CHAPTER 9 LANDSCAPE AND GREEN INFRASTRUCTURE

Landscape and Green Infrastructure

Chapter 9 Landscape and Green Infrastructure

advantages that the landscape and natural Aim: To protect, conserve and environment of the County can offer, enhance the character, quality, and including the protection of biodiversity, value of the County’s landscape, in drainage/flood management, far reaching conjunction with recognition and benefits such as reducing the effects of support for the role of green climate change. infrastructure as a natural resource in the landscape, capable of 9.1 Policy Context delivering a wide range of The key legislative and policy context for environmental and quality of life landscape and green infrastructure that benefits, including climate change informed this chapter of the Plan includes adaptation. (inter alia):

▪ National Landscape Strategy for

Ireland 2015-2025, Department of 9.0 Introduction Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht Despite being the second smallest county in ▪ Draft Landscape and Landscape Ireland, contains significant areas of Assessment Guidelines for Planning landscape importance, ranging from Authorities 2000, Department of the mountains, hills, rolling farmland, river Environment and Local Government valleys, and woodlands. These areas not only ▪ Planning and Development Act 2000 have an intrinsic value as places of natural (as amended) and scenic beauty, but also as a real asset for ▪ Historic Landscape Characterisation in residents and visitors alike, affording quality Ireland, Best Practice Guidance, The of life and economic benefits, with Heritage Council 2013 opportunities for outdoor recreation, tourism, ▪ Guidelines for Landscape and Visual and other uses. The County’s landscape is a Impact Assessment, Third Edition, UK, significant part of peoples’ lives, contributing Routledge Landscape Institute, LI, and to a sense of place and identity, and is the Institute of Environmental backdrop to which all change takes place. Management and Assessment, IEMA, (2013). The interconnected network of land and ▪ EU Biodiversity Strategy for 2030 water contained within the landscape of the ▪ Building a Green Infrastructure for County, including (inter alia) its open spaces, Europe, European Commission, 2013 farmland, rivers, woodlands, wetlands, ▪ Creating Green Infrastructure for wildlife habitats and protected areas, can also Ireland, Enhancing Natural Capital for be considered as a form of infrastructure, Human Wellbeing, Comhar which can provide natural solutions for the Sustainable Development Council, achievement of economic, social, educational 2010 and ecological benefits. This infrastructure is a vital component in understanding the

Draft Carlow County Development Plan 2022-2028 208 | P a g e

Landscape and Green Infrastructure

▪ Integrating Ecosystem Approaches, contribution of the past to the landscape, and Green Infrastructure and Spatial therefore it’s historical value as a social Planning, EPA, 2012 resource and record of human history. The ▪ National Biodiversity Action Plan importance of history and of heritage is 2017-2021 reflected in the definition of landscape in the ▪ Green Infrastructure: A ‘How To’ Heritage Act 1995, which states that it Guide for Disseminating and includes “areas, sites, vistas and features of Integrating the Concept into Spatial significant scenic, archaeological, geological, Planning Practice, Report No. 182, historical, ecological or other scientific EPA, 2016. interest”.

9.2 Landscape A National Landscape Strategy for Ireland 2015-2025 was published by the Department In 2000 the Department of the Environment of Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht. A key Heritage and Local Government published function of the Strategy has been to ensure ‘Draft Landscape and Landscape Assessment compliance with the ELC, and to establish Guidelines for Planning Authorities’. The principles for protecting and enhancing Guidelines aimed “to heighten awareness of landscape while positively managing its the importance of landscape in all aspects of change. physical planning, to provide guidance to planners and to others as to how landscape The importance of landscape and visual considerations should be dealt with and to amenity at a national level, and the role of indicate specific requirements for planning in its protection, is also recognised in Development Plans and for development the Planning and Development Act 2000 (as control”. amended). The ELC definition of landscape Ireland subsequently signed and ratified the has been included in the Planning and Council of Europe’s European Landscape Development Act 2000 (as amended). The Act Convention (ELC) in 2002, also known as the requires that development plans contain Florence Convention. The ELC came into particular objectives relating to landscape, force in 2004 and promotes the protection, including ‘relevant policies or management and planning of European objectives…relating to providing a framework landscapes, and organises European co- for identification, assessment, protection, operation on landscape issues. For the ELC management and planning of landscapes landscape means “an area, as perceived by having regard to the European Landscape people, whose character is the result of the Convention’. action and interaction of natural and/or human factor”.

