diversification of Rural Economy The rural economy is an integral part of Westmeath’s profile with the agri-food sector playing an integral role in the national economic recovery in recent years. The sector is the country’s largest indigenous industry, with an estimated turnover of €26 billion and providing 170,000 jobs or 9% of the total employment figure. The sector makes a significant contribution to employment in rural areas, being a pivotal source of enterprise creation and opportunities. Agricultural production, sustainability, food security and health are closely linked and there is a growing recognition on the value of agricultural land. There is a need to ensure both the protection of the agriculture industry and the rural landscape that supports it. This includes recognising the value of horticultural land, protecting the resource productivity of agricultural land. 6 Department of Business, Enterprise and Innovation (2018) Enterprise 2025 Renewed Building resilience in the face of global challenges

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   ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT & EMPLOYMENT 5 Westmeath County Development Plan 2021-2027 136 Reflective of the growing importance and economic potential of the sector, a strong policy emphasis has been placed on the sector in recent years through a number of national frameworks issued by the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine including Food Harvest 2020: A Vision for Irish agrifood and fisheries, Milestones for Success 2014, which charts the achievements of the former, and most recently Food Wise 2025: A 10-year Vision for the Irish agri-food industry. Food Wise 2025 sets out a strategic plan for the coming decade, covering the period of the Plan, and focusses on opportunities to increase primary production, exports, add value to the products within the sector, and create 23,000 additional jobs throughout the sector. Food Wise comments: ‘Its strategic importance to the Irish economy, its roots in local communities and its strengthening global reach (the industry provides quality, safe and nutritious food to consumers in at least 175 countries around the world) make it a sector unlike any other’. Promoting Economic Development and Local Enterprise - Economic Development Policy Objectives It is a policy objective of Westmeath County Council to: CPO 5.44 Promote the need to build resilience within the County’s enterprise base, to allow businesses to withstand new challenges and realise sustained growth and employment creation for the longer-term. CPO 5.45 Support the establishment of a network of ‘remote working’ hubs and enterprise landing spaces within the County. CPO 5.46 Assist in collaboration with other Local Authorities, State Agencies, local industry and other regional partners in the development of a digital marketing strategy for the region, for use domestically and internationally highlighting the attractiveness of the area as a place to live, work, study and invest. CPO 5.47 Provide for the creation of a formal network of linked e-hubs to leverage economies of scale in research, advanced manufacturing, collaboration, training and funding applications. CPO 5.48 Support key stakeholders, relevant agencies, sectoral representatives and local communities in sustainably developing the agri-food sector in Westmeath to ensure that the economic potential of the sector is secured for the benefit of the local economy, and national economy. CPO 5.49 Support social enterprise practices, with a strong emphasis on collaboration. CPO 5.50 Encourage synergy between development of agri-food sector elements of the rural economy such as rural based tourism, rural economic diversification, and enterprise in rural villages.

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   ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT & EMPLOYMENT 5 Westmeath County Development Plan 2021-2027 137 5.13.13 Transition to a Low Carbon Economy/Green Economy (Guiding Principle 5) A Low Carbon Economy/Green Economy is defined as low carbon, resource efficient and socially inclusive, whereby growth in employment and income are driven by investment into such economic activities, infrastructure and assets that provide reduced carbon emissions and pollution, enhanced energy and resource efficiency, and prevention of the loss of biodiversity and ecosystem services. There are various government frameworks supporting the Green Economy and advocating implementation of its key principles. The Green Economy approach to economic development has been identified as an area of significant growth with potential for notable enterprise and employment creation. The ‘green’ potential has been identified in sectors and/or activities such as research and development, innovation, energy efficiency, transportation, agriculture, food production, marine, tourism, and procurement. The initiative supports innovative clean technologies and connects organisations that have developed clean technology products and solutions with growth opportunities. The national Climate Action Plan 2019 commits to achieving a net zero carbon energy systems objective for Irish society and in the process, create a resilient, vibrant and sustainable country. Agenda 2030 and the Paris Agreement on climate change require a transformational shift of our economies and societies towards climate resilient and sustainable development. Ireland and the international community are responding to this requirement, setting out a profound change in the systems and practices which support our lifestyle. Many of the changes that are required will have positive economic and societal co-benefits, including cleaner air, warmer homes, and a more sustainable economy for the long term. In line with the UN Sustainable Development Goals, climate action must be seen as complementary to other important policy objectives, such as promoting sustainable economic development pathways, improving energy security, and addressing air pollution impacts on human health. For example, a significant shift away from internal combustion engine vehicles in the transport sector, and the retrofitting of existing buildings with electricity-powered heat pump systems, are expected to result in significant improvements in local air quality metrics and health outcome. The transition to a low carbon economy and society also brings significant opportunities for the financial sector. A circular economy is defined as an industrial system that is restorative or regenerative by intention and design. It replaces the end-of-life concept with restoration, shifts towards the use of renewable energy, eliminates the use of toxic chemicals, which impair reuse and return to the biosphere, and aims for the elimination of waste through the superior design of materials, products, systems and business models. Ensuring success will require technological innovation and investment. The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change estimate that the world will need to spend around US$900 billion annually until 2050 on energy-related mitigation investments if global warming is to be limited to 1.5 degrees. This investment will cover a range of activities: 1) Developing disruptive innovations; 2) Expanding new types of infrastructures, including for clean sources of energy;

