Development plan · Westmeath County Council
Westmeath County Development Plan 2021–2027
The council's development plan written statement: its strategy, policies, objectives and development standards.
Westmeath County Council · 2021–2027 · 634 pages
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- SETTLEMENT PLANS 8 Westmeath County Development Plan 2021-2027 200 Castlepollard - Heritage Policy Objectives It is a policy objective of Westmeath County Council to: CPO 8.35 Protect and maintain the Architectural Conservation Area in Castlepollard and the buildings within the ACA and resist development proposals that would undermine the setting and interpretation of any structure located within the ACA. CPO 8.36 Prioritise the enhancement of the streetscape and heritage assets of the town centre particularly within the ACA, to continue environmental improvements, to sustain and improve its attraction for living, working, visiting and investment. CPO 8.37 Require works within the Architectural Conservation Area in Castlepollard to be carried out in accordance with the “Statement of Character” prepared for the ACA. CPO 8.38 Reopen historic connection incorporating the re-instatement of a pedestrian footpath from the rear of the Church of Ireland grounds on the south side of the square to the parklands and gardens of Kinturk Demesne (See Map 4, Volume 2). CPO 8.39 Create a dedicated Castlepollard Heritage Trail incorporating the surrounding hinterlands to promote local history and cultural heritage.
- SETTLEMENT PLANS 8 Westmeath County Development Plan 2021-2027 201 8.3.2 Kilbeggan 8.3.2.1 Location & Context: Situated on the River Brosna in the south of the County approximately 31km from Mullingar, Kilbeggan is located in close proximity to the M6 motorway and is well served with transport links to the main service centres of Mullingar, Athlone and Tullamore. According to the 2016 census, the population of the settlement was 1,288 residents, up 7.4% from the previous census and greater than the county average of 3% for the same period. Census data between the period 2002 and 2016 disclosed that the population of the town has increased by 98%, compared to the county average of 23.5%. This growth is population reflects the towns attractiveness in terms of its proximity to the previously designated linked gateway of Athlone/Tullamore/Mullingar, and to Dublin by way of the M6 motorway. 8.3.2.2 Historical Context & Settlement Form The name of Kilbeggan is derived from the Church of St Bécán, a sixth century monastery built close to the River Brosna. Kilbeggan was an important market town in the nineteenth century to the surrounding agricultural community. The town started producing whiskey in 1757 and a distillery was erected along the Brosna River (present day Kilbeggan distillery) supported by a number of flour mills. A branch of the Grand Canal located to the east of the town closed in 1961. Kilbeggan is a planned town, arranged along a main thoroughfare that widens towards the centre to form the Market Square. Buildings along its extent are typically two and three storeys in height with narrow burgage plots. The traditional building form and layout of the centre of the town remains substantially as it was in the late 18th and 19th centuries, with more recent developments, primarily located along its southern and eastern approach roads. The authenticity of Kilbeggan’s setting, built form and layout is a key factor in attracting both residents and visitors to the town. 8.3.2.3 Social Infrastructure Kilbeggan serves as the retail centre for a larger rural catchment area and provides a range of services, social and community facilities, including a Garda Station, Post Office, Medical Centre, Creches and pre-school, Churches, retail shops and public houses within the town. The structure of the settlement is well defined, with retail and commercial uses primarily located within its town core, educational, institutional and community uses generally to the east; and the Distillery and other industrial uses to the west. Kilbeggan sports and recreational facilities comprise of GAA, handball, astro-turf pitch, tennis courts, soccer, pitch and putt, running track, private gym, children’s playgrounds and Kilbeggan racing course. The town is served by a Primary and Secondary School located on adjacent sites. In 2019, Scoil an Chlochair Primary School had an attendance of 575 student while Mercy Secondary School Kilbeggan had 598 pupils. Planning permission has been approved for a new Secondary School on lands located to the east of the existing school site, which will consolidate the provision of educational facilities at this location. 8.3.2.4 Physical Infrastructure Kilbeggan is served by an existing wastewater treatment system located on the western side of the town next to the River Brosna, water is sourced from the Mullingar High Level Water Supply Scheme. Kilbeggan is strategically located on a major inter-urban transport route and has good quality public