In 2013, the Heritage Council, in recognition of landscape as a cornerstone of our history and heritage, published ‘Best Practice Guidance for Historic Landscape Characterisation in Ireland’. The purpose of the guidance is to inform the development of landscape policy in terms of identifying the

Draft Carlow County Development Plan 2022-2028 209 | P a g e

Landscape and Green Infrastructure

9.3 Landscape Character Assessment specific features that often contain more significant and sensitive landscapes that are An important tool for understanding and highly valued for scenery and amenity. articulating the character of a landscape is Identified as Landscape Types, these features, Landscape Character Assessment (LCA). LCA numbering seven in total, include: assists in identifying features in both urban and rural environments that give localities a ▪ Broad River Valley sense of place, and in pinpointing what makes ▪ Narrow River Valley them different from neighbouring areas so as ▪ Built Up Areas to appropriately guide and manage change. ▪ Farmed Lowland The existing LCA for the County, which was ▪ Farmed Ridges included with the previous County ▪ Rolling Rough Grazing Development Plan, has been carried through ▪ Uplands to this Plan (See Appendix VII), but with some The four Landscape Character Areas, including minor amendments made to its format and the Landscape Types they contain, are shown layout for ease of reference. The LCA is an on Map 9.1 and 9.2. The LCAs are important resource for the Council, and an summarised as follows: extremely useful tool that should be used by agents/applicants when preparing planning Blackstairs and Mount Uplands applications. It gives guidance and advice on The / Blackstairs Landscape key characteristics of the County’s landscape Character Area is situated on the eastern side and how sensitive it is to change, addressing of the County along the border with County issues such as land cover, topography, Wexford. It is dominated by the uplands of geology, soils, settlements, and historical the Blackstairs Mountains and Mount landscapes. Leinster, which extend as a distinct ridgeline 9.4 County Landscape Character Areas for c. 25km northwards from the border with and Landscape Types Wexford. Mount Leinster is largely located in Wexford; however, the western slopes are in The Landscape Character Assessment for . The slopes of the mountain Carlow groups and maps the landscapes of descend westwards on to an undulating the County into four major Landscape landscape, which converges with the Character Areas, and includes detailed landscape of the Central Lowlands landscape recommendations for their management, character area. protection and conservation. The Landscape

Character Areas include: In terms of natural attributes and scenery,

this character area is the most important in ▪ Blackstairs and Mount Leinster the County and is as such highly sensitive to Uplands change. This particularly applies to the ▪ Central Lowlands uplands/mountains whereas the farmed ▪ River Slaney/East Rolling Farmland ridges and rolling rough grazing types would ▪ Killeshin Hills be moderately sensitive.

The Landscape Character Areas were subject The Blackstairs and Mount Leinster Uplands to a more detailed analysis to give recognition contains the following Landscape Types: to specific landscape features. It is these

Draft Carlow County Development Plan 2022-2028 210 | P a g e

Landscape and Green Infrastructure uplands/mountains, rolling rough grazing, dominating backdrop to the area with quite farmed ridges, narrow river valley. high mountains to the immediate east.

Central Lowlands Much of the landscape character is relatively The central lowlands landscape character area intact and is representative of a well-managed occupies a substantial portion of the County agricultural landscape. There is potential for and includes the County’s major settlements. the disturbance of landscape character The landscape is primarily rural, with medium through the construction of inappropriately to quite large fields defined by well sited and designed one-off housing in the maintained and generally low hedges and countryside and through inappropriate or occasional to frequent hedgerow trees. Since poorly planned suburban expansion in the the 1950s, field enlargement has been taken vicinity of and the villages in the place to accommodate larger farm machinery area. and has involved the removal of hedges and trees. A dense network of local roads The River Slaney – East Rolling Farmland traverses the area, as well as the M9 and the contains the following Landscape Types: N80. rolling rough grazing, farmed ridges, farmed lowland, and narrow river valleys. The Central lowlands has capacity to absorb most types of development subject to the Killeshin Hills implementation of appropriate mitigation This character area lies on the western side of measures. The area encompasses river valleys the County on the border with Counties and ridges that are, however, more sensitive Kilkenny and Laois and a short segment of to development than other locations within County Kildare. The area is bounded to the the area. These include the Barrow, Slaney east by the river Barrow Valley with the R448 and Douglas River Valleys. skirting along the east side of the valley. The lands adjoining the river valley are gently The Central Lowlands contain the following undulating hills which ascend steeply to Landscape Types: broad and narrow river uplands adjoining County Kilkenny: the valleys, farmed lowlands and farmed ridges. Castlecomer Plateau. There are extensive panoramic views of the entire County to be River Slaney – East Rolling Farmland had from the eastern slopes. The Slaney - East Rolling Farmland Character Area is located in the northeast corner of the The area is almost entirely a rural agricultural County to the east of the River Slaney Valley. landscape with a moderate level of sensitivity While there is no definite demarcation line and moderate potential capacity to absorb between the central plain and the River different types of development. Due to its Slaney character area, there is a gradual upland character and relative exposure, it has alteration in landscape character. The lands a low potential capacity to absorb rural ascend to a somewhat higher altitude on the housing or industrial development. approach to Hacketstown and on to the border with County Wicklow to the north and The Killeshin Hills contains the following east, and to the south. These Landscape Types: uplands, farmed ridges, lands are in a 150-260m OD elevation band. farmed lowlands and broad river valley. The presence of the is a

Draft Carlow County Development Plan 2022-2028 211 | P a g e

Landscape and Green Infrastructure

Map 9.1 Landscape Character Areas

Draft Carlow County Development Plan 2022-2028 212 | P a g e

Landscape and Green Infrastructure

Map 9.2 Landscape Types

Draft Carlow County Development Plan 2022-2028 213 | P a g e

Landscape and Green Infrastructure

9.5 County Landscape Sensitivity and different land uses e.g. rural housing, wind Capacity farms, agriculture, urban development etc.

