County Development Plan

Table Of Contents

Section 1. Introduction ...... 1 1.1 Plan Aims ...... 1 1.2 Need for a Plan...... 2 1.3 Plan Approach...... 2 1.4 Proper Planning and Sustainable Development...... 3 1.4.1 Realising the potential of existing towns and villages ...... 3 1.4.2 Realising the potential of rural areas...... 4 1.4.3 Achieving good quality development...... 5 1.5 Sustainability and the Development Plan...... 6 1.6 Plan Review ...... 6 1.6.1 County Profile...... 6 1.6.2 Review Context ...... 6 1.7 Key Strategic Issues...... 7

Section 2. Spatial Planning And Land Use ...... 9 2.1 Settlement Strategy ...... 9 2.1.1 Definition and Rationale...... 9 2.1.2 Context of the Strategy ...... 10 2.1.3 Analysis...... 10 2.2 Recommended Settlement Strategy...... 12 2.2.1 Introduction ...... 12 2.3 Settlement Strategy and Sustainable development ...... 12 2.3.1 The role of City...... 12 2.3.2 The role of towns and villages...... 13 2.3.3 Self-sufficient towns...... 13 2.3.4 Dormitory Settlements ...... 13 2.3.5 Importance of a network of successful villages and small towns...... 13 2.3.6 Coping with a poorly developed urban structure...... 14 2.3.7 Planning for public transport provision...... 14 2.3.8 Landscape and environment: resources to be protected...... 14 2.3.9 Household Projections...... 14 2.4 Future Development Options ...... 15 2.4.1 Implications of non-intervention option...... 15 2.5 Hierarchy of Settlements ...... 16 2.6 Settlement Strategy and GTPS compared...... 17 2.6.1 Settlement Strategy for West Galway ...... 19 2.6.2 Settlement Strategy for East Galway ...... 20 2.7 Town And Village Settlements ...... 23 2.8 Other Residential Development Nodes...... 23 County Development Plan

2.9 Commercial Rural Enterprise Centres...... 23 2.10 Policies: Spatial Planning And Land Use...... 23 2.11 Objectives: Spatial Planning And Land Use ...... 26 2.12 Strategy: Background Information ...... 26 2.13 Retail Planning Guidelines requirement for Development Plans...... 28 2.14 Policies: Retail Strategy...... 28

Section 3. Economic Infrastructure...... 29 3.1 Roads and Transportation...... 29 3.2 Roads ...... 30 3.2.1 Strategic routes: National Primary and National Secondary...... 30 3.2.2 Non-National Routes...... 30 3.2.3 Regional Roads...... 30 3.2.4 Local Roads ...... 31 3.2.5 Traffic Management...... 31 3.2.6 Parking facilities and loading/unloading facilities ...... 31 3.3 Policies: Roads and Transportation...... 31 3.4 Objectives: Roads and Transportation ...... 32 3.5 Extractive Development ...... 34 3.6 Policies: Extractive Development...... 34 3.7 Water and Sewerage...... 34 3.7.1 The Rural Water Programme ...... 34 3.7.2 Water Supplies...... 35 3.7.3 Group Water Schemes...... 35 3.7.4 Wastewater Treatment ...... 36 3.8 Water Services Investment Programme 2002 – 2004 ...... 36 3.9 Policies: Rural Water Programme...... 36 3.10 Objectives: Rural Water Programme ...... 36 3.11 Waste Management ...... 37 3.11.1 Prevention and Reduction of Waste ...... 37 3.11.2 Re-use and Recycling of Waste...... 37 3.11.3 Disposal of Waste...... 37 3.11.4 Waste Management Plan ...... 38 3.11.5 Waste Minimisation...... 38 3.12 Policies: Waste Management...... 38 3.13 Objectives: Waste Management...... 39 3.14 Information and Communication Technology ...... 39 3.15 Policies: Information and Communication Technology...... 39 3.16 Energy ...... 39 3.16.1 Windfarms...... 40 3.17 Policies: Energy...... 40 3.18 Objectives: Energy...... 40 County Development Plan

Section 4. Housing ...... 41 4.1 Local Authority Housing ...... 41 4.2 The Housing Strategy...... 41 4.3 Policies: Local Authority Housing ...... 41 4.4 Objectives: Local Authority Housing...... 41 4.5 Traveller Accommodation...... 42 4.6 Policies: Traveller Accommodation...... 42 4.7 Objectives: Traveller Accommodation ...... 43 4.8 Rural Housing ...... 43 4.9 Policies: Rural Housing ...... 43 4.10 Objectives: Rural Housing ...... 46 4.11 Rural Development...... 46 4.12 Policies: Rural Development...... 46

Section 5. Environmental conservation and enhancement...... 47 5.1 Landscape Assessment ...... 47 5.2 Landscape Character ...... 48 5.3 Landscape Values...... 48 5.4 Landscape Sensitivity...... 48 5.5 Policies: Landscape Conservation ...... 48 5.6 Natural Water Systems ...... 49 5.7 Water Quality...... 49 5.8 Policies: Natural Water Systems...... 50 5.9 Air Quality Protection ...... 50 5.10 Resource Conservation...... 50

Section 6. Heritage ...... 51 6.1 Policies: Heritage ...... 51 6.2 Objectives: Heritage...... 51 6.3 Architectural Heritage ...... 51 6.4 Protection of the Architectural Heritage...... 52 6.4.1 Architectural Conservation Areas ...... 53 6.5 Policies: Architectural Heritage ...... 53 6.6 Objectives: Architectural Heritage...... 54 6.7 Archaeology ...... 54 6.8 Burial Grounds...... 55 6.9 Policies: Burial Grounds ...... 55 6.10 Natural heritage ...... 55 6.11 Landscape...... 55 6.12 Policies: Natural Heritage...... 55 6.13 Objectives: Natural Heritage...... 57 County Development Plan

Section 7. Agriculture and Mariculture ...... 58 7.1 Agriculture ...... 58 7.2 Viability Status of Farms in Co. Galway ...... 59 7.2.1 Viable Farmers (1,000) – 8%:...... 59 7.2.2 Part-Time Farmers (7,000) – 52%: ...... 59 7.2.3 Non-Viable – “Young” (650) – 5%:...... 59 7.2.4 Non-Viable – “Older Farmers” (4,700) – 35%:...... 59 7.2.5 Organic Farming ...... 59 7.3 Policies: Agriculture...... 59 7.4 Forestry ...... 60 7.5 Policies: Forestry...... 60 7.6 Coastal Areas ...... 60 7.6.1 Integrated Coastal Zone Management ...... 60 7.7 Policies: Coastal Zone...... 61 7.8 Objectives: Coastal Zone...... 61 7.9 Marine Resources ...... 61 7.10 Piers and Harbours: Policies ...... 61 7.11 Policies: Marine...... 62

Section 8. Major Accidents Directive ...... 63

Section 9. Tourism...... 64 9.1 Agri-tourism ...... 64 9.2 Policies: Tourism...... 64 9.3 Objectives: Tourism ...... 66 9.4 Lough Corrib ...... 66 9.5 Blue Flag Beaches ...... 66 9.6 Policies: Lakes and Beaches ...... 67

Section 10. Social Community and Cultural...... 68 10.1 Cultural Heritage and Community identity...... 68 10.2 Policies: Cultural Protection...... 68 10.3 An Ghaeltacht...... 68 10.4 na Gaillimhe ...... 69 10.5 Preserving and Promoting the Gaeltacht in the Planning Process...... 69 10.6 The ...... 70 10.7 People from the Gaeltacht working outside the Gaeltacht ...... 70 10.8 Economic Development ...... 70 10.9 Language Impact Statement...... 70 10.10 Naming of Residential Developments:...... 71 10.11 Community Services...... 71 County Development Plan

10.12 Policies: Community Services...... 71 10.13 Recreation Amenity...... 72 10.14 Policies: Recreation Amenity ...... 72 10.15 Objectives: Recreation Amenity...... 73

Section 11. Development Control: Objectives And Standards...... 74

Zoning Matrix...... 86

List Of Tables Table 2.1 Projected Distribution of Residential Units 2003-2009. Figures are indicative only ...... 15 Table 2.2 Projected Populations/Households for GTPS Area...... 18 Table 2.3 West Galway (Excluding GTPS Area) (Projected)...... 19 Table 2.4 Electoral Area (excluding GTPS area) (Projected)...... 21 Table 2.5 Electoral Area (excluding G.T.P.S. area) (Projected) ...... 21 Table 2.6 Electoral Area (excluding G.T.P.S. area) (Projected)...... 22 Table 3.1 Current status of National Primary Route Schemes ...... 30 Table 7.1 Number of Registered Herd Owners ...... 58 Table 7.2 County Profile of Farming and Projected Trends...... 58 Table 11.1 Y –Distance (m) and Forward sight distance in metres ...... 75

NOTE

See also Record of Protected Structures and separate Appendices which form part of and should be read in conjunction with this Plan.

Appendix 1 Housing Strategy

Appendix 2 Traveller Acommodation Programme

Appendix 3 Strategic Environmental Assessment

Photographs

Picture Photographer Location

Pic. 1 Albert Comer Pic. 2 Albert Comer Tuam Pic. 3 May Prendergast The Lighthouse, Inishbofin Pic. 4 Christy Cunniffe Clonfert Cross Slab, Clonfert Pic. 5 Roisin Mitchell Kylemore Pic. 6 May Prendergast Kylemore Pic. 7 Brother Conal Thomas Caguala, Ballintubber Pic. 8 Roisin Mitchell Twelve Pins Pic. 9 Aiden Clarke Kylemore Pass Pic. 10 Aiden Clarke St. MacDarás Island Pic. 11 Aiden Clarke St. MacDarás Island Pic. 12 Aiden Clarke Abandoned Village near Leenane Pic. 13 May Prendergast Quiet Man Bridge, Leam Pic. 14 May Prendergast Ballinahinch, Pic. 15 May Prendergast * Pic. 16 May Prendergast * Pic. 17 May Prendergast * Pic. 18 Marie Mannion Ceantair na nOileann, Pic. 19 Jim Higgins Clontuskert Abbey Pic. 20 Jim Higgins Market Cross Pic. 21 Jim Higgins Drumacoo Church Pic. 22 May Prendergast * Pic. 23 Aiden Clarke High Island Pic. 24 Aiden Clarke Inishmean Pic. 25 May Prendergast * Pic. 26 May Prendergast * Pic. 27 Aiden Clarke Clonfert Cathedral Pic. 28 Aiden Clarke Poll na bPeist, Pic. 29 May Prendergast Lean Bridge, Pic. 30 May Prendergast Boffin Pic. 31 Albert Comer Eastern Bypass Pic. 32 May Prendergast Kylemore Pic. 33 May Prendergast * Pic. 34 May Prendergast * Pic. 35 May Prendergast * Pic. 36 May Prendergast Cromwellian Castle, Boffin Pic. 37 May Prendergast Corrib Pic. 38 May Prendergast Galway Bay Pic. 39 May Prendergast * Pic. 40 Marie Mannion Ceantar na nOileán, Lettermore Pic. 41 Aiden Clarke Dún Aongusa Pic. 42 May Prendergast * Pic. 43 May Prendergast Inishbofin Pic. 44 May Prendergast Lackagh Museum Pic. 45 May Prendergast Coole Park Pic. 46 May Prendergast Inishbofin Pic. 47 Aiden Clarke St. MacDarás Island Pic. 48 May Prendergast * Pic. 49 Aiden Clarke Barrow, Ballinasloe Photographs continued

Picture Photographer Location

Pic. 50 May Prendergast * Pic. 51 Jim Higgins Abbey Pic. 52 Marie Mannion Ceantar na nOileán, Lettermore Pic. 53 Roisin Mitchell Streamstown Bay Pic. 54 Marie Mannion Ceantar na nOileán Pic. 55 Aiden Clarke Wild Flowers, Inishmore Pic. 56 Aiden Clarke St. MacDarás Island Pic. 57 Aiden Clarke Inishmore, Cill Ciarán Pic. 58 May Prendergast Maam Malley Pic. 59 May Prendergast * Pic. 60 Marie Mannion Ceantar na nOileán Pic. 61 Brother Conal Thomas Pic. 62 May Prendergast Lough Corrib Pic. 63 Aiden Clarke Dún Aongusa Pic. 64 Aiden Clarke Dunguaire Pic. 65 May Prendergast Inishbofin Pic. 66 May Prendergast Lough na Fouey Pic. 67 May Prendergast Pic. 68 May Prendergast Kylemore Pic. 69 May Prendergast Ballyclare Pic. 70 May Prendergast * Pic. 71 May Prendergast Renville,

* Location of photographs are as indicated by the photographers. In some cases no location has been given. Introduction

Section 1. Introduction. This Development Plan has been prepared in accordance with the requirements of the Planning and Development Act, 2000. It relates to the administrative area of Galway County Council. It does not include the administrative area of Ballinasloe Urban District Council, as it is a separate Planning Authority.

The Plan fulfils the requirements of the relevant sections of the legislation in that it sets out a planned approach to land use and infrastructure provision so as to facilitate the social, economic and physical development of for the period 2003-2009.

It adopts a new approach for County Galway, to planning for sustainable economic development. It addresses the major issues confronting County and City; rapid development in the City, the impact of this growth on the adjoining County and the potential for this growth to be beneficial, if Pic 1 properly planned and managed. It addresses the depopulation of the more remote parts of the County and the general degradation of the environment and the diminution in the overall quality of life. The resultant changes in family and community relations pose new challenges for Local Authorities in providing, guiding and facilitating the provision of facilities, which will enhance the quality of life in County communities. The central theme of the Plan is to address these issues through the establishment and maintenance of a balance between economic and social development and the resources required and utilised to sustain that development.

More importantly, the mission statement of the Local Authority’s Corporate Plan drives the Development Plan. It is the first of the plan aims, listed below.

1.1 Plan Aims. Aim 1: Improve the quality of life for the people of Galway and maintain the County as a uniquely attractive place in which to live, work and visit. Aim 2: Create a receptive development environment in anticipation of a transfer of investment funding and employment opportunity from the East coast as part of the National Spatial Strategy. Aim 3: Conserve the natural, built and cultural uniqueness of the County whilst accepting that this uniqueness has the potential to generate economic well being, enhanced quality of life and create vibrant communities. Pic 2 Aim 4: Afford people a wide and varied choice of locations in which to live by supporting the further improvement of these locations in terms of quality and availability of services, access to employment; transport to and from these locations and connections from these locations to National transport networks. Aim 5: Consolidate the Gaeltacht and support its importance to the locally and nationally, whilst protecting its importance as a cultural reservoir. Aim 6: Facilitate access to affordable housing.

- Page 1 - Introduction

Aim 7: Recognise Galway City as a location with the potential to attract investment both to the City and to the County, with mutually beneficial consequences, if managed and planned properly. Aim 8: Facilitate and encourage greater public involvement in the planning process.

1.2 Need for a Plan. A Development Plan is needed to: - (1) Guide the development and use of land in the public interest. (2) Protect the countryside. (3) Create a positive vision of how physical development can improve a community. (4) Promote economic prosperity by delivering land for development in the right place and at the right time. (5) Identify and encourage the type, nature and scale of development necessary to sustain economic and social activity. (6) Form the basis for an efficient and user-friendly planning service. A Development Plan with a clear positive vision will enable the County to advance, socially and economically. It will also help to attract increased state and private sector investment.

In the absence of a Development Plan, based on the principles of sustainable development the County may suffer the following consequences, (1) A sharp increase in levels of congestion leading to and from the towns in the County and Galway City. (2) A continuation and possibly acceleration of the on-going depopulation of areas of the County. (3) Erosion and degradation of the amenities, particularly the rural amenity of the County. (4) Reduction in the choice and variety of location in which to live. (5) A further diminution of the Gaeltacht.

1.3 Plan Approach. The Council acknowledges the provisions of the un-adopted Draft Galway Land Use and Transportation Study and recognises the benefits that it may bring to the overall development of its study area. However, as this study has not been adopted by the Council this Plan will also seek to provide for the development needs of rural areas and communities outside of the LUTS study area, in a sustainable manner that recognises the need to provide for sustainable physical, social and economic development.

The Plan sets out to achieve its purpose by: (1) Adopting a Plan-led approach to development. (2) Providing for the growth in population by adopting the approach set down in the Countywide Settlement Strategy.

- Page 2 - Introduction

(3) Promoting policies for economic infrastructure investment. (4) Promoting policies for the protection, preservation and sustainable use of the built, natural and cultural heritage. (5) By encouraging design solutions and improvement schemes for derelict areas. (6) By identifying buildings and areas, which contribute to the intrinsic character, scale, and visual amenity of an area. (7) Identifying investment needs and committing to attracting necessary funding. (8) Determining the capacity of the landscape to absorb and support varied development types. (9) The creation of an enhanced living environment through the integration of design quality into the design process and the implementation of considered development controls.

1.4 Proper Planning and Sustainable Development. Pic 3 The Planning and Development Act, 2000, obliges Local Authorities to make the Concept of Sustainable Development, the cornerstone of Development Plans. This means managing the countryside, towns and villages in ways that meet current needs without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs. Sustainable development promotes healthy communities in rural areas; towns and villages, where people can both live and work. The main focus of new development should be on Settlement Centres where employment, housing (including affordable housing) and other facilities can be provided close together in the most efficient way. This can help to promote sustainable development by strengthening villages and market towns, protecting and conserving the open countryside, sustaining local services and moving towards a better balance between employment and housing in rural communities, thereby reducing the need to travel. If people are to remain living in rural areas then they must be afforded reasonable access to a range of services. The provision and retention of existing services can be facilitated through the planning process by preparing suitable Action Area Plans for towns and villages and if necessary by identifying suitable sites and buildings for development to meet these needs. Sustainable development drives the realisation of the potential of rural areas, towns and villages.

1.4.1 Realising the potential of existing towns and villages. Development in existing towns and villages will reduce the need to travel, revitalise and regenerate town and villages and help to reduce pressure for development of the countryside. Pic 4 Plans should optimise the level of development within existing towns and villages, consistent with maintaining and enhancing the quality of their environment.

Development, which attracts a lot of people, should be concentrated in or on the edge of existing towns and villages. The objective is to increase the proportion of people who are within walking or cycling distance of the services they require, and thus to reduce reliance on cars. - Page 3 - Introduction

A ‘sequential approach’, from the centre out, to selecting land for development, in particular housing development should be adopted. This will reduce demand for uneconomic and\or premature provision and extension of services.

Plans should be developed from a strategic vision of what existing towns and villages should be like in about 25 years time, when they are inherited by the next generation. This vision should indicate how development can contribute to re-shaping our towns and villages to make them function in a more sustainable way. The future of towns and villages must be seen positively. They are not just, receptors for new housing and other forms of development pressure.

1.4.1.1 Mixed Uses. A mix of uses can help to revitalise town and village centres. It will ensure that people have the choice of a range of facilities, which they can use, within walking distance of their homes. This in turn will reduce the need to use cars.

Towns and villages should be planned to achieve a more efficient use of land, by maximising the reuse of previously developed land and existing buildings, raising residential densities and reducing the amount of land used for roads and parking.

1.4.1.2 The Urban Fringe. The Urban Fringe serves a number of purposes including differentiating between the urban area and the adjoining countryside. It often accommodates essential but unneighbourly functions such as sewage treatment facilities. Despite strict control of urban sprawl, land use conflicts and environmental problems are evident around Galway City, Tuam, Loughrea, Athenry, and . The principles of Proper Planning and Sustainable Development dictate that the erosion of this urban fringe should be discouraged.

All development should be of good quality and recognise the interdependence of urban and rural policies.

1.4.2 Realising the potential of rural areas. Development in rural areas should:

(1) Meet the economic and social needs of people who live and work there, by promoting the efficiency and competitiveness of rural businesses, and encouraging further economic diversity to provide varied employment opportunities. (2) Maintain or enhance the character of the countryside and conserve its natural resources, safeguarding the distinctiveness of its landscapes, its beauty, the diversity of its wildlife, the quality of rural towns and villages, its historic and archeological interest and best agricultural land. (3) Shape new development patterns in a way, which minimises the need to travel.

- Page 4 - Introduction

Development should ideally: (1) Subscribe to the principle of shared responsibility for the countryside as a national asset, which serves people who live and work there as well as visitors. (2) Be based on the principle of Sustainable Development. (3) Benefit economic activity and maintain or enhance the environment. (4) Contribute to a sense of local identity and regional diversity. (5) Be of appropriate design and scale, and be in harmony with its location.

1.4.2.1 Re-use of buildings. The re-use and adaptation of existing rural buildings has an important contribution to make in furthering the concept of sustainable development, in that they can reduce demands for new building in the countryside and avoid leaving an existing building vacant to become prone to vandalism and dereliction. Consideration could be given to the re-use of existing buildings provided: (1) Their re-use does not contravene policies or objectives contained in the Development Plan. Pic 5 (2) They are of permanent and substantial construction, (3) Their form, bulk and general design are in keeping with their surroundings, (4) Their re-use does not contravene environmental, traffic or visual controls contained in the Development Plan, (5) The buildings are capable of conversion without major or complete reconstruction.

1.4.2.2 Development in designated areas. Conservation of the natural beauty of the countryside and of its wildlife and cultural heritage must be given great weight in planning policies and development control objectives for these designated areas. This does not mean that development cannot take place there, but consideration of applications for development should normally include an assessment of the impact of such development on the environment.

