Dromahair Development Framework DRAFT for discussion February 2021
This project was funded and supported by the Department of Rural and Community Development and Leitrim County Council under the Town and Village Renewal Scheme 2019.
Contents
1. Introduction
2. Setting Dromahair in Context
3. Consultations: what you told us
4. Establishing the baseline position for Dromahair
5. The Shared Vision for Dromahair
6. A Newly Established Dromahair Steering Committee
7. Establishing the Development Aims
8. The Action Plans
Appendices Appendix A: Socio-economic analysis Appendix B: Strategic context
Appendix C: Dromahair Steering Committee Resource Materials
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Abbreviations ACA Architectural Conservation Area cNHA Candidate Natural Heritage Area DARC Dromahair Arts and Recreation Committee DDATT Dromahair Development Association and Tidy Towns GAA Gaelic Athletic Association LCC Leitrim County Council LEO Local Enterprise Office OPW Office of Public Works NIAH National Inventory of Architectural Heritage
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1 Introduction
In June 2020, Leitrim County Council commissioned Venture International Ltd and Sheridan Woods Architects and Urban Planners to facilitate a Development Framework for Dromahair. This project was funded and supported by the Department of Rural and Community Development and Leitrim County Council under the Town and Village Renewal Scheme 2019.. The main purpose of this Development Framework is to bring together the interests of the residents, community groups and businesses in Dromahair so they can work together on common goals and a planned vision for Dromahair. The Framework will help to prioritise projects for the development of Dromahair over the next ten years.
The Framework was developed over a number of months and involved local residents, community organisations, sports clubs and businesses in Dromahair putting forward their views about how they would like to see the village develop over the next ten years. The process included revisiting the 2006 Dromahair Village Urban Framework Plan to establish progress to date and identify those issues and actions which remained relevant, in addition to referencing for action any emerging concerns or projects ideas. The focus of the 2006 Framework was solely on the built development of Dromahair, while this 2020 Framework has a wider view. It encompasses five different Development Aims that when taken together with the deliverable action plans set out in Section 8, will ensure a sustainable village capable of meeting the needs of its residents, attracting visitors and attracting business and investment. The process undertaken in 2020 had the following three phases:
Phase 1: Review and analysis
To carry out a detailed socio-economic analysis of the area to include population, age structure, health, education and economic activity To consider the wider context, plans and policies that impact on Dromahair To review any existing plans pertaining to Dromahair and identify progress updates
Phase 2: Research and key ideas
To consult with key members of the community to make connections and understand how Dromahair works To carry out consultation meetings with residents, local organisations, sports clubs, businesses and public representatives to enhance the Development Framework and to ensure ideas are gathered To analyse these ideas and separate them into development aims and priorities A visual interpretation of Dromahair at 2020 and technical site assessment comprising land use and heritage assets
Phase 3: Dromahair Design and Framework
To highlight key ideas and look at ways to implement these putting in place a robust and realistic integrated Development Framework identifying what needs to be done, why it is an issue, how it will be tackled, who will be involved and when it should happen Validate the Framework with those involved
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2 Setting Dromahair in Context
Dromahair lies in the north west of Leitrim amid stunning unspoiled natural landscapes. The "Sleeping Giant" mountain is visible on approaches to the village, as is Lough Gill below the Slieve Daeáne and Killerry mountain. The village is located on the eastern bank of the River Bonet, which flows into Lough Gill.
Dromahair is linked to the west to Sligo town via the R287 road and east to Manorhamilton via the R280. The R288 is an alternative route to Sligo, north of Lough Gill via the R286. Dromahair is identified as a Tier 2B settlement (along with Drumshanbo, Mohill and Kinlough), of which the Plan encourages further development.
Dromahair is a thriving village with several pubs and restaurants, post office, public library, health centre, general retail, hairdressers, butchers, garage and a national school. It has a highly active community and voluntary sector.
Dromahair Context – OSI Discovery Services
Dromahair’s Heritage and Culture
Dromahair is undoubtedly a village with strong historical integrity. Formed during the Middle Ages, the development and character of Dromahair have been shaped by a particularly colourful period of Irish history dating from the feudal lords of the O’Rourkes, to the landlord estates of the Lanes. The traditional core of the village runs along the ridge of the eastern
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bank of the river from VillIers Castle to the Old Mill. It is set in a historic region which was once the territory of the O’Rourke’s, Princes of Breffni.
The rich heritage of Dromahair continues to influence the growth and development of the village, with structures and buildings of considerable historical and heritage importance representing key landmarks and reference points in the village. It offers many heritage attractions from its 19th century planned village buildings to its medieval abbey, Creevelea Abbey.
Dromahair’s natural heritage lies is in its surrounding unspoilt landscape. It is greatly appreciated by the people who live and work in the village and indeed there are examples of its being responsibly and successfully used by some local businesses, and residents and visitors using it for recreation, sport, physical activity and access to nature.
Heritage assets are a key resource to promote Dromahair and create interest in it. Heritage assets are not just built or natural, they are also intangible and involve the people of Dromahair. Its heritage can ensure the village is vibrant and remains true to its origin and identity through the appropriate adaption and re-use of important vacant sites such as the Abbey Hotel and the former Garda Station.
Development over the last 15 years
The population of Dromahair has grown incredibly fast. In 2016, the Census recorded the population of Dromahair at 808 people. The Rural Renewal Scheme was extremely successful in encouraging development and investment in rural areas of Leitrim. Under the scheme, tax relief was offered for new buildings and refurbishment of older buildings. The result was significant levels of residential development in Dromahair and the town experienced an intense period of growth in the residential population. Between 2000 and 2011, some 199 houses were built and the population increased by 61% between 2006 and 2016. The increase between the five year period 2011 and 2016 was 8%. (Source: CSO). Dromahair residents and businesses have indicated that this population growth is good because it has brought more diversity to the village. Others have noted that the increasing population has not been supported by the necessary infrastructure or facilities, for example it is difficult to access childcare and with almost 34% of Dromahair’s population aged under 24 years old, there is need for more youth facilities.
Some homes were built in the grounds of the Castle. There are 18,051 houses in Leitrim and 3,589 are vacant which excludes the 1,637 holiday homes. Dromahair has 472 permanent dwellings, 81 of which are vacant. (Source: CSO) Dromahair features strongly on unfinished estates. Over time this is becoming resolved by Leitrim County Council but it can be a slow process.
Dromahair’s proximity to Sligo has had and will continue to have a significant bearing on the development and growth of Dromahair (and a number of other villages in Leitrim). The 2006 Dromahair Village Urban Framework Plan noted the concerns that Dromahair is dormitory. Consultation for this new Framework has shown mixed opinions on how people moving to the village have integrated into the Dromahair community.
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Community successes
Community successes in recent years have had very positive impacts on the village. The most notable are the development of the playground, park and astroturf pitch at DARC and the completion of the SLNCR Demonstration Stretch (Greenway). These successes have helped the community to integrate better with each other and contribute to improving their general health and wellbeing.
Other community efforts have seen the installation of the bus shelter, new litter and dog fouling bins, signage on the new bins is bilingual, the completion of the footpath to the community park and the safety improvements at the bridge linking the SLNCR greenway back to the village at the Abbey Loop Walk (both supported by Leitrim County Council), two welcome stones on the Manorhamilton and Drumkeeran approach roads were erected in June 2020.
Challenges to overcome
There is a high vacancy rate in private buildings, in particular the closed Garda Station and 19th Century Abbey Manor Hotel. This lack of hotel accommodation has a negative impact on the village’s tourism capacity. The closure of the hotel and B&Bs, and a lack of hotel beds has meant that not nearly enough visitors are staying in Dromahair overnight. As a result the village is losing out on the primary and secondary benefits and jobs provided by the accommodation sector.
Despite its vibrancy, space for community activities is limited. A large and multi-functional community hall or community green space is needed to facilitate the Dromahair community to come together. Dromahair’s population, of which many are young families, dictate the need for suitable youth facilities and indeed childcare facilities are at capacity: childcare needs are being met in Sligo.
The negative impact of business closure in Dromahair can be countered by the development of a combined business hub and arts centre, which would be a facility for enterprise start-ups or shared office space for home working/start-ups. It would help to encourage new business and address the fact that many people leave Dromahair to work in Sligo, Manorhamilton and other towns.