To ensure that there is a comprehensive and The capacity of the County’s landscape to easily understood framework to guide visually absorb certain land uses, development in the landscape, a landscape development, or physical change, without sensitivity map and sensitivity rating was affecting its visual character or quality, can be prepared for the County Landscape Character influenced by one (or a combination) of the Assessment. Landscape sensitivity is a way of following three factors: measuring the ability of the landscape to accommodate change or intervention without 1. Topography: development that is in suffering unacceptable loss of character or elevated, exposed or upland areas will value. The landscape sensitivity map and usually be visible over a wide area, rating system for the County was informed by whereas development in more low the Landscape Character Areas, Landscape lying and enclosed areas usually will Types, and the views, prospects and scenic not. routes discussed in Section 9.7. Landscape sensitivity is rated from 1 to 5, with 1 being 2. Vegetation: there is greater least sensitive and 5 being most sensitive. opportunity for development to be In a broad sense, in instances where a wide screened from view in areas which range of developments would sit comfortably support (or have the potential to in a particular landscape and not interfere support) woodland, trees or tall with a character or interfere with or eliminate hedges. a value, such a landscape can be deemed to be of low sensitivity. On the other hand, 3. Development: New development is where any development proposal would less likely to be conspicuous in the seriously damage a character or eliminate or context of existing development/built seriously damage an irreplaceable value, such up areas in the landscape. a landscape would be considered to be highly sensitive. In assessing visual impacts on the landscape In County Carlow, as evident from the consideration must also be given to the Landscape Sensitivity Map (Map 9.3) and nature or type of impacts. Potential visual Table 9.1, areas that may be less sensitive to impacts on the landscape can: change correspond to the built-up areas and farmed lowlands, while areas that may be ▪ be individual, or cumulative with most sensitive to change are uplands, river existing or planned developments. valleys and farmed ridges. ▪ result in a gradual erosion of the landscape value of an area, In addition to landscape sensitivity mapping individually, or cumulatively over and ratings, the County LCA also incorporates time. a land use capacity matrix. The matrix, ▪ be due to where a development is included in this Chapter as Table 9.2, provides sited in the landscape. a breakdown of the capacity of the four main ▪ arise because of the scale or design of Landscape Character Areas to accommodate a development.

Draft Carlow County Development Plan 2022-2028 214 | P a g e

Landscape and Green Infrastructure

▪ be because a development is incongruous or alien to its landscape setting. ▪ be significant for a small area (or local landscape setting) or for a larger more extensive area.

In order to minimise visual impacts from development proposals, the selection of appropriate sites within the landscape in the first instance is critical, together with careful consideration of details of layout, design, height, scale, bulk, use of materials etc. There will be a presumption against development proposals located on elevated and visually exposed sites.

9.6 Landscape and Visual Impact Assessment

The evaluation of potential landscape and visual impacts from development proposals is a key component of the Council’s assessment of planning applications. Landscape and

Visual Impact Assessment (LVIA) is a tool that can assist in identifying and assessing the significance of, and the effects of, change from development on the landscape, and on people’s views and visual amenity.

LVIA should be carried out for significant development proposals e.g. wind turbine or solar array developments, quarries, telecommunications infrastructure, etc.

However, there may also be a requirement, determined on a case-by-case basis, to carry out LVIA for smaller developments, taking account of the landscape sensitivity of an area and/or concerns regarding potential negative landscape or visual impacts. The level of detail that would be proportionate in an LVIA, by reason of the significance, scale or complexity of potential impacts from a development proposal, can be agreed through pre-planning discussions.

Draft Carlow County Development Plan 2022-2028 215 | P a g e

Landscape and Green Infrastructure

Map 9.3 Landscape Sensitivity

Draft Carlow County Development Plan 2022-2028 216 | P a g e

Landscape and Green Infrastructure

SENSITIVITY 1 2 3 4 5 Least Decreasing Moderate Increasing Most Built up areas Farmed Lowland * Broad River Valley Farmed Ridges Narrow River Valley Rolling Rough Grazing Uplands

Table 9.1: Landscape Sensitivity

Mount Leinster - River Slaney - East Land Use type Central lowlands Killeshin Hills Blackstairs Rolling Farmland

Agriculture Low High High High

Rural housing Low Moderate Low Low Urban Low Moderate Moderate Low development/expansion Forestry Plantation Moderate Moderate Moderate Moderate Tourism related activity* High High High High

Industrial development Low Low Low Low

Extractive industry Low Moderate Moderate Moderate Wind farming Low Moderate Moderate Moderate

Table 9.2: Land Use Capacity Matrix

Draft Carlow County Development Plan 2022-2028 217 | P a g e

Landscape and Green Infrastructure

9.7 Views, Prospects and Scenic Routes

County Carlow has a number of valuable views, prospects and scenic routes, many of which offer vistas with extensive views across the County. The Landscape Character

Assessment of the County lists and maps the views, prospects and scenic routes which merit protection because of their inherent quality, including scenic and aesthetic attributes. These include views to and from upland areas, views of heritage features, and views along river corridors. (See Table 9.3 and Table 9.4). Maps 9.4 and 9.5 included in this chapter provide further clarity to those included in the Landscape Character

Assessment (See Appendix VII), by collating and consolidating all views, prospects and scenic routes into two separate maps.

