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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- LANDSCAPE AND LAKE AMENITIES 13 Westmeath County Development Plan 2021-2027 425 CPO 13.43 Improve non-car dependent accessibility to the lake and encourage access for sustainable modes of transport by supporting and facilitating walking and cycling trails to the lake. CPO 13.44 Consolidate the existing facilities at Killinure Marina and Glasson Golf Course, consistent with Habitat Management Plans for the lake area. CPO 13.45 Examine the possibility for a recreational link from Killinure to Portlick, consistent with Habitat Management Plans for theses lake areas. CPO 13.46 Improve the amenity area at Portlick, consistent with Habitat Management Plans for the lake areas and accessibility at Killeenmore, together with incorporating passing bays and viewing points along the Slí tour route, where feasible. CPO 13.47 Support the preparation of a Heritage Management Plan for Lough Ree including the islands, in cooperation with the National Parks and Wildlife Service, National Monuments Service, the Department of Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht and landowners. CPO 13.48 Prepare a Habitat Management Plan for lands in Council ownership at or close to Lough Ree and improve access to the lake, in consultation with the National Parks Wildlife Service and the Department of Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht. CPO 13.49 Prepare a Village Design Statement for Ballykeeran, in consideration of its lakeside setting. CPO 13.50 Investigate the potential of developing a greenway from Athlone along Lough Ree to the Longford County border, consistent with a Habitat Management Plan for Lough Ree. CPO 13.51 Protect and sustain the established appearance and character of views over Killinure Lake and Lough Ree and beyond. CPO 13.52 Support the provision and maintenance of facilities, including safe pedestrian access and/or car parking, and, where appropriate, associated seats and signs in the immediate vicinity of the amenity area at Portlick, Killeenmore and along the Slí tour route. CPO 13.53 Ensure that development and activities that are immediately adjacent to the Lough Ree driving route, sustain the established appearance and character of views that contribute to the distinctive quality of the landscape. CPO 13.54 Ensure that development proposals avoid significant adverse effects in the foreground of views from the Lough Ree Driving Route.
- LANDSCAPE AND LAKE AMENITIES 13 Westmeath County Development Plan 2021-2027 426 CPO 13.55 Sustain the established appearance and character of views over the surrounding countryside while facilitating the continued development of uses that sustain the activities that give rise to the appearance and character of the landscape. 13.21 Lough Owel Lough Owel is particularly important as it is the main source of water supply for Mullingar and beyond. The landscape surrounding the lake is the first glimpse of lakeside scenery for many visitors on their arrival into Westmeath. The lake itself is a noted angling resource and boating, angling, swimming and scuba diving are common recreational uses on Lough Owel with some related onshore facilities. Recreational provision can be enhanced on the lake in a sustainable and sympathetic manner, by building on what is already in existence and in line with specific objectives. Accessibility may need to be improved in certain locations, whilst recreational development should be consolidated around the existing facilities on the south eastern side of the lake. The Council has recently developed a greenway along the Feeder Canal between Mullingar to Lough Owel, and further potential exists in relation to enhancing connectivity to this greenway. Lough Owel Policy Objectives It is a policy objective of Westmeath County Council to: CPO 13.56 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 13.57 Support the extension of existing greenway from Lough Owel to Scragh Bog, Ballinafid and Multyfarnham, subject to addressing ecological sensitivities. CPO 13.58 Upgrade existing and incorporate the provision of new green infrastructure as part of any future infrastructural upgrades which are within proximity to Lough Owel. CPO 13.59 Upgrade facilities at the sailing club access and at the bathing area, consistent with Habitat Management Plan objectives for the lake. CPO 13.60 Develop a recreational route through Coillte lands at Tullaghan, in consultation with Coillte, consistent with Habitat Management Plan objectives for the lake. CPO 13.61 Provide a small-scale access at the Portloman side of the lake. Any development at this location needs to be extremely visually sensitive. CPO 13.62 Examine the possibility of an informal lakeside shore walk along the eastern perimeter of Lough Owel, in consultation with the National Parks and Wildlife Service and Coillte.