In terms of physical enhancement of the village, car parking needs to be better managed to improve safety, green and environmental solutions should be implemented including electric car charging points and cycle lanes could be installed, better footpath maintenance, installation and drop kerbs.
Opportunities to use
Focus can be placed on Main Street as the catalyst to re-invigorate the village. Redeveloping the prominent vacant buildings and sites on Main Street for re-use for different types of projects will increase the vibrancy of the village. Having a range of projects will keep it
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interesting and cater for many tastes, such as re-locating the community library, a community hub, a combined business hub and arts centre, and a green space for community use.
Dromahair’s wealth of history, heritage and culture is embraced by the residents of the village and attracts many visitors. A lot of Dromahair’s heritage assets feature on various tourism websites. Visitor numbers to Parke’s Castle (managed by the OPW) in 2017 and 2018 were 22,223 and 21,392 respectively (Source: OPW National Monuments and National Heritage Properties Estate Counted Visitors Data 2017 and 2018). Creating a tourism brand around its natural and built heritage and culture will ensure its responsible and sympathetic management, and Dromahair (and all of Country Leitrim) fits very well with the Fáilte Ireland proposition Ireland’s Hidden Heartlands. The big difference is the pace of the experience, and Leitrim really shines. A tourism brand for Dromahair should consider what the growing trends are worldwide and what the heartlands lends itself to. For Dromahair, it is off the beaten track which appeals to people. You can be at one with the world and yourself, you can have quality experiences, enjoy the artisan ethos of the creative sector who live and work in Dromahair, access nature and experience a serene, tranquil and unspoilt landscape.
Dromahair’s location on the SLNCR greenway ensures it will be one of the stop-offs along the way so raising the profile of the village’s assets and increasing its vibrancy are paramount to securing positive impacts from the greenway. In return, the cultural benefits Dromahair can add to the greenway are incredibly valuable and add even more interest to the experience of using a greenway.
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Dromahair in figures The key points of the socio-economic profile Dromahair are set out below. Appendix A contains the detailed picture setting out Dromahair against County Leitrim and nationally. It has been completed as a desktop exercise using multiple sources. All figures below are as at the 2016 Census, unless otherwise stated.
Permanent private households in Dromahair by year built
808 people live in 808 people live in 250 Dromahair 336 households in 87% of people in 199 Dromahair report Dromahair 200
good or very good 150 health
100 31% aged under 18
years 50 29 26 28
3% aged 19-24 years giving an average 17 13 8 7 5 4 household size of 54% aged 25-64 years 0 12% aged over 65 years 2.4
Education & Occupancy of permanent dwellings in Labour Force Participation 113 people travel Qualifications Dromahair Rate into Dromahair for
work Other
vacant dwellings Unoccupied 17% holiday 18% Secondary level 67.4% of Dromahair 24% Third level people participate in the homes 8% 413 people leave Occupied 8% Technical, labour force, higher than Dromahair to work 72%
vocational & non the county (59.3%) and elsewhere Temporarily degree the state (61.4%) absent 3%
Dromahair is a picturesque village located on the eastern bank of the River Bonet. The historic core of the village runs along the ridge of the bank of the River from Villiers Castle to the Old Mill. The village, as defined by the County Development Plan also extends from the Castle to the former Railway to the south.
The historic structures provide landmarks within and adjoining the village core, including the Mill buildings, St. Patricks Church, Villiers Castle and Drumelese Church. Minor landmarks include the Abbey Hotel, and the Railway buildings. Vernacular structures, and town houses along the main street and the back lanes also give character to the village core.
Creevelea Abbey to the northwest of the village retains a commanding presence on the western ridge of the River Bonet, and is a striking landmark on the northern approach to the village. This is located outside the Development Plan boundary, but is an integral part of the wider character of the village.
The form and layout of the village is particularly interesting and adds to the unique character of Dromahair. The urban structure comprises a curved Main Street, a straight parallel laneway connected by a series of connecting lanes, and a long perpendicular street, Market Street, connecting the Main Street and the former Fair Green. This street once included the Market House, not identifiable today.
The landscape setting of the village combined with the street pattern is a significant strength, where there are strong visual connections from within the village centre to the surrounding countryside and wooded hills. There are also many mature trees within the village centre defining junctions and terminating views which contribute to the overall picturesque appearance.
The land use within the village is dominated by residential uses to the west of the village core. While the main street is punctuated with a number of commercial properties, these are dispersed along the main street. High levels of commercial vacancy together with disorderly and haphazard parking, abandoned and derelict vehicles, as well as poor pedestrian facilities detracts from the potential vibrancy of the main street as a place to business, or to shop.
Mono functional residential uses, and poor pedestrian connections to the village core creates a poor level of engagement between the existing and new residential areas, and the village core. This also detracts from the potential vibrancy of the main street as a place to live, work and recreate.
Development Plan Context Leitrim County Development Plan (2015 – 2021) Land Use Zoning Map includes the historic town centre, and the new residential areas to the north and north wet. The Development Plan boundary extends south of the River Bonet, to the historic railway. The town centre is also defined as an Architectural Conservation Area (ACA).
Conservation Fabric and Setting
Dromahair has a long and rich history containing numerous historic structures and buildings of note. The quality of the architecture and built environment is reflected in the number of protected structures and buildings noted in the National Inventory of Architectural Heritage (NIAH).
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Land Use
Land Use
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Heritage Assets
To be completed A Protected Structure is a structure that Leitrim County Council considers to be worthy of protections from an architectural, historical, archaeological, artistic, cultural, scientific, social or technical point of view
Built Heritage to be completed Asset Status Ownership Access Creevelea Abbey Irish National OPW Public Monument
Parke’s Castle Irish National OPW Public Monument
O’Rourke’s Castle / Private? Private Villier’s Castle Abbey Manor Hotel Protected Structure Private Private
National Inventory of Architectural Heritage
Former Water Mill Protected Structure OPW Private – National Monuments works depot Old Mill Protected Structure Private Public – holiday lets St Patrick’s Church Protected Structure RC Church Public – for worship Patrician graveyard Church of Ireland Protected Structure Church of Ireland Public – for worship Old Hall ?? Protected Structure ?? ?? Old School Building Church of Ireland Public – currently leased by Leitrim County Council for the library Turbine ?? Protected Structure ?? ?? Railway buildings at the old station Community hydro-
electric scheme
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Natural Heritage Cultural and Intangible Heritage River Bonet Seat of the O’Rourke Lough Gill Beara Briefne Way Lough Nahoo Sligo Camino Sleeping Giant Mountain Yeats Trail Killerry Mountain Music and literature such Thomas Moore, Slieve Daeáne Turlough O’Carolan (O’Rourke’s Feast) Woodlands Ancient ring forts O’Rourke’s Table Music and strong oral history and tradition
Wildlife and biodiversity
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Heritage Assets
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Heritage Assets
Strategic context (overview)
A range of local, regional and national strategies and policies have been examined to establish the context within which the Dromahair Development Framework 2020-2030 is shaped. Appendix B contains the full strategic context, and the strategies and policies reviewed are listed below:
NATIONALLY REGIONALLY
Programme for a Partnership Government 2016 Regional Spatial & Economic Strategy (RSES)
Project Ireland 2040 2020-2032
CEDRA 2014 Draft Beara Breifne Way Activation Plan
Action Plan for Rural Development Northern & Western Region Assembly Report -
Fáilte Ireland: Tourism Development & Region in Transition, The Way Forward
Innovation A Strategy for Investment 2013-2022
Dromahair Development
Framework LOCALLY LOCALLY Leitrim County Council Local Economic &
Leitrim Explore Experience Enjoy: A Growth Community Plan 2015-2021
Strategy for Tourism in Leitrim 2015-2021 Leitrim County Development Plan 2015-2021
Dromahair Village Urban Framework Plan 2006 Leitrim Heritage Plan 2020-2025
Landscape Assessment of County Leitrim 2002 Connecting Leitrim's Global Commuity 2019- (under review as part of the emerging County
Development Plan) 2023
While the Dromahair Development Framework sits within many strategies, those with particular relevance are described below.