The identification of these views, prospects and scenic routes provides a tool for making development decisions that acknowledges the importance of protecting such assets and thus maintaining the overall integrity of the

County’s landscape. However, it is also acknowledged that in certain circumstances some development may be necessary, and in such cases appropriate location, siting and design criteria should strictly apply.

Draft Carlow County Development Plan 2022-2028 218 | P a g e

Landscape and Green Infrastructure

Table 9.3 Schedule of Views and Prospects No. Description Location 1 View southwest, of valley of River Slaney, Route of 2 View south, of Derry River Clonegall Bridge 3 Vista south, of typical rolling farmland Knocknatubbrid 4 Vista east, of typical rolling farmland South of 5 Vista 260-320º, panoramic view of Killeshin Hills Killerrig Cross 6 Vista 80-140º, panorama across Central Plain to Kill Cross Blackstairs 7 Vista east, of River Slaney-East Rolling Farmlands Lisnevagh 8 Vista east, of rolling farmlands and distant hills Lisnevagh Gardens 9 Vista southeast North side of Constable Hill 10 View south, of Constable and Eagle Hills Sualsford Bridge 11 View east, of Eagle Hill Eagle Hill 12 Vista 170-260º, panorama of River Slaney-East Between Constable/Eagle Hills Rolling Hills and Blackstairs 13 Vista east, panoramic view towards Wicklow Hills Minvaud East 14 View north, of Eagle and Constable Hills West of Clonmore at Blackhill 15 Vista southeast, of south end of River Slaney-East West of Clonmore at Blackhill Rolling landscape/Blackstairs 16 View east, of Eagle Hill On Constable Hill 17 Vista 180-300º, of south end of River Slaney-East On Constable Hill Rolling landscape/Blackstairs 18 Vista south, Panorama over Hacketstown with Porchavodda Constable, Eagle and Wicklow Hills 19 View southeast, of heritage site Duckett’s Grove 20 Vista northeast, of spreading central plain and Duckett’s Grove forest in distance 21 View on approach from west, of heritage site Duckett’s Grove 22 Vista 90-140º, of central plain and avenue to Palatine Duckett’s Grove 23 Vista 280-320º, panorama over central plain to Palatine Killeshin Hills 24 Vista 280-320º, of Burren River Valley Moyle 25 View southeast, of tree ridge and church Kellistown East 26 Vista southeast, panorama of central plain to Killyballyhue Blackstairs 27 View 280-340º, of hill with forest at South of Nurney Newtown/Bradley’s Cross 28 Vista west, of Killeshin Hills Newtown 29 View south, of River Barrow 30 View north, of River Barrow and Black Church Leighlinbridge 31 Vista east, panorama across central plain to Ridge Cross Blackstairs 32 Vista east, panorama from Killeshin Hills across Tuolcreen Cross central plain to Blackstairs 33 View east and north, of River Barrow Milford 34 View south, of town from point to north of entrance along River Barrow 35 View south, of heritage site Ballymoon Castle 36 Vista east, panorama across central plain to Swing Cross Blackstairs

Draft Carlow County Development Plan 2022-2028 219 | P a g e

Landscape and Green Infrastructure

37 Vista east, panorama from Killeshin Hills across Immediate west of Ullard Bridge central plain 38 View east, panorama with Killeshin Hills across Immediate north of Shangarry Cross central plain 39 View from entrance, of Adelaide Memorial Church 40 Vista east, of valley (River Slaney) Ballypierce 41 Vista west, panorama across central plain South of Carrol’s Cross

42 Vista west, panorama from car park across central The Nine Stones plain 43 View north of Myshall, of Adelaide Memorial Tinnamogney Church 44 Vista east, panoramic view of Blackstairs Crannagh 45 Vista east, panoramic view of Blackstairs Cournellan 46 View of River Barrow Clashganny Locks 47 Vista east, of south end of Blackstairs Carriglead 48 View southwest towards Glynn/St. Mullins Road 49 View south, approach to village St. Mullins 50 View southeast, of curved Main Street and Borris Blackstairs 51 View northwest of town Borris 52 Vista, green area beside mound and parish church St. Mullins 53 View southwest, across Heritage Centre St. Mullins 54 View southwest, of River Barrow St. Mullins 55 View south and east, across St. Mullins Heritage Templebaboe Centre 56 View southwest, of Brandon Hill Newtown 57 View northeast to southwest of entire Blackstairs High ground just north of Ballinkillen on and Barrow Valley from Mt. Leinster to Brandon the Ballinkillen to Lorum road Hill. Currane, Mt. Leinster to Brandon Hill.

