Westmeath County Development Plan 2021–2027

1. Page 291

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   RURAL WESTMEATH 9 Westmeath County Development Plan 2021-2027 279 home. Home based businesses, which wish to expand beyond employing the household on site, will be required to locate in a village or other area suitable to the use proposed. 9.10.2 Rural Tourism The Council will seek to harness the potential that rural tourism has in Westmeath, having regard to the natural assets that the county possesses, the quality of the landscape, and the rivers and heritage, in order to offer support to the rural economy. Rural tourism is based on local amenities, natural heritage and farm diversification projects which enhance the local rural economy and involves rural activities and services including accommodation facilities. Tourism-related opportunities within rural Westmeath include eco-tourism, sports, passive recreation, and activities related to the biodiversity of the area. Further policies in relation to tourism are contained in Chapter 6 of the plan. 9.11 Agriculture County Westmeath is a largely rural county, with agriculture being the primary land use. Approximately 70% of the total land area of the county is agriculture. Despite a reduction in employment within the agricultural sector in recent decades, the 2016 Census recorded a marginal increase of the working population within the County were engaged in full-time employment in agriculture, forestry or fishing from previous intercensal period (i.e. 5.5% (1,944 persons) of the working population are currently working in agriculture, forestry and fishing). Irish agriculture in its entirety has experienced something of a resurgence in recent years, boosted, in particular, by the abolition of milk quotas in 2015 which has led to an expansion in dairy output. Agriculture therefore remains an important part of the economic life of the county. In addition to its productive employment aspect, the practice of agriculture still largely manages the rural environment and landscape and provides an amenity for the enjoyment of the general population. The county supports a wide variety of farming types. The continued sustaining and growth of the agricultural sector must adapt to the challenges posed including modernisation, restructuring, market development and the increasing importance of environmental issues and climate change. In response to these challenges, the Council will continue to support initiatives which will sustain rural communities in the changing economic climate through farm diversification and new employment opportunities. 9.11.1 Farm Diversification County Westmeath’s tradition of beef and dairy production has formed the basis of an expanding and vibrant agri-food sector. Although primary agriculture accounts for a small share of overall national output, the broader agri-food sector (including food processing) makes a sizeable output and employment contribution, particularly when assessed on a regional basis, with approximately one-ineight jobs in the Border, Midland and West areas in the agri-food sector compared to approximately one-in twelve nationally.

2. Page 292

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   RURAL WESTMEATH 9 Westmeath County Development Plan 2021-2027 280 As it aims to expand output in the years ahead, the agriculture sector faces a number of challenges. Low profitability of some farming activities leaves the sector exposed to potential negative shocks such as Brexit or possible future reductions in the CAP budget. Given the potential challenges within the rural economy, including profitability, Brexit, reform of CAP and climate change, there is a need to promote farm diversification and new employment opportunities to ensure the viability and sustain existing rural communities. The Council will support diversification of the rural economy and in particular will seek to develop the potential of the agrifood sector, forestry, the sustainable exploitation of natural resources and consideration of alternative on-farm and off-farm activities. Such development initiatives provide additional or alternative income to supplement declining incomes from agricultural outputs. Diversification will be facilitated, provided the proposal is related directly either to the agricultural operation engaged on the farm or the rural nature of the area, and provided it does not unacceptably impact on the landscape and character of the area and is compatible with the existing road infrastructure in the area. Farm Diversification Policy Objectives It is a policy objective of Westmeath County Council to: CPO 9.28 Support agricultural development as a contributory means of maintaining population and sustaining the rural economy, whilst maintaining and enhancing the standing of the rural environment and through application of the EU Water Framework Directive and EU Habitats Directive. CPO 9.29 Protect the viability of farms and best quality land for agricultural and related uses, whilst at the same time supporting alternative employment in or close to rural areas to sustain rural communities. CPO 9.30 Encourage the development of environmentally sustainable agricultural practices, to ensure that development does not impinge on the visual amenity of the countryside and that watercourses, wildlife habitats and areas of ecological importance are protected from the threat of pollution. CPO 9.31 Facilitate the development of agriculture while ensuring that natural waters, wildlife habitats and conservation areas are protected from pollution. CPO 9.32 Ensure that all agricultural activities comply with legislation on water quality, such as the Phosphorous Regulations, Water Framework Directive and Nitrates Directive. Support the horticulture and nursery stock industry as a means of diversifying agriculture and contributing to the maintenance of population in the rural area.

