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 230 8.3.4.12 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 Moate can be discussed in two discrete areas, the Main Street and the Newtown. While the settlement has medieval origins, the evidence for which is hidden from the street frontage, the instigator of the modern town was the Clibborn family and they converted to Quakerism in the late seventeenth century. To a certain extent this has left its architectural mark on the town which as early as 1709 was described by Thomas Molyneux as ‘a pretty clean-built town of a different air from the generality of Irish villages’. The generous width of the Main Street is announced from the east after a narrow approach, where a large hipped roof Georgian house dominates the vista westwards. The Georgian idiom continues on either side of the street with an interesting selection of three-storey houses with varying window types, including occasional Venetian patterns and good doorcases with fanlights. A subtle variation of the ridge lines adds further interest to the assemblage. The former courthouse by John Hargrave, now the library, is the most important public building in the town and has an unusual bow-fronted design which makes a bold architectural statement despite its being recessed from the street frontage. The Newtown is contemporary with the late Georgian ambiance of the Main Street but remains a separate architectural entity. A pair of elegant houses, which retains their early form, character and fabric announce the assemblage and dominate the streetscape to the south of the suburb. Further on to the right, a fine terrace of four late Georgian houses terminates at a half-hipped, five-bay, threestorey over basement residence, where the Carmelite monastery at the end of the terrace, despite later nineteenth-century additions, is significant. Taking both areas together, Moate presents as a coherent early nineteenth-century market town of some significance, with a rich architectural heritage reflecting this former function. Moate - Heritage Policy Objectives It is a policy objective of Westmeath County Council to: CPO 8.157 Promote and enhance existing archaeological, built and natural heritage elements associated with Moate and ensure their protection. CPO 8.158 Support the development of a dedicated Moate Heritage Trail incorporating the surrounding hinterlands to promote local history and cultural heritage. CPO 8.159 Protect and maintain the Architectural Conservation Area (ACA) in Moate 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 8.160 Require works within the ACA in Moate to be carried out in accordance with the “Statement of Character” prepared for the ACA.
- SETTLEMENT PLANS 8 Westmeath County Development Plan 2021-2027 231 8.4 Self-Sustaining Towns: With regard to Self-Sustaining Towns, the focus will be on driving investment in services, employment growth and infrastructure whilst balancing housing delivery. These are settlements which have undergone rapid commuter-focused residential expansion over the recent decade, without equivalent increases in jobs and services. Population growth in these towns shall be at a rate that seeks to achieve a balancing effect and shall be focused on consolidation and inclusion of policies in relation to improvements in services and employment provision. The Core Strategy has identified two towns within the County as self-sustaining towns, namely Killucan/Rathwire and Rochfortbridge. 8.4.1 Killucan-Rathwire 8.4.1.1 Location & Context: Killucan and Rathwire are located adjacent to each other in the east of the County, approximately 12km east of Mullingar and 69km west of Dublin City Centre. The settlement is on the R156 Regional Route to Mullingar and local roads to Kinnegad and Raharney. It occupies a picturesque setting amongst undulating hills with an abundance of mature trees and hedgerows in the locality. Killucan–Rathwire performs important local level residential, retailing, social and leisure function for the wider rural hinterland. This settlement has a population of 1,370 as of the Census 2016, an increase of 11.7% and is one of the fastest growing settlements in the County since 2011. The settlement has also a younger population than the county average, with 15% of the population over 65 compared to the county average of 19.7%. 8.4.1.2 Historical Context & Settlement Form Killucan-Rathwire has a lengthy settlement history, as indicated by the presence of an ancient rath or ringfort built, according to legend, by the chieftain Guaire, which gives Rathwire its name. A motte and bailey called Rathwire was erected by Hugh de Lacy in the area, the foundations of which are still evident today. The origins of the name Killucan are uncertain, but it is suggested to have been derived from Cill Lucaine, Church of Lucaine, with Lucaine believed to have been a sixth century abbot who founded an abbey in the area, which was destroyed by forces belonging to Cromwell. Killucan initially grew around the Abbey, developing largely in a linear fashion along the routes into the village with a pronounced central core. The settlement form of Killucan was also greatly dictated by the large land holding of the Church of Ireland in the village. It became a principal Market town and it is from this period that the majority of buildings of architectural and historical importance were formed. Rathwire developed directly below the motte of Hugh de Lacy to the east, initially comprising of a Main Street with the most notable building being St. Joseph’s Catholic Church. The village expanded with dispersed linear development occurring on the T-junction of the Main Street and the Riverstown/Killucan road. In recent years the east of the village has undergone