1.4.3 Achieving good quality development. This entails, ensuring that development is carried out to high quality design standards, accommodating necessary change, while maintaining and where possible enhancing, the quality of the environment for local people and visitors.

Development is not reserved for non-rural areas. It is accepted that rural areas can accommodate many forms of development if the location and design of development is handled with sensitivity. New development however, should be related to existing settlement patterns and to historic, wildlife, landscape and environmental resources. Building in the open countryside, away from existing settlements or from areas allocated for Pic 6 development in Development Plans, should be strictly controlled. In areas statutorily designated for their landscape, wildlife or historic qualities, policies must give greater priority to restraint.

- Page 5 - Introduction

1.5 Sustainability and the Development Plan. Sustainable development includes, integrating National and EU policies to meet the economic and social needs of people who live and work in the county, by promoting the efficiency and competitiveness of businesses and encouraging further economic diversity to provide varied employment opportunities. Wealth creation and environmental quality are interconnected, particularly in the west of the county.

Development Plans, must take account of the above planning and sustainable development principles, any statutory designation such as NHA, cSAC, SPA, any local landscape designations such as the sensitivity classes in the landscape assessment or other designations such as National Monuments, entry in the Record of Protected Structures, Architectural Conservation Areas and then endeavour to: (1) Identify and support through encouragement, suitable local and rural enterprise including the diversification of farm businesses. (2) Strengthen rural communities by encouraging new employment opportunities. (3) Facilitate an adequate supply of affordable housing to underpin local services and community facilities. (4) Achieve good quality development, which respects the character of the countryside. (5) Protect the landscape including its wildlife and historic features.

1.6 Plan Review. 1.6.1 County Profile. County Galway is the second largest County in , with an area of 6,148 square kilometres. Its population was 131,613 in 1996 and is recorded as 143,052 in Census 2002, Preliminary Report. It has a coastline of 689km, a public road system of 6500km, of which 155km are National Primary Routes and 69km of passenger rail. (Figure 1.)

It surrounds its sister Local Authority, Galway City Council that is centrally located within the geographic area of the County. The City has been designated a National Growth “Gateway” in the National Spatial Strategy. It employs 43,540 people and has 3,900 people on the Live Register.

The County contains a range of landforms and land uses, from the mountains and blanket bogs of Connemara to the prime agricultural soils of east Galway, which overlay limestone bedrock. (Figure 2.)

1.6.2 Review Context. (1) The unprecedented growth in the National economy and the increase in National population in recent years have been mirrored in Co. Galway. (2) The number of Planning Applications submitted to Galway County Council has increased from 3,160 in 1996 to 6,100 in 2000.

- Page 6 - Introduction

(3) A Land Use and Transportation Study, jointly commissioned by Galway County Council and Galway City Council, has indicated that almost 80 per cent of the growth in the County’s population has occurred in the 36km radius of Galway City, much of it along rural roads outside existing serviced settlements. (4) Since the adoption of the 1997 County Development Plan there have been policies and programmes emanating from the European Union and the National Government which impact on the powers and duties of Local Authorities and which guide and constrain Development Plans. (5) The concept of sustainability will be central to the policies and objectives of the County Development Plan. Sustainability was defined in the 1987 Brundtland Report as “development, which meets the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs”. (6) Ireland was one of 150 countries, which endorsed Agenda 21 at the UN Conference on Environment and Development (Earth Summit) in Rio de Janeiro in 1992. Agenda 21 is the major blueprint, which indicates how the world community can work towards Sustainable Development in the 21st Century. (7) The Government published “Sustainable Development, a Strategy for Ireland” in 1997. (8) The Planning and Development Act 2000 requires Development Plans to be prepared in accordance with the principles of Proper Pic 7 Planning and Sustainable Development. (9) The National Development Plan 2000-2006 is the government’s investment plan for public services during the period. Its aim is “to strengthen and improve on competitiveness so as to support continued but more balanced economic and social development”. (10)The Council has and will continue to have regard to the provisions of other policies and guidelines which relate to Housing Densities, Telecommunications, Forestry, Childcare Facilities, Rural Transport, Clár, State of the West, County Development Strategy in considering the development of the County.

1.7 Key Strategic Issues. There are a number of Key Strategic Issues, which the Plan addresses. These issues are: (1) Spatial Planning And Land Use (2) Economic Infrastructure Pic 8 (3) Housing (4) Environmental Conservation and Enhancement (5) Heritage (6) Agriculture and Mariculture. (7) Tourism (8) Social, Community and Cultural

- Page 7 - Introduction

(9) Regional Development The Regional growth centre strategy presented in the B.M.W. Development Strategy confirms the growth potential of Galway City and the extension of its influence on the County area. The strategy indicates the emergence of ‘stronger rural areas’ in the immediate environs of the urban hinterland, with the west of the County classified as ‘weaker rural’ and ‘remote rural’ areas.

The Council recognize that it has a responsibility to promote the balanced development of the County, managing the urban generated development pressures of Galway City, whilst providing for rural generated pressures in rural areas.

The Council recognize that the Development Plan must also provide for the Regional perspective and the location of the County in the Border Midland & Western Region (B.M.W Region). The central issues for the B.M.W. Region for the County as indicated in the Regional Development Strategy are:

(1) Peripherality in the context of the National, EU and International markets; (2) The lack of significant investment in the provision and upgrading of infrastructure; (3) The predominance of rural deprivation, exacerbated by the reform of agricultural practices; (4) The weakness of the urban structure on the County resulting in the dominance of Galway City over a large rural hinterland.

- Page 8 - Spatial Planning and Land Use

Section 2: Spatial Planning And Land Use. Significant residential growth has taken place in the form of ribbonised development on rural roads, in the hinterland of the City. The perimeter of the County has suffered depopulation, which has resulted in rural decline and the loss of community services in small towns and villages.

Further residential growth must be deployed in a manner consistent with sustainable principles and the balanced development of the County.

The expected increase in population provides opportunity for continued economic growth and the provision of a high level of service for all of the people in the County.

The rate of economic growth and the contingent increase in population has subjected the land in the County to ever increasing and competing demands in recent years.

The lack of a cohesive strategy and the permissive approach to “one-off” Pic 9 rural housing has resulted in a very high migration to the rural hinterland of Galway City and a consequent decline in the population of the more peripheral areas of the County.

An analysis of planning applications lodged with Galway County Council in 2000 reveals that approximately 70 per cent are for “one-off” rural houses, the great majority of which relate to the area within a radius of 25 kilometres of the City. This is the highest rate of such development countrywide and is the continuation of a trend that has been in evidence for some years.

If this liberal, facilitating policy was to continue it would: (1) Further congest the rural area close to the City (2) Deplete the variety and quality of services in the County towns and villages (3) Negate the public investment, which has already been made in servicing these towns and villages (4) Contravene National policies, which advocate balanced development, social integration, urban renewal and maintenance of strong rural communities. (5) In order to promote sustainable development and provide for the optimum use of land as a finite resource a settlement strategy has been prepared for the County. Pic 10 2.1 Settlement Strategy. 2.1.1 Definition and Rationale. A settlement strategy is a spatial expression of population distribution, settlement size, settlement role, and settlement hierarchy. The Galway County Settlement Strategy will provide a planning framework for the location of development and population over the 6-year life span of the County Development Plan and will identify potential development patterns for different areas of the County. It will also form the basis of policies necessary to create conditions that will influence the location of development in the future.

- Page 9 - Spatial Planning and Land Use

It is widely recognised that despite economic and social progress over the past decade the patterns of development which have emerged have given rise to issues relating to: (1) Imbalance between and within areas in the distribution of economic and social progress, (2) The growth and expansion of the larger urban areas giving rise to problems of congestion and housing shortage, (3) The implications of the growth of major urban centres for smaller towns, villages and rural areas, (4) Social economic and environmental consequences of current trends, (5) The role of infrastructure provision in facilitating and promoting development at local, regional and national level, (6) The relationship between economic and social planning, physical planning and land use policies.

A settlement strategy is necessary in order to achieve balanced spatial development, otherwise a non-intervention scenario will apply and the ongoing growth of Galway City will be at the expense of extensive parts of rural County Galway.

2.1.2 Context of the Strategy. For the purpose of providing a context for the drafting of a Settlement Strategy, the following policies and policy documents have been reviewed and taken into account: (1) European Environmental Policy. (2) Sustainable Development – A strategy for Ireland. (3) The National Development Plan 2000-2006. (4) The National Spatial Strategy. (5) “Ensuring the future. - A strategy for rural development in Ireland”. (6) The State of the West – recent trends and development prospects. (7) Residential density guidelines. (8) Galway County Development Plan 1997. (9) Other Development Plans within the County. (10) Draft Galway Transportation and Planning Study [G.T.P.S.]. (11) Galway County Development Board Draft Strategy. (12) Infrastructure investment and tax incentive schemes in County Galway.

2.1.3 Analysis. A detailed examination of the dynamics and distribution of population and settlement within the Galway County area for the period 1991 to 2001 indicates the following facts and emerging trends: (1) Galway City has increased its primacy over the County with a strong clustering of jobs and population in and around the City. (2) In addition to a clustering of residential development around Galway City, there is also pressure along the radial transport routes to the West and Northwest of the City.

- Page 10 - Spatial Planning and Land Use

(3) A considerable amount of the development pressure has arisen from demand for high numbers of single dwellings, particularly within the commuting zone around the City. This zone extends beyond the County boundary in places, but is most concentrated within 25 kilometres of the City. (4) Demand for residential development has improved within many of the towns and villages in the County, showing increased levels of residential development in the period 1996-2001. (5) Continued development of “one-off” rural houses at current levels, cannot be maintained due to increased service costs, lack of transport provision and negative impacts on the environment, especially to water services and visual amenity. The key lessons learned from the exercise is that development in County Galway is unevenly distributed and that the trends in “one- off” development will inevitably slow or render uneconomic, improvements to infrastructure and services, due to increased unit costs. In order to strengthen the urban fabric of the settlements around Galway City attention should be given to encouraging high quality residential standards within the towns throughout the County. Investment in infrastructure should be focused on the locations that make most planning sense and provide the best economic return. A number of potential locations are apparent, in particular towns and villages within highly vulnerable aquifer areas and near major watercourses. Pic 11 An analysis of the capacity of towns and villages throughout the County to accommodate future growth has been carried out. A total of 120 settlements have been included, ranging from small villages to the large towns of Ballinasloe and Tuam. They are well distributed throughout the County.

The objective of the analysis was to determine the potential and capacity of all areas of the County to accommodate growth. Settlements were assessed, not just individually, but as components in a local hierarchy with a view to identifying emerging linkages between settlements as well as clustering of settlements.

The capacity of each settlement was examined on the basis of a range of criteria including the following:

(1) Existing settlement size in terms of population and households, (2) Recent trends in population and household growth, (3) Presence and capacity of water services (i.e. water supply and sewerage), (4) Service functions (i.e. number of services, retail units, etc.), Pic 12 (5) Accessibility, (6) Zoned land, (7) Inclusion in programmes such as I.A.P., T.R.S., S.L.I., O.P.L.U.R.D. (8) Landscape, (9) Heritage (archaeology, architecture, culture).

- Page 11 - Spatial Planning and Land Use

2.2 Recommended Settlement Strategy. 2.2.1 Introduction. Existing local, regional and national policy documents influence the recommended Settlement Strategy for County Galway. The principles of Proper Planning and Sustainable Development, which, along with a top-down, “plan led” approach, are cornerstones of the Planning and Development Act 2000. Proper planning and sustainable development means: (1) Efficient use of energy, transport and natural resources, (2) Effective use of previously developed areas, (3) Best use of existing land and social and utility infrastructure, (4) A good quality of life for all sections of the community, and (5) Protection and enhancement of the natural environment. The Council also recognise that sustainability is an all-embracing concept that must not only have regard to the physical use of resources, but also to the sustainable development and uses of community facilities and resources.

The Council recognise that the sustainable development of the County must also have regard to the fact that many rural settlements act as service centres for an established rural hinterland with an existing community that must be catered for.

In turn the Council recognise that the sustainable development of rural villages and centres (and the continued maintenance of local social infrastructure such as shops and schools) can be facilitated by development in hinterland areas, by those with a genuine rural generated local need, which contribute to a critical mass of population, sufficient to maintain local services in declining villages. Development will be permitted which allows for the sustainable continuation of rural communities.

2.3 Settlement Strategy and Sustainable development. Set out below is a set of sustainable development principles, which dictate the recommended settlement strategy. The principles are compatible with the concepts contained in the Galway Transportation and Planning Study and the National Spatial Strategy.

2.3.1 The role of Galway City. The envisaged role, in the National Spatial Strategy, of Galway City as a successful Regional Gateway, is crucial to the future of the County as a whole. The growth of Galway City, a designated Gateway in the National Plan, benefits the whole of the County and the wider region. The future prosperity of towns and villages near the City and the quality of life of people living in the commuting ring around Galway City depend on the City retaining its dynamic growth character. As an attractor of inward investment and a provider of regional services and facilities, the City plays urban roles, which other towns in the County cannot play. It is therefore essential that the settlement strategy provides for expansion of the Gateway.

- Page 12 - Spatial Planning and Land Use

2.3.2 The role of towns and villages. Growing prosperous towns are crucial to ensuring economic well- being and quality of life. Residential growth should be directed to the towns of the county where services, facilities and employment opportunities outside Galway City are concentrated. Ballinasloe, Tuam, Loughrea, Athenry, Gort, Oranmore and are successful towns, which also need to be supported by policies promoting growth. Directing new growth to established towns underpins the economic role of the towns to provide a good quality of life, not just for townspeople but also for families living in the surrounding countryside.

2.3.3 Self-sufficient towns. Towns, which have a high degree of self-sufficiency, reduce the demand for travel and provide a good quality of life. Outside of the Galway City commuting area there are attractive towns, which either already possess a high degree of self-sufficiency or have the capacity to develop in this manner. Self-sufficient towns are towns where a large proportion of the population living in the towns and the surrounding countryside are able to live, work, shop, go to school and enjoy their recreation, without the need for constant travel. Pic 13 Towns, which fall into this category, are Ballinasloe, Clifden and Portumna. There are also towns which function as commuter satellites of Galway City, but which have a strong local service function and have strong or potentially strong local economic bases. These towns: Tuam, Loughrea, Athenry, Oranmore, Gort, Oughterard and also have the potential to develop an increasing degree of self-sufficiency.

2.3.4 Dormitory Settlements. There is an attractive and sustainable role for towns and villages close to Galway City as dormitory settlements. There is a sustainable role for towns and villages close to Galway City even though they function partly or wholly as dormitory settlements from which people commute to work and school. A sustainable role requires good transport connections to Galway and good provision of local services and facilities.

Subject to the provision of appropriate services, encouraging the location of residential development unrelated to essential rural needs in the 42 towns and villages in the Galway Transportation and Planning Study area, identified in the strategy, will help to ensure an adequate provision of local services and to create the conditions for better provision of public transport connections in future.

2.3.5 Importance of a network of successful villages and small Pic 14 towns. A network of successful villages and small towns is required to support essential local services and facilities. These are important for a good quality of life for farming communities and for other people living in the countryside. The closure of schools, banks, shops and post offices and the discontinuation and downgrading of other services can partly be explained by static and declining populations in small towns and villages in recent decades.

- Page 13 - Spatial Planning and Land Use

It is the intention of the Council to actively plan and manage the areas that surround many of these towns in association with the Town Councils as they are intrinsically linked to towns which they surround in both their land use and amenity use.

2.3.6 Coping with a poorly developed urban structure. Groupings of settlements can be exploited to deliver good quality living environments where an urban structure is poorly developed. Outside of Galway City there are no large towns in County Galway and only two medium sized towns, Ballinasloe and Tuam. Some parts of the County, notably the Gaeltacht, have no urban structure. In these circumstances it is possible to exploit the potential of groups of settlements to provide the services and facilities, which would otherwise be provided by a single town.

2.3.7 Planning for public transport provision. Settlements can be planned to encourage public transport provision. Because of its highly dispersed nature the settlement structure of County Galway depends on travel by car. This will continue to be the case even though a high level of dependence is undesirable on social, environmental, and economic grounds. However, significant change, leading to an increase in public transport, can be achieved by adopting a ‘plan-led’ approach. This is what is proposed in the Ardaun corridor. The settlement strategy as a whole proposes the concentration of new residential development in 120 designated settlements instead of a continuation of a general dispersal of growth, most of it occurring outside of settlements. The general thrust of the settlement strategy will improve the conditions for the operation of public transport throughout the county.

2.3.8 Landscape and environment: resources to be protected. The settlement strategy must preserve the landscape and environmental resources of the County. Much of the quality of life in County Galway is God-given and cannot be recovered if it is lost. Beautiful landscapes and clean, fresh water are part of the county’s natural heritage. Where such resources are concerned, the policy imperative must be to avoid damage to the resource. One of the most worrying aspects of development over the last 5 years is the concentration of residential development in the form of “one-off” houses in an area east of Galway City where a major water aquifer is located. The continuation of this development is not sustainable.

2.3.9 Household Projections. The revised forecasts in the Galway Transportation and Planning Study Interim Report 2001, which takes account of the gateway function of Galway City, envisage a growth of 21,850 houses in the G.T.P.S. area between 2001 and 2016.

Over the 15-year period from 2001-2016, the County portion of the G.T.P.S. area will make provision for 14,250 houses. The Council recognise that the City has the potential to accommodate up to 35 % of this growth with the remainder in the County area. While there will be an emphasis on promoting the concentration of this development in the G.T.P.S. area the Council recognise that there

- Page 14 - Spatial Planning and Land Use

must be provision for those with an essential rural housing need, in rural areas of the County outside the G.T.P.S. area, in order for this Development Plan to provide a realistic settlement strategy for the overall County and not just the key urban areas. Pro-rata, this translates to 950 houses per annum. This level of growth correlates to an additional 5700 houses in the six years of the new Development Plan (within the G.T.P.S. area).

Similar population, employment and household projections have been made for West and East Galway County to make provision for the areas outside the G.T.P.S. area. These population and household projections on which the strategy is based are set out in the working paper prepared for Galway County and Constituent Elements. The Council recognise the need for the provision of housing in the rural areas outside the G.T.P.S. and has identified the need for additional housing in West and East Galway over the Plan period. The figures Pic 15 indicate the need for an additional 100 houses per annum in the west and 250 per annum in the east of the county over the plan period.

Table 2.1 summarises the number of units to be distributed by area between 2003 and 2009. The Council recognise that this provision may have to be accommodated on rural landholdings (subject to development control standards and policies) where insufficient properties are developed in serviced areas to meet the need. Furthermore, where the proposed transfer of an existing property subject to an enurement clause to an individual who qualifies for rural housing is sought, the Council will remove the clause from the original applicant /property subject to planning permission.

Area Residential Units Residential Units (Per annum) (6 year period) GTPS Area 950 5700 West Galway (excl. 100 600 GTPS) East Galway (excl. 250 1500 GTPS) Total 1300 7800

Table 2.1 Projected Distribution of Residential Units 2003-2009. Figures are indicative only 2.4 Future Development Options. The implications of continuing as before versus adopting a plan led approach have been examined. The “do nothing” or non-intervention option continues the development trends evident since 1996. The second option is the plan led approach and this forms the recommended strategy. The implications of each alternative are laid out below. Pic 16 2.4.1 Implications of non-intervention option. The current county development plan and the various town plans have probably not significantly influenced the pattern of development within the county in the last decade. They have played an important regulatory role but have had little impact on

- Page 15 - Spatial Planning and Land Use

the settlement structure in the county. During this period the majority of growth has occurred outside the towns and villages, even though land was zoned for development, and has been predominated by low density one-off houses. These trends are described in detail in Section 3.2.3. Galway County Settlement Strategy.

If trends continue, Galway City and its hinterland would absorb the majority of future residential development at the expense of other towns and villages. This sprawling development would encourage unsustainable travel patterns and increase peak hour traffic flows on the main roads approaching the City and other urban settlements.

Current trends would also see the predominance of one-off houses in the countryside continue. This would use up a valuable agricultural resource, impact on water quality, reduce biodiversity and detract from the quality of the landscape.

The dispersal of development away from smaller towns and villages would also impact upon the level of service provision in those settlements so that in time it may not be possible for service providers to continue, resulting in the closure of schools, post offices, banks and shops.

The Council recognises that uncontrolled development is not sustainable. However, it also recognises that failure to provide for local needs is not sustainable as it has the potential to displace local communities away from the area in which they seek to live thereby reducing the capacity of rural areas to represent effective catchment areas for local service centres and small settlements. Having regard to this the Council recognises the need to properly regulate rural developments so that they do not infringe on rural amenities, economic activities and the environment while also ensuring that local needs (including housing needs) are provided for.

2.5 Hierarchy of Settlements. The reason for distinguishing settlement hierarchy is that it allows us visualise the relationships between different types of towns within a locality. The hierarchy takes into account more than the size of the town but rather aims to describe the role of the town within its neighbourhood and region. Towns and villages serve a number of roles or functions and a clear-cut, single classification is not always possible. To represent this plurality this report has adopted a four-tiered system where some towns and villages may be categorised into more than one category. (Figure 4.) The hierarchy consists of:

Galway City Gateway and Galway City is a vital economic driver for associated ‘dormitory’ the entire West region. The types satellite towns. of services provided by the city reach beyond the county boundary. Significant employers include large public service and industrial organisations that draw employees from the network of satellite towns surrounding the city.

