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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- NATURAL HERITAGE AND GREEN INFRASTRUCTURE 12 Westmeath County Development Plan 2021-2027 396 12.14 Trees, Woodlands and Hedgerows Trees, woodlands and hedgerows are an important natural and landscape asset in County Westmeath and provide a biodiversity function in the provision of food, habitat and shelter in exposed areas and function as pollution filters and carbon sinks. Hedgerows are important habitat and wildlife corridors for small mammals, birds and bat species. Noteworthy woodlands in the County including Cavestown and Knockeyon Wood have been designated as Possible Ancient Woodland (Perrin, P.M. and Daly, O.H. 2010 Provisional Inventory of Ancient and Long-Established Woodland) and Ardan Wood, which is an existing mature broadleaf woodland, and is potentially also an Ancient Woodland site, with tentative clues that it was present during the time of the Down Survey (completed in 1658), potentially making it over 350 years old. The wood is a seven-acre horseshoe shaped site west of Tyrrellspass in Westmeath, and is in the main, a sloped site with varying aspect. It is currently believed the site is on the sides of a flat-topped drumlin and is near important esker woodlands. There is a very varied range of species of tree and shrub on the site and is also home to an established badger colony. There are a number of significant tree stands in the County subject to Tree Preservation Orders and these are listed in Appendix 8. Trees, Woodlands and Hedgerows Policy Objectives It is a policy objective of Westmeath County Council to: CPO 12.37 Preserve and enhance the amenity and biodiversity value of the County, by promoting the protection of trees, groups of trees and ancient woodlands, of significant amenity value, especially native and broadleaf species. CPO 12.38 Protect trees subject to Tree Preservation Orders and seek to designate additional Tree Preservation Orders, where appropriate. CPO 12.39 Discourage the felling of mature trees and hedgerow, particularly species rich roadside and townland boundary hedgerows to facilitate development and seek Tree Management Plans to ensure that trees are adequately protected during development and incorporated into the design of new developments. CPO 12.40 Protect and preserve existing hedgerows in new developments, particularly species rich roadside and townland boundary hedgerows, and where their removal is necessary during the course of road works or other works seek their replacement with new hedgerows of native species indigenous to the area. CPO 12.41 Support increases in tree cover (of suitable species) and native species hedgerows in all towns and villages across Westmeath due to air quality, shade, aesthetic and health benefits they provide.
- NATURAL HERITAGE AND GREEN INFRASTRUCTURE 12 Westmeath County Development Plan 2021-2027 397 CPO 12.42 Encourage the development of proposals for new woodlands and community woodlands in urban/urban fringe areas utilising funding available through schemes such as the NeighbourWood and Native Woodland Schemes. CPO 12.43 Encourage the protection of the trees which are considered an important component of demesne landscapes. CPO 12.44 Support the development of a plan for the protection and maintenance of public trees and public native hedgerows in urban areas. CPO 12.45 Require, where necessary, a Tree Management Plan (with suitable native species) to be submitted as part of new development proposals. Ensure that, where possible, established trees are incorporated into the overall design of new developments and are fully protected during development works in accordance with BS standards. CPO 12.46 Support the use of suitable marginal lands in Council ownership for community projects such as neighbourwood schemes and biodiversity projects. CPO 12.47 Support the preparation of a Tree Planting Policy for the County which promotes biodiversity and indigenous tree planting. 12.15 Wetlands A wetland is an area of land that is saturated with water either permanently or seasonally, and where the water table is near or at the surface. “Wetlands” may vary considerably in visual appearance, owing in part to the setting in which they occur and the vegetation type(s) present. There are special suites of plants adapted to cope with wet conditions and, as these wet conditions vary spatially, a mosaic of habitats comprising different plant communities may occur within a single wetland. The ecological importance of wetland habitats has been recognised by the European Union, with several wetland types listed under Annex I of the EU Habitats Directive (CEC, 1992). These wetland habitats include “priority” habitats, such as lagoons, turloughs (in Ireland), active raised bogs and calcareous fens. Increased drainage or flooding can cause significant change in habitat value and species diversity. The Water Framework Directive and Ramsar Convention provide for the protection and wise use of wetlands. The Council will work to manage, enhance and protect wetlands throughout the lifetime of this Plan through specific policy objectives. The County Westmeath Wetland Survey (Smith 2019) documents the location, extent and condition of our wetlands, setting out recommendations for their preservation. Wetlands are important from a biodiversity perspective because they provide habitats for unusual communities of species that can survive in aquatic and semi-aquatic conditions. Wetlands also provide important ecosystem services such as flood prevention, provision of clean water, filtering pollutants and carbon storage. The tourism and recreation value of wetlands in Westmeath is also recognised in the study.
