Chapter 1: Introduction and Policy Context

1 INTRODUCTION AND POLICY CONTEXT

The County Development Plan 2014 - 2020 (RCDP), like other development plans is formulated following a statutory based consultative process involving the Council Executive, elected members and the public alike. Inputs are also made by government departments and statutory consultees.

The plan, which was prepared by the Planning Department of Roscommon County Council, sets out the strategic planning and sustainable development of the county over its lifetime (6 years) and is consistent with the National Spatial Strategy (NSS) and the Regional Planning Guidelines.

1.1 LEGISLATIVE BASIS AND CONTEXT

There is an obligation on every planning authority to make a development plan every six years under the terms of the Planning and Development Act (2000-2012), Section 9(1). The Planning Act dictates that the development plan must not only consider planning aspects relating to its own area of administration but must also take consideration of and coordinate with objectives of adjoining local authorities as well. Mindful of this consideration, the council consulted with neighbouring planning authorities in relating to issues of mutual interest at pre draft stage.

Whilst the RCDP concentrates on the proper planning and sustainable development of , it is also cognisant of the broader national and regional planning and developmental context of the county. The broader overarching social and infrastructural aims of the National Spatial Strategy, National Development Plan and Regional Planning Guidelines (Roscommon is situated within the West region) were considered when preparing the document. Government guidelines also help to inform and shape the policy direction of the plan. For example, the Sustainable Rural Housing Guidelines (2005), Sustainable Residential Guidelines (urban areas) (2009) and the Retail Planning Guidelines (2012) are but three such documents that help inform the County Development Plan. Such guidelines are ever evolving and reflect changes in planning policy and are shaped by both national and local planning experience.

1.2 CONTEXT OF THE COUNTY DEVELOPMENT PLAN

10(1) of the Planning and Development Act 2000 (as amended) requires a development plan to set out an overall strategy for the proper planning and sustainable development of an area. The “sustainable“ consideration means that the longer term effects of development and how it impacts on people and the environment in general, both locally and in the broader context, both currently and into the future, must be considered.

The Planning and Development Act requires the plan to contain mandatory development objectives in relation to a broad range of issues as set out in 10(2).These include the zoning of land (referred to in Local Area Plans), provision of infrastructure and preservation of landscape character among others. Planning objectives are influenced by planning policies contained within the plan.

1.3 PLANNING POLICY

This is Roscommon County Councils statement of the principles it will use in making decisions on development and on its plan of action to ensure the proper planning and sustainable development of the county is realised.

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1.4 DEVELOPMENT OBJECTIVES

These are specific actions or statements which Roscommon County Council will endeavour to follow to ensure that policies are implemented, that goals and targets are attained and all development proposals are consistent with the proper planning and sustainable development of the county.

In the interests of clarity, any reference to a goal , aim , policy and objective in the text of this County Development Plan 2014-2020 and associated Area Plans shall be construed as an “objective” of this Plan for the purposes of the Planning and Development Act ,2000, as amended and the Planning Regulations , 2001, as amended.

1.5 CORE STRATEGY

The Planning and Development (Amendment) Act 2010 requires the inclusion of a “Core Strategy” within development plans. The Core Strategy is required to include details setting out settlement strategy, retail objectives and transport linkages among other issues. The Core Strategy contained within this plan informs the strategic direction of the county in planning terms for the period 2014-2020 and beyond.

1.6 STRATEGIC ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT (SEA)

Strategic Environmental Assessment (SEA) is a systematic process for evaluating the likely significant environmental effects of implementing the County Development Plan. This is a mandatory process under the terms of the Planning and Development (SEA) Regulations 2004 as amended and informs the Plans preparation.

1.7 DEVELOPMENT PLAN OVERVIEW

The Roscommon County Development Plan, associated Area Plans, and supporting documents represent a comprehensive planning framework for the county for the Plan period 2014-2020. The documents set out a vision as to how the county will develop in its own right and within its Regional and National context. In the broader context, the Council is aware also that an outward looking view must also be considered in terms of the European and International dimension and that our economy, being open in nature, is reliant on trade interactions outside our own borders.

The Roscommon County Development Plan is concerned with the well being of the County’s people of present and future generations. Accordingly, the document considers and plans for the broad array of factors that affect quality of life issues such as residential environment and economic well being. Access to services such as health care, education and transportation is also of primary importance. The development and progress of these aforementioned strands cannot proceed without having due consideration to their various environmental impacts. Considering this, the Planning Authority has undertaken environmental analysis and scrutiny by means of, for example, Environment Impact Assessment and Flood Risk Assessment in its preparation of the Roscommon County Development Plan (RCDP) and associated documents. This ensures that the development Policies and Objectives contained within the Plan are sustainable. The “sustainable” ideal ensures that the needs of today’s generation are catered for without compromising future generation’s needs.

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In terms of geographical location, Roscommon is centrally located within the country’s land mass. In relation to its Regional Planning context, it is located in the West Region but also abuts the Border and Midland Regions, see Figure 2.1.The fostering of interregional opportunities is, according to the Regional Planning Guidelines (RPGs) for the West Region, 2010-2022, “pivotal to the development and success of the (West) Region” and the RCDP 2014-2020 has taken cognisance of this in its preparation. Roscommon has interregional dependencies in terms of, among other aspects, employment, education and some levels of health care. The urban centres of Sligo, and , amongst other centres, have influence on Roscommon in relation to these issues.

Whilst Roscommon as a county does not operate in an isolated way in relation to its various spheres of activity, it is to be acknowledged that the County has considerable self sufficiency and has much to offer in terms of fundamental life-style requirements.

Considerable capital investment in recent years has improved the level of services within the county including roads, sanitary services, water supplies, education facilities and retail provision. The Council is aware that there is no room for complacency in this regard and will endeavour to sustain, where feasible, these levels of service provision into the future.

Challenges The county faces challenges of an economic nature which are in evidence and starkly highlighted in lack of confidence in consumer spending, vacancy in retail floor space and an element of urban decay creeping into some of the county’s town centres. This brings social pressures also, manifested in for example, emigration, job losses and general public disenchantment.

The Council is aware that it alone cannot reinvigorate the economy. Nonetheless, it is in a position, via the planning process in general, to address ongoing issues such as unfinished residential estates and residential and retail vacancy through mechanisms such as the Vacant Site Levy. In relation to the former, the Council has, and will continue, to work with the various stakeholders to secure services and address general public safety issues in unfinished estates. The RCDP includes a range of Policies and Objectives which seek to address these challenges.

The Planning Vision for Roscommon

The development planning process, as embodied in this document, endeavours to facilitate the future progress of Roscommon in a measured, calculated and plan led sustainable manner across the county as a whole in a way that will maximise the beneficial effect of past and future infrastructural investments and accruing economic impacts. In order to effect this objective, the Council, via the core Planning Strategy and Policies and Objectives contained in the County Development Plan, will reflect the preferred strategic option for the both the Region and Roscommon as set out in the RPGS for the West Region 2010-2022. Key elements of this strategy are:-

Concentrated development of Gateways, Hubs, linked hubs, key town, smaller settlements and rural areas- Monksland, as part of the larger settlement, Athlone, forms part of a Linked Gateway. Gateways are recognised as being capable of generating critical growth mass which can positively affect an urban centre and its hinterland. The Council recognises the importance of the Monksland area in economic terms to the county. Likewise, the County’s key towns, including Roscommon Town are targeted for consolidation. Smaller settlements and rural areas are also specifically addressed in terms of their strategic development within the Roscommon County Development Plan 2014 – 2020.

Sustainable Planning of urban areas – Local Area Plans and Area Plans give comprehensive specific analysis and planning vision as to how specific towns will develop in a compact, orderly and sustainable way. As well as Roscommon town, the Key Towns of , , and are identified as being of strategic importance within the County in terms of economic influence, service provision to their own populace and indeed that of their

Variation No. 1 of the Roscommon County Development Plan 2014–2020 Page 3 Chapter 1: Introduction and Policy Context associated hinterlands. The control of development around the key towns is advocated in order to promote the Plan led approach to consolidating these urban areas.

Sustainable Transport – The longer term objective in relation to sustainable transport at national, regional and local level is to lessen dependency on motor vehicles and utilise public transport along with walking and cycling.

Recognise existing Economic opportunities and identify emerging trends – Roscommon has many economic assets and opportunities including renewable energy and tourism. The more traditional types of employment generators such as construction, agriculture and manufacturing are still important whilst new opportunities in other areas such as the knowledge economy.

Above: Rural economic opportunities exist in areas such as the forestry and tourism sectors (Lough Key Forest Park).

The County is well placed to avail of these opportunities given the existence of a well educated work force, availability of natural resources, availability of zoned and serviced lands and ever improving telecommunications and infrastructure provision. The county’s population showed an increase in excess of 9%, compared to 8% nationally (for the census period 2006-11). Area specific population growth areas within the county are shown on Map 2. It is acknowledged that growth in the economy and investor confidence is presently slow but it is incumbent on all concerned, including the planning function, to be prepared for a positive upturn within the lifetime of the Roscommon County Development Plan and to plan accordingly for this.

Having considered National and Regional strategic goals and having considered the appropriate and sustainable development of the county, the DRCDP 2014-2020 has identified a development focus which is based on the planning vision contained within its core strategy. The various chapters contained within the County Development Plan and associated Area Plans and associated documents expand in greater detail as to how this planning vision can be realised.

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Strategic Aims of the Plan Strategic Aim 1: Implement a development strategy for County Roscommon designed to achieve balanced and sustainable development in a strategic plan led manner.

Strategic Aim 2: Improve the quality of life for the people of Roscommon and maintain the county as an attractive place to live, work and visit.

Strategic Aim 3: Prioritise the development of Monksland within the context of its association with Athlone and in the context of its location within a Linked Hub (incorporating Athlone, Tullamore and Mullingar) and its potential to positively influence the economic wellbeing of South Roscommon.

Strategic Aim 4: Support the development of the county’s Key Towns.

Strategic Aim 5: Support continued capital investment over a broad range of infrastructural provisions including roads, water services and sanitary services.

Strategic Aim 6: Promote the role of rural areas thus maximising their economic potential in areas such as agri –food, forestry, renewable energy and tourism.

Strategic Aim 7: Protect, within the context of planning legislation, the countys natural assets such as water resources, scenic areas, archaeological and cultural heritage.

Strategic Aim 8: Promote social inclusion, sustainable communities and sustainable travel.

1.8 APPROPRIATE ASSESSMENT (AA)

An Appropriate Assessment of the County Development Plan was undertaken in accordance with the requirements of Article 6(3) of the EU Habitats Directive (directive 92/43/EEC). The initial iteration of the Plan was found to have the potential to result in impacts to the integrity of the Natura 2000 network if unmitigated. Accordingly, the inclusion of mitigation measures in the Plan will prioritise the avoidance of impacts and mitigate impacts where these cannot be avoided, thus resulting in this Plan excluding significant adverse effects on the integrity of Natura 2000 sites.

1.9 STRATEGIC FLOOD RISK ASSESSMENT (SFRA)

A SFRA for the County Development Plan was undertaken with the purpose of setting out how flood risk relates to the planning process. The assessment considered and analysed the management of flood risk and examined means of reducing its impacts on human health, the environment, culture and heritage and economic activity. The Plan along with associated Area Plans takes cognisance of flood risk management in their preparation in accordance with the DOEHLG Flood Risk Management Guidelines (2009) and EU Flood Directive 2007/60/EC.

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2 CORE STRATEGY AND SETTLEMENT POLICY

This chapter sets out the Core Strategy for County Roscommon for the period 2014 to 2020. The purpose of the Core Strategy is to outline the overall framework within which objectives and policies throughout the County Development Plan have been generated and conceived. The County Development Plan is an amalgam of influences including the National Spatial Strategy (NSS), the Regional Planning Guidelines (RPGs) along with local planning (County Council) input and public, including elected member, contribution. Essentially, the Core Strategy identifies an overall vision for the proper planning and sustainable development of the county that will form the basis of this Development Plan.

2.1 STATUTORY CONTEXT AND BACKGROUND

In July 2010, the Government enacted the Planning & Development (Amendment) Act 2010. Section 7 of the Act requires planning authorities to include within their Development Plans a “Core Strategy”.

The Act requires a Core Strategy to include:

 A settlement hierarchy.  Population and distribution of population.  A rural settlement strategy for County Roscommon including a classification of rural areas.  Retail objectives (Retail Strategy) and transport objectives and linkages.

The Act also requires the Core Strategy to include a diagrammatic map showing roads, rail routes and rural areas designated in accordance with the “Sustainable Rural Housing Guidelines for Planning Authorities (2005).

In relation to the foregoing requirements a map (Fig 2.2) is included in this document showing settlement hierarchy and the population allocations are indicated in Table 2.1. Details in relation to roads and rail routes are indicated on the Road and Rail Infrastructure map Fig 2.4

In terms of spatial context, Fig 2.1, overleaf, indicates Roscommon’s geographical location relative to the West and Midland regions. Whilst Roscommon is part of the West region within the context of the National Spatial Strategy it also shares its eastern boundary with the Midland Region and also shares cultural and economic links with that region.

National and Regional Strategic Context: Chapter 1 of the County Development Plan 2014-20 “Introduction and Policy Context” outlines the relevant plans at National and Regional level which influence the content of the document. In relation to hierarchical plan influence, the National Spatial Strategy and the Regional Planning Guidelines for the West Region 2010-2022 are of relevance to the Roscommon County Development Plan. The latter document runs concurrently with the lifetime of the Roscommon County Development Plan and refer to counties Roscommon Mayo and Galway–the West Region. Local planning policy must be consistent with the RPGs for the West region.

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Fig. 2.1 National Spatial Strategy

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PLANNING HIERARCHY

Fig. 2.2 Planning Hierarchy

In summary, key policies contained within the Regional Planning Guidelines (RPG’s) which inform the policies contained in this County Development Plan include:-

 Designation of a hierarchy of urban settlements - (see Chapter 2)  Balance decline in traditional sectors through the development of new niches - (See Chapter 3 )  Support the development of sustainable large scale tourist attractions - (See Chapter 3)  Support the Agricultural Food Sector - (see Chapter 3)  Promote “Town Centres” in relation to their retail function – see Retail Strategy for County Roscommon that coincides with the County Development Plan Period 2014-2020.  Consolidate the urban footprint of towns - (see Chapters 3, 5 and 9)

In relation to settlement patterns and in accordance with the Regional Planning Guidelines, the Core Strategy considers the following:-

 Develop strategic roles for key towns – Roscommon (), Monksland/Beallinamullia, Boyle, Ballaghaderreen, Castlerea and Strokestown (all centres have Local Area Plans).  Support the sustainable development of South Roscommon (with the Monksland/Bealanamullia Plan Area developing as an integral part of the Athlone Linked Gateway). The Planning Authority considers that the Monksland/Beallanamullia area is a vital driver of social and economic development with consequent beneficial effects for the entire county. The Planning Authority notes the significant improvements in strengthening the overall community facilities in Monksland/Beallanamullia including retail, leisure and economic developments in the area and its hinterland. Roscommon County Council view this as a very positive factor in the economic development of the entire county. Roscommon County Council therefore seeks to retain and build upon its existing functions in the development of the gateway. Coupled with this the Planning Authority recognises that Monksland/Bealanamullia can play a vital role in the growth of Athlone. Roscommon County Council has earmaked Monksland as an area for industry and manufacturing development opportunites, to aid the Country's economic recovery and increase job opportunities in the County. It is therefore logical that Monksland as

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an integral part of the development envelope of Athlone recieves funding associated with Gateway status, to ensure that industry is attracted to the area and the subsequent increase in population is facilitated with improved infastructure. This will ensure development takes place in a co-ordinated and planned manner. Roscommon County Council also recognizes the importance of the continued development of community and residential facilities in the Monksland Bealanamullia area.

 Encourage appropriate growth in rural towns and villages and promote their residential stock as an attractive alternative to one off rural housing and an attractive place to live in their own right.

Strategic Vision for the West Region as set out in the Regional Planning Guidelines:

“By 2022 the West Region will be an innovative and highly competitive region with sustainable settlements located in an outstanding environment with excellent opportunities and quality of life for its citizens“.

Vision Statement for County Roscommon:

“Roscommon County Council will adopt a positive and sustainable approach to balanced development thereby enhancing the lives of people who live in , work and visit the county, whilst protecting the natural and built environment “.

2.2 CORE STRATEGY FOCUS

This Core Strategy takes an overarching perspective of the proper planning and sustainable development of Roscommon County for the period of the County Development Plan 2014-2020 and beyond. The strategic planning of the county, within a regional and local context, must address short, medium and long term planning considerations.

The Strategic Environmental Assessment Environmental Report prepared to accompany the RCDP considered three scenarios and set out alternative visions as to how the future development of County Roscommon could be achieved:

Scenario 1 – Market Led Growth This approach allows the market to dictate where development will be located without conformity with planning guidelines, infrastructural capacity or environmental constraints. This approach would be likely to result in negative patterns of urban sprawl and degradation of the rural landscape.

Scenario 2 – Evenly distribute development in Settlements This approach would direct development to the smaller settlements and rural areas with less emphasis on the development of larger urban centres. Growth would potentially occur outside the County Town, Roscommon, and other key strategic settlements. It is likely that the required critical massing of the Key towns would not materialise if this approach was followed.

Scenario 3 – Concentration on Key Strategic Settlements This scenario involves channelling growth in a proactive plan led manner into settlements best placed to drive the proper planning and sustainable development of the county and region. This approach is envisaged to lead to a sustainable mix of population and employment in key strategic settlements along with supporting public transport networks. Development in non strategic locations, that would undermine the development of the former strategic settlements, would be curtailed.

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The Council considers that Scenario 3 is the most appropriate model to pursue in terms of sustainability and long term strategic value.

The Core Strategy focus can be summarised as follows:

 ASSESSING ALLOCATED POPULATION TARGETS FOR THE PERIOD 2014 -2020 (as prescribed by the Regional Planning Guidelines for the West Region 2016-2022)

 DERIVING A SETTLEMENT STRATEGY FOR COUNTY ROSCOMMON

 Providing a vision for the future settlement pattern of the county.  Utilising Key towns along with a special emphasis on settlements of all classification as well as single rural housing to facilitate projected population growth for the period 2014-2020.

 DEFINING BROAD FOCUS STRANDS, IDENTIFYING KEY CHALLENGES AND DERIVING CORE STRATEGY POLICIES Broad focus strands:  Economic Development  Provision and Design of Infrastructure  Development of Social, Community and Educational facilities  Protection of the Landscape, Natural and Built Heritage  Renewable Energy Strategy  Core policies

Core Policy Core Policy To take consideration of relevant European, National and Regional Guidelines and 2.1 strategies at county level and to facilitate the sustainable development of Roscommon County and implement such considerations in the local context by means of planning policies and objectives. Core Policy To provide a framework for the proper planning and sustainable development of the 2.2 county over the plan period.

Core Policy To provide for an enhanced quality of life for all based on high quality sustainable 2.3 residential, working and recreational environment as well as infrastructural and transportation networks.

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2.2.1 Population Targets

The projected population growth for the West Region for the period 2016-2022 indicates a rise from 484,700 to 521,400 persons, amounting to an increase of 9.7%.

At county level, the Regional Planning Guidelines give population targets for County Roscommon for the years 2010 (61,500), 2016 (66,700) and 2022 (73,400) indicated in Tables 15 & 16 of that document. It can be interpolated from the above projections that the projected population of the county in 2014 will be 64,964 and by 2020 will be 71,166, an increase of 6,200 persons. This represents an increase of 8.7% (compared with a 9.1% population increase recorded in the census period 2006 (CSO, 2011).

Of the county’s settlements, the Regional Planning Guidelines refer specifically only to Roscommon Town in relation to population projection, indicating estimates of 5,500 (2010) 6,215 (2016) and 6,836 (2022). Again, interpolation based on Regional Planning Guideline figures, generates figures for the population of Roscommon Town for 2014 of 5,976 and 6,627 for 2020. These projections coincide with the lifetime of the RCDP 2014–2020 and amount to a population increase of 10.9% (compared with 13% population increase – inter census period 2006 – 2011).

2.2.2 Settlement Strategy

The settlement strategy proposed within this Core Strategy refers to a time period corresponding with the RCDP for the period 2014 –2020 and utilises a projected population growth of 6,200 people, consistent with the Regional Planning Guidelines.

The projected growth of population 6,200 will be allocated between key towns, smaller settlements and one off rural housing. This is represented on Table 2.1.and further represented in Appendix 1 of this document as well as being and spatially and graphically reflected in Fig 2.2. and Fig. 2.3.

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TABLE 2.1 CORE STRATEGY POPULATION ALLOCATIONS No. of Residential Business Settlement Hierarchy Population Density Industry Houses Land Enterprise Allocation1 per Ha3 (I) Tier Town required2 required4 (BE) County 6,200 2,480 - Roscommon 77.32 73.15 1 Roscommon Town 8455 338 20 25.4 Ha Boyle 367 147 20 11Ha 37.75 25.46 2 Castlerea 300 120 20 9 Ha 20.22 16.07

Ballaghaderreen 271 108 20 8.1 Ha 43.96 21.34 Monksland/ 69.7 60.7 2 SC 538 215 20 16.1Ha * 3 ** 48 24 15 2.4 Ha 16.01 7.1 Strokestown 109 44 15 4.4 Ha 7.77 0 Elphin 85 34 15 3.4 Ha 14.59 5.67 Hodson Bay 37 15 15 1.5 Ha 0 0 Rural Settlements 4 3,600 1,435 - & the Countryside * Monksland/Bellanamullia, as a Special Category within Tier 2, will develop in the context of the larger settlement of Athlone which is part of the Midlands Linked Gateway. The population allocation of 845 does not include 50% overzoning or residential reserve, which will facilitate significantly higher population growth should the requirement for such development arise over the period of this plan. ** Cortober within Tier 3, will develop in the context of the larger settlement of Carrick-on-Shannon.

2.3 SETTLEMENT HIERARCHY

The Settlement Hierarchy has been developed to allocate new population growth in the period 2014-2020. The RPG’s (Regional Planning Guidelines for the West Region 2010-2022) provide population targets which each Local Authority must distribute in a manner consistent with the aims of the Regional Planning Guidelines and the proper planning and sustainable development of the county.

1 Population allocation is based on current population figures as per the An Post Geodirectory 4th Dec 2012. 2 The RPGs indicate an average of 2.5 persons per household for the County. All settlements use this except Cortober which uses 2 persons per household as Census 2011 identifies a very high percentage of two person households in the area. 3 ‘Density per Ha’ is an average density used for the purposes of Core Strategy population projections and residential land required. It is not intended to be used for development management purposes. 4 This figure includes 50% overzoning, in accordance with the DEHLG’s Development Plans: Guidelines for Planning Authorities, 2007, to allow for an element of choice and prevent hoarding of land 5 The RPGs suggest a minimum population allocation of 652 people for Roscommon Town.

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Population growth projection 2014-2020 6200

Number of Housing units required 2480

Tier 4 settlements Tier 1 settlement Settlements outside Tiers 1-3 Roscommon Town These Include: (a). Serviced (typically larger) villages Tier 2 settlements (e.g. , Ballinlough, Boyle , , , Castlerea , Ballintober, , Ballaghadereen Loughglynn, ), Monksland/Bealnamullia (SC) (b). Unserviced (typically smaller) villages/village nuclei (e.g. Tier 3 settlements , , Cortober Brideswell), Strokestown (c). The Countryside and Individual Elphin rural dwellings Hodson Bay / Barrymore

58% 42%

Figure 2.3 Population allocations

2.3.1 The Role of Towns and Settlements in Settlement Strategy

In accordance with the Regional Planning Guidelines, the Core Strategy will direct population and development, as a priority, into categorised settlements as outlined in Table 2. 1. Apart from Roscommon

Town, Monksland, Castlerea, Ballaghaderreen, Boyle and Strokestown are prioritised in this regard. The Planning Authority examined a number of options for the allocation of population growth over the entire county. The preferred approach is the use of population growth allocation to effect economic growth in a number of Key Settlements as opposed to evenly spreading this growth throughout the county. These Key Settlements are considered more likely to drive the economic growth of the county as a whole through inputs in terms of population. It is considered that the alternative approach of evenly spreading this growth throughout the county is likely to dilute critical massing and therefore compromise the potential of the key towns, and as a result, the county as a whole.

2.3.2. Roscommon Town (Tier 1)

Roscommon Town is strategically located close to the county’s physical centre and if allowed to develop can have a positive impact on its surrounding regions. The North of the County would be a targeted beneficiary of the town’s influence. Currently the town is the administrative and service capital of the

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Being an inland county, a feature of some of Roscommon’s settlements is shared administrative boundaries with other counties and local authorities. Two prime examples are Cortober, linked with Carrick on Shannon and Monksland, linked with Athlone.

Census 2011 data and indicates the influence of the larger urban centres on the West Region with regards work commuting. However these centres do not exert an influence on the mid Roscommon area, thus illustrating the necessity to encourage the increase in impact of Roscommon town and other Key towns such as Castlerea, Ballaghadereen, Strokestown and Boyle on this area. The positive economic magnetism of Athlone (including Monksland) on South Roscommon is obvious. Sligo and Carrick on Shannon (including Cortober) exert influence in terms of work commuting on North Roscommon.

2.3.3. Key Towns (Tier 2)

The Regional Planning Guidelines for the West Region 2010-2022 identifies Ballaghaderreen, Boyle, and Castlerea as key towns within the West Region. This settlement strategy places these settlements within Tier 2 of the settlement hierarchy, in recognition of their importance within the Regional Planning Guidelines, existing population base, economic development potential, availability of services and critical infrastructure (particularly public transportation), and urban structure.

2.3.4 Monksland /Bellanamullia (Athlone West – Tier 2 Special Category)

A feature of this area in recent years has been an accelerated growth in terms of housing and population. However, Monksland/Bealnamullia, does not enjoy, as yet, the range of services of a settlement centre in their own right and in planning terms is viewed as being part of a larger linked gateway. Monksland/Bealnamullia is included within Tier 2 of the Settlement Hierarchy given its population and status in terms of employment and service provision. It is envisaged that Monksland/Bealnamullia will develop as part of a larger settlement (Athlone Town) and in recognition of this distinction from the ‘Key Towns’ within Tier 2, Monksland/Bealnamullia is assigned the designation of a Special Category settlement within Tier 2 of the settlement Hierarchy, due to these external influences.

It is acknowledged, however, that Monksland has a vital economic role in terms of its strategic location as part of Athlone, which is part of the Midland Linked Gateway (triad of centres). Monksland is envisaged, as part of this Core Strategy, as continuing to be a prime Industrial centre with its proximity to the M6, railway link, and allocation of Industrial lands justifying this designation. The Regional Planning Guidelines for the West Region acknowledge that Athlone has significant influence on the economic development of South Roscommon. The document supports the overall development of Monksland/Bellanamullia as an integral part of Athlone and the Athlone Gateway but recognises that the area requires phased infrastructural support, services and facilities such as schools, a recreational park and improved public transport. The ongoing development of a district centre, capable of serving local retailing, recreational and social needs is viewed as being a priority for this area. As recommended by the Retail Planning Guidelines (2012) co- ordination in relation to local planning issues in terms of policy and a joint Retail Strategy is required on the part of Roscommon and Westmeath County Councils. Roscommon County Council endorses this approach and has made initial approaches to its neighbouring County Council in this regard.

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2.3.5 Tier 3 Settlements

Tier 3 of the Settlement Hierarchy is constituted of settlements which have relatively large (though less so that Tier 2 Settlements) population bases and provide more locally based commercial and retailing functions than Tier 2 settlements.