- SETTLEMENT PLANS 8 Westmeath County Development Plan 2021-2027 232 significant development in the form of a number of residential estates, which has altered the settlement form of Rathwire. 8.4.1.3 Social Infrastructure Community services within Killucan-Rathwire centres include a Garda Station, Primary Care Health Centre, Post Office, GP Service, Nursing Homes, Crèche, Religious Services, Men’s Shed, Workman’s Club, Community Centre and Recycling Facilities. Killucan Park has tennis and basketball courts. The Killucan GAA club and community hall is newly built and provides excellent multi-use community facility for all residents in the locality. St Joseph’s Primary School opened in 2015 and has a current enrolment of 276 children. Columba College currently has 186 post primary students and is located in Killucan and serves as a post-primary school for the wider catchment of the town. Columba College also provides adult education courses in the form of PLC, notably nursing and business-related courses. In recent years, there has been a number of positive developments in the town including, a new public park, complete with picnic areas, tennis and basketball courts and enhanced traffic and pedestrian improvement works, all which have enhanced the attractiveness of the settlement. 8.4.1.4 Physical Infrastructure Killucan-Rathwire is served by an existing wastewater treatment plant within the town and by Mullingar High Level Water Supply Scheme. Bus Eireann provides a commuter service from Killucan to Dublin. The County Council is keen to promote and support the development of public transport initiatives in keeping with the principles of Smarter Travel. In this regard, the re-opening of Killucan train station which is located 2km from the settlement is supported. In addition, the Council supports the provision of adequate car parking facilities at the station. Killucan-Rathwire - Infrastructure Policy Objectives It is a policy objective of Westmeath County Council to: CPO 8.161 Actively seek the re-opening and use of Killucan Station on the Dublin – Sligo rail line together with the provision of a car park and park and ride facilities to serve same. 8.4.1.5 Function & Vision The function of Killucan-Rathwire is to provide local residential, retail, services and community facilities to residents and the wider rural hinterland. The Plan provides an opportunity to promote consolidation of the settlement, enhancing service provision and employment opportunities together with a focus on regeneration of vacant buildings and sites in the settlement.
- SETTLEMENT PLANS 8 Westmeath County Development Plan 2021-2027 233 Killucan-Rathwire - Settlement Plan General Policy Objectives It is a policy objective of Westmeath County Council to: CPO 8.162 Promote commensurate population, service and employment growth to enable the settlement to fulfil its role as a self-sustaining town. CPO 8.163 Expand the range of services and facilities available to residents and the wider rural hinterland. CPO 8.164 Make provision for sustainable communities in Killucan-Rathwire by identifying sufficient land for new development, in particular housing, commercial, community and recreational uses. CPO 8.165 Support the regeneration of existing under-utilised and vacant buildings and sites to enhance service provision and economic opportunities. 8.4.1.6 Sustainable Communities Due to its innate charm and character, Killucan-Rathwire has established itself as an attractive destination in Westmeath. The town has experienced consistent population growth since 1996 and an opportunity now exists to accommodate the future needs of the town in a consolidated fashion. This will ensure the delivery of sustainable communities comprising of a mix of housing types, densities and tenure. An emphasis is therefore placed on building communities with a high standard of design and having regard to principles of placemaking, green infrastructure, permeability and connectivity alongside the integration of community and recreation facilities. Killucan-Rathwire hosts a number of age friendly services such as two nursing homes, a Health Centre, GP Services and social and community facilities. In order to build upon this age friendly concept, lands have been zoned to the west of the Church of Ireland for residential use. Given the proximity to the adjacent nursing home, the Church and existing services within the centre of Killucan, it is considered that this site presents an opportunity for ‘Housing for Older Persons’ such as sheltered accommodation/independent living units. In this regard, there is potential to provide vehicular and pedestrian access from this land bank to the south onto the R156. Any development at this location should have regard to the need to protect the setting and integrity of the adjacent Church. Opportunity also exists to deliver a linear biodiversity park along the banks of the Riverstown River and would form part of a looped walkway/cycle route to Killucan-Rathwire and other attractions within the locality. In order to enhance the provision of amenities in the town, the Plan provides for a park and playground in Rathwire. The park should be designed to cater for the needs of Older Citizens. The Plan promotes the development of green infrastructure networks both within the settlement and to the rural hinterlands. New proposals will have to demonstrate how they incorporate the principles of Green infrastructure into their development.
