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 406 surrounding area. They provide recreational opportunities for walking, jogging and cycling and can often coincide with river/stream corridors and can promote free passage for wildlife. The Council is fully committed to developing a network of greenways in accordance with the requirements of the Department of Transport, Sport and Tourism policy document entitled “Strategy for the Future Development of National and Regional Greenway”. Considerable investment has been made in the development of greenways across the County in recent years. It is Council policy to maximise return on such investment, to promote the development of new greenways resulting in an integrated network of greenways within Westmeath. Map 74, Volume 2 highlights the extent of greenways in the County. Please refer to Section 10.4.2 regarding the development of proposed greenways. The Old Rail Trail which extends from Mullingar to Athlone for a distance of 42km and forms part of the Dublin to Galway National Cycle Network and the Royal Canal Greenway, which extends across the County form the backbone of the greenway network in Westmeath. The Council will continue to build upon this network, maximise pedestrian and cycle connectivity to same, provide greenways to existing lakes within the County and seek to connect existing greenways to create an integrated tourism product and thus make Westmeath a premier cycling destination. Future Greenway corridors and projects in Westmeath will be identified through a Green Infrastructure Strategy and will need to comply fully with the requirements and objectives of the Habitats Directive to ensure the continued protection and preservation of the Countys significant biodiversity.
- NATURAL HERITAGE AND GREEN INFRASTRUCTURE 12 Westmeath County Development Plan 2021-2027 407 Figure 12.3: Greenways in County Westmeath
- NATURAL HERITAGE AND GREEN INFRASTRUCTURE 12 Westmeath County Development Plan 2021-2027 408 Greenways Policy Objectives It is a policy objective of Westmeath County Council to: CPO 12.82 Support the development of an integrated Strategic Greenway Network of national and regional routes and maximise connectivity to existing greenways and link with cycling and walking infrastructure. CPO 12.83 Support the delivery of sustainable strategic greenways, blueways and peatways projects in the County in accordance with the Strategy for the Future Development of National and Regional Greenways. CPO 12.84 Enhance and link the Westmeath Way through Mullingar via the Royal Canal Feeder and further along the waterside via Tullaghan and to the north eastern side of Lough Owel, consistent with Habitat Management Plan objectives for the lake. CPO 12.85 Support the development of implementation plans for greenways throughout the county together with supporting environmental assessments. 12.23 Blueways Blueways consist of a network of navigable inland waterways such as lakes, canals and rivers and include the Shannon and Shannon-Erne Waterway connecting the islands of Lough Ree, Clonmacnoise and Shannon Harbour and linking the Royal Canal with the Grand Canal along the River Shannon. They provide scenic routes by canoe, bike or on foot. In Westmeath the Blueway consists of the Royal Canal Paddling Trails, extending from Mullingar via McNead’s Bridge and Coolnahay which is part of the Royal Canal Greenway, an off-road cycling trail along the canal banks from the River Shannon in Clondra, County Longford all the way towards Dublin. The Council recognises that Blue and Green Infrastructure has many valuable economic, social and environmental benefits for the County and should be preserved where possible as natural defences against flood risk in both urban and rural areas. Given the number of lakes and canals in the county, it is Council policy to develop a network of integrated blueways in the county. Blueways Policy Objectives It is a policy objective of Westmeath County Council to: CPO 12.86 Develop an integrated network of blueways both within Westmeath and to adjoining counties. CPO 12.87 Support the development of blueways and associated infrastructure as part of the tourist offering of the County.
- NATURAL HERITAGE AND GREEN INFRASTRUCTURE 12 Westmeath County Development Plan 2021-2027 409 12.24 Public Rights of Way The Planning and Development Acts 2000 (as amended) requires a County Development Plan to indicate locations on a map and to preserve public rights of way, which give access to seashore, mountain, lakeshore, riverbank or other place of natural beauty or recreational utility. Existing public rights of way constitute an important amenity and they enable the enjoyment of highquality landscapes, providing a valuable link to natural assets and places of natural beauty such as the lakes, bogs and forests to those that live and visit the County. There are a number of public accesses to the lakes within the county. There are several walking routes throughout the County through publicly owned lands including the Royal Canal Way and Coillte forests such as Mullaghmeen and Slí Na Sláinte. There are other pedestrian rights of way within the County such as mass paths, which have existed for centuries but not all of which are readily identifiable. The Council recognises the importance of maintaining established rights of way and supports initiatives for establishing new walking routes and enhanced accessibility. Appendix 6 lists Public Rights of Way that have been identified within the county, which will be the subject of further investigation. This list is not exhaustive, and it is intended this will be added to during the lifetime of the Plan. Public Rights of Way Policy Objectives It is a policy objective of Westmeath County Council to: CPO 12.88 Cooperate with Coillte in the establishment of access ways, nature trails etc. with a view to opening up state forests for recreational use, compatible with forestry requirements. CPO 12.89 Review and protect existing public rights of way for the common good and bring forward proposals for the creation of public rights of way (including access to historical sites and graveyards). Where appropriate, links to established public rights of way in adjoining counties will be identified. CPO 12.89 Ensure that Public Rights of Way are well marked and signposted.
