Westmeath County Development Plan 2021–2027

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   SETTLEMENT PLANS 8 Westmeath County Development Plan 2021-2027 220 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, encourage economic growth and act as a catalyst in assisting with the revitalisation of existing building stock along Main Street and provide a pedestrian bias within the town. The strategy will provide guidance on a suite of proposed interventions that will have a transformative impact on the town of Kinnegad. Particular attention should be focused on the following: • Preparation of a Public Realm & Environmental Improvement Strategy. • 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 consisting of widening of footpaths and the provision of new paving, along with additional street furniture and tree planting. • Establish key town entry points to strengthen the ’announcement’ of Kinnegad. • Support the provision of a link to the “Old Bog Road” at Cloncrave, in addition to links to the Kinnegad River. • Support the establishment of a river side walk and river side biodiversity amenity area. • Provide a dedicated safe pedestrian/cycling link from Kinnegad along the Killucan Road past Kinnegad Juniors soccer complex to the junction with “An Boreen Bradach”. Kinnegad - Placemaking Policy Objectives It is a policy objective of Westmeath County Council to: CPO 8.121 Support the preparation and implementation of a Placemaking/Public Realm Strategy for Kinnegad over the plan period. CPO 8.122 Provide for tree planting to the south of the Inner Relief Road and along both sides of the local road serving Kinnegad Plaza (See Map 10, Volume 2). CPO 8.123 Actively engage with the community, developers and other agencies to secure resources for the enhancement, renewal and regeneration of the public realm in Kinnegad. CPO 8.124 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. 8.3.3.11 Heritage Much of the heritage features associated with Kinnegad relate to built elements, with several fine examples of architectural heritage. The NIAH classifies 11 structures, buildings or complexes worthy of regional status for protection in the settlement. The layout of these structures largely reflects the historic settlement form of Kinnegad, with most of the structures located on the Main Street. Of particular note are the remains of the multi-arch road bridge over the Kinnegad River, built circa 1665.

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   SETTLEMENT PLANS 8 Westmeath County Development Plan 2021-2027 221 Three arches of the seventeenth Century Bridge survive to the southeast side of the bridge, with a modern concrete span to the northwest built circa 1936. This bridge that straddles the border of Westmeath and Meath offers an interesting architectural fragment of considerable historical merit, and an important element of the transport and civil engineering heritage of Westmeath. There are a number of archaeological sites in the surrounding area, predominately in the southern environs of the town ranging from raths or ringforts to enclosures and earthworks. Approximately 4km north of the town lies the Special Area of Conservation and proposed Natural Heritage Area of Mount Hevey Bog which comprises of a raised bog that includes areas of both high bog and cutover bog with the Dublin-Sligo railway running through the northern part of the bog isolating two northern lobes. The proposed Natural Heritage Area of the Royal Canal bounds the bog to the north. Kinnegad - Heritage Policy Objectives It is a policy objective of Westmeath County Council to: CPO 8.125 Promote and enhance existing archaeological, built and natural heritage elements associated with Kinnegad and ensure their protection. CPO 8.126 Support the development of a dedicated Kinnegad Heritage Trail incorporating the surrounding hinterlands to promote local history and cultural heritage.