2.3.6 Tier 4 Settlements

These settlements provide vital local service functions to varying degrees and have capacity to facilitate a degree of residential demand over the lifetime of the County Development Plan.

Settlements that have high levels of residential vacancy will have their “new build” residential growth rates curtailed, with instead, an emphasis being placed on the occupancy of existing completed vacant residential units where feasible. These settlements are referred to in Tables 2.1, 2.2. and 2.3. Serviced and partially serviced (in relation to wastewater and potable water supply)towns and villages will be afforded an opportunity to grow in proportion to their existing size and within a compact alignment with the existing settlement footprint. (Table 4.3, Chapter 4, gives specific data on wastewater services in specific settlements). Non serviced centres will also absorb a population allocation as deemed appropriate on a case by case basis. The latter settlements will offer an alternative to the one off rural house. It will be Council policy to direct persons who do not wish to settle in Tier 1-3 settlements and who do not wish (or do not qualify for one off rural housing under the terms of the Sustainable Rural Housing Guidelines), towards the non tiered settlement centres.

2.3.7 Rural Settlements and the Countryside Tier 4 Settlements

Apart from settlements referred to in Tiers 1-3, (inclusive), a significant cohort of the projected population allocation for the county for the period 2014-2020 will be directed towards smaller settlements and the countryside to what is referred to as “one off housing“, typically located outside nucleated settlements.

2.3.8 One off rural housing

The projected population increase over the lifetime of the County Development Plan will be, in part, accommodated by one off rural housing. Development of this kind will be assessed for consideration on a case by case basis, as is the current practice, within the context of the Sustainable Rural Housing Guidelines and relevant policies contained within the County Development Plan, in particular, Chapter 5, “Housing”.

2.3.9 Key Challenges

Housing as a development sector presents many ongoing challenges that the Council will seek to identify and address. Challenges presented are wide ranging over a broad spatial plane in both the urban and rural context.

The issue of residential vacancy has manifested itself in recent years, especially within settlements and particularly those in the northern part of the county. The issue is most acute within newer housing stock where vacancy rates in excess of 50% are not uncommon. The Council cannot at this time make an accurate assessment in relation to the state of readiness for occupation of this type of development. As such, the inclusion of this stock, in whole or in part, as a viable housing resource cannot be considered.

Of concern also is the high instance of unfinished residential estates some of which are partly occupied. The Council has endeavoured, in association with the various stakeholders to ensure that services are operational in unfinished estates and that these areas are “made safe” for their inhabitants.

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One way in which the government has attempted to address the issue of vacancy, is through the introduction of a Vacant Site Levy6. Part 2 of the Act7, essentially provides for the introduction of a vacant site register within the functional area of each Local Authority. The levy will become payable by the owners of vacant sites on the register in 2018 and thereafter on an annual basis, whilst the site remains vacant.

The Roscommon County Development Plan includes explanatory text and objectives concerning the introduction of the Levy and mapping provided within the Area Plans highlights those broad “regeneration” and “residential” areas within which individual sites, should they meet various criteria, attract the Vacant Site Levy.

Table 2.2 Residential vacancy Rates: Settlement Settlement Hierarchy Approx % Residential Vacancy** Roscommon Town Tier 1 8.5% Boyle Tier 2 17.7% Castlerea Tier 2 16.0% Ballaghaderreen Tier 2 25.5% Monksland/Bealnamullia Tier 2 (Special Category) 2.5% Strokestown Tier 3 17.3% Elphin Tier 3 11.1% Cortober Tier 3 13.4% Hodson Bay/Barrymore Tier 3 4.2% Ballinagare, Athleague, Tier 4 5-15%* Ballyleague, Tarmonbarry, Castleplunkett, Ballintober, Ballyforan, Knockcroghery, , , , , Scramogue Tier 4 56% Lisacul Tier 4 49% Tulsk Tier 4 48% Tier 4 44% Croghan Tier 4 27% Cloonfad Tier 4 22% Rooskey Tier 4 21% Frenchpark Tier 4 21% Loughglynn Tier 4 20% Ballinlough Tier 4 18% Ballinameen Tier 4 17% *vacancy in these Tier 4 settlements have typically been recorded at below 10% and residential vacancy problems are not as acute within these settlements as other serviced Tier 4 settlements. ** Residential vacancy rated using December 2012 Geodirectory data, and house counts conducted by RCC Planning Department in January 2013.

A further challenge in relation to housing relates to development pressure for individual rural houses in areas that are experiencing ongoing or emerging development pressure. Whilst this is less intense in recent times, it is nonetheless an issue that needs to be addressed. This is particularly in evidence closer to the larger urban settlements. Such development tends to compromise the sustainable development of local urban centres whose consolidation is proposed to be supported as part of this Core Strategy. Development of this kind is also challenging and uneconomical to service and tends to heighten car dependency and compromise road networks. The Council will identify and prioritise the more acutely affected areas in relation to residential development pressure. It will be Council Policy to restrict development in these areas to those with a proven requirement to locate there.

6 This forms part of the requirements as set out in the Urban Regeneration and Housing Act 2015, signed into law on 28th July 2015. 7 SI 364/2015 refers.

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Table 2.3 Settlement Hierarchy for County Roscommon Tier Location Characteristics Population Roscommon Town Roscommon Town is historically recognised as the County Town and incorporates a broad range of administrative, educational, industry and retail services. It is served by a 1 network of National Roads and is rail hub on the >5000 Dublin/Westport rail line. The settlement is serviced by public sewerage with capacity for anticipated population growth (see chapter 4). Boyle These Key Towns act as Service Centres for their adjoining Castlerea rural hinterlands. They include an extensive range of services Ballaghaderreen including education, health and retail. They are served by National Primary or National Secondary Roads and Castlerea and Boyle are rail hubs on the Dublin/Westport and 2 >1500 Dublin/Sligo rail lines respectively. The settlements are serviced by public sewerage with capacity for anticipated population growth (see chapter 4). Adequate zoned and serviced lands for industrial, commercial and residential use are in place at these locations. Monksland/Bellanamullia Monksland/Bellanamullia (Athlone West) has developed (Athlone West) rapidly in recent years in terms of its economic potential and (Special Category within population growth. Its intrinsic links with Athlone, which is Tier 2, due to external part of the Midland Gateway (along with Tullamore and 2 SC >4000 influences and functional Mullingar) can significantly influence South Roscommon. The relationships with Athlone area has direct access to the M6 and rail service (Athlone). Town) The settlement is serviced by public sewerage with capacity for anticipated population growth (see chapter 4). Cortober These centres have a more limited range of services than Strokestown Tiers 1 & 2 but still have potential as local service centres in Elphin their own right. Cortober which has a rail service (serving the Hodson Bay settlement of Carrick on Shannon) is envisaged to develop within the context of the development of Carrick on Shannon 3 whilst Hodson Bay/Barrymore is emerging as a residential >500 area with a degree of local services available. Strokestown & Elphin are more traditional settlements in term of their urban form and range of facilities on offer. These settlements are serviced by public sewerage with capacity for anticipated population growth (see chapter 4). Rural settlements & the Rural settlements vary in the degree of Local Services they Countryside provide. Examples such as Athleague or Ballyfarnon have a good range of services as well as residential facilities. Other settlements may display merely a local pub/church/school service provision. These settlements have the potential to absorb varying degrees of residential capacity and are envisaged as providing an alternative to the “one off” rural Generally 4 house. <500 The latter form of settlement type may be associated with agrarian or other rural activity but in many cases may tend to be urban generated. The Council will continue to consider such development on a case by case basis. Chapter 5 gives detail in relation to policies for housing provision of all categories.

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Core Policy Core Policy To provide a strong and clearly defined hierarchical network of settlements that allows for 2.4 the sustainable and balanced growth of the county’s economy. To ensure that an adequate supply of residentially zoned lands are designated as necessary and appropriate for these areas whilst maintaining rural areas and their communities. Core Policy To ensure in as far as is practicable that everyone has the opportunity of obtaining 2.5 affordable housing in accordance with the prevailing Housing Strategy to meet the needs of those requiring such facilitation (including the economically disadvantaged, travellers and the elderly). Core Policy To ensure that the character and vitality of established town and village centres and rural 2.6 areas are maintained and enhanced. That quality of concept and design underpins all new development and that a sense of place and local distinctiveness is established in new development areas. Core Policy To curtail the undue proliferation of individual residential development (one off housing 2.7 units) in the countryside in areas outside settlement centres that are experiencing development pressure save for developments permissible under the terms of the Sustainable Housing Guidelines (as well as any local development curtailments devised within the context of the County Development Plan in the local context). Core Policy To provide for the renewal of areas in need to regeneration in order to prevent— 2.8 (i) adverse effects on existing amenities in such areas, in particular as a result of the ruinous or neglected condition of any land, (ii) urban blight and decay, (iii) anti-social behaviour, or (iv) a shortage of habitable houses or of land suitable for residential use or a mixture of residential and other uses.

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2.4 ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT

This Core Strategy, in line with the Regional Planning Guidelines for the West Region, recognises priority areas in relation to economic development which will be detailed in Chapter 3 of the RCDP. Chapter 4 of the Plan details serviced land infrastructure which is vital in the support of industrial and commercial development in both zoned lands in key towns and non zoned lands in smaller settlements. Strategic reserves of industrially zoned lands are incorporated into Local Area Plans for both Roscommon Town and Monksland/Bellanamullia (Athlone West) given their long term strategic importance in such terms.

In line with economic priority policies outlined in the Regional Planning Guidelines, the Core Strategy recognises the importance of the following economic strands:

 Productivity and competitiveness  The role of urban areas  Job retention  Foreign direct investment  Indigenous industry  The food sector  Tourism  Renewable energy – see the Renewable Energy Strategy for County Roscommon (2014-2020)  The Smart economy.  A concerted waste management strategy to support economic development in a sustainable and environmentally friendly way –see Waste Management Strategy for the West Region.

2.4.1 Retail

In recognising the potential for economic development, particular attention must be paid to the input of retail developments. A Retail Strategy has been prepared for the RCDP 2014 – 2020 which takes cognisance of the Retail Planning Guidelines (2012) and Roscommon County Council will co-operate with other neighbouring local authorities in relation to preparing a joint Retail Strategies over the lifetime of the Plan. Essentially, the Core Strategy, in conjunction with the above document will promote Roscommon Town as a focus of new retail development along with Castlerea, Boyle and Ballaghadereen (See Section 3.1.2 ‘Centres of Retailing’). Retail facilitation is also envisaged for Monksland / Bellanamullia (Athlone West) within the context of a district centre for that area.

2.4.2 Natural Resources

The Core Strategy recognises the county’s natural resources and developmental assets and supports utilisation of these in a sustainable and strategic fashion. In terms of natural assets the county has considerable tracts of arable agricultural land to support the various strands of agriculture. Less arable lands may have potential to accommodate forestry expansion. Aggregate deposits for construction purposes are well distributed throughout the county as are areas of cultural and historic significance which have a capacity to generate, in their own right, economic activity such as tourism. The Shannon waterway, which defines much of the county’s eastern boundary, has the potential to generate a wide range of economic activity from both local and international sources through water based activities such as boating and water sports along with the general historic and cultural resource that this natural amenity has to offer.

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2.4.3 Key Challenges

There is evidence of a proliferation of vacant retail floor space in many of the county’s settlement centres, much of it generated by oversupply in this sector and the economic downturn in recent years. Of further concern is the increasing levels of vacancy and dereliction of business premises in urban areas in recent years. Creeping urban decay is becoming a feature of many of the County’s towns (for example Strokestown and Elphin) and the Council will seek to address this by encouraging redevelopment and reinvigoration of these areas.

The Council will seek to address the issue of vacancy and dereliction by encouraging prospective developers to utilise existing building stock where possible.

Core Policy Core Policy To provide appropriately zoned lands to cater for the sustainable growth of the county by 2.9 making and reviewing Local Area Plans as appropriate and fulfil the objective of preparing, processing and seeking adoption of Local Area Plans for Roscommon, Monksland/Bellanamullia ,Boyle , Ballaghadereen, Castlerea and Lough Key during the lifetime of the Roscommon County Development Plan 2014-2020. Concentrate the facilitation of manufacturing industry primarily in the established zoned and serviced centre of Monksland/Bellanamullia (Athlone West) and Roscommon Town (County Town) as a primary focus. Ensure adequate lands are zoned and serviced for Industrial/Enterprise uses in the Key towns of Boyle, Castlerea, Ballaghaderreen, Strokestown, Elphin and Cortober (areas with Local Area Plans and Area Plans). All Local Area Plans and Area Plans will require screening as to whether a full Appropriate Assessment of the likely significant effects on the integrity of Natura 2000 sites. Core Policy To identify and recognise the potential, in economic and social terms, of the county’s 2.10 natural resources such as its arable agricultural land, clean environment, lands with forestry potential, aggregate reserves and tourism opportunities. To support the utilisation of alternative energy provision in a sustainable and harmonious way in terms of impacts on landscapes and habitats over the broad spectrum of its potential sources, including wind, solar and alternative fuel sources. Any such development will be cognisant of the need to protect, conserve and enhance the county’s biodiversity and the requirement for screening to determine if a full Appropriate Assessment of the likely impact on integrity on Natura 2000 sites is required.

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2.5 LANDSCAPE, NATURAL HERITAGE AND BUILT HERITAGE

County Roscommon has a rich, varied and diverse landscape which includes rivers and waterways of national significance. Landscape as defined by the Heritage Act (1995) includes areas, sites, vistas and features of significant scenic, archaeological, geological, historical, ecological or other scientific interest. The RCDP 2008-2014 included for the first time a Landscape Character Assessment which assigns a landscape characterisation to the entire county. This document is a useful assessment support in the preparation of the County Development Plan and in the Development Management process. Inventories exist also for sites and monuments (Site & Monuments Record) and Protected Structures (Record of Protected Structures).

Many features of landscape (including lakes, marshes, rivers etc.) are afforded European & National protection. Examples of environmental designations include:

 National Heritage Areas (NHAs)  Special Areas of Conservation(SACs)  Natura 2000 Sites (Special Areas of Conservation(SACs) and Special Protection Areas (SPAs) in combination)

The Council is aware of the significance of maintaining the integrity of sensitive areas (in terms of for example environment, landscape sensitivity and groundwater vulnerability) and will seek to limit development to that appropriate and considered sustainable in these areas. There are a series of screening and evaluation mechanisms that are statute based in relation to development in such sensitive areas which are activated within the development management process. These include:

 Appropriate Assessment (AA)  Environmental Impact Statement (EIS)  Flood Risk Assessment (FRA)  Archaeological Assessment  Site soil suitability testing

2.5.1 Key Challenges

Human activity has long had an impact on the landscape from earlier times. Examples of these such as ring forts, burial mounds and standing stones are but a few configurations that are now accepted as being part of the Roscommon landscape. However, as population increases its propensity to impact on the features and on natural environment accordingly increases, especially given modern work methods and mechanisation. The necessity for the county’s economy to grow and in some cases utilise natural resources such as rock deposits and till lands presents an ongoing challenge. The Council, therefore, will help undertake this challenge by encouraging such development where appropriate but only in a sustainable way.

Key Environmental Challenges (See SEA Environmental Report) Biodiversity (Flora and Fauna): Natural/Semi-natural habitats (including the Natura 2000 and NHA/pNHA network) and plant and animal species under threat due to development pressures and demand for development land. Population and Human Health: Increases in population can impact on biodiversity, water quality, landscape and cultural heritage, all of which impact on human health. Geology and Soils: Demand for development land and natural resources has the potential for impacts on important geological sites and features such as karst landscape, eskers and other glacial features. Water: The county is heavily reliant on groundwater and some forms of development have potentially negative impacts on groundwater and surface water quality. Pressure for development land prone to flooding may also have implications for human health.

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Air: Ireland does not have serious outdoor air quality problems. The biggest threat in terms of air quality is emissions from road traffic. A shift away from fossil fuel based transportation is one possible long-term solution. Climatic Factors: It is likely that humans are contributing to climate change through the emission of

greenhouse gasses such as C02. Ireland must meet stringent emissions targets and a move towards clean and renewable energy sources is necessary. Material Assets: This is the critical infrastructure necessary for a functioning society such as transportation, water supply, energy production and distribution and waste management systems. The development of these assets must be sustainable and in line with national targets and objectives. Cultural Assets: County Roscommon has a diversity of cultural assets such as architectural heritage, architectural heritage, etc which can come under threat due to development pressures and demand for development land. Landscape: The landscape is seen as a key asset and both the urban and rural landscape are potentially under threat due to development pressure, development form and layout and demand for development land.

Chapters 6 and 7 of the County Development Plan refer to Built Heritage and Archaeology and Natural Heritage respectively, whilst Chapter 9 Development Management Standards addresses elements of physical development impacts on both natural and built environments.

Core Policy Core Policy To identify and protect the unique and diverse natural heritage of County Roscommon in 2.11 terms of landscape, natural resources such as rivers and lakes and waterways along with the built environment of historical, architectural and cultural value.

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2.6 SOCIAL, COMMUNITY & EDUCATIONAL FACILITIES

Roscommon has a broad range of social community and education facilities with many being of long standing and some of more recent origin. Many of these facilities are enjoyed on an ongoing basis such as schools, sports facilities and playground facilities. Other community facility resources such as medical facilities may be only engaged periodically. Nonetheless the spectrum of services requires ongoing input from its patrons be they private or public service providers.

The Council is aware that sustainable communities require a range of facilities and amenities located in proximity to residential areas. Accordingly, within settlement centres that have the benefit of Local Area Plans and Area Plans the Council will allocate adequate lands for social, community and educational facilities as well as allocating dedicated areas for public open space within residential developments.

2.6.1 Key Challenges:

In many instances services are grouped in towns, in rural areas this may not be the case. Access to services presents a challenge for the elderly as they don’t have ready and consistent access to transport. Rural dwellers outside settlement centres have heightened car dependency. Public transport in rural areas tends to be sporadic and infrequent.

Another challenge which presented itself is the time lag of services in areas where residential population grew rapidly. In such instances services such as schools, play facilities and local infrastructure did not develop apace with the surge of demand for their availability. The Council will endeavour, where possible and feasible, to ensure that social and community services are provided in tandem with any burgeoning in local population both in the urban and rural situation and will ensure that adequately zoned lands are provided for such services in Local Area Plans.

Core Policy Core Policy To ensure in as far as is practicable that everyone has the opportunity to enjoy safe and 2.12 accessible environments that facilitate education, arts, culture, community and recreational facilities whilst promoting social inclusion.

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2.7 INFRASTRUCTURE:

Roscommon County relies on an extensive network of infrastructure to help it operate over a broad spectrum of economic, social, educational and recreational functions. The infrastructural networks not only consist of transportation networks, road and rail, but also water and sewerage facilities along with telecommunications and electricity networks. More specific reference to infrastructural provision will be made in Chapter 4 of the County Development Plan – “Transportation and Infrastructure”.

2.7.1 Water and Wastewater

The county is well served by water and wastewater services, the latter being mainly concentrated in urban areas. There has been significant investment in this type of infrastructure in recent years. Roscommon County Council is anxious to maintain the level of these services from the point of view of public health integrity and as a positive support to economic wellbeing and development throughout the county.

2.7.2 Key Challenges

One of the key challenges facing the county over the lifetime of the Development Plan will be the provision of a potable water supply to the county’s citizens in line with EU directives. This challenge is made more difficult by the high dependency on groundwater supplies and the likelihood of compromise of such supplies by a broad spectrum of commercial, agricultural and domestic activity, most especially in non serviced areas. The Council will endeavour to facilitate development across all developmental sectors whilst ensuring, in as far as is feasible, that the integrity of groundwater sources is maintained and safeguarded.

2.7.3 Road & Rail

In the regional context, Roscommon as a county is located in the West Region whilst also straddling the midland region. The county has a comprehensive network of roads of all categories as well as being traversed by three railway routes. These networks are indicated on fig 2.4 below.

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There has been significant investment in new road build in recent years with the M6 and upgrade of the N4 being prominent examples. The Ballaghadereen bypass (N5) started construction in 2012 and will provide a new road build of 13.6 km. The Regional Planning Guidelines have identified the reclassification of the N60/N6 to National Primary Road status (Athlone to Castlebar via Roscommon) and the upgrading of the N61 , Roscommon to Boyle , minimising environmental impact, as being of strategic importance.

In the regional spatial transport context the county is traversed by inter regional and main access routes that have dual functionality i.e. serve both regional and county (Roscommon) function. The county is also served by a rail function that facilitates a limited degree of local commuters as well as national and regional commuters at present. Daily rail commute within the county is typically less than 1% (CSO, 2011).

However, in the long term, the rail function is likely to provide vital strategic linkage for the county’s workforce as well as other sectors of the community and lessen dependency on fossilised fuels. The formulation of transportation policy at local level through the medium of the County Development Plan and Local Area Plans is informed by National objectives and policies contained within the National Spatial Strategy, the National Development Plan, Regional Planning Guidelines and County and Local Area Plans. Bearing this in mind, the Core Strategy proposes to emphasise the importance of Key towns served by both strategic road as well as rail infrastructure – Roscommon, Monksland/Bellinamullia (Athlone west), Castlerea and Boyle are examples of key towns with rail stations.

Table 2.4 National rail lines traversing County Roscommon.

Line Towns served directly (within county or in proximity to county border)

Sligo-Dublin Boyle & Carrick-on-Shannon (including Cortober)

Westport-Dublin Ballyhaunis , Castlerea, Roscommon Town, Athlone (Monksland)

Galway-Dublin Athlone (Monksland), Ballinasloe

2.7.4 Key Challenges

County Roscommon, having a predominantly rural based population, displays a high dependence on motor vehicle transport for a range of activities including the daily work commute and school transport. The 2011 census confirms this and Fig 2.5 gives a graphic representation of this dependence relating to workers countywide. There is also significant car dependence, both for workers and school goers in urban areas. Roscommon County Council has produced a supporting document “Strategic Transport Assessment”, that has informed the Roscommon County Development Plan and assesses how Roscommon’s population travels, with a special emphasis on workers and school goers. Key findings of the document include a heavy dependence on the car as a mode of transport among all sectors of the community and the current incompatibility between Roscommon’s dispersed settlement patterns and sustainable travel modes. “Modal Shift” i.e. replacement of the car as a mode of transport by other transport modes including bus and train are key goals of and reflect the objectives of the Department of Transports document “Smarter Travel – A sustainable transport future – a new transport policy for Ireland 2009 – 2020.”

Policies contained within the County Development Plan and local Area Plans will reflect, insofar as is feasible, a move away from car dependency towards more sustainable travel means such as rail, bussing, cycling and walking. It is acknowledged that Modal Shift will likely be a slow and incremental process, especially in rural areas.

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Car Driver, Car Passenger & Van Other

Figure 2.4 Car/van travel versus other modes of transport for workers.

Core Policy Core Policy To align transport and other infrastructural policies within the County Development Plan 2.13 with broader national and regional policies in this regard and with the settlement strategy for the county. Core Policy To endeavour to promote “modal shift” in terms of transportation in relation to all sectors 2.14 of the county’s economy and population by formulating appropriate polices and objectives in the County Development Plan, Local Area Plans and Area Plans for the period 2014-2020 and beyond. Core Policy To maintain the strategic integrity of the county’s nationally designated road networks by 2.15 limiting new access thereon save for development proposals of national or regional significance in accordance with the requirements of Section 2.6 of the DECLG Spatial Planning and National Roads Guidelines or development located within speed limits in urban areas.

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3 ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT

The Irish economy faces severe economic and financial conditions which have prevailed since a sudden and unprecedented downturn in economic activity in 2008, ultimately caused by a global financial and banking crisis. This global crisis stemmed the availability of credit for development and this, in conjunction with a saturation of the housing market and a longstanding trend of house price inflation up to 2008, sparked a severe correction in Ireland’s property market and a sharp decline in the construction sector.

In County Roscommon the impact of these economic conditions has been severe. The trend of economic growth and employment creation with growth in the labour force of the county from 20,514 in 1996 to 25,829 in 2006 reversed after 2007. The Roscommon Leader Partnership (RLP) have reported that live register figures for the county trebled in the 3 years from 1,271 in April 2007 to 3,913 in April 2010.Unemployment rates have continued to rise thereafter though at a slower rate than observed in this period. The labour force of the county was 24,390 in 2011 with an unemployment rate of 19.4% and CSO publications on the 2011 census now identify the county as an unemployment blackspot.

Of the 24,390 labour force, CSO statistics show a significant decline in those employed in the construction sector in the period between 2006 when over 14% were employed in construction, and 2011 when 5.5% were employed in this sector. The agricultural sector has retained its 10% share of the labour force (almost twice the national average) in this period and the traditionally high dependence sectors of public sector/health services and manufacturing have generally retained their share with a slight fall off in the latter. It appears that the losses in employment are therefore primarily from the construction and to a lesser extent manufacturing and retail sectors.

Given the over reliance on an industrial sector (Construction), which has now collapsed with unprecedented job losses since 2007, the Council must focus on alternative future growth areas for persons previously employed in this sector. The Western Development Commission has identified future job creation areas in the Western Region in the areas of medical devices, software, financial and international services, the green economy, the caring sector, food, tourism and marine/inland waterways.

Given the diverse spatial, demographic and socio-economic circumstances which prevail throughout Roscommon the Councils approach to economic development must be tailored to reflect prevailing trends in different areas of the county. The south of the County (South of Roscommon Town) has traditionally been stronger economically with the north of the county often characterised by high reliance on low- output agriculture, fewer employment opportunities combined with social isolation and lower service provision. The north of the County also has strong tourism resource potential which is seen as a key opportunity.

It appears based upon ESRI reports and commentary during 2012 that economic conditions during the early years of this development plan period are likely to be challenging. The Council should be prepared for a return to economic growth during the plan period however, through the preparation of an economic development strategy focussed on ensuring that Roscommon participates and is in a position to capitalise on a return to economic growth.

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3.1 ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT STRATEGY

The Planning Authority (PA) in conjunction with the Roscommon County Development Board (RCDB) are committed to maximising employment generation and entrepreneurship within Roscommon through enterprise creation and support, attracting foreign investment (FDI), and harnessing the potential of the social economy, to address any strategic gaps within physical or social infrastructure in a fair manner.

The Key role of the CDP in the promotion of economic development within the County is however, the identification of settlements for the allocation of future population growth, and quantum of new commercial development land together with the framing of policies which facilitate developments and activities which are likely to contribute positively to employment generation and Roscommon’s economy generally. The Councils approach to the promotion of economic development, is set out below, but also depends heavily on the policies, objectives and guidelines set out in other Sections of this Development Plan, for example:

Chapter 2 focuses on the identification of the role of settlements in the areas of population and commercial sector growth. Chapter 3 promotes the delivery of key infrastructure and high-speed telecommunications to drive economic growth. Chapters 7, 8 & 12 are aimed at securing high standards of landscape and environmental protection/enhancement ensuring the county develops as an attractive place to live and work. Chapter 9 seeks to promote and facilitate appropriate educational and training within the county to ensure the counties workforce is suitably skilled The Local Area Plans prepared for the counties settlements will also deliver a strategic reserve of land for industry and enterprise uses as appropriate locations The County Renewable Energy Strategy focuses on ensuring the availability of clean and reliable sources of energy which has significant implications for economic development. The County Retail Strategy ensures that the counties towns and villages remain attractive places to invest.

Summary of approach to economic development

The integration of economic development with land use planning in a systematic approach through the establishment of a planned distribution of settlements for the appropriate location of industry, enterprise, and retail development. This is described below and set out further in Sections 3.2, 3.3 and 3.4.