- Page 16 - Spatial Planning and Land Use

Service Hubs They provide an extensive range of services including health, community, financial employment and retail. These towns have a strong historical identity as market towns and in most cases have relatively well-developed infrastructure. Sustained growth in these settlements is required to achieve their potential as self-sustaining towns in their own right. Close to Galway City, service hubs also serve as satellite towns.

Local Service Centres These settlements provide a more limited range of services to smaller hinterlands than service hubs. Service provision often includes a range of retail and educational services (e.g. location of secondary school), but limited financial, health and community services.

Small Settlements These smaller settlements provide only basic services to their community, such as convenience Pic 17 goods and petrol. Education services normally extend to primary education only. Despite the small number of services, these settlement are distinguished from mere house clusters by the presence of such services which serve an important community purpose and provide the basis for further future development. (Figure 5: Shows the distribution of towns and villages within Electoral Areas)

2.6 Settlement Strategy and GTPS compared. The County Galway Settlement Strategy recommends a slightly revised version of G.T.P.S. Option 3 (Urban/Rural Balance). This option can be summarised as follows: (1) Galway City experiences population growth of 3,000 people between 2001 and 2016. (2) Houses are allocated to Galway City and a further 2,600 to the city part of the Ardaun corridor. This results in the total population for the city increasing from 57,200 in 1996 to 72,650 in 2016. (3) The Ardaun corridor has been apportioned 6,700 houses of which 2,600 houses are in the city part of the corridor and 4,100 houses in the county part. Tuam receives an additional 2,500 houses between 2001 and 2016. This results in a population increase of 5,600 in 1996 Pic 18 to 13,000 in 2016 an extra 7,400 people. (4) Athenry, Loughrea, Gort and Oranmore receive in the region of 1,000 to 1,250 additional houses during the period 2001 to 2016. This increases the 2016 population of Athenry to 4,500 people, of Loughrea to 6,380 people, of Gort to 3,920 people and of Oranmore to 4,800 people. (5) The rural settlements receive between 20 and 100 new houses between 2001 and 2016. The rural residual is 10% of the County total, which equates to 1,400 additional houses. This would result in a corresponding population of 50,550 people living in the open countryside by 2016, a population increase of 1,700 people between 1996 and 2016. - Page 17 - Spatial Planning and Land Use

(6) Based on the assumption that growth will occur at a reasonably steady rate over the period of the G.T.P.S., Table 2.2 shows a pro-rata allocation of households by settlement for the period from 2003 to 2009. The difference between the County Galway Settlement Strategy recommendation and the Colin Buchanan and Partners Option 3 is the nomination of seven additional small settlements for growth. These are Caherlistrane, Abbeyknockmoy, Clonboo, Ballyglunnin, , Labane and Table 2.2.

Area Estimated Household Household Population Allocation Allocation 2001 2001-2016 2003-2009 City Areas Galway City 62,751 5,000 2,000 Ardaun (City) 0 2,600 1,040 Settlements over 1000 Population Ardaun (County) 0 4,100 1,640 Tuam 7,332 2,500 1,000 Athenry 2,100 1,000 400 Loughrea 4,296 1,000 400 Gort 1,389 1,000 400 Oranmore 1,615 1,250 500 Settlements with Population 500-1000 Oughterard, Headford, , , , 4,457 1,200 480 Settlements with less than 500 Population and Rural Areas Carrabane, , , , Clarenbridge, , Furbo, Knock, Na Minna, Tully/Ballynahown, Lackagh, , Corofin, Belclare, , Kiltullagh, , Corrandulla, Ballindereen, Kilchreest, Attymon, Peterswell, Killeenadeema, Caherlistrane, Abbeyknockmoy, Clonboo, Ballyglunnin, Kilcolgan, Labane and Roscahill 59,726 2,200 880 Total City and County GTPS Area 143,666 21,850 8,740 County GTPS Area Total 80,912 14,250 5,700

Table 2.2 Projected Populations/Households for GTPS Area

The Council will give immediate priority to improvements in the designated settlements within the lifetime of the plan so that they can meet the identified housing targets. Where this will not be achieved in the lifetime of the plan the Council will endeavour to facilitate the identified housing demand in a manner that is environmentally sensitive and will review the draft County Settlement Strategy accordingly. The Manager will report specifically on the likely development of new / improved infrastructure schemes to meet development pressures and facilitate the draft County Settlement Strategy within two years of the adoption of the plan, as per the provisions of Section 15(2) of the Planning and Development Act 2000 and state whether or not the necessary facilities will be provided and operational within the lifetime of the plan.

- Page 18 - Spatial Planning and Land Use

2.6.1 Settlement Strategy for West Galway. There are twenty-four settlements identified in the Strategy in west Galway sector outside of the G.T.P.S. study area and these are set out in Table 2.3. The household growth projection for this area over the period 2003 to 2009 is for an increase of 600 households. The allocation of this growth is set out in Table 2.1.

Area Percentage Residential of allocation Units for area (6 year period) Settlements with a population of 500-1000 Clifden 33% 198 22.5% 135 Settlements with a population of 200-500 Lettermore, , , Roundstone, Carna, Lettermullen, 22.5% 135 Settlements less than 200 population and Rural Areas Tullycross, , , Leenane, , , , Renvyle, Glinsk, 22% 132 , , Recess, Claddaghduff, Maam, Pic 19 Total West Galway 100% 600

Table 2.3 West Galway (Excluding GTPS Area) (Projected)

Clifden is the largest settlement and the principal town in northwest Connemara and as such has an important role to play as a service hub for the west Connemara area. Based on the strategy, the town will absorb 33% of the growth identified for west Galway. It is a service hub for a large hinterland extending from Carna to the south, Maam Cross to the east and Leenane to the north and due to its remoteness from Galway City it performs an important service function for this rural hinterland.

The town has significant natural amenities; a well developed tourist industry and considerable tourism capacity. Clifden is also one of five towns in County Galway included in the Town Renewal Tax Incentive Scheme. In order to maintain and enhance its role as a tourism and service centre for northwest Connemara a household growth of 33% or 198 residential units is recommended over the plan period.

However, if Clifden is to achieve this level of growth in a sustainable Pic 20 manner major improvement in water services will be necessary over the Plan period. In addition to employment in the tourism industry the creation of additional industrial employment will be necessary to avoid unsustainable commuting to Galway and other employment centres.

- Page 19 - Spatial Planning and Land Use

Carraroe is perceived as the administrative centre of the south Connemara Gaeltacht. It is the aim of Udarás na Gaeltachta to develop the critical mass of Carraroe to a point where it can support a range of services, which will encourage employees of local industries to live in the Gaeltacht area. To further this aim a development plan for Carraroe has been prepared jointly by Galway County Council and Udarás na Gaeltachta. To achieve this aim and to fulfil its role as the principal urban/administrative centre in the South Connemara Gaeltacht a growth of at least 135 households is recommended over the plan period (22.5% of the total for west Galway). In order to achieve this level of growth major improvements in water services will be required over the plan period. Carraroe is seen as a secondary service hub for the West Galway area that will improve and consolidate service provision and residential capacity for the Gaeltacht region.

Of the remaining 23 settlements in West Galway sector, seven are in the 200-500-population category and all are classified as ‘Small Settlements’. These are set out in Table 2.3 West Galway (Excluding GTPS Area) (Projected). An aggregate household growth of 135 of the total allocated for west Galway is recommended for these seven settlements. The remaining 132 households over the plan period are apportioned between the villages in the 30-200-population category and rural housing.

The Council will give immediate priority to improvements in the designated settlements within the lifetime of the plan so that they can meet the identified housing targets. Where this will not be achieved in the lifetime of the plan the Council will endeavour to facilitate the identified housing demand in a manner that is environmentally sensitive and will review the draft County Settlement Strategy accordingly. The Manager will report specifically on the likely development of new / improved infrastructure schemes to meet development pressures and facilitate the draft County Settlement Strategy within two years of the adoption of the plan, as per the provisions of Section 15(2) of the Planning and Development Act 2000 and state whether or not the necessary facilities will be provided and operational within the lifetime of the plan.

The Council will also facilitate essential rural housing in the context of the provisions of Section 4.8 Rural Housing and associated Policies and Development Control Standards in particular DCStandard 11: (Permissible Rural Housing) and DCStandard 1: (Residential Access to National and Other Restricted Roads), of this Plan in the West Galway Sector.

2.6.2 Settlement Strategy for East Galway. There are 18 no. settlements identified in the Ballinasloe Electoral area outside of the G.T.P.S. study area including the town of Ballinasloe, these form the Ballinasloe Sector. An increase of 627 households is projected for this area over the Plan period. In total 75% of these households or 470 residential units are apportioned to the three largest settlements in the Ballinasloe Electoral Area (i.e. Ballinasloe, Ahascragh and ). The remaining 25% (157

- Page 20 - Spatial Planning and Land Use

households) are apportioned between the 15 remaining settlements and rural housing in the countryside.

Area Percentage Residential allocated Units (6 year period) Settlements with a population over 5000 Ballinasloe (including Ahascragh, Eyrecourt) 75% 470 All other Settlements and Rural Areas Banagher, Fohenagh, , Aughrim, Caltra, Clonfert, Kiltormer, , Lawrencetown, , , Ballinamore Bridge, 25% 157 Cappataggle, New Inn, Gorteen Total 100% 627

Table 2.4 Ballinasloe Electoral Area (excluding GTPS area) (Projected)

Ballinasloe is the largest urban area in the County outside of Galway City and is strategically located on the Galway Dublin National Primary Route and the Galway Dublin railway line. The town has a significant service capacity and acts as a service hub for East Galway where it serves a substantial catchment. In addition it Pic 21 has the potential to benefit from its proximity to Athlone’s growth as a regional gateway. Ballinasloe also has a newly developed I.D.A. Business and Technology Park.

Ahascragh and Eyrecourt function as local service centres for surrounding areas and smaller villages. However substantial upgrading of water and other services will be necessary if they are to realise the household growth apportioned in the settlement strategy.

A total of thirteen settlements have been identified in the Loughrea Electoral Area outside of the G.T.P.S. study area of which the largest settlement is Portumna. The total projected household increase in this area over the Plan period is 246 of which 60% or 148 residential units have been apportioned to Portumna. This amounts to a household growth rate of 32% in Portumna over the Plan period. The remaining household growth has been apportioned between the other twelve settlements in addition to rural housing in this area.

Area Percentage Residential allocated Units (6 year period) Settlements with a population over 1000 Portumna 60% 148 All other Settlements and Rural Areas Woodford, Kilimor, Gorteeny, Tynagh, Kilreekil, Duniry, Abbey, Derrybrien, 40% 98 Pic 22 Bullaun, Ballinakill, Drim, Moyglass, Tiernascragh Total 100% 246

Table 2.5 Loughrea Electoral Area (excluding G.T.P.S. area) (Projected)

- Page 21 - Spatial Planning and Land Use

Portumna, which has a population in excess of 1200 persons, functions as a service hub for Southeast Galway, forming the Southeast Sector. It has significant natural amenities, in particular its location on the River Shannon at the upper end of Lough Derg. Portumna has spare capacity in terms of water services and is an established location for industrial employment, therefore, a 32% household growth increase over the Plan period is recommended. Portumna is one of five towns in the County included in the Town Renewal Scheme. However, there is considerable potential for further development of the tourist industry, and additional industrial employment will be necessary if Portumna is to reach the level of growth projected in a sustainable way.

22 settlements have been identified in the Tuam Electoral Area outside of the G.T.P.S. study area to make up the Northeast Sector. An increase of 298 households is projected for this area over the Plan period of which 60% of this household growth has been apportioned to the four towns of , , and each acting as local service centres. This represents a 25% household growth in these four towns over the Plan period. These four towns have performed well in terms of household growth over the 1996 to 2001 period. They have the potential to benefit from their relative proximity to Tuam which is identified in the G.T.P.S. strategy as a major growth centre in the study area and which functions as a Service Hub for the Northeast of the county.

Area Percentage Residential allocated Units (6 year period) Settlements with a population over 500 Mountbellew, Dunmore, Ballygar, Glenamaddy 60% 179 All other Settlements and Rural Areas , Williamstown, , , , Milltown, Kilconly, Creggs, Clonbern, Cortoon, , Lavally, Kiltevna, Glinsk, Sylane, Kilbennan, Briarfield, Brownsgrove. 40% 119 Total 100% 298

Table 2.6 Tuam Electoral Area (excluding G.T.P.S. area) (Projected)

While Ballygar is located at the northeastern edge of the County it is on a National Secondary Route and has strong links with Roscommon in addition to being included in the Town Renewal Tax Incentive Scheme. However, there are serious deficiencies in water services in all four towns Mountbellew, Dunmore, Ballygar and Glenamaddy) and if the recommended 25% household growth is to be achieved, significant improvements in the service capacity of these towns will be necessary.

- Page 22 - Spatial Planning and Land Use

2.7 Town And Village Settlements. The Settlement Strategy for the county indicates a hierarchy of towns and villages, which cater for the balanced and sustainable growth of the County and would provide a range of residential choices for those people who are not connected with family farm activity in the county.

2.8 Other Residential Development Nodes. The settlement centres selected by the countywide settlement strategy were selected based on size, role and where the settlement sits in the overall hierarchy of settlements. This enables policies to be implemented that will create balanced development on a countywide basis and also create the environment for external investment. It is widely recognised that despite economic and social progress over the past decade, the patterns of development which have emerged have given rise to issues in relation to: (1) Imbalance between and within areas in relation to the distribution of Pic 23 economic and social progress (2) The growth and expansion of the larger urban areas giving rise to problems of congestion and housing shortage (3) The implications of the growth of major urban centres for smaller towns, villages and rural areas (4) Social economic and environmental consequences of current trends (5) The role of infrastructure provision in facilitating and promoting development at local, regional and national level (6) The relationship between economic and social planning, physical planning and land use policies

A Development Plan is primarily concerned with physical planning and land use policies. Unless a specific framework is created social and economic issues do not receive sufficient attention in particular social issues. The Settlement Strategy and supporting policies provide this framework.

It is accepted that unanticipated changes will take place in the distribution of population and that these changes will have an impact on the relative contribution that each centre has to make. It is also accepted that there is a potential need for some provision for those areas that do not qualify as settlement centres but can accommodate some housing.

2.9 Commercial Rural Enterprise Centres. Suitable centres will be identified to facilitate the growth of Rural Enterprises.

2.10 Policies: Spatial Planning And Land Use.

Policy 1 It will be the policy of the Planning Authority to actively pursue the implementation of the Settlement Strategy for the County. Pic 24

Policy 2 The development boundaries of any settlement for which a local plan has been prepared will be the boundaries as adopted in that plan.

- Page 23 - Spatial Planning and Land Use

Policy 3 Development proposals will be expected to be compatible with the land use zoning matrices in the relevant plan, or in the absence of such, shall be in compliance with the Zoning Matrix of this development plan.

Policy 4 There will be no specific land use zoning for service centres and small settlements.

Policy 5 Arising from the foregoing study and its proposed deployment of population growth it is the policy of the Planning Authority to direct residential development into the designated settlement locations only where and when the appropriate infrastructure will be available within the lifetime of the plan to cater for the per annum development targets specified.

Policy 6 Housing development in rural areas outside defined settlements shall be considered in the context of the provisions of Section 4.8 Rural Housing and associated policies and Development Control Standards in particular DCStandard 11: (Permissible Rural Housing) and DCStandard 1: (Residential Access to National and Other Restricted Roads).

Policy 7 Favourable consideration will be given to residential development in those locations that are not included in the Settlement Strategy centres but are suitable to receive housing of a scale appropriate to the existing population and services or potential services.

Policy 8 Initiate and develop a programme for the provision of infrastructure and other services in the said settlement locations and, where desirable, will facilitate by way of public/private partnership the provision of these services. The Council will prepare this prior to the adoption of this Development Plan. It will be the policy of the Council to spend resources in an equitable manner.

Policy 9 Deploy resources in an equitable manner.

Policy 10 In the case of villages with derelict or redundant buildings the planning authority will develop a programme which will:

(1) Enforce the removal of derelict buildings;

(2) Encourage and facilitate the regeneration of viable uses;

(3) Acquire such derelict sites which are suited to the county council’s statutory requirements;

(4) Prepare design solutions and improvement schemes for key derelict areas.

- Page 24 - Spatial Planning and Land Use

Policy 11 In the case of derelict /semi ruinous buildings generally, encourage their redevelopment for commercial, residential or economic purposes. In practice the redevelopment of these buildings will be permitted where they: (1) Can be adequately serviced. (2) Have their original external walls largely intact.

Policy 12 The refurbishment of derelict structures may not be possible due to conflict with Building Regulations. In such instances the Council will consider permitting development. It will be a requirement that the proposed development be designed to be externally similar to the original property, using traditional materials. An enurement clause will not be imposed where the property is in the ownership of a local farm holder on their holding. Pic 25 Policy 13 In the case of larger towns and villages, for which comprehensive development plans or zoning plans have been prepared, developments shall be in accordance with the zoning requirements of the said plans.

Policy 14 In the case of smaller settlements for which no specific plans are available, development shall be confined to within a radius of 300m to 500 metres from what the Planning Authority considers to be the centre of gravity of the village.

Policy 15 Set the planning boundaries for settlement centres at the current location of the 30 mph speed limit. In future alterations to the speed limits will not be reflected in the planning boundaries.

Policy 16 Where the settlement is divided by a major traffic route, developments within the said boundary will be restricted where they would give rise to significant pedestrian or vehicular movements across the route to established village services.

Policy 17 Clustered housing developments will be facilitated within the settlement areas provided that they are in scale with the growth rates, which are indicated in the strategy, and that they are in keeping with the design guidelines for such clusters as indicated in “Galway Clustered Housing Design Guidelines”.

Policy 18 In order to control the scale of development a deviation in the allocated population of up to 30% will generally be acceptable, Pic 26 between 30% and 50% will be assessed in the context of the group of settlements and the growth experienced by each, over 50% generally will not be accepted. Regard will also be had to the rate of growth in each settlement.

Policy 19 All residential, commercial and industrial development proposals will in general be facilitated and will be assessed on the “friendly neighbour” principal.

Policy 20 Cluster developments will be required to have an adequate domestic water supply and effluent treatment.

- Page 25 - Spatial Planning and Land Use

Policy 21 Support the organic growth of small rural enterprises from on farm supplementary income level to commercial viability by the identification of Commercial Settlement Zone.

2.11 Objectives: Spatial Planning And Land Use.

Objective 1: There is a need to make plans for centres identified in accordance with their placement on the settlement hierarchy. Formulate in a number of towns and villages, representative of the five electoral areas, local plans in conjunction with the local community.

Objective 2: Prepare a report with recommendations on the phasing of the plans.

Objective 3: Establish the settlement zone boundaries as soon as possible but not later than the lifetime of the plan.

Objective 4: The Planning Authority will examine the area of lands, which are situated between the N.17, R.339. Galway City Eastern By-pass and the City’s Eastern boundary with a view to formulating an Action Area Plan, which will set out appropriate, land uses and road uses.

Objective 5: Local village improvement plans will be prepared by the Planning Authority in consultation with local residents in a representative number of the service centres and settlements.

Objective 6: Identify necessary infrastructure services and facilitate its provision by both public and private investment.

Objective 7: Prepare local area plans for the service hubs, which set out land use zoning for residential and various service developments.

Objective 8: A zoning plan will be prepared for Craughwell, for example, although in its case the long term road reservation will have to be removed / revised in light of NRA objectives.

Objective 9: The revision of the status of other long term road reservations will be assessed as part of the preparation of zoning plans throughout the County

Objective 10: Identify Commercial Rural Enterprise Centres consistent with emerging identified demand.

2.12 Retail Strategy: Background Information. In January 2001 the Department of Environment and Local Government issued Retail Planning Guidelines (RPG) for Planning Authorities.

The RPG’s were published to provide a comprehensive framework for retail planning. They are designed to assist planning authorities in

- Page 26 - Spatial Planning and Land Use

preparing plans and assessing planning applications. They also offer guidance to retailers/developers in the planning of development projects.

The five key policy objectives of the Retail Planning Guidelines are to: (1) Ensure plans incorporate clear retail polices and proposals for retail development. (2) Facilitate a competitive and healthy environment for the retail industry. (3) Promote forms of retailing that are easily accessible – i.e. public transport in a location, which encourages multi–purpose shopping, business and leisure trips on the same journey. (4) Support the continuing role of the town centre as a preferred location for retail development. (5) Establish a presumption against large retail centres located adjacent or close to existing or planned national roads/motorways (Retail Planning Guidelines 2000)

Central to the guidelines is the principle of a hierarchy. The guidelines highlight the retail hierarchy within the state and promote this approach as being a sustainable basis for considering zoning requirements for retail Pic 27 developments.

The guidelines stress the importance of town centres and indicate that the vitality and viability of such centres is critical to the retail element. They indicate that it will be appropriate for planning authorities to adopt a pro- active role in enhancing town centres so that they can achieve their full potential and continually improve as retail destinations.

The guidelines reiterate the floor space caps imposed by the Local Government (Planning and Development) General Policy Directive (Shopping) 1998: A capping of 3,500 m2 in the Greater Dublin Area and 3,000m2 elsewhere within the state on food store development.

