Westmeath County Development Plan 2021–2027

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   SETTLEMENT PLANS 8 Westmeath County Development Plan 2021-2027 210 CPO 8.76 Actively engage with the community, developers and other agencies to secure resources for the enhancement, renewal and regeneration of the public realm in Kilbeggan. CPO 8.77 Prioritise the improvement of the streetscape and heritage assets of the town centre, to continue environmental improvements, in order to enhance the towns attractiveness for residents and visitors. CPO 8.78 Support the upgrade, retrofitting and visual enhancement of properties in Kilbeggan town centre. 8.3.2.12 Heritage The town has an attractive and distinctive built form and has been designated as an Architectural Conservation Area (ACA) to protect its character. The special architectural character of Kilbeggan derives from the specifically urban form of the central market square and the ever-changing form and height of the late eighteenth and early nineteenth century buildings which line both sides of the long Main Street. The market square, actually a rectangle bisected by the Main Street, may have been laid out as early as the 1620s and all of the buildings addressing the square are of some distinction. Of particular significance is the former Market House occupying a corner plot, testament to the economic prosperity and confidence enjoyed in Kilbeggan in the early nineteenth century, when Kilbeggan was one of the more important market towns in the Midlands. The other corners are strongly expressed with the Saddler’s Inn adding particular interest in its arrangement of low round-headed window opes to both elevations. Also, of note is the pair of houses at the north-western angle, the former Bank of Ireland, a late nineteenth-century building with subdued classical detailing, purpose built to designs by Millar and Symes. The majority of buildings on the Main Street date to the prosperity enjoyed at the turn of the nineteenth century and most retain their primary architectural form with relatively little modern infill. The roof heights and plot widths vary considerably adding interest and character which repays further examination in terms of the architectural detailing. The taller buildings all retain their Georgian hierarchical fenestration with smaller opes under the eaves where there is a particular variety of doorcase types present. Facing one another, the Garda barracks, formerly the RIC barrack is a fine example of its type where the Olde Volunteer (now a Londis) is possibly the oldest occupied structure in the town and has historical associations with the 1798 Rebellion. Where most of the structures display Georgian elevations, there is a suspicion that earlier fabric may survive within and the array and variety of chimney stacks suggest that the Olde Volunteer may not be unique in this regard. Next door, a terrace of three early nineteenth-century houses with an integrated carriage arch contribute to the streetscape with an attractive mid-twentieth tiled mosaic shopfront being the last survivor of several similar shopfronts in the town. Both main approaches to the town are dominated by significant structures, with the picturesque distillery and its waterwheel and chimney to the west and a former hotel executed in a subdued Tudor Gothic style with a curvilinear frontage to the east. This was more than likely built to cater for the

2. Page 222

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   SETTLEMENT PLANS 8 Westmeath County Development Plan 2021-2027 211 canal trade, where the Grand Canal (Kilbeggan Branch), was constructed between 1830-36. This is an important architectural link to an almost forgotten past. Kilbeggan’s special character is thus associated with is status as an important nineteenth-century market town anchored by the market square, however there are strong hints of its earlier origins throughout. Kilbeggan - Heritage Policy Objectives It is a policy objective of Westmeath County Council to: CPO 8.79 Promote and enhance existing archaeological, built and natural heritage elements associated with Kilbeggan and ensure their protection. CPO 8.80 Require, where appropriate, the submission of a comprehensive tree survey with any application on landscape where mature trees are a feature. CPO 8.81 Protect and maintain the Architectural Conservation Area (ACA) in Kilbeggan 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 8.82 Require works within the ACA in Kilbeggan to be carried out in accordance with the “Statement of Character” prepared for the ACA. CPO 8.83 Promote the use of conservation grants by the owners of derelict Protected Structures in the town centre. CPO 8.84 Maintain the amenity character and appearance of the sites and buildings within the Town. The Council will continue to identify and register buildings which are in a derelict state of repair. CPO 8.85 Support the re-development of Coola Mills in accordance with best conservation practice (See Map 7, Volume 2).