- SETTLEMENT PLANS 8 Westmeath County Development Plan 2021-2027 234 Killucan-Rathwire - Sustainable Communities Policy Objectives It is a policy objective of Westmeath County Council to: CPO 8.166 Provide for new residential development in accordance with the requirements of the Housing and Core Strategy. CPO 8.167 Require that an appropriate mix of housing types, tenure, density and size is provided in all new residential areas and in appropriate brownfield/infill areas to meet the needs of the population of Killucan-Rathwire. CPO 8.168 Encourage the appropriate redevelopment of brownfield and infill sites for residential uses within the footprint of the existing built-up area. CPO 8.169 Support the development of street enhancements works, widening of footpaths, public realm improvements and landscaping within Killucan-Rathwire. CPO 8.170 Support the development of housing for Older Persons (See Map 16, Volume 2). CPO 8.171 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 8.172 Provide for the expansion and development of educational, social, community and recreational facilities in the settlement. CPO 8.173 Ensure that the landscape setting between Killucan and Rathwire is maintained in order to protect the distinct identity, character and form of both settlements (See Map 16, Volume 2). CPO 8.174 Support the development of a riverside walk and biodiversity area along the Riverstown River (See Map 16, Volume 2). CPO 8.175 Support cycling and walking within the town through improved walking/cycling infrastructure, both within the settlement and its hinterlands. CPO 8.176 Support the provision of a Village Park and playground in Rathwire. CPO 8.177 Promote Killucan-Rathwire as an Age Friendly Town and ensure that new developments are designed to meet the needs of Older Persons. CPO 8.178 Support the creation of a pedestrian/cyclist route from Killucan/Rathwire to the Royal Canal Blueway at Thomastown (See Map 16, Volume 2). CPO 8.179 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
- SETTLEMENT PLANS 8 Westmeath County Development Plan 2021-2027 235 in ‘The Planning System and Flood Risk Management – Guidelines for Planning Authorities, 2009’ (See Map 16, Volume 2). 8.4.1.7 Commercial & Retail Development Killucan-Rathwire provides a range of local services in meeting the day-to-day needs of its catchment population. There is modest retail offer in the town with 151m2 retail floorspace currently available. Opportunity exists for the town to enhance its retail offer to meet the needs of existing residents and the rural hinterland. The optimum location for new retail development is within the core areas of Killucan and Rathwire. In this regard, the Planning Authority will look favourably upon the re-use of existing vacant buildings and sites for retail purposes. The County Retail Strategy identifies the need for local level convenience and comparison, including tourism related/niche comparison offer in the town. Killucan-Rathwire - Commercial & Retail Policy Objectives It is a policy objective of Westmeath County Council to: CPO 8.180 Sustain, enhance and consolidate the retail and services offer within the core areas of Killucan-Rathwire and harness and develop the potential of heritage and tourism assets. CPO 8.181 Support the provision of mixed-use developments in Killucan-Rathwire which create opportunities to live, work, shop, etc. within the town and reduce the need to travel by private car. CPO 8.182 Encourage high quality design and the creation of permeability through the provision of enhanced linkages as part of any expanded mixed-use town core. CPO 8.183 Encourage and facilitate the re-use and regeneration of derelict land and buildings for retail, services or other town centre uses. 8.4.1.8 Tourism Killucan and Rathwire are located within a very rich natural environment making it easy to