- CHAPTER 13 CHAPTER 13 Landscape and Lake Management
- LANDSCAPE AND LAKE AMENITIES 13 Westmeath County Development Plan 2021-2027 410 Table of Contents 13.1 Aim .......................................................................................................................................... 411 13.2 Background ............................................................................................................................. 411 13.3 National Landscape Strategy .................................................................................................. 411 13.4 National Planning Framework – Project Ireland 2040 ............................................................ 411 13.5 Eastern and Midland Regional Spatial and Economic Strategy .............................................. 412 13.6 Westmeath Landscape Character Assessment ....................................................................... 412 13.7 Character Area 1 Northern Hills and Lakes ............................................................................. 414 13.8 Character Area 2 Inny River Lowlands .................................................................................... 414 13.9 Character Area 3 River Deel and Lowlands ............................................................................. 414 13.10 Character Area 4 Central Hills and Lakes .............................................................................. 415 13.11 Character Area 5 Royal Canal Corridor ................................................................................. 415 13.12 Character Area 6 Lough Ree/Shannon Corridor ................................................................... 415 13.13 Character Area 7 Western Lowlands .................................................................................... 416 13.14 Character Area 8 South Central Hills..................................................................................... 416 13.15 Character Area 9 Hill of Uisneach ......................................................................................... 416 13.16 Character Area 10 Lough Ennell and South East Corridor .................................................... 418 13.17 Character Area 11 South Westmeath Eskers ........................................................................ 419 13.18 Areas of High Amenity (High Landscape Value).................................................................... 420 13.19 Lake Amenities ...................................................................................................................... 421 13.20 Lough Ree.............................................................................................................................. 422 13.21 Lough Owel ........................................................................................................................... 426 13.22 Lough Ennell .......................................................................................................................... 427 13.23 Lough Derravaragh................................................................................................................ 428 13.24 Lough Lene ............................................................................................................................ 429 13.25 Lough Sheever/ Slevins Lough .............................................................................................. 429 13.26 Views and Prospects ............................................................................................................. 430
- LANDSCAPE AND LAKE AMENITIES 13 Westmeath County Development Plan 2021-2027 411 13.1 Aim To improve the knowledge and understanding of the County’s landscape and lakelands, and enhance the overall characteristics, qualities and diversity of landscape character, its sense of place and local distinctiveness in recognition of the amenity potential of the County. 13.2 Background Westmeath is known as the Lakeland County, but its landscape includes a diversity of landscape types, ranging from rolling hills and lakes to peatlands, grasslands, woodlands, eskers and wetlands. The range of different landscapes found in Westmeath each have varying visual and amenity values, topography, exposure and contain a variety of habitats. Each landscape type also has a varying capacity to absorb development relative to its overall sensitivity. The Planning and Development Act 2000 (as amended) requires that planning authorities, make provision in their development plans for the protection of landscape character including the preservation of views and prospects and the amenities of places and features of natural beauty and interest. It is recognised that our landscape and lakes are key assets in sustaining a high quality of life for the residents of the County and an important sustainable tourism resource. The protection and management of the County’s natural heritage is a shared responsibility. Westmeath County Council is therefore committed to working with relevant agencies, communities and individuals to ensure the conservation, protection and enhancement of our landscape and lakes can be realised. 13.3 National Landscape Strategy The objective of the National Landscape Strategy (NLS) is to provide a high-level policy framework to achieve balance between the protection, management and planning of the landscape by way of supporting actions. The NLS recognises the importance of landscape protection and its interconnectivity with biodiversity and climate change. A core objective of the strategy is to develop a national Landscape Character Assessment, to provide a framework for greater consistency in the approach to landscape classification and assessment to ensure the conservation of special landscape areas, which by their nature often extend across administrative boundaries. It also sets out specific measures to integrate and embed landscape considerations in all sectors which influence the landscape and improve and enhance the quality of decision-making by those who have an impact on it. 13.4 National Planning Framework – Project Ireland 2040 The NPF acknowledges the value of landscape which offers a wealth of natural and cultural assets which in turn support our quality of life and our visitor economy. It aims to facilitate landscape protection, management and change through the preparation of a National Landscape Character Map and development of guidance on local landscape character assessments, (including historic landscape characterisation) to ensure a consistent approach to landscape character assessment, particularly across planning and administrative boundaries. The NPF also seeks to protect and promote the sense