Project Ireland 2040 National Planning Framework – This is a framework to guide public and private investment, to create and promote opportunities for our people, and to protect and enhance our environment. The Dromahair Development Framework brings together the interests of the residents, community groups and businesses in Dromahair so they can work together on common goals and a planned vision for Dromahair so that it can grow sustainably. Rural areas play a key role in defining our identity, in driving our economy and our high-quality environment and must be a major part of our country’s strategic development to 2040. As a rural town, Dromahair functions as the local economic and social driver for the surrounding areas. Creating the environment to support job creation in rural areas will be a key enabler to rejuvenating rural towns and villages, sustaining vibrant rural communities and reversing population decline. Enhanced Amenities and Heritage will ensure that our cities, towns and villages are attractive and can offer a good quality of life. Dromahair has a wealth of heritage assets both natural and man-made which can be sympathetically promoted to preserve and conserve the history and heritage while at the same time be an important element in maintaining a good quality of life for residents and attracting visitors to the area for the benefit of the town’s economy.
Fáilte Ireland: Tourism Development & Innovation A Strategy for Investment 2016-2022 There are a number of specific outcomes which will be sought and prioritised (albeit to varying degrees and in line with the specific brand proposition), three of which are engaging with the outdoors, engaging with heritage, and innovation and product development. Dromahair’s many strengths and assets mean the village is well positioned to contribute to the achieving of the objectives and outcomes of this strategy for the benefit of the village, the region and the country.
Leitrim County Council Local Economic and Community Plan 2015 – 2021 Dromahair is identified as a Tier 2B settlement (along with Drumshanbo, Mohill and Kinlough), of which the Plan encourages further development. The LECP has number of economic and community goals, all of which have been considered in the development aims of this Framework for Dromahair.
Leitrim Heritage Plan 2020-2025 The Heritage Plan objectives are: Support the Conservation and Recording of Leitrim’s Heritage; Raise Awareness of Leitrim’s Heritage; Engage Communities with their Heritage; and Support Sustainable Heritage Tourism in Leitrim. A development aim of the Dromahair Development Framework is heritage-led regeneration. This aim recognises that the heritage of the town – natural, cultural and built – should be maintained and protected and harnessed sympathetically for the sustainable development of the town. It has to the potential to impact positively on residents’ quality of life, attract visitors and businesses and contribute to the economy of the town.
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3 Consultations: what you told us
The vision and objectives of the Dromahair Development Framework must be progressed in partnership with the Council and key stakeholders. Consultations were carried out with:
Residents Businesses Community organisations Public representatives Sports clubs County Council representatives Fáilte Ireland Coillte
The consultations underpinning the Dromahair Development Framework took place during the Covid 19 pandemic. As a result, the approach to public engagement was adapted to be cognisant of the associated restrictions and to facilitating as many members of Dromahair’s community to engage with the process.
Despite the public health measures in place a very high level of engagement was secured using surveys (hard copy and online), interviews (one-to-one and using virtual platforms) and workshops conducted by telephone, email, online and video conferencing. 82 residents shared their views and ideas, 38 businesses, eight community organisations and sports clubs, five public representatives and ten Leitrim County Council staff and officers.
“We are so lucky to live in the Dromahair area. It is a beautiful village, surrounded by fabulous views. Development must happen, but in tune with the area” Dromahair resident
“People want to discover heritage and the natural world, and they can do this in Dromahair” Fáilte Ireland
What you told us: Residents’ profile and how they use Dromahair
The surveys and interviews asked residents to confirm their gender, age, where they lived and how they use Dromahair:
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Age profile of residents who responded to the survey 0% 3.7% under 18 18-25 yrs 11.1% yrs Over 65 yrs
32.1% 51-65 yrs 53.1% 26-50 yrs
Gender profile of residents who responded to the survey
42.7%
male 57.3% female
The gender profile of the people who responded to the survey was 57.3% female and 42.7% male. The gender breakdown of the population of Dromahair is 50.5% female or 49.5% male.
No one under the age of 18 years old responded to the survey. 3.7% of respondents were aged 18-25 years, 53.1% of respondents were aged 26-50 years, 32.1% were aged 51-65 years and 11.1% were over 65 years old.
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Respondents were asked where they lived in relation to Dromahair. 53.1% of those who participated in the survey indicated they lived in the village, 17.3% indicated they lived less than 2km from Dromahair, 29.6% stated they lived between 2-5km from Dromahair and 1.2% lived 8km from First and foremost, the Dromahair Development Dromahair. Framework is for the residents of Dromahair, the people who run their businesses here, those who work here and use it in different ways. Although nearly 73% of people who responded to the survey indicated they live in and near to the village itself, an additional 11% use the village to access services and an additional 7% shop here. The village is used in many different Where do you live? ways, demonstrating that it is a vibrant 29.6% and energised place. between 2km and 5km from Those residents who responded to the Dromahair survey indicated they use Dromahair as a place to socialise; for leisure, recreation 53.1% in Dromahair and fitness purposes; take part in community events; visit family and friends; work in the village; go to school; 17.3% less run their businesses; children take part in than 2km from various activities such as dance, music Dromahair and Gaelic Games; and people research 1.2% 8km from Dromahair local history and heritage.
How do you use Dromahair?
I access services (doctor, library, post office, Church, etc) 83.95% I shop here 80.25% I live here 72.84% I socialize here 65.43% I use Dromahair for leisure, recreation and fitness 65.43% I take part in community events 50.62% I visit family/friends 43.21% I volunteer 30.86% I work here 13.58% I go to school here 7.41% I run my business here 3.7% Other (please specify) 3.7%
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What you told us: Commercial activity in Dromahair
Engagement with Dromahair businesses took place over several weeks in acknowledgement that they were coping with trying to trade and at the same time comply with restrictions.
Dromahair businesses were asked a range of questions that would ascertain commercial activity and employment opportunities in and around Dromahair. These included business type, length of years trading, location and number of employees. Some questions were also asked around their experiences of economic impact of the Covid-19 pandemic and it should be borne in mind that these findings refer to July 2020.
Business type
Eating or drinking Of the 35 businesses that engaged in the establishment Services, e.g. 11.4% health, beauty, consultation process, 16 provided services, 4 were legal, financial retail, 4 were eating and drinking establishments, Retail 45.7% 3 were tourist accommodation, 3 were 11.4% construction/plant hire and 5 were other (yoga retreat, video production, post production of films, artist, candles manufacturer). Other 14.3%
Tourist
accommodation/ Construction/Plant hire 8.6% holiday lets 8.6%
Years trading
1 to 4 years 11.4%
Of the 35 businesses that engaged in the 5 to 9 consultation process, 24 have been trading
years for ten years or more, seven have been 20% trading between five and nine years, and four 10 or more
years have been trading for one to four years. 68.6%
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Of the 35 businesses that engaged in the consultation process, 13 are located within Dromahair village, 10 Business location are located less than 2km from Dromahair and 12 are located between 2km-5km from the village. Between In 2km-5km Dromahair from 37.1% Businesses were asked why they located outside the Dromahair village. Of the 21 (out of 35) who responded to this 34.3% question, their reasons included: They work from home The home site was available Better customer parking when working from home Long established at the location
Suitable premises are not available in the village No need to be in the town The rural location is important for targeted Less than 2km from Dromahair customers or as a business selling point 28.6%
4 (out of the 21) businesses indicated they would consider locating to the village.
How many employees do you have?
16 no one employed or did not Between them, the 35 businesses who answer participated in the survey create 48 full time jobs, 32 part time and 17 temporary and
seasonal posts. 14 temporary 16 business employ no one or declined to 48 full time answer.
3 seasonal
32 part time
Businesses were also asked how they coped during the first phase of the lockdown: if they continued to trade, and if not, how optimistic they felt about being able to re-open. The following charts show that 53% were able to remain either fully or partly open. Of those that had to close, 46.7% felt they would be able to re-open and 13.3% felt they didn’t know:
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Have you been able to keep your If closed, do you think you will be able to re-open business open or partly open your business when public safety restriction ease? during the Covid-19 lockdown?
