your participation is crucial Clare County Development Plan 2022–2028 Issues Paper Preamble

The County Development Plan sustainable development of our County for the benefit of all its citizens up to 2028 sets out an overall strategy and comes at a time of change globally, for the proper planning and nationally and locally. sustainable development of The County Development Plan making the County over a six year process includes periods of public consultation. period. Clare We encourage you as individuals, the is commencing the process communities and organisations you of preparing the new County represent, schools, businesses and Development Plan for the period stakeholders to become involved and help us plan for the future of as a 2022-2028. place to live, work and visit. The County Development Plan is the single Clare County Council has put this Issues most important policy document for the Paper together as the first stage in the plan County as it represents an agreed economic, making process to stimulate debate on what social, cultural and environmental blueprint are some of the priority issues for County for the future planning, growth and Clare over the next six years and beyond. development of County Clare. These are set out under a number of broad headings in this booklet, but they are by no The preparation of the new County means exhaustive. Development Plan will be a key strategy document for the future planning and At this early stage, we are looking for your input on these and other broad strategic issues that need to be looked at to inform participation your the new Clare County Development Plan at this early stage in 2022-2028. the plan preparation “This is the start of a 99 week plan-making process during which the public will have a process so that number of opportunities to participate and we is crucial welcome people’s early participation in this the final plan can address statutory process”. Councillor Mary Howard, Cathaoirleach collective aspirations our We look forward to your valued participation for County Clare. at this and future public consultation stages. Pat Dowling, Chief Executive, Clare County Council Councillor Mary Howard, Cathaoirleach, Clare County Council

2 What is a County Development Plan?

The County Development Plan Every six years a Planning Authority is legally obliged to make a new County Development sets out the overall strategy Plan which must set out the strategic spatial for the proper planning and vision and future direction for the County. sustainable development Clare County Council is now commencing of the County over a 6 year the process of preparing a new County Development Plan 2022-2028 which is a two period and must align with the year statutory process. national and regional framework There are various stages involved in the of strategies, polices and preparation of a Development Plan. This guidelines. current stage is Stage 1 ‘Pre-Draft’ and includes the preparation of an Issues Paper.

We are here Stage 1: Pre-Draft Public Chief Executive’s Direction from Preparation Consultation Report on Public Elected Members of Draft (Issues Paper) Consultation of the Council Development Plan

Stage 2: Draft Public Chief Executive’s Consideration of Prepare any Development Consultation on Report on Chief Executive’s Material the Draft Plan submissions Report by Amendments to Plan Elected Members the Draft Plan of the Council

Stage 3: Amendments Public Chief Executive’s Consideration of Adoption of New to Draft Consultation Report on Chief Executive’s Development on Proposed submissions Report by Plan Development Amendments to Elected Members Plan the Draft Plan of the Council

3 Issues Paper

This is your plan Your opinion matters play your part

The purpose of this Issues Paper is to draw attention to broad It is essential areas which the Development Plan covers and encourage a to have your say conversation and stimulate from the very start debate and thinking on the key topics concerning the future development of County Clare, which is and to promote and support your involvement at this stage. right now! With your active involvement and guidance the new County Development Plan can reflect the needs and ambitions of all communities in County Clare to create a more attractive, inclusive, competitive and sustainable county. We really want to hear from you about what you believe the main challenges are for the County in the future.

4 EU, National Local Legislation & Authority Policy

Volume 1

gov.ie/2040 Project Ireland 2040 Regional Spatial & Local Economic & National Planning Economic Strategy EU Directives Framework for the Southern Region Community Plan Clare County Development Plan

Programme mark (Used for endorsement) Programme with explicit government text 2017–2023 Written Tionscadal Éireann Rialtas na Tionscadal Éireann Statement Project Ireland hÉireann Project Ireland (LECP) Government 2040 of Ireland 2040

Tionscadal Éireann Rialtas na Tionscadal Éireann Project Ireland hÉireann Project Ireland Government 2040 of Ireland 2040

Tionscadal Éireann Rialtas na Tionscadal Éireann Project Ireland hÉireann Project Ireland Government Planning Legislation 2040 of Ireland 2040 Housing Strategy

Tionscadal Éireann Rialtas na Tionscadal Éireann Department of Housing, Project Ireland hÉireann Project Ireland Planning and Local Government gov.ie/2040 Government 2040 of Ireland 2040