- LANDSCAPE AND LAKE AMENITIES 13 Westmeath County Development Plan 2021-2027 412 of place and culture and the quality, character and distinctiveness of the Irish rural landscape that make Ireland’s rural areas authentic and attractive as places to live, work and visit. 13.5 Eastern and Midland Regional Spatial and Economic Strategy The RSES recognises the importance of landscape considerations, particularly in the context of placemaking, culture and attractiveness. It acknowledges the diverse range of scenic landscapes across the Region and aims to promote a wider concept of the landscape as defined by the interaction of both human and natural, covering urban, peri-urban and rural areas as well as land, inland waters, coastal and marine areas. A strong emphasis is placed in the strategy on the value of blueways which are particularly important for water quality, fisheries and ecological habitats, and for activities such as kayaking and snorkelling. The RSES supports the preparation of a national landscape character assessment, which will provide a framework for regional and local landscape character assessments. Specifically, RPO 7.27 commits, following the adoption of a national landscape character assessment, to the preparation of a Regional Landscape Character Assessment to promote better landscape management and planning in the Region. 13.6 Westmeath Landscape Character Assessment A Landscape Character Assessment (LCA) of the County has been undertaken which provides an understanding of the value and sensitivity of the County’s landscapes and its future management needs. The LCA is a tool for identifying the features that give a specific area its ‘sense of place’ and also provides policy recommendations relating to each landscape type. The LCA will inform decision making in relation to the protection of the environment, natural resources and heritage and will be used to guide development. The Landscape Character Assessment for Westmeath defines 11 Landscape Character Areas (LCAs) within the County as follows: • Northern Hills and Lakes • Inny River Lowlands • River Deel Lowlands • Central Hills and Lakes • Royal Canal Corridor • Lough Ree/Shannon Corridor • Western Lowlands • South Central Hills • Uisneach • Lough Ennell and South Eastern Corridor • South Westmeath Eskers
- LANDSCAPE AND LAKE AMENITIES 13 Westmeath County Development Plan 2021-2027 413 Figure 13.1 Landscape Character Assessment Map In line with the Westmeath Landscape Character Assessment, the value of Westmeath’s landscape which offers a wealth of natural and cultural assets supporting quality of life and tourism is recognised. Landscape and Lake Amenities Policy Objectives It is a policy of Westmeath County Council to: CPO 13.1 Support the implementation of the National Landscape Strategy. CPO 13.2 Protect the distinctiveness, value and sensitivity of County Westmeath’s landscapes and lakelands by recognising their capacity to sustainably integrate development. CPO 13.3 Support and implement objectives contained in any Regional Landscape Character Assessment. CPO 13.4 Conserve and enhance the high nature conservation value of the Landscape Character Areas in order to create/protect ecologically resilient and varied landscapes. CPO 13.5 Identify and integrate new green and blue infrastructure networks within the existing landscape character areas in the interests of biodiversity and climate change and in recognition of the tourism potential of these assets.
- LANDSCAPE AND LAKE AMENITIES 13 Westmeath County Development Plan 2021-2027 414 CPO 13.6 Require that development is sensitively designed, so as to minimise its visual impact on the landscape, nature conservation, archaeology and groundwater quality. 13.7 Character Area 1 Northern Hills and Lakes This Landscape Character Area consists of prominent hills topped with chert or cherty limestone with enclosed lakes and areas of peat deposits, mostly fen. A rural landscape of particularly high scenic quality containing a number of lakes with several preserved views, Lough Lene Area of High Amenity and Fore Special Heritage Area. The area is also of high nature conservation value with many NHAs and SACs and there is an extensive beech plantation at Mullaghmeen. Dispersed glacial deposits occur and there are a number of quarries operating in the area. Settlements within this landscape area include Finnea, Castlepollard, Collinstown and Drumcree. The historic settlement of Fore is of high cultural significance due to its monastic origins including many features of built and cultural interest around the site. 13.8 Character Area 2 Inny River Lowlands The Inny River Lowlands cover the low-lying ground around the Inny River from Finnea to Ballynacarrigy and the Royal Canal including pastoral landscapes, extensive areas of cutaway bog, industrial peat production and conifer plantations. This area also includes the N4 corridor and wetland areas of nature conservation interest such as Glen Lough, Lough Iron, Lough Garr and Garriskil Bog. The area contains some preserved views including a panoramic view of the countryside looking northwest from the N4 near Bunbrosna, panoramic views of Lough Iron and the surrounding countryside at Balrath and views of Glen Lough. Settlements within this area include Lismacaffrey, Streete, Coole, Rathowen and Ballinalack. The area between Lough Iron and Ballynacarrigy is of historical significance with the presence of Tristernagh Abbey dating from the twelfth century and in Kilbixy the remains of a deserted medieval settlement include a ruinous castle and a Leper hospital, dating from the medieval period. The present church dates from the 19th century. A number of fine historic houses and demesnes also occur in this area. Given the rich archaeological and cultural heritage within this area, considerable potential exists to capitalise upon this asset and develop the River Inny basin as a nature conservation and biodiversity area. This would involve exploring the potential of developing a blueway along the River Inny. 13.9 Character Area 3 River Deel and Lowlands The River Deel, the Stonyford River and their hinterlands form this landscape character area typified by low-lying pasture punctuated with small lakes which are flanked by scrub and wet woodland. These rivers form part of the River Boyne and Blackwater SAC complex. The area east
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