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   SETTLEMENT PLANS 8 Westmeath County Development Plan 2021-2027 212 8.3.3 Kinnegad 8.3.3.1 Location & Context: Strategically located at the junction of the M4 and M6, Kinnegad has witnessed a significant increase in population in recent decades. In 2016 the population of the town was 2,745 which represents an increase of 22% from the 2006 census. The town has a younger population than the county average, with only 6% of the population of Kinnegad over 65 compared to the county average of 19.7%. With 64% of the population of working age, significant opportunity exists to develop the economic base of the town and thus help Kinnegad to realise its role as a self-sustaining growth town. 8.3.3.2 Historical Context & Settlement Form The Irish place name for Kinnegad is Cionn Átha Gad, which has been translated as “the head of the Ford of withes”. The Ford referred to is the present day River Kinnegad, which since 1543 has marked the boundary between Westmeath and Meath. This suggests that the settlement began life as a crossing point over the river. The town developed a very strong transport sector in the late 18th and early 19th centuries as it provided a stagecoach resting place on the Dublin to Athlone Coach Road. The linear form of the settlement is largely dictated by the road network within the town, in particular the former N4 Primary Road, now the R148 Regional route. 8.3.3.3 Social Infrastructure Kinnegad serves as the retail centre for a larger rural catchment area and possesses a range of services, social and community facilities, including a Garda Station, Post Office, Bank, Credit Union, Primary Care Centre and health services, Creches and Churches, retail shops, public houses and a hotel within the town. St Etchens Primary School is the sole school located within the town centre, with almost 600 pupils. There are also several active sporting and recreation clubs and facilities in the town. In recent years, the provision of a playground together with public realm improvement works in the vicinity of the church has increased both the amenity value of town and visually enhanced the existing streetscape. 8.3.3.4 Physical Infrastructure Kinnegad is served by an existing wastewater treatment system located on the eastern side of the town next to the Kinnegad River, water is sourced from the Mullingar High Level Water Supply Scheme. The town is well served by the national bus network, with an hourly service to Dublin, Longford and Maynooth operated by Bus Éireann. Commuting statistics from the 2016 Census show that 43.4% of commuters undertake journey times greater than 30 minutes from Kinnegad. 30.3% undertake journey times of less than 15 minutes. Opportunity therefore presents to reduce existing levels of car dependency and thereby lessen carbon emissions, by expanding the employment base in the town in the medium to long term and by promoting the use of existing public transport services in the immediate future in tandem with the provision of a new park and ride facility in the town, which will provide commuters with a transitionary alternative to travelling to work by car.

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   SETTLEMENT PLANS 8 Westmeath County Development Plan 2021-2027 213 8.3.3.5 Function & Vision Kinnegad is designated as a Self-Sustaining Growth Town in the Core Strategy and thus is an important economic driver for the County. The function of Kinnegad is to perform important retail, residential, service, amenity and employment functions for local rural hinterlands and to support the higher tiers of the settlement hierarchy, in particular the key town of Mullingar. The vision for Kinnegad is to facilitate its continued growth as a self-sustaining town. This will involve capitalising on the town’s strategic location, availability of suitably zoned lands and its skilled working population to create a sustainable employment base in the town. Opportunity exists for the regeneration of a number of under-utilised brownfield and infill sites in the town centre together with measures to visually enhance the existing streetscape and public realm. Such measures will increase the attractiveness and vitality of the settlement. Provision of social and community infrastructure to meet the needs of existing rapidly expanding population and future residents is a priority. Kinnegad - Settlement Plan General Policy Objectives It is a policy objective of Westmeath County Council to: CPO 8.86 Promote the development of Kinnegad as a driver of economic growth in the County and fulfil its role as a designated Self-Sustaining Growth Town. CPO 8.87 Facilitate the expansion of the range of services and facilities available to residents and the wider rural hinterland. CPO 8.88 Support the regeneration of infill and brownfield sites in the town core and seek to achieve sustainable compact mixed-use development at these locations based upon the principles of good urban design and placemaking. CPO 8.89 Provide for the creation of sustainable communities in Kinnegad by identifying sufficient land for new development, in particular housing, enterprise and employment, community and recreational uses. CPO 8.90 Support the provision of a “Park and Ride” facility together with dedicated bus pickups/drop offs complete with bus shelter on lands adjacent to the Kinnegad Plaza Service Station (See Map 10, Volume 2). 8.3.3.6 Economic Development: Kinnegad has historically been a service centre for the surrounding hinterland, with employment sources within the settlement largely dominated by commercial and service providers. According to the 2016 census, there were a total of 1,019 resident workers and a total of 398 jobs in the town. Tesco Ireland and Lagan Cement Ltd., a cement works manufacturer located approximately 3.5km southwest of Kinnegad, are the two dominant employers in the town. On further analysis of those at work, it is recorded that 50% of the population of the town are engaged in office-based activity (including ‘Professional Services’ (23%), ‘Commerce and Trade’ (25%) and ‘Public Administration’ (6%).