The RPG also outline general principles for assessing new developments and indicate types of development where more particular criteria may be used. These include: -

(1) Regional Shopping Centres (2) District Centres (3) Large Food stores (4) Discount Food Stores (5) Retail Parks and Retail Warehouses (6) Factory Outlet Centres (7) Retail Warehouse Clubs (8) Shops in Small Towns and Rural Areas Pic 28 (9) Village Shops (10) Local Shops (11) Petrol Filling Stations

- Page 27 - Spatial Planning and Land Use

2.13 Retail Planning Guidelines requirement for Development Plans. In order to accommodate retail development in an efficient, equitable and sustainable manner, the guidelines require Local Authorities to incorporate clear policies and proposals for retailing into development plans.

The RPG recognises that because retail planning requires the consideration of catchment areas, jointly prepared retail strategies may be appropriate for some local authorities. This is because catchments may extend beyond administrative boundaries.

2.14 Policies: Retail Strategy. Policy 22: Recognise the principles established in the Retail Planning Guidelines issued by the DoELG 2001 as the primary basis for the control of future retail development – This will be augmented by the retail strategy, which the Council is preparing.

- Page 28 - Economic Infrastructure

Section 3. Economic Infrastructure. Economic infrastructure encompasses roads, public transport, water services, wastewater, solid waste management, telecommunications and energy networks. The stock of public infrastructure in an economy is a major determinant of its competitiveness. Any policy that restricts the availability or diminishes the effectiveness of economic infrastructure is not in accordance with proper planning and sustainable development.

The provision of electricity, telecommunications, natural gas and public transport is seen as essential to the social and economic well-being of the county’s community.

The disadvantages of peripherality in National and European terms can be offset by the quality of those services and their continual improvement apace with the growing population. The challenge will be in their provision and usage in an eco-friendly and eco-efficient manner.

Galway, due to its peripheral location relies heavily on its public road Pic 29 network for transportation.

Investment in infrastructure is a fundamental requirement in matching the quantity and quality of the various services to the growth of and the deployment of population as indicated in Section 3.3 of County Galway Settlement Strategy, and thus to provide for sustainable development.

A continual programme of improvement of infrastructure is required to: (1) Improve the economic performance of the County (2) Give effect to the settlement strategy (3) Facilitate the implementation of the National Spatial Strategy (4) Support the Principle of Sustainability (5) Redress the imbalance in service quality both in the national context and between different areas of the County (6) Protect the quality of the environment in the County The various infrastructure requirements are set below.

3.1 Roads and Transportation. In line with the increasing population and economic growth there has been an increase of 50 per cent in the registration of new motor vehicles in the county between 1998 and 2000. This has caused further congestion on the public road system.

The ongoing roads improvement programme, which is being implemented by the Roads Project Office of the Council, will deliver the necessary improvements to National and non-National Routes. This programme will provide better connection from all parts of the County to the trans-national network, relieve areas of congestion and improve safety levels on all public roads. Pic 30

Recent government guidance identifies the need to develop transportation based on the principles of sustainable development. To achieve this, Galway County Council aims to develop a suitable balance between the use of private vehicular transport and alternative modes of transport.

- Page 29 - Economic Infrastructure

3.2 Roads. The road network can be classified into 2 strands: strategic routes which include National Primary and National Secondary routes and non-national roads including Regional Roads and Local Roads.

The Roads Project Office of the Council manages the ongoing National Roads improvement programme. It will deliver the necessary improvements to the National Primary Routes. This programme will provide better connections from all parts of the county to the Trans- National network, relieve areas of congestion and improve safety levels on all public roads.

The Road Design Office will implement improvements to the National Secondary routes and non-National routes.

3.2.1 Strategic routes: National Primary and National Secondary. National primary routes are major long distance through routes that link County Galway to surrounding counties. They provide links to major ports and airport facilities and provide links between cities and large towns. National secondary routes are medium distance through routes that connect important towns and link up to national primary routes. Galway County Council is currently responsible for 155km of National Primary and 279kms of National Secondary Routes.

Under the 2000-2006 National Development Plan, National Primary routes are to be developed as strategic route corridors. Their development in County Galway is being implemented under 9 schemes, which are at various stages of preliminary planning. The status of each scheme is identified under.

Galway City Outer Bypass Preferred route N6 Galway to Ballinasloe Preferred route Oranmore to Gort Preferred route N18 Gort to Crusheen Preferred route Galway to Tuam Preferred route N17 Tuam Bypass Preferred route Milltown to Co. Boundary Preferred route

Table 3.1 Current status of National Primary Route Schemes

3.2.2 Non-National Routes. There are 771kms of regional roads and 5,276kms of local roads in the County. Regional and local roads benefit the economy by providing links between national roads.

3.2.3 Regional Roads. Regional Roads link towns and villages within the county and region and connect then to the National Routes. They are intended to provide traffic movement without the introduction of unnecessary traffic into residential or amenity areas. Development along these roads should not diminish their capacity to fulfil this role or prejudice their future development.

- Page 30 - Economic Infrastructure

3.2.4 Local Roads. Local Roads are primarily service roads of greatest benefit to the immediate community served. They serve as distribution and service roads but their primary purpose is as service roads.

3.2.5 Traffic Management. Traffic management seeks to achieve an efficient, effective usage of the transportation infrastructure so that people can travel safely by various means, which minimise environmental impact and reduce traffic congestion. The main policy tools used are traffic calming, parking Byelaws, improved public transport and pedestrian/cyclist priority measures.

3.2.6 Parking facilities and loading/unloading facilities. Proposals for Parking Bye-Laws are at an advanced stage for the entire County. These proposals will reduce traffic congestion and enhance business opportunities in the various towns.

3.3 Policies: Roads and Transportation. Pic 31

Policy 23: Support the upgrading of the R336 to National Secondary status.

Policy 24: Facilitate the safe and efficient movement of people and goods in the interests of the economy.

Policy 25: Preserve the visual amenity and rural character of the roadside environment.

Policy 26: Provide car parking spaces for the disabled driver on ground level with ease of access and egress in all proposed car parks.

Policy 27: Provide ramped kerbs at all junctions and central island refuges to facilitate ease of access for wheelchair users in addition to adequate widths for the accommodation of a wheelchair.

Policy 28: Reduce the congestion on public roads caused by the existing commuting movements to and from the City, by consolidating existing towns and villages and providing a more rational and better quality public transport system.

Policy 29: Help develop a more integrated policy on rural transport in line with Government intent. Pic 32

Policy 30: Encourage a better environment for pedestrians and cyclists in towns and villages.

Policy 31: Facilitate the up-grading of air transportation.

Policy 32: Co-operate with the establishment of an Integrated Transportation Co-ordinating Group.

- Page 31 - Economic Infrastructure

Policy 33: Provide a safe road system throughout the County through Road Safety Schemes, which will include the continuation of the Low Cost Safety Measure Programme, Signage and Delineation, Traffic Calming, Safety Features in the vicinity of schools. Other measures deemed necessary by safety audits will be considered.

Policy 34: Provide adequate access for people with disabilities such as through the provision of parking facilities, and disability access facilities, which are incorporated into existing/new development.

Policy 35: Ensure, where possible, that adequate off-street parking and loading/unloading facilities are provided as part of each development, to ensure that parked vehicles do not cause a traffic hazard, obstruct vehicle or pedestrian movement or create a negative visual impact. Where this cannot be provided on site it shall be provided by payment of a levy to the county council for such a provision off-site.

Policy 36: Provide/improve parking facilities in towns and villages as development and traffic demand.

Policy 37: Facilitate the improvement of air transport services.

Policy 38: Promote road safety and seek to avoid the creation of traffic hazards by (1) Supporting the Road Safety Committee and the promotion of safety at school level. (2) Continuing the process of improvements to sub-standard junctions on all roads. (3) Ensuring that the National Standards for Roads are complied with in all developments, as appropriate. (4) Ensuring that Safety Audits are conducted for all future Road schemes as appropriate. (5) Ensuring that pedestrians and cyclists are provided for adequately in all new developments.

Policy 39: All school developments on new sites to provide roundabout access, off-street drop-off facilities and pedestrian barriers from the school gate to the road boundary. Locate the school gate at the drop-off point.

3.4 Objectives: Roads and Transportation. Objective 11: Facilitate the development of the N6 as part of the Eastern Route Corridor. This includes the construction of the dual carriageway/motorway for the Galway City Outer Bypass along a new alignment, the construction of dual carriageway/motorways under the Galway to Ballinasloe scheme with a single carriageway link to the Loughrea By pass and the Ballinasloe to Athlone scheme. Both schemes are along new alignments.

- Page 32 - Economic Infrastructure

Objective 12: Facilitate the development of the N18 as part of the western route corridor. This involves the construction of a dual carriageway under the Oranmore to Gort scheme along a new alignment and the construction of a dual carriageway under the Gort to Crusheen Co. Clare scheme along a new alignment. Objective 13: Facilitate the construction of interchanges at appropriate locations to benefit the economic growth of settlements along national routes. Objective 14: Facilitate the development of the N17 as part of the western route corridor. This involves the construction of a dual carriageway between Galway and Tuam along a new alignment. Objective 15: The construction of the Tuam bypass as a dual carriageway / single carriageway along a new alignment. Objective 16: The construction of a single carriageway from Milltown to the County boundary along a new alignment. Objective 17: Construct inner relief roads for various towns e.g. Athenry, Barna, , Craughwell, Moycullen and Oughterard. Objective 18: Construct a ring road around Athenry Objective 19: Continue strengthening and improving the Local Road network and improve strategic sections on those roads servicing aquaculture/forestry/agriculture/ industry and tourism. Objective 20: Continue strengthening and improvements of the Pic 33 network. Objective 21: Develop service and link roads within towns and village areas to open up lands within settlements and reduce the necessity for ribbon development. Objective 22: Implement parking byelaws for the County. Objective 23: Provide car parks for the control of on street and off-street car parking, adequate to meet short-term shopping and business requirements and for the needs of local residents. Objective 24: Carry out traffic and transportation studies in Oranmore, Tuam, Athenry, Oughterard, Ballinasloe, Clifden and Loughrea. On completion of these studies, the towns of Craughwell, Gort, Headford, Portumna and Spiddal will be studied. Objective 25: Construct a service road in Oranhill and upgrade the road in Parkmore. Objective 26: Realign the existing N6 at Aughrim. Objective 27: Bypass Loughrea and Claregalway.

- Page 33 - Economic Infrastructure

Objective 28: By-pass Moycullen with a single carriageway by-pass. This scheme currently has preferred route status. Objective 29: Continue with the strengthening and improvements of the N59, N63, N65, N66, N67, N83, and N84. Objective 30: Secure a safe comprehensive road system to cater for the commercial, agricultural, tourist and industrial needs of the county. Objective 31: Evaluate controlled pelican pedestrian facilities and traffic lights to ensure that an audible signal is installed to assist the visually impaired in crossing the street. Objective 32: Provide designated car parking spaces for the disabled driver in all public car parks in every town as well as at specific priority locations on street. Objective 33: Develop and improve roads in all areas. Objective 34: Improve bridges, culverts and all roadside drainage.

3.5 Extractive Development. County Galway has extensive deposits of stone and mineral material, which is a fundamental resource for the building industry. There are multiple workings of stone quarries and gravel pits throughout the County with continual pressure for the development of new sources.

It is recognised that the winning and processing of these materials are key factors in the economic life of the County and that the Planning Authority will face a challenge in facilitating the gainful exploitation of the materials with minimum impact on the environment and least disturbance to residences.

3.6 Policies: Extractive Development. Policy 40: Facilitate the extraction of stone and mineral material having regard to its location in the landscape sensitivity rating. In this regard there shall be a presumption against any new quarry or an extension of an existing quarry in the landscape rated “unique”.

Policy 41: Restrict development in the neighbourhood of existing extractive sites or sites which have obvious resource potential, and so avoid conflict in development activities.

3.7 Water And Sewerage. A high standard of water and sewerage infrastructure is fundamental to achieving orderly sustainable development compatible with the recommendations of the draft County Galway Settlement Strategy. Galway County Council currently operates and maintains 50 public water supply schemes, which serve approximately 12,200 households. Galway Council also operates and maintains 27 public sewerage schemes.

3.7.1 The Rural Water Programme. A National Rural Water Monitoring Committee has been set up to monitor and advise on the development of Rural Water Policy. This

- Page 34 - Economic Infrastructure

Committee has representatives from the private group water scheme sector, local authorities, rural organisations and the Department of Environment and Local Government, with an independent chairperson. At county level, a Local Rural Water Monitoring Committee implements the national policy developed by this committee. This local committee oversees the operation of the rural water programme. It also advises on the development of a Rural Water Strategic Plan for the County.

The first stage of the Rural Water Strategic Plan is completed. It has established local policy and identified the strategy to be pursued in addressing the needs of the Rural Water Sector. The second stage of the plan will prioritise the investment programme.

3.7.2 Water Supplies. The Council operates 50 public water schemes throughout the County and the Group Water Schemes sector operates 400 supplies Pic 34 but there are numerous other rural villages with inadequate supplies or without any water supply. It will be a challenge to provide these with a potable supply within the period of the Plan. In this regard the Strategic Rural Water Plan Stage 2, which is being prepared by the County Council, will identify the problems and needs. Adequate resources will be required to deal with the identified needs.

Whilst the Water Services Programme of the Council proposes to upgrade existing public schemes particularly within the Corrib and the Shannon Catchments it would not be feasible for the Local Authority to provide water services for the comprehensive list of villages which it is hoped to consolidate and expand. A mixture of Public/Private Initiatives together with funding under the Serviced Land Imitative will be necessary to deliver the necessary services.

The extension of Tuam Regional water supply scheme to Claregalway, Oranmore and Athenry has provided an adequate water supply to the populated areas north and east of the City.

The Ballinasloe Regional Scheme has delivered a supply to Laurencetown and will be extended to serve Kiltormer, Aughrim, the remainder of Clontuskert Parish, Fahy Parish, the remainder of Laurencetown Parish and other areas that need water supply where practicable.

3.7.3 Group Water Schemes. Responsibility for group water schemes was devolved from the Department of the Environment and Local Government to Local Authorities in 1997. There are currently over 600 group water supply Pic 35 schemes in the County. Group water schemes are generally permitted in areas, (1) Where the Local Authority do not propose to carry out a public scheme (2) Which can be served by the extension of the existing Local Authority watermains

- Page 35 - Economic Infrastructure

(3) Where the Local Authority intend at a later stage to provide a public water supply

3.7.4 Wastewater Treatment. The majority of smaller towns and villages have no public sewerage schemes and are dependent on septic tank treatment systems, many of which are outdated and inadequate.

Whilst the Water Services Programme of the Council proposes to upgrade existing public schemes particularly within the Corrib and the Shannon Catchments it would not be feasible for the Local Authority to provide water services for the comprehensive list of villages which it is hoped to consolidate and expand.

3.8 Water Services Investment Programme 2002 – 2004. Available resources and priority will determine the scheduling of construction works. The Department of the Environment and Local Government and Galway County Council will decide the relative priority as part of the Water Services “Assessment of Needs” which will be reviewed as required.

3.9 Policies: Rural Water Programme. Policy 42: Provide and maintain quality water and wastewater services necessary for environmental purposes, and for economic, regional and rural development purposes. Policy 43: Adopt the provisions of the strategic rural water plan. Policy 44: Put in place the necessary infrastructure to enable quality water to be delivered to as many people as possible, while maximising the return from investment. Policy 45: Control impacts of the wastewater produced, in a cost effective and environmentally sustainable manner. Policy 46: Promote better design, planning and management of schemes. Policy 47: Co-operate with the private sector in operating and maintaining water and wastewater schemes. Policy 48: Ensure that the provision of water and sewerage facilities is undertaken in accordance with EU policies and directives. Policy 49: Eliminate existing deficiencies in water supply and drainage facilities. Policy 50: Prohibit development, which would put additional pressure on infrastructure that is already stretched beyond capacity. Policy 51: Use a mixture of public and private partnerships together with funding under the Serviced Land Initiative to deliver the necessary services. Policy 52: Provide funding for Water and Sewerage throughout the whole County and to spend an equitable share of the funding in each electoral area each year.

3.10 Objectives: Rural Water Programme. Objective 35: Identify, prioritise and progress the implementation of the water and sewerage investment programme.

- Page 36 - Economic Infrastructure

Objective 36: Develop and improve services in all areas of the Council notably regional water schemes in Loughrea and Gort. Objective 37: Prepare Stage 2 of the Rural Water Strategic Plan. Objective 38: Rationalise and renew existing water and sewerage facilities. Objective 39: Provide services in unserviced towns and villages, particularly those targeted for expansion in the County Galway settlement strategy. 3.11 Waste Management. The absence of an integrated system of waste management is putting our environment under pressure and creating uncertainty and high costs for the industrial, commercial and domestic sectors. Properly segregated and managed waste is a potential material resource that can generate economic activity and employment. It also can protect the environment from the pollution caused by illegal dumping and backyard incineration.

The issue of waste management can be broadly defined as covering three Pic 36 main areas: (1) Prevention and reduction of waste. (2) Re-use and recycling of waste. (3) Disposal of waste.

3.11.1 Prevention and Reduction of Waste. The prevention and reduction of waste is achieved through environmental education and awareness raising, to advise people of the steps they can take to prevent waste and to achieve reduction by segregation of waste at source. It is also about people taking shared responsibility as required to do so under the Waste Management Act.

3.11.2 Re-use and Recycling of Waste. This will be achieved through the provision of infrastructure, both major and minor; including Baling Centres, Sorting Centres and Bring Centres.

3.11.3 Disposal of Waste. There is currently only one licensed landfill operational in the county. This site is at Poolboy, Ballinasloe and is due for closure in 2005. The site at Carrowbrowne has been closed for a number of years now and is being rehabilitated.

Galway County Council is undertaking a site selection process for a regional landfill site for one of the two regional landfills proposed under the Connacht Waste Management Plan. This landfill will Pic 37 principally serve Galway City and County where half the Connacht waste is produced. Three possible sites have so far been identified at Ballinahistle, New Bridge, and New Inn. Any proposed landfill must go through rigorous planning and licensing procedures.

Under the waste hierarchy it is recommended that thermal treatment is preferable to disposal by landfill, especially where there is heat recovery, i.e. district heating. The Connacht Waste Management Plan allows for a municipal waste incinerator to be located in

- Page 37 - Economic Infrastructure

County Galway. The provision of this facility will be subject to economic and environmental considerations.

3.11.4 Connacht Waste Management Plan. The Waste Management Act 1996, and subsequent Waste Management (Planning) Regulations 1997 require local authorities to prepare waste management plans for their functional areas. In response to this requirement and to the government policy document of 1998 (“Changing Our Ways”) a regional waste management plan was prepared for the Counties of Galway, Mayo, Roscommon, Sligo, Leitrim and Galway City. This plan has regard to all domestic waste and all non-hazardous commercial and industrial waste generated in the region. It includes hazardous domestic waste, packaging waste and construction and demolition waste but excludes agricultural waste. The plan addresses waste generation, prevention, minimisation, collection, reuse, recycling, treatment and disposal, setting out policies and targets on each of the key issues addressed.

The Connacht Waste Management Plan was adopted on 12th September 2001 and is due for revision in 2005. A new plan will commence in 2006, taking into account revised policies and targets.

3.11.5 Waste Minimisation. Whilst the waste management programme, which is proposed, is based on the core tenets of minimisation, recycling, and composting, a modern landfill facility is urgently required so as to be available when Ballinasloe landfill closes.

3.12 Policies: Waste Management. Policy 53: Provide infrastructure to manage solid waste in an environmentally sustainable manner. Policy 54: Implement the Connacht Waste Management Plan 2001, with particular emphasis on the reduction of waste and the development of infrastructure for reuse, recycling and disposal of residual waste in the most appropriate manner. Policy 55: Increase environmental awareness in relation to waste management. Policy 56: Provide this infrastructure through different arrangements such as public private partnerships, non-profit companies, direct provision and any other arrangement that can deliver the required infrastructure. All such facilities are subject to the requirements of waste management licensing or waste management permit regulations. Policy 57: Landfill sites to be located not less than one mile from the nearest occupied dwelling house, in the interests of Health and Safety considerations. Policy 58: Facilitate the provision of transfer stations, civic amenity and bring sites in locations, which will not adversely affect residential amenities.

- Page 38 - Economic Infrastructure

3.13 Objectives: Waste Management. Objective 40: Support the provision of facilities for the proper recovery and disposal of household hazardous waste. Objective 41: Identify and support the provision of a suitable site for a new landfill. Objective 42: Expand the number of bring banks and civic amenity sites. Objective 43: Increase the number of recycling centres. Objective 44: Facilitate the provision of separate collection systems for segregated domestic waste. Objective 45: Support the provision of an integrated Waste Management system on the . Pic 38 Objective 46: Support the provision of infrastructure for composting and other forms of recycling for bio waste.

3.14 Information and Communication Technology. A key factor in the determination of social and economic progress in the County is the development of the Information and Communication Technology (ICT) network. This is particularly important if the locations remote from the City are to attract investment and jobs and give local people quality access to information, education and entertainment. Telecommunications masts are an essential element in providing a communication network for the county. As with most technology they provide benefits, which must be balanced against associated dis-amenities.

3.15 Policies: Information and Communication Technology. Policy 59: Facilitate the delivery of a high capacity ICT infrastructure throughout the County. Policy 60: Support the Department of the Environment and Local Government publication “Telecommunications Antennae and support structures – Guidelines for Planning Authorities”. Policy 61: Avoid the location of further masts in the highly scenic areas of the County or within significant views of national monuments or listed buildings. Policy 62: Discourage the location of masts close to schools and residential areas. Policy 63: Assist the County Broadband Forum in improving the availability of information and communication technologies. Policy 64: Achieve a balance between facilitating the provision of telecommunications services in the interests of social and economic progress and sustaining residential amenities, Pic 39 environmental quality and public health.