Yes 46. 7% Yes No 32.5% 47% Not applicable 40%
I don't know 13.3%
No 0% Yes, partly open 20.5% 0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50%
“When you arrive, you know What you told us: Your perceptions of Dromahair you are somewhere special” County Council Officer
All consultees (residents, community organisations and businesses) were asked how they felt Dromahair has developed over the last 15 years, what was positive, what was negative, how the village should develop, and urban development priorities:
How has Dromahair developed over the last 15 years? Almost 57% of people feel that development over the last 15 years has been positive, and 18.9% did most of that has been because of the hard work not express a and efforts of the community in more recent view
years. Almost 10% of people feel development has been mixed, having both positive and negative 9.5% a mix aspects.
of positive Nearly 15% of people feel development has and negative 56.9% been negative.
positively Nearly 19% of people did not express a view 14.7% either way.
negatively
“I would love to see Dromahair become an even more attractive place to live but with the lack of childcare it means that parents are bringing their children to Sligo to meet those needs. In many cases they will go to school there and as a result join sports clubs there to play with their friends rather than join the local clubs where they live” Dromahair sports club representative
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Positive developments Negative aspects and where development has been lacking
DARC Playground and Astropitch Vacant properties both commercial and Walkways residential SLNCR demonstration stretch Business closure Tidy Towns initiatives Lack of large community hall or Population growth community green space Health Centre Not enough tourist accommodation Good local shops and businesses Lack of services or facilities for young Good quality bars and restaurants people More people means more diversity Not enough services or facilities for Great community-led initiatives young children People are willing to help out to develop the village
“I love the village and the community “I moved my children to another school as groups are the lifeblood of the there were no creche facilities in community” Dromahair resident Dromahair” Dromahair business owner
What could work better? Redevelop/re-use vacant buildings Multi-functional community space is needed A combined business hub and arts centre should be developed Car parking needs to be improved Tourist accommodation should be provided A tourism brand should be created New businesses should be encouraged
“The village has a lot potential, from heritage to tourism, angling, water sports, cycling, GAA sports, walkways and beautiful scenery and bursting with history. The community spirit and kindness of the residents and businesses always has visitors to our village saying they would love to live here. We need to get everyone on board, residents and business working together … The potential is there it just needs a little hand to get started” Dromahair community organisation representative
Urban development priorities Redevelop/re-use vacant buildings Car parking needs to be improved Installation of cycle lanes Green and environmental solutions including electric car charging points Increase footpath maintenance, installation and drop kerbs Install street furniture
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Dromahair is in a scenic area. The Bonet River should be utilised more and developed, not only as a walkway /recreation area, but as a canal and leisure outlet. The castle and its association with the once powerful O'Rourke clan gives it a distinct place in Leitrim's history. That history must be researched and published.
The village is set in exceptional scenery. Any developments, including any proposals relating to windmills should respect the quality of the environment and its importance in relation to the future development of Dromahair for its citizens and visitors to it
“There needs to be more joined up thinking: shops, pubs, restaurants in the tourism sector could all work together and recommend each other so that if one business doesn’t have what the customer wants they can recommend another local business who might have it. We need this across Leitrim, not just in Dromahair. A collective attitude is what we need … People need to see that vision” Public representative
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4 Establishing the 2020 baseline position for Dromahair
The development framework process must begin with the basic question … where are we starting from? The following table sets out the 2020 baseline position for Dromahair. It has
been developed on the basis of: A review of key strategies, plans, reports and consultation processes focused on or referring to Dromahair; these include the 2006 Dromahair Village Urban Framework Plan and a range of Council, regional and national strategies (see Appendix B for the full strategic context)
A review of socio-economic data available for Dromahair Consultation with key stakeholders including Dromahair community organisations, sports clubs, the community and residents of Dromahair, the private sector, public representatives and representatives across appropriate County Council Departments
Following analysis of the above, an up to date SWOT (strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, threats) analysis showing the 2020 baseline position for Dromahair has been developed:
The Dromahair 2020 Baseline Strengths … to build on The people The sense of community and strong community spirt The landscape setting is a significant strength of Dromahair Tranquil and attractive village with a slow pace of life Proximity to larger towns like Manorhamilton and Sligo Abundance of outdoor activities and access to the outdoors Heritage and history Very proactive community and voluntary sector Development of the SLNCR demonstration stretch River Bonet Recreational facilities provided at DARC – sports facilities have greatly improved Affordable house and rental prices Businesses capable of attracting domestic and overseas visitors Good quality restaurants and bars
Weaknesses … to address
Lack of off-street parking (congestion created at the hotel/shop area) and car parking issues at the school and St Patrick’s Church Lack of community space large enough to accommodate community functions and events Lack of traffic calming measures to slow traffic, and pavement crossings and drop kerbs could be improved Under-utilised assets and perceived general under-promotion of the village’s heritage Closing of the Garda Station, which some consider has contributed to increased anti- social behaviour Lack of creche facilities – many young families have moved to the area
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More facilities for young and older people
Signage in the village could be improved Traffic safety measures need to be improved at some housing areas to help protect young children Low level of employment opportunities in the village itself
Opportunities … to use
Several opportunity buildings and sites in the village, particularly on Main Street that could be earmarked for redevelopment Potential for tourism growth and the business and employment opportunities that can arise (e.g. bike rental, gift shop, outdoor equipment and clothing) Walkways, SLNCR demonstration stretch, Abbey Loop, start of the Sligo Way/Camino: spin-off business should be encouraged A wealth of heritage assets and history River Bonet – although access is restricted the river does present many opportunities that should be explored and harnessed There is a vibrant creative sector Its location means Dromahair can associate itself with two Fáilte Ireland brands: Ireland’s Hidden Heartlands and the Wild Atlantic Way
Threats … to be minimised The health, social and economic impacts from Covid-19 pandemic on the community The potentially negative impact of Brexit on the border economy Flooding of the River Bonet Stronger connections with Sligo than Leitrim, and perceived more as a commuter town
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Character Areas
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Opportunities
Opportunities
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5 The Shared Vision for Dromahair
Where Section 4 establishes Dromahair’s position at 2020, in effect answering the question “Where Are We Now?”, Section 5 answers the question “Where Do We Want to Be?” by setting out the shared Vision the residents, community organisations and businesses of Dromahair have agreed on.
Vision
The Vision for Dromahair is:
VISION TO BE AGREED
From the 2006 Dromahair Village Urban Framework Plan: A place that will retain and nurture it’s status as one of Ireland’s most outstanding villages. Set within a richly endowed rural landscape it is a place at ease with its surroundings, it’s history and it’s heritage. A place with a coherence of scale and form that has the capacity to select and absorb the consequences of growth in the knowledge that it will remain true to it’s distinctive character, identity and enduring appeal.
SUGGESTIONS 1. Keep the 2006 vision?
2. Update the 2006 vision: Dromahair will continue to grow its status as one of Ireland’s most outstanding villages, at ease with it’s surroundings, it’s history and it’s heritage. Dromahair has a coherence of scale and form with the capacity to select and absorb the consequences of growth in the knowledge that it will remain true to it’s distinctive character, identity and enduring appeal.
Agree a new vision? 3. Dromahair is a vibrant village that draws from its rich heritage, history and picturesque landscape setting to improve the quality of life of its residents and attract visitors and businesses to the area
4. Dromahair is sustainably and sympathetically developed promoting itself as a eco- tourist destination, with strong connections to the surrounding landscape and heritage and history of the village
5. A green village that is environmentally conscious, embracing its outstanding natural landscape, heritage and cultural assets and promotes itself as a slow adventure tourism destination
6 A Newly Established Dromahair Steering Committee
It is proposed that an overarching community led structure is evolved from one/some of the existing groups or developed with the agreement of the community. The potential and approach will be discussed via the forthcoming review sessions.