- NATURAL HERITAGE AND GREEN INFRASTRUCTURE 12 Westmeath County Development Plan 2021-2027 398 Wetlands Policy Objectives It is a policy objective of Westmeath County Council to: CPO 12.48 Resist development that would destroy, fragment or degrade any wetland in the County. CPO 12.49 Support the implementation of recommendations made in the County Westmeath Wetlands Survey 2019 and subsequent versions thereof. CPO 12.50 Require an Ecological Impact Assessment where is it proposed to fill or reclaim a wetland area. CPO 12.51 Protect floodplains, wetlands and watercourses, for their biodiversity and flood protection value. CPO 12.52 Ensure that all proposed land zonings take cognisance of appropriate riparian setback distances that support the attainment of high ecological status for water bodies, the conservation of biodiversity and good ecosystem health, and buffer zones from flood plains. CPO 12.53 Implement the relevant parts of the Planning and Development (Amendment) (No. 2) Regulations 2011 and the European Communities (Amendment to Planning and Development) Regulations 2011, which require planning permission to be applied for where the area impacted by works relating to the drainage or reclamation of a wetland exceeds 0.1 hectares or where such works may have a significant effect on the environment. Such applications for permission would need to be supported by an Appropriate Assessment where necessary. 12.16 Waterways (lakes rivers/canals/streams) Inland waterways, which include lakes, rivers, canals and streams, are living systems that are home to a wide variety of habitats and species. They function as ecological corridors that connect related habitats and designated sites which enable species to move from place to place. Waterways also contribute significantly to the character and amenity of the County and support tourism, recreation and quality of life for those living in and visiting the County. Westmeath has a number of large lakes including Lough Ree, most of which are part of the River Shannon catchment which includes the Rivers Inny and Brosna. In addition, Lough Lene, a limestone lake is situated in the Upper Boyne catchment in the County. Many of the water resources have been afforded protection as National Heritage Areas, Special Areas of Conservation or Special Protection Areas. The Royal Canal passes through the county while the Kilbeggan branch of the Grand Canal exists as a dry bed.
- NATURAL HERITAGE AND GREEN INFRASTRUCTURE 12 Westmeath County Development Plan 2021-2027 399 Waterways Policy Objectives It is a policy objective of Westmeath County Council to: CPO 12.54 Seek the continued improvement of water quality, bathing facilities and other recreational opportunities in waterways and to protect the ecology and wildlife thereof. CPO 12.55 Provide for public access to waterways where feasible and appropriate, in partnership with the National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS), Waterways Ireland and other relevant stakeholders, whilst maintaining them free from inappropriate development, subject to Ecological Impact Assessment and Appropriate Assessment, as appropriate. CPO 12.56 Protect the biodiversity of rivers, streams and other water courses and maintain them in an open state and discourage culverting and realignment. CPO 12.57 Consult with Waterways Ireland and the National Parks and Wildlife Service, Government, Inland Waterways Association of Ireland and local communities on development proposals that may affect inland waterways, rivers, lakes, canals or water courses. CPO 12.58 Ensure that the County’s watercourses are retained for their biodiversity and flood protection values and to conserve and enhance where possible, the wildlife habitats of the County’s rivers and riparian zones, lakes, canals and streams which occur outside of designated areas to provide a network of habitats and biodiversity corridors throughout the county. CPO 12.59 Consult, as appropriate, with Inland Fisheries Ireland in relation to any development that could potentially impact on the aquatic ecosystems and associated riparian habitats. CPO 12.60 Ensure that run off from a proposed development does not result in a deterioration of downstream watercourses or habitats. CPO 12.61 Seek to manage any increase in visitor numbers in order to avoid significant effects including loss of habitat and disturbance, including ensuring that any new projects, such as greenways, are a suitable distance from ecological sensitivities, such as riparian zones. CPO 12.62 Have regard to the Inland Fisheries guidelines “Planning for watercourses in the Urban Environment” in relation to nature based surface water management.