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   SETTLEMENT PLANS 8 Westmeath County Development Plan 2021-2027 222 8.3.4 Moate 8.3.4.1 Location & Context: Moate is located in the south west of the County close to the boundary with County Offaly, 12km east of Athlone and 33km south of Mullingar. The former Dublin to Galway route (R446) bisects the town with the new M6 bypassing the town to the south. In 2016 Moate had a population of 2,763 people. During the period 2006-2016 the population of the town increased by 46%, compared to a 12% increase in the population of County Westmeath over the same period. This growth in population is as a result of Moates strategic location and proximity to Athlone and other Midland centres of employment. 8.3.4.2 Historical Context & Settlement Form The name Moate (An Móta) refers to the Anglo-Norman Motte-and-Bailey castle situated to the south of the town, of which the Motte remains. Moate Castle, on the opposite side of the Main Street, is the oldest surviving building in the town, and remains inhabited today. It was built in the sixteenth century as a tower house and was extended and adapted in the eighteenth century. A Quaker family purchased the castle in the mid-seventeenth century and established the modern market town, bringing industries such as a tannery, a large linen industry from local flax, brewery, distillery and a coachbuilders, which attracted workers and traders who built houses and shops. The Quakers left a lasting impression on the town, including a walled cemetery and a meeting house in the castle grounds, which were developed in 1680s, and continued in use until 1931. The urban character of the town is dominated by its wide Main Street, which confirm its historic links as an important market town. The layout and form of the town has not altered much since the early twentieth century. The town in the past experienced traffic congestion, however, the M6 motorway provides an opportunity to re-sculpt the Main Street/Church Street vicinity reinforcing the areas role as the hub of the town. 8.3.4.3 Social Infrastructure Moate serves as the retail centre for a larger rural catchment area and provides important educational and community functions which extend beyond Moate’s retail role. Several institutional uses located on or near Main Street and Church Street serve a wide area. These include Moate Public Library, Tuar Ard Arts Centre, Moate Business College, a youth centre, Men’s Shed, and Moate Museum. There are three schools in the town, two primary schools and one secondary school, in addition to Moate Business College. In 2019, St. Brigid’s Primary School had an enrolment number of 243 pupils and Oliver Plunkett Primary School on the Lake Road had an enrolment of 98 boys, while Moate Community College in Church Street had student attendance of 810 pupils. Moate Business College offers a wide variety of PLC courses to both school leavers and mature students, this school is currently running 17 full-time courses and caters for almost 500 full-time students. In recent years there have been several positive developments in the town including, the development of a Biodiversity Park at Dún Na Sí, public realm improvement works, development of a Library in the former Courthouse and completion of the provision adjacent to the former Midland Great Western railway of the Old Rail Trail Greenway, which forms part of the National Cycle Network. All of these developments serve to enhance the considerable offerings in Moate.

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   SETTLEMENT PLANS 8 Westmeath County Development Plan 2021-2027 223 8.3.4.4 Physical Infrastructure Moate is served by an existing wastewater treatment plant with the town served by the Mullingar High Level Water Supply Scheme, which has been recently upgraded. The opening of the motorway immediately to the south of Moate has resulted in a substantial reduction of through traffic along the Main Street. Further opportunity exists 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. Located on the N6, the town has strong transportation links by road and is centrally positioned between Galway and Dublin. It is well served by national and regional bus networks. Bus Eireann, Citylink, Flagline and Carrolls Coaches link Moate to several towns and cities around the country including Dublin, Galway, Athlone, Tullamore, Mountmellick and Roscrea. 8.3.4.5 Function & Vision Moate is designated as a Self-Sustaining Growth Town in the Core Strategy and thus has an important economic focus performing important retail, residential, service and amenity functions for local rural hinterlands and supporting the upper tiers of the Settlement Hierarchy. Opportunity exists to improve upon the moderate level of jobs and services in the town and to facilitate its continued self-sustaining growth. Building on recent population growth, opportunity exists to consolidate growth within the development boundary of the town and to provide for supporting social and community infrastructure to meet the needs of existing and future residents. Further opportunity exists to increase the economic profile of the town by zoning additional lands for employment use and by maximising the potential of the strategic location of Moate. The realisation of regeneration opportunities in Moate, in promoting the creation of 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 Moate as a Self-Sustaining Growth Town. Moate - Settlement Plan General Policy Objectives It is a policy objective of Westmeath County Council to: CPO 8.127 Promote the development of Moate as a driver of economic growth in the area and fulfil its role as a designated Self-Sustaining Growth Town. CPO 8.128 Support the expansion of services and facilities available to residents and the wider rural hinterland. CPO 8.129 Through the engagement of community and wider private and public sector support and investment funds, including the Rural Regeneration and Development Fund, promote and support the regeneration of Moate through identification of significant regeneration projects

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   SETTLEMENT PLANS 8 Westmeath County Development Plan 2021-2027 224 CPO 8.130 Provide for the creation of sustainable communities in Moate by identifying sufficient land for new development, in particular housing, enterprise and employment, community and recreational uses. 8.3.4.6 Economic Development Moate has historically been a service centre for the surrounding hinterland, with employment sources within the settlement largely dominated by commercial and service providers. There are 1,151 resident workers in Moate with 559 available jobs within the town. In excess of 54% of the population are engaged within office-based activity (including ‘Professional Services’ (24%), ‘Commerce and Trade’ (23%) and ‘Public Administration’ (7%), while 12% are involved in manufacturing industries. Lands are zoned to the east of the settlement for Enterprise and Employment use at Moate Business Park to capitalise on the potential of established leading engineering industries at this location and encourage the development of an ecosystem that supports smart specialisation, cluster development and sustained economic growth. This in turn will promote innovation and entrepreneurship and enhance employment opportunities. In addition, the plan provides for the zoning of additional enterprise and employment lands adjacent to Moate Business Park. These lands have been identified to facilitate the diversification of the local economy into sectors such as precision farming, biotechnology, food and beverage products, low carbon construction and rural resource-based enterprises. Consideration will also be given to the development of incubator and e-working hubs at this location. Moate - Economic Development Policy Objectives It is a policy objective of Westmeath County Council to: CPO 8.131 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 8.132 Facilitate the establishment of new enterprise and employment uses on lands identified for employment purposes. CPO 8.133 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 distinctiveness. CPO 8.134 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 13, Volume 2).