3.16 Energy. The development of secure and reliable electricity transmission infrastructure is also recognised as a key factor for supporting economic development and attracting investment to the County. The impacts and predicted future impacts of over dependence on non-renewable energy

- Page 39 - Economic Infrastructure

sources are disruptive and costly. They are likely to include significant increases in winter rainfall resulting in increased risk of flooding, rising sea levels, an increase in storm events especially in the West of Ireland, high levels of air pollutants and pressure on the economy as fossil fuel reserves are used up.

The County has, in terms of alternative energy, huge potential for the development of wind, solar, biomass, geothermal, hydro and wave energy. The wind resource is among the richest in Europe and is the only one of those listed, which is currently exploited in the county.

3.16.1 Windfarms. The Green Paper on sustainable energy advocates a doubling of national renewal energy output by 2010. The principal renewal resource accessible to technology at the present time is wind energy.

3.17 Policies: Energy. Policy 65: Support the infrastructural renewal and development of electricity networks in the County, including the overhead infrastructure required to provide the networks. Policy 66: Support the infrastructure development of energy networks in the County so as to provide for the energy needs of the Community while avoiding environmental damage and the location of other developments along strategic routes. Policy 67: Promote energy conservation measures and facilitate innovative building design that promotes energy efficiency and use of renewable energy sources. Policy 68: Facilitate the continual development of renewable energy sources having regard to residential amenities and landscape sensitivities. Policy 69: Facilitate the utilisation of the County’s bogs as a fuel energy source where this will not conflict with environmental amenities and designations and where appropriate to allow for the continued traditional use of bogs to save turf for fuel where that use is established. Policy 70: Facilitate the development of alternative energy sources where such proposals are consistent with landscape preservation, the protection of natural habitats, and comply with County Development Plan policy and the principles of proper planning and sustainable development. Policy 71: Facilitate the construction of a natural gas pipeline to serve both the County and the Western Region. Policy 72: Facilitate the provision, improvement and extension of these services to all areas of the County.

3.18 Objectives: Energy. Objective 47: Designate areas of the county, which may be suitable for wind energy development in line with the national guidelines on wind energy, and take a proactive role in assessing applications in these areas.

- Page 40 - Housing

Section 4. Housing. Local authorities, voluntary groups and private individuals provide houses in rural and urban areas of the County.

4.1 Local Authority Housing. The Council is currently implementing a four-year multi-annual programme, which will provide 1400 houses including Social, Voluntary and Affordable houses. Identifying local settlements where a small cluster of local authority housing could be developed may alleviate the continuing difficulty of acquiring suitable sites for single rural cottages. Each programme element will provide a housing mix of 2-bed, 3-bed and 4-bed scheme houses. This programme will be updated taking into account national economic circumstances, local demand and affordability, and the requirements of the Housing Strategy. Pic 40 4.2 The Housing Strategy. Part V of the Planning and Development Act, 2000, places an onus on all Local Authorities to prepare a Housing Strategy for their areas. The County Galway Housing Strategy was formally adopted and incorporated into the Galway County Development Plan during 2001. The duration of the strategy is for the period 2001-2006. The Housing Strategy is included in this plan as Appendix 1: Housing Strategy.

The Housing Strategy provides for housing the existing and projected future populations of the development plan area in accordance with the principles of proper planning and sustainable development.

The housing strategy aims to provide an equitable level of social and affordable housing. The strategy requires that up to 20% of zoned residential land be set aside for this purpose.

4.3 Policies: Local Authority Housing. Policy 73: Provide public sector housing in existing towns, villages and Settlement Centres in accordance with substantiated eligible need. Policy 74: Maintain land banks in towns and villages, which will be determined by the periodic assessment of housing needs. Policy 75: Provide adequate accommodation facilities for travellers including serviced caravan parks. Pic 41 Policy 76: Ensure that appropriate units are developed in the housing market for the elderly, people with disabilities and other special needs households. Policy 77: Incorporate the Housing Authority’s Traveller Accommodation policy into the Development Plan (Appendix 2).

4.4 Objectives: Local Authority Housing. Objective 48: Provide 955 houses by way of the Social Housing Programme for the years 2003 to 2009.

- Page 41 - Housing

Objective 49: Provide 430 houses by way of the Affordable Housing Programme for the years 2003-2009. Objective 50: Provide 634 dwellings by way of the voluntary sector. Objective 51: Provide 190 “one-off” rural houses within the total number of houses to be provided. This figure includes replacement of existing sub-standard houses.

4.5 Traveller Accommodation. The Planning Authority recognise the long tradition of the traveller community within the County and has regard to the special needs arising from its indigenous culture.

The County is home to approximately 366 families who reside in a mixture of permanent and temporary accommodation in various parts of the County.

Galway County Council adopted a five-year Traveller Accommodation Programme 2000-2004, following a survey to determine existing and projected needs, and having consulted with representatives of the traveller community. The programme seeks to accommodate 154 families during the period of the Plan.

The Councils stated policy is “to provide for the accommodation needs of travellers as far as is reasonable and practicable using the full range of housing options available to the Council. This will be done in consultation with the travelling community, the settled community, and with the various other statutory and voluntary agencies concerned with the needs of travellers”.

The accommodation ranges from permanent homes, such as: (1) Standard lettings in Local Authority Housing Estates, (2) Rural houses close to areas where travellers have traditionally lived; (3) Group housing, (4) Residential caravan parks. (5) Temporary sites with basic services. (6) Transient accommodation for short stay visitors. (7) Emergency accommodation in houses or caravans as available.

4.6 Policies: Traveller Accommodation. Policy 78: Secure acquisition of sites by agreement, if possible, or otherwise by Compulsory Purchase Order. Policy 79: Consult with travellers before the design of new accommodation is finalised. Policy 80: Seek to ensure full tenant participation in the management of accommodation. Policy 81: Assist voluntary bodies in providing accommodation for travellers. Policy 82: The Planning Authority will support these policies and measures for the duration of the five-year programme and adopt any amended programme thereafter.

- Page 42 - Housing

4.7 Objectives: Traveller Accommodation. Objective 52: Implement a back up and support programme, in liaison with other public and voluntary agencies, to monitor the traveller accommodation scheme and to provide tenancy training.

4.8 Rural Housing. Rural generated housing needs arise for people who are an intrinsic part of the rural community by way of background or the fact that they work full time or part time in rural areas. As a general principle, subject to good planning practice in matter of location, siting, design and the protection of Pic 42 environmentally sensitive areas of high landscape value, rural generated housing needs should be accommodated in areas where they arise. In addition, measures should be adopted to ensure that the provision of new housing in rural areas subject to conditions that such housing be occupied by established members of the rural community.

With regard to urban generated rural housing in the open countryside, development driven by urban areas should take place, as a general principle, within the built up areas and on lands identified, through the development plan process for integrated, serviced and sustainable development. However, it is acknowledged that some persons from urban areas seek a rural lifestyle with the option of working in and travelling to and from, nearby larger cities and towns. Small towns and villages have a key role in catering for these types of housing demand in a sustainable manner. A balance must be struck between encouraging appropriate Pic 43 residential development in villages and towns and ensuring that such development is of a design, layout, character and scale which fits well with the town or village involved and presents a high quality living environment. In addition, supporting public transport and reducing dependency on car based commuting should be a priority.

4.9 Policies: Rural Housing Policy. Policy 83: An enurement condition will be attached to grants of planning permission. This enurement condition used will read as follows – “Use of the proposed houses will be restricted to uses as a dwelling by the applicant, applicant’s family, heirs, executors and administrators or persons involved in agricultural or related activities, returning immigrants or those with an essential housing need in this rural area, unless otherwise agreed by the Planning Authority for a period of 10 years. No development shall be commenced until an agreement embodying a provision to that effect has been entered into with the Planning Authority pursuant to Section 47 of the Planning and Development Act 2000 within one month of the grant of planning permission”. Pic 44 Policy 84: Rural housing policies shall be interpreted in conjunction with the other policies of this plan. Policy 85: Take the visual amenity of the surrounding landscape into account in the design of the development.

- Page 43 - Housing

Policy 86: While it is necessary to control inappropriate residential development in the countryside (the rural areas of County Galway outside the development boundaries of towns and villages), “one-off” development for those who are (1) functionally dependent on the land, or (2) who have an essential rural housing need, or (3) who support the rural economy or (4) are involved in rural economic activities will be facilitated. Policy 87: The categories of individual\applicant entitled to be considered for planning for housing development in Policies 86, 87, 88, 89 and 90 is restricted to those with actual proven needs for rural housing on an essential needs basis in the areas and locations specified in Class 4 and Class 5 of the Landscape Sensitivity areas. Policy 88: Policies 86, 87, 88, 89, 90, 93, 94 and 97 of this Plan shall in the event of conflict with any other element of Rural Housing Policy affecting Class 4 and 5 areas be supreme. Policy 89: The purpose of 84, 85, 86, 87, 88, 89, 90, 93, 94 and 97 in Classes 4 and 5 is to permit development for Housing in areas where housing has traditionally been located, and also to ensure continuing protection of areas where such housing has not been traditionally located. Policy 90: Those with an essential rural housing need will be defined as: (1) Rural families on family lands in areas and locations, where development would not otherwise be permitted.

Eligibility under Policy 86 Clause 1 is restricted to the son or daughter of a farm holder/landowner with housing need in the area. Special consideration based on the overall merits of each case will be given to: brother, sister, grandchild, legally separated or divorced spouse, nephew or niece of the landowner or farm holder resident/employed in the area. or (2) Special consideration will be given for residential development, in bona fide cases, for: (a) Persons with actual work or employment in a local area, (b) Returning emigrants and migrants from an area who wish to return to an area to work but cannot obtain planning permission or who cannot otherwise acquire sites on family lands in the locality from which they originated. (c) Special consideration will be given to returning emigrants returning to this rural area being their native area to retire. or (3) Local people who are indigenous to an area who are an intrinsic part of the rural community in the area, but do not have access to family lands under Policy 90(1) will also be facilitated in their request to build in the area.

- Page 44 - Housing

An eligible site in this category will be required to comply with other detailed planning requirements such as visual amenity, assimilation, siting, house design, site development, traffic safety and public health, etc. Policy 91: The weaker agricultural base and weak urban structure outside the 15km zone (measured by road) in other parts of the County have led to a population and economic decline. These areas are generally distant from major urban areas and the associated pressure for residential development. In general, any demand for permanent residential housing in these areas should be accommodated as it arises, subject to good practise in matters such as design, location and the protection of landscape and environmentally sensitive areas. Policy 92: Urban generated housing within 15km (measured by road) of Galway city will not be permitted outside settlement centres. Policy 93: Existing families, who require the replacement of an existing dwelling house, will be considered to be within the Essential Rural Housing Need Category and will be subject to an enurement clause in respect of the new house. The family/applicant shall not be obliged to demolish the old existing dwelling house unless it is deemed to be a traffic Pic 45 hazard. Policy 94: The Council recognises that those with an essential rural housing need will be entitled, subject to the provisions of Section 4.8 Rural Housing and associated policies and Development Control Standards in particular DCStandard 11: (Permissible Rural Housing) and DCStandard 1: (Residential Access to National and Other Restricted Roads), to develop in rural areas and lands described in Permissible Rural Housing DCStandard 11: In rural areas, where restrictions apply to particular classes of housing need, an Enurement condition shall apply for a period of 10 years. Policy 95: Residential development in specific rural areas where population decline or stagnation has occurred from 1991 will be positively considered in the interest of promoting sustainable community development. Policy 96: Within the commuter belt of Galway City (15km – measured by road) (Figure 20) in the interests of promoting more sustainable patterns of development and the use of infrastructure, urban generated residential development will be encouraged to locate within established urban centres. Policy 97: In some areas of County Galway distinctive settlement patterns have evolved in the form of small clusters of housing. There is a need to recognise this distinctiveness, while at the same time protecting valuable landscape resources and reinforcing rural communities. This can be achieved by seeking to address, within the development plan process, the extent to which existing clusters can be strengthened through appropriately scaled “in-fill” development and avoiding linear or ribbon Pic 46 development. At the same time it will be important to safeguard key resources, such as landscape and habitats.

- Page 45 - Housing

4.10 Objectives: Rural Housing Objectives. Objective 53: To prepare detailed design guidance for the County Landscape Sensitivity Areas that will provide a graphic representation of design styles and layouts appropriate to the rural landscape within one year of the adoption of this Development Plan. This design guidance will be additional to the provisions of the Development Plan and pending its adoption will not preclude any development- taking place.

4.11 Rural Development. In this context rural areas are defined as areas in the County, which are located outside the development boundaries of towns and rural villages. Due to the changing nature of agriculture and the declining numbers of people able to achieve a viable living from the land, consideration will be given to farm families seeking to establish alternative and/or complementary enterprises to supplement their income from farming. The scale should relate to the farm family size, status of the local road network, residential amenity, landscape amenity and the economical size of the planned enterprise. In the event that the enterprise grows beyond the scale of a family income support then it will be encouraged, where appropriate to locate in a nearby town or Commercial Settlement Zones.

4.12 Policies: Rural Development. Policy 98: Encourage developments, which are connected with agriculture or related to the provision of infrastructure services for the common good. Policy 99: Control permissible developments so that rural amenity is protected. Policy 100: Control developments, which would be liable to cause pollution of ground waters or degradation of air quality. Policy 101: Maintain, where possible hedgerow and traditional field boundary characteristics. Policy 102: Maintain traditional building styles and avoid substandard or unsuitable building designs. Policy 103: Develop a programme for the removal or restoration, where appropriate of derelict buildings where they are considered to be visually injurious in areas of sensitive landscape. Policy 104: Allow existing established commercial enterprises to expand their business subject to proper planning and sustainable development.

- Page 46 - Environmental Conservation and Enhancement

Section 5. Environmental conservation and enhancement. This issue encompasses landscape, natural water systems and Coastal Zone Management amongst others.

5.1 Landscape Assessment. Landscape is a precious national asset. County Galway is richly endowed with a variety of landscape types ranging from the quartzite mountain ranges and blanket bogs of Connemara to the fertile patchwork of farmland in east Galway and the bare karst pavements of the Aran Islands and South Galway.

Human interaction with the natural heritage has produced a great variety of characteristic landscapes and landscape features. The natural diversity of the landscapes of the county coupled with cultural features such as the archeological monuments, stonewalls, hedgerows, woodlands, field patterns, settlements and buildings has given the county its distinctive character.

The landscape and how we interact with it, has a major influence on the general quality of life and the future success of the tourism industry and Pic 47 on the many who currently depend on it for their livelihood.

The increasing development pressure of recent years has caused changes in the national landscape, which are unprecedented in scale and nature, and has led to the Government setting out guidelines for landscape appraisal. This assessment of the landscape is to ensure that “the environment and heritage generally are maintained in a sustainable manner, while at the same time enabling a proactive approach to development”.

The ribbonisation of houses impacts on the rural landscape. However, this must be balanced against the need to allow rural housing for essential local needs.

There are a number of protected areas in County Galway; examples include proposed National Heritage Areas and ‘European Sites’, designated as special protection areas (wild bird inhabitants) and candidate Special Areas of Conservation (cSAC). These require protection as both environmental resources and economic assets.

The Planning and Development Act 2000 requires the inclusion of a development plan objective for: Pic 48 “The preservation of the character of the landscape where, and to the extent that, in the opinion of the Planning Authority, the proper planning and sustainable development of the area requires it, including the preservation of views and prospects and the amenities of places and features of natural beauty or interest”.

The guidelines require a classification of landscapes as to (1) Character (2) Values (3) Sensitivity

- Page 47 - Environmental Conservation and Enhancement

5.2 Landscape Character. This is a combination of landform, land cover and visual units, which are attractive in the landscape.

5.3 Landscape Values. These are responses of the perceptions that communities have of the landscape they inhabit. The perceptions arise from intrinsic attributes such as visual beauty, ecology, archaeology, social history, religious sites, and mythology. (Figure 6)

5.4 Landscape Sensitivity. This is a measure of the ability of the landscape to accommodate change or intervention without suffering unacceptable effects to its character and values. Sensitivity ratings are derived from a combination of landscape values and landscape character. (Figure 7)

An assessment of the landscape of County Galway has been carried out indicating landscape character rating, landscape value rating and landscape sensitivity rating. (Figures 6 & 7)

In this assessment consideration was given to areas within the county, which are deemed suitable for forestry and wind farms. (Figures 8 & 9)

A total of 25 character areas have been identified in the county. These are described in detail in Section 2.2 of the Landscape Character Assessment Report. Five sensitivity classes have been established Class 1 – Low sensitivity Class 2 – Moderate sensitivity Class 3 – High sensitivity Class 4 – Special Class 5 – Unique Based on the assessment of the landscape and the establishment of Sensitivity Ratings for various areas of the county the Planning Authority shall implement the following policies.

5.5 Policies: Landscape Conservation. Policy 105: Include landscape Sensitivity Ratings as an important factor in determining development uses in areas of the county. Policy 106: Afford protection to views of amenity value, including those occurring inside the Settlement Centre boundaries. (Figure 10) Policy 107: Protect designated areas as both environmental resources and economic assets. Policy 108: Preservate the character of the landscape where, and to the extent that, in the opinion of the Planning Authority, the proper planning and sustainable development of the area requires it, including the preservation of views and prospects and the amenities of places and features of natural beauty or interest.

- Page 48 - Environmental Conservation and Enhancement

Policy 109: Preserve the status of traditionally open/unfenced landscape. The merits of each case will be considered in light of landscape Sensitivity Ratings and views of amenity importance. Policy 110: In designated settlement centres that are located in landscape Class 3, 4 and 5, the preservation of scenic views will be a factor in determining development proposals. Policy 111: The potential of Tonnabrucky Hill as a civic amenity park to the surrounding population is recognised and development control policy in this area will seek over time to deliver on the potential. 5.6 Natural Water Systems. The increase in population, development pressures and intensification of agriculture over recent decades has led to increased risk of environmental pollution, particularly of our natural water systems. These include groundwater and surface water systems (rivers and lakes, estuarine and coastal waters.) The Corrib catchment area, which includes all the land that drains to Loughs Corrib, Mask and Conn together with the associated rivers Clare, Blackwater, Robe, Owenbreac is part of a complex interlinking Pic 49 system of groundwater and surface water, vulnerable to pollution. These Western lakes must be protected from any further degradation and maintained as high quality water bodies. Lough Derg, which was classified eutropic, is now classified as mesotrophic, an improvement in water quality class. The change in status is attributable to the implementation of a programme of investment in municipal sewerage schemes and improved agricultural management practices.

Although there has been a substantial investment in wastewater treatment plants in the last decade, many smaller plants still need upgrading and many smaller towns and villages await the provision of facilities. Until the development of such facilities the Councils draft settlement strategy cannot be implemented fully and the need to provide for local demands will be addressed where development proposals can be satisfactorily assimilated into the landscape. There is evidence to suggest that a considerable proportion of single house septic tank systems are not functioning correctly.

The large numbers of cattle and sheep, together with intensive farming and food processing activities generate substantial volumes of waste with high nutrient loads. The substantial uptake of the Rural Environment Protection Scheme (REPS) has created a greater awareness of the need to re-cycle these wastes and how to do it in an environmentally sustainable manner. Nevertheless, in cases, poor management practice, exacerbated by high rainfall, continues to cause nutrients to be washed into groundwater and surface water. This results in direct contamination of waters leaving them unfit for consumption or other beneficial use. More insidiously it Pic 50 leads to ‘enrichment’ of the water body causing eutrophication leading to further contamination of drinking water supplies and loss of biodiversity in natural water systems.

5.7 Water Quality. The EU Water Framework Directive, 2000, sets out a comprehensive and integrated approach to water management. The Directive requires us to

- Page 49 - Environmental Conservation and Enhancement

achieve ‘good status’ for all natural waters within the county within a 15- year time frame. These natural waters include ground water; rivers; lakes; estuarine and coastal waters.

5.8 Policies: Natural Water Systems. Policy 112: Implement water protection measures to prevent any deterioration of ‘good status’ waters, and to restore substandard waters to ‘good status’. Policy 113: Implement the River Basin District Management Plans that will emerge from the Western and Shannon RBD projects. Policy 114: Introduce a comprehensive and integrated approach to the management of our natural water resources. Policy 115: Intensify public awareness of water quality issues and the measures required to protect natural water bodies. Policy 116: Ensure that substandard public wastewater treatment plans are upgraded. In the interim prevent an increase in the nutrient load discharged from these plants. Policy 117: Ensure that industrial facilities and commercial premises discharging wastewater are operating within the parameters of an IPC license or a wastewater discharge license. Policy 118: Ensure that all dwellings outside town sewerage systems have an appropriate wastewater treatment system, correctly installed and maintained. Policy 119: Ensure that agricultural waste is returned to the land in accordance with the provisions of scientifically prepared nutrient management plans. Policy 120: Ensure that all new septic tank systems comply with the relevant EPA wastewater manuals. Policy 121: Ensure that all new treatment systems comply with the relevant EPA wastewater manuals.

5.9 Air Quality Protection The ever-increasing use of private motorcars results in a corresponding increase in carbon dioxide emissions. The fuel used is a non-renewable fossil resource, which is 90 per cent imported.

5.10 Resource Conservation. The return of derelict and redundant land and buildings to active use is seen as fundamental in regenerating neglected areas. An extended programme of Urban and Village Renewal is required to make significant advances.