The establishment of a framework of policies and objectives aimed at facilitating job creation and economic development within these settlements as well as rural Roscommon. This is described below and set out further in Sections 3.2 and 3.3.

There is a role for our towns and villages as well as rural Roscommon in contributing to the economic development of the county:

3.1.1 The contribution of Roscommon’s Towns & Villages

The promotion of economic activity in our towns and villages centres on attracting new business, consolidating or expanding existing business or starting new businesses. Attracting new companies may take the form of attracting Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) by means of offering tax incentives or making development sites available. This Plan has a key role in the latter. The policy of attracting this type of investment to peripheral or declining regions in terms of long term economic growth is questionable and

Variation No. 1 of the Roscommon County Development Plan 2014-2020 Page 42 Chapter 3: Economic Development the promotion of supports to SME’s, family run businesses and agricultural Diversification and niche activities are now typically regarded as more sustainable. The availability of land with appropriate infrastructure, availability of skilled labour, amenities and quality of life are critical location factors. The Development Plan has a role in all of these location factors as set out above however, these criteria are difficult to fulfill all at once.

It has also become much more difficult to attract such investment due to increased international competition and the enlargement of the EU which has opened up cheaper labour markets. Furthermore other towns in Ireland are also competing aggressively for FDI with the majority of projects being located in urban areas. In response, economic development efforts have had to re-focus on new strategies aimed at increasing the size of home-grown businesses. Entrepreneurial development therefore forms a key part of this new perspective. Given the nature of the rural economy and the lack of a national approach to rural enterprise, devolved funding and other supports available through LEADER, the County Enterprise Board and the Western Development Commission are especially relevant to rural enterprises. It is essential that their combined supports under the National Development Plan are coordinated effectively and are targeted at rural entrepreneurs and as well as in providing rural business infrastructure.

The development of infrastructure in smaller or more remote areas is a key factor in attracting people and especially small enterprise projects. These include:

 Broadband telecommunications  Office accommodation in key towns and home office facilities for tele-working, professional services personnel, cultural industries, administration of tourism products  Work/life balance opportunities  Good road links and access to rail and air transport  Marketing of these opportunities.

The Plan shall seek to encourage each of these within all key towns in Roscommon. Practical measures could include:

Planning guidelines to facilitate computer-based home business where no goods are produced and car parking is confined to, say 2/3 cars of clients and employees/associates Development of ‘electronic courtyards’ in appropriate locations (see Section 3.2) Encouragement of lifelong learning and skills development through Roscommon Learning Links and other education providers including capacity building and business animation supports through LEADER to identify and nurture latent entrepreneurial and innovative talents Oversee the coordination of local funding for rural development under the NDP. To encourage the release of zoned land at key locations in order to stimulate economic development as well as the regeneration of existing vacant commercial urban sites

3.1.2 Future Centres of Industry, Commerce and Retail Development

Roscommon Town and Monksland/Bellanamullia are best placed to capitalise on new commercial and industrial development opportunities due to their location within a core area of economic activity within the region, as highlighted in the Regional Planning Guidelines for the West Region 2010-2022. The Plan must also focus on driving economic development to settlements in the north of the county which are outside this core area of economic activity to ensure they contribute in a meaningful way to the economic development of the county/region, as well as for other obvious reasons such as the continued proper planning and sustainable development of these settlements. In determining which other settlements were best placed to drive this economic development, issues such as; existing strengths, infrastructure, strong population base, designation as a future population growth centre (see Settlement Strategy), educational infrastructure and strategic positioning within the region were considered. In determining which

Variation No. 1 of the Roscommon County Development Plan 2014-2020 Page 43 Chapter 3: Economic Development settlements were best placed to capitalise on new retail development opportunities the primary resource was the county retail strategy.

(A). Centres of Industry and Commerce:

The Council seeks to create a strategic reserve of land in towns best positioned attract and to capitalise on new industrial and enterprise development. In this Plan and in LAPs during the period of this Plan the Council will consider the role of these towns as set out below, in the land use zoning as well as in the development management processes (See also Section 3.2 – Industry and Enterprise).

Actions Settlements Ensure a strategic reserve of industrial/ enterprise land to Roscommon Town- Monksland attract and capitalise on new industrial and commercial development Ensure an adequate supply of industrial/Enterprise land to Boyle – Castlerea - Ballaghaderreen accommodate a wide range of industrial development opportunities Ensure an adequate supply of smaller parcels of Strokestown – Elphin - Cortober Industrial/Enterprise land to accommodate a wide range of more moderate scale or alternatively natural resource/rural based industrial and commercial development opportunities Facilitate only smaller scale or alternatively natural Other towns and villages resource/rural based industrial and commercial development opportunities which would not militate against industry and commerce in the regions larger settlements.

(B). Centres of Retailing:

The Council seeks to make County Roscommon a focus for retail development within the region. It also has a responsibility to ensure that in doing so it does not undermine retailing in other town centres within the region. The Council seeks to promote Roscommon Town as the focus of new retail development along with the settlements of Castlerea, Boyle, Ballaghaderreen and Monksland District Centre. Settlements such as Athlone, Carrick-On-Shannon and Ballinasloe have town centres adjacent to the county boundary and the viability and vitality of these must be maintained in the pursuit of RCC’s goals for retail development within the county. In this Plan and in LAPs during the period of this Plan the Council will consider the role of these towns as set out below, in the land use zoning as well as in the development management processes.

Special Policy on Retail/Storage/light Industrial Warehousing: Due to observed trends and high retail warehousing vacancy in the settlements of Cortober, Ballaghaderreen, Roscommon Town, Monksland and Strokestown, strict control on the location of new retail/storage/light Industrial warehousing is required in these settlements. Prospective developers of such units shall be required to demonstrate that existing units of the nature proposed are not available or easily adaptable within the settlement for the duration of this plan. A strategy for alternative uses for vacant retail/distribution warehouse units in Cortober and Ballaghaderreen is also required. (See also Section 3.3 – Retail Strategy).

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(C). Centres of Tourism:

Roscommon’s share of the Irish tourism market is small, accounting for less than 1% of the national market share of overseas tourism. There are tourism resource opportunities however within the county such as the Lough Key area and a world heritage site in Rathcroghan Archaeological complex. There are also opportunities for appropriate water based activity on and in the immediate environs of Lough Ree and the Shannon.

The Council also seeks to promote the development of and ensure sufficient lands are reserved for tourist accommodation and information services of appropriate scale in all key towns within the County and in Tulsk and Arigna village cores. The development of economic activities of appropriate scale within settlements such as Cortober, Roosky, Termonbarry, Ballyleague Hodson Bay/Barrymore, Knockcroghery and Cootehall, will also be encouraged on the Lough Ree, Shannon, Lough Key waterway network. The focus here is capitalising on water based tourism and transport (See also Section 3.5 – Tourism).

3.1.3 The contribution of Rural Roscommon

In the interests of ensuring the proper planning and sustainable development of the county’s towns and villages, the Council will strictly control the location of retail and retail warehouse development outside of the county’s towns and villages. Such uses will also be regulated in smaller towns and villages such that they are proportionate to the existing scale of retail and retail warehouse business within the village centre. The Council will also strictly control industrial and commercial developments in rural areas which would be more appropriate within settlements within Tiers 1, 2 and 3 of the settlement hierarchy where they would contribute to the consolidation of these centres. Such uses would typically be non-natural resource based businesses which attract significant numbers of visiting members of the public.

The Council will support and promote the continuity of agriculture, agricultural intensification, agricultural diversification, forestry and bio-mass, agri-tourism subject to normal planning considerations. The Council will also support other natural resource based activities such as wind energy projects and the mineral extraction industry subject to normal planning considerations and strict environmental regulation (See Sections 3.4 - Natural Resource Sectors and 3.5 - Tourism).

Core Economic Development Policies Core Policy Ensure that sufficient and suitable land is reserved for new industry/enterprise 3.1 development and other employment uses in a range of sizes at key locations throughout the County, particularly in the Key Towns of Castlerea, Boyle, Ballaghaderreen, and promote these towns as secondary employment centres, after Roscommon Town and Athlone West. Core Policy Facilitate enterprise development in other urban locations such as Strokestown, Elphin and 3.2 Cortober where infrastructural facilities and services are readily available or can be provided at a reasonable cost. Core Policy Strictly control large-scale commercial, particularly retail and retail warehousing outside 3.3 the defined development boundaries of Roscommon Town, Castlerea, Boyle, Ballaghaderreen, Monksland/Bealnamullia (Athlone West), Strokestown, Elphin and Cortober. Commercial/retail development in other towns and villages within the county shall be, proportionate in scale to existing retail/commercial development within the settlement. Core Policy Promote Roscommon Town as the primary focus of new retail development along with the 3.4 settlements of Castlerea, Boyle and Ballaghaderreen and Monksland District Centres. Core Policy Strictly control all retail and commercial development in the countryside, particularly retail 3.5 or commercial uses which are likely to generate large numbers of visiting numbers of the public, which the Council considers should more appropriately located within the counties network of towns and villages. This shall not preclude the development of micro enterprises appropriate to rural areas.

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Core Policy Promote the sustainable development of retail and other commercial development of a 3.6 scale which meets the local needs of the district centres of Monksland and Cortober without undermining the proper planning and Sustainable development of their parent settlements of Athlone and Carrick-on-Shannon Core Policy Require all proposals for new retail warehouse, storage warehouse, light Industrial 3.7 warehouse developments within the settlements of Cortober, Ballaghaderreen, Strokestown, Roscommon Town and Monksland, to be accompanied by a comprehensive sequential assessment which demonstrates that no existing vacant units on appropriately zoned lands within the settlement are available or could be adapted to accommodate the proposed development for the duration of this Plan. Core Policy Encourage the development of the Counties natural resource sectors such as Agriculture, 3.8 the intensification and/or diversification of agricultural business, forestry and biomass, rural and agri-tourism, small home and farm based business start up’s, wind power and renewable energy and the extractive industry, subject to normal planning considerations. Core Policy Promote the integration of employment with other land uses and the transportation 3.9 network, ensuring that, where possible, employment-intensive uses are located in proximity to existing and planned strategic transport corridors. Core Policy Promote the development of and ensure sufficient lands reserved for tourist 3.10 accommodation and information services of appropriate scale in all key towns within the County as well as in Tulsk and Arigna village cores. Core Policy Facilitate the delivery and application of the ‘2012 Action Plan for Jobs – Department of 3.11 Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation; which sets out actions aimed at exploiting new job opportunities within key sectors of the economy.

Core Economic Development Objectives Core Define and map the village core and development boundary of the larger unzoned Objective settlements of Ballinlough, Ballintober, Ballyleague, Cloonfad, Frenchpark, Loughglynn, 3.1 Termonbarry, Knockcroghery, Athleague, Ballinameen, , Castleplunkett, Keadue, Arigna, Ballyfarnon, Ballyforan, Brideswell, Cootehall, , Lecarrow, Scramoge, Tulsk and prepare a set of policies on the appropriate spatial land use development of these settlements within the period of this CDP; subject to the availability of resources. These policies should ensure provision for small scale enterprise such as ‘Courtyard’ developments in some of these settlements to accommodate economic activity and job creation. Core Encourage indigenous innovation and enterprise by identifying land where suitable start up Objective can locate for entrepreneurs within the Roscommon’s Key towns during the period of the 3.2 County Development Plan. Core Develop a strategy for the use of vacant retail/distribution warehouse units in the Objective settlements of Cortober and Ballaghaderreen within the period of the County Development 3.3 Plan. Core Co-operate with Leitrim, Offaly and Westmeath County Councils in the preparation of joint Objective retail strategy for the settlements of Monksland (Linked Gateway) and Cortober. 3.4

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3.2 INDUSTRY AND ENTERPRISE

There were 2,405 people employed in the manufacturing sector in Roscommon in 2011 which accounted for just under 10% of the total workforce of the county representing a fall of almost 2% from 2006. While this is generally in line with the national trend of progressive decline in this sector, it is nonetheless likely to remain a crucial sector to the economy of the County for the duration of this plan, particularly in the context of the recent collapse of the construction industry. A Western Development Commission (WDC) study has shown that in 2009 the top three industrial sectors of food manufacturing, pharmaceutical products manufacture/preparation and medical instruments manufacturing, accounted for almost three- quarters of all industrial employment in the County.

In 2009 there were 2,471 active enterprises in the county. Significantly well over 90% of these were micro- enterprises with 10 employees or fewer. The contribution of smaller enterprises to the economy of the county must, therefore be recognised and provision should be made in this for facilitating such uses, through the provision of enterprise units of smaller scale, possibly through the adaptation of existing commercial buildings.

The mobile investment for which Irish regions are most successfully competing is now principally office- based with a progressive move away from start ups in primary and heavy goods industry. The main inputs are intellectual skills and the outputs can often be delivered as small goods or online.

There are also some opportunities for pharmaceutical projects, logistics and, to a much lesser extent, ICT manufacturing. These also require larger premises, a campus environment for buildings with different uses, logistics supports, high power and waste capacity.

The potential future growth sectors identified by the WDC in ‘Work in the West’, 2009 include; knowledge sectors (medical devices, the creative sector, software, financial/ international services), sectors relating to changing needs and priorities within the region (the caring sector and the green economy), and natural resource based sectors such (food, marine and tourism).

Provision must be made through land use planning, therefore, for new industrial and enterprise opportunities in the knowledge sector, new and emerging sectors, and natural resource sectors which will necessitate the provision of industrial and enterprise land in a wide variety of locations and settings.

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The Council also has a role in the promotion and direct provision of the critical telecommunications, transportation and energy infrastructure to create an environment within which industrial/enterprise development, can take place. The attractiveness of a place to employees also has a key impact on location decisions by firms in sectors such as ICT and financial services. The supply of social infrastructure including health facilities, schools, arts and recreation facilities play a role in attracting such enterprises.

The IDA and Enterprise Ireland also focus on economic and industrial promotion in the county. These organisations seek to incentivise the location of industrial and enterprise development in Roscommon through a range of measures including financial supports, international marketing and the creation of new domestic and international partnerships.

Enterprise Ireland is a government agency responsible for the development and promotion of the indigenous business sector, with an objective to accelerate the development of Irish companies, to achieve strong positions in global markets resulting in increased national and regional prosperity. Enterprise Ireland also works with entrepreneurs who wish to introduce an innovative product or service with growth potential into international markets.

The IDA is Ireland's inward investment promotion agency, IDA Ireland partners with foreign investors, helping them to set up and develop their business in Ireland.

Roscommon County Enterprise Board was established as a statutory agency with the objective to develop "Micro Enterprise" at local county level; it provides business support in two areas: Grant assistance to new and existing micro businesses (less than 10 employees) and also a range of supports to the wider business community such as: business start up advice, business plans, management and staff training, mentoring, enterprise awards and business audits.

3.2.1 Strategy for Industry & Enterprise Location

In the promotion of economic development the Council seeks to: Ensure that there are sufficient lands zoned in appropriate locations for the promotion of ICT, Financial Functions and Legal Services. Ensure that sufficient land is zoned in appropriate locations for pharmaceutical projects, logistics and ICT Manufacturing. These industries will require larger premises, a campus environment for buildings with different uses, logistics supports, power/waste capacity. Facilitate the provision of ‘Courtyard’ developments in small towns/villages that provide workspace and broadband connectivity through tailored solutions negotiated with telecommunications. The primary aim is to disperse economic activity and job creation to smaller population centres. Encourage and facilitate the provision of a diverse range of Third Level and R&D opportunities within all the key towns including the promotion of linkages to industry and support the RCDB in adopting a proactive approach to re-skilling redundant workers. The Council shall favour targeted economic investment and the provision of strategic infrastructure in all of the key towns within the County. These towns will act not only as economic and social nodes for their wider hinterland they will also provide linkages via transport corridors within Roscommon and the Western Region.

Roscommon Town and Monksland are viewed as important locations for existing manufacturing industry in the County. These have become the primary centres for industry and enterprise, in the county due to their comparatively large population bases, strategic location in relation to key national infrastructure and core areas of economic activity. Companies wishing to locate in these centres can often do so at lower cost than other settlements in the county due to existing concentrations of labour, infrastructure, transportation linkages, business support services and markets.

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Given the strategic location and existing strengths of these two settlements the Council will promote these settlements as the primary centres for the location of industry and enterprise development, particularly larger industrial and enterprise campus development. Provision should also be made for the phased expansion of enterprise centres in these settlements to facilitate a progressive transition from manufacturing to market services.

Both large and more moderate scale industrial and enterprise development will also be favourably considered in the Boyle, Castlerea and Ballaghaderreen as the secondary centres for the location of industry and enterprise development. The Council will seek to ensure that industrial and Enterprise lands are available for the location of a wide variety of such uses in these secondary centres. Industrial and Enterprise space of more moderate scale will also be provided within the settlements of Strokestown and Elphin.

As the secondary centres are in some cases, at a disadvantage in terms of attracting established multi- national and indigenous industry, the establishment of industry and enterprise which focuses on natural and other local resources or strengths as well as emerging areas such as the creative sector and the green economy sector, will be encouraged. This approach may necessitate the provision of a wider range of options for enterprise and industrial developers within these settlements including greater variety in terms of site size and location of such uses. This would where considered, also be subject to normal planning considerations such as the amenities of the residents of these towns.

Cortober has been subject to significant retail warehousing development since 2000, a significant proportion of which was short lived and has fallen into vacancy. This development has also likely been at the expense of such development in Carrick-on Shannon and Boyle town centres. Currently vacant units in Cortober should be considered for alternative uses and industrial/enterprise use may be feasible in some cases as an alternative to the proliferation of retail warehousing in the environs of Carrick-on Shannon.

The Council also seeks to ensure the provision of small scale enterprise space in other towns and villages, either in dedicated areas such as electronic courtyards (turn-key residential and business unit with all the convenience of advanced facilities in a quality-lifestyle village location), or as part of mixed-use zones, to help offset the loss of employment in the construction sector.

The Council considers it reasonable to direct industry and enterprise to lands zoned for such uses as part of the Councils series of Local Area Plans, as the most strategically suitable location for such uses. The Council may also consider smaller units, particularly for natural resource based or the creative sector in smaller towns and villages or in the countryside, in exceptional cases where this location is critical to the operation of the enterprise and where the use does not result in large numbers of visiting members of the public.

Industry & Enterprise Policies Policy 3.1 Ensure that a high standard of design, layout and amenity is provided and maintained at locations selected for industrial and enterprise development. Policy 3.2 Facilitate start-up businesses through the provision of such land uses in a range of plot sizes and locations as well as natural resource-based, small-scale industrial/enterprise activities. Where a proposed development needs to locate near an existing natural resource, it will be necessary to demonstrate that it can be accommodated without damage to the environment, natural or built heritage, visual amenity, and that it will not have a negative impact on the character of the area. Policy 3.3 Facilitate the growth of creative businesses, by seeking the provision of enhanced broadband capacity and by encouraging the growth and clustering of the creative and cultural industries in the County. Policy 3.4 Facilitate small indigenous industries, in recognition of their key importance in the provision of local employment and generation of economic activity in the County.

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Policy 3.5 Support the development of a technologically-based knowledge network in the County that establishes strong links with surrounding industries, Third Level Institutions, State and Local Agencies. Policy 3.6 Facilitate home based economic activities that do not impact negatively on residential amenity and the living enjoyment of residents. Policy 3.7 Ensure that there are sufficient lands zoned in appropriate locations in all key towns for the promotion of ICT, Financial Functions and Legal Services. Policy 3.8 Support the SEC (Socio Economic Committee) in its liaison with the IDA and Enterprise Ireland to promote foreign direct investment and the establishment of new industries in the County as well as encouraging indigenous innovation and enterprise by making suitable start up locations available to entrepreneurs. Policy 3.9 Ensure that sufficient land is zoned in larger units within the settlements of Monksland (Athlone West) and Roscommon Town for the appropriate location of pharmaceutical projects, logistics and ICT Manufacturing. Policy 3.10 Facilitate the provision of ‘Courtyard’ developments in small towns/villages that provide workspace and broadband connectivity through tailored solutions negotiated with telecommunications. Policy 3.11 Strictly control non-natural resource based (agriculture and horticulture, forestry and bio-energy, extractive industry, renewable energy) industry and enterprise in the countryside except in exceptional cases where this location is critical to the operation of the enterprise and where the use does not result in large numbers of visiting members of the public. Policy 3.12 Support the development of LEO (Local Enterprise Offices), in their new business support roles as set out in ‘Putting People First’, in partnership with Enterprise Ireland and DJEI.

Industry & Enterprise Objectives Objective 3.1 Prepare a design and layout guideline document for enterprise and retail warehouse developments during the period of this development plan. Objective 3.2 Participate in a holistic economic development and alternative land use plan for the industrial peatlands of the midlands.

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3.3 RETAIL STRATEGY

The Retail Planning Guidelines for Planning Authorities published by the DECLG in April 2012 require all planning authorities to prepare a Retail Strategy for inclusion in the development plan for their area. The central principle of the Retail Planning Guidelines, as well as the Regional Planning Guidelines for the West Region 2010-2022, is the support of the sequential “town centre first” approach to the location of retail development and the promotion of the viability and vitality of existing town centres.

3.3.1 Centres of Retail Development in County Roscommon

County Roscommon is heavily influenced by dominant urban centres outside the County such as Athlone, Carrick-on Shannon and Ballinasloe which straddle the county boundary, and to a lesser extent the nearby gateway cities of Sligo and Galway. Settlements such as Athlone, Carrick-On-Shannon and Ballinasloe have town centres adjacent to Roscommon’s county boundary. The viability and vitality of retailing in these and other town centres within the region must be maintained in the pursuit of RCC’s goals for retail development within the county.

While the environs of Ballinasloe within County Roscommon () have had no significant retail development to date, the environs of Athlone (Monksland) and Carrick-on Shannon (Cortober) have been subject to substantial retail and retail warehousing development. The Council views the uncontrolled proliferation of retail and retail warehousing in these areas as unsustainable and ultimately undermining the proper development of the town centres of their parent settlements. In this context it is envisaged that Cortober and Monksland develop the retail functions of local neighbourhood/District centre.

The long term development of a strong retailing counter-magnet within the county would stem the leaking of expenditure to dominant town centres outside the county such as Athlone and Sligo. Roscommon Town, as the County town in an area of major economic activity (as identified in the regional Planning Guidelines for the West Region) has been the most successful settlement within the county over the previous decade in attracting new retail development. Given this recent success as well as its strategic importance in areas such as future population growth within the west region, it is the best placed town in the County to develop as a centre of retailing in its own right within the region.

The Council seeks to promote Roscommon Town as the primary focus of new retail development along with the settlements of Castlerea, Boyle, Ballaghaderreen and Monksland District Centre as secondary centres of new retail development. Recognition of the strategic importance of Roscommon Town and

Variation No. 1 of the Roscommon County Development Plan 2014-2020 Page 55 Chapter 3: Economic Development secondary centres of Castlerea, Boyle and Ballaghaderreen should not diminish the importance of the smaller retail centres such as Elphin and Strokestown, which the Council envisages will continue to play a useful role in sustaining local communities and in reducing the need to travel.

3.3.2 Projected retail floor space requirements

One of the key considerations from the floorspace analysis carried out in the retail strategy shows that, for convenience and comparison floorspace, the figures for future floorspace capacity align closely with the figures of vacant and extant (permitted up to 2013) retail floorspace. Thus the findings indicate that the development and uptake of the vacant and extant floorspace, are likely to meet floorspace capacity projections over the life of the 2014-2020 CDP.

In this context, the retail strategy encourages that all new retail proposals should seek to avail of these vacant units and undeveloped sites, over further new build/new site retail development, particularly where sequential testing is applicable.

Table 3.1: Retail/Storage Warehousing Vacancy Settlement Retail/Storage Warehousing Vacancy Approximate % of Total Retail & Storage (sq.m. approx.) Warehousing Vacant Ballaghaderreen 17,114 sq.m 73% Cortober 7,130 sq.m 50% Strokestown 2,700 sq.m 40% Monksland 7,705 sq.m 34%

The negative projections for bulky retail floorspace set out below reflect the analysis of the previous and current retail strategy which identified a surplus quantum of this retail floorspace use. This is primarily due to the high levels of this type of floorspace that has been delivered in the County from c. 2004 – 2008. There are strong indicators that this form of development needs to be strictly controlled for the period of this CDP. To date, a significant amount of retail warehouse floorspace remains either vacant or undeveloped. Vacancy rates of retail warehousing are particularly evident in Ballaghaderreen, Roscommon, Monksland and Cortober (See Table 3.2 Above).

Table 3.2: Floorspace capacity 2014 to 2020 & 2024 Year Convenience Sq.m Comparison Sq.m Bulky Sq.m 2020 5,407 14,032 -19,867 2024 Low 9,036 25,390 -16,163 2024 High 13,074 41,686 -10,607

3.3.3 Location of future retail development

The Council envisages that most new retail floor space will be provided in Roscommon Town Centre as well as Castlerea, Boyle and Ballaghaderreen Town centres and Monksland District Centre between 2014 and 2020.

There are prospects for growth in the neighbourhood/district centres of Cortober and Monksland respectively. This will be facilitated within designated neighbourhood/district centres where it is required to serve the needs of local communities and where it has been demonstrated that such development will not undermine the viability and vitality of retailing in the town centres of their parent settlements. The prospects of growth in the smaller towns of the County are limited however the Council seeks to maintain and enhance the existing retail environment within these settlements to maximise the retention of retailing expenditure within these settlements.

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The Council encourages the expansion of the convenience retail offer within all town centres in County Roscommon and encourages the appropriate location of outlets such as general food stores and supermarkets (subject to appropriate scale and sequential testing), newsagents, pharmacies, in addition to pubs, restaurants and cafés in Roscommon Town, Boyle, Castlerea, Ballaghaderreen, Strokestown and Elphin, Such uses will also be encouraged in the counties network of villages and neighbourhood and district centres subject to appropriate location in village/district cores. The Council is also concerned by the poor comparison offer in Boyle, Castlerea, Ballaghaderreen, Strokestown, Elphin and to a lesser extent Roscommon Town and encourages the appropriate location of outlets such as clothing and footwear, books and magazines, educational and recreational equipment, pharmaceutical and personal care services and goods, furniture and household goods in these settlements. All of these shall be subject to considerations such as appropriate scale and sequential testing as well as servicing, traffic safety, demand, appropriate design and assimilation into existing town and village cores, and other normal planning considerations.

The convenient location of these facilities, within the heart of towns and villages, contributes to sustainable patterns of development by enabling them to utilise existing infrastructure, saving resources, as well as strengthening town and village centres This also fosters community and social interaction while also reducing the need to make journeys by car, thereby decreasing congestion and creating a safer environment.