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   SETTLEMENT PLANS 8 Westmeath County Development Plan 2021-2027 225 8.3.4.7 Sustainable Communities This plan acknowledges the importance of consolidation in Moate to ensure the delivery of sustainable communities comprising of a mix of housing types, densities and tenure of a high standard of design and with an emphasis on the principles of placemaking, green infrastructure, permeability and connectivity alongside the integration of community and recreation facilities. The development strategy for Moate 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 principle of compact growth. Provision is made in the plan 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 Moate. In this regard, a tract of land has been zoned for residential use on the Cartonkeel Road with an objective to provide self-build plots. Given Moate’s key role in the provision of education and the anticipated population growth within this locality, lands to the south of Church Street and adjacent to Moate Community Centre are zoned for educational purposes. New development proposals will have to demonstrate how they contribute towards the creation of green infrastructure networks, in addition to the provision of appropriate linkages to the town centre and key regeneration sites. Moate - Sustainable Communities Policy Objectives It is a policy objective of Westmeath County Council to: CPO 8.135 Provide for new residential development in accordance with the requirements of the Housing and Core Strategy. CPO 8.136 Require that an appropriate mix of housing type, tenure, density and size is provided in all new residential areas to meet the needs of the population of Moate. CPO 8.137 Encourage the appropriate redevelopment of brownfield and infill sites for residential uses within the footprint of the existing built-up area. CPO 8.138 Support the development of a Primary School, including access roadway and associated infrastructure, on lands adjacent to the Community Centre on Church Street. Development proposals on land identified as being at risk of flooding 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 13, Volume 2). CPO 8.139 Work with the Irish Water and landowners to provide serviced sites for residential development within Moate (See Map 13, Volume 2).

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   SETTLEMENT PLANS 8 Westmeath County Development Plan 2021-2027 226 CPO 8.140 Require proposals for new development to integrate with existing Green Infrastructure networks and contribute to the development and protection of overall Green Infrastructure assets. 8.3.4.8 Commercial & Retail Development Moate is identified as the fourth largest retail centre in the County Retail Strategy with a total quantum floorspace of 2,074m2 in 2016, unchanged from 2007. Reflecting the strong population growth Moate has experienced since 2006, there is potential for the town to improve its convenience offer, particularly considering its role and importance to its rural hinterland. Given its proximity to Athlone, it is envisaged that Moate should focus on growth of its independent comparison retail offer with scope for expansion of the tourism related offer. Lands fronting onto Main Street and Toorard Road which extend to the rear of St Patrick’s Church are identified as a Regeneration Site suitable for retail development and mixed-use development in this regard. While steps have been taken to enhance the town’s public realm, there is potential for the enhancement of the heritage streetscape and a prioritisation of pedestrian and cyclist infrastructure and accessibility on Main Street/Church Street, in particular at the Tuar Ard Art Centre and Moate Community School. 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 Moate. 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. Moate - Commercial & Retail Policy Objectives It is a policy objective of Westmeath County Council to: CPO 8.141 Support the vitality and viability of Moate and facilitate a competitive and healthy environment for the commercial and retailing industry in line with the Westmeath County Retail Strategy. CPO 8.142 Reinforce Moate Town Centre as the priority location for new commercial and retail development, with quality of design, integration and enhanced linkages being the key underpinning principles of an expanded mixed-use town core. CPO 8.143 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 8.144 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.