Ministerial Guidelines National Regional County Retail Strategy Planning Spatial and Development Framework Economic Plan & Government Policy Capital Programme (NPF) Strategy Local Area (RSES) Plans Climate Action Capital Programmes Adaptation Strategy

Context of the Plan The diagram above illustrates the position of (National and Regional Policy) the Development Plan in the Irish planning The Government recently published Project system hierarchy. Ireland 2040 (National Planning Framework This Issues Paper is the first step in the and National Development Plan 2018- preparation of the new Development 2027). Clare now forms part of the Southern Plan. The County Development Plan must Regional Assembly. be consistent with national and regional The Regional Spatial and Economic Strategy policies, guidelines and objectives. (RSES) came into effect on 31st January 2020 and includes the – Shannon Metropolitan Area which encompasses Shannon as a key Metropolitan Area Town. Shannon will be a key economic driver within the Metropolitan Area and will accommodate significant job and population increases within the lifetime of the new Clare County Development Plan 2022-2028. We are looking for

Throughout this your opinion Issues Paper, a series of Key Questions will be posed in boxes to assist you in your considerations.

5 Developing a unique identity and building on the strengths of County Clare

Growing the Limerick-Shannon Metropolitan Area Living in the future Town of Shannon, and how it will be the Key Town of different and other settlements throughout the Living sustainably County to achieve without compact growth compromising future generations

Reducing our carbon footprint Accommodating the and achieving the needs of an ageing Key national target of population zero emissions by 2050 Providing sufficient physical and social challenges infrastructure to Improving mobility support economic and accessibility development and to for all, within and enhance our quality through the County of life face! in a sustainable we manner Building on the provision of high Promoting town quality employment and village and economic centre vibrancy opportunities and vitality with at appropriate multi-functional and sustainable uses including locations entertaining, living, gathering, shopping etc.

Delivering a balance between social and private housing

6 What is your vision The Vision for for County Clare? Do you agree with the What kind of place County Clare vision in the current would you like County Development Plan or Clare to be in 2028? The vision for County Clare in the current how would you like to Clare County Development Plan 2017-2023 is for: see it change? ‘A county that has maximised its unique Is the current Clare County Development characteristics, strengths, location and What are the key Plan 2017-2023 easy connectivity to become Ireland’s centre characteristics that to access, read and understand? of culture, tourism, heritage and the define County Clare as a good place to live, Can it be improved? preferred international destination for work, visit and invest sustainable investment and innovation. and how should they be treated in the new How can Ennis as a Key A county in which citizens, visitors Development Plan? town and Shannon as and all stakeholders are empowered part of the Limerick- Shannon Metropolitan and supported by public bodies under Area continue to develop How can County the leadership of a professional, as the key drivers of Clare contribute to the economic growth in development of the responsive and progressive local County Clare and Mid-West Region? government system’. within the region?

7 What makes an attractive residential environment?

The Core Strategy of the Clare County Development Plan is to ensure that the Council identify and reserve an appropriate amount of land in the right locations to meet housing and population targets. Under the Planning and Population Development Act 2000, as amended, a Core Strategy focuses on defining a settlement and Housing hierarchy for the County that is consistent with the National Making provision for housing the Planning Framework and the citizens of County Clare in sustainable Regional Spatial and Economic Strategy. communities is a key function of the The County Development Plan County Development Plan. will in turn support the Core Strategy through a range of policies and objectives to support services and the provision of appropriate infrastructure in areas identified for growth.

8 Population of County Clare, 2016 118,817 Population How and where can change County Clare provide for the housing needs of all groups, including older people, people with disabilities, the How best can we ensure homeless, etc.? the vacant houses in the rural areas are brought 2011–2016 2006–2016 into use? 1.4% 7.1% How can we encourage the provision of house Population Population older types in our towns How should we protect gender and younger and villages for all life environmentally stages? sensitive areas of the County?