Views towards Slievebawn. 58 View northeast to southwest of entire Blackstairs High ground just north of Ballinkillen on and Barrow Valley from Mt. Leinster to Brandon the Ballinkillen to Lorum road Hill. Currane, Mt. Leinster to Brandon Hill

Views towards Slievebawn. 59 Intermittent views northeast to south of entire On R705 from point north of the Blackstairs from Currane and Mt. Leinster to Ballyphenan T-junction Blackstairs. 60 Panoramic view southwest, looking towards Borris Spahill Cross Roads Viaduct and Ballycoppigan 61 Panoramic view southwest, from Cashel Cross Cashel Cross and Doyle’s Cross Roads looking towards Borris ACA, Borris House Demesne and Ballycoppigan 62 Panoramic views southwest, looking towards Ballybrack Brandon Hill 63 Panoramic views southwest, looking towards Ballybrack Brandon Hill 64 Panoramic view northeast to south, on R703 from Tinnecarrig high point at Tinnecarrig. View of entire Mt. Leinster and Blackstairs range

Draft Carlow County Development Plan 2022-2028 220 | P a g e

Landscape and Green Infrastructure

Table 9.4 Schedule of Scenic Routes No. Route Description Location 1 L2021-97 Valley to Wexford Uplands North 2 L2003-23 View of mountains to east Lisnavagh-Lisnavagh Gardens 3 N81-82 Mixed landscape low level to west South of 4 R725-17 Central Plain Grangford Road 5 L3052-42 Mixed landscape low level to west Ballyryan 6 L7123-0 Central Plain Ridge Cross Roads 7 L3037-11 Panorama across central plain Road to the Butts 8 L7130-26 Panorama to southeast Tomard Wood 9 L3041-19 Panorama across central plain Tomard Lower 10 L2026 Blackstairs Mt. Leinster Drive 11 L3011 Panorama Blackstairs and plain Slievebawn 12 L3011 Blackstairs 13 L3001-134 Blackstairs Scullogue Gap 14 L7061 Blackstairs Carriglead/Glynn 15 L3008 Barrow Valley and Kilkenny hills to west South from 16 L3005 Scenic views in all directions of uplands South Leinster Way 17 R729 Scenic views in all directions of uplands Cournellan Cross Roads 18 R729 Panoramic views to south and west of Brandon Coolnamara and Blackstairs 19 L3007-49 & Scenic views across undulating lands to Marley or Knockduff L7004 Blackstairs 20 L3010 Scenic views to south Glynn to St. Mullins 21 L3008-64 Scenic views of Brandon northwest and Approach to St. Mullins from Blackstairs east south 22 From St. Intermittent views to Blackstairs and Brandon St. Mullins Mullins to east and west Glynn along river valley 23 From Rathanna Panoramic view on R703 from high point at Southeast of Borris to Borris via Tinnecarrig Rosdellig, Ballybrack, View northeast to south of entire Mt Leinster and Kyle, Blackstairs range Tinnacarrig, Baroughan Panoramic views from Ballybrack looking Little, southwest towards Brandon Hill and Blackstairs Ballycoppigan and Kilcoltrim Views North West to Borris ACA, views to south of entire Blackstairs range and southwest to Brandon Hill 24 R705 Borris to Views northeast to south of entire Blackstairs Northwest of Borris Ballyfeanan, from Currane and Mt. Leinster to Blackstairs just south of Kilcumney junction 25 Ballinree Cross Views northeast to southwest of entire Ballinkillin/Lorum Environs Roads to Blackstairs and Barrow Valley from Mt Leinster to Kilgraney with Brandon Hill. Currane, Mt Leinster to Brandon loop between Hill.

Draft Carlow County Development Plan 2022-2028 221 | P a g e

Landscape and Green Infrastructure

Ballinkillin and Views southeast towards Slievebawn. Lorum) Views and vista from Lorum Old Rectory

View of the mountain range is on the unnumbered road leading off the R705, opposite the entrance to Kilgraney House (behind the old Kilgreaney School House) over the Ballinkillen village.

Corries Cross looking east and south towards Mt Leinster

Draft Carlow County Development Plan 2022-2028 222 | P a g e

Landscape and Green Infrastructure

Map 9.4 Views and Prospects

Draft Carlow County Development Plan 2022-2028 223 | P a g e

Landscape and Green Infrastructure

Map 9.5 Scenic Routes

Draft Carlow County Development Plan 2022-2028 224 | P a g e

Landscape and Green Infrastructure

9.8 Landscape - Policies environment, including from nearby areas, scenic views and routes, and It is the policy of the Council to: from settlements.

LA P1: Protect and maintain the overall LA P5: Protect and maintain the landscape integrity of the County’s landscape, by quality and visual integrity of river recognising its capacity to sustainably valleys and river corridors, and to integrate and absorb development, ensure development in these and by ensuring that development sensitive landscape areas does not protects, retains and, where adversely affect or detract from necessary, enhances the appearance scenic views, including views from and character of the landscape, and bridges, or from distinct linear does not unduly damage or detract sections such as open floodplains. from those features which contribute

to its value, character, distinctiveness LA P6: Require all developments, having and sensitivity e.g. landform, habitats, regard to their landscape setting, to scenic quality, settlement pattern, be appropriate in siting, layout, design historic heritage, amenity, land use and scale, in order to ensure any and tranquillity. potential adverse or landscape and

visual impacts are minimised and/or LA P2: Ensure that development will not removed where necessary, and that have a disproportionate landscape or natural site features and visual impact in sensitive upland areas characteristics are retained and of the County (due to siting, layout, maintained. design or excessive scale and bulk)