- Page 50 - Heritage

Section 6. Heritage. Heritage covers broad and important areas of our existence. A list of priorities for actions at all levels and by all stakeholders is required to ensure that it is properly protected. Our heritage is a very valuable resource and it is important that we recognise the value of our heritage to our quality of life and to all our daily activities. County Galway is undergoing rapid change and this has the potential to have major effects on the heritage. Every day we make decisions about what aspects of our heritage to keep and what to discard. The decisions are often unconscious and are usually informed by our values and understanding of the heritage. It is important that we take responsibility for our actions and understand the implications for the heritage. It is essential that all stakeholders see themselves as having a shared responsibility for the heritage. We also need to be mindful that we are also creating the heritage of tomorrow. We must ensure that future generations will be proud of the urban and rural heritage, which we have left as a legacy. Therefore it is essential that clear policies and objectives are in place to properly utilise, conserve, manage and protect our heritage.

Heritage can be defined to include built, natural and cultural elements of Pic 51 the past and the skills used in its creation and maintenance. 6.1 Policies: Heritage. Policy 122: Ensure that heritage protection is an integral part of coherent policies of economic and social development and of urban and rural planning.

6.2 Objectives: Heritage. Objective 54: Prepare a 5-year Heritage Plan, which will set out a range of actions to identify, protect, conserve, manage and interpret the heritage of County Galway. Objective 55: Implement the legislative provisions of the Planning and Development Act 2000 which offers protection to the architectural, archeological and natural heritage.

6.3 Architectural Heritage. The physical form of the individual structures in the countryside and in the towns and villages of County Galway has evolved through many periods. The built environment developed over the years has attained a character that contributes to varied, locally distinctive areas in County Galway.

The architectural heritage of Galway is a unique and special resource. Our architectural heritage consists not only of great artistic achievements of the past, but also the everyday works of craftsmanship of the past.

Structures and places have over time acquired character and special interest through their continued existence and familiarity. In a changing Pic 52

- Page 51 - Heritage

world they provide an anchor. All of their parts have been tested by our climate, and those that have survived the ravages of time and of constant use, have acquired value.

If we enjoy the fruits of this inheritance, we have a duty to ensure that it is conserved and passed on to our successors. Sympathetic reuse can allow the architectural heritage to be enjoyed and used into the future.

6.4 Protection of the Architectural Heritage. Aprotected structure is a structure that the Planning Authority considers to be of special interest from an architectural, historical, archeological, artistic, cultural, scientific, social or technical point of view. The authority in its Record of Protected Structures (RPS) includes details of protected structures. A Record of Protected Structures is the record included in a Development Plan correct at the time of publication. It may be amended by the addition or deletion of entries independently of the development plan review process.

The inclusion of a structure in the RPS does not preclude appropriate use or development. The word protection is defined in the 2000 Act as including, in relation to a structure, or part of a structure,

Conservation, preservation and improvement compatible with maintaining the character and interest of the structure.

And is offered to: • The interior of the structure, • The land lying within the curtilage of the structure, • Any other structures lying within that curtilage and their interiors, and all fixtures and features which form part of the interior or exterior of any structure.

For a protected structure or a proposed protected structure, normal planning exemptions do not apply. No works, which would adversely affect the character of the structure, or any element of it, which contributes to its special interest, may be carried out to a protected structure without planning permission.

An owner or occupier of a protected structure may make a written request to the Planning Authority to issue a Declaration as to the type of works, which it considers would or would not materially affect the character of the structure or any element of the structure that contributes to its special interest.

Not all alterations or works to a protected structure will constitute material alterations. Owners, and prospective owners, of protected structures are encouraged to consult with the Planning Authority in good time as to the appropriateness of proposed works and, as necessary, to seek competent advice on the best practice for carrying out such works.

By regulation, applications for outline planning permission for works involving protected structures cannot be entertained. Section 57(10) (b) of the 2000 Act states that a Planning Authority shall not grant permission for

- Page 52 - Heritage

the demolition of a protected structure save in exceptional circumstances.

The local authority has special powers in relation to protected structures. (1) It may require an owner or an occupier of a protected structure to carry out works if it considers that a structure is or may become endangered. (2) It may require an owner or an occupier of a protected structure to carry out works if it considers that the character of the structure ought to be restored. (3) It may acquire, by agreement or compulsorily, a protected structure, if it considers that this is desirable or necessary in relation to the protection of the structure.

6.4.1 Architectural Conservation Areas. An Architectural Conservation Area (ACA) is a place, area, group of structures or townscape, which is of special architectural, historical, archeological, artistic, cultural, scientific, social or technical interest or contributes to the appreciation of a protected structure. An Architectural Conservation Area may or may not include protected Pic 53 structures. Planning permission must be obtained before significant works can be carried out to the exterior of a structure in an ACA, which might alter the character of the structure, or the ACA.

6.5 Architectural Heritage Policies. Policy 123: Protect and conserve the architectural heritage of County Galway, which is a unique and special resource. Policy 124: Adopt a strategy of minimum intervention in relation to proposals concerning protected structures and those of local interest that contribute to local distinctiveness. Policy 125: Encourage proposals, which preserve or enhance the intrinsic character, scale and visual amenity of the architectural heritage. Policy 126: Respect the character of existing buildings, important views and spaces and the historic settlement pattern in terms of scale, height, grouping, density, design and materials. Policy 127: Establish where it is considered appropriate, Areas of Special Planning Control if it is considered that all or part of an Architectural Conservation Area is of special importance to, or as respects, the civic life or the architectural, historical, cultural Pic 54 or social character of a town or village in which it is situated. Policy 128: Resist the demolition of any building or item of architectural significance, which is included in the Record of Protected Structures unless a conclusive case based on technical evidence is made for its alteration or removal. Policy 129: Ensure that any interventions to Protected Structures or Proposed Protected Structures are undertaken in accordance with best conservation practice and use sustainable and appropriate materials. Policy 130: Encourage the identification, retention and development of traditionally skilled crafts in the County.

- Page 53 - Heritage

6.6 Architectural Heritage: Objectives. Objective 56: Protect structures of special architectural, historical, archeological, artistic, cultural, scientific, social or technical interest; Objective 57: Undertake architectural heritage inventories of historic towns, villages and settlements. Objective 58: Include an inventory of the architectural heritage in all Local Area Plans and Integrated Area Plans undertaken, in order to assist in its protection. Objective 59: Encourage the consideration of the rehabilitation of an existing building as a more sustainable option than demolition and construction of a new one. This avoids the generation of unnecessary building demolition waste, helps to foster the development of specialised conservation skills and allows a building to continue to contribute to the character of the area in which it is situated. Objective 60: Require that the design of any proposed building adjoining or in the same setting as a protected structure shall have regard to the architectural context of the building. Objective 61: Proposals for intervention in relation to protected structures or proposed protected structures shall have regard to the Conservation Guidelines published by the Department of the Environment and Local Government, the Council’s Architectural Survey and Assessment: Best Practice Guide and the Draft Architectural Heritage Protection, Guidelines for Planning Authorities, (Draft, December 2001) and any subsequent Guidelines, Acts, Directives or Policies which may be issued during the lifetime of this Plan. Objective 62: Establish a Register of traditional skills, in co-operation with other bodies with an interest in the area. 6.7 Archaeology. Policy 131: Support the preservation, conservation and maintenance of archeological sites, together with the integrity of the setting of these monuments and sites. Development, which would destroy, alter or damage monuments or archeological sites, or cause inappropriate change to their settings and character will be prohibited. Policy 132: Encourage the appreciation and knowledge of the County’s rich archeological heritage. Policy 133: Protect and preserve archeological sites, which have been identified subsequent to the publication of the Record of Monuments and Places. Policy 134: Facilitate public access to the National Monuments, which are in the Council’s ownership or in the care of Dúchas-The Heritage Service. Policy 135: Consult Dúchas – The Heritage Service in relation to proposed developments adjoining archeological sites.

- Page 54 - Heritage

Policy 136: All planning applications for new development, redevelopment, any ground works, refurbishment, restoration etc. within areas of archeological potential and within close proximity to the recorded monuments will take account of the architectural heritage of the area and the need for archeological mitigation.

6.8 Burial Grounds. Burial Grounds are an important part of local heritage and often contain the standing remains or sites of earlier structures and also contain a great diversity of animal and plant life. Burial Grounds, which are included in Records of Monuments and Places, are afforded protection under Section 12 of the National Monuments (Amendment) Act 1994.

6.9 Policies: Burial Grounds. Policy 137: Protect the burial grounds, identified in the Record of Pic 55 Monuments and Places, in co-operation with Dúchas – The Heritage Service and the local community.

6.10 Natural Heritage. The great diversity of landscape and seascape, coupled with location and climate has resulted in a great diversity of natural and semi-natural habitats in County Galway. These include woodland, grassland, wetland, marine, coastal, upland, river and lake habitats. This biodiversity is under pressure for development and human activity. A sustainable approach is needed to protect and conserve the natural heritage.

The most important and valuable habitats are afforded protection under European and National Legislation by way of designation as proposed Natural Heritage Areas (NHAs), Candidate Special Areas of Conservation (cSACs) and Special Protection Areas (SPAs). Various species of flora and fauna are also protected under European and National Legislation. Other important designations include: Nature Reserves, Ramsar Sites and Wildfowl Sanctuaries. Conemara National Park is another important heritage site, which encompasses some 2,957 hectares.

Dúchas - the Heritage Service under the auspices of the Department of the Environment and Local Government is responsible for the designation of the NHAs, SACs and SPAs. The designation of sites is a continuing process as boundaries are revised and adjusted and new sites are added. Galway County Council will take cognisance of any revisions and adjustments as furnished by Dúchas-The Heritage Service.

6.11 Landscape. Includes areas, vistas and features of significant scenic, archeological, geological, historical, ecological or other scientific interest. It has been dealt with in some detail in the Section on Environmental Conservation and Enhancement. Pic 56

6.12 Policies: Natural Heritage. Policy 138: Increase awareness of the importance of the natural heritage of the county.

- Page 55 - Heritage

Policy 139: Support national agencies, local and community groups in protection, conservation and enhancement of the landscape and wildlife habitats. Policy 140: Promote education, knowledge and pride in the natural heritage of the county. Policy 141: Use this resource wisely, whilst at the same time, protecting, conserving and enhancing this valuable asset. Policy 142: Extensive areas of the County are covered by NHA/SAC designations. Where development is already located in these areas favourable consideration will be given to the redevelopment of existing sites (incl. derelict sites) and the provision of housing for essential needs where it does not conflict with the basis for the designation of the area as an NHA/SAC. This will be agreed with Duchas-The Heritage Service. Policy 143: Have regard to any impacts developments may have on existing and proposed, Natural Heritage Areas, Special Protection Areas and Special Areas of Conservation. Nature reserves, Ramsar Sites, Connemara National Park and any other designated sites. Policy 144: Consult the Department of the Environment and Local Government in relation to proposed developments adjoining designated conservation sites. Policy 145: Recognise that nature conservation is not just confined to designated sites and acknowledge the need to protect non- designated habitats and landscapes and to conserve the biological diversity of the County. Policy 146: Maintain and enhance the natural heritage and amenity of the county by promoting and encouraging the preservation and retention of woodlands, individual trees and groups of trees, hedgerows, stonewalls and wetlands. Policy 147: Protect and conserve habitats, which have been identified in the Habitats Directive, Birds Directive, Wildlife Act 2000 and the Flora Protection Order nature reserves, Conemara National Park, Ramsar Sites and any other Directives, Acts or Policies which may be issued during the lifetime of this Plan. Policy 148: Protect and conserve their quality character and features by controlling developments close to navigable and non- navigable waterways. Policy 149: Protect and provide access to inland waterways. Policy 150: Have due regard to the aims, objectives and polices of the Waterways Corridor Study 2002 – A study of the area surrounding - the Grand Canal from Ballycommon to Shannon Harbour- The Shannon from Shannonbridge to Meelick. Policy 151: Protect and conserve geological and geomorphological system, sites and features from inappropriate development that would detract from their heritage value and interpretation.

- Page 56 - Heritage

Policy 152: Encourage and support the protection, enhancement of, and access to, geological and geomorphological system, sites and features in the County through the planning system where feasible.

Policy 153: Incorporate the issue of provision/ protection/enhancement of access into an integrated coastal management plan.

Policy 154: Conserve the character, quality and distinctiveness of seascapes.

6.13 Objectives: Natural Heritage.

Objective 63: Carry out a Tree Survey of the County and an accompanying Tree Preservation Order list.

Objective 64: Prepare an inventory of the geological heritage sites in County Galway.

Pic 57

- Page 57 - Agriculture and Mariculture

Section 7. Agriculture and Mariculture.

7.1 Agriculture. Agriculture is the predominant land-use in the county with 54% of the total land area, or 330,000 hectares, classed as agricultural land. Of this 330,000 hectares, 275,600 hectares is classed as crops and pasture, while 54,400 hectares is classed as rough grazing in use.

Cattle and sheep farming is the main type of farming with a CSO total of 528,800 cattle and 1,084,000 sheep (including lambs) in the county in 1997. Dairy farming is also important. Forestry and Horticulture are also practised but to a lesser degree. Equine activities are also carried out in the County.

Agriculture is still the county’s biggest industry with 21.7% of the population working in farming, according to the 1996 population census. 1991 is the most recent Census of Agriculture for which figures are available and this shows some 16,213 farms in the county. Much has obviously changed since and the present number of registered herd owners gives a better picture.

Area Number Islands (Aran Islands and InisBoffin) 263 Connemara (West of Corrib) 2,966 East Galway 10,255 Total 13,484

Table 7.1: Number of Registered Herd Owners

7.2 Viability Status of Farms in Co. Galway.

2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 Herd Owners 13,484 13,400 13,300 13,100 Dairy Farmers 950 857 771 694 624 562 Sheep Farmers 5,175 4,916 4,670 4,437 4,215 Cattle Farmers with Suckler Cows 9,900 9,900 9,800 9,700 9,600 9,500 Farmers with Tillage 495 430 390 364 338 300 Farm Forestry 1,000 1,050 1,100 1,150 1,200 1,250 Sport Horses 262 270 278 286 294 300 Mushroom Producers 20 20 20 20 20 20 Vegetable Production 10 10 10 10 10 10

Table 7.2: County Profile of Farming and Projected Trends Source: Department of Agriculture – April 2002.

- Page 58 - Agriculture and Mariculture

The average farm size is 20ha. Dry stock farming of cattle and sheep is the pre-dominant type of farming. The number of dairy farmers has declined from 2,500 in the mid 80’s to 857 today and tillage farming has declined from 30,000hA to 5,000 hA.

7.2.1 Viable Farmers (1,000) – 8%. Made up mainly of Dairy farmers and larger efficient cattle and sheep farmers.

7.2.2 Part-Time Farmers (7,000) – 52%. The majority of farm families have an off farm income – either farmer/spouse. They are mainly involved in cattle and sheep farming.

7.2.3 Non-Viable – “Young” (650) – 5%. This category is mainly engaged in Dry stock. Pic 58

7.2.4 Non-Viable – “Older Farmers” (4,700) – 35%. In general this group are over 65 years, many single and living alone.

7.2.5 Organic Farming. There is a big increase in the demand for organic and speciality foods. This has presented an opportunity for farmers to obtain an attractive premium for organic beet, lamb, milk and locally produced food. There are about 1,000 organic farmers in the country. The number in Co. Galway is estimated at 50.

There is undoubtedly potential for more farmers to switch to organic farming in Co. Galway.

7.3 Policies: Agriculture. Policy 155: Provide for specialist farming practices, e.g. flower growing, equine facilities, poultry, mushroom growing. Policy 156: Provide for farm enterprises such as processing, co-ops, farm supply stores and agri-business in accordance with the development control policies of the Plan. Policy 157: Facilitate the sustainable development of the countryside. The Council recognises the fact that the most effective means of ensuring the protection of the rural landscape is to encourage Pic 59 the continued use of agricultural farm holdings. However, the Council acknowledges that the diversification of uses on rural landholdings may be necessary in order to ensure the continued viability of agricultural ways of life and that cross subsidisation between uses and activities may be necessary in order to make rural farm holdings viable Policy 158: Provide infrastructure services to serve the needs of agriculture, in co-operation with the appropriate agencies. Policy 159: Provide infrastructure services to facilitate the production of organic and specialty foods to meet the increase in demand for such products.

- Page 59 - Agriculture and Mariculture

Policy 160: Facilitate agricultural development whilst ensuring that no pollution or injury is caused to natural waters, wildlife habitats or conservation areas. Policy 161: Facilitate agricultural development whilst ensuring that development does not have a negative impact on the scenic amenity of the countryside, in particular to ensure that it does not infringe on any views an objective of which it is to preserve in the County Development Plan.

7.4 Forestry. Ireland has one of the lowest proportions of land devoted to forestry of all the EU nations. The national target as set out in the government 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 actual forest cover of Co. Galway is c. 9% of the total land area of the county or 53,303 hectares. Of this c.38, 724 is state sector and c.14, 579 hectares is privately owned. In order to assist in achieving the national target, the current area of forestry cover in Galway will need to be doubled by 2030.

7.5 Policies: Forestry. Policy 162: Facilitate a forestation in appropriate locations, in co-operation with Coillte and the Forest Service and in line with national policy, while ensuring that no pollution or injury is caused to natural waters, wildlife habitats or conservation areas.

Policy 163: Where development is not located close to a main public road a site notice must be located as close as possible to a public National, Regional or Local road in addition to all other statutory requirements

7.6 Coastal Areas. County Galway has 689 kilometres of coastline, which is made up of 504 kilometres of hard coast, 185 kilometres of soft coast, including 100 kilometres of island coastline. Much of this coastline is home to a variety of natural habitats and there are several species of flora and fauna. Much of the coastline is designated candidate Special Area of Conservation (cSAC) and Special Protection Area (SPA). The interface between land and sea is a significant resource in the county and is multi-faceted in that it contains towns, villages, harbours, piers and slipways which cater for development needs of the County, and also an irreplaceable amenity resource of beaches, sand dunes and cliff faces which are a significant tourism asset and add to the quality of life of local people.

7.6.1 Integrated Coastal Zone Management. Integrated Coastal Zone Management (ICZM) is about the planning and management of coastal resources and coastal space. It is envisaged that this will be an ongoing process, which will evolve over time. Integrated Coastal Zone Management will address issues such as coastal tourism development, the fishing industry, coastal settlement patterns, transport, coastal erosion, habitat destruction, protection of coastal zone cSACs and SPA’s and prevention of pollution.

- Page 60 - Agriculture and Mariculture

In the context of County Galway, it is acknowledged that there are coastal zone assets which are under constant threat and therefore in need of protection. These include leisure beaches, piers and harbours, eco-systems and cliffs.

7.7 Policies: Coastal Zone. Policy 164: Protect and preserve the quality of the coastline. Policy 165: Protect flora and fauna and natural habitats along the coastline. Policy 166: Protect any views of special amenity value along the coastline. (Figure 10)

7.8 Objectives: Coastal Zone. Objective 65: Facilitate the provision of a coastal zone management plan for the county.

7.9 Marine Resources. The Foreshore Acts 1933 to 1998, require that a lease or licence must be Pic 60 obtained from the Minister for the Marine and Natural Resources for undertaking any works or placing structures or material on, or for the occupation of or removal of material from, State-owned foreshore which represents the greater part of the foreshore. The foreshore is the seabed and shore below the line of high water of ordinary or medium tides and extends outwards to the low water mark.

Leases are granted under the Acts for the erection of long-term structures (e.g. piers, marinas, bridges, roads, car parks) and licences are granted for other works (e.g. laying of submarine pipelines and cables) and purposes (e.g. aquaculture). Leases and licenses are granted subject to the payment of fees.

The marine resource is very important to the county. It supports a significant number of water-based activities, both work and pleasure related. These include trips to islands, both inhabited and uninhabited, boat hire, adventure sports, pier/shore angling, sea angling, and festivals. The Aran Islands and Inishbofin are very popular tourist destinations and a number of ferries service the islands on a daily basis. Fishing, fish processing, transport, aquaculture and related activities generate significant employment in the county. There are a number of strategic ports, the most important being Rossaveal. It is the largest and busiest Pic 61 port in the county and is a major fishing port and fish processing plant. Further development is planned for the port. It is the main base for the Galway and Aran Deep-Sea fishing fleet and is a major ferry port for passengers and goods for the three Aran Islands. Four other piers have recently been recommended as strategic Gaeltacht piers. These are Cill Chiaráin, Caladh Thaidhg (An Ceathrú Rua), Eanach Mheain and Glinsk.

7.10 Piers and Harbours: Policies. Policy 167: Facilitate the development of Rossaveal Harbour as the main fishing harbour for County Galway. Policy 168: Promote the development of those strategic piers and piers serving islands, identified in the report “Assessment of Piers, Harbours and Landing Places in County Galway”.

- Page 61 - Agriculture and Mariculture

Policy 169: Continue improvement works to other piers, including Kinvara, harbours and landing places under the Fisheries Harbours Programme in conjunction with the relevant government Departments. 7.11 Policies: Marine.

Policy 170: Facilitate the provision of infrastructure, which is necessary for the development of the fishing and Mari-culture industry.

Policy 171: Require the design of buildings in marine locations to reflect their exposed locations and respect local traditional styles.

Policy 172: Protect the amenity of the coastal zone by restricting development, which would overlook or intrude on unspoilt coastline or alter the character of boreens, which lead to the foreshore.