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   SETTLEMENT PLANS 8 Westmeath County Development Plan 2021-2027 214 Census 2016 indicates that high levels of commuting are a notable factor within Kinnegad, with 43% of the population travelling to school, college or work having a commute time between 30 minutes and in excess of one hour daily. For Kinnegad to develop as a self-sustaining growth town, there is a need to establish an employment base in the settlement in order to provide for sustainable local employment offer. The town is ideally situated in this regard given its strategic location with easy access to the M4 and M6 motorways, availability of suitably zoned lands and skilled population. In order to increase the economic profile of the town, a prominent land bank to the west of Kinnegad in close proximity to the motorway has been zoned for Enterprise and Employment use. Such lands can accommodate a range of enterprise uses ranging from incubator units to second site facilities of scale. Given the strategic location of these lands adjacent to the motorway, within close proximity of Dublin, it is considered that they offer an optimum location for enterprise facilities including transport related enterprise. In addition, further opportunity exists for enterprise development within the identified regeneration sites in the town in addition to the backlands area south of the Main Street. Potential also exists for the development of e-working hubs and enterprise space at this town centre location. Kinnegad - Economic Policy Objectives It is a policy objective of Westmeath County Council to: CPO 8.91 Prepare and implement an Economic Development Strategy for Kinnegad. CPO 8.92 Support the consolidation and growth of existing enterprises and development of employment opportunities within the town. CPO 8.93 Promote and support the establishment of new enterprise and employment uses on lands identified for these purposes. CPO 8.94 Support the town of Kinnegad as a suitable location for second site and relocation opportunities for enterprise development. CPO 8.95 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. 8.3.3.7 Sustainable Communities Kinnegad has experienced rapid population growth over a 20-year period and opportunity now exists to consolidate and ensure the delivery of sustainable communities in tandem with employment opportunities, services and supporting social infrastructure. Accordingly, new residential development should focus on building communities with a high standard of design, underpinned by

6. Page 226

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   SETTLEMENT PLANS 8 Westmeath County Development Plan 2021-2027 215 the principles of placemaking, green infrastructure, permeability and connectivity together with integration of community and recreation facilities. The development strategy for Kinnegad 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 urban growth. Provision is made in the plan for the development of serviced sites to create ‘build your own home’ opportunities within the existing footprint of Kinnegad. The addition of a new library together with an associated educational facility on the site of the former National School is a very positive development along Main Street, which will add further vibrancy to the town centre. Further emphasis should be placed on making provision for additional social infrastructure to meet the needs of both existing residents and new communities. In this regard, provision is made for a town park and playground to serve the needs of both residents and visitors, together with provision of a community centre to further augment recreational provision in the town. St. Etchens Primary School occupies a central and considerable landbank along the Mullingar Road. The plan supports the consolidation of future educational facilities at this location. Given current enrolment levels, it is anticipated that a need may arise for a Secondary School to serve the town. Lands have been suitably zoned in this regard. It is further noted that opportunity exists for sharing of recreational facilities between St. Etchens and Kinnegad GAA. Having regard to the established pattern of residential development in Kinnegad which is located immediately east, west and south of St. Etchen’s Primary School, it is considered that an opportunity exists to develop a network of green routes through existing adjacent residential areas to connect to both the school site and Kinnegad GAA. This would encourage students to walk or cycle to school, thereby reducing car dependency and CO2 emissions. Kinnegad is also a popular destination for walkers with a road and nature trail known locally as “An Boreen Brádach” which semicircles the town to the north over a distance of approximately 5km. This walkway provides a valuable amenity to the residents of Kinnegad and therefore the plan supports enhancing connectivity to same. Kinnegad - Sustainable Communities Policy Objectives It is a policy objective of Westmeath County Council to: CPO 8.96 Provide for new residential development in accordance with the requirements of the Housing and Core Strategy. CPO 8.97 Encourage the appropriate redevelopment of brownfield and infill sites for residential uses within the footprint of the existing built-up area. CPO 8.98 Require proposals for new residential development to demonstrate how they integrate the principles of Green Infrastructure into their scheme.