and will not significantly interfere LA P7: Facilitate, where appropriate, with or detract from scenic upland developments that have a functional vistas, when viewed from the and locational requirement to be surrounding environment, including situated on steep or elevated sites nearby areas, scenic views and routes, (e.g. reservoir, telecommunication and from settlements. masts or wind energy structures)

where residual adverse visual impacts LA P3: Adopt a presumption against are minimised or mitigated. developments which are located on

elevated or visually exposed sites or LA P8: Require, where appropriate, areas with open exposed vistas, and Landscape/Visual Impact Assessments where the landscape cannot to be prepared by suitably qualified accommodate such development with professionals, for development appropriate mitigation. proposals which may have significant

landscape or visual impacts, and/or LA P4: Ensure that developments on steep which are located within or adjacent slopes or ridges will not be to sensitive landscapes. conspicuous or have disproportionate

landscape or visual impacts when LA P9: Have regard to the potential for viewed from the surrounding screening vegetation when evaluating

Draft Carlow County Development Plan 2022-2028 225 | P a g e

Landscape and Green Infrastructure

proposals for development within the Guidance on Landscape Character uplands. Assessment and the National Landscape Strategy. LA P10: Ensure that features which contribute to local landscape character, including LA O2: Ensure landscape/visual impact historic features and buildings, trees, assessment will be a key hedgerows, shelter belts and stone consideration in the assessment of walls, are retained, protected, and development proposals within the enhanced where appropriate, so as to County. preserve the appearance and local landscape character of an area, whilst supporting sustainable landscape change and development. Development proposals necessitating the removal of such features will be discouraged.

LA P11: Protect and preserve the established appearance and aesthetic attributes of views and prospects that contribute to the inherent quality of the County’s landscape, including views, prospects and scenic routes listed in Tables 9.3 and 9.4 , and particularly views to and from mountains, hills, river valleys and river corridors, and views of historical or cultural value (including buildings and townscapes) and views of natural beauty.

Landscape - Objectives

It is an objective of the Council to:

LA O1: Ensure that the management and assessment of development throughout the County takes account of the recommendations and assigned Landscape Character Areas, Landscape Types, and Landscape Sensitivity, and the Schedule of Views, Prospects and Scenic Routes, as contained in this Plan, and in accordance with Government

Draft Carlow County Development Plan 2022-2028 226 | P a g e

Landscape and Green Infrastructure

9.9 Green Infrastructure However, a park that acts as a cool air corridor, that absorbs excess surface water The European Commission’s (EC) 2013 run-off, and which functions as a space for publication entitled ‘Building a Green recreation and wildlife, may be considered as Infrastructure Landscape’, details that “Green green infrastructure. Infrastructure can be broadly defined as a strategically planned network of high quality Natura 2000 sites in the County, as well as natural and semi-natural areas with other proposed Natural Heritage Areas, can lie at environmental features, which is designed and the core of green infrastructure, and provide managed to deliver a wide range of ecosystem a strategic focus for improving the natural services and protect biodiversity in both rural environment and enhancing quality of life. and urban settings”. The term green However, it is important to note that there infrastructure gives greater recognition to the are substantial areas of land that occur natural environment as an asset that provides outside of protected sites and which include a range of benefits from nature to people, high biodiversity areas and healthy including the provision of clean water, better functioning ecosystems that can equally form health and human wellbeing, flood alleviation part of the County’s green infrastructure and improved habitats for wildlife. Potential network. green infrastructure can include:

The European Commission’s recently ▪ Areas of high biodiversity e.g. protected published EU Biodiversity Strategy for 2030 sites under the Natura 2000 Network and emphasises the importance of biodiversity, on ▪ Healthy functioning ecosystems outside of which “we are fully dependent on and which protected sites; gives us the food we eat, filters the water we ▪ Natural and semi-natural area e.g. rivers, drink, and supplies the air we breathe. Nature woodlands, wetlands, floodplains, scrub is as important for our mental and physical and grassland; wellbeing as it is for our society’s ability to ▪ Green corridors e.g. riverbanks, cope with global change, health threats and hedgerows, green roadside verges, and disasters”. The strategy refers to the link cycling and walking routes; between our own health and the health of ▪ Amenity spaces e.g. play areas, playing ecosystems, and places significant importance fields, and public open spaces in housing on the role of green infrastructure and estates; nature-based solutions in the protection and ▪ Parks and gardens e.g. town parks and restoration of biodiversity. The strategy formal country demesnes; advises that green infrastructure and nature- ▪ Domestic gardens, street trees and civic based solutions should be systematically spaces in urban areas. integrated into urban planning, including in

public spaces, infrastructure, and the design To qualify as green infrastructure of buildings and their surroundings. environmental features must be of high quality and must also be capable of delivering At a national level in 2010, Comhar more than simply green spaces. For example, Sustainable Development Council published a town park that contains areas of uniform their study entitled ‘Creating Green grass and no other environmental features is Infrastructure for Ireland, Enhancing Natural unlikely to qualify as green infrastructure. Capital for Human Wellbeing’. The study

Draft Carlow County Development Plan 2022-2028 227 | P a g e

Landscape and Green Infrastructure proposed an approach and set of principles infrastructure network and to further explore that should be followed in green its integration into both public and private infrastructure planning and set out how green developments in the future. infrastructure might be identified and mapped. 9.10 Benefits of Green Infrastructure