Policy 173: The provision of infrastructure, which is necessary for the development of the fishing and Mari-culture industry, should be located in proximity to established landing facilities.

Policy 174: Support the further development of the N.U.I.G. marine research station at Mweenish having regard to its long established land use on the site and its importance to the aquaculture industry to the local community and to the development of scientific knowledge.

Policy 175: Support the sustainable development of the marine aquaculture industry, consistent with other policies of this plan, so as to maximise its contribution to jobs and growth in the coastal communities of the County and to the growth of the National economy.

- Page 62 - Major Accidents Directive

Section 8. Major Accidents Directive.

The “Seveso II” 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 obliged to ensure that the objectives of preventing major accidents and limiting the consequences of such accidents are covered by the land-use policies and / or other relevant policies. To achieve these objectives Article 12 states that controls shall be put on:

• The siting of new establishments, • Modifications to existing developments, and • New developments including transport links, locations frequented by the public and residential areas in the vicinity of existing establishments, where the siting of developments are such as to increase the risk or consequences of a major accident. Pic 62 Objective 66: Facilitate the implementation of the “Seveso II” major accidents directive and in doing so the Council will have regard to major infrastructure projects including airport and its safety zone, the other airstrips throughout the county, the proposed gas pipeline, rail links and major roads.

- Page 63 - Tourism

Section 9. Tourism.

Tourism is one of the major growth sectors worldwide. It is a major contributor to this county’s economy. The Operational Programme for Tourism recognises that Ireland’s quality natural environment is one of the significant strengths of Irish tourism.

County Galway possesses extensive areas of scenic beauty which when added to its distinctive heritage, culture and leisure facilities are a major indigenous resource.

The number of overseas visitors to Ireland has risen steadily for the last 5 years. Some 6.3 million tourists visited the country during 2000 of which over 1.3 million visited the West Region.

Tourism makes a significant contribution to the economy of the county. The industry is a year round one but is particularly active during the summer months. The county has a wide range of recreational activities to offer the tourist including golfing, swimming, fishing and angling, cycling, pony trekking, walking or merely visiting one of the many attractions. There are over 14 golf courses, 5 blue flag beaches and 16 pony trekking centres in the county and a large number of walking and cycling routes.

9.1.1 Agri-tourism. Rural communities are in a period of rapid social and economic change. The need for farm diversification or alternative farm activity is recognised and consequently on-farm or farm related tourism ventures and its associated infrastructure will be considered having regard to the landscape classification policies and the primary purpose of family farms.

9.2 Policies: Tourism. Policy 176: Promote tourism related developments in the countryside. Policy 177: Consider Tourism Infrastructure development related to sailing, boating, angling, walking and pony trekking routes, pier or marina development, golf courses, adventure centres, theme parks, interpretative centres. Policy 178: Some tourism related developments involve the interaction of a number of the above listed activities with accommodation facilities. As not all can be located on one site facilitate such proposals where integration and linkage between tourism facilities is promoted. Policy 179: Support the provision of tourism related developments that promote the redevelopment of existing derelict sites. However, such development, as with all tourism proposals must be capable of being satisfactorily screened and assimilated into the landscape. It shall not be located in areas, or close to areas, where an unsatisfactory level of visually unsympathetic development has already taken place or has otherwise been permitted.

Policy 180: Key rural assets must be protected and the local potential of rural areas developed. This will be achieved through identifying, conserving and developing on a sustainable basis

- Page 64 - Tourism

the various types and combinations of economic strengths of rural areas, with the support of appropriate levels of infrastructure provision. Their potential for economic activity, such as natural resource, local enterprise and tourism related development, and qualities that underpin such activity such as a clean and attractive environment will be central to this process. Policy 181: Tourism related developments outside settlement centres will be considered where there is proven sustainable need. The need to locate in a particular area must be balanced against the environmental impact of the development and benefits to the local community. Policy 182: Assess existing tourism venues for the purpose of identifying any shortcomings that may exist and / or any over-provisions that may have been made. Policy 183: Encourage tourism related developments inside existing settlements to preserve the open countryside free of inappropriate development. Pic 63 Policy 184: Seek the best balance between permitting developments, which facilitate the expansion of the industry and protecting the eco-systems and cultural ethos, which is uniquely attractive to visitors. Policy 185: Maintain and preserve the rural character, visual amenity and scenic views of the open countryside. Policy 186: Protect and maintain water quality, both coastal and inland, in order to maintain and enhance the development of special interest tourism activities. Policy 187: Facilitate the provision of tourism information centres and cultural venues. Policy 188: Holiday village developments shall not be permitted outside existing settlements. Policy 189: Have regard to the cumulative total of holiday homes contained within a Settlement Centre. Maintain this total at a level appropriate to the size and function of the Settlement Centre. Policy 190: Support on-farm tourism accommodation and supplementary activities such as health farms, heritage and nature trails, pony trekking and boating. Policy 191: Ensure that all built elements of agri-tourism are appropriately Pic 64 designed and satisfactorily assimilated into the landscape. Policy 192: Restrict the provision of any new caravan or camping sites outside the designated settlement centres throughout the County. Policy 193: Give sympathetic consideration to the improvement of, and modest extension to, existing facilities. Policy 194 Support the strategic recommendations of the “Water-based Tourism, A Strategic Vision for Galway” report. Policy 195: Facilitate infrastructure for the leisure craft and marine tourist sector.

- Page 65 - Tourism

Policy 196: Facilitate the development of the Gaeltacht area as a tourist destination in the context of cultural tourism and its importance to the local economy.

9.3 Objectives: Tourism. Objective 67: Prepare an Action Plan for the Rivers Shannon, Lough Derg and Environs and Suck basins.

9.4 Lough Corrib. It is possibly the single most significant natural asset in the County. Its waters serve as a domestic supply for half the population of the County. It is one of the most important wild fisheries in Europe, making it a prime tourist asset and an important habitat. As the second largest inland waterbody on the island with free and frequent access to its largely unspoilt shoreline it is a vast leisure area for locals and visitors. Some of its islands contain the remains of monastic settlements.

Lough Corrib divides the county, into two main landscape types. Connemara, an area west of the Lough Corrib, comprises the Roundstone bog complex, miles of rugged coastline, the Twelve Pins, Lough Inagh, as well as a large number of settlements including Clifden, Oughterard, Ballyconneely, Roundstone, Carraroe and Costelloe. Connemara National Park and Kylemore Abbey are two of the most popular tourist attractions west of Lough Corrib. The Aran Islands lie off the south Connemara coast and are a very popular tourist destination. To the east of Lough Corrib the land is generally flat and comprises fertile agricultural lands overlying limestone bedrock.

There are a number of tourist attractions including Lough Derg with its extensive marina facilities, Portumna Castle and Forest Park, Coole Park, Thoorballylee, Battle of Aughrim sites, Rivers Suck, Dunkellin and Shannon and the Burren. There are a number of large towns including Tuam, Ballinasloe, Loughrea, Gort, Athenry and Portumna.

9.5 Blue Flag Beaches. The County Council, on an annual basis participates in the Blue Flag Beaches Competition. To obtain the status of a Blue Flag beach, a number of requirements must be fulfilled, such as bathing water quality, cleanliness of the beach, toilet facilities, safety, environmental activities and provision of information. The bathing water must also be monitored on a continuous basis. The County Council is conscious of the importance of providing beaches which meet the highest standards and in this regard it is policy to increase the number of blue flag beaches in the county and in so doing contribute to the tourist industry and to the enjoyment of the facilities within the county.

There are currently four blue flag beaches along the coast; (1) Traught, Inver, (2) Trá an Doilín, Carraroe, (3) Trá Na mBan, Spideal, and (4) Cill Muirbhe, Inismore. There are a number of other quality beaches including Dogs Bay, Green Strand, Ballyconneely and Mullaghgloss, which are also of a very high standard and provide an invaluable amenity for locals and tourists alike.

There is also a blue flag facility at Lough Ree, Loughrea.

- Page 66 - Tourism

9.5 Policies: Lakes and Beaches. Policy 197: Restrict development, including agricultural or forestry practices, which would significantly diminish the amenity and or economic value of lakes or beaches or any of their assets or amenities. Policy 198: Keep new development, where permissible, away from shorelines. Policy 199: Any additional berth age facilities required by angling clubs or individuals shall be adjacent to established facilities in order to avoid further erosion of the shoreline. Pic 65 Policy 200: Restrict agricultural or forestry practices which contribute to nutrient enrichment. Policy 201: Have regard to recommendations, which may result from the west region River Basin District management plan. Policy 202: Ensure the urgent provision of modern sewerage treatment systems in those towns and villages that have insufficient capacity to meet current demands, do not meet modern standards or currently represent a pollution risk to local water courses. Policy 203: Protect and maintain the quality of existing blue flag beaches and work to bring other beaches in the county up to the required standard. Pic 66

- Page 67 - Social Community and Cultural

Section 10. Social Community And Cultural.

Irish society has undergone significant social change during the past generation. The reasons for this are multifaceted but derive from a combination of economic growth, international communications, membership of the European Union, increased multi-culturalism and better access to formal Higher Educational facilities.

The resultant changes in family and community relations pose new challenges for Local Authorities in providing, guiding and facilitating the provision of facilities, which will enhance the quality of life in County communities.

The Community and Enterprise Unit of the County Council has assisted the County Development Board in preparing a comprehensive economic, social and cultural strategy which forms the core of the Council’s community policy in the coming years.

10.1 Cultural Heritage and Community Identity. County Galway possesses a strong community identity and has a rich and diverse cultural heritage.

This identity is expressed in many ways: in the language that people speak, the arts and crafts they practice, the festivals they celebrate, the games they play, the jobs and occupations that provide their livelihood, the buildings they create and the location in which they live.

The County’s sense of place and the many strands of its cultural inheritance have been substantially maintained despite the social changes of recent times and an increasingly multi-ethnic society.

10.2 Policies: Cultural Protection. Policy 204: Retain and sustain the valuable inheritance and allow it to adapt to the continuing changes in society.

10.3 An Ghaeltacht. The County contains the largest and most populous Gaeltacht in the Country. It is located for the most part in the Connemara area but includes the Aran Islands, some of the suburbs of Galway City and the eastern hinterland of the Corrib (Figure 3.)

The language and culture of the Gaeltacht is a unique and precious inheritance, which it is a National aim to preserve and protect. This aim is now enshrined in the Planning and Development Act, 2000.

The Planning Authority’s role in achieving this aim is to protect the linguistic and cultural heritage of the Gaeltacht by granting planning permission with special consideration to Irish speaking applicants or those who qualify under the rural housing policy and by imposing conditions in granting such permissions which will ensure the stabilisation and the promotion of Irish as a community language.

- Page 68 - Social Community and Cultural

10.4 Gaeltacht na Gaillimhe. The County Galway Gaeltacht is outlined on Figure 3. Its extent was defined by the Government in 1956 and was based at that time on a region within which 80% or more of the population spoke Irish as an everyday language.

The 1996 Census of population indicated a total of approximately 36,000 people living in the area including 1,303 people living on the Aran Islands.

In 2001 there were approximately 4,500 people from the Gaeltacht in paid employment, approximately 37% of them in part-time or seasonal jobs.

It is a fundamental policy of the state to preserve the Irish language. The contribution of the Gaeltacht towards this policy is of immense importance because the Irish language is the community’s language. Though efforts have been made to promote Irish in the rest of the country, they will fail if the Irish language ceases to be the community language in the Gaeltacht. A link with our past going back 3000 years will be lost as will an important Pic 67 expression of this country’s individuality / uniqueness among the nations of the world.

The strongest Irish speaking community in the country is located in County Galway, mainly in the area from Bearna to Carna and including the Aran Islands. This linguistic community is under severe pressure for many reasons, one being the pressure of people with no Irish moving in, as well as other external influences and a lack of service provision in their own language. The official Gaeltacht consists of a number of different communities and the Council recognises that the Irish language is stronger in some communities than in others.

10.5 Preserving and Promoting the Gaeltacht in the Planning Process. The planning authority must face those aspects that damage the Irish language and the Gaeltacht in the planning process. A very small part of the country is designated as being in the Gaeltacht and it must be preserved and promoted linguistically. The Planning Authority will assess the impact on the Irish language of every area in the Gaeltacht. Galway County Council recognises that there has been population decline in some parts of the Gaeltacht. People will be given the opportunity to remain in and return to the Gaeltacht area. It is also accepted that certain skills are required in the Gaeltacht and that people coming into the area should be given the opportunity to improve their oral Irish proficiency gradually. Pic 68 Agencies should make every effort to support the learning of Irish in these cases. Any development, which in the opinion of the Planning Authority would have a significant negative impact on the Irish language and the Gaeltacht, will be refused.

Policy 205: The Planning Authority will in general, and subject to the provisions of the Development Plan, be favourably disposed to applications for developments of the following types. (1) Language Teaching Resources. (2) Recreational facilities through Irish. (3) Houses for native speakers.

- Page 69 - Social Community and Cultural

(4) Houses for native speakers by voluntary organisations. (5) Low cost houses for young Irish speaking couples. (6) Community centres that support Irish. (7) Educational facilities – e.g. third level, etc. (8) Tourism which is language centred. (9) Gaeltacht offices for the purpose of providing services through Irish for the Gaeltacht community. (10) Irish speaking families who wish to settle in Gaeltacht areas. (11) Business that is language centred e.g. translation/communication services. Policy 206: Signage Signage to be in Irish only with internationally recognised symbols. Policy 207: Development on the boundary of the Gaeltacht The planning authority will consider the potential impact on the language of any development close to the Gaeltacht.

10.6 The Townlands. The Planning Authority recognises that there has been a settlement pattern in the Gaeltacht that relates to local towns (Bailte) rather than a quasi- urban model of housing estates or terraces. This structure will be further examined in detail in a proposed Local Area Plan for the Gaeltacht and its role in preserving the Irish Language as a living means of communication.

10.7 People from the Gaeltacht working outside the Gaeltacht. The Planning Authority accepts that some people who work outside the Gaeltacht, wish to reside in a community where Irish is the dominant language. The Planning Authority will be favourably disposed to planning applications from fluent Irish speakers who are raising their children through Irish.

10.8 Economic Development. Policy 208: Support Údarás na Gaeltachta in fulfilling its role as a development agency.

10.9 Language Impact Statement. Language Impact Statements will be required where an application is made for two or more houses, or where an applicant applied for more than one house in an area. The purpose of a Language Impact Statement will be to assess the likely impact of the proposed development on the usage of Irish within the Gaeltacht area. Permission will only be granted where the Authority is satisfied that the effect of the development will be beneficial to the usage of the language in the area, if permitted. Policy 209: Address the need for Language Impact Statements including the concept of a Language Enurement Clause in the proposed Local Area Plan for the Gaeltacht. Objective 68: The Council accepts that the language is an asset in the Gaeltacht and in order to support the language, the Council shall provide planning and other services

- Page 70 - Social Community and Cultural

through Irish from the Carraroe Office. The Council shall ensure that Irish is the language medium of this office. Objective 69: Commence preparation of a local area plan for Gaeltacht na Gaillimhe as soon as the County Plan is adopted. Objective 70: Recognise the economic, social and cultural importance of Irish in the Gaeltacht and throughout the county. Objective 71: Put in place an effective system through which the various aspects of the Gaeltacht ethos can be assessed and protected as part of the planning process. Objective 72: Ensure that all contractors employed by Galway County Council in the Gaeltacht will have regard to the culture in which they work.

10.10 Naming of Residential Developments. Policy 210: Agree estate names with the Planning Authority prior to the commencement of development.

10.11 Community Services. It is generally accepted that fair and equitable access to infrastructure Pic 69 services is a key factor in providing for sustainable and balanced communities.

The settlement strategy proposed in this plan is designed to consolidate the level of service that exists in rural communities and to pro-actively encourage population growth, local leadership and initiative, and the consequent improvement of facilities and amenities throughout the county. The quality of life in a community depends not only on the provision of housing, employment and infrastructure support but also on access to social, community and cultural facilities which are fundamental to social cohesion and personal enhancement.

The concentration of population and services in and around Galway City in recent years has caused a serious imbalance in service provision, resulting in towns and villages, which are close to the City being near a wide range of services while the peripheral areas are losing population and in danger of losing further services.

In order to be sustainable a Community will require access to essential services such as employment, health care, transport, telecommunications, waste treatment and disposal, leisure and educational opportunities.

The challenge for the County Council and the County Development Pic 70 Board will be to act with the various communities in identifying their needs, obtaining resources and supporting programmes to sustain community life.

10.12 Policies: Community Services. Policy 211: Support the County Development Board in its key objectives of strengthening the Community and Voluntary sector throughout the County and developing a long-term strategy of social investment at Community level.

- Page 71 - Social Community and Cultural

Policy 212: Continue the Planning Authority’s programme of infrastructure improvements in line with available funding. Policy 213: Promote the improvement of health services throughout the County and in particular establish comprehensive hospital facilities in Tuam Town. Policy 214: Facilitate the provision of school sites where necessary. Policy 215: Promote the provision of out-reach third level education opportunities.

10.13 Recreation Amenity. Recreation ranges from competitive sports to the passive appreciation of the natural environment and the expression of the artistic spirit through painting or craftwork.

County Galway has a wide diversity of recreational activities some of which derive from local customs and traditions. Many of the competitive sports demand ever increasing standards of facilities and accommodation, and participants in the County will require access to such facilities in order to compete equally with fellow competitors at National and International level.

On the other hand, there will be an equal imperative to preserve the unspoilt amenities such as beaches, dunes, bogs and mountainside for their recreational qualities.

Settlement centres also possess buildings and locations of local significance, which give a sense of place and provide a useful role for local people as congregational points or play areas.

10.14 Policies: Recreation Amenity. Policy 216: Developers will be required to include the provision of recreational spaces in grouped housing proposals. Policy 217: Where possible, combine with developers and local communities in the provision and improvement of recreational facilities. Policy 218: Support cycling and walking groups in promoting their disciplines and developing routes and facilities. Policy 219: Co-operate with all agencies in promoting and developing the recreational potential of the county and carry out appropriate development as and when resources permit. Policy 220: Encourage the development of Community Youth leaders. Policy 221: Support the Community Games movement. Policy 222: Protect the amenity of scenic and environmentally sensitive areas and promote the knowledge and appreciation of the natural amenities of the County. Policy 223: Encourage and promote the development of walking routes. Policy 224: Discourage the intrusion of development along walking routes in scenic areas and along inland waterways.

- Page 72 - Social Community and Cultural

Policy 225: Confine games/recreational activity, which could give rise to loss of amenity including elevated levels of noise, to locations, which would not create disturbance to residents or have a negative impact on the conservation status of protected areas. Policy 226: Loss of existing recreational space or facilities will be resisted. Policy 227: Co-operate and encourage provision of youth centres or amenity centres for young people.

10.15 Objectives: Recreation Amenity. Objective 73: A systematic survey of the various settlements will be Pic 71 carried out to determine local aspirations and assess their viability.

- Page 73 - Development Control: Objectives and Standards

Section 11. Development Control: Objectives And Standards. Development control is the process that regulates development in accordance with established planning principles and best practice guidelines, in the interests of the common good.

DCStandard 1: Residential access to National and Other Restricted Roads. Development along national roads and other restricted roads will be restricted outside the settlement centre boundary or the town plan boundary (one-off developments will be considered for permission subject to normal development control criteria within the environs of larger towns and adjoining townlands), to the essential need of farm families to live on the family holding. The needs shall only relate to: (1) The replacement of an existing substandard farmhouse or dwelling house, which is to be demolished, or where its use as a residence is to be discontinued. An enurement condition will not apply in these cases. (2) The provision of houses for sons or daughters, on the farm of their parents, where suitable sites are not available on their parents’ farm holding on non-National Roads. (3) An enurement condition will be attached to grants of planning permission. (4) In the case of multiple housing needs within the family a housing layout which avoids a ribbon formation along the road and which provides for a single access to the national route will be necessary. This may require an upgrading and/or relocation of the existing entrance to serve the combined development. Developments, which relate to established farm activity along the National Routes and other restricted roads will be considered on their merits, consistent with the demands of traffic safety.

DCStandard 2: Building Lines. A setback of buildings is required in the interests of residential amenity, rural amenity, public safety and to allow for any future road widening or realignment.

The following minimum building lines are necessary for the various routes: (1) National Primary and Secondary routes: 35 metres from the existing or proposed realigned boundary wall. (2) Regional Routes: 25 metres from the existing or proposed realigned boundary wall. (3) Local Roads: 15 metres. (4) Urban Roads: Building lines will be related to the location of the building in the town or village i.e. village streets, housing estate, cluster development.

- Page 74 - Development Control: Objectives and Standards

DCStandard 3: Sight distances required for access onto National and Regional roads. New access points shall be subject to the Vehicular Access To All- Purpose National Roads Standards TD 41/95 requirements. Some of the main distances are summarised below.

Road Classification Sight distances required for the following Design Speed on The Major Road Kph (mph) Y Distance 100 85 70 60 50 40 30 (62) (53) (44) (37) (31) (25) (19) National Primary and Secondary 215 160 120 90 70 —- —- Regional 160 120 90 70 60 45 33

Table 11.1: Y –Distance (m) and Forward sight distance in metres

DCStandard 4: Sight distances required for access onto Local roads. Visibility splays for local roads will be determined on a site-specific basis subject to traffic safety.