Retail Planning Policies Policy 3.13 Implement the principles established in the Retail Planning Guidelines for Planning Authorities (2012) and companion Retail Design Manual document, as the primary basis for the control of future retail development. Policy 3.14 Protect and reinforce the established central retailing and service areas of town centres and encourage and facilitate retailing, particularly convenience and non-bulky comparison retail uses, as the key function within the town and village centres of the County. Policy 3.15 Facilitate retail uses of appropriate scale and design within smaller settlements and villages provided such uses do not have a significant adverse impact on the viability and vitality of established centres such as Roscommon Town, Boyle, Ballaghaderreen, Castlerea and Strokestown. Policy 3.16 Encourage the retention of retail and other appropriate town centre uses such as; general food stores, newsagents, post offices, pharmacies, pubs, restaurants and cafés, within town and village centres. Policy 3.17 Ensure that retail and service outlets are located within identified town centres, or in any case within the central area of a town or village, where they can best serve the population of the surrounding area, and discourage inappropriate out-of-town shopping facilities that detract from the viability and vitality of existing town and village centres. Policy 3.18 Encourage and facilitate the reuse and regeneration of derelict and vacant buildings and sites for retail/enterprise and mix of retail and residential uses in town centres with due regard to the Sequential Approach. Policy 3.19 Ensure that all new retail and commercial development proposals respect the scale and character of the existing streetscape within which they are proposed. Policy 3.20 Encourage the retention of traditional shop fronts and pub fronts of character and design. Policy 3.21 Promote initiatives or programmes to enhance the character and urban design quality of the County’s towns to ensure that they remain attractive for investment in commerce and in retailing, through, for example, the use of urban design frameworks and town enhancement plans to release state funding and the utilisation of site activation measures such as the Vacant Sites Levy. Policy 3.22 Restrict new retail and other commercial access points, and the intensification of existing accesses, onto or adjacent to National Roads in accordance with the requirements of Section 2.5 of ‘Spatial Planning and National Roads’ DECLG; 2012 in order to maintain traffic capacity, minimise traffic hazard and protect and maximise public investment in such roads.

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3.4 NATURAL RESOURCE SECTORS

County Roscommon’s network of towns and villages have a key contribution to the economic development of the county as the envisaged primary location for new industrial, commercial and retail sector development.

However: Rural Roscommon also has a role to play in the economic development of the county in areas such as industry and enterprise as set out in section 3.1 and 3.2 above. Rural tourism (See Section 3.5) and to a greater extent natural resource sectors such as;

(a) Agriculture & diversification of agricultural activity

(b) Forestry and bio-fuels

(c) Wind and Renewable Energy

(d) The Extractive Industry

- are however envisaged as the primary contributors to economic growth from rural Roscommon.

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3.4.1 Agriculture & Diversification of Agricultural Activity

2011 Census figures show that approximately 10% of those employed in County Roscommon work in the Agriculture, forestry and fishing sector. While this represents a fall off in this sector from the 13% share recorded in 2002 it remains exceptionally high and approximately twice the national average. The agricultural sector therefore, remains very important as a source of employment in County Roscommon. Agriculture is also by far the predominant land use with 171,126 hectares of farmed land in the County in 2010.

The Census of Agriculture recorded that there were 6,316 farms in Roscommon in 2010 with an average farm size of 27.1Ha. While this is below the state average of 32.7 Ha it exceeds the average farm size for the West Region (24.8 ha). It also represents growth of the average farm size in the County from the 24.8 ha recorded for the County in 2000. This is an indicator of some progress towards intensification of agricultural businesses in the County.

Of the 6,316 farms in the County in 2010, over 85% (5,395) had some form of Beef Production (cattle) enterprise, while 27% (1,713) had some form of sheep rearing enterprise. Farms with dairy (5.5%), poultry (4%) and pig production (<1%) enterprises are smaller sectors in County Roscommon than nationally. Grain production and tillage are also very small enterprise sectors in this county.

The Contribution of Agriculture to Income in Co. Roscommon

The Teagasc National Farm Survey shows that the average family farm income nationally was €24,461. This represented an increase of 30% on the previous years figure, and was driven solely by output gains, as production costs were shown to have increased while direct payments decreased during this period. This again suggests a move towards greater efficiencies and productivity within the sector nationally.

This upward trend must however, be viewed in the context of inputs to the average farm income from direct payments (i.e. non-capital payments made to farmers under one or more of the CAP schemes). Of the €24,461 average farm income nationally in 2011, 73% (€17,929) was in the form of direct payments. Clearly thus, the average farm enterprise is only viable because of inputs in the form of subsidies from one or more Common Agricultural Policy schemes. The survey also showed that there are two distinct agricultural groups in Ireland:  Small part-time farmers engaged in beef and sheep production, yielding low profit margins and highly dependent on direct payments and off-farm employment. Almost all farms in County Roscommon are in this category.  More dynamic full-time farms, which represent the commercial or viable sector of Irish agriculture and are mainly involved in dairy and tillage farming. These farms are mainly in the South and East of Ireland).

Reliance on direct payments is highest in the West Region where average farm incomes are in the €10,000- €15,000 range and direct payments comprise on average 100% of family farm income. Teagasc has classified less than 20% of farms in the west region as economically viable (i.e. farm income sufficient to cover family labour and provide a 5% return on non-land assets). A further 50% of farms are only economically sustainable due to off-farm employment to subsidise the business, with the remainder categorised as economically vulnerable. In terms of their contribution to the economy of the County, therefore, there are 3 broad categories of farm businesses in County Roscommon:

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Category Proportion of farms Economic Status in Co. Roscommon Category 1 Approx 20% (1,200 Economically viable (though due in most cases to inputs in the farms) form of direct payments under various CAP schemes) Category 2 Approx 50% (3,100 Not economically viable even with inputs in the form of direct farms) payments and only sustainable through off farm full or part time employment Category 3 Approx 30% (1,900 Not economically viable even with inputs in the form of direct farms) payments and with no inputs from other sources (i.e. no off- farm employment)

Based on current trends therefore, the continuation of most farm businesses in Roscommon is contingent on the continuation of direct subsidies under various CAP schemes. The above trends are also suggestive of a move towards a smaller number of more intensively operated farm enterprises. In order to combat the decline of non-intensive or smaller farm businesses many farmers have been diversifying into areas such as increased forestry, energy production, food processing or agri-tourism. The Council will seek to support both the intensification of existing farm businesses and the diversification of farms into these areas, through the following key Actions:

Key Action Description Summary Action 1 Positive attitude to The Council seeks to ensure the continuity of agriculture for Agriculture in CDP reasons which are not solely economic. This sector has Settlement Policy important cultural significance, is the predominant land use in the county and has essentially shaped the landscape and settlement pattern of the County. For these reasons and for the economic benefits for the County, the Council’s rural settlement policy is centred on facilitating the continuity of agriculture as well as supporting agriculture by maintaining the integrity of viable farming areas. This approach is set out in Chapter 2 of this plan (see Chapter 2 for further details on rural settlement policy). Action 2 Facilitate Agricultural The Council recognises the economic imperative to intensify Intensification existing agricultural enterprises and will, subject to normal planning considerations such as groundwater protection, the integrity of the Natura 2000 network and other environmental considerations, facilitate such intensification. Action 3 Facilitate Agricultural The Council recognises the need for a large proportion of farms Diversification to diversify into areas where they can make a greater contribution to the economy of the County and therefore seeks to provide for other vibrant, environmentally sustainable and well managed enterprises including the horticulture, forestry, energy and the bloodstock/equestrian sectors. The response will differ as different categories of farms will require different responses, for example, diversification into agri-tourism is only feasible in areas with other tourism resources.

Key Action 1: Positive attitude to Agriculture in CDP Settlement Policy This centres on assisting those engaged in agriculture in the County to secure the provision of a residence on the landholding upon which they are employed. This approach is set out in Chapter 2 of this plan (see Chapter 2 for further details on rural settlement policy).

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Key Action 2: Facilitate agricultural Intensification It is likely that most agricultural intensification will center on enterprises which have been traditionally strong within the county (i.e. beef production and sheep rearing). Mushroom growing, piggeries, poultry and other intensive animal production units are also encouraged, though these require special treatment. Whilst the Council recognize the role of this sector to contribute towards the economy of the County, it is important that vital environmental qualities of the county are protected. This applies in particular in areas identified as major aquifers and which would be vulnerable to contamination of ground water. It is recognized that in certain cases such activities will be subject to the provision of an Integrated Pollution Prevention and Control Licensing (IPPC) or Local Authority Discharge License.

The challenge facing the Council it to facilitate the continuance of agriculture and the family farm unit and also to broaden the rural economy, while conserving the landscape, environment and natural diversity of the countryside.

Key Action 3: Facilitate Agricultural Diversification There is scope for agricultural business to diversify into a broad range of areas. The Council supports the diversification of farm business into areas which do not militate against landscape or environmental protection policies and objectives of this plan or the proper planning and sustainable development of our towns and villages and those of neighbouring counties. Some of these areas include:

(a) Organic Farming There has been a significant increase in the demand for organic and speciality foods. This has presented an opportunity for farmers to obtain an attractive premium for organic beef, lamb, poultry and venison as well as fruit and vegetables.

There is undoubtedly a large potential for more farmers to switch to organic farming within County Roscommon. In order to promote farm diversification into areas such as organic food production and food processing the Council will promote the provision of farmers markets in appropriate locations, particularly in the traditional market towns of Roscommon, Boyle, Castlerea, Ballaghaderreen, Strokestown and Elphin which evolved as centres of agricultural trade, as outlets for quality local produce and to support the economic viability of local agriculture.

(b) Home Based Economic Activity in Rural Areas Applications for small-scale home-based economic activity in rural areas where the occupants of an existing dwelling are employed at home will be positively considered where the proposal does not generate significant new traffic movements. Home based businesses, which wish to expand beyond employing the household on site, are likely to be required to locate in a village or to another area more suitable to the use proposed. Home based economic activity should if possible be sited either in converted existing farm buildings located adjacent to the main dwelling, or within the house where the use is compatible with and ancillary to the use of the dwelling as a home. Each case shall be judged on its own merits by the PA. Diversification from home based economic activity into the areas of retailing and other commercial activities which would be more appropriate in the counties town and village centres will not normally be considered acceptable, as diversification into such areas would incrementally undermine the viability of our town and village centres.

(c) Agri-Tourism (see also Section 3.5 - Tourism) Tourism is seen by many analysts as the most viable long term alternative to farming. The tourism sector contributes to the economy of the County to a much lesser extent than the other counties within the West Region (show stats from Tourism strategy for county), and in county Roscommon there must be a recognition that in the short term, tourism is only likely to be one facet of a broad based transition from solely agricultural activity. Furthermore, tourism resource areas are also not evenly distributed throughout the county. The areas of higher tourism resource are primarily the rural areas close to the Shannon, Lough Key and Lough Ree. Farms in these areas and other areas of tourism resource potential (e.g. Rathcroghan,

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Arigna) have potential for diversification into agri-tourism. The Council will support such diversification provided it is of appropriate scale and subject to normal planning considerations.

(d) Diversification into other major rural economic sectors The Council also supports the diversification of existing agricultural businesses into areas which are already recognised as major rural economic sectors within the county or as a complimentary enterprise to existing agricultural businesses. These areas may include:  Forestry and bio-fuel (See 3.4.2 below)  Wind energy and other renewable Energy Resources (See 3.4.3 below)  Mineral Extraction (See 3.4.4 below)

Policies in relation to Agriculture and Agricultural Diversification Policy 3.23 Facilitate the development of agriculture, agricultural practices and horticulture within the County while seeking to protect and maintain the bio-diversity and rural character of the countryside, wildlife habitats, water quality and nature conservation. Policy 3.24 Facilitate the development of farm enterprises such as processing, co-ops, farm supply stores and agri-business in accordance with the development standards set out in Chapter 9 of this plan. Policy 3.25 Encourage Specialist farming practices e.g. organic and speciality food production, fruit and vegetable/herb growing, flower growing, equine breeding, poultry and mushroom growing. Policy 3.26 Facilitate the provision of infrastructural services to serve the needs of agriculture, in co- operation with the appropriate agencies. Policy 3.27 Support mechanisms to reduce agricultural pollution and the eutrophication of rivers and lakes in accordance with the River Basin Management Plan for the Shannon or Western River Basin Districts. Policy 3.28 Protect the viability of farms including the family farm unit, and the best quality land, for agricultural and related uses, whilst at the same time facilitating the provision of alternative employment in or close to rural areas to sustain rural communities. Policy 3.29 Facilitate the development of agricultural intensification whilst seeking to protect and maintain bio-diversity, wildlife habitats, water quality, scenic amenities and nature conservation. Policy 3.30 Facilitate farm diversification into areas such as; organic farming, forestry and bio-mass, renewable energy related enterprises, agri-tourism and home based economic activity in association with vigorous and adequate environmental controls upon their development. Policy 3.31 Facilitate the development of niche activities, such as those relating to food (including value-added products), forestry (including wood and bio-energy products), crafts, eco- tourism and agri-tourism – e.g. farmhouse accommodation, pet farms, farm holidays, health farms, equestrian activities, bird-watching holidays, painting/photography tuition, angling tourism, field studies, hill-walking, archaeological guided walks, walking, cycling, and wildlife trails. Policy 3.32 Support farm families seeking to establish alternative and/or complementary home based economic developments to supplement their income from farming, subject to appropriate scale and intensity of development, without detriment to; the operation of existing agricultural or horticultural farms in the vicinity, traffic safety, environmental and landscape protection and residential amenity. Where the enterprise is not dependent on a rural location, and the scale and intensity grow beyond family income needs, it will be encouraged, where appropriate, to relocate to a nearby town or village.

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Objectives in relation to Agriculture and Agricultural Diversification Objective 3.3 Assess all proposals for intensive agricultural development in terms of its appropriateness in relation to the density of waste disposal and the effect of this on the region. Objective 3.4 Ensure that all agricultural development complies with necessary regulations concerning pollution control and does not impact unduly on natural waters, wildlife habitats or conservation areas. Objective 3.5 Facilitate the establishment of local country markets (e.g. farmers markets) devoted to the sale of local agricultural and craft produce in the counties towns and villages and support their role as visitor attractions. Objective 3.6 Facilitate agricultural development whilst ensuring that development does not have a negative impact on the scenic amenity of the countryside, in particular in areas such as the Lough Key Environs, other areas identified as of exceptional landscape value or those impacting directly upon scenic views or routes as identified in the County Roscommon Landscape Character Assessment. Objective 3.7 Ensure the protection of soil, groundwater, wildlife habitats, conservation areas, rural amenities and scenic views from adverse environmental impacts as a result of intensive agricultural practices. Objective 3.8 Favourably consider the development of appropriately scaled and designed, B&B development as a contributor to agri-tourism and to the rural economy. Objective 3.9 Ensure that agricultural development and intensification is screened for Appropriate Assessment in accordance with Article 6(3) of the Habitats Directive, where required.

3.4.2 Forestry and Bio-fuels

Currently Ireland has approximately 10.8% of land cover devoted to forestry compared to EU average of approximately 40%. The national target set out in the Government’s document “Growing for the Future – A Strategic Plan for the Development of the Forestry Sector in Ireland” 1996 is to have a forestry cover of 17% by 2030. The 2000 CAP Rural Development Plan sets the target for broadleaf planting to 30%. Over 21,000ha of forestry has been planted in County Roscommon, representing 8.7% of the total area of the County. Forests are more prevalent in the northern part of the County representing approximately 10.5% of the area than the south of the County where it represents only approximately 3% of the area. Some 13,000ha of forest the County is on private land with over 8,000ha in public ownership. Much of this is on marginal land, in particular on Slieve Bawn close to Strokestown, across the upper Arigna Valley as well as around Ballinlough and Frenchpark where it provides a significant element of the Landscape Character. Roscommon County Council recognizes the many benefits of forestry within the County in terms of economic, recreational and carbon sequestration potential, and acknowledges the potential for further afforestation in County Roscommon. The public and to a greater extent, private forestry sectors have continued to expand in the County during the first decade of this Century. Due to EU funded state grant schemes and annual forestry premiums, private forestry plantation has become an important complementary enterprise to supplement income farm businesses and now has an important function in sustaining many smaller farm units, particularly in areas of more marginal land in the north of the county.

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Afforestation has made profound changes to our landscape and this will continue under the current National programme. It may also have significant impacts on our water sources and road network. The Council will seek to ensure that new afforestation and the management of existing forests will be undertaken in a sustainable manner in order to minimise such impacts. The Planning and Development (Amendment) (No. 2) Regulations 2011 transferred management of development for initial afforestation from the relevant Planning Authorities to the Forest Service (part of the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine). Roscommon County Council as the relevant local authority is now a consultation body and in this role the Planning Authority submit observations on applications for initial afforestation where appropriate. However the management of the development of accesses onto the public road system to accommodate forest developments remains in the control of Council. Concerns regarding afforestation which would impinge on Landscape Character Areas in the County considered by this Plan as being of High, Very High or Exceptional Values, or a scenic route or view protected by the Plan will be addressed by observations to the Forest Service. The Council shall also seek to ensure that forest plantations will have a greater mix of species and be structurally and spatially more diverse. A significant area of forested land in County Roscommon is accessed via road infrastructure with local classification. Due to the narrow width of many of these roads there are few locations for oncoming traffic to pass without introducing a hazard to road users. There can also be bearing capacity issues with the road pavement and accommodation structures with the potential for them to be damaged by vehicles used in forest related activities. To minimise the impacts of the transport requirements of the forest industry on road infrastructure Roscommon County Council would encourage a partnership approach between all interested groups in the development of an Agreed Route Map Service. This would identify the most suitable route for timber haulage with the aim to keep timber traffic off the most vulnerable roads by directing it along any stronger routes that are available. It could also be used in the planning of future afforestation by identifying and permitting only those proposals which can be accessed with the minimum impact on the existing road infrastructure. Roscommon County Council is concerned by the proliferation of plantation access points off the public road network. Roscommon County Council will seek to limit the number of such points by encouraging the planning of internal forest road networks (ie. at Forest Road Scheme Grant Stage or preferably at Pre- planting Application Stage) to keep timber traffic off fragile public roads and bridges and the coming together of adjacent plantation owners to share internal forest roads and accesses points onto public roads where practical. For public safety reasons Roscommon County Council will discourage the practice of stockpiling timber for onward transport at unsecured loading sites adjacent to the public road. Such sites should be located wholly within the plantation and their access to the public road secured by a lockable gate/barrier to restrict unauthorised public access. Roscommon County Council will require that vehicular accesses to plantations be a sufficient dept (ie. set back from the public road) to fully facilitate the off road parking of transport and other forest related vehicles during times of access and egress. The minimum sight distances from the entrance to plantations onto the public road network will require to be provided in all cases as specified in the geometric design standards for vehicular accesses in the National Roads Authority, Design Manual for Roads and Bridges.

The Bio-Energy Sector

Renewable energy production provides for sustainable diversification from more conventional forms of agriculture. Ireland has the lowest use of biomass in the EU so the scope for development of bio-energy in Ireland is significant. There are many bio-fuel sources including forest and wood residues and dry agricultural residues all of which can be combusted to produce heat, electricity or both and can be used as an energy source to fire solid fuel systems. Purpose grown energy crops such as willow and miscanthus can

Variation No. 1 of the Roscommon County Development Plan 2014-2020 Page 64 Chapter 3: Economic Development also be used as dry fuel for combustion. Wet resources such as agricultural slurries, sewerage sludge can also be processed through anaerobic digestion, producing a methane rich gas for combustion. The use of forestry residues for heat generation is likely to have the greatest potential for the West Region in the immediate future. There are opportunities for the use of these by-products as bio-fuels in the future as well as the promotion of energy crop sector within the rural economy.

Uptake for grants for the production of energy crops such as Miscanthus and Willow has been low in the County since the publication of the Bio-Energy Action Plan for Ireland 2007 due to the relatively high establishment costs (up to 50% establishment grant compared to 100% establishment grant for forestry), the relatively modest returns for smaller plantations and lack of local infrastructure for marketing produce. Willow requires high quality fertile soils in low lying sheltered areas which will place it in competition with grain production and it also does not like peaty soils, which will rule it out over much of County Roscommon. In terms of cultivation, miscanthus tolerates a wider range of soils, requires plenty of summer rain, may prove attractive to Roscommon farmers if the energy crop market becomes more developed in the County and geared towards the provision of a network of production units.

Best Practice Manuals produced by the Department of Agriculture and Food includes references to landscape and environment and assessors for the grant system should be encouraged to refer to the Roscommon Landscape Character Assessment when considering applications. The manuals also indicate that bio-fuels should be grown close to their intended production units and there may be an increase in applications for Bio-energy Stations.

Policies in relation to Forestry and Bio-fuels Policy 3.33 Support and promote sustainable forestry development in County Roscommon, subject to the protection of, inter alia, scenic landscapes and views, water quality, heritage features, residential amenity, established public rights of way and public safety. Policy 3.34 Facilitate forestation in appropriate locations, in co-operation with Coillte Teoranta and the Forest Service and in line with National policy and the Roscommon LCA (S 3.6 of the LCA Report 2014), while ensuring the no pollution or injury is caused to natural waters, wildlife habitats or conservation areas Policy 3.35 Promote appropriate forestry related industries and rural tourism and encourage access to forestry, including private forestry, for walking routes, mountain bike trails, bridle paths and other activities that do not generate undue noise Policy 3.36 Prevent excessive forestation that would negatively impact on rural communities i.e. forestry development should be appropriate to the surrounding area in terms of nature and scale and should not allow that residential development becomes isolated when plantations mature. Policy 3.37 Promote mixed species forestry and phased and selective rather than linear or clear felling, particularly in exposed or scenic areas. Policy 3.38 Co-operate with Coillte Teoranta, the Forest Service and private land owners in promoting greater public access and recreational use of Forests in the County. Policy 3.39 Discourage new (non-broadleaf) forestry development in proposed/candidate/adopted NHAs, SACs and SPAs, in designated Sensitive Rural Landscapes, water quality sensitive areas, along designated Scenic Routes. Broadleaf forestry may be open to consideration on a case by case basis in some of these areas and in some proposed/candidate/adopted NHAs, SPAs and SACs, subject to consultation with the DEHLG, screening for Appropriate Assessment in accordance with Article 6(3) of the Habitats Directive and shall have regard to any management plans prepared by the DAHG/NPWS. Policy 3.40 Discourage the afforestation of land in Landscape Character Areas in the County considered by this Plan as being of Exceptional Value and also have regard to the policies in the Lough Key Local Area Plan and the landscape character analysis therein.

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Policy 3.41 Encourage a partnership approach between all interested groups in the development of an Agreed Route Map Service which can be used to identify the most suitable routes for timber haulage from existing forests and the planning of future afforestation which can be accessed with the minimum impact on the existing road infrastructure. Policy 3.42 Encourage the planning of internal forest road networks to keep timber traffic off fragile public roads and bridges and the coming together of adjacent plantation owners to share internal forest roads and accesses points onto public roads where practical. Policy 3.43 Ensure that entrances to forests developments are located where the minimum sight distances specified in the geometric design standards for vehicular accesses in the National Roads Authority, Design Manual for Roads and Bridges can be achieved and at points on the road network which do not introduce a hazard to road users. Policy 3.44 Ensure that forestry does not obstruct existing rights-of-way, traditional walking routes, recreational and tourism facilities. Developers shall identify existing rights-of-way and established walking routes before planting commences. Policy 3.45 Encourage the development of forestry, particularly deciduous forestry and Biomass as an alternative agricultural land use. Policy 3.46 Support the development of the bio energy industry over the Plan period and have regard to the Bio-energy Action Plan for Ireland 2007, to the Department of Agriculture and Food Best Practice Manuals and to the LCA when considering significant planting of bio energy crops

Objectives in relation to Forestry and Bio-fuels Objective Endeavour to protect the amenity of local residents by the establishment of an 3.10 appropriate transition area of 60m from dwellings and associated buildings free from forestry Objective Levy key charges on developers to defray the improvement and maintenance of public 3.11 roads, in cases where forestry development is likely to have adverse effects on public roads

3.4.3 Wind & Other Natural Resource Energy Technologies

The Atlas of Wind Speeds indicates that large areas of Roscommon meet technical requirements for the development of wind turbines sites. Roscommon County has a very dispersed settlement pattern and there are few appropriate sites which are more than 400m from a dwelling. In 2013 the county’s total windfarm capacity amounted to 29MW or c. 1.4% of the national total. This capacity is produced by six companies with installations at Kilronan, Largan Hill, Altagowlan, Spion Kop Seltanaveeny and Skryne.

The Energy White Paper March 2007 sets out important new policies to reduce fossil fuel dependency, with 33% of energy supply to be met by renewable energy sources by 2020. Wind energy is a significant component of this target. Additional government support and the proposed transfer of the electricity grid from ESB to Eirgrid may result in further applications in County Roscommon.

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It is important that the CDP achieves a balance between responding to Government Policy on renewable energy and enabling the County’s energy resources to be harnessed in a manner that is consistent with proper planning and sustainable development.

RCC shall be guided by The Wind Energy Development Guidelines 2006 in relation to the location of large wind turbines and the information to be required as part of a planning application.

The Landscape Character Assessment (LCA) 2014 is also one of the main policy areas which will inform the issue of suitability of wind farms within the County. The LCA consists of:

1. Landscape Character Types for the County (e.g. River Corridor to the east and west of the county, Hill and Upland, Drumlin Lake-lands, Bog-land, Wet Farmland, Dry Farmland and Bog and Farmland Complex) 2. Landscape Character Areas are unique geographically-specific areas of a particular landscape type. 36 Landscape Character Areas were identified within the County and are detailed in S4.4 of the LCA Report. 3. Landscape Values. Each of the landscape character areas have been classified into;  Exceptional Value  Very High Value  High Value  Moderate Value

Section 4 of the LCA 2014 provides a clear indication that subject to specific controls, examples of potentially appropriate locations might be found in places such as Arigna Mountains; Bockagh Hill and surrounds; upland near Garranlahan; Greywood Hill uplands; Slieve Bawn and high ground to the east of Lough Funshinagh. The LCA also offers additional information on each character area that will be necessary in order to assess the visual, cultural and environmental impacts of applications for wind turbines should they arise in any of the character areas. In conjunction with the Policies and Objectives contained in S3.11.1 of this Plan - Renewable Energy the following Polices & Objectives have been included in association with Wind Farm Developments and the LCA Report.

Policies in relation to Wind & Other Natural Resource Energy Technologies Policy 3.47 All Applications for wind farm developments shall have regard to the Wind Energy Planning Guidelines 2006 regarding landscape impact of associated development (including roads and tracks, power lines, the control building, wind measuring mast and the compound). Policy 3.48 All applications for wind farm developments shall have regard to guidance on the siting and design of wind farm projects that are included in the Wind Energy Planning Guidelines 2006. Policy 3.49 Assessment of visual impacts of proposals will have regard to the LCA and in particular to; immediate visual impact and long distance views, Scenic Routes and Scenic views depicted in Appendix 1 of the LCA report, sites of special value (i.e. the bog land north of Castlerea (LCA 27) and Upper Lough Ree (LCA6) which has been identified as of particular importance for their sense of isolation and tranquillity). Policy 3.50 Encourage the development of wind energy in suitable locations in an environmentally sensitive way in accordance with Wind Energy Planning Guidelines, and the County Roscommon Renewable Energy Strategy 2014-2020 and land use policies of the CDP. Policy 3.51 Ensure that applications for wind turbines are assessed in accordance with the SEI Wind Speed Atlas, Accessibility to the National Electricity Transmission and Distribution Grid, the suitability of the site having regard to other land use policies and objectives to protect all aspects of the landscape including visual, cultural and environmental. All wind turbine proposals, irrespective of size shall be subject to full Environmental Assessment (EIA).

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Policy 3.52 No wind energy development or Pumped Hydro Electric Storage (PHES) schemes will be considered in any Natura 2000 site or their surrounding buffer areas. All renewable energy schemes will be subject to screening for Appropriate Assessment in accordance with Article 6(3) of the Habitats Directive. Only proposals that will not adversely affect the integrity any Natura 2000 site will be permitted. Where an Appropriate Assessment or Environmental Impact Assessment is to be carried out for any renewable energy project, proponents of such projects shall adhere to the minimum survey requirements for protected species and habitats as included in the Natura Impact Report that accompanies this Plan.