Green infrastructure aims to protect and Green infrastructure planning is the subject of enhance nature’s ability to deliver on benefits policy objectives in Project Ireland 2040 - which the EC (2013) broadly categorises as National Planning Framework, and in the follows: Regional Economic and Spatial Strategy (RSES) for the Southern Region. Both documents ▪ Foster a better quality of life and human give recognition to the environment as an well-being, for instance by providing a asset, which if planned for in the same way as high-quality environment in which to live other forms of infrastructure, can provide and work. long term benefits. There is therefore an ▪ Improve biodiversity, for instance by emphasis on protecting and valuing important reconnecting isolated nature areas and and vulnerable habitats, landscapes, natural increasing the mobility of wildlife across heritage and green spaces. the wider landscape.

▪ Protect us against climate change and The incorporation of Green Infrastructure (GI) other environmental disasters, for instance in spatial planning is also one of the ways in by alleviating floods and storing carbon. which the National Biodiversity Action Plan ▪ Encourage a smarter, more integrated 2017-2021 seeks to address the main drivers approach to development which ensures of biodiversity loss in Ireland. This is that Europe’s limited space is utilised in as particularly noteworthy for County Carlow, efficient and coherent a way as possible. which is predominantly a rural county, and in which there is a need to ensure development One of the key attractions of green avoids the fragmentation of landscape infrastructure is its ability to perform several features, including ecological corridors which functions in the same spatial area. In contrast allow for the mobility of plant and animal to most human-engineered or single function species. ‘grey infrastructure’ such as piped drainage,

roads etc., green infrastructure can have the The Council’s Climate Change Adaptation ability to perform several functions that are Strategy 2019-2024 identifies a number of more robust and sustainable from adaptation objectives and actions for which environmental, economic, and social green infrastructure and nature-based perspectives. For example, a floodplain solutions are to play a key role. This includes ecosystem can contribute to flood prevention, the incorporation of green infrastructure, but can also contribute to water filtration, including urban greening, into the design, maintenance of the water table, recreation, planning and construction of roads, biodiversity, and to reducing the effects of community and public realm projects, and as climate change by acting as carbon storage. a mechanism to promote biodiversity, reduce Green spaces such as town parks may also habitat fragmentation, and for carbon offset. qualify as green infrastructure if they act as a Within County Carlow there are opportunities cool corridor, absorb excess water run-off, to expand and strengthen the green

Draft Carlow County Development Plan 2022-2028 228 | P a g e

Landscape and Green Infrastructure and offer an attractive outdoor space for Table 9.5 Benefits of Green Infrastructure wildlife and recreation. Environmental Benefits Social Benefits Removal of pollutants Improved health and While the requirement for traditional grey from air and water well-being infrastructure will always exist, it must also be Provision of clean water Increased tourism and recognised that in many cases there are recreation opportunities Rainwater retention Diversification of local opportunities for it to be supplemented and economy reinforced with solutions provided by nature. Improvement of land Jobs and educational quality opportunities 9.11 Green Infrastructure – A Strategy for Increased pest control More attractive and Carlow greener towns and villages It is the Council’s intention to develop a Green Pollination provision More integrated Infrastructure Strategy for the County in transport and energy solutions consultation will all key stakeholders and with Mitigation of land take the public during the lifetime of this Plan. and soil sealing Climate Change Biodiversity Benefits The Strategy will identify key green Mitigation and infrastructure aims and objectives for County Adaptation Benefits Flood alleviation Improved habitats for Carlow, taking account of the priority projects wildlife identified in this Development Plan and it will Strengthening ecosystem Reduce habitat provide for the delivery of these projects resilience fragmentation including the provision of appropriate funding Carbon storage and Provision of ecological mechanisms. sequestration corridors Disaster prevention Buffer against climate (storms) change for habitats and species Mitigation of urban heat island effects

Green Infrastructure - Policies

It is the policy of the Council to:

GI P1: Identify, protect, maintain, and enhance existing and planned green infrastructure assets in the County, and recognise the wide range of environmental, social, and economic benefits of green spaces and nature- based solutions by ensuring the integration of green infrastructure planning and development in the planning process.

GI P2: Protect and enhance the biodiversity and ecological function of the

Draft Carlow County Development Plan 2022-2028 229 | P a g e

Landscape and Green Infrastructure

County’s green infrastructure existing urban environment into the network. overall green infrastructure network.