- SETTLEMENT PLANS 8 Westmeath County Development Plan 2021-2027 202 transport and road links to Dublin. Kilbeggan to Dublin is served numerous times daily by several public and private bus operators, neighbouring towns of Athlone, Mullingar and Tullamore also have good bus connections. Westmeath County Council secured €500,000 Outdoor Recreation Funding for the development of a greenway along the Grand Canal spur from Kilbeggan to Ballycommon in Offaly which is part of a joint venture with Offaly County Council. In recent years, the Council secured funding of €1.5m million to undertake comprehensive public realm enhancement works along the Main Street comprising of upgrading of pedestrian footpaths and crossings, undergrounding of telecommunication cables, new public lighting, surface water alleviation works, all of which serve to visually enhance the attractive traditional character of the town. The opening of the motorway immediately to the south of Kilbeggan has resulted in a substantial reduction of through traffic along the Main Street. Further opportunity exists to capitalise upon the above works to redefine how the street and existing public spaces are used to best serve residents and visitors alike and to focus on regeneration of the existing building stock within the town core. 8.3.2.5 Function & Vision Kilbeggan is designated as a Self-Sustaining Growth Town in the Core Strategy and thus has an important economic focus, providing retail, residential, service and amenity functions for locals and the rural hinterlands and supporting the upper tiers of the Settlement Hierarchy. Opportunity exists to enhance the level of jobs and services in the town, given established employment base and having regard to capitalising upon developing Kilbeggan as a tourist base for local attractions such as Kilbeggan Distillery and Kilbeggan Racecourse. Consolidated growth within the development footprint, regeneration, supporting local employment, expansion of services to meet the needs of residents and visitors together with measures to visually enhance the public realm and historic character and setting of this settlement will be key in realising the potential of Kilbeggan as a Self- Sustaining Growth Town. Kilbeggan - Settlement Plan General Policy Objectives It is a policy objective of Westmeath County Council to: CPO 8.40 Promote the development of Kilbeggan as a driver of economic growth in the area and fulfil its role as a designated Self-Sustaining Growth Town. CPO 8.41 Support the expansion of a range of services and facilities available to residents and the wider rural hinterland. CPO 8.42 Engage with the community and relevant stakeholders to promote and support the regeneration of Kilbeggan through identification of significant regeneration projects along with associated funding streams including the Rural Regeneration and Development Fund.
- SETTLEMENT PLANS 8 Westmeath County Development Plan 2021-2027 203 CPO 8.43 Provide for the creation of sustainable communities in Kilbeggan by identifying sufficient land for new development, in particular housing, enterprise and employment, community and recreational uses. CPO 8.44 Maximise the potential of developing Killbeggan as a tourist destination by facilitating the expansion of tourist attractions and developing a coordinated tourism product based on existing amenities within the town and its rural environs. 8.3.2.6 Economic Development Kilbeggan has an established industrial base in the town. Dawn Meats to the south west of the town is one of the larger employers with in excess of 200 employees. The 2016 census informs that in excess of 43% of the population from Kilbeggan are engaged within office-based activity (including ‘Professional Services’ (16%), ‘Commerce and Trade’ (22%) and ‘Public Administration’ (5%), while 27% are involved in manufacturing industries and 22% in Commerce and Trade. Lands are identified for employment purposes on the Moate and Clara roads, at Aghamore Industrial Estate and Midlands Gateway Business Park so as to capitalise on the potential of established leading industries at these locations and encourage the development of an ecosystem that supports smart specialisation cluster development and sustained economic growth. Additional lands are also identified south of the town with access onto the Tullamore Road. This in turn will promote innovation and entrepreneurship and enhanced employment opportunities. In addition, the plan provides for a new access road from the Moate Road to Midlands Gateway Business Park given the narrow alignment of existing local primary road L-1223. These lands have been identified for the purpose of facilitating diversification of the local economy into sectors such as precision farming, biotechnology, food and beverage products, low carbon construction and rural resource-based enterprises. Given the established nature of existing premises within the industrial estates, the Council will support the upgrade, retrofitting and enhancement of existing buildings, particularly in the context of achieving energy efficiency and reducing carbon footprint. Kilbeggan - Economic Policy Objectives It is a policy objective of Westmeath County Council to: CPO 8.45 Support the consolidation and growth of existing enterprises and the development of employment opportunities within the town and encourage the smart specialisation approach to development which involves the clustering of distinct industrial sectors. CPO 8.46 Facilitate the establishment of new enterprise and employment uses on lands identified for employment purposes. CPO 8.47 Facilitate the development of a new link road from Midlands Gateway Business Park to the Moate Road (See Map 7, Volume 2).