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7 Establishing the Development Aims
The development aims of this Framework have been established by considering: The information provided through the consultation process (Section 3) The village’s starting position (Section 4, the 2020 baseline) The agreed Vision (as set out in Section 5)
Five Development Aims were identified:
Dromahair Development Aims
Heritage for Preservation of the Dromahair’s heritage and cultural assets – built, natural and intangible Ensure the sustainable growth of the town without compromising the landscape or its heritage character
future
Harness the natural and architectural heritage so they are responsibly developed as tourism products
generations Educate and raise awareness of the heritage of Dromahair for the benefit of its residents, businesses and visitors
Economic Many Dromahair businesses have shown resilience and are managing so far to cope with the economic impacts
development of the Covid-19 pandemic. It is vital that supports are available, and businesses know how to access them to
ensure they can continue trading and re-open where possible Re-use or re-purpose opportunity buildings and sites such as the Abbey Manor Hotel for viable projects that are
industry-focused e.g. for tourism or technology focused projects
The vibrant creative sector in Dromahair (and north Leitrim) is a niche area that if promoted well and supported
appropriately can help attract people and other businesses to Dromahair
Dromahair has the potential to create and maintain a mixed and sustainable economy due to its heritage,
landscape, high quality indigenous businesses and tourism potential
Tourism The substantial tourism potential should be harnessed: the unspoilt landscape, the river, access to heritage; and
there is much to build on with the likes of Ard Nahoo Eco Retreat which attracts visitors from across the world, Ebergole Farm and Supper Club Experience which can promote artisan food, high quality bar and restaurant
experiences such as the Stanford Inn, Village Tearooms and Riverbank, the Abbey Loop Walk of which the SLNCR
demonstration stretch is a part, and the seat of the O’Rourke Harnessing this potential should begin with identifying and defining the tourism product, then decide how it should be managed, promoted, activities developed and the heritage protected and maintained This can be done through the production of a tourism strategy to ensure the environmental and heritage assets are developed responsibly, delivering a high-quality experience and harnessed to the best advantage of the village, its residents and businesses Such a strategy would ensure the provision of a village based information centre to develop the tourism product, it would strengthen the links between Dromahair and the rest of Leitrim to develop the slow and adventure tourism offering, consider how make the most of the Fáilte Ireland brand propositions Ireland’s Hidden Heartlands and the Wild Atlantic Way
Community, Existing community links can be strengthened and opportunities developed to establish a sense of wider
Social, community, reinforcing a sense of village ownership and pride Create “spaces and places” for the community within the village, both formal and informal, which will be central Leisure and
to ensuring strong community spirit
Recreation The re-use or re-purposing of vacant opportunity buildings and sites such as the Garda Station and Patton’s Hall
for viable projects that are community-focused e.g. community development or library will ensure badly needed community facilities are provided
There is substantial potential for recreational amenities to be developed
Physical Any development of Dromahair should be sympathetic and in keeping with the heritage and landscape character Enhancement Architectural and natural heritage that is characteristic of Dromahair should be preserved and enhanced Refurbishing, re-using and re-purposing vacant buildings for appropriate and viable purposes should be the priority
Improved car parking options, uniform and clear signage, visually welcoming entrances to the village and a village
green are enhancements that can improve access, use and vibrancy of the village
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8 The Action Plans
The action plans have been drafted following the format of the five development aims:
Heritage for our future generations
Physical Economic Enhancement development
Dromahair's Development Aims
Community, Social, Leisure Tourism and Recreation
The action plans list projects that can be delivered over the next ten years to address the issues identified during the consultation process. Projects will be delivered by different Dromahair community organisations, Leitrim County Council and other agencies, and all will work together where necessary to develop projects, secure funding and deliver the projects. The timescales for delivery of the projects are: Immediate 1-2 years Mid-term 3 to 5 years Longer-term 6 to 10 years
Action Plan Heritage for our future generations Action Partner Timescale Indicative cost € Potential Funder Groups and Agencies 1. Explore the feasibility of the Old School building (in Church of Ireland Heritage Immediate €TBC TBC upon confirmation of ownership) becoming a Heritage and Cultural Research and Education Group actions Centre or Village Heritage Centre. Possibly Leader The Centre will be a repository for artefacts, information and history; it will provide meeting space; offer people opportunities to learn about the Local (local) history and heritage; genealogy research; online courses; living schools history events; intergenerational events where school children, young people, older people, community groups and our diaspora can come together to learn from each other and share heritage. Tourist information could be provided from the Centre. 2. Develop a heritage trail and associated signage, map and smart device Heritage Immediate €TBC app. The trail can be designed to be as fully accessible as possible and will Group (dependent on carry on from the work and efforts of the previous walking trails. The trail LCC extent of the will take people around all aspects of history and heritage of Dromahair to OPW works) provide a complete heritage and cultural experience including the natural, Sligo IT living and built heritage, local food and creative sectors. Some assets are Local Grant from the on private land and/or have no public access so those should be businesses Town and interpreted. This will require local community organisations working with Private built Village Renewal landowners to agree access heritage programme Link with businesses in the village and its hinterland to have special offers, owners cooking demonstrations and creative workshops to those exploring the trail. Find out if students at Sligo IT can develop a smart device app to direct people around the trail, list the businesses on the trail and the offers and
experiences they can provide, and information on each heritage site (written, pictures and audio). 3. Lough Nahoo is designated a Candidate Natural Heritage Area (cNHA). LCC Mid-term €TBC Lough Nahoo and Wetlands is currently undesignated. The Wetlands Ireland Survey 2019 gave an indicative Site Wetlands Conservation Heritage Part of LCC Ranking of C+ Rating: County Conservation value. In addition to this Group submission for important ranking, the survey also noted that the site has possible wetlands ecological value which requires further investigation at the optimum funding for season to establish importance. Leitrim in 2021 If ecological importance is confirmed, carry out a feasibility study and business plan to establish a Lough Nahoo Wetlands Reserve. 4. Complete eco-walk Loch na hUamha (Lake of the Caves/Lough Nahoo); LCC Mid-term €TBC boardwalk with bird hide to identify local birds, hedgerow conservation, seating at appropriate places Heritage Heritage Group Council? 5. Raise awareness of Dromahair’s heritage as the seat of the O’Rourkes Heritage Immediate Time resources by engaging in the consultation on the development of the Beara Breifne Group with Way the support of LCC and Fáilte Ireland 6. As an example of living heritage, continue the research and recording of All groups Immediate to €TBC Logainmneacha/Placenames and minor placenames, field names special mid-term names. Map old Mass paths; landlords – a study of past and current; an Ghaeilge agus na háiteanna deireannacha a labhartaí í go forleathan (the irish language and the last place where it was widely spoken). Display the names of the smaller streets and housing estates using bilingual signage using stones, stones, plaques, sign posts as appropriate 7. Ongoing communication and education on the local heritage by All groups Immediate €TBC involving Drumlease and other local primary schools; also secondary and and ongoing
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third level colleges; advertise; complete signposts; nature trails; update the existing booklet; publish 'Scéalta' as a heritage news medium regularly; reinvent a Schools Survey (1937) – 'The Dromahair Folklore Project'
Action Plan Economic development Action Partner Timescale Indicative cost € Potential Funder Groups and Agencies 1. The Abbey Hotel is an important heritage and opportunity building/site TBC Mid-term €TBC TBC upon confirmation of for which viable projects for its re-use should be developed, for example a Feasibility study actions tourism and technology project. In the absence of private sector led Business plan proposals community led options should be examined Project design and development Conditions survey Site acquisition Construction costs 2. Repurpose one of the vacant opportunity buildings and sites in the Mid-term €TBC village as a business and arts hub to accommodate hotdesking, remote Feasibility study working, start up and business growth support for a range of businesses, LCC Business plan including the arts. In addition to business and remote working support, LEO Project design the hub will provide people with opportunities to engage and participate and with arts and crafts. development
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Conditions survey Site acquisition Construction costs 3. Develop a programme to attract new businesses to the village such as LEO Immediate to €TBC cafes, outdoor gear and equipment, antiques and vintage, bike rental, LCC mid-term Programme outdoor activities, artist studios, and offer online presence support Which development groups can costs also be Marketing costs involved in this? 4. Place focus and effort on re-using and repurposing the vacant buildings All groups Immediate to €TBC and sites in the village LCC mid-term 5. Develop a market place to tap into the niche market of organic produce TBC Immediate to €TBC for the residents (and the eco-tourism market). On market days, traffic mid-term could be diverted to ensure pedestrian safety. Carry out research on the most appropriate location and how often the market should be held. Who organises the market, volume control, site safety, insurance, traffic management, promotion? 6. Update the current online directory of businesses and services and TBC Immediate €TBC ensure people are it – needs business involvement, what format will it take, will it be a website or an app, who will fund it and maintain it and keep it up to date?