How can we encourage innovation and new How do we achieve a types of houses which good balance between deliver on peoples’ single rural housing and preferences, in a the creation of viable females males over 65 under 15 sustainable manner? towns and villages? 50.5% 49.5% 14.9% 21.5%

9 ellarour anore Current Settlement Hierarchy for County Clare, Slieve Elva Clare County Development Plan 2017-2023 /HUB Carron oton Linked Gateway Cliffs of uer lamount Moher Service Towns lanny lnaoy llanena Slieve Aughty allnruan Small Towns Coro n Caer Whitegate / annor uan Large Villages

oy Scarri gh Derg Small Villages Lou oona Bare eld Clusters* Spanish Pt. lnamona oye Miltown onnelloe Malbay pan Pont Slieve Callan Clooney Countryside: ENNIS Callaan ll The countryside are those parts Connolly n of County Clare outside of Quilty Quin Broadford Killaloe recognised settlements Mullagh lane allyea Newmarket Kilmurry on Fergus Bridgetown Cree O’Briensbridge Atlantic Ocean allynaally Meelick (Ballycannon North) Shannon Athlunkard oyata Killadysert noerra Shannon SHANNON lmurry aon Estuary INTERNATIONAL LIMERICK CITY uerrn AIRPORT Doonaa Cappa no llmer Cro

Loop Head laa * Clusters are the smallest settlement type in the The National Planning settlement hierarchy which provide only for very small growth. Framework sets out the population target for growth for the County to 2031.

10 ellarour anore Ballyvaughan Slieve Elva The Burren Lisdoonvarna Carron oton Doolin

Cliffs of Kilfenora uer lamount Moher lanny lnaoy llanena Slieve Aughty allnruan Coro n Caer Whitegate annor Ennistymon/ Lahinch uan Crusheen Feakle Mountshannon

Derg oy Scarri Lough Inagh oona Bare eld Tuamgraney Spanish Pt. lnamona oye Miltown Tulla onnelloe How can we maintain Malbay pan Pont Slieve Callan Clooney a distinction between ENNIS Callaan ll Kilmaley towns and villages and Connolly n the surrounding rural Quilty Clarecastle Quin Kilkishen Broadford Killaloe areas? Mullagh lane allyea Newmarket Kilmurry What measures should be considered on Fergus Bridgetown Cree to encourage the use How can Clare County Sixmilebridge Lissycasey O’Briensbridge of existing unfinished Council stimulate Kilmihil allynaally Atlantic Ocean Doonbeg Meelick estates and the large construction activity in (Ballycannon Clonlara Bunratty North) Ardnacrusha number of vacant our towns and villages? Cranny Kilkee Cooraclare Shannon Cratloe Parteen dwellings in our towns Athlunkard oyata Killadysert and villages? noerra Shannon SHANNON Is there a deficit in the Kilrush lmurry aon Estuary INTERNATIONAL LIMERICK CITY uerrn AIRPORT provision of a particular Doonaa How can we encourage type of housing that Cappa no llmer Labasheeda the re-use of redundant should be addressed e.g. Cro Carrigaholt or derelict buildings? apartments, duplex etc.?

Loop Head laa The population target is lower Do have any other than previous population target you allocations for the County. The views on housing and Core Strategy for the new County Development Plan 2022-2028 population in must realign population growth in terms of its distribution County Clare? throughout the towns and villages in the County.

11 What are County Clare’s strengths and weaknesses regarding future enterprise and employment growth?

In order to promote sustainable economic development, a balance of location and diverse economic Economic, activity along with the protection of the environment and people’s Enterprise, quality of life is required. County Clare occupies a key strategic location served by the Tourism and Retail main motorway network with major economic assets including: Shannon, located within the new Development Limerick-Shannon Metropolitan Area; Ennis, a designated Key Planning shapes the environment in Town in the Regional Spatial and which people live and work and it plays a Economic Strategy; Shannon International Airport; the University key role in supporting the wider national of Limerick – Clare Campus; the economic, employment and enterprise Shannon Estuary; and the County’s rural area and tourist attractions. objectives. Ennis and Shannon act as key economic drivers for the County and Region as critical elements of the Limerick-Shannon-Ennis economic triangle.

What options are there for rural diversification?