- SETTLEMENT PLANS 8 Westmeath County Development Plan 2021-2027 204 CPO 8.48 Require all new enterprise development to be located within a landscape network and demonstrate high quality architectural built form that contributes to a positive sense of place and local distinctiveness. CPO 8.49 Support the upgrade, retro-fitting and environmental enhancement of existing industrial premises in the town. CPO 8.50 Development proposals on identified lands shall be accompanied by a site-specific Flood Risk Assessment (FRA) carried out in accordance with the methodology set out in ‘The Planning System and Flood Risk Management – Guidelines for Planning Authorities, 2009’ (See Map 7, Volume 2). 8.3.2.7 Sustainable Communities Kilbeggan is a sought-after location given its proximity to the M6 motorway. There has been a 98% increase in population in the town since 2002. This plan acknowledges the importance for Kilbeggan to consolidate and ensure the delivery of sustainable communities comprising of a mix of housing types, densities and tenure of a high standard of design with a strong emphasis on the principles of placemaking, green infrastructure, permeability and connectivity alongside the integration of community and recreation facilities. The development strategy for Kilbeggan is to support new housing and population growth, thus providing a viable alternative to rural one-off housing within the surrounding hinterland and contributing to the principal of compact growth. Lands have been appropriately zoned in the Plan for new residential development. Provision is also made in accordance with RPO 4.78 of the RSES, for the development of serviced sites to create ‘build your own home’ opportunities within the existing footprint of Kilbeggan. In this regard, a tract of land has been zoned for residential use on the Streamstown Road with an objective to provide self-build plots. New development proposals will be required to demonstrate how they contribute towards the creation of green infrastructure networks. The provision of a new town park to act as an amenity area is imperative, in addition to the provision of walks and links to the town centre and key regeneration sites. Kilbeggan - Sustainable Communities Policy Objectives It is a policy objective of Westmeath County Council to: CPO 8.51 Provide for new residential development in accordance with the requirements of the Housing and Core Strategy. CPO 8.52 Require that an appropriate mix of housing type, tenure, density and size is provided in all new residential developments to meet the needs of the population of Kilbeggan.
- SETTLEMENT PLANS 8 Westmeath County Development Plan 2021-2027 205 CPO 8.53 Encourage the appropriate redevelopment of brownfield and infill sites for residential uses within the footprint of the existing built-up area. CPO 8.54 Work with Irish Water and landowners in providing for serviced sites for residential development within Kilbeggan (See Map 7, Volume 2). CPO 8.55 Support the provision of an easily accessible public park, complete with recreational and amenity facilities within the confines of the town (See Map 7, Volume 2). CPO 8.56 Require proposals for development to demonstrate how they integrate/respond to Green Infrastructure and contribute to the development and protection of overall Green Infrastructure assets. CPO 8.57 Provide for the expansion and development of educational, social, community and recreational facilities in the settlement. CPO 8.58 Promote cycling and walking within the community through the implementation of a walking/cycling strategy and improved walking/cycling infrastructure within the town, its hinterlands and at areas of interest and attractions. CPO 8.59 Support the development of Childcare Facilities on lands identified which shall demonstrate compliance with the ‘Guidelines on Childcare Facilities, Guidelines for Planning Authorities (2001) and Circular Letter PL3 2016 or any superseding guidelines and in accordance with the needs identified by Westmeath County Childcare Committee (WCC). (See Map 7, Volume 2). 8.3.2.8 Commercial & Retail Development There are a significant number of large employers in Kilbeggan: Kilbeggan Distillery and Racecourse are important to the local economy. In 2016, Kilbeggan’s total net retail floorspace was recorded at 610m2 with no additional floorspace provided since 2007. There is an opportunity for Kilbeggan to enhance its retail offer, particularly but not exclusively in the convenience area, in order to serve the needs of those in the town and its rural hinterland. Re-use of vacant buildings and the redevelopment of backlands sites for retail purposes will be a priority given the limited potential for retail development around Main Street. Backlands to the north of the junction at Main Street/Dublin Road and Tullamore Road, offers the potential for retail development with linkages to Main Street. The plan will support the town as an important economic driver for the provision of goods and retail services and encourage the provision of new commercial and retail development within the vicinity of the town centre. The County Retail Strategy defines the type and quantum of retail development suitable for Kilbeggan. In this regard, it identifies that large convenience and middle order comparison, specifically tourism related/niche comparison and small-scale bulky goods floorspace is appropriate at this location.