3. Page 293

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   RURAL WESTMEATH 9 Westmeath County Development Plan 2021-2027 281 CPO 9.33 Encourage and facilitate agricultural diversification into agri-businesses such as organic foods, rural tourism and small to medium sized enterprises, subject to the retention of the holding for primarily agricultural use and the proper planning and sustainable development of the area. CPO 9.34 Support the rural economy and initiatives in relation to diversification, agri business, rural tourism and renewable energy so as to sustain employment opportunities in rural areas. CPO 9.35 Enhance the competitiveness of rural areas by supporting innovation in rural economic development and enterprise through the diversification of the rural economy into new sectors and services, including ICT-based industries and those addressing climate change and sustainability. CPO 9.36 The development and expansion of appropriate new businesses in rural areas will normally be encouraged where: • The scale and nature of the proposed new business are appropriate to the rural area and are in areas of low environmental sensitivity. • The development will enhance the strength and diversification of the rural economy. • The development involves the use of redundant or underused buildings that are of value to the rural area. CPO 9.37 Ensure that agriculture development is in compliance with the EU “A Farm to Fork strategy” 2020 and parallel to the 14-point EU Nature Restoration Plan in the EU “Biodiversity Strategy for 2030 - Bringing nature back into our lives”. CPO 9.38 Facilitate the production and sale of more locally produced healthy high-quality food. 9.11.2 Agricultural Waste Agricultural activities and waste generated has the potential if not appropriately managed, particularly in respect of storage and management of waste and phosphate control measures, to impact on the environment. S.I. No. 605 of 2017, EU Regulations on Good Agricultural Practice for Protection of Waters (2017) give effect to Ireland’s Nitrates Action Programme for the protection of waters against pollution caused by agricultural sources. The set of measures in these regulations provides a basic level of protection against possible adverse impacts to waters arising from the agricultural expansion targets set under Food Wise 2025. The Council also has adopted Bye-Laws for the purpose of preventing or eliminating the entry of polluting matters to waters.

4. Page 294

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   RURAL WESTMEATH 9 Westmeath County Development Plan 2021-2027 282 Agricultural Waste Policy Objectives It is a policy objective of Westmeath County Council to: CPO 9.39 Assess agricultural developments and associated agricultural waste matters within the County in accordance with the European Union (Good Agricultural Practice for Protection of Waters) Regulations 2017 and Westmeath County Council Water Pollution (Agricultural) Bye-Laws for the purpose of preventing or eliminating the entry of polluting matters to waters. 9.12 Horticulture In recent years there has been growth in the demand for fresh local produce. The importance of the horticultural industry to Westmeath’s rural economy is recognised. Further development in horticulture and in value added food and agricultural production in the county could provide opportunities for growth. Local Country Markets are also making an important contribution to the food sector and local economy with markets held throughout the county on a weekly basis. Horticulture Policy Objectives It is a policy objective of Westmeath County Council to: CPO 9.40 Promote the continued development and expansion of the Agri-Food Sector. CPO 9.41 Protect agricultural or agri-business uses from incompatible urban development. CPO 9.42 Implement at county level provisions set out in Food Wise 2025 subject to environmental carrying capacity constraints. CPO 9.43 Maintain a vibrant and healthy agricultural sector based on the principles of sustainable development whilst at the same time finding alternative employment in or close to rural areas to sustain rural communities. CPO 9.44 Protect the economic and social benefits of local country markets committed to the sale of local agricultural and craft produce and to support their role as visitor attractions. CPO 9.45 Work with the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine, Teagasc and all other stakeholders to support the agricultural and agri-business sector, as appropriate, to continue participation in what is likely to be a more challenging export market post Brexit.

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   RURAL WESTMEATH 9 Westmeath County Development Plan 2021-2027 283 CPO 9.46 Work with the Eastern and Midlands Regional Assembly and other relevant stakeholders in identifying areas of high value agricultural land in the County to address the need for sustainable food supplies. The consideration of future climate scenarios and water availability for agricultural purposes shall form part of this assessment. 9.13 Equine Industry The equine industry is important economically and culturally in Westmeath. Bloodstock generates employment directly across many spectrums but also indirectly through other associated enterprises and sectors such as tourism. Kilbeggan Racecourse is the only all National Hunt Racecourse within Ireland and contributes significantly to the local economy. The plains of Westmeath are covered in calcium-rich marl, which is conducive to horse-breeding. In recognising the importance of the bloodstock industry, both in land use and in terms of direct and indirect employment generated by it, the Council will continue to support and encourage the development of a vibrant bloodstock industry, which plays a major role in the rural economy. Equine Policy Objectives It is a policy objective of Westmeath County Council to: CPO 9.47 Support equine related activities (e.g. farriers, bloodstock sales etc.) of an appropriate size and at suitable locations. CPO 9.48 Ensure that equine based developments are located on suitable and viable landholdings and are subject to normal planning, siting and design considerations and related establishments. CPO 9.49 Protect the equine industry from inappropriate development which would adversely affect its continued operation. CPO 9.50 Protect the Kilbeggan Racecourse from any development that would interfere with its amenity value and environmental quality whilst, at the same time, promoting the enhancement of facilities for racegoers. 9.14 Forestry The Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine (DoAFM) published a forest policy in 2014, ‘Forests, Products and People - Ireland’s Forest Policy - A Renewed Vision’ sets out Government policy in relation to this sector of the rural economy. County Westmeath’s landcover comprises approximately 6% of forestry, which is below the national figure of 10%. It is estimated that land area under private forestry accounts for approximately 8,882 hectares. This includes the extensive beech plantation at Mullaghmeen covering 400 hectares, which is the largest planted broadleaved forest in