12 How can we promote inward investment and job creation in the County and where should it be located?

Recent events has seen a The County Development Plan Mid-West through the expansion massive increase in remote will support the continued and diversification of its working with many organisations development of Ennis as a self- economic offering. and companies reviewing their sustaining regional economic driver The County Development practices in this regard which and a key location for investment Plan seeks to support the will potentially see a significant choice in the region, based on implementation of Ennis 2040 change in work patterns. This its strategic location relative to to set the long-term economic in turn could see a change in Limerick and Galway Cities and strategy for the County and work places in terms of their Shannon International Airport. designated Key Town, also requirement, with potential Ennis 2040, an economic and recognising the higher education impacts on town centres. spatial strategy for Ennis to 2040, growth potential of Ennis and aims to strengthen its role as a its vision to become a centre for key economic driver and major lifelong learning. tourist destination in the

How can the potential What measures could How will Ennis 2040 increase in remote be made to support and the Shannon working be facilitated Rural Business and Town Masterplan be in a way that would Enterprise? integrated into the benefit the communities County Development within the remote Plan? working locations? How can we best support new and evolving work patterns How can we ensure which reduce the the protection of rural demand to travel and natural amenities to work, including while providing for e-business and home sustainable economic based activity? development?

With a strong focus of the Limerick – Shannon Metropolitan Area, how should the needs of, and opportunities for, other areas in the County to develop, be addressed?

13 Shannon occupies a strategic The South Clare Economic The retail environment is position as a gateway to the Strategic Development changing particularly in relation West of Ireland. It is a centre of Zone represents a significant to town centres, especially since international business, aviation, future economic driver within COVID-19. A significant trend aerospace and attracts emerging County Clare. This will involve towards on-line sales, coupled sectors such as CAV (Connected the application for designation with increasing town centre and Automated Vehicles) and of University of Limerick (Clare vacancy rates has exacerbated Lifesciences and has strong Campus) South Clare as a already significant challenges for synergies with Limerick City. Strategic Development Zone with town centre businesses. potential to attract Foreign Direct Shannon International Airport The Development Plan should Investment. and the industrial park, are critical include objectives that support not only to the Mid-West but to The inclusion of this strategic measures which will help to the country. economic initiative will reinvigorate the County’s town be included in the County and village centre retailing. The preparation of a Shannon Development Plan. Town Masterplan is currently underway and should inform the County Clare has a strong County Development Plan. tourism base which is primarily founded on its unspoilt unique The Shannon Estuary is of natural environment including both national and international the Burren, , Lough importance having the potential Derg as well as a wealth of to attract multinational historic towns and villages and development to the County. archaeological sites including The Strategic Integrated Scattery Island and Inis Cealtra Framework Plan for the Shannon (Holy Island). Estuary (SIFP) provides a coherent The Wild Atlantic Way has spatial plan to recognise the attracted many visitors and the economic potential of the County Development Plan will Shannon Estuary. It aims to support its continued success support the multifunctional along with the development nature of the Shannon Estuary of the Shannon Estuary Way to and seeks to transform the further promote the West Clare estuary into an international area. economic hub, by harnessing the economic potential of significant opportunities to grow the Blue Economy through offshore wave and wind renewable energy. How can we support the future of Moneypoint?

14 How best can we maximise the economic benefit of the location of the University of Limerick on the Clare side of the River Shannon?

How can we facilitate economic recovery post Covid-19?

Are there potential tourist attractions including experiential tourism which need further development?

How can the tourist attractions in the County be capitalised on without damaging our rich built and natural landscape?

What could be done to protect, support and enhance the Tourism sector?

What can we do to support town centre retailing and commercial activities to address vacancy and enhance the vitality of our town and village centres?

15 How best can we achieve town and village renewal?

In addition to the key economic drivers of Ennis and Shannon there is a network of smaller settlements consisting of the service towns of Kilrush, Ennistymon–Lahinch and –Tuamgraney and many other towns and villages, all of which collectively support the Towns and sustainable economic and social development of the County. Villages The aim is to create sustainable and vibrant communities within A network of settlements support these smaller settlements which the sustainable economic and social will act as local development and service centres, facilitating development of the County. development in keeping with the nature and extent of the existing settlement and availability of public services and facilities. These centres will provide for improved quality of life by promoting economic potential, high quality housing, improved accessibility and public realm whilst protecting the natural and built environment.

16 How can we make our town centres more attractive, vibrant and welcoming for everybody?

Vacancy has been an How can we support Is the significant growth on-going problem in the provision and of online retailing some areas. How can maintenance of diminishing the vitality we encourage uses and attractive Community of retail in towns and occupancy? Spaces to serve town and villages? If so, what can village communities? be done to counteract this? What measures and/ or design policies can be How can houses implemented to ensure be provided within that our town centres rural villages without are attractive places wastewater treatment to shop, live, visit and infrastructure in place? work in?