- LANDSCAPE AND LAKE AMENITIES 13 Westmeath County Development Plan 2021-2027 427 CPO 13.63 Explore the possibility of negotiating a recreational link from Tormey’s Pub (Bunbrosna) to the lakeside and a link with Coillte lands, subject to consultation with National Parks and Wildlife Service, Coillte and landowners. CPO 13.64 Develop Ballinafid lake and surrounding lands as an amenity facility, incorporating links through lands in the ownership of the National Parks and Wildlife Service and Coillte, consistent with Habitat Management Plan objectives for the Lough Owel lake area. The feasibility of providing a recreational link to lands on the western side of the rail line will also be investigated. CPO13.65 Support the conversion of the Waterways Ireland sluice building at Lough Owel and develop the adjacent area for the provision of tourism activities associated with the lake, capitalising on its direct access to Mullingar by greenway and scenic location, subject to the protection of environmentally sensitive areas, the protection and conservation of protected structures and the requirements of the Habitats Directive. CPO 13.66 Establish a viewing point at Frewin Hill overlooking Lough Owel. CPO 13.67 Sustain the established appearance and character of views from the N4 to the lake and upgrade the viewing point and bathing area accessed off the N4. 13.22 Lough Ennell Lough Ennell along with Lough Owel is one of the closest lakes to Mullingar. Lough Ennell is well established in terms of recreational development and is a particularly important angling resource. There is a significant range of recreational infrastructure in place including Belvedere House, Park and Gardens, caravan and camping facilities and the Lilliput Adventure Centre with potential to be further consolidated and linked via recreational greenways. It is Council policy to connect Mullingar to Belvedere and Lough Ennell. Belvedere House and Gardens typically attract c.160,000 visitors per annum and has c.2,280 members. Currently access to this attraction is typically by car, therefore, the provision of a Greenway from Mullingar town would boost visitor numbers and would provide an invaluable amenity for residents and tourists alike. Given the ecological sensitivity of Lough Ennell, the Council has commissioned a habitat management plan for Council owned lands at Belvedere, Tudenham, Ladestown, Butler’s Bridge and Lilliput, which will form the foundation for enhancing the amenity value of Lough Ennell.
- LANDSCAPE AND LAKE AMENITIES 13 Westmeath County Development Plan 2021-2027 428 Lough Ennell Policy Objectives It is a policy objective of Westmeath County Council to: CPO 13.68 Support the implementation of the Habitat Management Plan prepared for Council owned lands at Belvedere, Ladestown, Lilliput. CPO 13.69 Prepare and implement a Lough Ennell Interpretive Plan to develop a consistent brand and messaging about the Lough and its wildlife, including the identification of a viewing hide for wildlife. CPO 13.70 Support the preparation and implementation of a visitor management destination plan for Lilliput Adventure Centre taking account of the existing Habitat Management Plan prepared for Lough Ennell. CPO 13.71 Continue to enhance use of the Lilliput Amenity Area and Adventure Centre, providing activities accessible to general visitors in addition to pre-booked groups, subject to the requirements of the Habitats Directive and the protection of sensitive environments. CPO 13.72 Sustain the established appearance and character of views of Lough Ennell from the N52, Butler’s Bridge and La Mancha. 13.23 Lough Derravaragh Lough Derravaragh provides one of the enduring images of County Westmeath. It has associations with the Legend of Lír where four children were banished as swans for 300 years to Derravaragh. The lake is located on the identified Táin Trail (tourist driving/cycling route) and along the proposed northern sector of the Westmeath Way (walking route) and is scenically important. Development around this lake should be strictly controlled. Leisure activities associated with the lake include fishing, canoeing and water sports. There are more passive recreational areas, which are important as more reclusive retreats for writers, artists and walkers. The landscape around the lake has not been subject to undue development pressures and in general retains its rural character. A habitat management plan has been prepared for Council owned lands extending to 2.3ha at Coolure to the northwest of Lough Derravaragh. The plan seeks to maintain the site as a biodiversity conservation area by establishing appropriate habitat management and by increasing local appreciation of the biodiversity value of the site while also maintaining public access. Lough Derravaragh Policy Objectives It is a policy objective of Westmeath County Council to: CPO 13.73 Develop the cultural and recreational aspects of the Children of Lír Legend as a tourist attraction for the area.