6. Page 296

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   RURAL WESTMEATH 9 Westmeath County Development Plan 2021-2027 284 Ireland alongside providing an important amenity and recreation site within the county. Map 9.2 below illustrates the extent of forestry located within the County (2017). Forests and woodlands provide important social (recreational and amenity value), economic (supporting rural employment and rural diversity) and environmental benefits (climate change management and carbon sequestration, biodiversity and as a source of renewable/alternative energy sources). Forestry is encouraged in appropriate areas, where it will not significantly impact upon designated habitats, archaeology, interfering with high amenity areas, protected views or scenic routes, be obtrusive in the landscape or present a risk to sensitive ecosystems or water quality. Planting of native woodlands will increase biodiversity value in the landscape. Ardan Wood is an important nature woodland in public ownership which has been leased by the Council to the Tree Council for management of the woodland. The Plan aims is to support the sustainable growth of forestry as an economic activity whilst affording maximum protection to the rural environment and landscape. This Plan acknowledges the tourism and amenity potential of Coillte Forested lands. It will therefore be an objective of this Plan to support the development of a tourism type development at this location subject to obtaining all relevant consents. In addition, the Council will encourage the provision of public access to new forests through walking and bridle paths, recreational areas and other similar facilities. Map 9.2 Westmeath Forest Cover Source: Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine.

7. Page 297

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   RURAL WESTMEATH 9 Westmeath County Development Plan 2021-2027 285 Forestry Policy Objectives It is a policy objective of Westmeath County Council to: CPO 9.51 Encourage the development of a well-managed sustainable forestry sector, which is compatible with the protection of the environment including the avoidance of likely significant effects on Natura 2000 sites (SACs and SPAs) and is planted, managed and harvested in accordance with the Forest Service Guidelines for Landscape, Forest Harvesting and Environmental, Archaeology, Biodiversity and Water Quality. CPO 9.52 Encourage the development of forestry with higher proportions of broadleaf and native species, to a scale and in a manner, which maximises its contribution to the economic and social well-being of the County on a sustainable basis. CPO 9.53 Encourage forestry and forestry related development, as a means of diversifying from traditional farming activity. CPO 9.54 Promote forestry development of appropriate scale and character whilst ensuring that the development does not detract substantially from visual amenity on the countryside or cause pollution or degradation to wildlife habitats, natural waters or areas of ecological importance. CPO 9.55 Encourage access to forestry and woodlands, including private forestry, in cooperation with stakeholders for walking routes, bridle paths, mountain biking, nature walks, orienteering, hiking, recreational areas and other similar facilities. CPO 9.56 Retain existing public rights of way through forest lands. CPO 9.57 Promote in co-operation with the Forest service, Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine the preparation and adoption of an Indicative Forest Strategy for the County, as an important means of contributing to the protection and enhancement of the county’s biodiversity, natural resources and landscape, as resources permit. CPO 9.58 Promote the planting of native broadleaves of local provenance and seek to maintain a broadleaf planting target of 30-50% for the county. CPO 9.59 Promote and continue to be involved in the NeighbourWood Scheme (2017) and to identify areas at local level that are suitable for such schemes. CPO 9.60 Promote the avoidance of deforestation or commercial afforestation within Natura 2000 sites unless directly relating to the management of the site for its qualifying interests. CPO 9.61 Support the development of appropriate and sustainable tourism development within forestry locations, while retaining adequate tree cover in the general area.