Objectives in relation to Wind & Other Natural Resource Energy Technologies Objective Investigate the potential for relatively small-scale wind energy developments within 3.12 urban and industrial areas and for small community –based proposals outside the key areas that are identified as being potentially appropriate for wind energy development. Community ownership of wind energy projects enables local communities to benefit directly from local wind energy resources being developed in their local areas, ensuring long term income for rural communities.

3.4.4 Mineral Extraction & Quarries

County Roscommon has extensive deposits of stone and mineral material, which is a fundamental resource for the building industry. Quarry developments by their nature are resource based and result in the removal of soil and rock. By their nature, aggregates can only be worked where they occur. The cost of haulage affects economic competitiveness in this sector and accordingly the extractive industries seek to locate in proximity to developing settlements and major existing and proposed roads, thus minimising haulage costs. Extractive industries can also give rise to detrimental environmental and residential amenity effects including traffic congestion, dust, noise/vibration, water pollution, visual intrusion and the effects on local road networks may also be significant.

It is recognised that quarrying and extractive industry has an important function in the economy of the county and, furthermore, that the rural based nature of the quarrying/extractive industries offers opportunities for part-time farming to continue with quarrying providing valuable off-farm income. The Council recognises the importance to the economy of County Roscommon of mapping and identification of areas with aggregate potential, both in terms of cost effective aggregates and avoiding sterilisation of resources. The Council will seek to identify the location of major aggregate deposits and will safeguard valuable un-worked deposits for future extraction. An aggregate potential map will be prepared by GSI for County Roscommon within the lifetime of the Plan.

The Council seeks to ensure that the extractive and concrete products industry follows an environmental code of practice, in order to minimise potential adverse impacts on the environment and local communities. In considering development applications relating to existing or proposed quarries, the Council will take full account of; ‘Quarries and Ancillary Activities: Guidelines for Planning Authorities’ (DECLG, 2004).

When considering quarry and associated developments, the Council will have regard to the protection of residential and natural amenities, the prevention of pollution and the safeguarding of aquifers and groundwater. The development of new quarries will be strictly controlled in areas of high landscape value, on European sites, Natural Heritage Areas (NHAs), Nature Reserves or other areas of importance for the conservation of flora and fauna, or in areas of significant archaeological potential.

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Policies in relation to Mineral Extraction and Quarries Policy 3.53 Protect all known unworked deposits from development that might limit their scope for extraction. Policy 3.54 Ensure adequate supplies of aggregate resources to meet future growth needs of the Country, facilitate the exploitation of such resources where there is a proven need and market opportunity for such minerals or aggregates, and ensure that this exploitation of resources does not adversely affect the environment or adjoining existing land uses. Policy 3.55 Encourage the reuse of worked out quarries for recreational, appropriate commercial, ecological and other uses, following appropriate restoration. Policy 3.56 Require development proposals on or in the proximity of quarry sites, to carry out appropriate investigations into the nature and extent of old quarries (where applicable). Such proposals shall also investigate the nature and extent of soil and groundwater contamination and the risks associated with site development works together with appropriate mitigation. Policy 3.57 Protect areas of geomorphologic interest, groundwater and important aquifers, important archaeological features and Natural Heritage Areas from inappropriate development. Policy 3.58 Have regard to evolving best environmental management practice as set out in Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Guidelines ‘Environmental Management in the Extractive Industry: Non Scheduled Minerals’ Policy 3.59 Ensure that the extractives industry minimises adverse impacts on the road network in the area and that the appropriate cost of road improvements which are necessary to facilitate extractive industries are borne by the industry itself Policy 3.60 Ensure that the extraction of minerals or aggregates does not adversely impact on residential or environmental amenity of the landscape including the safeguarding of aquifers and groundwater resources. Policy 3.61 Ensure that all projects associated with the extractive industry carry out screening for Appropriate Assessment in accordance with Article 6(3) of the Habitats Directive, where required.

Objectives in relation to Mineral Extraction and Quarries Objective Co-operate with the Geological Survey of Ireland (GSI) in the identification of major 3.13 mineral deposits in County Roscommon through Aggregate Potential Mapping (APM) and safeguard these resources for future extraction by safeguarding un-worked deposits from new and permanent development that would prevent or hinder their future extraction. Objective Have regard to the Landscape Character Assessment Report 2014 and its 3.14 recommendations including the provision of special recognition to the esker area in LCAs 34, 35 and 8 in South Roscommon and LCA’s 24 and 25 in north Roscommon including all inter-related geo-morphological landscapes of archaeological significance.

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3.5 TOURISM

Tourism in Roscommon tends to be an important though relatively underdeveloped and small-scale resource in Roscommon, accounting for less than 1% of the national share of overseas tourism, and relying heavily on natural resource based tourism, especially waterways and special interest markets such as inland cruising, angling and to a lesser extent walking.

Between 2001 and 2006, the number of overseas visitors to Roscommon has increased from 54,000 to 58.000. Between 2009 and 2011 the number of oversees visitors to the county averaged 48,000 which represents a fall off from the 2006 figure of 58,000. County Roscommon’s proportion of overseas visitors to the Western Region has also decreased to less than 4%. Despite the many attractions that the county has to offer, the number of overseas visitors in 2011 remained very low in comparison to Galway with 933,000 visitors or Mayo with 267,000 visitors. Roscommon’s share of total revenue generated from overseas visitors to the west region has typically amounted to between 3 and 5% between 2001 and 2011. There is no measure for domestic tourism at County level, however the Roscommon Tourism Strategy estimates this is likely to be slightly below the oversees market in terms of income generation for the county. In 2011 there were approximately 1,100 persons employed in the tourism and hospitality sectors in the county.

Key issues affecting tourism in the county are; a lack of investment; difficult access; and lack of national and international marketing and promotion of tourism in the county. Examples of initiatives which could be undertaken to combat this include; joint cooperation ventures in tourism resource areas, for example, between Boyle and Carrick-on-Shannon for tourism promotion in the area. The county’s tourism structure and visitor share are both weak and the Council will work to develop the potential for growth in sustainable Tourism in County Roscommon in conjunction with Fáilte Ireland and local communities. The Council aims to facilitate tourism wherever possible, without compromising the environment or the natural and built heritage.

3.5.1 Existing Tourist Facilities and Infrastructure

County Roscommon has many natural and cultural heritage attractions such as its landscape, inland waterways and history. The County also has many tourist facilities such as fishing, boating, swimming and cultural infrastructure as well as beautiful countryside and natural amenities.

While the tourism sector in Roscommon is comparatively small and underdeveloped, it is of major importance to the local economy and there are tourism resource opportunities within the county. Roscommon’s primary tourism resources are rural and natural resource based, and it is a leading outdoor activity destination e.g. its largely unspoilt rural landscape, Lough Key, Lough Ree, the Shannon and their environs (which offer opportunities for appropriate water based activity), Lake O’ Flynn and the Rathcroghan Archaeological Complex which is on the tentative list for world heritage status.

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The re-development of Lough key Forest Park, close to Boyle, was a joint venture between Coillte Teoranta and Roscommon County Council. The redevelopment of Lough Key includes a tree canopy walk, the only one of its kind in Ireland which allows the visitor to experience trees at a height. The “pay to play” facility and the interpretative centre offer up to date tourism facilities for visitors. The central focus of the Cruachan Aí Heritage Centre, opened in 1999, is the Cruachan site including the Rathcroghan Mound, one of the best preserved Celtic Royal Sites in Europe close to the medieval village of Tulsk. The centre was developed to highlight, interpret and celebrate the rich archaeological heritage of the area and to act as a focus for community activities. The Arigna Mining Experience is an important example of a successful and unique initiative, which has opened up new local employment and economic opportunities by attracting tourists to the Arigna area. The Mining Experience was opened in 2003 traces 400 years of mining preserving the unique history of the area as well as employing many local ex-miners.

The Counties towns and settlements also have much to offer tourists. Boyle is located at the foot of the Curlew Mountains between Lough Gara and Lough Key, and is a centre of great beauty with an abundance of history and archaeology. The town is also home to King House and Boyle Abbey which are important visitor attractions in the region. Roscommon Town is home to Roscommon Racecourse, which hosts race meetings between May and October each year and the ruins of Roscommon Castle, a dramatic and imposing 13th Century Norman Castle. Strokestown has developed on a broad avenue leading directly to the gates of Strokestown Park House, a fully furnished Georgian Mansion with pleasure garden and the National Famine Museum, dedicated to explaining the history of the Great Irish Famine. In addition, to Strokestown Park House the town is also home to the County Roscommon Geneology and Heritage Company. Castlerea and Elphin are also well known for Clonalis House, the ancestral home of the O’ Conors of Connaught, and Elphin Windmill respectively. Settlements such as Cortober, Roosky, Termonbarry, Ballyleague, Hodson Bay/Barrymore, Knockcroghery and Cootehall on the Lough Ree, Shannon, Lough Key waterway network are strategically located to capitalise on water based tourism and transport.

3.5.2 Promoting New Tourism Development

VISION FOR TOURISM IN COUNTY ROSCOMMON Maximise and build upon the high quality transportation linkages and permeability of the County within the West Region Capitalise upon key natural resources such as Lough Key, The Shannon and Suck and associated lakes and waterways. Position the County as a leading heritage destination Enhance the accommodation offering in the County, particularly within settlements within tiers 1 to 3 of the settlement hierarchy

In North Roscommon there are opportunities to further promote Lough Key and particularly its environs including Boyle Town as a major tourist attraction as well as the potential to develop a major tourism trail in the Rathcroghan area based on the untapped archaeological significance of the area. In addition in the South there is potential for angling; archaeology and tourism to be further developed along the corridor as well as the in this area. The Council supports the policies and actions of the County Tourism Strategy and agrees that the role of Tourism is of growing importance in Roscommon, in particular, in light of the need to diversify the rural economy and to strengthen the tourism industry. The Council supports the promotion of our tourism product and the provision for development that will allow the industry to flourish. Lough Key is the primary tourism resource in the county. The Council have prepared a Local Area Plan which sets an agenda and framework for development including tourism. The key town of Boyle is located close to this resource and furthermore has a number of important tourism resources in its own right. The

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Council therefore promotes the development of Boyle as a centre of tourism development within the County and as a gateway to Lough Key.

The tourism industry is based upon products which are marketed and sold to visitors. As well as accommodation and transport (and arguably landscape and culture) these may include “paying” attractions such as museums, and recreational facilities such as walks and cycle tracks, which can also be used by the local community. It is also essential that visitors are aware of the products on offer and that signage is appropriate and reliable.

The Regional Planning Guidelines for the West Region (2010-2022) encourage large-scale developments to promote the regions iconic attractions such as the Lough Key Forest Park Development. It should be noted however that the Council emphasises that the development of Flagship Projects should not be promoted as the single most important necessity for tourism growth. Emphasis should be placed on tourism development throughout the entirety of key tourism resource areas such as the Lough Key area and sustainability is paramount in this regard. RCC supports the upgrading of facilities, where appropriate; the promotion and marketing of the area within the county, nationally and internationally; the development of new tourism facilities and services that enhance the natural and unique qualities of the area.

The Council also seeks to promote the development of and ensure sufficient lands are reserved for tourist accommodation and information services of appropriate scale in the key towns of Roscommon Town, Castlerea, Boyle, Ballaghaderreen, Strokestown and Elphin. The Council also supports the development of a new hotel and guesthouse facilities in key towns and particularly in Boyle, Castlerea and Roscommon Town as well as smaller scale tourist information and accommodation in Tulsk and Arigna village cores.

The Council supports tourism development of appropriate scale within settlements on the Shannon Corridor and its calling points such as Cortober, Roosky, Termonbarry, Ballyleague/lanesborough, Hodson Bay, , Lecarrow, Gailey, , Drumharlow, Battlebridge and Cootehall which focuses on the provision of tourist services for water based tourism. There is potential for angling, archaeology and tourism generally to be further developed along the River Shannon corridor.

The development of tourism products such as holiday breaks that focus on music tradition, literature, archaeology, geology, angling, golf, local festivals and culture, niche activities and sporting events which can generate demand for additional services, including accommodation, restaurants and transport will be positively encouraged. RCC will continue to facilitate and be centrally involved in the upgrading of all infrastructures throughout the County; this includes the provision of facilities within tourist areas such as toilet facilities, accommodation, access to amenities, and signage, where appropriate.

3.5.3 Integrated Rural Tourism

Tourism is a sector which needs to be developed in rural Roscommon to offset the effect of the decline in the construction sector, the lack of Foreign Direct Investment, and the trend of below average incomes derived from agriculture. The Council recognises the need for increased employment opportunities in rural areas in order to sustain viable rural communities and Section 5 of this chapter has outlined preferred strategies to combat this including the promotion of agri-tourism and tourism. It is recognised that the opportunities for tourism development are limited outside the larger towns and the primary rural tourism resource areas within the county e.g. the environs of Lough Key, Lough Ree, the Shannon and the environs of Rathcroghan and Arigna.

As illustrated in section 5, opportunities for alternative and supplementary employment for farm families, such as off-farm employment, multiple activities and agri-tourism, will be crucial to the survival of many rural communities in County Roscommon. Agriculture is supported as the most important rural land use though emphasis is placed on encouraging and supporting farmers to add new enterprises within farming such as agri-tourism, or alternatively diversify into new growth areas such as rural tourism and eco-tourism.

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Although rural tourism remains a relatively small niche in the overall tourism context, local communities can benefit from the promotion of local assets and the development of specialist activities.

3.5.4 Tourist Accommodation

The Fáilte Ireland “West Fact Card 2011” indicates that 21% of visitors to the West of Ireland stay in hotels with 28% staying in guesthouses or B&BS and another 15% staying at tourist hostels. New high quality hotels are required, especially within the town centres of Roscommon Town, Boyle and Castlerea. RCC recognizes that tourism developments should be prioritized in key areas such as Boyle, and should include the provision of appropriate hotels in key areas as well as focus on encouraging and supporting local enterprise such as B&Bs.

Roscommon has not been subject to extensive holiday home development but there is nonetheless a high level of vacancy and under-utilisation and the Council does not anticipate significant demand for such development in the period of this plan. There will be a presumption against holiday home/second home development in areas outside of designated settlements and lands specifically zoned for such uses. These developments, where permitted, will relate sympathetically to the design, scale and level of development and facilities in the town. Where demand for new holiday home accommodation exists in tourism resource towns and villages, the Council will promote the re-use of existing vacant residential development for holiday home use.

The Fáilte Ireland “West Fact Card 2010” indicates that only 2% of visitors to the West of Ireland stay in Caravan and Camping Sites. There are several caravan and camping sites in the County, (e.g. Lough Key, Hodson Bay and Gailey Bay Caravan and Camping Parks). Caravan and camping parks can be visually obtrusive particularly in high amenity areas or areas of outstanding natural beauty. However, RCC recognises the need to provide tourist accommodation for all price ranges and a variety of lifestyles, therefore, all caravan and camping park proposals are required to ensure that the design, operation and impact do not unreasonably affect the amenity of the surrounding landscape.

3.5.5 Environmental Considerations

In pursuit of sustainable tourism it is imperative that the high quality landscape and environment which attracts visitors to Roscommon is undiminished by future development. A high quality product must be developed in harmony with the natural environment, minimizing adverse impacts upon local communities, built heritage, landscapes, habitats and species. Tourism related enterprises should be encouraged to reduce their impact upon the environment by reducing their energy demand, increasing recycling and utilizing best practice procurement policy. The unique natural and built heritage of County Roscommon must be preserved, mindful of the need to facilitate the enjoyment of places of interest, natural beauty and tourist potential. Access to amenities, signage and the provision of facilities, such as toilet facilities and accommodation will be provided, where appropriate and without impacting negatively on the natural amenities of the area. The Council aims to balance protecting and enhancing such natural assets while also developing appropriate access and facilities.

Tourism Policies Policy 3.62 Promote sustainable tourism development in towns and villages and direct tourism based development, where appropriate, into existing settlements where there is adequate infrastructure, whilst also promoting appropriate environmentally sustainable rural tourism, subject to location, siting and design criteria, the protection of environmentally sensitive areas and other planning considerations. Policy 3.63 Promote Roscommon as a cultural, heritage and eco-tourism destination in order to diversify the range of tourist facilities in the county. All tourist developments will be screened for Appropriate Assessment in accordance with Article 6(3) of the Habitats Directive.

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Policy 3.64 Promote the development of sporting events and niche activities, such as those relating to food (particularly value-added products), forestry (e.g. wood products), crafts, eco- tourism and agri-tourism, for example farmhouse accommodation, open farms, farm holidays, health farms, equestrian activities, bird-watching holidays; painting/photography tuition, angling tourism, field studies and hill-walking (with the co- operation of the landowners). Policy 3.65 Support and facilitate the development of new tourism facilities and services throughout the county. Policy 3.66 Support the development of Lough Key and its environs as a natural amenity and major tourist attraction and seek to facilitate tourism development which is consistent with the Councils vision of the development of Boyle Town as a gateway to Lough Key. Policy 3.67 Support the appropriate and environmentally sensitive expansion, and maximise the potential of the Rathcroghan area of County Roscommon based on its untapped archaeological significance, in co-operation with the Community and the DECLG and DAHG and seek to facilitate tourism development which is consistent with the Councils vision of the development of Tulsk Village as a gateway to Rathcroghan. Policy 3.68 Support tourism type development (e.g. tourist information services, the provision of leisure and activity facilities for tourists) of appropriate scale, including appropriate infrastructure and ancillary services throughout the county and particularly in the key towns of Roscommon Town, Castlerea, Boyle, Ballaghaderreen, Strokestown and Elphin as well as villages with significant tourism amenities such as Tulsk and Arigna. Policy 3.69 Support tourism development of appropriate scale within settlements on the Shannon Corridor and its calling points such as Cortober, Roosky, Termonbarry, Ballyleague/lanesborough Hodson Bay, Shannonbridge, Lecarrow, Gailey, Portrun, Drumharlowl, Battlebridge and Cootehall, which focuses on the provision of tourist services (e.g. nature and heritage based activities) for water based tourism. Policy 3.70 Discourage the proliferation of individual private marinas on the lakes and waterways of the county. The development of commercial marinas and mooring facilities is also discouraged outside of existing settlements on the Shannon Corridor. Policy 3.71 Prioritise hotel and guesthouse development and promote the development of high quality hotels and guesthouses in key towns within tourist resource areas and particularly in Boyle Town whilst ensuring high standards of architectural and urban design. Policy 3.72 Support at appropriate locations the sustainable development of appropriately scaled holiday home/ second home developments within existing settlements on tourism zoned lands and strictly control the development of new second home and holiday home development outside lands zoned for such uses within the Counties towns and settlements. Policy 3.73 Accommodate small scale enterprises, such as renovation of barns, outhouses or other existing structures for short term rental (less than 3 months at any one time) associated with an existing permanent residence or active farm/agri-tourism enterprise. Proposals to reinstate, conserve and/or renovate existing, vacant, derelict or disused buildings for holiday accommodation will also be given favourable consideration subject to normal planning criteria. Policy 3.74 To consider the provision of small scale caravan and camping sites at appropriate locations where they do not cause landscape or environmental degradation and are consistent with the Settlement Strategy for the County, and incorporate a high standard of layout, design, landscaping and amenity in such proposals. Policy 3.75 Support and promote, with the co-operation of private landowners, public access to heritage sites and features of archaeological interest, mountains, rivers, lakes and other natural amenities, subject to compliance with the requirements of the habitats Directive.

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Policy 3.76 Facilitate the development and expansion of existing and new tourist routes and trails, including walking and cycling routes, throughout the County, to include historical and cultural elements, environmental and recreation, general interest and amenities, which will satisfy the needs of the domestic and international visitors as well as the resident population. Policy 3.77 Ensure that the facilitation of tourism and development related to tourism does not impact negatively on the landscape, environmental quality, built and natural heritage or otherwise result in the deterioration of the quality of the tourism product. The Council will also ensure all tourism related development is of a high standard of design and landscaping, with consideration given to the impact of the proposal on its surroundings in terms of scale and intensity. Policy 3.78 Restrict development which might be detrimental to scenic and heritage assets in cSACs, pNHAs & SPAs and to designated scenic views and routes as set out in the Landscape Character Assessment that accompanies this Plan. Policy 3.79 All tourist developments along the Shannon Corridor will be subject to compliance with the requirements of the Habitats Directive. Policy 3.80 Support the implementation of the County Tourism Plan for Roscommon with the aims of strengthening Roscommon as a tourist destination for domestic and overseas visitors. Policy 3.81 Work with agencies such as Failte Ireland, Coillte, Waterways Ireland, Inland Fisheries Ireland, the Department of Communications, Marine and Natural Resources, the National Parks and Wildlife Sevice, and the Office of Public Works in the development management and development planning processes. Policy 3.82 Promote the development of new festivals, sporting events and all weather family attractions subject to normal planning considerations. Policy 3.83 Facilitate the joint marketing of tourism products within the County.

Tourism Objectives Objective Secure the establishment of a flagship visitor attraction in the County (capitalising for 3.15 example, on existing resources such as Lough Key or Rathcroghan), subject to normal environmental and development management standards and compliance with the requirements of the Habitats Directive.

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4 INFRASTRUCTURE

The core development strategy of this plan, as set out in Section 2, is contingent on the availability of adequate critical infrastructure such as sewerage, water supplies, waste collection, energy sources, energy distribution network, and communications networks at appropriate locations as well as transportation links between our network of settlements.

This section is, therefore concerned with evaluating the present status of this critical infrastructure and ensuring that any potentially undermining deficiencies in our critical infrastructure network are highlighted. Where deficiencies are found, this section evaluates the implications of such deficiencies on the central aims and objectives of the County Development Plan. This section also looks into progress on mitigating or remediating any potentially undermining deficiencies in our infrastructure network and outlines the Council’s approach to the following:

Transportation and Movement Water Services Wastewater services Flood Risk and Protection Waste Management Energy Telecommunications Major Accidents Hazard

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4.1 TRANSPORTATION AND MOVEMENT

Transportation policies and objectives within the RCDP 2014-2020 will be informed by national and regional strategies and guidelines. In addition this plan is informed by the conclusions and recommendations of the Councils Strategic Transportation Assessment 2014-2020.

Both the National Spatial Strategy and the Regional Planning Guidelines emphasise the importance of good connectivity and access infrastructure, linking the regions Gateway, Hubs and key towns, for the sustainable development of the region. Such access infrastructure is typically in the form of road or public transportation routes. The promotion of modes other than car based transportation is preferred as a long term means of ensuring the proper planning and sustainable development of the region. ‘Spatial Planning and National Roads’, Department of Environment Community and Local Government (DECLG), 2012 sets out that Development plans must include measurable objectives for securing more compact development that reduces the overall demand for transport and encourages modal shift towards sustainable transport modes. The guidelines also recommend that plans promote compact urban development and brownfield regeneration in line with the Government’s ‘Smarter Travel Strategy’ which will minimise the need for travel and where such need does arise, encourage a switch towards sustainable modes such as walking, cycling and public transport. This modal switch away from the car is central to both of the above documents as well as the National Development Plan and National Spatial Strategy (NSS).

The Regional Planning Guidelines also target increases in rail use and non-car based modes of transport generally, though in recognition of the current importance of road based transportation also advocate the improvement of national primary and secondary roads.

The Councils Strategic Transportation Assessment illustrates that this modal shift away from car based transportation is not materialising given the low engagement with more sustainable modes. County Roscommon is extremely reliant on car transportation given our largely dispersed and rural based population and comparatively modest settlement sizes. Our public transportation modes are therefore not benefiting from the population critical mass required to make them a realistic alternative to the car for a greater proportion of the County’s population. It is likely therefore, that progress towards the modal switch targeted in the above national and regional planning perspectives will be slow during the timeframe of this plan. The key role for this plan in the delivery of greater progress towards this targeted modal shift is in the location of a greater proportion of future population and commercial growth in close proximity to public transportation nodes.

Strategic Aims for Transportation & Movement Target a move towards greater utilisation of sustainable modes of travel such as public transportation, walking and cycling and reduce our reliance on car based transportation Enhance the links between Roscommon and the NSS Hub and Gateway towns Develop a safer, more efficient and integrated transport system that will improve the road network and particularly alternative forms of transport to serve the urban and rural population of Roscommon Ensure that the transport system is sustainably developed and upgraded to a level that can support increased economic, social and cultural development of the county

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Source: Regional Planning Guidelines 2010-2022

Figure 4.1 West Region - Spatial Transport and Infrastructure

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The Council recognises that accessibility, mobility and speedy access to domestic and foreign markets is vital for future economic and social development of the county and therefore the development of an integrated transport policy is critical for future sustainable development of Roscommon.

The National Spatial Strategy and Regional Planning Guidelines for the West region seek to align transportation and spatial planning in an integrated manner. Integrated transport policy encompasses not only integration within and between different modes of transport, but also integration with environmental, social, recreational, economic, educational, health polices and objectives.

An integrated approach to land use and transportation will play a key factor in the delivery of sustainable development. Development which is spread out at low density generates need to travel. In planning for new development, making provision for mixed uses or for separate uses in a more closely spaced / finer grained layout, allows for more sustainable forms of transport such as walking, cycling and public transport. Transportation considerations will therefore inform all aspects of plan making. Zoning will support the achievement of sustainable travel patterns, reducing reliance on private car usage and promote public transport as well as cycling and walking.

The County Council may, where funds permit, consider the preparation of Integrated Land Use and Transportation Plans (ILUTP’s) for Roscommon Town, Monksland, Cortober, Boyle Castlerea, and Ballaghaderreen. Such plans should include the provision of adequate and sustainable public transport services and public transport related facilities such as the provision of parking and parking management frameworks that are appropriately scaled to the land use planning context: e.g. park and ride facilities; feeder bus services; traffic management and bus priority facilities; pedestrian and cycling facilities. Such plans should also have regard to the existing and future local transport requirements within and between the towns including links to the Midland Gateway of Athlone/ Tullamore and Mullingar, to the Sligo and Gateways, to the linked Hubs of Ballina/Castlebar and to locations outside the immediate local authority area and the West Region. The Council seeks to participate in schemes for the facilitation of improved transportation linkages across administrative boundaries where they arise.

Policies on Strategic Transportation Policy 4.1 Require a sustainable travel assessment in relation to new multiple housing and commercial developments. Policy 4.2 Encourage, and where possible facilitate, local investment in safe cycle ways, secure parking for bicycles and rented bicycles within existing developments and also by means of retrofitting where necessary. Support the provision of a National Cycle Network including rural cycle networks for recreational cycling and green routes. Policy 4.3 Require that a mobility management plan in relation to developments where it is considered that local traffic volumes may be greatly increased as a result of such development.

Objectives on Strategic Transportation Objective 4.1 Encourage growth that facilitates a greater self containment of settlements, ensuring that housing growth is matched by local employment opportunities where possible thus helping reduce the necessity to commute by car. Objective 4.2 Direct proportionately more future population growth to public transportation corridors and have due regard to the walking catchment areas of public transport stations and hubs. Objective 4.3 Support and deliver awareness of sustainable travel modes as viable alternatives to car travel to the public by carrying out transportation studies for the strategic public transportation hubs of Roscommon Town, Boyle and Castlerea, for the strategically located settlements of Tulsk and Strokestown, and for the Cortober and Monksland areas which have underdeveloped public transportation linkages with their parent settlements. Objective 4.4 Investigate the viability, along with local transport suppliers in the private sector and existing service providers, of providing a more comprehensive bus service for the county at large.