DCStandard 5: For Commercial Development, access onto restricted roads. Development on rural roads may be permitted subject to the development control standards and policies set out in this plan. Controls will be exercised in regard to the potential for rural development adjoining roads to result in traffic hazard and in such instances the development will be controlled having regard to the following categories:

Class I Control Roads – In general, commercial and industrial development shall be prohibited outside the 40 M.P.H. speed limits of National Routes. Consideration will be given to substantiated cases for extension and intensification of existing establishments and to the provision of park and ride facilities. All National Roads are included under the Class 1 Control Roads designation.

Class II Control Roads – Commercial, Industrial and Community Facilities development and land use shall be restricted to essential

- Page 75 - Development Control: Objectives and Standards

needs, in the particular locality, of Agriculture, Tourism Infrastructure, Fisheries, Forestry, Park and Ride facilities or existing extractive industries, and where these needs cannot in the opinion of the Planning Authority, be reasonably located along other non-listed Regional or Local Roads. All restricted Regional Roads are included under the Class 2 Control Roads designation. Restricted Regional Roads are listed hereunder.

Road Description Route No. 1Tuam-Bearnaderg-Horseleap R332 2 Galway-An Spideal Ballinahown Cross R336 3 Galway-Carnmore-Monivea R339 4 Derrydonnell-Athenry R348

DCStandard 6: Parking Bays. Where residential developments are required to provide a parking bay adjoining a proposed boundary wall realignment, the Council will require the parking bay to be at least 15 x 3 metres although this may be relaxed where site size and dimensions preclude its provision and adequate on-site parking can be provided with safe access.

DCStandard 7: Restriction On Agricultural Development. To restrict developments which are not connected with agriculture or related to the provision of infrastructure services for the common good except where they provide for essential rural housing needs in accordance with the provisions of Section 4.8 Rural Housing and associated Policies and Development Control Standards in particular DCStandard 11 (Permissible Rural Housing) and DCStandard 1: (Residential access to National and Other Restricted Roads) of the Development Plan.

DCStandard 8: Building Control Standards for Surface drainage. Drainage from paved surfaces may, after suitable treatment, be discharged to available watercourses or to adequate soakage areas on site.

For rural houses, existing roadside drainage shall be maintained by the incorporation of a suitably sized drainage pipe. Each application shall be accompanied by design calculations or appropriate evidence to support the size of pipe selected.

In any event surface water shall not be permitted to flow on to the public road from the proposed development.

- Page 76 - Development Control: Objectives and Standards

DCStandard 9: Control Standards for Signage. Advertising signs will not be permitted along roads in rural areas outside the boundaries of towns and villages save for a limited number, which relate to heritage or tourist attractions, which are of national interest. The Planning Authority will operate a licensing system for all signs and structures on public roads.

The system for fingerpost signs, which relate to premises, and are located away from major routes, will operate on the following basis:

(1) A single pole will be allowed at the road junction apart from any County Council statutory directional sign. (2) A maximum of 4 no. signs shall be allowed on the pole. (3) No establishment may have more than one fingerpost sign. (4) The establishment shall be within 8 km of the location of the sign. (5) Signage in the Gaeltacht area shall be in the Irish Language.

DCStandard 10: Compliance with Landscape Sensitivity Designations. Subject to the provisions of the Plan but in particular the settlement policies of Section 2.10 and the consequent restriction on development in rural areas, the control of permissible development shall be in accordance with the policies as they relate to the five sensitivity classes of landscape in Section 5.4.

It will deem the following types of development generally to be acceptable in the various areas of sensitivity as follows: Class 1 - All developments consistent with settlement policies. Class 2 - Various developments, which are of appropriate scale and design and are in compliance with settlement policies. Class 3 - Few developments, including those with substantiated cases for such a specific location and which are in compliance with settlement policies. Class 4 - Restricted to essential residential needs of local households and family farm business. Class 5 - Negligible alteration will be allowed only in exceptional circumstances. It is accepted that the Islands around our coastline are special and require protection while at the same time accommodating local needs.

Currently the landscape sensitivity rating for all of the Islands is Class 5 – unique. However, consideration will be given to accommodating local housing needs, where the development would be in conformity with the provisions of the plan.

Agri-business buildings will not be permitted in landscapes, which are rated “unique” or “special”.

Telecommunications masts shall not be permitted in landscape sensitivity “unique”.

- Page 77 - Development Control: Objectives and Standards

DCStandard 11: Permissible rural housing. Subject to development control provisions and the policies of this plan, it will be permitted to develop in rural areas and lands described under the Class 1 to Class 4 (inclusive) of the Landscape Sensitivity areas. In areas Class 3 and 4 the Council may require applicants to provide a visual impact assessment of their development where the proposal is located in an area identified as “Focal Points/Views” in the Landscape Character Assessment of the County. In Class 5 areas subject to development control provisions and the policies of this plan it will be permitted to accommodate local housing needs in accordance with the terms of the Rural Housing Policy specified in paragraphs 4.8 and 4.9, being Policies 84, 85, 86, 87, 88, 89, 90, 93, 94 and 97.

On the Islands, Islanders working on the mainland, who live on the Island when not on the mainland for work purposes and who are an intrinsic part of the rural community shall be included in the permissible Rural Housing Category defined in

DCStandard 12: Assimilation of development into Landscape. All permissible buildings should avoid locally elevated locations and should be located on mid slopes or lower slopes of rising ground. Development should seek to preserve traditional field patterns and established hedgerow and woodland.

Any permissible housing development shall have regard to The Single Rural House Guidelines.

DCStandard 13: Wind farm development. Wind farm development will be facilitated in the area designated as suitable (Figure 9).

DCStandard 14: Development within settlement centres. Developments in settlement centres, which are located in landscape classification Class 3, 4 and 5, shall have regard to views of particular amenity value.

DCStandard 15: Site size for single houses using individual on-site waste water treatment systems. 1 A minimum site size of 2000 sq. metres [ ⁄2 acre] will be required for a single house so as to provide for adequate effluent treatment, parking, landscaping, open space and maintenance of rural amenity. For house sizes greater than 200 m2 site size shall be increased by 10 m2 for each m2 of house area over 200 m2. The requirements for site size for houses greater than 200m sq. will not apply to existing houses. Where derelict or semi-ruinous buildings are proposed to be developed these requirements will be relaxed subject to appropriate environmental and traffic standards being met

- Page 78 - Development Control: Objectives and Standards

DCStandard 16: Standards for effluent treatment facilities. The suitability of the site for treatment of domestic effluent shall be determined, solely by and in accordance with the criteria set down in the E.P.A. Waste Water Treatment Manuals or any revision of this manual or any replacement of this manual.

Each dwelling house shall be serviced by its own septic tank or treatment plant and shall not share this facility with any other dwelling other than in exceptional circumstances.

In the case of clustered housing schemes wastewater treatment plants shall be permitted provided that they are designed and built in accordance with EPA Treatment Manuals.

For single houses the “EPA Wastewater Treatment Manuals – Treatment Systems for Single Houses” shall apply. For larger developments the “EPA Wastewater Treatment Manuals – Treatment Systems for small communities business, Leisure Centres and Hotels” shall apply.

Certification will be required that septic tanks have been desludged in accordance with EPA Guidelines.

DCStandard 17: Proprietary treatment plants. The following will be a requirement of Planning Permission. (1) Maintenance contracts for proprietary treatment systems (2) Design calculations supporting the selection of a particular type and size of plant. (3) Certification that septic tanks have been desludged in accordance with EPA Guidelines.

DCStandard 18: Agricultural effluent. All soiled liquid waste shall be collected and stored in tanks, designed to Department of Agriculture and Food Standards, before being further treated or spread on land in suitable weather conditions.

Design calculations supporting the selection of a particular volume of storage and details of the spread area should be submitted with each application.

DCStandard 19: Prevention of Groundwater Pollution. Development works shall have particular regard to the preservation of groundwater and surface water quality during all stages of construction.

DCStandard 20: Agricultural Buildings. Buildings, which are connected with traditional farm activity, will be permitted in suitable locations on the farm. In dealing with planning applications for such buildings the Planning Authority will have regard to:

- Page 79 - Development Control: Objectives and Standards

(1) The quality of design and layout of the farm complex. (2) The proximity of any existing dwelling house. (3) The safe access to public roads. (4) The assimilation of the buildings into the rural landscape by means of appropriate siting, external colouring, screening and shelterbelting.

DCStandard 21: Agri-business storage buildings. It shall be a presumption that agri-business storage buildings, which are not directly linked with local farm activity, will be situated in settlement centres or in towns with commercial/industrial zoned lands unless a specific compelling case is made for a rural location. In any event such buildings will not be permitted in landscapes, which are rated “unique” or “special”.

DCStandard 22: Agri-Tourism. (1) Accommodation and supplementary businesses shall remain in the ownership of the farm family. (2) The accommodation buildings shall be proximate to the existing farmhouse. (3) Adequate effluent treatment facilities shall be installed. (4) Adequate on-site parking shall be provided and safe access shall be available to the public road.

DCStandard 23: Windfarms. The provision of electricity generation from wind energy shall be subject to the following: - (1) Compliance with the guidelines issued by the Department of the Environment 1996 and having regard to the Best Practice Guidelines For Wind Energy Development as published by the European Wind Energy Association. (2) Be located in the landscape areas shown suitable for such development. (Figure 9). (3) Be so located as to avoid injury to existing residential amenity due to noise or flicker effect. (4) Avoid interconnecting with the electricity grid either overground or underground across the landscape where sensitivity rating is “unique”. (5) Shall provide appropriate securities towards the strengthening and maintenance of public road that serve the development. (6) Shall be decommissioned, on it becoming redundant and the plant removed from the site and restoration works put in place.

DCStandard 24: Electricity Transmission Lines. Electricity Transmission lines are an essential and inevitable element in providing the necessary energy for economic and social progress. (1) Transmission lines should where possible avoid landscapes, which have sensitivity ratings “unique” or “special” where they do not already traverse such areas. (Figure 7) (2) New transmission lines should have regard to existing residential amenity and should mitigate against any significant diminution of views of special amenity value.

- Page 80 - Development Control: Objectives and Standards

(3) Applications for new transmission lines shall be accompanied by a demand schedule.

DCStandard 25: Telecommunications masts. While the current state of technology requires the construction of masts and antennae in the countryside the following standards will apply. (1) Masts shall not be permitted in landscape sensitivity “unique”. (2) Masts and associated base station facilities should be located away from existing residences and schools. (3) Masts should be designed and located so as to cause minimum impact on the landscape. If possible, sites should be located within forest plantations. (4) Licensees should seek to co-locate their services by sharing a single mast or, if necessary, locating additional masts in cluster form. (5) Mast compounds should have security fencing and anti- climbing devices. (6) In the event of the discontinuance of any mast installation the mast and its equipment shall be removed from the site and the land shall be reinstated. (7) Permissions for telecommunications masts shall in general be permitted for a 5-year period so as to assess the state of technology and decide whether the national interest requires a continuance of the permission.

DCStandard 26: Camping and Caravan Sites. Any proposed caravan or camping sites within settlements shall have regard, in scale and layout design, to the existing character of the village and its residential amenity. An operational management plan shall be submitted with the necessary planning application.

DCStandard 27: Holiday Villages. Holiday village within settlements shall have regard to the following. (1) The scale of the development should be of modest proportions and should relate to the size of the settlement. (2) The design of the scheme should be to a high standard and should include the preservation of boundary characteristics and significant site features as well as car parking provision, waste storage area, public lighting. (3) The complex shall be retained in a single company ownership and units shall not be sold off as individual holiday homes. (4) An operational management plan shall be lodged with the necessary planning application.

DCStandard 28: Extractive Development. The following details shall be considered central to the determination of any application for planning permission for extractive development: - (1) The extent of land ownership. (2) The nature of all deposits. (3) The methods of excavation and machinery to be used.

- Page 81 - Development Control: Objectives and Standards

(4) The quantification of production in a given time. (5) Methods to reduce environmental impact. (6) Vehicle routes from site to major traffic routes. (7) A scheme of rehabilitation and after care. (8) Any Environmental Impact Study required by statute. (9) Proximity to other developments.

DCStandard 29: Residential Developments in Settlement Centres, Towns and Villages. Limit the rate of increase of development so that its scale accords with the allocation indicated for the various locations in Table 2.2 to Table 2.6 subject to a facility for those with an essential housing need to develop in their locality. The Council recognises this rate of settlement increase will only be possible where appropriate infrastructure is available. Where infrastructure to allow for the scale and rate of development envisaged in the settlement strategy is not, or is unlikely to be, provided over the plan period the Council will consider meeting identified housing need in the rural areas or in local areas where sufficient services capacity exists or can be provided.

Cluster-type housing shall be arranged but it shall have regard to the publication “Galway Clustered Housing Design Guidelines”.

Single houses, which are serviced by septic tanks or proprietary treatment plants, shall comply with DCStandard 15:

Single storey houses shall have a minimum clear distance of 5 metres to the side boundaries of the site.

Two storey houses shall have a minimum clear distance of 5 metres to the side boundaries of the site and shall not have a first floor side window livingroom oriented in such a manner so as to cause overlooking and loss of privacy to other residential properties.

Infill houses in village street locations shall be in harmony with adjacent design characteristics.

Single houses shall have regard to the publication “Single Rural Houses Design Guidelines”.

In the case of infill street locations reference will be had to the plot ratio of immediately adjoining property or to the existing plot ratio on the site in determining the appropriate plot ratio.

Residences in housing estates shall be numbered in accordance with an agreed scheme. The numbers shall be prominently and clearly displayed.

DCStandard 30: Commercial Developments. Infill development on town and village streets shall be designed to harmonise with the existing streetscape.

- Page 82 - Development Control: Objectives and Standards

In the case of infill development, where possible, on-site parking to the rear of the premises shall be provided at the rate of 3 spaces per 100 m2.

In the case of green field development parking shall be provided on site at the rate of 3 spaces per 100 m2.

Access shall be provided for people with disability.

Advertising signs shall be confined to the name of the establishment being painted on or affixed to the façade of the building and illuminated, if required, from an external light source so arranged as not to cause glare to road users or intrusion to adjacent property owners.

No signs shall be permitted on forecourts or the public footpath. Site coverage (1) For single storey or 6m high, shall not normally exceed 75% (2) For two storey or 9m high, shall not normally exceed 60% (3) For three storey or 12 m high, shall not normally exceed 50% On site provision shall be made for waste storage and segregation including pending collection and disposal. In the case of permitted hot food “take aways” closing time shall be 12.30 a.m.

Roll down shutters placed externally on the front façade shall not be permitted. Any necessary security screens shall be inside the shop windows.

DCStandard 31: Petrol Filling Stations. A minimum road/street frontage of 30 metres shall be required.

A low wall of approximately height 0.6 metres shall be constructed along the frontage with allowance for two access points each 8 metres wide.

The pump island shall be not less than 7 metres from the footpath/road boundary.

No signage cluster shall be permitted.

DCStandard 32: Protected or proposed Protected Structures. As a minimum requirement the planning authority will require Planning Applications for works to Protected or proposed Protected Structures to have regard to the “Architectural Survey and Assessment Draft Best Practice Guide”.

The Conservation Guidelines issued by the Department of the Environment and Local Government.

- Page 83 - Development Control: Objectives and Standards

The Architectural Heritage Protection Guidelines for local authorities issued by the Minister for Arts, Heritage, Gaeltacht and the Islands and Dúchas, The Heritage Service.

DCStandard 33: Industrial Development. There shall be a presumption that only dry industrial processes of modest size and whose nature will not cause nuisance or injury to the predominant residential environment of towns and villages, shall be permitted: (1) The hours of industrial operation will be controlled where they are likely to result in harm to environmental amenities including residential amenity. (2) Noise levels shall not exceed 55 dB (a) Leq when measured at the boundary of the site. (3) Provision shall be made on site in a screened compound for short-term waste and segregation storage pending collection and disposal. (4) Advertising signs shall be confined to the name of the establishment being painted on or affixed to the façade of the building and illuminated, if required, from an external light source so arranged as not to cause glare to road users or intrusion to adjacent property owners. (5) Site coverage shall not normally exceed 75% nor shall plot ratio exceed 1.2 (6) A comprehensive professionally prepared planting scheme for the site shall be necessary. (7) On site parking shall be provided at the rate of 3 car spaces per 100 sq. metres of floor area and additional space shall be provided for the parking and loading of large vehicles.

DCStandard 34: Development Control Standards for Forestry Development. The provision and maintenance of the trees shall comply with the requirements of “Irish National Forestry Standard 2000” and any proposals for forestry development should have regard to the following guidelines published by the Forest Service.

• Forestry and Landscape Guidelines • Forestry and Water Quality Guidelines • Forestry and Archaeology Guidelines • Forestry Bio-diversity Guidelines • Forestry harvesting and Environmental Guidelines.

Applications for a forestation and deforestation, which exceed the thresholds set out in the Planning and Development Regulations, 2001, require planning permission and an Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA).

A forestation will only be considered in the areas identified as suitable for such development in the Landscape Character Assessment, (Figure 8). Detailed recommendations for forestry development in the various parts of the county are set out in this document and any proposal should be in accordance with these recommendations.

- Page 84 - Development Control: Objectives and Standards

Where forestry is permitted, the developer will be required to make a financial contribution towards the maintenance and repair of roads in the area. This contribution will be calculated based on the yield class of the forest and its distance from the nearest Class 1 local road. Alternatively it may be based on the preferred extraction route. The actual charge will be set at an amount equal to this calculation or the actual cost of carrying out remedial works resulting from the extraction of the timber whichever is the lesser. A cash flow statement detailing the economic viability of the proposal must accompany applications for planning permission.

DCStandard 35: Archeological Conservation and Preservation. All planning applications for new development, redevelopment, any ground works, refurbishment, restoration works etc. within the areas of archeological potential and within close proximity to the recorded sites will take account of the archeological heritage of the area and the need for archeological mitigation. Proposals will be submitted to Dúchas – The Heritage Service.

DCStandard 36: Archaeology and Development Guidelines. Developers should give due consideration to the Archaeology & Development: Guidelines for Good Practice for Developers.

DCStandard 37: Development on the boundary of the Gaeltacht. The potential impact of any development on the boundary of the Gaeltacht will be taken into consideration in assessing development applications.

- Page 85 - Zoning Matrix

KEY / Permitted in principle (R) Residential O Open for consideration (C) Commercial X Not normally permitted (I) Industrial (RA) Recreation and Amenity (CF) Community Facilities (AG) Agriculture

USE CLASSES R C I RA CF AG Abattoir X X O X X X Advertisement and Advertising Structures X / / X X X Agricultural Buildings X X O X X / Bed & Breakfast O / X X X X Betting Office X / X X X X Boarding Kennels X X O X X X Caravan Park (Holiday) X X X X X X Caravan Park (Residential) O X X X X X Car Park O / / X / X Cash & Carry X O / X X X Cemetery X X X X X O Church O X X X / X Community Facility / / X O / X Commercial Recreation Undertaking O O X O / X Concrete, Asphalt etc. plant X X O X X X Crèche/Nursery School O / X X / X Cultural Use O / X O O X Dancehall/Discotheque X / X X X X Doctor/Dentist etc. O / X X X X Education O O X X / X Enterprise Centre X O / X X X Funeral Home X O X X O X Garden Centre O / X X X X

- Page 86 - Zoning Matrix

KEY / Permitted in principle (R) Residential O Open for consideration (C) Commercial X Not normally permitted (I) Industrial (RA) Recreation and Amenity (CF) Community Facilities (AG) Agriculture

USE CLASSES R C I RA CF AG Guest House O / X X X X Halting Sites X X X X X X Health Centre O / X X O X Heavy Vehicle Park X X / X X X Home Based Economic Activity O O X X X O Hospital X X X X O X Hotel X / X X X X Industry (Light) X O / X X X Industry (General) X X / X X X Industry (Special) X X / X X X Motor Sales Outlet X O / X X X Offices (District) X / X X X X Offices (Neighbourhood) X / X X X X Offices (Other) X / X X X X Open Space / / / / / / Petrol Station X O O X X X Private Garage / O X X X O Private Tip X X X X X X Public House X / X X X X Public Services / O X X X X Recreational Buildings Commercial O / X O O X Recreational Facility/Sports Club O / X O / X Residential / / X X X O

- Page 87 - Zoning Matrix

KEY / Permitted in principle (R) Residential O Open for consideration (C) Commercial X Not normally permitted (I) Industrial (RA) Recreation and Amenity (CF) Community Facilities (AG) Agriculture

USE CLASSES R C I RA CF AG Residential Institution O / X X / X Restaurant X / X X X X Retail Warehouse X O / X X X Retirement home O O X X / X Science/Technology based Industry X O / X X X Scrap Yard X X O X X X Service Garage X / O X X X Shops (Major) X / X X X X Shops (Neighbourhood) / / X X X X Warehousing X X / X X X Wholesale Outlet X O O X X X Waste Management Facilities Anaerobic Digestion Plant X X / X X / Bring Banks / / O O / O Car Dismantling X X / X X O Civic Recycling Centre O O / X / / Composting Centre X O / O O / Construction and Demolition Waste Recycling(C&D) X X / X X O Hazardous Waste Depot X X / X X O Municipal Waste Incinerator X X O X X O Recycling Centre <2,000 m2 X / / X X O Recycling Centre >2,000 m2 X O / X X O Refuse Landfill X X O X X O Refuse Transfer Station X X O X X O Reuse and Repair Centre X O / X X O Scrap yard X X / X X O

- Page 88 -