8. Page 298

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   RURAL WESTMEATH 9 Westmeath County Development Plan 2021-2027 286 9.15 Extractive Industry The County contains a variety of natural resources such as raw materials critical to the construction industry in the form of sand, gravel, stone reserves including high purity limestones and shale used in cement and magnesia manufacture and base metal deposits. The potential of these resources to underpin construction output and provide employment and economic growth in the local and regional economy is recognised as is the need to exploit such resources in an environmentally sound and sustainable manner. Westmeath County Council acknowledges that a satisfactory balance is required between the needs of the building industry and the need to protect the environment. Section 261A of the Planning and Development Act, 2000 as amended, afforded Local Authorities an opportunity to regularise the quarry industry, with regard to compliance with Planning Legislation, Environmental Impact Assessment Directive and the Habitats Directives. The output of this assessment concluded that there are 42 quarries within the county. The suitability of any extraction enterprise shall be assessed on the basis of the sensitivity of the local environment to such impacts, the scale of the development proposed and the capacity of the road network in the area to accommodate associated traffic. It is Council’s policy to ensure that those extractions which would result in a reduction of the visual amenity of areas of high amenity or damage to areas of scientific importance or of geological, botanical, zoological and other natural significance including all designated European Sites shall not be permitted. All extraction shall be subjected to landscaping requirements and that worked out quarries should be rehabilitated to a use agreed with the Planning Authority which could include recreational, amenity and end-of-life uses. The use of these rehabilitated sites shall be limited to inert waste as defined in the Waste Management (Licensing)(Amendment) Regulations, 2002 and shall be authorised under the provisions of the Waste Management Act, as amended. The Planning Authority will have regard to the Department of the Environment’s Guidelines for Planning Authorities for Quarries and Ancillary Activities 2004 when assessing applications relating to the extraction industry in the county. In this regard, bonds or levies will be required by the Council as a condition of any planning permission granted to ensure satisfactory reinstatement on completion of extraction. The Council will require the payment of a contribution towards the cost of road improvement and reinstatement works necessitated by permitted developments. The geology and geomorphology of Westmeath are characterised by limestone bedrock and extensive eskers and moraines particularly in the south of the county. The wide distribution of resources is recognised and known deposits and sites were mapped by The Geological Survey of Ireland (GSI) in 2004 and updated in 2014. The GSI Aggregate Potential Mapping illustrates potential crushed rock and sand and gravel deposits. Eskers cover approximately 0.91% of the land cover of the county. There are 46 esker systems in the county and esker density is greatest in the south of the county where they cover approximately 926 hectares. The Council recognises the unique importance of Westmeath’s esker landscape deriving from its scientific, botanical, archaeological and historical value. All proposals

9. Page 299

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   RURAL WESTMEATH 9 Westmeath County Development Plan 2021-2027 287 for sand and gravel extraction at eskers will be determined by reference to the need to conserve the environment, character and scientific value and the extent to which the proposed development would be damaging to these qualities. Given the quantity of existing quarries in the county, the Council considers that there are already sufficient aggregate deposits available without requiring new or extended extraction pits in esker systems or any new quarries on greenfield lands. It is the policy of the Council to take cognisance of existing levels of extraction in considering new applications for development on greenfield sites and preference will be given to the sustainable continuation or extension of existing quarries. Extractive Industry Policy Objectives It is a policy objective of Westmeath County Council to: CPO 9.62 Ensure that development for aggregate extraction, processing and associated concrete production does not significantly impact the following: • Areas of Geological interest as identified in the County Esker Survey • Existing and Candidate Special Areas of Conservation (SACs) • Special Protection Areas (SPAs) • Existing and proposed Natural Heritage Areas (pNHAs) • Other areas of importance for the conservation of flora and fauna • High Amenity Areas • Zones of archaeological potential • Important aquifers and sensitive groundwater resources • The vicinity of a recorded monument • Sensitive landscape areas • Established rights of way and walking routes. CPO 9.63 Facilitate adequate supplies of aggregate resources to meet the future growth needs of the County and the wider region where there is a proven need for a certain mineral/aggregate and to exercise appropriate control (including ongoing consideration of environmental impacts) while addressing key environmental, traffic and social impacts and details of rehabilitation. CPO 9.64 Facilitate the exploitation of the County’s natural resources and to exercise appropriate control over the types of development, including rural housing, taking

10. Page 300

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    RURAL WESTMEATH 9 Westmeath County Development Plan 2021-2027 288 place in areas containing proven deposits, whilst also ensuring that such developments are carried out in a manner which would not unduly impinge on the visual amenity or environmental quality in the area. CPO 9.65 Ensure that extractions (quarries / sand and gravel pits) which would result in a reduction of the visual amenity of areas of high amenity or damage to designated sites, habitat types or species shall not be permitted. CPO 9.66 Ensure that extractive developments do not adversely impact on environmental quality, including water quality, tourism value, existing infrastructure, residential amenity or the amenity value of neighbouring lands. CPO 9.67 Ensure that all extractions shall be subjected to landscaping requirements and that worked out quarries should be rehabilitated to a use agreed with the Planning Authority which could include recreational, biodiversity, amenity or other end-of-life uses. The use of these rehabilitated sites shall be limited to inert waste and sites shall be authorised under the appropriate waste regulations. CPO 9.68 Ensure that the extractive industry and associated development minimises adverse impacts on the road network in the area and that the full cost of road improvements, including during operations and at time of closure, which are necessary to facilitate those industries are borne by the industry itself.

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