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4.1.1 Public Transport

This section outlines the strategic policy of Roscommon County Council with respect to the promotion of rail, bus and other public transportation. Public transport improvements, fall under the control of other agencies such as the transport providers. However, as a Roads Authority and as a key player in the development arena with a remit for the promotion of sustainable development, Roscommon County Council has the potential to influence the decisions of other relevant public transport infrastructure.

The Council acknowledges the importance of the provision of a high quality public transport service provision in the reduction of car dependency within and between settlements and as an alternative to car based transportation which is ultimately unsustainable.

Rail Transportation

County Roscommon has the highest mileage of Intercity Railway in the country. The County is served by three routes;

Dublin Heuston to Westport/Ballina Dublin Heuston to Galway and Dublin Connolly to Sligo.

The County has railway stations in Roscommon, Castlerea, Cortober (Carrick On Shannon), and Boyle.”

There are no active plans to create new rail routes within the County at present and no lands have been set aside for such purposes. Rail transportation is underutilised with less than 1% of those travelling to work and education using this mode in 2011. The recent improvements in the national road network have made the road transportation mode more attractive with reduced travel times between centres of employment and population. Rail transportation providers must respond to this challenge and increase service frequency and travel speeds. In the case of Roscommon, service providers must also focus in the longer term, on the delivery of services aimed at creating real alternatives to car borne transportation for those living in the settlements of Roscommon Town, Athlone, Castlerea, Boyle, Ballinasloe and Carrick on Shannon, and working in other settlements within the County/Country.

Rail Corridors

Rail corridors in general have the potential of increasing population close to station nodes as well as encouraging industrial development in proximity to these nodes. Towns and villages in County Roscommon could benefit from their strategic positioning on such nodes within rail corridors, particularly Roscommon Town and Castlerea in the Dublin – Westport rail Corridor, and Boyle in the Dublin Connolly - Sligo rail corridor, as these towns have stations in very close proximity to their town centres. The long term focus of new residential development in these towns should focus on developing residential communities in the walking catchment area of rail stations. There is also potential for Monksland and Cortober to capitalise on their positioning close to strategic rail hubs. This approach when taken in conjunction with improvements in rail speeds and frequency would lead to more sustainable transportation movements within and through the County. The CDP settlement strategy (See Section 2) will, therefore, take account of the positioning of the County’s towns, and specifically their town centres, on such nodes in the allocation of future population growth.

Rail Corridor Strategic Rail hubs with town centres in station hinterlands Dublin Heuston to Westport Line Roscommon Town, Castlerea, Monksland (Athlone) Dublin Heuston to Galway Line Ballinasloe Dublin Connolly to Sligo Line Boyle, Cortober,(Carrick on Shannon)

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Railfreight

The capacity for County Roscommon to offer railfreight inter-modal services to the rail-connected Ports of Dublin and Waterford is considerable. Such a railfreight flow has been established in recent years between Mayo and these Ports using the route through Roscommon and Castlerea serving railfreight hubs in Ballina and Westport. Approximately 1,000 freight trains traverse the County annually carrying high value exports and raw material imports as well as pulpwood.

There are extensive lands available at Railway Stations within the County, suitable for freight handling.

Bus Services

Bus services play a vital social role in rural communities, linking rural areas with settlements and essential services such as schools, employment and community facilities. There are 4 categories of bus transportation currently within County Roscommon:

Bus Eireann expressway long distance services

Bus Eireann School Bus services operated on behalf of the Department of Education and Science Private mini-bus services Community Bus Routes operated under Rural Transport Initiative(s) (RTI)

There are two Rural Transport Network services operating in County Roscommon:

1. Ardcarne Kilmore Roscommon Rural Transport Company 2. Westmeath Rural Transport Association Ltd

These services carry in excess of 50,000 persons annually and the service routes provided by the RTN are both door to door and designated pick up point. The Council supports community transport services, in particular the Rural Transport Initiative (RTI), which is aimed at people who are excluded or who may become excluded because transport is not available, accessible or affordable to them locally.

There are also other community and voluntary sector general purpose transport providers in the county operating outside the support of the RTI Programme as well as those which target a specific service such as the Irish Wheelchair Association.

Airports

International air access supports and facilitates growth in foreign direct investment, supports indigenous enterprise and tourism. As Ireland evolves into a more knowledge and service based economy, the efficient movement of people is increasingly critical as there is often individual customisation of products/services which necessitates direct customer interaction. Direct air access to national and regional airports is therefore an increasingly important factor in the economic development of regions. The distances to the main regional and national airports are also a key factor for industrial location and for speedy access to domestic and international markets. The Regional Planning Guidelines for the West Region 2010-2022 include an objective to examine the feasibility of an airstrip/port in East Roscommon.

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Policies on Public Transportation Policy 4.4 Promote the consolidation of settlements on existing public transport routes and specifically facilitate measured population growth within the settlements of Roscommon Town, Monksland, Boyle and Castlerea which are identified as strategic rail hubs within the County. Such new development shall be subject to the provisions of the relevant settlements Local Area Plans and other normal planning considerations. Policy 4.5 Support the provision of public transport services by reserving land in suitable locations for public transport infrastructure and ancillary facilities. Policy 4.6 Support local transport initiatives and services which would provide greater accessibility between rural towns/villages and their more remote hinterlands to facilitate improved access to economic, educational and social activity within County Roscommon. Policy 4.7 Promote land use patterns which reduce the need to travel by private car and support public transport, including higher densities at public transport nodes. Policy 4.8 Facilitate the expansion of the public transport network to enable ease of commuting, business and quality of life and promote the provision of public transport interchange facilities at appropriate points on the public transport network.

Objectives on Public Transportation Objective 4.5 Support and encourage the upgrading of railway facilities and their ancillary services at, as specified in Objective 1014 of the Regional Planning Guidelines, to support the installation of freight handling equipment and extended passing loops in order to facilitate the greater usage of rail to transport freight generally. Objective 4.6 Continue to work with the service providers, such as Iarnrod Eireann and Bus Eireann, to reduce the need for car trips by improving the availability, reliability and quality of public transport. Objective 4.7 Ensure that the design and layout of new developments facilitates circulation by public transport. Objective 4.8 Work with Iarnród Eireann to improve existing facilities at Roscommon Railway Station and to seek the provision of the re-opening of rail stations in South Roscommon at Knockcroghery, Taughmaconnell and Bogginfin. Objective 4.9 Investigate the provision of Park and Ride facilities at appropriate locations on the public transport system, and specifically within the strategic rail hubs of Roscommon Town, Boyle, Castlerea, Monksland and Cortober and subsequently zone lands under the Local Area Plan process. Objective Examine the feasibility of an airport or airstrip in East Roscommon over the lifetime of the 4.10 Plan subject to compliance with the requirements of the Habitats Directive. Objective Continue to support and encourage the RTI to expand their services. 4.11 Objective Support the improvement of the capacity (e.g. dual track standard) of all rail networks 4.12 serving the County in order to provide speedy access for passengers and freight transport as appropriate for a Strategic Rail Corridor. Objective Encourage the increased use of rail transport including the re-opening of Knockcroghery 4.13 and Taughmaconnell passenger services and facilitate the development of new facilities to serve the Specific Objective 1 (Monksland/Bealnamullia LAP) lands at Bogginfin in the Athlone/Monksland environs. Objective Encourage the provision of local bus shelters and help direct Local Authority funding to 4.14 such works. Objective Ensure, via the development management process that proposed public offices and 4.15 commercial developments provide bicycle parking / storage along with changing / showering facilities for cyclists employed. Objective Investigate the possibility of providing urban bus routes for school goers as an alternative 4.16 to car reliance.

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4.1.2 Cycling and Walking

Cycling and to a lesser extent walking, are minor modes of transportation in County Roscommon, and due to the distance between centres of population and employment are not practical modes for longer commutes (for example between most centres of population and employment). These modes are however important for shorter trips, particularly within the Counties towns and villages. Cycling makes up less than 1% of trips to school or work within the county. There is a preference for walking which makes up almost 8% of trips to work and school, though this is obviously higher in urban areas (e.g. 18% in Roscommon Town) with positive influences such as higher residential populations in close proximity to centres of employment and education and dedicated pedestrian facilities.

The National Cycle Policy Framework (as part of Smarter Travel – A Sustainable Transport Future 2009) which sets out a national policy for cycling, aims to create a stronger cycling culture, a more friendly environment for cycling and improved quality of life. The vision is that all cities, towns and rural areas will be bicycle friendly. The policy document sets a target of 10% of all trips by bicycle by 2020 and places emphasis on promoting and integrating cycle networks. The Council will seek to ensure that where new road construction is proposed and being carried out and the space is available, cycle lanes will be provided.

These modes have benefits in terms of low user costs and environmental externalities, flexibility and general health and lifestyle. The Council will seek to ensure the provision of pedestrian ways (preferably overlooked, landscaped and lighted) to link development to nearby amenities and facilities and town centres. (see also section 8.7.1 “Walking and Cycling” ).

Policies on Walking and Cycling Policy 4.9 Ensure that all new urban developments integrate a cycling network linking the development with local community facilities and schools, and provide cycle and pedestrian-friendly development layouts and infrastructure. Policy 4.10 Support and facilitate the provision of a cycle-way and Walkway crossing through South Roscommon as part of the Dublin to Galway cycleway scheme set out in the Department of Transport/NRA National Cycleway network – Scoping Document.

Objectives on Walking and Cycling Objective Provide, improve and extend cycle and pedestrian routes on existing roads, proposed 4.17 roads, roads being upgraded where feasible and practical. Objective Develop cycle routes from Boyle to Lough key Forest Park as set out in the Boyle LAP. 4.18 Objective Make provision for the safe and efficient movement of cyclists, pedestrians and people 4.19 with special mobility needs in and around built-up areas. Objective Implement the relevant policies of the Department of Transport’s National Cycle Policy 4.20 Framework and support the provision of a national cycle network including rural cycle networks for recreational cycling and green routes as the opportunity arises and where relevant supported by environmental assessment. Objective Provide a cycleway and walkway crossing through south Roscommon as part of the 4.21 proposed Dublin to Galway Cycleway Network including all related signage, way marking and associated works and connections.

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4.1.3 Road Transportation and Movement

County Roscommon has a dispersed, typically rural based population and this road network, though expensive to provide and maintain, is necessary for the conveyance of the county’s primary mode of transportation (the private car), and support sustainable economic and social development.

The transport policy document for Ireland; Smarter Travel, A Sustainable Transport Future, 2009 recognizes the vital importance of continued investment in transport to ensure an efficient economy and continued social development, but also promotes more sustainable transport modes such as walking, cycling and public transport. In line with this and the aims and objectives of the Regional Planning Guidelines and the recommendations set out in Spatial Planning and National Roads – DECLG; 2012 , the Council is targeting a move towards greater utilisation of more sustainable transport modes such as public transportation, walking and cycling. This will, however, be more achievable in centres of population than in rural areas. The Plan also recognises that notwithstanding this target, the private car will almost certainly remain the primary mode of transport within the County between 2014 and 2020. The maintenance and upgrading the county’s network of roads therefore remains a priority in this plan.

The Council will work with the National Roads Authority (NRA), to deliver objectives for National Routes; and, with the Department of Transport for the maintenance of regional and local roads.

There are a number of projects underway and/or planned on National, Regional and Local Roads throughout the County. Works on the local roads and other transportation infrastructure including traffic calming and bus shelters etc, both within and outside the LAP areas are dependant on funding becoming available on an annual basis for these projects.

Category Length (Km) Percentage of County Total Motorway 20 0.5% National Primary 80 2% National Secondary 145 3.5% Regional Roads 352 9% Local Roads 3,358 85% Total 3,955

The county’s national road network which represents approximately 6% of our roads is nonetheless of major significance as this network carries a disproportionately large volume of the County’s traffic. As outlined in ‘Spatial Planning and National Roads – DECLG; 2012’, the national road network also has the function of providing strategic transport links between the main centres of population and employment. Indeed they are still commonly regarded the primary arteries of trade within the Country/Region. The Guidelines categorise this national road traffic as ‘strategic traffic’ with non-national roads prioritised for the provision of essential links between the various gateways and hubs identified in the NSS and their rural hinterland. Continuing improvements to the national primary and secondary road network will enable the catchment area of County Roscommon to expand.

The traffic carrying capacity of our National roads and the level of service they can deliver is heavily influenced by the frequency of access points onto the network, the extent of adjacent development and associated traffic movements. In this context it is the policy of the Council to avoid the creation of any additional access points from new development or the generation of increased traffic from existing private accesses to national roads, where speed limits greater than 60km/h apply. This policy applies to all categories of development including individual housing development in rural areas, regardless of the housing circumstances of the applicant (See sections 5 and 9 of this Plan). The protection also extends to national road junctions and interchanges. This policy approach is consistent with the provisions of Sections 2 of ‘Spatial Planning and National Roads- Guidelines for Planning Authorities’ DECLG 2012.

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National Primary Roads

The County is served by the following National Primary Routes and Motorways; N4 (Dublin-Sligo), N5 (Longford-Westport), and M6 (Dublin-Galway) (see Map). Annual Work Programmes are undertaken on this network subject to funding. Ongoing works include pavement improvement and maintenance, road markings, winter maintenance programme. In terms of large scale and strategic projects and objectives the three national routes are at different stages in their evolution as highlighted below:

The M6: Approximately 20Km of the M6 motorway traverses the south of the County running south west between the western end of the Athlone Relief Road where it ties in with the Galway to East Ballinasloe Scheme. Since the opening of this section of motorway in July 2009, travel times between the regional Gateways of Galway and Athlone (linked gateway) have been reduced, with increased accessibility between the south of county Roscommon and Galway city.

The N5: The Regional Planning Guidelines for the West Region 2010-2022 highlights the importance of the N5 (Westport to Roscommon/Longford border) route for the promotion of regional development, and prioritises the completion of planned works to this route. Recently completed projects such as the Charlestown bypass (opened in November 2007) and the Scramogue to Strokestown section of the N5 (opened in May 2004) have improved the operational capacity of the route. In addition, there are two additional projects which may be undertaken during the period of this CDP. Construction of the Ballaghaderreen by pass commenced in November 2012. It is anticipated that the 13.5km single carriageway N5 Ballaghaderreen Bypass will be completed within the timeframe of this CDP (expected to open to traffic in early 2015) with construction commencing in 2012. Other planned major road schemes on the N5 include the upgrade of the 35 Km route between the eastward terminus of the Ballaghaderreen bypass at Rathkeery and Bumlin (western terminus of the Scramogue Scheme). This scheme has been suspended until further notice and may not be completed during the timeframe of this plan.

The N4: The recent upgrade to the N4 between Boyle and Sligo (Border Region Gateway City), have significantly improved journey times and transportation links between Sligo and the North of County Roscommon. The planned upgrade to the Carrick-on- Shannon to Dromod section of the N4 (portions of which fall within County Roscommon) has been suspended until further notice and may not be completed in the period of this CDP.

Table 4.1: Planned Motorway and National Primary Road Projects Route Proposal Approximate Location Timeframe 2014-2020 N4 N4 Carrick-on-Shannon Bypass Cloongownagh/ Tumna in Co-operate with Leitrim Co Co to ensure Roscommon, crossing the publication of CPO 2007/8 and seek NRA River Shannon to the existing approval to proceed N4 east or Carrick N5 Ballaghaderreen Bypass Currinagh to Rathkeery Commenced construction in November 2012. 13.5 km single carriage way Completion of scheme 2015. N5 Strategic Corridor Rathkeery to Scramoge Route Selection Phase complete. Seek NRA (Ballaghaderreen to Scramoge) 35kms single carriageway approval to proceed with the remaining design and construction steps.

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M6 Continue programme of As per annual programme of Ongoing on an annual basis N4, pavement improvement and works N5, maintenance, signage and markings and winter maintenance Note: The timeframe for all projects is subject to NRA approval

National Secondary Roads

The National Secondary Routes which fall within the County include, the N60, N61, N63 and N83 (see Map). Work is being undertaken on these routes on an ongoing basis annually subject to funding. This includes; pavement improvement and maintenance; improved signage and markings; provision of traffic calming on all routes; and, provision of footpaths, public lighting and surface water drainage on all routes. The implementation of the phased improvement of the routes is in accordance with the strategy set out in NRA National Secondary Needs Study subject to the provision of funding.

The N60 & N61: The N60 (Roscommon-Castlebar) and N61 (Athlone-Boyle) via Roscommon town are prioritised for reclassification and upgrade to National Primary Road status as part of the priority infrastructure objectives set out in the Regional Planning Guidelines for the West Region. Three road realignment schemes under the planned upgrade of the N61 route between Athlone and Boyle will progress though various stages during the timeframe of the plan. However , Boyle Town Bypass and Roscommon Town Bypass on the N61 have all been suspended until further notice and may not be completed within the period of this plan. In addition it is envisaged that the road realignment scheme at Oran on the N60 will also delivery within the period of the plan.

The N63: This route is prioritised for upgrade and improvement works between Galway and Roscommon Town in the Regional Planning Guidelines for the West Region to consolidate its status as a National Secondary route.

Table 4.2: Planned National Secondary Road Projects Route Proposal/ Scheme Approximate Location Timeframe 2014-2020 N60 Roscommon-Castlebar 20km within Co. Roscommon Seek reclassification of the status of this routes

Seek NRA approval to publish CPO and funding Road realignment scheme Oran for 3.4km inclusive of 2.km to progress the construction of this scheme offline Upgrade route within the Roscommon town to Ballinlough Develop strategy for the upgrade of this route county (County Boundary) and seek NRA funding for its implementation N61 Athlone - Boyle 60kms within Co Roscommon Seek reclassification of this route to National Primary status Coolteige Phase 1 Cloonybeirne to Mullymucks Seek NRA approval to publish CPO and funding to complete design and proceed to construction. Road realignment Scheme Ratallen- Runnaboll for 1.2kms CPO confirmed 2012. Seek NRA, approval to serve Notice to Treat., funding to complete design and proceed to construction. Road realignment scheme Knockroe/EDRush– Treanagry & CPO confirmed 2012. Seek NRA approval to at Treanagry Cloonshaghan for 1.2kms serve Notice to Treat, funding to complete design and proceed to construction N61-N6 Junction New N61-N6 Junction to tie-in Carry out feasibility study on new N61-N6 with existing N61 south of Junction including upgrade of the N61 south of Roscommon Roscommon. Seek NRA funding to develop the recommendations..

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Upgrade all of N61 Athlone to Boyle Carry out recommendations of N61 Study. between Athlone and Seek NRA funding to implement the Boyle to National Primary recommendations. Standard N63 Upgrade route within the Ballaghleague to Mount Talbot Develop strategy for the upgrade of route and county (County Boundary) seek funding from the NRA for its implement N83 Upgrade all of N83 in Gorteenacamaddil to Cloonfad Develop strategy for the upgrade of this route County Roscommon East and seek NRA funding for its implementation N60, Continue programme of As per annual programme of Ongoing on an annual basis N61, pavement strengthening works N63, Improve signage and N83 markings

Non-national roads Table 4.3: Planned Non National Road Improvements 2014-2020 1. Construct link Road from Old Tuam Road/New Tuam Road (R362/L2047) junction to N61 at Bogganfin.

2. Upgrade the following Roads in Monksland: . New Tuam Road R362 . Old Tuam Road L2047 . Drum Road L2027

3. Provide Traffic Calming on the N6 at Summerhill.

4. Extend the 5th arm of the N63/N61 Lanesborough Road Roundabout to the N61 at Ardsallagh

5. Implement initiatives under Roscommon Town Cycle Strategy

6. Upgrade the following roads in Roscommon.

. The County Home Road (L1814) from its junction with the Ballinagard Road (L1812) to its junction with the Golf Links Road (L7055) – extend this over longer length . Ballinagard Road L1814 . Golf Links Road L7055 . Gallowstown Road L1808 . Antogher Road L7052

7. Provide Cycle route on R446 under Smarter Travel Initiative

8. Upgrade R368 at Killukin and Ballidrehid

9. Implement schemes under Smarter Travel at various approved locations

10. Upgrade Croghan Road in Cortober.

11. Upgrade roads, footpaths, surface water sewers and public lighting in other towns and villages as resources permit.

12. Upgrade Boyle/Gorteen Road to Sligo * All projects are subject to availability of funding

Regional and local roads make up 94% of County Roscommon’s road network and primarily conduct short trip intra county traffic movements. Road Restoration and Specific Improvement Grants provide funding for non-national road improvements and the Council is committed to maintaining and managing non-national roads in an economic and efficient manner, with a particular emphasis on safety.

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Policies on Roads and Traffic Policy 4.11 Provide a safe and modern road network throughout the county, having regard to National and Regional policies and guidelines as well as liaising with national agencies. Policy 4.12 Restrict new access points and the intensification of existing accesses onto or adjacent to National Roads in accordance with the requirements of Section 2.5 of ‘Spatial Planning and National Roads’ DECLG; 2012 in order to maintain traffic capacity, minimise traffic hazard and protect and maximise public investment in such roads. Policy 4.13 Co-operate with the NRA to identify the need for NRA on line Service Areas, and assist in the implementation of suitable proposals for their provision. Policy 4.14 Reserve national road corridors free from development as appropriate where they appear in the Plan in accordance with Section 2.9 of ‘Spatial Planning and National Roads’ DECLG; 2012. Policy 4.15 Facilitate the improvement of interchanges at appropriate locations to benefit the economic growth of settlements along national routes. Such additional connectivity shall be developed in accordance with the requirements of Section 2.7 of the DECLG Spatial Planning and National Roads Guidelines. Policy 4.16 Regulate, control and improve road signage throughout County Roscommon. Policy 4.17 Encourage the development of service and link roads within towns and village areas to open up lands within settlements and reduce the necessity for ribbon development. Policy 4.18 Ensure that all road plans and project proposals in the County, including improvement works on national and non – national roads which could, either individually or in combination with other plans and projects, have a significant effect on a Natura 2000 site, undergo an Appropriate Assessment in accordance with Article 6 (3)of the Habitats Directive. Any proposal for new roads will be subject to route selection, emphasising the avoidance of Natura 2000 sites where possible.

Objectives on Roads and Traffic Objective Facilitate the programmed improvements to the National Road Network as per Table of 4.22 National Roads priorities in Section 4.1.3 of the County Development Plan. Objective Carry out improvement works on non – national roads as per Table of non - national 4.23 Roads priorities in Section 4.1.3 of the County Development Plan. Objective Identify and Develop locations for Road Interchanges and junction improvements in 4.24 conjunction with the NRA and consider the implications of development at such interchanges and junctions when preparing local area plans in proximity to these in accordance with Section 2.7 of ‘Spatial Planning and National Roads’ DECLG; 2012. Objective Liaise with service providers when planning road infrastructure in order to co-ordinate 4.25 development works and services for an area. Objective Maintain and improve the bridge stock of the County, subject to funding. 4.26 Objective Continue to invest in non national roads in County Roscommon in order to improve 4.27 access to peripheral areas and to provide sustainable development within the region and promote social inclusion. Objective Continue to pursue the upgrade of the N60 and N61 to National Primary Status. 4.28 Objective Facilitate the provision of a substantial upgrade of the N61 access to the M6. 4.29 Objective Continue to improve road access to Knock Airport. 4.30 Objective Initiate Integrated Land Use and Transport Plans (ILUTP’s) in the county and prepare a 4.31 programme during the course of this Plan. Objective Liaise with Westmeath County Council with regard to the preparation of a co-ordinated 4.32 land use and transportation plan for Athlone/ Monksland/Bellanamullia and the N6/M6 corridor.

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Objective Work with Westmeath County Council in the provision of further cross river linkages. 4.33 Objective Continue to ensure that all landowners and occupiers of land take reasonable care to 4.34 ensure that road side structures, trees, hedges and other vegetation growing on their land are not, or do not become, a danger to people using or working on a public road.

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4.2 WATER SERVICES

Water supply and wastewater treatment (see Section 4.4) and disposal are critical infrastructure requirements for development. The provision and safeguarding of infrastructural investment is a critical component of the sustainable development strategy of the County. Without an environmentally sound means of supplying water and disposing of wastewater, these principles cannot be met. The provision or the facilitation of infrastructure is a mandatory objective required for inclusion into the County Development Plan by the Planning and Development Act, 2000 (as amended).

As such, this County Development Plan includes objectives for the provision of adequate services and aims to continue the development and improvement of water supply and drainage systems to meet the anticipated requirements of the County.

4.2.1 Water Supply

In terms of water supply, it is important to ensure an adequate, potable and clean supply of water to all people, in accordance with applicable quality standards. Policy relating to water services must have regard to the requirements of the Water Framework Directive and Groundwater Directive and to the Urban Wastewater Directive. The Ground Water Protection study and mapping produced by the Geological Survey of Ireland (2003) displaying the ground water characteristics of the County will be consulted in the development management process.

4.2.2 Public Water Schemes

Ground water is the main source of drinking water in the County. Twelve out of the 18 public water schemes (over 80% of water abstracted) and 47 out of the 56 group schemes are supplied by groundwater. Areas not served by public or group schemes rely on individual wells as their source of water.

Roscommon County Council conducted an Assessment of Needs in respect to the Water Services National Investment Programme (WSIP) in 2011. The current programme runs until 2013 and includes the following schemes -

Capital Schemes - Water Projects and Average Quantitative Capacity Rating North East RWSS Adequate Capacity South Roscommon RWSS Adequate Capacity Ballyleague WSS Adequate Capacity Boyle/Ardcarne RWSS Adequate Capacity Roscommon Central RWSS Adequate Capacity Cortorber WSS Adequate Capacity Arigna RWSS Adequate Capacity Ballyfarnan WSS Adequate Capacity Keadue WSS Adequate Capacity Rover WSS Adequate Capacity Castlerea Town WSS Adequate Capacity North Roscommon RWSS Adequate Capacity Castlerea RWSS Adequate Capacity Knockcroghery/Lecarrow RWSS Adequate Capacity Ballinlough/Cloonfad RWSS Adequate Capacity Mount Talbot RWSS Adequate Capacity

Sixteen of the 18 existing public schemes have been approved for upgrading works to improve water quality and augment existing supply. This includes a process of amalgamation of small public schemes to form larger regional schemes.

In the assessment of need, Roscommon County Council have proposed the following to be included in the investment programme for the period 2010-2014: 1. Boyle Ardcarne Regional Water Supply scheme 2. South Roscommon RWSS 3. Arigna RWSS 4. Roscommon Central RWSS 5. NE Regional Water Supply Scheme 6. West Roscommon RWSS

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The capital projects are funded primarily by the DECLG through the National Development Plan. Since the introduction of the Water Pricing Policy, the marginal cost of facilitating the non-domestic sector is not funded centrally and must be provided for by the Local Authority via this sector. This can range from 20% to 40% on some schemes and will have future financial implications for the County Council through raising of loans and other fiscal strategies.

4.2.3 Water Quality

Groundwater and major surface water sources are important to the development of the county. The protection of these resources is of major concern to the Council. The CDP 2014-2020 will take cognisance of the Groundwater Protection Plans and groundwater vulnerability in the county and shall adopt a Water Quality Management Plan for the County.

It shall be a policy of the Council to identify the catchment areas of those surface water bodies used or capable of being used as major resources of potable water or for other beneficial purposes, and to restrict development within those catchment areas where it is deemed that such development would endanger the quality of water in the water body.