How can we support, Is there an adequate protect and enhance the range of uses available economic viability of in the town centres? towns and villages?

What is the best means of improving the retail vitality and viability of the County?

17 What options are there regarding economic diversification in rural areas?

Clare County Council will try to balance the need to accommodate rural generated residential development, support rural communities and increase rural based commercial activities against the equally important need to protect its unique countryside from inappropriate Rural development. Development

Rural areas offer diverse and strong rural communities and economy, balancing sustainable harnessing of natural resources and an existing quality of life.

18 How do you think the How can we manage County Development our natural resources Plan can support to ensure that rural sustainable agriculture economies and and other rural based communities prosper in enterprises such as a sustainable way? forestry and renewable energy? How do we achieve a sustainable balance What services are between granting required in the one-off houses in countryside to the countryside and support vibrant rural maintaining viable rural communities? towns and villages?

19 How can we promote integration of land-use and transport?

Sustainable transport is central to efforts to control greenhouse gas emissions, air pollution and environmental damage. Reducing reliance on the private car is a challenging policy target, especially in a County like Clare with a dispersed population, Transport and however Clare County Council are working towards delivering alternative more sustainable Infrastructure transport options. Although Clare County Council Transport is vital to the well-functioning are not public transport providers, of economic activities and a key the County Development Plan will facilitate the integration of to ensuring social well-being and public transport into the county cohesion of populations. Transport where possible. ensures everyday mobility of people Shannon International Airport and is crucial to the production and is a fantastic asset to County Clare that provides essential distribution of goods. international connectivity and acts as a gateway to Ireland’s premier tourist locations. Clare County Council will proactively support and encourage the sustainable development of Shannon International Airport to ensure that it continues to grow as a key driver of economic growth in the Mid-West Region.

How can we support the sustainable future of Shannon International Airport?

20 How can we best Where should new or promote and support improved footpaths a modal shift towards and cycleway links and more sustainable modes connections be located in of transport? towns and villages?

Transport and land-use The Limerick-Shannon New infrastructure such as planning are fundamentally Metropolitan Area Transport cycleways and walkways linked and uses should be Strategy will be instrumental are also significant as a means structured so that the need for in the transport planning of the of improving sustainable travel and reliance on the private Metropolitan Area including the connectivity within and between car is minimised. delivery of the Limerick Northern communities. Distributor Route (LNDR) which High quality transportation Future infrastructure needs and will create a critical strategic is critical to sustain, promote priorities should be included in direct road link between Shannon and improve our economy and the County Development Plan. International Airport and the standard of living. University of Limerick –Clare campus making it a highly desirable prospect for foreign inward investment.

In your opinion, what In your opinion, what needs to be done to are the key transport improve accessibility to and mobility issues rural areas? affecting residents, workers and visitors?

Should parking standards for new How can the safety of developments reflect vulnerable users i.e. the need to reduce car cyclists/pedestrians be dependency? managed?

21 What is needed to secure a better quality communications network throughout the County?

The provision and maintenance of The communications sector high-quality service infrastructure plays a substantial role in is vital to attracting and retaining supporting development and economic development and attracting inward investment, improving the quality of life in the therefore it is essential that our County. communications network is of a high quality, reasonably priced Investment in areas such and available throughout the as drinking water, waste county. water, energy and telecommunications will The County Development attract both commercial and Plan will seek to support the residential development in the implementation of the National County. Population growth will be Broadband Plan which is the identified in areas with existing Government’s initiative to deliver and planned public services and high speed broadband services to facilities. all premises in Ireland. What towns or villages should be prioritised for water/wastewater improvements?

How can we support agencies in the provision of water and wastewater infrastructure?

Are there significant factors leading to deterioration in the water quality of groundwater or rivers and how can these be addressed?

22 What community projects could be established to enhance, conserve and protect heritage?

Built and Natural Heritage, Landscape and Green Infrastructure

County Clare is rich in historic buildings and structures which form part of the architectural heritage, including industrial and vernacular heritage. What policies and/or incentives could be used to ensure that Protected Structures are properly maintained and do not fall into disrepair?