- LANDSCAPE AND LAKE AMENITIES 13 Westmeath County Development Plan 2021-2027 429 CPO 13.74 Enhance the amenity facilities and public access areas to Lough Derravaragh and improve the access point at Faughalstown, consistent with Habitat Management Plan objectives for the area. CPO 13.75 Support the implementation of actions contained in the Coolure Habitat Management Plan. CPO 13.76 Sustain the established appearance and character of views of Lough Derravaragh from the adjacent road network. 13.24 Lough Lene Lough Lene is located in the highly scenic northern section of the County in an undulating hilly landscape that typifies this area and is designated as a Special Area of Conservation. Its associations with the nearby historic monastic settlement of Fore and location on an existing tourist trail require its future development to be considered sensitively. The lake is an important stop off point on the Táin Trail (tourist cycling/driving route). Lough Lene is also an important public water supply source for the County. Recreation in the form of angling is well renowned on Lough Lene. The lake is particularly known for its clear waters. There is a bathing area and combined boat access slip way at ‘The Cut’ on the eastern shore of the lake, which may offer further potential for appropriate recreational development. Lough Lene can be considered to be located in a sensitive tourist landscape with the Fore Special Heritage Area located within close proximity to the vicinity of the lake. Lough Lene Policy Objectives It is a policy objective of Westmeath County Council to: CPO 13.77 Consider the establishment of walking routes along the northern shore of the lake, to link with Collinstown Village, Harte’s Rock, Fore and Coillte lands, consistent with Habitat Management Plan objectives for the area. CPO 13.78 Develop an amenity woodland/wetland conservation area at Lough Lene, in consultation with landowners and the National Parks and Wildlife Service, subject to ecological sensitivities being addressed and consistent with Habitat Management Plan objectives for the lake. 13.25 Lough Sheever/ Slevins Lough Lough Sheever is a small lake with an estimated surface area of 500 hectares to the north of Mullingar, which is popular with anglers. The lough is particularly suited to anglers with restricted mobility given the existing double wheelchair friendly fishing stand. Boat hire is available and a boardwalk fringes Lough Sheever on its northern shoreline.
- LANDSCAPE AND LAKE AMENITIES 13 Westmeath County Development Plan 2021-2027 430 Lough Sheever Fen/Slevin's Lake and Lough Drin Lake complex is a proposed Natural Heritage Area and is a valuable site for nature conservation, due to its rich diversity of habitats and the rarity of some of the floral and invertebrate species found here. The lakes and their fringing wetland areas support an outstanding diversity of species and are a haven for wildlife. The lake complex supports a diversity of habitats, including woodlands, lake and fens and a number of rich and botanically diverse fen habitats, including areas of Cladium Fen and Alkaline Fen, both priority conservation habitats in Europe due to their rarity. Lough Slevin Policy Objectives It is a policy objective of Westmeath County Council to: CPO 13.79 Investigate the potential of developing as part of a wider green infrastructure network access from Mullingar to Lough Sheever to Lough Owel. CPO 13.80 Continue to promote the amenity value of Lough Sheever. 13.26 Views and Prospects The Council has undertaken a review of Protected Views within the County. Appendix 5 lists 36 Protected Views in the County, which are categorised according to their significance, at national, regional, county and local level. Each view is accompanied by a photograph and description for ease of reference. It is Council policy to sustain the established character of existing views and protect against development that would adversely impact upon such views. Given the archaeological significance of the Hill of Uisneach, a panoramic view has been designated at this site. In addition, a policy has been added to protect views from the existing looped walking route at Fore Abbey. A number of different and distinctive types of scenic routes categorised as both road based and off road have been identified as follows: - • Lough Ree Driving Route • Mullingar Cycling Hub • The Táin Trail • Old Rail Trail/ Greenway • Royal Canal Way • Fore Walking Routes • Westmeath Way Protected views are under constant review and as such the list of views is not exhaustive. Additional views may be identified through the development management process, the preparation of local area plans or by way of other policy documents. Pre-planning discussions with the Planning Authority are essential to agree suitable assessment points for views of strategic and local significance in order to enable the proper visual assessment of a development proposal, in accordance with “Guidelines for Landscape and Visual Assessment (Third Edition) (GLVIA3)”.