The Water Monitoring Programme was a precursor to the current Drinking Water Regulations and the monitoring currently being carried out by Roscommon County Council is in accordance with the Drinking Water Regulations. The Water Services Section of Roscommon County Council works in co-operation with the Environmental Laboratory of the Environment Section regarding the mandatory drinking water regulations for all private group, semi-private and public water schemes for the county. Mandatory testing is performed on a regular basis depending on the size of the schemes.

4.2.4 Groundwater Protection

Groundwater and water catchment areas have an inherent ecological and economic value and are a major resource that needs to be protected. Groundwater contributes to rivers, lakes and therefore influences its amenity and recreational value. The Council is responsible for the protection of all waters including rivers, lakes, and groundwater. The responsibilities include; implementation of pollution control measures, licensing of effluent discharges, implementing and monitoring compliance with environmental regulations, the drawing up of pollution contingency measures.

In accordance with the provisions of the Water Framework Directive groundwater is assigned a status based on both chemical status and quantitative status. The overall qualitative status of all groundwater bodies within the County is classed as of ‘good status’, for the purposes of the EU Water Framework Directive. In terms of chemical status however groundwater bodies covering over half of the County were classed as of ‘poor status’ in the ‘ Management Plan 2009-2015’. It was initially aimed to have the chemical status of all the County’s Groundwater schemes defined as ‘good status’ by 2015, though the timeline for the delivery of this aim has now been extended to 2021. Section 4.2.1 of the SRB Management Plan highlights that extended deadlines of one planning cycle (to 2021) and in some cases two planning cycles (to 2027) may be applied to some water bodies due to technical, economic, environmental or recovery constraints.

The Geological Survey of Ireland/Roscommon County Council publication ‘County Roscommon Groundwater Protection Scheme’ (June 2003) states that a large portion of the county is classed as having either ‘extreme or high vulnerability areas and risk of contamination’. Areas in the north of the county, particularly where rock is generally at or close to the surface are extremely vulnerable. The measures recommended in these plans prepared under this scheme will aid the protection of sources for both public and private water scheme supplies. The Planning Authority will consider the groundwater vulnerability as per the Geological Survey findings when assessing development proposals.

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The CDP will also provide guidance concerning the control of development and associated septic tanks, identification of areas suitable for the spreading of slurry; and the framing and adoption of bye-laws by the LA with regard to water quality. It is the policy of Roscommon County Council to ensure that the water quality status objectives set out in the Water Framework Directive are achieved, and to protect groundwater from pollution, by controlling development activities that may have an adverse effect on groundwater quality.

Policies on Water Services Policy 4.19 Continue the development and upgrading of the water supply so as to ensure that an adequate, sustainable supply of piped water of suitable quality is available for domestic, commercial, industrial and other uses, such as fire safety, for the sustainable development of the County and in accordance with the Settlement Strategy as proposed within this Plan Policy 4.20 Eliminate existing deficiencies in water supply and conserve water supplies through the minimisation of leakage and wastage in the interests of efficiency and sustainability. Policy 4.21 Ensure that all drinking water complies with the European Union Drinking Water Directive 98/83/EC as given effect in Irish law by the European Communities (Drinking Water) (No.2) Regulations 2007, and amendments. Policy 4.22 Promote the inclusion of water conservation and require sustainability measures such as rainwater harvesting so as to minimise the use of potable water in new developments. Policy 4.23 Promote better design, planning and management of water supply schemes and co- operate, support and advise in the provision and management of group water schemes in the County. Policy 4.24 Ensure that the provision of water supply is undertaken in accordance with EU policies and Directives. Policy 4.25 All proposals for the development an upgrade of the water supply in the County will be screened for Appropriate Assessment in accordance with Article 6(3) of the Habitats Directive.

Objectives on Water Services Objective 4.35 Identify, prioritise and progress the implementation of the water services investment programme and all schemes listed therein. Objective 4.36 Implement the requirements of the EC (Drinking Water) (No. 2) Regulations 2007. Objective 4.37 Improve the quality and reliability of rural water supply schemes and extend the water supply schemes as prioritized by the Water Services Assessment of Needs. Objective 4.38 Facilitate the implementation of water conservation projects, which reduce leakage in existing water distribution systems. Objective 4.39 Implement the relevant recommendations contained within the River Basin Management Plans for the Shannon International River Basin District and the Western River Basin District, in order to facilitate the implementation of the Water Framework Directive. Objective 4.40 Prepare a groundwater source protection plan for the public water supply at Lisbroc. Objective 4.41 Control development within the existing source protection areas in accordance with the recommendations in existing source protection plans and only allow development in these areas where no reasonable alternative exists.

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4.3 WASTEWATER SERVICES

In addition to drinking water treatment and distribution, LA’s are also responsible for waste water collection/ disposal and storm-water management, including collection and disposal. The development and expansion of the County’s wastewater and surface water drainage system is essential to the future sustainable development of the County and to the improvement of water quality within and adjoining Roscommon. The drainage system collects foul wastewater, industrial effluent and rainwater, all of which must be discharged or treated while minimising flood risk or environmental impacts.

Wastewater treatment infrastructure is an important prerequisite to large scale development, however the existence of such infrastructure and associated sewage collection network will not mean that such areas are immediately suitable for development and the land use planning and zoning objectives of the County Development Plan and Local Area Plans will take precedence in the consideration of development. Smaller- scale development can, in some instances, also be facilitated in the county’s smaller unserviced villages subject to appropriate environmental management measures.

The County has 32 settlements which have waste water treatment plants (WWTP) and which form part of the settlement strategy:

Table 4.4 Wastewater Treatment Plants in County Roscommon Settlement Est. Comment Pop. Arigna 314 Adequate Capacity for anticipated growth over the Plan period. Currently there are a number of existing small plants catering for individual housing estates. A new WWTP is under construction under the Towns and Villages Wastewater Schemes. The Design PE is 650. Athleague 241 Adequate Capacity for anticipated growth over the Plan period. The wastewater treatment plant has a design PE (population equivalent) capacity of 568 Ballyfarnon 205 Adequate Capacity for anticipated growth over the Plan period. The wastewater treatment plant has a design PE (population equivalent) capacity of 700. Ballintubber 137 Limited Capacity. A current upgrade of the Ballintober WWTP is proposed, However due to inadequate funding It is not anticipated that work will progress in 2013. The proposed Design PE is 800. Ballyleague 341 Adequate Capacity for anticipated growth over the Plan period. The wastewater treatment system in Ballyleague is currently being upgraded. This plant will serve both Ballyleague and Lanesborough. The upgrade is part of the Roscommon Towns and Villages Wastewater Schemes Ballinlough 300 Adequate Capacity for anticipated growth over the Plan period. An upgrade to Ballinlough WWTP is currently under construction under the Towns and Villages Wastewater Schemes. The Design PE is 1400. Ballyforan 172 Adequate Capacity for anticipated growth over the Plan period. The wastewater treatment plant has a design PE (population equivalent) capacity of 780. Ballaghaderreen 1,822 Adequate Capacity for anticipated growth over the Plan period. The existing wastewater treatment plant was upgraded in 2001 to a design population equivalent capacity of 2,500. There is currently no capital investment programme for the Ballaghaderreen wastewater network. Ballinagare 142 Adequate Capacity for anticipated growth over the Plan period. Ballinagare WWTP is operating satisfactorily. The Design PE is 300. Boyle 2,588 Adequate Capacity for anticipated growth over the Plan period. The plant is designed for a population equivalent (PE) of 6,000. The plant can be increased to an ultimate design population equivalent of approximately 9,000 within the current site. Ballinameen 188 Adequate Capacity for anticipated growth over the Plan period. The wastewater treatment plant has a design PE (population equivalent) capacity of 247. Castlerea 1,985 Adequate Capacity for anticipated growth over the Plan period. The wastewater treatment plant has a design PE (population equivalent) capacity of 4950. The existing sewage treatment plant and associated infrastructure has capacity to accommodate

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low to moderate population growth within the town of the order of 300 to 500 persons. Cloonfad 285 Adequate Capacity for anticipated growth over the Plan period. The wastewater treatment plant has a design PE (population equivalent) capacity of 800 Cootehall 384 Adequate Capacity for anticipated growth over the Plan period. RCC has recently commissioned a wastewater treatment plant and collection system for Cootehall. The wastewater treatment plant has a PE (population equivalent) capacity of 940. Cortober 865* Adequate Capacity for anticipated growth over the Plan period. Cortober utilises a wastewater treatment facility, recently upgraded at Carrick-on Shannon, which is operated by Letrim County Council. Roscommon County Council currently discharges a PE of 1181 to the treatment facility and has recently invested in a further 819 population equivalent facilitation. Creagh 1,037 Adequate Capacity for anticipated growth over the Plan period A new Creagh WWTP has recently been commissioned with a design PE of 1220 Croghan 112 Adequate Capacity for anticipated growth over the Plan period. The wastewater treatment plant has a design PE (population equivalent) capacity of 400. Elphin 773 Adequate Capacity for anticipated growth over the Plan period. The treatment works in Elphin has just been fully upgraded and commissioned. The Upgraded Plant design PE (population equivalent) is 1820. Castleplunkett 143 Limited Capacity. Castleplunkett has a WWTP for the council housing estate and school only. The Design PE is approx. 45 and the existing approximate PE is approximately the same amount i.e. 45. Frenchpark 420 Adequate Capacity for anticipated growth over the Plan period. A new WWTP has just been completed and commissioned under the Towns and Villages Wastewater Schemes. The Design PE is 1500. Hodson Bay 1,652 Adequate Capacity for anticipated growth over the Plan period. The existing WWTP serving the Hodson Bay/Barrymore area has a design PE of 800. An upgrade of this system on a green field site is included in the towns and villages wastewater schemes and is currently under construction with a design PE of 3000 Knockcroghery 307 Adequate Capacity for anticipated growth over the Plan period. RCC has recently commissioned a wastewater treatment plant for Knockcroghery. The wastewater treatment plant has a PE (population equivalent) capacity of 2000. Keadue 187 Adequate Capacity for anticipated growth over the Plan period. The wastewater treatment plant has a design PE (population equivalent) capacity of 800. Lisacul c.100 Adequate Capacity for anticipated growth over the Plan period. The wastewater treatment plant has a design PE (population equivalent) capacity of 490. Lecarrow 58 Adequate Capacity for anticipated growth over the Plan period. A new wastewater scheme was commissioned in Lecarrow approx. 4 years ago in with a PE of 300. Loughglynn 204 Adequate Capacity for anticipated growth over the Plan period. The newly constructed treatment plant has a design PE (population equivalent) capacity of 700. Monksland 4,459 Adequate Capacity for anticipated growth over the Plan period. The present capacity of the Monksland WWTP (PE 14,381) will not be exceeded by development proposals in this plan unless unforeseen industrial uses are proposed. Roscommon 5,693 Adequate Capacity for anticipated growth over the Plan period. The current wastewater treatment plant has capacity for approximately 9,550 Population Equivalent (PE) and currently has sufficient capacity to meet the demands of existing development. The planned Roscommon Town Main Drainage scheme involves the full upgrade of the Waste Water Treatment Plant (WWTP). This includes works to upgrade the WWTP to a PE of 13 000. Roosky 523** Adequate Capacity for anticipated growth over the Plan period. As part of the Leitrim Towns and Villages Wastewater Scheme Project an upgrade of the existing Roosky wastewater treatment plant in County Roscommon was constructed to accept sewage from the Leitrim side of Roosky village. A new rising main has been laid under the River Shannon through which sewage is pumped to the upgraded Roosky wastewater treatment works. The new design PE is 2600. Strokestown 814 Adequate Capacity for anticipated growth over the Plan period (upgrade of system in progress). The current Wastewater Treatment Plant population equivalent in Strokestown is 2,076. The upgraded (underway) Plant population equivalent will be 3,100.

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Tarmonbarry 706* Adequate Capacity for anticipated growth over the Plan period Termonbarry WWTP has recently been upgraded. The Design PE is 800. Tulsk 195 Adequate Capacity for anticipated growth over the Plan period. This treatment plant commissioned in 2008 currently serves a PE (population equivalent) of 400 and has the capacity to serve a PE of 820 *(DED within which the settlement is situate) **Full settlement or environs area - Portion of settlement outside County Boundary

The Water Services Investment Programme (WSIP) 2010 – 2012 is the latest version of a multi-annual capital investment programme that commenced in December 2000 for the provision of new and upgraded water supply and wastewater systems in Ireland. The WSIP is a three-year rolling funding plan for the provision of major water supply and wastewater infrastructure. The new Programme is presented on a River Basin District basis to emphasise the increasing importance of river basin management in achieving the water quality objectives set down under the EU Water Framework Directive. Several of the systems and projects indicated in the above table were initiated under the Rural Towns and Villages scheme, which was a sub-programme of successive Water Services Investment Programmes. These, have been absorbed into the main programme for the period 2010 – 2012. The areas to be prioritised for wastewater infrastructure have been identified in the Roscommon County Council Needs Assessment, October 2009. The networks phase of the towns and villages Sewerage scheme is substantially complete. The Wastewater Treatment Plants phase of the scheme is underway and scheduled for completion early in the CDP period.

The scheme included provision of new and upgrading of existing sewerage facilities in the villages of Arigna, Ballinlough, Cootehall, Creagh, Elphin, Frenchpark, Hodson Bay, Knockcroghery, Lisacul, Loughglynn, Strokestown, Tulsk and Ballyleague environs.

Other villages such as Granlahan, Castlecoote, , Taughmaconnell, Dysart, Kilmore, Hillstreet, Four Roads, Kiltoom, , Curraghboy, , , Trien and Whitehall Moore and Mount Talbot, are not serviced by public sewerage. Extensive development in these areas is therefore not encouraged by Roscommon County Council.

The Sludge Management Plan for County Roscommon which was reviewed in 2006, recommends that sludge generated from public sewerage schemes throughout the County and from private treatment systems, including those serving individual rural houses, be transported to a Sludge Treatment (Hub) Centre in Roscommon Town. The plan also recommends one Satellite Dewatering Centre in Castlerea to provide sludge acceptance, screening and dewatering of imported liquid sludge.

4.3.1 Rural Wastewater Disposal

In rural areas not serviced by public sewage collection and treatment infrastructure, wastewater is typically treated and disposed of on-site by means of individual septic tanks and proprietary effluent treatment systems. In the interests of environmental and groundwater protection and public health, it is essential that these systems are properly designed, installed and maintained to avoid environmental pollution. All such proposals shall be in compliance with the Environmental Protection Agency’s Code of practice for Wastewater Treatment and disposal Systems serving Single Houses (2009). Where appropriate, other developments in unserviced areas shall be in compliance with the EPA’s document Waste water Treatment Manuals – Treatment systems for small communities, business, leisure centres and hotels (1999).

Roscommon County Council will undertake further investigation with the EPA in relation to the issue of rural wastewater disposal sites.

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Policies on Wastewater Policy 4.26 Facilitate the provision of an adequate wastewater collection and treatment systems to all towns and villages in the County to serve existing and future populations in accordance with the proposed Settlement Strategy identified in this Plan. Policy 4.27 Ensure that all new developments have and are provided with satisfactory drainage systems in the interest of public health and to avoid the pollution of the ground and surface waters. Policy 4.28 Co-operate with adjoining LA’s to increase capacity to service settlements, to jointly investigate proposals for future upgrades of treatment plants; and participate in the provision of a long term solution for wastewater treatment in the West Region.

Policy 4.29 Require that all proposals for on-site treatment systems shall be designed, constructed and maintained in accordance with the Environmental Protection Agency’s Code of Practice for Wastewater Treatment and Disposal Systems Serving Single Houses (2009) and/or Treatment Systems for Small Communities, business, Leisure Centres and Hotels. Policy 4.30 Require applicants for planning permissions in Tiers 1-3 to provide adequate car parking to facilitate their developments in accordance with standards set out in Chapter 9 of this document. Policy 4.31 Prohibit Development proposing to connect to the public wastewater treatment system, unless the planning authority is satisfied that adequate capacity is available or will be available within a reasonable timeframe. Policy 4.32 Strictly control the siting of septic tanks and proprietary treatment systems and promote public awareness on the issue of correct installation, monitoring and maintenance in the interest of the protection of the environment and public health. Policy 4.33 Adopt the following approach when considering development applications;

 Permission for new pumping stations not already envisaged in Local Area Plans will only be given in exceptional circumstances.  Where technically feasible and economically viable, existing and future pumping stations should come under the control of Roscommon County Council or Irish Water  Pumping arrangements shall be designed in a sustainable manner  Development shall be phased in such a way as to only allow areas to be developed which can connect by gravity into the public sewerage. Policy 4.34 Require that all existing developments which are in close proximity to the public sewer should connect to it. Policy 4.35 Ensure that wastewater treatment plants are operated in compliance with their wastewater discharge licenses / certificates of authorisation, in order to protect water quality. Policy 4.36 Ensure all developments included in the Water Services Investment Programme (WSIP) will be screened for Appropriate Assessment in accordance with Article 6(3) of the Habitats Directive. Policy 4.37 Minimise the provision of new sewage pumping stations.

Wastewater Objective Objective 4.42 Ensure all existing wastewater schemes meet the Urban Waste Water Regulations and public health legislation. Objective 4.43 Facilitate the delivery of the Towns and Village Sewerage Scheme’ as proposed. Objective 4.44 Facilitate the sustainable development of towns and villages by improving and extending wastewater infrastructure in a sustainable manner, subject to the availability of necessary funding and compliance with the Core Strategy and Settlement Structure for the County.

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Objective 4.45 Assist in the preparation of a programme for the provision of services in un-serviced towns and villages, particularly those targeted for growth in the proposed Roscommon Settlement Strategy. Objective 4.46 Implement the recommendations of the adopted Sludge Management Plan, (including the provision of sludge treatment plants at Roscommon and Castlerea), for the County. Objective 4.47 Establish a programme to identify all unauthorised connections to the public sewer network.

4.3.2 Surface Water Drainage

Surface water run-off is the water flow which occurs when soil is soaked to full capacity and the excess water from rain or other sources flows over the land. It also occurs as rainwater run-off from impervious surfaces such as roads, car parks and roofs and other non-porous surfaces. The Council will require that surface water be disposed of on site (where possible), and the on-site drainage infrastructure will subsequently regulate the rate of discharge to established water bodies. Developers will also be required, in all cases to provide separate surface water and foul water drainage systems.

The County’s towns and villages typically attenuate surface water run-off either through natural dissipation into nearby watercourses or through the installation of artificial drainage systems. During periods of high rainfall, these networks may become overloaded and lead to incidences of flooding. To reduce the potential for overloading of these networks, the Council require that all new developments incorporate sustainable drainage systems, and adhere to current best practice in the design, construction and maintenance of same. Roscommon County Council will consider all drainage proposals consistent with SDS (Sustainable Drainage Systems). The Council will have regard to the guidance of the Sustainable Urban Drainage Systems (SUDS) designed to manage storm water run-off in urban areas. The aims are to control discharge as soon as possible after precipitation (source control); slow down the speed of discharge off-site (control of quantity); use passive techniques to filter and settle suspended matter (control of quality).

SUDS are the approach favoured by Roscommon County Council as the best way to manage storm water runoff and avoid causing flooding. These techniques reduce the risk of flash floods arising from runoff from impermeable surfaces and should be incorporated in the County Development Plan.

New developments should also minimise the areas of impermeable surfaces such as road, parking and patio surfaces and porous surface materials (e.g. permeable paving) should be utilised where practicable.

In the case of one-off dwellings in rural areas that are not serviced by a storm sewer network, and where the site is judged by the planning authority to have sufficient capacity to accommodate additional loading, surface water must be disposed of within the curtilage of the site through the use of appropriately sized soakpits. In the case of driveways, drainage measures shall be provided to a detail acceptable to the planning authority so as to avoid run-off from the site to the adjoining public road.

Policies on Surface water Policy 4.38 Require compliance with best practice guidance for the collection, reuse, treatment and disposal of surface waters for all development. Development proposals must demonstrate adequate water conservation, water quality protection, and surface water run-off rate regulation measures to prevent the increase of flooding issues in the catchment. Policy 4.39 Ensure that potentially polluting and otherwise inappropriate developments are kept at an appropriate distance from watercourses, to protect them from contamination, allow for natural drainage and facilitate channel maintenance. Policy 4.40 In all cases, require the provision of separate foul and surface water drainage systems.

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4.4 FLOOD RISK AND PROTECTION

Flooding is a natural phenomenon of the hydrological cycle which cannot be entirely prevented. It is also widely accepted that climate change will result in a higher risk of flooding through rising sea levels and the occurrence of more frequent and intense rainfall events and storm activity. While there are different types and causes of flooding, the most common in County Roscommon are the flooding of rivers especially the Shannon River Catchment. The Office of Public Works completed a flood study for the county and findings indicated that flooding mainly occurs along the eastern banks of the River Shannon. The man-made environment can exacerbate the consequences of flooding. Development in a flood plain, or building in areas where existing drainage infrastructure is deficient or inadequate, places property and people at risk.

Understanding flood risk is an essential step in managing the associated impacts and in the Council making informed decisions. Current National Guidance, discussed further below, recommends a staged approach to flood risk assessment, which covers both the likelihood of flooding and the potential consequences. Screening, scoping and appropriate flood risk assessments are key steps. Planning authorities will need to commission assessments of flood risk and ensure that the impacts of climate change are accounted for.

Therefore, the management of potential future flood risk aims to reduce the potential risks to people, property and the environment through a hierarchy of avoidance, followed by substitution of lower vulnerability uses (where avoidance is not possible) and only if avoidance and substitution are not possible, reduction and management of the risks through a variety of techniques.

EU Directive (2007/60/EC) on the assessment and management of flood risks 2007, aims to reduce and manage the risks that floods pose to human health, the environment, cultural heritage and economic activity. The Directive requires Member States to first carry out a preliminary assessment by 2011 to identify the river basins and associated coastal areas at risk of flooding. For such zones they would then need to draw up flood risk maps by 2013 and establish flood risk management plans focused on prevention, protection and preparedness by 2015. The Directive applies to inland waters as well as all coastal waters across the whole territory of the EU.

The Department of Environment Heritage and Local Government and the Office of Public Works (OPW) published Planning Guidelines: The Planning System and Flood Risk Management in November 2009. The Guidelines recommend a clear and transparent assessment of flood risk at all stages in the planning process, and indicate that Strategic Flood Risk Assessment is required at County Development Plan level in order to provide a broad assessment of all types of flood risk, to inform strategic land-use planning decisions.

The Council support the view that the precautionary approach should be adopted in carrying out Flood Risk Assessments and the following key guiding principles should be followed in all instances:

(1) Avoidance of development in areas at risk of flooding, unless there are proven wider sustainability grounds that justify appropriate development and where the flood risk can be reduced or managed to an acceptable level without increasing flood risk elsewhere; (2) Adopt a sequential approach to flood risk management when assessing the location for new development based on avoidance (in areas of high to moderate flood risk), reduction (through the facilitation of less vulnerable land uses) and mitigation (in assessing the suitability of locations for development) of flood risk; and, (3) Incorporate flood risk assessment into the process of making decisions on planning applications and planning appeals.

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4.4.1 The Sequential approach

The Council supports the sequential approach to planning as set out in Planning Guidelines: The Planning System and Flood Risk Management as a key tool in ensuring that development, particularly new development, is first and foremost directed towards land that is at low risk of flooding. The sequential approach makes use of flood risk assessment and of prior identification of flood zones for river and coastal flooding and classification of the vulnerability to flooding of different types of development. It is essential that the risk potentially arising from other sources of flooding should also be taken into account in all areas and at all stages of the planning process.

Zone A - High probability of flooding: where the probability of flooding from rivers and the sea is highest (>1% or I in 100 year return for river flooding). Most types of development would be considered inappropriate in this zone. Development in this zone should be avoided and/or only considered in exceptional circumstances, such as in city and town centres, or in the case of essential infrastructure that cannot be located elsewhere, and where the Justification Test has been applied. Only water-compatible development, such as docks and marinas, dockside activities that require a waterside location, amenity open space, outdoor sports and recreation, would be considered appropriate in this zone.

Zone B - Moderate probability of flooding: where the probability of flooding from rivers and the sea is moderate (between 0.1% and 1% or I in 100 year to I in 1000 year return period for river flooding). Highly vulnerable development, such as hospitals, residential care homes, Garda, fire and ambulance stations, dwelling houses and primary strategic transport and utilities infrastructure, would generally be considered inappropriate in this zone, unless the requirements of the Justification Test can be met. Less vulnerable development, such as retail, commercial and industrial uses, sites used for short-let for caravans and camping and secondary strategic transport and utilities infrastructure, and water-compatible development might be considered appropriate in this zone. In general however, less vulnerable development should only be considered in this zone if adequate lands or sites are not available in Zone C and subject to a flood risk assessment to the appropriate level of detail to demonstrate that flood risk to and from the development can or will adequately be managed. Zone C - Low probability of flooding where the probability of flooding from rivers and the sea is low (<0.1% or I in 1000 year return for river flooding). Development in this zone is appropriate from a flood risk perspective (subject to assessment of flood hazard from sources other than rivers and the coast) but would need to meet the normal range of other proper planning and sustainable development considerations.

It is recommended that a Plan-making and Development Management Justification Test be applied where development is being considered in areas of moderate and high flood risk. These will be linked to the Strategic Environmental Assessment (SEA) and Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) processes.

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4.4.2 Flood Risk Mapping and Assessment

The OPW is currently involved in preparing Preliminary Flood Risk Assessments (PRFAs) with the relevant local authorities, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and other key agencies. This will identify Areas with Potential Significant flood Risk (APSRs) based on historic and predictive data and consultation with stakeholders.

Catchment-based Flood Risk Assessment and Management Plans (CFRAMs) will be established nationwide and will include a prioritised set of flood risk management measures for their relevant areas, including the use of physical and management responses. Detailed predictive flood mapping is not yet available for County Roscommon and therefore Strategic Flood Risk Assessment (SFRA) at this stage must rely primarily on sources such as the OPW’s Flooding Reports and datasets (www.floodmaps.ie) which are a historical record and spatial representation of the number and extent of previous flood events in the County. Such assessments also rely on flood extents shown on 6” Ordnance survey mapping and mineral alluvial; soil mapping datasets. All information in relation to flood risk in the County Development Plan and Local Area Plans is provided for general policy guidance only and may be substantially altered in light of future data (e.g. PFRAs and CFRAMs) and analysis. As a result, all landowners and developers are advised that Roscommon County Council can accept no responsibility for losses or damages arising due to assessments of the vulnerability to flooding of lands, uses and developments. Owners, users and developers are advised to take all reasonable measures to assess the vulnerability to flooding of lands in which they have an interest prior to making planning or development decisions.

Policy on Flood Risk Policy 4.41 Protect and enhance the County’s turloughs, lake/river floodplains and wetlands as strategically important green infrastructure which provides space for storage and conveyance of floodwater and enables flood risk to be more effectively managed, subject to compliance with the Habitats Directive. Policy 4.42 Control development and ensure appropriate mitigating measures are in place for natural flood plain of rivers, such as river bank development buffer zones and develop guidelines in co-operation with the adjoining LA’s for permitted development in different flood risk category areas. Policy 4.43 Have regard to and implement the provisions of the DEHLG’s Planning System and Flood Risk Management Guidelines for Planning Authorities, 2009. Policy 4.44 Implement the following standards for development:

 Avoid inappropriate development in areas at risk of flooding unless it is demonstrated that such development is necessary on wider sustainability grounds and the flood risk can be managed to an acceptable level without increasing flood risk elsewhere.  Avoid new developments increasing flood risk elsewhere, including that which may arise from surface run-off;  Ensure effective management of residual risks for development permitted in floodplains;  Avoid unnecessary restriction of national, regional or local economic and social growth;  Improve the understanding of flood risk amongst relevant stakeholders; and  Ensure that the requirements of EU and national law in relation to the natural environment and nature conservation are complied with at all stages of flood risk management.  Ensure that developments considered necessary in order to meet the objectives of this Plan, or required on wider sustainability grounds, will be subject to the development management justification test outlined in chapter 5 of the Planning System and Flood Risk Management Guidelines.