GI P3: Protect and preserve landscape GI P9: Ensure Local Area Plans protect and features which contribute to green manage the green infrastructure infrastructure in the County, including network in an integrated and trees, hedgerows, woodlands, coherent manner and add additional wetlands, watercourses and other green infrastructure where possible. habitats. GI P10: Work collaboratively with other GI P4: Require all new development to neighbouring Local Authorities in contribute to the protection and facilitating and supporting the enhancement of existing green development of cross-border green infrastructure and the delivery of new infrastructure networks. green infrastructure, as appropriate. Green Infrastructure - Objectives GI P5: Restrict development that would It an objective of the Council to: fragment or prejudice landscape

features and ecological corridors GI O1: Prepare a Green Infrastructure which significantly contribute to the Strategy for County Carlow in County’s green infrastructure accordance with international best network. practice and in partnership with key

stakeholders and the public. GI P6: Require proposals for large scale

developments such as road or GI O2: Ensure the Green Infrastructure drainage schemes, wind farms, solar Strategy for County Carlow reflects a farms, residential schemes, industrial long-term perspective, including the parks or retail schemes, to submit a need to adapt to climate change, and green infrastructure plan as an recognises and promotes the benefits integral part of a planning application. that can be achieved for the County’s

biodiversity, landscape, natural and GI P7: Promote a network of walking and cultural heritage, open space and cycling trails to enhance accessibility recreation, and sustainable water to the County’s green infrastructure management. network, and ensure such proposals are subject to route/site selection 9.12 Green Infrastructure in Urban Areas processes so that impacts to The green infrastructure threaded through biodiversity and nature conservation towns and villages provides a wide range of interests are avoided. benefits, such as reducing air, water and noise

pollution, providing flood protection and GI P8: Incorporate elements of green more attractive urban spaces, while also infrastructure into existing areas of maintaining a valuable connection between hard infrastructure, where possible, people and nature. The value of these green thereby integrating these areas of the spaces can be in the connections they provide

Draft Carlow County Development Plan 2022-2028 230 | P a g e

Landscape and Green Infrastructure from urban centres to the surrounding infrastructure and biodiversity into all countryside, thereby reinforcing the County’s new developments in urban areas, green infrastructure network. The recent including the design of buildings and lockdowns due to the COVID-19 pandemic their surroundings (e.g. tree planting, have also highlighted the value of green urban green spaces and verges, planters, spaces for overall societal health and well- green roofs, living walls, bird boxes, being. bat roost sites etc.), and that contributes to and links with the There are many potential components of wider green infrastructure network, in green infrastructure in urban environments, particular where similar features exist ranging from domestic gardens, allotments, on adjoining sites. street trees and verges, to town parks, public open spaces in housing estates, playing fields, GI P13: Ensure that green areas and open woodlands, hedgerows, rivers and streams. spaces associated with new In many cases the greening of urban areas can residential developments and other focus on quantity rather than ecological relevant projects provide quality and function. For example, levelled multifunctional benefits that enrich grassed areas can provide ease of quality of life for local communities, maintenance but in turn have limited eco- ecologically rich areas that enhance system benefits. New developments in urban biodiversity, and sustainable water areas should therefore ensure that quality management. takes precedence through the incorporation of ecosystem benefits e.g. retention of GI P14: Take account of Inland Fisheries existing and/or the provision of new areas guidance ‘Planning for Watercourses rich in biodiversity such as treelines, in the Urban Environment, A Guide to hedgerows, wild meadows, and wetland the Protection of Watercourses areas, which can be provided in conjunction through the use of Buffer Zones, with recreational amenity. Sustainable Drainage Systems, Instream Rehabilitation, Green Infrastructure in Urban Areas - Policies Climate/Flood Risk and Recreational Planning’ (2020) when considering It is the policy of the Council to: development proposals in the vicinity

of rivers and streams in urban areas. GI P11: Ensure that green infrastructure

informs the development 9.13 Green Infrastructure and Sustainable management process, and that all Urban Drainage Systems (SuDS) new developments in urban areas contribute towards the protection, Sustainable drainage is a concept that maintenance, and enhancement of includes long term environmental and social existing green infrastructure in terms factors in decisions about drainage. It takes of siting, layout, design, and account of the quantity and quality of runoff, landscaping. and the amenity value of surface water in the environment. Many existing urban drainage GI P12: Encourage and support the systems can cause problems of flooding, incorporation of elements of green pollution or damage to the environment and

Draft Carlow County Development Plan 2022-2028 231 | P a g e

Landscape and Green Infrastructure are not proving to be sustainable. Surface surface water. SuDS features are widely water drainage methods that take account of recognised as a form of green infrastructure quantity, quality and amenity issues are and have the potential to contribute collectively referred to as Sustainable significantly to the urban green infrastructure Drainage Systems (SuDS). These systems are network. SuDS also have the ability to more sustainable than conventional drainage perform a multi-functional role that can methods because they: create space for surface water management, as well as for biodiversity, recreation and ▪ Manage run off flow rates, reducing the amenity. Polices and objectives pertaining to impact of urbanisation on flooding; Sustainable Drainage Systems are contained ▪ Protect or enhance water quality; in Section 6.5, Chapter 6 Infrastructure and ▪ Are sympathetic to the environmental Environmental Management. setting and the needs of the local community; ▪ Provide a habitat for wildlife in urban watercourses; ▪ Encourage natural groundwater recharge (where appropriate)

SuDS therefore represents a move away from the conventional practice of piping all surface water directly to the nearest river or stream towards an approach were water is either infiltrated or conveyed more slowly to water courses via constructed wetlands, permeable surfaces, filter strips, ponds, swales, basins, and green roofs, all of which contribute to more environmentally friendly and aesthetically pleasing methods of controlling

Draft Carlow County Development Plan 2022-2028 232 | P a g e