- NATURAL HERITAGE AND GREEN INFRASTRUCTURE 12 Westmeath County Development Plan 2021-2027 400 CPO 12.63 Protect waterbodies and watercourses from inappropriate development, including rivers, streams, associated undeveloped riparian strips, wetlands and natural floodplains. This will include the preservation habitat features/structure, such as treeline density, and protection buffers in riverine and wetland areas, as appropriate. 12.17 Peatlands Peatlands are a characteristic part of the landscape of County Westmeath covering about 17,000 ha or 9% of the County. The main peatland type associated with Westmeath is the Raised Bog, which are classified as rain fed, acidic and nutrient poor. This includes cutover, cutaway, raised bog and fen. Several of the more intact peatland sites are SACs. Peatlands also make up the majority of the Natural Heritage Areas in the County (see table 12.1). Of the peatlands in Westmeath, 24 consist of intact raised bog sites, 27 cutover raised bog sites, 24 cutaway raised bog sites and 69 fen sites (for more information refer to the Desktop survey of wetland sites in County Westmeath 2019, Blackthorn Ecology). Peatlands are one of our oldest surviving ecosystems. They preserve a record of the historic environment and are considered amongst the most important ecosystems of the world, because of their key value for biodiversity, regulation of climate as a valuable natural carbon sink, water filtration and supply. The importance of peatlands preservation was highlighted by the discovery of a significant archaeological Track/Togher at Mayne Bog near Coole Co. Westmeath in 2005. When recorded in 2006 the length of the Trackway was 657 metres but was seen to extend beyond both recorded limits (Whittaker in Excavations 2006). A radiocarbon (C14) date of 1200-820BC was obtained from the excavated structure (ibid), and therefore it is likely that the construction and operation of the trackway is dated to the Late Bronze Age. The Council recognises the importance of peatlands as a major natural, archaeological and nonrenewable resource in addition to recognising the important historical traditions and peat management skills associated with cutting turf for domestic use. In their natural state peatlands act as long-term sinks for atmospheric carbon dioxide. Peatlands are the most important long-term carbon store in the terrestrial biosphere. They sequester and store atmospheric carbon for thousands of years. Given the extent of intact and relatively intact raised bogs in Westmeath, considerable potential exists to use this valuable resource to mitigate against the impacts of climate change.
- NATURAL HERITAGE AND GREEN INFRASTRUCTURE 12 Westmeath County Development Plan 2021-2027 401 Peatlands Policy Objectives It is a policy objective of Westmeath County Council to: CPO 12.64 Protect the county’s designated peatland areas and landscapes, including any ancient walkways through bogs and to conserve their ecological, archaeological, cultural, and educational heritage. CPO 12.65 Require the preparation of Hydrological Reports for significant developments within and in close proximity to peatlands, and to take account of same in the assessment of impacts on the integrity of peatland ecosystems. CPO 12.66 Exercise control of peat extraction, both individually and cumulatively, which would have significant impacts on the environment, in accordance with legislative provisions, in the interest of protecting and enhancing biodiversity and addressing climate change. CPO 12.67 Work in partnership with relevant stakeholders on suitable peatland site(s) to demonstrate best practice in sustainable peatland conservation, management and restoration techniques and to promote their heritage and educational value subject to Ecological Impact Assessment and Appropriate Assessment, where relevant. CPO 12.68 Work with relevant agencies such as Eastern and Midland Regional Assembly, Bord na Mona, NPWS, Coillte and adjacent Local Authorities to prepare an afteruse framework plan for the peatlands and related infrastructure, to provide for the future sustainable and environmentally sensitive use of large industrial peatlands sites when peat harvesting finishes. Such plans should have regard to both National and Regional frameworks concerning the future use of peatlands, including cutaway bogs. CPO 12.69 Support collaboration between Local Authorities, the Bord na Mona Transition Team and relevant stakeholders in the development of partnership approaches to integrated peatland management for a just transition having regard to relevant policies and strategies such as the Bord na Móna Biodiversity Plan 2016-2021 and the national Climate Mitigation and Adaptation Plans. This shall include support for the rehabilitation and/or re-wetting of suitable peatland habitats. CPO 12.70 Consider designating peatlands at Coolnagun, Corlanna, Lower Coole, Mayne, Ballinealoe and Clonsura as archaeological heritage areas, where it is considered ancient trackways or road may have been constructed. CPO 12.71 Support the preparation of a Sustainable Holistic Management Plan for the future use of the Industrial Peatlands in the County, which recognises the role of peatlands in carbon sequestration.