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   SETTLEMENT PLANS 8 Westmeath County Development Plan 2021-2027 227 8.3.4.9 Tourism Moate has a number of tourist attractions, building on the historic and cultural heritage of the area such as Tuar Ard Arts Centre, Moate Museum and Dún na Sí Amenity and Heritage Park. In addition, the town and its hinterland have many natural and built heritage features which attract visitors to the area. Important habitats within the immediate locality consist of Natural Heritage Area (NHA) at Ballynagrenia and Ballinderry Bog and proposed Natural Heritage Area at Ballynagarbry Esker which forms part of the extensive Mount Temple Esker System. The Old Rail Trail Greenway which officially opened in October 2015 runs along the former Mullingar- Athlone railway line and comprises the Westmeath section of the Dublin–Galway Greenway. This greenway extends from the existing Royal Canal Greenway in Mullingar to the town of Moate before arriving in Athlone and significantly enhances the tourist offering in Moate. Several existing and proposed looped walking/cycling routes within the immediate vicinity of Moate offer the potential for related tourism development. Moate Railway Station, originally dating from 1857 forms an access point to the Old Rail Trail Greenway, with the remaining station structures and lands offering potential to enhance the visitors experience by way of the provision of supporting facilities. The town has strong connections with the Quaker movement and many of the buildings in the town remain from that time including the Castle and graveyard. Moate - Tourism Policy Objectives It is a policy objective of Westmeath County Council to: CPO 8.145 Continue to encourage tourism related development in Moate. CPO 8.146 Support activity-based tourism and use the marketing momentum behind Ireland’s Hidden Heartlands to integrate its Tourism services into a strong and coherent offer that will build growing visitor numbers. CPO 8.147 Support the development of Moate Railway Station as a tourist facility along the Old Rail Trail Greenway (See Map 13, Volume 2). CPO 8.148 Support the development of a Quaker Tourist Trail within the town to promote local history and cultural heritage. CPO 8.149 Support initiatives to promote the Quaker Heritage of Moate. 8.3.4.10 Regeneration A key site has been identified within the settlement offering the potential for physical and social regeneration 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

9. Page 239

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   SETTLEMENT PLANS 8 Westmeath County Development Plan 2021-2027 228 public bodies and communities, which will have an impact on sustainable economic and social development in rural areas. The potential exists for better use of under-utilised and vacant sites and buildings within the existing built-up footprint of Moate to drive the delivery of quality housing, services and employment opportunities in tandem with supporting social infrastructure is promoted. One specific regeneration site has been identified for comprehensive brownfield and infill redevelopment over the lifetime of the plan. The redevelopment of this site presents an opportunity to contribute to Moate’s rejuvenation and revitalisation and to contribute to the overall improvement of the public realm and visual amenity of the 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 a c.3.5 hectares parcel of land located along the southern side of Main Street and with frontage onto Toorard Road. These existing vacant and underutilised town centre lands were previously used for commercial and residential purposes and are identified for “mixed use” and “expanded settlement centre” zoning uses. The site offers the potential for redevelopment of mixed and commercial uses which would strengthen the commercial base of the town, in additional to residential units, harnessing the site’s prime location in the town centre. Potential also exists for pedestrian and vehicular connections to the Main Street, Toorard Road and the Community Centre. Moate - Regeneration Policy Objectives It is a policy objective of Westmeath County Council to: CPO 8.150 Secure and promote the consolidation of Moate 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. CPO 8.151 Support the redevelopment of identified Regeneration/Opportunity Site in the town (See Map 13, Volume 2). CPO 8.152 Continue to identify sites in a poor state of repair or neglect under the Derelict Sites Act.

10. Page 240

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    SETTLEMENT PLANS 8 Westmeath County Development Plan 2021-2027 229 8.3.4.11 Placemaking Moate provides 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. Moate can build on its strengths and sense of identity by the development of a Creative Placemaking Strategy to deliver an actions-based programme supporting 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 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 Moate. 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. • Establish key town entry points to strengthen the ’announcement’ of Moate. • Street Enhancements works consisting of widening of the footpaths and the provision of new paving, along with renewed street furniture and planting. • Reorganisation and reduction in car parking along the main street and replacement with offstreet parking. • A Town Enhancement Scheme to oversee the improvement of buildings and streetscapes to include vacant and derelict sites, building facade, repainting and rejuvenation of buildings. Moate - Placemaking Policy Objectives It is a policy objective of Westmeath County Council to: CPO 8.153 Support the preparation and implementation of a Placemaking Strategy for Moate over the plan period. CPO 8.154 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. CPO 8.155 Actively engage with the community, developers and other agencies to secure resources for the enhancement, renewal and regeneration of the public realm in Moate. CPO 8.156 Prioritise the enhancement of the streetscape and heritage assets of the town centre, to continue environmental improvements, to sustain and improve its attraction for living, working, visiting and investment.

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