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   SETTLEMENT PLANS 8 Westmeath County Development Plan 2021-2027 216 CPO 8.99 Provide for the expansion and development of educational, social, community and recreational facilities in the settlement. CPO 8.100 Provide for a community centre to serve the needs of the town (See Map 10, Volume 2). CPO 8.101 Support the development of an indoor sports centre and meeting rooms at Coralstown Kinnegad GAA in conjunction with all the voluntary and sporting groups in the area (See Map 10, Volume 2). CPO 8.102 Support the development of one or more schools including a Secondary School on lands adjacent to St. Etchens Primary School (See Map 10, Volume 2). CPO 8.103 Support the development of a network of green routes to connect adjacent residential estates with St. Etchens School complex and Kinnegad GAA. CPO 8.104 Support the construction of a link road between the Boreen Bradach L-5014-0 and the Killucan Rd L1015-0 to accommodate a secondary school and potential second primary school and allow the sharing of sporting facilities by the schools and Coralstown Kinnegad GAA. CPO 8.105 Support the development of a looped walking/cycling routes within the locality, including the enhancement of “An Boreen Brádach”,” walking/cycle route and encourage increased connectivity to Kinnegad Town Centre. CPO 8.106 Support Kinnegad as an Age Friendly Town and ensure that new developments are designed to meet the needs of older Persons. CPO 8.107 Support the development of housing for Older Persons within Kinnegad and its environs. CPO 8.108 Support the construction of a link road between the Killucan Road L1015 and the roundabout at the junction of the R446-2 and N4-1120, thereby creating a bypass of the Main Street, Kinnegad (See Map 10, Volume 2). CPO 8.109 Allow the appropriate consideration of provision of a nursing home with an activity facility and meeting room as a central area for a small cluster of housing that would support an elderly population in accessing services they require locally within a sustainable development (See Map 10, Volume 2). CPO 8.110 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 10, Volume 2).

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   SETTLEMENT PLANS 8 Westmeath County Development Plan 2021-2027 217 8.3.3.8 Commercial & Retail Development Kinnegad is the third largest retail centre in the County according the County Retail Strategy, providing a total quantum of retail floorspace of 3,061m2, almost double that which prevailed in 2007 (1,532m2). Since then two significant retail developments have opened, namely Aldi food store and Kinnegad Plaza Service Station, providing a gross floor retail area of 1757m2 and 1414m2 respectively. Whilst such developments have improved the convenience offer in the town, there is a need to enhance both the comparison and service offer. Opportunity exists to re-use vacant buildings on Main Street for retail and commercial purposes. In order to consolidate retail activity in the town core, larger retail proposals should be located within the mixed use and expanded town centre zoning to the south of Main Street. In this context, the provision of new and enhanced linkages from the Inner Relief Road to the Main Street is of utmost importance in sustaining the vitality and viability of Kinnegad. The upgrading of existing premises and visual enhancement of the streetscape will also be supported in order to enhance the retail environment of the town. The County Retail Strategy defines the type and quantum of retail development suitable for Kinnegad. 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. Kinnegad - Commercial & Retail Policy Objectives It is a policy objective of Westmeath County Council to: CPO 8.111 Sustain and enhance the retail and services offer of Kinnegad town centre and facilitate a competitive and healthy environment for the commercial and retailing industry, in line with the Westmeath County Retail Strategy. CPO 8.112 Reinforce the centre of Kinnegad as the priority location for new commercial and retail development, with quality of design, positive contribution to the existing streetscape, and integration/linkage with the town core being the key underpinning principles in the expanded mixed-use town area. CPO 8.113 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 8.114 Encourage and facilitate the re-use and regeneration of derelict land and buildings for retail and other town centre uses. CPO 8.115 Support the development of under-utilised lands between the Inner Relief Road and the Main Street with appropriate mixed-use development with pedestrian/vehicular links to the Main Street (See Map 10, Volume 2). The site has the potential to enhance employment opportunities within the town core, and to provide for an element of residential development as part of a masterplan for the overall site, thereby increasing the sustainability and viability of the settlement.