6. Page 146

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   ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT & EMPLOYMENT 5 Westmeath County Development Plan 2021-2027 138 Current quantity and export driven Irish agriculture targets are set out in Food Harvest 2020 and Food Wise 2025. There is a need to align our climate targets and the future proofing of the agricultural economy and to establish sustainable farming practices and production methods. The Smart Farming programme promotes the adoption of resource efficiency measures that demonstrate both cost savings and environmental benefits. Transition to a Low Carbon Economy/Green Economy - Economic Development Policy Objectives It is a policy objective of Westmeath County Council to: CPO 5.51 Ensure that the County is well positioned to capitalise on the economic benefits associated with the transition to a low carbon economy. CPO 5.52 Support enterprise development and employment creation across all sectors of the Westmeath economy in accordance with the Green Economy national frameworks relevant to each sector. CPO 5.53 Engage with all relevant government stakeholders, enterprise agencies and sectoral representatives in pursuing ‘green’ approaches to economic development, and actively collaborate with key industry and educational bodies to promote Westmeath based initiatives across the economic sectors. CPO 5.54 Support the establishment of clusters regionally and sectorally to become centres of excellence for the adoption of low carbon technologies. CPO 5.55 Support the delivery of quality employment and enterprise in the emerging areas of opportunity. CPO 5.56 Support the development of industries that create and employ green technologies and take measures to accelerate the transition towards a low carbon economy and circular economy. CPO 5.57 Support homebased economic activity that allows employers, enterprises and entrepreneurs the option of working from home or local hubs to reduce commuting and congestion. CPO 5.58 Support rural diversification through sustainable rural development practices, investment in rural towns and villages, providing for access to technology and skillsdevelopment networks. CPO 5.59 Support Renewable energy initiatives that supports a low carbon transition.

7. Page 147

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   ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT & EMPLOYMENT 5 Westmeath County Development Plan 2021-2027 139 5.13.14 Quality of Life (Guiding Principle 6) A Key national economic priority under Enterprise 2025 Renewed (4) is to realise the full potential of the Regions through investments in placemaking - developing places that are attractive for business investment and for people to live and work. The REP highlights that additional measures are required to be undertaken in order to encourage and attract new businesses into the Midlands region. This includes the promotion of quality of life of persons living within the region, connectivity and access to talent, infrastructure and education. A ‘reverse commute’ proposition and the location of businesses, and/or back office, or affording staff the opportunity to avail of co-working/remote working space in the region is sought to be developed under the Midlands REP. Quality of Life - Economic Development Policy Objectives It is a policy objective of Westmeath County Council to: CPO 5.60 Facilitate and enhance the collective offering of Westmeath as an attractive place to live work and invest in. CPO 5.61 Encourage local partnership, town team or community organisations to develop and implement local economic initiatives which enhance towns and villages. CPO 5.62 Build on Westmeath’s profile as a County that exemplifies the essential components of Quality of Life factors, including live-work balance, strong education structures, amenity and leisure attractions combined with economic opportunity. CPO 5.63 Realise the full potential of the County by providing for places that are attractive for business investment and for people to live and work. 5.13.15 Tourism: Strengthening the attractiveness of Westmeath within the Midlands region as a destination to visit. Tourism constitutes one of Westmeath’s most important economic sectors in providing business and employment opportunities leading to job creation across the spectrum of skills requirements. Westmeath is a county with considerable heritage and cultural assets, along with a scenic and rich natural environment. Coupled with our vibrant towns and villages and easily accessible location, it is evidently a county of high potential for tourism. Annual visitors to the County reached 262,000 in 2017, of which 103,000 were from overseas. Approximately 42% of the County’s overseas visitors are from Britain, 34% from mainland Europe and 18% from North America. The tourism assets available in Westmeath and specific tourism policies are set out in detail in Chapter 6 of this Plan.