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Policy 4.45 Zone/designate land for development in areas with a high or moderate risk of flooding only where it can be clearly demonstrated, on a solid evidence base, that the zoning or designation will satisfy the justification test set out in chapter 4 of the Planning System and Flood Risk Management Guidelines. Policy 4.46 Require all significant development impacting on flood risk areas to provide a detailed Flood Risk Assessment, to identify potential loss of flood plain storage and how it would be offset in order to minimise impact on the river flood regime. Such development shall also be designed to address flood risk management in accordance with Appendix B of the DEHLG’s Planning System and Flood Risk Management Guidelines for Planning Authorities. Policy 4.47 Require all new large scale developments to provide ‘Sustainable Urban Drainage Systems (SUDS) as part of their development proposals in order to minimise the extent of hard surfacing and paving.

Objective on Flood Risk Objective Liaise with the OPW on all issues involving river drainage and flood relief, especially when 4.48 dealing with any applications in the vicinity of important drainage channels as well as in the preparation of catchment-based Flood Risk Management Plans (CFRAMs) and incorporate relevant CFRAM recommendations (and updates when available) into the Development Plan

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4.5 WASTE MANAGEMENT

In County Roscommon we produce on average 277kg of household waste each year. This is in addition to other sources such as industrial and commercial waste as well as construction and agricultural waste. The volume of household and commercial waste we produce as a society is not sustainable. The production of high volumes of household and commercial waste degrade environmental quality and necessitate the consumption of land and other natural resources in the collection, transport, storage, disposal and monitoring of this waste. The practice of actively reducing the volume of waste we produce, the re-use and reclining of waste minimises environmental degradation and delays the rate of consumption of natural resources.

The Waste Management Plan has been developed by the Local Authorities of Galway County and City, and the Counties Leitrim, Mayo, Roscommon and Sligo, and covers the period from 2006-2011 (extended to 2013). The Plan is based on the waste hierarchy established in the EU Framework Directive on Waste.

Fig. 4.2 Waste Hierarchy

The plan sets out the waste management targets to be achieved in order to comply with national and EU targets, i.e. recycle 48%, thermally treat 33% and landfill 19% of our waste. Approximately 38% of County Roscommon’s household waste was recycled in 2009, which was a significant improvement on the 2004 figures (12%) highlighted in the Replacement Waste Management Plan for the Connaught Region. This is due in part to a significant increase in the percentage of households within the County served by a waste collection service which rose from 46% in 2008 to 62% in 2009. The quantum of household waste recycled still falls short of the target of 48% recycling of household waste set out in this document for 2013. Less progress has however been made on the quantum of this waste consigned to landfill (approximately 58% in 2009) which is a significant departure from the 19% targeted for 2013.This is clearly linked to the obvious lack of progress towards the provision of thermal treatment facilities and the 33% target for thermal treatment of waste. Diverting waste from landfill remains one of the greatest waste management challenges facing the Connaught Waste Management Region and the Country.

4.5.1 Municipal Waste Infrastructure

There are sufficient recycling facilities and infrastructure in place in County Roscommon to accommodate the quantities of dry municipal waste produced. The key challenge is to maintain and increase their use by both domestic and commercial customers and divert waste conduction to landfill.

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In addition to four authorised refuse collection providers which operate either two bin (household waste/recycling) or three bin (household/recycling/organic) services, there are also four Civic Amenity sites within the County. These are located at Killerney, Roscommon Town, Aghalustia, Ballaghaderreen, The Demesne, Castlerea and Termon, Boyle. Dry recyclable wastes are catered for at all four centres while non- recyclable waste is accepted (blue bag system) at the Ballaghaderreen and Roscommon Town sites. Household hazardous waste (aerosols, paints, pesticides etc) has been collected at recycling centres located at Ballaghaderreen Landfill and Roscommon Landfill since 2004.

All waste cannot be recycled at this time and waste disposal through landfill remains a necessity for a significant proportion of our waste until such time as new technologies in recycling facilities, composting facilities and thermal treatment facilities are established.

4.5.2 Litter Control Roscommon County Council recognises that litter is a major environmental problem, which can significantly detract from the visual quality of the County’s towns and villages with implications for tourism and investment. The Council actively promotes anti-litter awareness through its annual Spring Clean-Up Week Campaign and other activities. In addition, the Council has appointed two Litter Wardens and an Environmental Educational Officer to promote community initiatives such as tidy towns, golden mile, and school initiatives such as green schools and tidy schools.

4.5.3 Construction and Demolition Waste Roscommon County Council seeks to promote the reuse and recycling of construction and demolition waste, less than half of which is presently recycled in this country, in order to reduce the demands of the construction industry for aggregates. Roscommon County Council also promotes the development of an integrated plan for managing waste including wastes generated during the construction phase of development as well as the operation and maintenance phases. In this regard, developers are directed to the Department of Environment, Community and Local Government’s Best Practice Guidelines on the preparation of Waste Management Plans for Construction & Demolition Projects, July 2006. Developers are referred, in particular, to the thresholds set out in Section 3 of these Best Practice Guidelines with respect to the recommendation that developers of projects with significant potential for the generation of Construction and Demolition (C&D) should prepare a Waste Management Plan. Management of all wastes associated with excavation, demolition and development activities, including contaminated and hazardous material, must have the required authorisation, as appropriate.

Policies on Waste Management Policy 4.48 Promote reduction, increased re-use and recycling of materials from waste sources and co-operate with local retailers and residents associations in managing collection points for recycling goods. Policy 4.49 Promote the development of facilities in accordance with the waste hierarchy principle, which involves a shift toward preventive and waste minimisation measures, while developing recycling and reuse, disposal with energy recovery and as the last option, disposal of residual waste to landfill, subject to compliance with the Habitats Directive. Policy 4.50 Require the incorporation of waste management measures in the design and construction of developments, particularly those that are likely to give rise to large amounts of C&D waste and require the preparation of Waste Management Plans for the construction stages of developments where necessary. Policy 4.51 Ensure that all new residential and commercial developments have adequate provision for management of waste which includes sufficient receptacles for occupiers which have adequate storage for the three municipal waste types, organic, recyclable and landfill waste, and incorporate waste management facilities commensurate with their nature and scale.

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Policy 4.52 Ensure that the Litter Act and the relevant Waste Management Regulations are enforced by implementing the polluter pays principle, proximity principle, precautionary principle and the principle of shared responsibility in all waste management initiatives and investigations.

Objectives on Waste Management Objective Implement the objectives of the Connaught Waste Management Plan 2006-2011 or 4.49 replacement plan and promote, where appropriate, the DEHLG Best Practice Guidelines on the preparation of Waste Management Plans for Construction & Demolition Projects, July 2006. Objective Upgrade waste management facilities in the area, including bring banks and litter bins, 4.50 and extend the bring bank network where appropriate to all new housing developments. Objective Have regard to the information and any recommendations in the EPA reports, where 4.51 appropriate, namely;  The Nature and Extent of Unauthorised Waste Activity in Ireland (Sep 2005)  National Waste Report 2006  National Hazardous Waste Management Plan 2008-2012  Ireland’s Environment 2008- State of the Environment report.  EPA Annual National Waste Reports Objective Have regard to any policies and programmes that may be in place for waste management 4.52 issues, such as the relevant Environmental Inspection Plans (developed in line with the Council Recommendations on Minimum Criteria for Environmental Inspections – RMCEI) and Enforcement Policy for Unauthorised Waste Activity established following the Ministerial Policy Direction of July 2008 (Circular WPR 04/08). Objective Have regard to any national and regional waste management planning processes so that 4.53 priority waste issues are addressed e.g. the implementation of segregated brown bin collection for bio-waste, mentioned in the DEHLG Circular WPPR 17/08 National Strategy on Biodegradable waste. Objective Work with and assist local community groups and schools in litter prevention and 4.54 control, and support initiatives such as the Tidy Towns, Tidy Estates, Tidy Gardens, Tidy Graveyard, Golden Mile, Green Schools Programme and schools anti-litter awareness competitions.

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4.6 ENERGY

The Council recognises that the availability of clean and reliable energy is an essential requirement for the sustainable economic development of the county and is committed to responding to governmental policy on renewable energy. Roscommon County Council also has an important responsibility in the delivery of national policy and guidance in relation to energy, renewable energy and energy efficiencies at a local level.

The National Climate Change Strategy 2007-2012 builds on the Government’s commitment to sustainable development as outlined in “Towards 2016” and NDP 2007-2013 and is one of a number of inter-related Government initiatives that will address energy and climate change issues. The Energy White Paper “Delivering a Sustainable Energy Future for Ireland, Energy Policy Framework 2007-2012 sets out the envisaged means of meeting Irelands future energy requirements and energy efficiencies in an environmentally sensitive and sustainable manner. The National Energy Efficiency Action Plan 2009-2020 identifies policies and measures aimed at contributing towards achieving a 20% reduction in energy demand across the whole of the economy through energy efficiency measures by 2020. In terms of climate change , the Council will implement relevant mitigating policies contained within the Development Plan and seek to realise objectives in this regard. The Council will liaise with other Local and Regional Authorities in the preparation of a Local Climate Change strategy.

The Council seeks to harness renewable energy resources and associated infrastructure in an environmentally sensitive way and in a manner which is in accordance with the proper planning and sustainable development of the County.

4.6.1 Renewable energy

The target for Ireland in the European Renewable Energy Directive (2009/28/EC) is a 16% share of renewable energy in the final consumption by 2020. In 2011 the share of renewable energy has reached 6.4%. Irelands target for electricity generated from renewable sources is 40% of gross electricity production by 2020 and had reached 18% by 2011. Recent growth in these sectors has been strong and the targets set for Ireland are achievable.

The Council recognises that the development of renewable energy offers sustainable alternatives to our dependency on fossil fuels, a means of reducing harmful greenhouse emissions and opportunities to reduce our reliance on imported fuels. Renewable energy comes from natural resources that are continuously replenished by nature. The main sources of renewable energy are the wind, the sun (solar), water (hydropower, wave and tidal energy) heat below the surface of the earth (geothermal energy) and biomass (wood, biodegradable waste and energy crops or bio-fuels such as rapeseed and lupines). It is the policy of the Council to promote the generation of energy from renewable and alternative sources in an environmentally sensitive and sustainable manner. Discussed hereunder are a few of these (see also information contained within Section 3.5 of this Plan).

4.6.2 Wind Energy

Wind Energy has the potential to be an important sector of the economy of Roscommon, assisting in job creation and rural development while also reducing the dependency on fossil fuels. The topography of, for example, large areas of north Roscommon are ideal for the development of wind energy. In 2013 the county’s total windfarm capacity amounted to 29MW or c. 1.4% of the national total. This capacity is produced by six companies with installations at Kilronan, Largan Hill, Altagowlan, Spion Kop Seltanaveeny and Skryne.

When considering wind energy development the council seeks to achieve a reasonable balance between responding to government policy on renewable energy and in enabling the wind energy resources of the county to be harnessed in an environmentally sustainable manner.

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The siting of wind turbines requires careful consideration. While turbines located on elevated sites, tend to have a higher output, they also have a significant visual impact. Visual obtrusiveness depends on location, layout, size, number of turbines, design and colour of the turbines as well as the subjective perceptions of the viewer. Noises generated from rotating blades as well as rotation flicker are also considerations in the siting of wind turbines. In the consideration of wind energy development the Council will be considered with regard to the criteria set out in Wind Energy Guidelines 2006 for the assessment of such developments as well as the County Renewable Energy Strategy which has been undertaken as part of this plan. In assessing proposals for wind turbine development, Roscommon County Council will also require detailed information to Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) standard. No wind energy development will be considered on Natura 2000 sites or their surrounding buffer areas. Proposals will also generally be discouraged in or close to pNHA’s, designations, scenic routes and protected views and highly sensitive rural landscapes. The Landscape Character Assessment (LCA), undertaken as part of this CDP, provides recommendations which should be taken into consideration in the assessment of applications for wind farm development as well as planning and siting for such development throughout the County.

4.6.3 Bio-energy

Bio-energy is derived from bio-fuels such as biodiesel, biogas and biomass through the use of a wide variety of technologies. These energy sources are considered to be “CO2-neutral”, not adding to the carbon dioxide level in the atmosphere and are more reliable in terms of consistency in supply than many other renewable energy technologies. The Council will encourage the production of bio-crops and forestry for biomass in the generation of renewable energy as well as production units in appropriate locations, subject to normal planning considerations. As well as the “C02 Neutral” status of this energy source the Council recognises that this sector also offers opportunities for farm diversification and rural employment.

4.6.4 Solar energy

In recent years the use of solar energy in Ireland in addition to ground-source heating systems has provided sustainable sources of energy for buildings and has reduced the demand for electricity supply from the national grid. The Council will encourage such initiatives subject to normal planning considerations.

4.6.5 Electricity

The quality of power supply is a key strategic factor taken into consideration by global companies locating in Ireland. The transmission network is the backbone of this power supply. It is critical that adequate capacity, in terms of both energy and energy infrastructure, is available within the County to support its development. This plan aspires to create sustainable communities which in turn require investment in electricity infrastructure including networks and generating stations. The electricity demand of County Roscommon is distributed from the 110kV Station Bulk Supply Points at Carrick-on-Shannon, Lanesborough and Athlone, through the 38kV, Medium Voltage (MV), and Low Voltage (LV) network to customers. In County Roscommon there are approximately 60km of 220kV lines and approximately 190km of 110kV lines.

The entire 110kV network requires uprating to ensure that the assets are being utilised to their maximum level. This will include both restringing conductor on existing support structures and replacement of whole sections of existing 110kV assets. Eirgrid have identified that up to two high capacity 400kV from the Bellacorick area in north west County Mayo to the existing extra high voltage network are required and are planned to be provided under the Grid West Project. A solution being considered as part of the Grid West project is a 400kV overhead line between Bellacorick and Flagford Substations. It is envisaged that the route of this line is likely to traverse the north of the County however. Eirgrid are presently liaising with the Council as the project progresses. A review in relation to electricity transmission infrastructure is being undertaken by the Department of Energy, Communications and Natural Resources.

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4.6.6 Natural Gas

There has been a large increase in the consumption of gas for electricity generation and also for residential and industrial heating and other uses. The use of Gas in Ireland as an energy source is a relatively recent phenomenon due to lack of large gas fields being discovered within close proximity of this country. However, this changed with the discovery of the gas field at Kinsale in 1971, and more recently the Corrib Gas Field off the west coast; as well as the potentially viable Lough Allen Gas Field. Also within this period, sub sea Interconnector pipelines were constructed between Ireland and Scotland and these now satisfy most of the country’s gas requirements. The demand for gas in the west in very high and their need for electricity and gas in particular for both domestic and commercial/industrial use is continually growing.

Currently the closest connection point for Roscommon would be near Athlone on the Dublin- Galway transmission line. Recently parts of Monksland have been connected to this transmission line. Under Phase 2 of the New Towns Connection Report it is planned to include the towns of Boyle, Strokestown and Roscommon (Roscommon Cluster) within this second phase. The ‘Roscommon Cluster’ has the potential, with a gas burning power station in north Roscommon; to Connect to the national gas grid and in so doing aid balanced regional development of the mid-west and act as a tool for the successful economic development of Roscommon, the Midlands and Sligo.

4.6.7 Induced Hydraulic Fracturing

Induced Hydraulic fracturing, commonly known as ‘fracking’ is a technique used to release petroleum or natural gas such as shale gas for extraction. The technique involves the propagation of fractures in a rock layer by a pressurised fluid. The energy from the injection of the highly pressurised hydraulic fracturing fluid creates new channels in the rock which can increase the recovery of hydrocarbons.

This is a non-renewable energy resource and the full implications on groundwater and surface waters are difficult to quantify. County Roscommon is heavily reliant on groundwater and is currently attempting to meet stringent targets under the EU Water Framework Directive.

Policies on Energy Policy 4.53 Encourage the development of renewable energy sources such as wind, biomass and solar energy as well as energy conservation measures such as energy-efficient building design and servicing. All such development proposals will be assessed for their potential impact on the environment, Landscape Character Assessment designations, compliance with the habitats directive and other normal planning considerations. Seek to integrate climate change considerations into development proposals. Policy 4.54 Promote a move away from fossil-fuel energy production and facilitate renewable energy infrastructure provision, including the development of renewable energy sources at suitable locations, so as to provide for the sustainable physical and economic development of County Roscommon. Policy 4.55 Encourage more sustainable development design through energy efficiency, increasing the use of renewable energy and improved energy performance of all new building developments throughout the county while also facilitating existing enterprises who wish to use renewable energy to serve their own needs by on-site energy production, subject to normal planning considerations. Policy 4.56 Facilitate the provision of new high-voltage electricity infrastructure, where the development is required in order to facilitate the provision or retention of significant economic or social infrastructure including high voltage transformer stations within County Roscommon subject to normal planning considerations. The routing shall be identified with due consideration for social, economic, environmental and cultural impacts through relevant environmental assessment. The design of such infrastructure shall be such that it will achieve least environmental impact consistent with not incurring excessive costs. The significance of the Rathcroghan Archaeological Complex shall be given priority in the routing of such infrastructure.

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Policy 4.57 Promote the maintenance and upgrade of electricity infrastructure throughout the county. Policy 4.58 Support the extension of the gas network to all major towns within County Roscommon. Policy 4.59 Facilitate the sustainable infrastructural development of energy generation and transmission networks, to ensure the security of energy supply and provide for future needs whilst also ensuring the preservation of scenic or otherwise significant landscapes from the visual intrusion of large-scale energy infrastructure. Policy 4.60 Ensure that all plans and projects associated with the generation or supply of energy will be subject to screening for Appropriate Assessment in accordance with Article 6(3) of the Habitats Directive Assessment. Policy 4.61 Avoid the location of overhead lines or high-voltage electricity infrastructure in Natura 2000 sites unless it can be proven that they will not affect the integrity of the site in view of its conservation objectives. Policy 4.62 Encourage the use of electrically operated cars and bicycles, in line with Council and National policy, non-residential developments shall provide facilities for battery operated cars to be recharged at a rate of 10% of the total car parking spaces (metered-fast charging 220-240V, 32A three phase, as appropriate. Policy 4.63 It is the Policy of Roscommon County Council that the process of Hydraulic Fracturing (or ‘fracking’) will not be permitted within County Roscommon.

Objectives on Energy Objective Designate areas of the county, as recommended in the LCA, which may be suitable for 4.55 wind energy development in line with the national guidelines on wind energy, take account of cumulative and in-combination environmental effects and take a proactive role in encouraging applications in these areas Objective Implement the Energy Performance of Buildings Directive (Directive 2002/91/EC) as 4.56 transposed into Irish Law in 2006 Objective Implement Government policy on limiting emissions of greenhouse gasses and 4.57 encourage the development of renewable energy sources in an appropriate and sustainable manner.

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4.7 TELECOMMUNICATIONS

Telecommunications investment is essential to furthering the social and economic development of County Roscommon. A high quality and competitive telecommunications service is considered essential in order to promote industrial and commercial development and to improve security and to enhance social inclusion and mobility.

To enable the further development of the economic potential of County Roscommon and to provide its residents with technological access to information, the development of additional communications ICT infrastructure is necessary and must be done in the most environmentally sustainable manner. The future telecommunications access needs of business parks, new housing estates or communities, should be addressed as part of the planning process and it should be a requirement to install fibre optic capacity in all new roads infrastructure on an open access basis.

Roscommon County Council recognises that Broadband is an essential infrastructure utility required for the development of towns and villages and in terms of capitalizing on investment opportunities within the County.

4.7.1 Broadband

A fast and reliable broadband service, provides a considerable advantage to home-users, businesses and industry and it is also an important asset in attracting new industry/business and direct investment into an area. Census figures show that broadband usage in homes has tripled between 2006 and 2011 with over 55% of households in the county with broadband internet connection compared to less than 20% in 2006.

Schemes such as the Metropolitan area Networks (MANs) which delivered modern fibre connectivity to businesses in larger towns, the Group Broadband Scheme which enabled many proactive communities to become early adopters of broadband services and the 100Mbps to Schools project, have played an important role in the delivery of broadband to County Roscommon. The Council supports these initiatives as well as the National Broadband Scheme and Rural Broadband Scheme.

The Department of Communications, Energy and Natural Resources’ National Broadband Scheme (NBS) has an objective to deliver broadband to certain target areas in Ireland in which broadband services were deemed to be insufficient. Under the contract, 3(a Hutchison Whampoa company trading as 3, who have the contract to implement and operate the NBS) are required to provide services to all premises in the NBS area who seek a service. In order to facilitate competition in the area, 3 are also required to provide wholesale access to any other authorised operator who wishes to serve premises in the NBS area. The rollout of the provision of NBS services advanced incrementally over a 22 month period and was completed in October 2010. In line with the NBS contract, broadband services are now available to all premises within each of the designated NBS Electoral Divisions. The areas covered under the NBS scheme amount to approximately 20% of the County with the remaining 80% of the county falling within the Rural Broadband Scheme.

The Rural Broadband Scheme was launched to identify the remaining small percentage of premises that have not been able to procure a broadband service and to provide broadband to such premises which cannot be served by the existing market. The Scheme aims to identify the premises that cannot currently obtain a service and once all of these premises have been identified, to ascertain whether existing telecommunications operators can provide a service directly to these premises. If an existing service provider cannot be identified, the Department will seek to procure such a service. The combination of private and public sector programmes in the broadband market will ensure that Ireland reaches the EU target of ubiquitous basic broadband access ahead of the 2013 deadline.

The National Broadband Plan for Ireland- Delivering a Connected Society 2012 (Department of Communications, Energy and Natural Resources), now aims to quicken the pace of progress in terms of the

Variation No. 1 of the Roscommon County Development Plan 2014-2020 Page 118 Chapter 4: Infrastructure quality, reliability and speed of broadband connections in Ireland. The plan targets the delivery of a minimum of 30Mbps to all, and 100Mbps to at least 50% of the population. The council recognises its role in the delivery of the aims of the National Broadband Plan.

4.7.2 Mobile Phone Network Development

The physical infrastructure and structures needed to provide mobile phone network services must be developed in a strategic way that minimizes the impact where possible on the environment. It shall be the policy of the Council to achieve a balance between facilitating the provision of telecommunications services in the interests of social and economic progress and sustaining residential amenities including public health as well as maintaining a quality environment.

The Telecommunications policy for the County shall be based on the recommended Guidelines for Planning Authorities with regard to Telecommunications Antennae and Support Structures (1996) and any revisions. This policy encourages co-sharing and clustering of masts. Applicants for such utilities must satisfy the Council that they have made every reasonable effort to share with other operators and to minimize adverse visual impact.

Policies on Telecommunications Policy 4.64 Promote an integrated approach with service providers and with appropriate bodies in the creation of a modern telecommunications infrastructure within County Roscommon. Policy 4.65 Work towards achieving the aims of the National Broadband Plan for Ireland- Delivering a Connected Society. Policy 4.66 Have regard to recommendations made by the Landscape Character Assessment and seek to protect sensitive landscapes from the visual impact of large scale telecommunications projects. Policy 4.67 Ensure that telecommunications infrastructure is adequately screened, integrated and/or landscaped, so as to minimize adverse visual impacts on the environment. Policy 4.68 Encourage the location of telecommunications based services at appropriate locations within the county subject to technical requirements and to environmental considerations. Policy 4.69 Support enhanced coverage and further co-ordinated and focused development and extension of telecommunications infrastructure including broadband connectivity within Roscommon as a means of improving economic competitiveness and enabling more flexible work practices e.g. tele-working, video-conferencing, e-business and e- commerce. Policy 4.70 Ensure that telecommunications developments and associated processes do not impinge on existing public rights of way or walking routes and require prospective telecommunications developers to identify any existing public rights of way, established walking routes and trails. Policy 4.71 Ensure that all plans and projects associated with telecommunication networks will be subject to screening for Appropriate Assessment in accordance with Article 6(3) of the Habitats Directive.

Objectives on Telecommunications Objective Support by planning condition where appropriate the development of underground 4.58 telecommunications broadband infrastructure for road, commercial and residential schemes, as set out in the government’s recommendations. Objective Encourage the provision of broadband, including the provision of electronic courtyards, 4.59 within developments. Objective Facilitate and encourage shared access for service providers for erecting antennae for 4.60 line of sight broadband access. Objective Support a programme of broadband connectivity throughout the County by liaising with 4.61 telecommunication service providers.

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Objective Have regard to Government guidelines on telecommunications infrastructure, including 4.62 Telecommunications Antennae and Support Structures–Guidelines for Planning Authorities 1996 (DECLG) and any subsequent revisions. Objective To support the installation and use of cable broadband and ducting to maximise the 4.63 potential of the ICT sector and provide reasonable broadband speed and access to each citizen and business, as detailed in(RPGs for the West Region 2010-2022, Objective IO59)

4.8 MAJOR ACCIDENTS HAZARD

The EU Directive on the Control of Major Accidents Hazard is addressed in the Development Plan making by the mandatory objectives in relation to Establishments. The “Seveso 11” Directive 82/96/EC is concerned with the prevention of major accidents and limiting their consequences. Article 12 of this directive relates to land-use planning and under this section members are now obliged to ensure that the objectives of preventing major accidents and limiting the consequences of such accidents are covered by the land-use policies.

To achieve these objectives Article 12 states that controls shall be put on the siting of new establishments, modifications to an existing establishment to which Article 10 of the Directive applies, or proposed development in the vicinity of an existing establishment for the purposes of reducing the risk, or limiting the consequences, of a major accident.

The Health and Safety Authority (HSA) is the Authority prescribed under Article 13 of the Planning & Development Regulations (SI 600 of 2001). The requirements are to provide the general approach of the Authority to Land-Use planning advice and also to provide detailed type of advice in relation to a particular notified site and its zone classification under Appendix 2 of the Seveso 11 Directive.

This development plan does not designate sites or zones for uses that might be classified as Seveso establishments and no such establishments exist in 2013. The Alkermes Pharma Ireland facility which was at the time of the Monksland/Bellnamullia Local Area Plan 2010-2016, operating as Elan Pharma International, was categorised as a Seveso establishment. This facility, now trading as Alkermes Pharma Ireland Limited was below the threshold for a notified site at the time this plan was made.

The Council will however pursue the aims of the Directive in the consideration of the siting of new development and such facilities will not normally be acceptable in environmentally sensitive areas or the vicinity of residential or commercial areas which have a concentration of public circulation and use. All development proposals involving existing or proposed facilities classified under the Seveso II Directive will be referred to the Health and Safety Authority whose technical advice shall be taken into account in addition to normal planning considerations.

Policies in relation to Major Accidents Hazard Policy 4.72 Ensure that land use policies must take account of the need to maintain appropriate distances between future major accident hazard establishments and residential areas, areas of substantial public use and areas of particular natural sensitivity/interest. Policy 4.73 Liaise with the Health and Safety Authority, notified site operators and other statutory bodies with regard to safety regulations and safety zones when assessing proposals for a new Seveso establishment or modifications to an establishment, and when assessing proposals for development in the vicinity of existing Seveso establishments and implement the provision of Land-Use planning advice and/or detailed advice as outlined by the H.S.A.

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