Action Plan Tourism Action Partner Timescale Indicative cost € Potential Funder Groups and
Agencies
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1. Develop Dromahair’s huge tourism potential for Slow Adventure, active LCC and Immediate €TBC TBC upon confirmation of tourists, outdoor activities, engagement with different types of heritage Fáilte actions and culture by using the mentoring support available from Fáilte Ireland Ireland and linking with both branding propositions: Wild Atlantic Way and All groups Ireland’s Hidden Heartlands, and link to other north Leitrim attractions and like Glencar and Glenfarne. businesses 2. Develop two- to three-day itineraries or bespoke itineraries and All groups Immediate to €TBC encourage businesses to link in with this. Local people could be employed and mid-term as tour guides or provide accommodation; (noting the infrastructure businesses needs to be in place for coaches or minibuses). Groups and businesses in LCC and Dromahair should come together to develop strong proposals and justify Fáilte the need and seek advice from Fáilte Ireland Ireland 3. Explore the merit of developing a main attraction e.g. Seat of the LCC and Immediate €TBC O’Rourke or Creevalea Abbey Fáilte Ireland All groups and businesses 4. Develop Dromahair’s food tourism appeal – Fáilte Ireland is looking at LCC and Immediate to €TBC food tourism development: “Tasty Ireland” festival – celebration of the Fáilte mid-term best of Irish food and drink and will run again in 2021. Excellence in food Ireland provision and local food, resonate with place. There are also supports All groups around helping guesthouses to provide really good breakfasts and businesses 5. Increase Dromahair’s online presence and ensure new tourism LCC Ongoing €TBC initiatives developed in the village are included on tourism websites such Websites as leitrimireland.com (Leitrim Tourism Network), Leitrimtourism.com and update Ireland.com.
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6. Open a village Tourist Information Centre, (a notice board creates TBC Immediate €TBC intrigue but not jobs) … located in the proposed Village Heritage Centre? Who staffs it and pays costs? The current notice board needs replaced, is this an interim measure until the Tourist Information Centre is opened? 7. Unoccupied holiday homes and other vacant dwellings – encourage LCC and Immediate €TBC self-catering holiday lets e.g. Airbnb or Imagine Ireland: run workshops to Fáilte demonstrate what owners could earn, how to be good value for money, Ireland and educate them on regulations, how to get Fáilte Ireland approved, how to other key promote, support with setting up and listing online. stakeholders Work this into linking with Ireland’s Hidden Heartlands and the Wild Atlantic Way propositions
Action Plan Community, social, leisure and recreation Action Partner Groups Timescale Indicative cost € Potential Funder and Agencies 1. Establish and formalise a Village Steering Committee (name TBC) All groups and Immediate €TBC TBC upon confirmation of that will oversee the implementation of this Dromahair Development businesses actions Framework and take ownership of the Framework for the next ten LCC years 2. Improve community groups’ capacity and help them apply for LCC provide Immediate €TBC funding, as community groups all have to match fund and a lot of mentoring and and ongoing onus is put on them to do this – it’s can be a challenge for them other appropriate
supports
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3. Re-use and re-purpose vacant opportunity buildings sites in the All groups with Immediate €TBC village for community use: LCC support Develop projects that will address community need: multi-purpose community centre/space; creche/childcare facilities; youth facilities; older people’s facilities; indoor events; indoor gym, sports and fitness facilities; dedicated meeting space for community organisations Identify appropriate site(s), explore current ownership and accessibility; ascertain the feasibility of the project including a condition survey, capital funding, the project’s sustainability, governance and management arrangements 4. Re-use and re-purpose vacant opportunity buildings and sites in the DDATT Immediate €TBC village for community use: explore the feasibility of acquiring the Garda Station from OPW and assess how appropriately and how what extent the property can lend itself to helping address community need 5. Re-use and re-purpose vacant opportunity buildings and sites in the TBC Immediate to €TBC village for community use: assess how appropriately the former GP mid-term surgery on Main Street and to what extent that property can lend itself to helping address community need 6. Re-use and re-purpose vacant opportunity buildings and sites in the LCC Immediate €TBC village for community use: continue with the plans to relocate Library RRDF to Patton’s Hall. Plans underway for the Breffni Centre 7. Encourage village wide involvement in community projects and All groups and Ongoing events and promote volunteering opportunities businesses 8. The Sligo Camino starts in Dromahair and it is an annual event Which group(s) Immediate organised by Coolaney Development Company in Sligo. Work with will do this? Coolaney Development Company so that Dromahair’s profile as the starting point of the Camino is raised
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9. Continue the development of the SLNCR greenway, ensuring LCC Immediate to €TBC connections and links with the greenway and blueway network mid-term RRDF throughout the county and beyond and ongoing 10. Connect the walkway from Creevelea Abbey to DARC and perhaps DARC, which Mid-term €TBC more links to the village other groups? 11. Develop festivals throughout the year and ensure organisers have All groups, Immediate €TBC support and help to run them by encouraging people and businesses businesses and and ongoing in Dromahair to get involved in organising them, securing funding for LCC them, insurance and so on 12. Work to increase access to the River Bonet. It is recognised that Mid-term €TBC this is an important environmental and biodiversity asset which has the potential to increase access to recreation and leisure activities via TBC enhanced access to the water. Access needs to be examined before substantive proposals can be developed 13. Explore the feasibility of developing the bank and stretch of the Dromahair Mid-term €TBC River Bonet that is level with the bank behind the DARC. Liaise with Anglers the owner of the riverbank to explore development prospects. There Association, could be a platform built there and have disability access, seats, ease DARC, other and safe access to the river. This would increase the availability of groups? LCC angling (increasing access to sport, competition, access to nature, include children’s involvement, education, and is complementary to the health and wellbeing ethos of DARC) 14. Upgrade and develop the DARC pavilion buildings: they date back DARC Longer term €TBC to 1984 and are neither fit for purpose nor suitable for village 15. Upgrade the GAA field and training field (planning permission GAA Mid term €TBC secured) DARC 16. Lobby to have public transport links improved All groups Immediate to €TBC mid-term
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Action Plan Physical enhancement Action Partner Timescale Indicative cost € Potential Funder Groups and Agencies 1. Earmark underused and unused buildings and sites for development All groups Ongoing €TBC TBC upon confirmation of (noting the interests of the property owners): and actions Visual Appearance - Image businesses Develop a clear vision of the visual aesthetic to be achieved. Dromahair LCC should maintain its picturesque appearance. Any public realm works, reuse and adaptation of existing structures as well as potential infill development should be guided by that. (Are there villages in Ireland or abroad that achieve this. Familiarise yourselves with the design approach that they adopt) – (Glaslough, Co. Monaghan – Adare, Co. Limerick – Clonakilty, Co. Cork)
Destination - Mix of Use – Integrating more community and commercial activity in the village centre There are a number of vacant properties on the Main Street and Back Lane that have potential for reuse and adaptation for new commercial, community and residential uses Abbey Hotel Garda Station Public House Vacant Dwellings
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Destination - Access to Natural Amenities for Residents and Visitors The Abbey Hotel lands and Garda Station lands extend to the bank of the River Bonnet. Any redevelopment of these properties should explore the potential to provide access/viewing access to the River. This would enhance the connection between the Main Street and the River 2. Create high quality, elegant, uniform signage – directional, connect with All groups Immediate €TBC proposed heritage trail, the existing walks and greenways like the SLNCR LCC demonstration stretch and Abbey Loop, highlight local businesses and attractions 3. Destination - Vibrant village centre – Increase Footfall - Pedestrian LCC Immediate €TBC and Cyclist Movement Examine the redesign of the main street with a view to enhance the pedestrian experience for people living, working and visiting Dromahair. This should include traffic calming along the main street through the realignment of the road space in order to slow traffic town, provision of designated parking areas to create orderly parking, and wider footpath spaces for pedestrians, and for businesses to open onto the street. The measures should minimise the use to signage, and rely on street furniture and planting so that the public realm work integrates and contributes to the overall picturesque visual appearance of the village