- SETTLEMENT PLANS 8 Westmeath County Development Plan 2021-2027 206 Kilbeggan - Commercial & Retail Policy Objectives It is a policy objective of Westmeath County Council to: CPO 8.60 Sustain and enhance the retail and services offer of Kilbeggan Town Centre in line with the County Retail Strategy. CPO 8.61 Reinforce the centre of Kilbeggan as the priority location for new commercial and retail development, with emphasis on quality of design, positive contribution to the existing streetscape and protection of existing heritage assets. CPO 8.62 Support the provision of mixed-use developments in the town centre which create opportunities to live, work, shop, etc. within the town and reduce the propensity to travel by private car. CPO 8.63 Support commercial opportunities within Kilbeggan town centre which harness the potential of its tourist assets and tourism profile. CPO 8.64 Encourage and facilitate the re-use and regeneration of derelict land and buildings for retail and other town centre uses, with due cognisance to the Sequential Approach prescribed in the Retail Planning Guidelines 2012. 8.3.2.9 Tourism Kilbeggan hosts several key regional tourist attractions. In this regard, Kilbeggan Distillery is the third major tourist attraction in the County and is the only sample left in Ireland of a typical small pot distillery. Kilbeggan Racecourse is 1km north of the town and is Ireland’s only All National Hunt Racecourse, the racecourse holds eight one-day race meetings annually with annual attendances of up to 40,000 people. Opportunity exists to strengthen the commercial base of the town centre around these tourism related assets in addition to the creation of increased connectivity between the attractions and the town centre, particularly around enhanced racecourse linkages. There are also a number of existing and proposed walking/cycling Greenway developments around Kilbeggan which offer further tourism potential. The Grand Canal connects Dublin City to the River Shannon with a Grand Canal spur from Ballycommon in County Offaly to the Canal Harbour located to the southeast of Kilbeggan. The ‘Royal Canal to Grand Canal’ greenway provides a link south of Kilbeggan to Ballycommon. A long-distance National Waymarked Way exists from Mullingar to Kilbeggan titled the “Westmeath Way”, however this is fragmented and requires some work to reroute and upgrade. There is potential to re-route the “Westmeath Way” from Aghyrassy along the River Brosna to Lilliput linking up with the existing “Westmeath Way” as far as Dysart. A new extension to the walkway along the Dysart River will provide for a connection to the “Old Rail Trail” greenway at Barrettstown.
- SETTLEMENT PLANS 8 Westmeath County Development Plan 2021-2027 207 In addition, potential exists for a cycle link from Kilbeggan to the “Old Rail Trail” greenway in Streamstown, providing a cycle connection to Mullingar and Athlone. Other tourist attractions within the locality include fishing on the River Brosna, New Forest Golf Course, Ardan Woods Reserve, Long Hill Esker Walk and the site of a 6th century monastery founded by Saint Colmcille at Durrow Abbey. The Council will look favourably on sustainable tourism developments and especially on supporting tourism infrastructure and improved linkages to the town. Kilbeggan - Tourism Policy Objectives It is a policy objective of Westmeath County Council to: CPO 8.65 Continue to promote and harness the potential of Kilbeggan as a tourist destination. CPO 8.66 Support and enhance the tourism offering of existing attractions such as Kilbeggan Distillery, Kilbeggan Race Course, the former Canal Buildings and associated tourism attractions. CPO 8.67 Support the delivery of better pedestrian linkages between the racecourse track and the town (See Map 7, Volume 2). CPO 8.68 Develop heritage and activity-based tourism and use the marketing momentum behind Ireland’s Ancient East to integrate its Tourism services into a strong and coherent offer that will build growing visitor numbers. CPO 8.69 Facilitate the development of a walking and cycling route along the Grand Canal Branch from Kilbeggan to Ballycommon, Co. Offaly (See Map 7, Volume 2). CPO 8.70 Support the re-route and upgrade of the Westmeath Way walking trail, bringing it offroad and connecting to the Old Rail Trail at Dysart, ensuring its status as an accredited National Waymarked way. CPO 8.71 Seek to facilitate the development of an off-road cycling link from Kilbeggan to the Old Rail Trail at Streamstown (See Map 7, Volume 2). 8.3.2.10 Regeneration Regeneration within the settlement presents the potential for physical and social renewal with the support of public-sector expertise and investment, including NPF and European funding. In particular the Rural Regeneration and Development Fund operated by the Department of Rural and Community Development plays an important role and is available to support coordinated and integrated projects between government departments, State agencies, local authorities, other public bodies and communities, which will have an impact on sustainable economic and social development in rural areas.