23 Many of these structures are County Clare has a unique protected by legislation and landscape which includes great included in the Record of contrasts throughout the County Protected Structures (RPS). between the distinctive limestone Currently there are 882 inclusions landscape of the Burren, the on the RPS and the protection and coastal seascapes in the west and preservation of these structures the more fertile rolling landscape is of paramount importance. The around the shores of RPS will be reviewed as part of the in the east. new County Development Plan The County Development Plan making process. will seek to ensure a balance Architectural Conservation between the preservation of our Areas (ACA) are places, areas, landscapes with the reality that groups of structures or a these are living and working townscape which are of special landscapes, requiring a measured interest or contribute to the approach to change in the appreciation of a protected landscape. structure. The natural heritage includes The aim is to retain the overall important ecological European special architectural or historical Designated Sites including character of an area or place. The Special Areas of Conservation Plan must include objectives that (SAC), Special Protection Areas will preserve the County’s historic (SPA), proposed Natural Heritage towns and villages while ensuring Areas (pNHA), and Geological Is the existing level of that they are an attractive and Sites. protection for Protected competitive place in which to live, Structures, ACAs and Biodiversity and Heritage are work and visit. Archaeology sufficient in at the heart of public life, re- the County? Archaeological Heritage enforced by the Clare County includes physical remnants in Heritage Plan 2017-2023 and the the landscape and form part of Clare County Biodiversity Plan historic human activity. Many 2017-2023. Green Infrastructure archaeological features may not is now an integral element in be easily recognisable or visible as planning and features throughout they can be hidden underground all planning themes of the Clare or concealed by vegetation. County Development Plan. The importance of protecting The Plan must seek to support archaeology as part of the Green Infrastructure in County’s built heritage must recognition of its value for be provided for the County recreation amenity and the Development Plan in terms of its proven health and well-being preservation. benefits it provides.

24 How can the new County Development Plan protect and enhance the County’s existing natural heritage and biodiversity?

Are there any pieces of Green Infrastructure that you are aware of in the County that could be developed further to benefit the community?

Are there areas you How can modern would like to see living requirements be designated as an ACA? facilitated for Protected Structures and ACAs without compromising their integrity? How can the County Development Plan continue to protect the natural heritage Are there any areas of including landscape Green infrastructure while supporting in Clare that could be sustainable development? sustainably developed to provide recreational spaces? How could the County Development Plan promote and encourage How can the existing the inclusion of Green Green Infrastructure Infrastructure into new in the County be developments? improved?

25 In your opinion, what will be County Clare’s key source of renewable energy in the future? The Clare County Development Plan must take account of the significant challenges that are present as a result of the effects of climate change. It is critical that the Plan sets out policies Climate Change, and objectives that support the development of a low-carbon, Renewable Energy climate resilient County. The National Climate Action Plan sets the ambitious targets and Environment of 50% Energy Efficiency and 30% greenhouse gas emissions Protecting and improving our reduction by 2030. The County Development Plan will seek to environment and heritage is important fulfil these targets through the for all those who work, live and visit establishment of objectives relating to decarbonisation, County Clare. We therefore recognise resource efficiency and climate and understand the importance resilience. of protecting our precious natural environment and the potential adverse impacts of climate change.

26 Renewable and Wind Energy Clare County Council recognise A Strategic Flood Risk Assessment Strategies help to guide the and understand the importance (SFRA) will be carried out and transition away from fossil fuel of protecting the natural the County Development Plan use towards a renewable, low- environment and the potential will be subject to Strategic carbon energy future. The adverse impacts of climate Environmental Assessment (SEA) County Development Plan will change, evidenced by recent and Appropriate Assessment (AA) consider the future of renewable extreme weather events, on our to consider its potential effects energy sources within the county way of life and want to reduce on the natural environment and to ensure that they are up to date the risks to a minimum. on European Protected Sites and and align with the objectives their networks. of the NPF, RSES and national guidelines.

What renewable energy How do you think the How can the County do you consider most County Development Development Plan efficient? Plan could facilitate actively engage and raise the integration of awareness and help climate adaptation into reduce the impact of development planning? climate change? What are the main environmental issues facing Clare and how can the County How can the pressure Development Plan for development in areas address these? at risk of flooding be managed?