access rivers, canals, lakes, bogs and many more leisure activities. The presence of the Royal Canal Greenway/Blueway to the south of the town provides opportunities for recreation and tourist related initiatives, connecting the settlement with a much larger amenity base. Considerable potential exists to develop water-based activities in the area such as angling, boating, cruising etc. Killucan-Rathwire is an ideal location to develop canal related amenities and tourist accommodation. Killucan-Rathwire - Tourism Policy Objectives It is a policy objective of Westmeath County Council to:
- SETTLEMENT PLANS 8 Westmeath County Development Plan 2021-2027 236 CPO 8.184 Harness the tourist potential of Killucan-Rathwire given its proximity to the Royal Canal Greenway/Blueway and its high-quality natural environment. CPO 8.185 Support the provision of tourist accommodation and associated services in Killucan- Rathwire. CPO 8.186 Support the creation of Green Routes for locals and visitors to the town and the surrounding countryside. 8.4.1.9 Heritage Much of the heritage features associated with Killucan-Rathwire concern built and archaeological elements. There are numerous fine examples of architectural heritage, with the NIAH classifying 24 structures, buildings or complexes worthy of regional status in the area. The former Market House together with St Etchén’s Church of Ireland are the two most prominent buildings in the town. The former Market House occupies a high-profile position on the streetscape. The Planning Authority would support the regeneration and re-use of this building to enhance the employment and service profile of the settlement. In this regard, consideration could be given to developing a digital hub at this location, enabling residents to work in the town, thereby minimising need to travel. Killucan-Rathwire also possesses a rich natural heritage, with a landscape character particularly distinctive and visually appealing. The topography of the area consists of a relatively flat but mildly rolling agricultural terrain with a number of mature trees and hedgerows segregating the landscape. A significant number of native mature trees are also present in the village area and especially around the lands of the Glebe and the Vestry which are deemed worthy of protection on account of their character-enhancing attributes. There is also a grouping of mature trees at the entrance to the St. Camillus Nursing Home and a copse of trees on the site of the Motte erected by deLacy that make a positive contribution to the surrounding landscape and are considered defining elements of the settlement that should be protected. The open landscape and trees provide an important visual break between Killucan and Rathwire and provide an attractive landscape feature that adds character to this self-sustaining town. Killucan-Rathwire - Heritage Policy Objectives It is a policy objective of Westmeath County Council to: CPO 8.187 Promote and enhance existing archaeological, built and natural heritage elements associated with Killucan-Rathwire and ensure their protection. CPO 8.188 Support the development of a dedicated Killucan-Rathwire Heritage Trail incorporating the surrounding hinterlands to promote local history and cultural heritage.
- SETTLEMENT PLANS 8 Westmeath County Development Plan 2021-2027 237 CPO 8.189 Protect existing native mature trees on lands at the Glebe and Vestry, entrance to St. Camillus Nursing Home and on the site of the Motte, due to the significant contribution they make to the character of the settlement (See Map 16, Volume 2). CPO 8.190 Require development proposals in the vicinity of mature trees to be accompanied by a comprehensive tree survey. CPO 8.191 Support the regeneration and re-use of the former Market House to enhance the employment and service profile of the town (See Map 16, Volume 2).