4. Destination – Market Place LCC Immediate – €TBC Examine the potential to create a village centre market place between the TBC mid term Main Street and the Back Lane, with a view to pedestrianizing sections of the Back Lane on Market days. This may require the provision of temporary off street parking areas adjacent to the village core. This may be a multi-functional space/pop up space
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5. Incorporate cycling facilities in public realm works, including cycle LCC Immediate €TBC parking areas adjacent to the Main Street 6. Healthy Dromahair – promote walking and cycling for daily activities, LCC Immediate €TBC trips to school, creche, local shops and village centre jobs Review routes from existing and new residential communities and develop traffic calming to create safer walking and cycling from the existing areas to the village centre Explore the development of new walking/cycling routes between existing residential areas, to link the existing and new communities, to the village centre Explore the development of the amenity walking / cycling route to the west of the village, linking existing and new residential areas, and potential links to a new town park 7. Carry out footpath maintenance and review installation, drop kerbs and LCC Immediate €TBC crossings, rectifying where necessary 8. Promote Dromahair as a green and environmentally conscious village, LCC Immediate to €TBC by installing electric car charging points, developing cycle lanes, bicycle mid-term parking area, encourage recycling, and embracing environmentally aware initiatives 9. Create an area for a village centre or square with street furniture and LCC Immediate to €TBC public green space mid-term 10. Secure funding to carry out assessments and install flood defences for LCC Immediate €TBC the River Bonet OPW 11. Continue the ongoing to work to complete the housing estates LCC Ongoing €TBC 12. Upgrade the access route to Creevelea Abbey from Main Street (we TBC Mid-term €TBC note community access requires confirmation/clarification)
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Potential funders
Leitrim County Council Irish Georgian Society Department of Culture, Heritage and the Irish Public Bodies Insurance Gaeltacht (including Creative Ireland) Leader Department of Rural and Community Local Enterprise Office Development Pobal Department of Transport, Tourism and Royal Irish Academy Sport Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland EU INTERREG and other EU funding sources The Arts Council Fáilte Ireland The Heritage Council
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Appendix A Socio-economic analysis
All figures below are as at the 2016 Census, unless otherwise stated. The table below compares the profile of Dromahair to the county overall and nationally:
Factor (as at 2016) Dromahair Leitrim Ireland Total population 808 32,044 4,761,865 Population aged 0-4 years 84 2,188 331,515 Population aged 5-12 years 116 3,853 548,693 Population aged 13-18 years 47 2,506 308,057 Population aged 19-24 years 26 1,550 331,208 Population aged 25-64 years 436 16,538 2,541,294 Population aged 65+ years 99 5,409 637,567 Population change 2011 – 2016 +8% +0.8% +3.8% People with good or very good health 706 27,497 4,142,822 Technical/vocational 36 2,071 5.7% Advanced certificate/ apprenticeship/ higher 43 1,418 7% certificate Education: Third level 193 5,036 18.5% Education: Secondary 146 7,359 21.5% Education: No formal/primary 44 3,178 8.1% Population aged 15+ years 589 25121 3,755,313 Over 15 years Labour Force (persons at work; 397 14,891 2,304,037 unemployed having lost or given up previous (67.4%) (59.3%) (61.4%) job; looking for first regular job) and participation rate % Persons at work 361 12,728 2,006,641 Over 15 years non labour force 192 10,230 1,451,276 Total households 336 12,452 1,702,289 Average household size 2.4 2.6 2.8
Age Profile
In 2016, the population of Dromahair was 808. 400 people were male, and 408 people were female. The age group break down is in the table above.
Since 2006, the population residing in the town has increased by 61% (305). The increase between the five year period 2011 and 2016 was 8%.
Dromahair makes up 2.52% of County Leitrim’s population.
The average age of Leitrim’s population in 2016 was 39.8 years compared to 38.4 years in April 2011, demonstrating an ageing population. The number of people aged 65 years and over increased nationally by 637,567.
Population Projections
County Leitrim is located within the Border Region. In 2016, the total population of the Border Region was 394,333. In June 2019, the CSO published its report on the Regional Population Projections 2017 – 2036. The Census 2016 ‘usually resident’ population (4,739,597 persons)
provides the base population for these projections. Ireland’s population, which stood at 4.74 million in 2016, is projected to increase to between 5.33 million and 5.81 million by 2036 The Mid-East region which accounted for 14.6% of the total population share in 2016, is projected to increase to between 15.1% and 16.6% by 2036 The South-West, Mid-West, West and Border regions are projected to account for a lower percentage share of the total population by 2036 The number of persons aged 65 years and over is projected to see increases in excess of 65.0% across all regions by 2036
Households and Housing
In 2016, there were 808 people (100% of the usually resident population) in Dromahair were living in 336 households, giving an average household size of 2.4.
Of the 336 households, 329 are houses/bungalows and 7 are flats/apartments. The vast majority of properties were constructed between 2001 and 2011. The tables below set out the number of permanent private households in Dromahair by year built, type of occupancy and occupancy status on Census night:
Year built No. of private Type of occupancy No. of private households households Pre 1919 17 Owned with mortgage or loan 133 1919 - 1945 8 Owned outright 89 1946 - 1960 7 Rented from private landlord 70 1961 - 1970 5 Rented from Local Authority 29 1971 - 1980 29 Occupied free of rent 10 1981 - 1990 26 Not stated 5 1991 - 2000 28 Total 336
2001 - 2010 199 Occupancy status of permanent dwellings Number 2011 or Later 4 Occupied 340 Not stated 13 Temporarily absent 43 Total 336 Unoccupied holiday homes 38 Other vacant dwellings 81 Total 472
The housing profile of Dromahair demonstrates the dramatic growth of the town, where its population almost trebled over a short timeframe. 2001-2011 saw a significant pressure for further growth in and around Dromahair due to the incentives available under the Rural Renewal Scheme. The scheme was extremely successful in encouraging development and
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investment in rural areas of Leitrim. Under the scheme, tax relief was offered for new buildings and refurbishment of older buildings. The result was significant levels of residential development in Dromahair and the town experienced an intense period of growth in the residential population.
Health
In 2016, in Dromahair: 87.4% of people stated their general health was either good or very good. This is above the county and national percentages which are 85.8% and 87% respectively 13.8% of people had a long-term problem or disability that limited their day to day activities 1.24% of people stated their general health was either bad or very bad. This is lower than the county and national percentages which are 1.62% and 1.6% respectively 2.9% of people stated that they provided unpaid care to family, friends, neighbours or others, which is lower than the county percentage of 4.5% and the national percentage of 4.1%
Deprivation
The Deprivation Index is measured using ten socio-economic indicators from the Census of Population: Age Dependency Rate; Population Change; Primary Education only; Third Level Education; Professional Classes; Persons per Room; Lone Parents; Semi- and Unskilled Classes; Male Unemployment Rate; and Female unemployment Rate. The 2016 Relative Index Score for Dromahair was 2.6, which is very affluent. The table below compares Dromahair to County Leitrim, the Border Region and nationally:
Area Relative Index Score 2016 Label Dromahair 2.6 Very affluent County Leitrim 3.2 Extremely affluent Border Region 4 Extremely affluent Ireland 0.6 Marginally above average
Labour Force, Employment and Commuting
The labour force of Dromahair is 397, and the participation rate is 67.4%. This is above the county level of 59.3% and the national level of 61.4%.
In 2016, 36 people in Dromahair were unemployed.
Employment by industry in Dromahair is set out in the table below and compares it with County Leitrim and the state overall:
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Industry Dromahair Leitrim State Agriculture, forestry and fishing 2.5% 8.6% 4.2% Manufacturing Industries 5% 5.45% 13% Construction 14% 11.5% 2.8% Wholesale, Retail Trade & Commerce 16.6% 18.7% 25.7% ICT and Professional Services 4.4% 4.5% 20.3% Public Administration & Defence 9% 7.9% 6% Education, Human Health & Social Work 33% 25% 22.8% Other Service Activities 15.5% 18% 4.3% Not stated 0.5% 0.35% 1.1% Total 100% (361) 100% (12,728) 100% (1.59m)
Commuter flows (inward commuters less outward) by electoral division, 2016: In 2016, there were 413 commuters who lived in the Electoral Division of Dromahair but worked elsewhere. There were 113 commuters who travelled into this electoral division to work. This resulted in a net flow of -300 commuters.
Commercial Vacancy Rates
The vibrancy of a region’s commercial environment is a key factor in determining the overall economic wellbeing of a location. The commercial vacancy rates are an indicator of that vibrancy.
In quarter 4 of 2019 the commercial vacancy rates in County Leitrim was 16.6% (up 2.9% from 2013) compared to a state average of 13.2%.