How can the County Development Plan tailor How can the County its policies on renewable Development Plan energy to support this achieve a balance between industry but also protect the growth of the County the landscapes, amenity and the protection of the and ecology? environment?

How can the County How can the County Development Plan Development Plan facilitate the transition best promote the to a low carbon society? conservation of energy and minimise its usage?

What measures could be implemented to What policies and encourage householders objectives could be and commercial set out in the Plan to businesses to reduce expand or incentivise waste and increase small scale renewable recycling? energy developments, for communities or individual homes?

27 How can the County Development Plan support cultural development in Clare?

It is important that the residents of County Clare have a high quality of life and that the county is an attractive place to live, work and socialise in. Clare County Council recognise there is a need to create Social, Community high quality social and community infrastructure for all sectors of society in both our towns and and Cultural villages. Community facilities include Development the provision of libraries, schools, childcare facilities, open space, Clare County Council continues to strive playgrounds, leisure facilities and health centres. Walkability to create vibrant, healthy and inclusive Audits undertaken for Ennis and communities that are accessible to all Kilrush, the Clare Age Friendly Plan 2018-2020, the Healthy Clare and have the ability to grow sustainably. Strategic Plan 2019-2021 and the Clare Rural Development Strategy 2026 will assist in formulating the policies and objectives in the new Development Plan. The Development Plan will examine all the settlements within the County and identify suitable areas for community facilities County Clare has a rich and varied cultural tradition, with its reputation worldwide for traditional music. Ennis hosted the National Fleadh Cheoil in 2016 and 2017, the All Ireland Golf Tournament in Lahinch in 2019 and there are numerous festivals and fleadhs held year- round throughout the towns and villages.

28 Are the educational How can the new needs of the population County Development from pre-primary Plan facilitate the to lifelong learning provision of childcare adequately met in facilities in the right County Clare? locations?

Are there any arts/ How can the County cultural facilities that Development Plan are lacking in the facilitate the demand County? for sports and leisure How can the County facilities within the Development Plan County? facilitate the transition Are the needs of towards Clare becoming different cultural, an Age Friendly County? ethnic, youth, elderly, How can the new disabled groups County Development being adequately Plan support and protect accommodated in our the viability of our County? Rural Communities?

29 How can you get involved…

Community Groups, individuals, Submission or observations can be made between 18th September 2020 – 16th stakeholders, children or groups November 2020 inclusive. The deadline for /associations representing submissions is 4pm on Monday the 16th the interests of children, November 2020. Further information and all updates are available on Clare County Council are all encouraged to make Twitter, Instagram and Facebook and submissions or observations to www.clarecdp2022-2028.clarecoco.ie the Planning Authority. Please note that requests or proposals for the zoning of areas of land for any We would welcome your views on any of the purpose cannot be considered at this issues and question raised in this Issues Paper, stage of the process. or on any other issues that you may consider important to be included in the new County The Planning Department will be holding an Development Plan. informal public event when you can come and talk to us directly and let us know what The focus is on strategic issues i.e. the big you think the new County Development picture so proposals or requests for zoning of Plan should include. This will be subject to particular lands will not be considered at this Covid-19 government public health guidance stage. There will be an opportunity to make and will be by appointment only which can submissions on zoning later in the process. be made by calling the Forward Planning Section on 065 6846451.

Save the date Thursday 1st October 2020 between 2pm and 8pm in the Foyee of Clare County Council Offices, Clare County Council, Áras Contae an Chláir, New Road, Ennis, Co. Clare V95 DXP2

30 Where do I send my Submission or Observation? In writing to:

Development Plan Review Planning Department Clare County Council Áras Contae an Chláir New Road, Ennis County Clare V95 DXP2

or email: The closing date for receipt of submissions is:

[email protected]

subject headline should read: “Development Plan Review” 4pm Monday 16th November 2020

Please make your submissions/ Submissions received after this deadline observations by one medium only cannot be accepted. i.e. hard copy or email. N.B. As this is a public consultation process, Submissions should include your name submissions will be made available on the Clare and address where relevant, details of any County Council website for public viewing and organisation, community group or company consequently personal details such as address, etc. which you represent. email address and phone number should be submitted on a separate sheet accompanying the submission or observation.

31 This is your plan Your opinion matters play your part

Áras Contae an Chláir New Road, Ennis County Clare V95 DXP2 www.clarecoco.ie