- SETTLEMENT PLANS 8 Westmeath County Development Plan 2021-2027 238 8.4.2 Rochfortbridge 8.4.2.1 Location & Context: Rochfortbridge performs important local level residential, retailing and community functions to residents and the wider rural hinterland. The town, proximate to the M6 motorway and with excellent connectivity to both Dublin and the wider Midlands, had a recorded population of 1,473 as of the Census 2016, representing a marginal decrease in population since 2011. In contrast, during the period 1996-2002 the population of Rochfortbridge grew by 90%. Census data from 2016 indicates that Rochfortbridge has a younger population than the county average, with 11.7% of the population are over 65 compared to the county average of 19.7%. 8.4.2.2 Historical Context & Settlement Form Rochfortbridge has evolved from a river crossing over the River Derry, where the original bridge was called “Beggars Bridge”. The town was developed by Robert Rochfort, MP for Westmeath from 1692 to 1707, and grandfather of Robert, the 1st Earl of Belvedere. The development programme of the town commenced circa 1700, with Rochfort financing and building a new bridge over the River Derry, hence giving the village its name, Rochfortbridge. The settlement form of Rochfortbridge is largely dictated by the existing road network, in particular the old N6 Primary Road, now the R446 Regional route. The R446, which forms the Main Street of Rochfortbridge, amasses a wide streetscape on both ends of the town, whilst the traditional town centre is characterised by a finer urban grain. 8.4.2.3 Social Infrastructure Rochfortbridge possesses a range of services including retailing, Post Office, Garda Station, Health Centre, Crèche and Childcare Facilities, Churches and Parish Hall. There are two schools located within the town, Scoil Chroi Naofa National School with 242 children enrolled in 2019 and St Joseph's Secondary School which currently caters for 850 post-primary students. There are also a number of sporting clubs including soccer, GAA Club with a grass pitch, walking track and 3 all-weather astro-turf pitches, boxing club and martial arts. In recent years, there has been a number of positive developments in the town including, enhancement of the amenity area, traffic and pedestrian improvement works in the vicinity of the Primary School which serve to enhance the attractiveness of the town. In 2016, 38.5% of the population aged 5 years and over in Rochfortbridge undertook journeys to work, school or college of less than 15 minutes. 32.3% undertook journeys of more than 30 minutes. Rochfortbridge secondary school is an educational hub for the surrounding hinterlands and beyond. Approximately 55% of all students in the town walk to school. 8.4.2.4 Physical Infrastructure Rochfortbridge is served by an existing wastewater treatment plant located to the southeast of the town. Potable water is sourced from the Mullingar High Level Water Supply Scheme. The town is strategically located on a major inter-urban transport route and has good quality public transport and road links to Dublin. Rochfortbridge to Dublin is served numerous times daily by several public and private bus operators.
- SETTLEMENT PLANS 8 Westmeath County Development Plan 2021-2027 239 8.4.2.5 Function & Vision The function of Rochfortbridge is to provide local residential, retail, education and community facilities to residents and the wider rural hinterland. The Plan provides an opportunity to promote consolidation of the settlement, enhancing service provision and employment opportunities together with a focus on regeneration of vacant buildings and sites. New services and enterprises should be directed towards vacant buildings and sites within the town. The Plan also places a renewed focus on community building. Rochfortbridge - Settlement Plan General Policy Objectives It is a policy objective of Westmeath County Council to: CPO 8.192 Promote commensurate population, service and employment growth to enable the settlement to fulfil its role as a self-sustaining town. CPO 8.193 Expand the range of services and facilities available to residents and the wider rural hinterland. CPO 8.194 Make provision for sustainable communities in Rochfortbridge by identifying sufficient land for new development, in particular housing, commercial, community and recreational uses. 8.4.2.6 Economic Development Significant opportunity exists to develop the economic base of the town thus allowing the settlement to become more self-sustaining. In order to increase the economic profile of the town, lands to the southeast of the settlement in close proximity to the motorway have been zoned for Enterprise and Employment use. Such lands can accommodate a range of enterprise uses ranging from incubator units to second site facilities. Given the strategic location of these lands adjacent to the motorway, it is considered that they offer an optimum location for enterprise facilities including transport related enterprise. Rochfortbridge - Economic Development Policy Objectives It is a policy objective of Westmeath County Council to: CPO 8.195 Support the establishment of new enterprise and employment uses on lands identified for employment purposes (See Map 19, Volume 2). CPO 8.196 New enterprise development should be located within a landscape network and demonstrate high quality architectural built form that contributes to a positive sense of place and distinctiveness.
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.