8. Page 148

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   ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT & EMPLOYMENT 5 Westmeath County Development Plan 2021-2027 140 Having regard to national and regional tourism policy, the Council is committed to supporting the growth of tourism in the County, taking full advantage of national and regional initiatives and funding schemes and maximising the potential of our unique natural, heritage, cultural, and amenity assets. In reaching this potential, it is essential that a co-ordinated and collaborative approach is taken with relevant agencies, tourism businesses and communities throughout the County. The Council will continue to collaborate with relevant agencies and stakeholders through the County Tourism Steering Group and other established working groups and will continue to support collective development and marketing initiatives underway. A strong emphasis will be placed on securing sustainable tourism growth, whereby the quality of our landscapes, natural environment and cultural heritage is protected and safeguarded for the long-term enjoyment of assets. Tourism - Economic Development Policy Objectives It is a policy objective of Westmeath County Council to: CPO 5.64 Promote Tourism as an integral part of Westmeath’s economic profile supporting urban and rural enterprise, recognising the key strategic location of the County and access to tourist sites and attractions. CPO 5.65 Promote the development of sustainable tourism as part of our economy, that recognises our landscapes, our cultural heritage, our environment and our linguistic heritage. CPO 5.66 Support the delivery and implementation of Fáilte Ireland Destination Development Plans for Westmeath. 5.13.16 Retail The economic importance of the retail sector to the national economy is identified with some 300,000 jobs associated with the sector, the largest share of employment in the national economy 7 representing over 12% of the workforce. The Department of Business, Enterprise and Innovation reports that there are approximately 40,000 wholesale and retail businesses with that 90% of these businesses were Irish-owned. The sector is an intrinsic component of the domestic economy as it has a direct presence in each locality and community. In this regard, the sector is crucial bringing balance to economic recovery. Retailing also supports indirect enterprise and employment opportunities associated with areas such as logistics and distribution. 7 Action Plan for Jobs 2015, January 2015, Department of Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation, pg. 121.

9. Page 149

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   ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT & EMPLOYMENT 5 Westmeath County Development Plan 2021-2027 141 The Economic Profile section of this Development Plan outlines key economic, population and demographic trends within Westmeath, many of which have direct implications for retailing policy in the Development Plan. Growth in the County’s population, particularly the younger working age cohorts, development of urban areas, employment growth, vibrant enterprise and a thriving tourist sector are key economic trends that have implications for retailing policy. Following a number of years of contraction in domestic demand that significantly dampened retail activity and spending, recent forecasts indicate recovering employment rates and increases in consumer disposable income levels. 5.13.16.1 Retail Planning Policy Context The retail sector is a significant employer and economic contributor in the Region. It also plays a key role in placemaking and creating attractive liveable environments. As a significant attractor it enables the provision of strong mixed-use commercial cores throughout the network of city, towns and villages in the Region and can play a key role in the regeneration of areas. The retail planning policy context for the Development Plan is informed by retail guidance documents at the national and regional levels. The Retail Planning Guidelines for Planning Authorities 2012 are designed to ensure retail development is plan-led, to promote city centre vitality through the sequential approach to development, enable good quality development in appropriate locations, facilitate a modal shift; all to deliver quality urban design outcomes. The RSES further supports ‘the preparation of a Retail Strategy/Strategies for the Region in accordance with the Retail Planning Guidelines for Planning Authorities 2012, or any subsequent update, to update the retail hierarchy and apply floorspace requirements for the Region’. In the absence of an updated Retail Strategy, the current Strategy remains applicable for the preparation of the Development Plan. 5.13.16.2 Framework for Town Centre Renewal The RSES places an increased emphasis on retail as an integral element of urban change and economic renewal. The concepts of vitality and viability are central to maintaining and enhancing town centres. Keeping a town vibrant and responsive to the needs of the community is an ongoing challenge and a greater range of supports need to be put in place to enable successful town centre renewal. These supports could include administrative supports by local authorities, training supports for town centre coordinators or other town stakeholders and financial supports such as grants for office fit outs, shop front grants, or supports for starting businesses and the Town and Village Renewal scheme and urban and rural regeneration funding. The Framework for Town Centre Renewal (Retail Consultation Forum, 2017) sets out an action plan for Town Centre renewal which has the potential to support viable and sustainable towns and villages that meet the long-term needs of our society, economy and environment.

10. Page 150

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    ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT & EMPLOYMENT 5 Westmeath County Development Plan 2021-2027 142 5.13.16.3 Westmeath Retail Hierarchy The Westmeath Retail Strategy contained at Appendix 4 provides a framework for retail development for the duration of this Plan. The Retail Strategy; • Outlines the retail planning policy context within which the Strategy sits; • Presents a summary of the baseline for the Strategy; • Provides a summary review of the progress and performance of the previous Retail Strategy and the principles and retail trends which have underpinned the preparation of the Strategy; • Summarises the current retail potential of Athlone, Mullingar and the other main centres of the County and the implications of this for the County Retail Strategy; • Provides the broad assessment of the potential for additional retail floorspace; • Outlines the aim, objectives, strategic framework and policies and proposals of the Strategy. Strategic Retail Policy - Economic Development Policy Objectives It is a policy objective of Westmeath County Council to: CPO 5.67 Ensure that all retail development permitted accords with the relevant requirements and criteria as established within the “Retail Planning Guidelines for Planning Authorities” 2012 and the “Westmeath County Retail Strategy 2019-2026” (or any subsequent update). CPO 5.68 Permit retail development of a size and scale which is appropriate to the level of the town/settlement area, including its population, as defined within the County Retail Hierarchy. This policy will aim to consolidate and reinforce all existing retail enterprises within the County and permit the development of additional retail floorspace where such development is deemed to be appropriate by Westmeath County Council. CPO 5.69 Support and promote the sustainable development of the retailing sector throughout the County, with a recognition of the importance of SMEs to this domestic sector of the local economy.

Source Westmeath County Council: Westmeath County Development Plan 2021–2027 (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.