9. Page 229

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   SETTLEMENT PLANS 8 Westmeath County Development Plan 2021-2027 218 CPO 8.116 Support the upgrade, retrofitting and visual enhancement of existing commercial properties in Kinnegad. 8.3.3.9 Regeneration A number of key sites exist within the settlement which present the potential for physical and social regeneration with the support of private and public-sector expertise and investment, including NPF and European funding. In particular the €1bn 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. Accordingly, the potential for better use of under-utilised and vacant sites and buildings within the existing built-up footprint of Kinnegad to drive the delivery of quality housing, services and employment opportunities in tandem with supporting social infrastructure is promoted. Three specific Opportunity Sites have been identified for comprehensive redevelopment or refurbishment of existing brownfield lands and infill sites over the lifetime of the plan. The redevelopment of these sites presents an opportunity to contribute to the rejuvenation and revitalisation of Kinnegad, improve the public realm and increase the vitality and viability of this self-sustaining growth town. 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 – South of Main Street. This opportunity site compromises of a strategic landbank in the town core located to the south of Main Street, with frontage onto the old Galway Road. The site was previously in use as a tannery. It comprises several vacant buildings on brownfield lands which are zoned “Mixed Use” and “Expanded Town Centre”. The site offers the potential to strengthen the commercial base of the town and presents an opportunity to introduce a modern development scheme onto the Main Street and associated backlands thereby improving the vitality and viability of the town centre. The site has the potential to enhance employment opportunities within the town core, thereby increasing the sustainability of the settlement. Opportunity Site 2 – Former National School Site, Main St. Situated to the west of the town and north of the Main Street sits the former “Old National School” building and associated “Principal’s House”. These buildings have considerable architectural merit, contribute positively to the existing streetscape and accordingly are included on the Record of Protected Structures. This site presents an opportunity to address existing social infrastructure deficit in the town through the development of a library and educational campus to support the social and educational needs of the existing population and new communities. Given the existing protected structures on site, the redevelopment of this site should be carried out in accordance with best

10. Page 230

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    SETTLEMENT PLANS 8 Westmeath County Development Plan 2021-2027 219 conservation practice. This will ensure the preservation and continued use of existing architecturally significant buildings at this location and increase pedestrian footfall along Main Street. Westmeath County Council in partnership with Longford Westmeath Education & Training Board (LWETB) have been successful in their initial application for Rural Regeneration and Development Funding (RRDF) to provide a state-of-the-art Library and Education Centre on these lands. Opportunity Site 3 – Town Park & Community Facilities. Opportunity exists for the development of a Town Park, children’s playground and community facilities on a site of 1.48 hectares at a strategic location in the core area of the town. This site currently contains a public carpark fronting onto the Main Street, open lands to the rear which were formerly a pitch and putt course and later a soccer pitch, and a community hall and former children’s playground fronting onto the old Galway road. This existing community hall building, no longer in use, is in a dilapidated condition and is not conducive to the identified future needs of the community. Each of the three distinct elements has a specific zoning compromising of “Mixed Use”, “Open Space” and “Community, Educational and Institutional”. The development of a Town Park and community facilities at this location will provide for enhanced social infrastructure, whilst also allowing for a meeting place for passive and recreational purposes within the town as well as greater connectivity to and within the town core. The Council is committed to pursuing Rural Regeneration Development Funding for the provision of a town park and community facilities in Kinnegad. Kinnegad – Regeneration Policy Objectives It is a policy objective of Westmeath County Council to: CPO 8.117 Support the redevelopment of identified Regeneration/Opportunity Sites in the town. CPO 8.118 Promote the consolidation of Kinnegad Town Centre through encouraging the re-use and regeneration of existing buildings and under-utilised brownfield and backlands for commercial development with the key priority of ensuring connectivity to the Main Street (See Map 10, Volume 2). CPO 8.119 Provide a new library and education centre on the site of the former “Old National School” and “Principal’s House” building (See Map 10, Volume 2). CPO 8.120 Support the provision of an easily accessible public park, complete with recreational and amenity facilities within the confines of the town centre (See Map 10, Volume 2). 8.3.3.10 Placemaking Kinnegad 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. Kinnegad can build on its strengths and further enhance its sense of identity by the development of a Creative Placemaking Strategy supporting an actions-based programme for the

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