- NATURAL HERITAGE AND GREEN INFRASTRUCTURE 12 Westmeath County Development Plan 2021-2027 402 CPO 12.72 Support the designation of a National Park for the peatlands area in the Midlands in conjunction with adjoining Local Authorities. CPO 12.73 Undertake a feasibility study to identify peatways, where appropriate and examine the tourist potential of same. CPO 12.74 Support the implementation of the ‘National Raised Bog Special Areas of Conservation Management Plan 2017-2022’ within the County. 12.18 What is Green Infrastructure? Green infrastructure is the network of green spaces and natural elements that intersperse and connect our towns and villages. This network of infrastructure ranges from national to local significance and is made up of ecological or wildlife corridors and areas of high biodiversity value, including grasslands, wetlands, waterways, peatlands, woodlands and uplands, open spaces, river hedges, gardens, hedgerows, green corridors, wildlife habitats, street trees, natural heritage and open countryside. Figure 12.1: Policy Background to Green Infrastructure
- NATURAL HERITAGE AND GREEN INFRASTRUCTURE 12 Westmeath County Development Plan 2021-2027 403 12.19 Integration of Green Infrastructure in Westmeath The Council identifies green infrastructure as a key strategic asset for the County and this Development Plan includes policy objectives for the protection, preservation, management and enhancement of this resource in an integrated manner. The Council will continue to protect key environmental assets by implementing an environmental protection policy, which recognises the various environmentally sensitive areas and Natura 2000 sites within the County. This includes supporting and protecting the network of interconnected natural, semi-natural and managed areas which can include rivers and canals, our parks, agricultural lands and amenity sites which can deliver multiple benefits conserving natural eco-systems, managing flood risk and providing health and leisure benefits to those living, working and visiting the County. The NPF and the RSES identify and support key Guiding Principles for Green Infrastructure Strategies to be incorporated by Local Authorities in the preparation of their strategies. This includes support for the provision of green and blue infrastructure, the development of Strategic Green Infrastructure and an associated network of walking and cycling routes, which will aid in mitigating climate change impacts through carbon sequestration and the delivery of alternative energy supply (further outlined in the Climate Action Chapter 11). The Council is committed to preparing a Green Infrastructure Strategy for the County during the period of this Development Plan. 12.20 A Green Infrastructure Strategy for Westmeath It is the Council’s intention to develop a Green Infrastructure Strategy for the County in consultation will all key stakeholders during the lifetime of this Development Plan. This Strategy will identify key green infrastructure aims and objectives for Westmeath, taking account of the priority projects identified in this Development Plan and the delivery of these projects through appropriate funding mechanisms. A Green Infrastructure Strategy will include provisions for improved access across Westmeath through improved walking and cycling routes, that would include looped walks and cycles both through towns and the rural area, whilst also ensuring adequate protection to the existing environment and ecology of the landscape. The Council will continue to support and promote walking and cycling through the provision, upgrading and maintenance of cycleways and footpaths as resources allow and ensure that connectivity is provided in new developments with the provision of good pedestrian and cycle network and associated facilities.
- NATURAL HERITAGE AND GREEN INFRASTRUCTURE 12 Westmeath County Development Plan 2021-2027 404 Figure 12.2: An example of Green Infrastructure in Westmeath It is important to note that the existing green infrastructure is used and enjoyed not only by its residents, but also by its visitors, and is an important component of the County’s tourism offering, which is further examined in the Tourism Chapter 6 of this Plan. It is notable that some of the features that make up Westmeath’s Green Infrastructure network transcend the County boundary into adjoining Local Authorities e.g. Lough Ree and peatlands in North Westmeath and as such a collaborative approach should be taken to developing green infrastructure networks. 12.21 Green Infrastructure Management A key objective of green infrastructure planning is that green infrastructure management and provision is integrated with land use planning. The development of green infrastructure networks is important both in rural and urban areas providing links to existing amenities and has a considerable bearing on quality of life issues.
- NATURAL HERITAGE AND GREEN INFRASTRUCTURE 12 Westmeath County Development Plan 2021-2027 405 Green Infrastructure Policy Objectives It is a policy objective of Westmeath County Council to: CPO 12.75 Identify, protect and enhance existing and planned Green Infrastructure assets and to facilitate, in consultation with relevant stakeholders, the development of Green Infrastructure that recognises the benefits that can be achieved with regards to the following: • Provision of open space amenities • Sustainable management of water • Protection and management of biodiversity • Protection of cultural heritage • Protection of protected landscape sensitivities CPO 12.76 Ensure green infrastructure responds to and reflects landscape character including historic landscape character, conserving and enhancing the existing landscapes and townscapes of Westmeath which contribute to a distinctive sense of place. CPO 12.77 Prepare and implement a ‘Green Infrastructure Strategy’ for the County, to raise awareness of the importance of environmentally designated sites, river and canal corridors, and green spaces to adapting to climate change and enhancing opportunities for recreation and tourism. CPO 12.78 Facilitate and promote the provision of a green infrastructure network serving the settlement hierarchy and its environs in tandem with projected population growth. CPO 12.79 Prepare specific Green Infrastructure Strategies for the designated settlements of Athlone and Mullingar and implement green infrastructure networks within these towns. CPO 12.80 Work collaboratively with other neighbouring Local Authorities in facilitating and supporting the development of green infrastructure networks. CPO 12.81 Support and increase investment in the provision and on-going maintenance of existing green infrastructure and support the provision of new public parks, greenway and blueway corridors and other public open spaces to create green, healthy settlements throughout Westmeath by accessing relevant EU funding mechanisms and national funding opportunities including tourism related funding. 12.22 Greenways Greenways are essentially shared off-road routes designed for cyclists and pedestrians for leisure, recreation, tourism and daily journeys and are reserved exclusively for non-motorised journeys, developed in an integrated manner which enhances both the environment and quality of life of the
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