- LANDSCAPE AND LAKE AMENITIES 13 Westmeath County Development Plan 2021-2027 431 Planning policy objectives will ensure the future protection of these views and amenity designations for existing lakes, designated scenic routes (both road and off-road routes) and the heritage areas of the Hill of Uisneach and Fore Special Heritage Area. Protected Views Policy Objectives It is a policy objective of Westmeath County Council to: CPO 13.81 Protect and sustain the established appearance and character of views listed in Appendix 5 of this plan that contribute to the distinctive quality of the landscape from inappropriate development. CPO 13.82 Provide and maintain facilities, including safe pedestrian access and/or car parking, and where appropriate, associated seats and signs in the immediate vicinity of views that are identified in this plan. CPO 13.83 Support the restoration of derelict sites and removal of derelict structures adjacent to scenic and tourist routes, using mechanisms such as the Derelict Sites Act 1990.
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- Westmeath County Development Plan 2021-2027 CULTURAL HERITAGE 14 432 Table of Contents 14.1 Aim .......................................................................................................................................... 433 14.2 Background ............................................................................................................................. 433 14.3 Archaeological Heritage .......................................................................................................... 433 14.4 Fore Special Heritage Area...................................................................................................... 436 14.5 The Hill of Uisneach ................................................................................................................ 437 14.6 Architectural Heritage............................................................................................................. 438 14.7 Architectural Heritage and Protected Structures ................................................................... 439 14.8 Architectural Conservation Areas ........................................................................................... 441 14.9 Vernacular Buildings and Structures ....................................................................................... 443 14.10 Historic Parks, Gardens and Demesnes .................................................................................. 444 14.11 Industrial Heritage................................................................................................................... 445 14.12 Language Heritage .................................................................................................................. 445
- Westmeath County Development Plan 2021-2027 CULTURAL HERITAGE 14 433 14.1 Aim Westmeath County Council recognises the importance of identifying, valuing and safeguarding our archaeological, architectural and cultural heritage for future generations and aims to do so by means of proper management, sensitive enhancement and/or appropriate development of this resource. 14.2 Background Westmeath has a rich and unique heritage of which we can be proud. Our cultural heritage is the legacy of past generations; it is part of our identity, and the distinctive character of where we come from. Tangible aspects of this cultural heritage include archaeological sites and monuments, vernacular structures, and historic buildings – the landscape indicators of our past. Intangible aspects of our cultural heritage include mythology associated with the County such as the story of the Children of Lír, An Táin Bó Cúailgne (the Cattle Raid of Cooley), links to historic figures and events, as well as language, folklore and place names. The vast array of archaeological, built, cultural and natural assets in the County are the cornerstone of our tourism product. In this regard, Cultural Heritage plays a significant role in attracting visitors to the County. Cultural Heritage Policy Objectives It is a policy objective of Westmeath County Council to: CPO 14.1 Improve accessibility to our cultural heritage and maximise its potential as a learning resource. CPO 14.2 Promote the understanding of cultural heritage in terms of its inherent and unique character and to recognise what elements should be preserved, conserved or enhanced. CPO 14.3 Support the implementation of objectives and actions of the Westmeath County Heritage Plan 2018-2023 and update during the lifetime of the Plan. CPO 14.4 Support the growth of cultural tourism in the County, including the potential for niche heritage based tourism products by facilitating the development of heritage events, festivals and infrastructure in a sustainable manner. 14.3 Archaeological Heritage Our Archaeological heritage is characterised by the material remains of the past. Archaeological monuments include upstanding structures such as churches, graveyards, castles, ringforts and holy wells as well as sites that have little or no visible surface expression for example: -settlements, burials, fulachta fiadh, ditches and pits. County Westmeath boasts a wealth of archaeological monuments including the royal site of Uisneach, prehistoric barrow burials, wooden trackways, such as the Bronze Age road way at Mayne, earthworks, crannógs and ringforts. There are many fine examples of mottes (and baileys), tower houses, and several deserted medieval settlements. Our rich ecclesiastical heritage includes church and abbey ruins, graveyards, high crosses and holy wells, notable sites
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