- SETTLEMENT PLANS 8 Westmeath County Development Plan 2021-2027 208 Accordingly, the potential for better use of under-utilised and vacant sites within the existing built-up footprint of Kilbeggan to drive the delivery of quality housing, services and employment opportunities in tandem with supporting social infrastructure is promoted in the Plan. One specific Opportunity Site has been identified for comprehensive redevelopment or refurbishment of existing brownfield lands and infill site over the lifetime of the plan. The redevelopment of this site presents an opportunity to contribute to Kilbeggan’s rejuvenation and revitalisation and to contribute to the overall improvement of the public realm and visual amenity. In this regard proposals for strategic brownfield and infill sites should be accompanied by a site brief and/or masterplan that sets out a phased programme for the regeneration of the site and demonstrates how the proposal will comply with National Guidelines that seek to achieve sustainable compact development and to integrate principles of good urban design and placemaking. Opportunity Site 1 – North of Main Street. This opportunity site comprises a large parcel of lands located along the north side of Main Street and with frontage also onto the Mullingar Road. These existing vacant and underutilised town centre lands were previously utilised for commercial, residential and agricultural uses. This site has an area of circa 3.5 hectares and lands have multiple land use zonings within this plan. The site offers the potential for the delivery of a mixed-use scheme to strengthen the commercial base of the town, together with the provision of residential development, taking advantage of the site’s prime location in the town centre with potential pedestrian and vehicular connections to the Main Street and Mullingar Road. Kilbeggan – Regeneration Objectives It is a policy objective of Westmeath County Council to: CPO 8.72 Support the redevelopment of identified Regeneration/Opportunity Sites in the town (See Map 7, Volume 2). CPO 8.73 Support the consolidation of Kilbeggan Town Centre through encouraging the re-use and regeneration of lands and buildings along Main Street, with the key priority being the development of opportunity sites and ensuring their connectivity to the Main Street. 8.3.2.11 Placemaking Kilbeggan provides the focus for a wide range of activities that contribute to a sense of place and identity. This town plays an important economic, social and cultural role with the main priority of consolidation in the existing centre and support of the existing businesses and activities, in order to maintain vibrancy. The town centre has been designated as an Architectural Conservation Area given the architectural merit of many of the buildings and overall design of the town, the aim of which is to retain the overall special historic and architectural character of the area. Whilst much work has been done in partnership with the local community there remains considerable opportunity to enhance the town by promoting visual enhancement of buildings, streetscape and public realm elements.
- SETTLEMENT PLANS 8 Westmeath County Development Plan 2021-2027 209 Kilbeggan can build on its strengths and sense of identity by the development of a Creative Placemaking Strategy supporting an actions-based programme for the most effective presentation, management and development of the town. Enhancement works have the potential to provide for the revitalisation of the core area and to provide social and environmental benefits to the local community and visitors to the town. It will also encourage economic growth and act as a catalyst in assisting with the revitalisation of existing building stock along Main Street/Market Square and provide a pedestrian bias within the town. The strategy will provide guidance and a suite of proposed interventions that will have a transformative impact on the town of Kilbeggan. Particular attention should be focused on the following: • Development of safe and secure pedestrian and cyclist infrastructure links to key community services, schools, amenities and local attractions, so to enhance pedestrian and cycle permeability. • Street Enhancements works along with additional street furniture and tree planting. • Town Enhancement Scheme to promote the visual enhancement of existing streetscape to include vacant and derelict sites, building facade, repainting and rejuvenating and upgrading buildings. • Establish key town entry points to strengthen the ’announcement’ of Kilbeggan. • Provision of a safe and secure walk/cycle route from Canal Harbour to the Town Centre. • Provision of pedestrian link from the “Westmeath Way” at Kilbeggan Distillery, with the construction of two bridges across the Mill Race and River Brosna, to join up with the Main Street at Kilbeggan Bridge. • Provision of a pedestrian walk from Kilbeggan Bridge south along the River Brosna as far as the M6 motorway and create a looped link eastwards adjacent to the motorway to join up with the Relic Road. • Development of a linear biodiversity amenity area on the “Westmeath Way” along the River Brosna corridor on the link from Coola Mills to Kilbeggan Distillery. • Establishment of a heritage/cultural museum and a tourist information point. • Reopening of the Kilbeggan branch of the Grand Canal. • Support the development of sporting facilities. Kilbeggan - Placemaking Policy Objectives It is Council policy objective to: CPO 8.74 Support the preparation and implementation of a Placemaking/Public Realm Strategy for Kilbeggan over the plan period. CPO 8.75 Ensure that the town centre is accessible to all members of the community, including people with mobility issues, the elderly and people with young children.
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.