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Appendix B Strategic context
A range of local, regional and national strategies and policies have been examined to establish the context within which the Dromahair Development Framework 2020-2030 is shaped. The strategies forming part of the context for Dromahair’s Development Framework include:
Programme for a Partnership Government 2016 Project Ireland 2040 National Planning Framework Report for the Commission for the Economic Development of Rural Areas (CEDRA) 2014 Regional Spatial and Economic Strategy (RSES) 2020 – 2032 Action Plan for Rural Development Fáilte Ireland: Tourism Development & Innovation A Strategy for Investment 2016- 2022 Leitrim County Council Local Economic and Community Plan 2015 – 2021 Leitrim County Development Plan 2015 – 2021 Leitrim Explore Experience Enjoy: A Growth Strategy for Tourism in Leitrim 2015 – 2021 Leitrim Heritage Plan 2020-2025 Connecting Leitrim’s Global Community 2019 – 2023 Landscape Assessment of County Leitrim 2002 (under review) Northern & Western Regional Assembly - Region in Transition – The Way Forward Draft Beara Breifne Way Activation Plan Dromahair Village Urban Framework Plan 2006
Programme for a Partnership Government 2016
The Programme for a Partnership Government recognises the importance of putting in place measures to revitalise all of Ireland so that the benefits are felt inside every doorstep and in every community. It will do this by focusing on Leadership on Jobs & Rural Development; Attracting New Investment; and Protecting Local Services. Within these areas of focus are actions the government will take to realise its commitments.
1. Leadership on Jobs & Rural Development Jobs Target: The ultimate goal of the new Government will be to deliver sustainable full employment. This will mean an extra 200,000 jobs by 2020, of which 135,000 will be outside of Dublin, leading to more people at work than ever before.
A new Cabinet Minister and Department of Regional Development and Rural Affairs: to provide greater political coordination and prioritisation of the work in other Departments in relevant areas that impact on rural Ireland. The Minister will create a clearing house forum to investigate the best ideas to advance economic and social progress in rural Ireland and will work to implement the best proposals in partnership with the rest of Government.
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Regional Spread of Growth and Jobs: Regional jobs plans will be implemented with local input, to help spread growth to all areas. The aim of these strategies will be to encourage agencies and companies to work together and build on the competitive strengths of each region. We will mandate local enterprise offices to set county-specific targets on job creation.
Impact Assessment: As part of our smarter regulation agenda, the new Government will step up the use of impact assessments across Government, driven by a new specialised section within the Cabinet Secretariat. The new impact assessment guidelines will have to take account of impacts on rural Ireland as well as other socio-economic factors. Within the new Department of [Regional Development and Rural Affairs], we will task a coordinating unit to work with communities to develop co-operative structures to keep vital local services in place and to retain and develop vibrant local enterprises.
2. Attracting New Investment Town and Village Renewal: The central aim of supporting the revitalisation of towns and villages is to improve the living and working environment of local communities and to increase their potential to support increased economic activity into the future. The focus for improvements will extend to the enhancement of villages, small towns and the surrounding countryside.
Tourism Policy: We will work towards achieving the ambitious tourism policy goals set for 2025. These include increasing revenue from overseas visitors to €5billion, growing employment in the tourism sector to 250,000 (from 200,000 currently) and increasing the number of visits to Ireland to 10 million.
Project Ireland 2040 National Planning Framework
The National Planning Framework (NPF) is the Government’s high-level strategic plan for shaping the future growth and development of our country out to the year 2040. It is a framework to guide public and private investment, to create and promote opportunities for our people, and to protect and enhance our environment - from our villages to our cities, and everything around and in between. The ambition is to create a single vision, a shared set of goals for every community across the country. These goals are expressed in the Framework as National Strategic Outcomes (NSOs).
There are ten NSOs, namely: 1. Compact Growth 2. Enhanced Regional Accessibility 3. Strengthened Rural Economies and Communities 4. Sustainable Mobility 5. A Strong Economy supported by Enterprise, Innovation and Skills 6. High-Quality International Connectivity 7. Enhanced Amenity and Heritage 8. Transition to a Low Carbon and Climate Resilient Society 9. Sustainable Management of Water, Waste and other Environmental Resources 10. Access to Quality Childcare, Education and Health Services
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Compact Growth – Carefully managing the sustainable growth of compact cities, towns and villages will add value and create more attractive places in which people can live and work. The Dromahair Development Framework brings together the interests of the residents, community groups and businesses in Dromahair so they can work together on common goals and a planned vision for Dromahair so that it can grow sustainably.
Strengthened Rural Economies and Communities – Rural areas play a key role in defining our identity, in driving our economy and our high-quality environment and must be a major part of our country’s strategic development to 2040. As a rural town, Dromahair functions as the local economic and social driver for the surrounding areas. Creating the environment to support job creation in rural areas will be a key enabler to rejuvenating rural towns and villages, sustaining vibrant rural communities and reversing population decline. While many people live in Dromahair and work elsewhere, the town itself should be capable of creating employment. Perhaps the most obvious opportunity for job creation lies in the tourism industry, and to achieve this Dromahair can work on developing its tourism offer. In addition, there are several opportunity buildings and sites in Dromahair with the development potential to attract investors, enterprise and businesses. Any such development will require community buy-in to ensure success.
Enhanced Amenities and Heritage – This will ensure that our cities, towns and villages are attractive and can offer a good quality of life. It will require investment in well-designed public realm, which includes public spaces, parks and streets, as well as recreational infrastructure. It also includes amenities in rural areas, such as national and forest parks, activity-based tourism and trails such as greenways, blueways and peatways. This is linked to and must integrate with our built, cultural and natural heritage, which has intrinsic value in defining the character of urban and rural areas and adding to their attractiveness and sense of place. Ireland’s built heritage assets are a non-renewable resource that merit being nurtured in a manner appropriate to their significance as an aid to understanding the past, contributing to community well-being and quality of life as well as regional economic development. Dromahair has a wealth of heritage assets both natural and man-made which can be sympathetically promoted to preserve and conserve the history and heritage while at the same time be an important element in maintaining a good quality of life for residents and attracting visitors to the area for the benefit of the town’s economy.
Report for the Commission for the Economic Development of Rural Areas (CEDRA) 2014
The Commission for the Economic Development of Rural Areas (CEDRA) was established in November 2012 as an independent expert group to examine and report on the medium-term economic development of rural Ireland to 2025. CEDRA was an initiative of the Departments of Environment, Community and Local Government and Agriculture, Food and the Marine. The 2014 report, Energising Ireland’s Rural Economy, makes 34 recommendations to Government which the Commission argued would support the further development of the rural economy, creating a dynamic, adaptable and outward-looking multi-sectoral economy.
The Vision set out in the report is: “Rural Ireland will become a dynamic, adaptable and outward looking multi-sectoral economy supporting vibrant, resilient and diverse communities experiencing a high quality of life with
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an energised relationship between rural and urban Ireland which will contribute to its sustainability for the benefit of society as a whole”
The 34 recommendations are grouped into three categories:
Guidance and Coordination Recommendations 1-4: The need for a more integrated approach to the management of Rural Development in Ireland requires the development of systems that will support a more coordinated approach to the design, development and implementation of all policies that have an impact on the economic development of rural areas.
The Centrality of the Regional and Local Dimension Recommendations 5-6: It is critical that coordination is also improved at regional and local level which is reflected from the perspective of the linkages between national, regional and local development frameworks in the first 3 recommendations. However, the Commission feel that this can be enhanced by initiatives that address specifically economic development at the sub county and town level.
Facilitating Economic and Community Participation Recommendations 7-34: The Commission believes that Recommendations 1-6 are the necessary foundation for the development of dynamic rural communities to 2025. The remaining recommendations are offered to facilitate full participation of both enterprise and community in a fully participative integrated approach to rural economic development.
The development of Dromahair will facilitate economic and community participation. It will ensure strategic and integrated responses to reverse deterioration within and around town – heritage will be preserved and conserved, tourism opportunities will be developed; business productivity will improve, new businesses will be attracted, people will be attracted to the area, community confidence will grow, disaffection will decrease, and people’s quality of life will be improved.
Northern & Western Regional Assembly Regional Spatial and Economic Strategy 2020
This Strategy (RSES) aims to provide regional level strategic planning and economic policy in support of the implementation of the National Planning Framework across the North-West Region.
The vision of the Regional Spatial and Economic Strategy is ‘To play a leading role in the transformation of this region into a vibrant, connected, natural inclusive and smart place to work and live.’ This shall be achieved by working together to create BETTER PLACES by adopting best practice in international spatial and economic development; achieving COMPETITIVENESS by optimising EU and exchequer funding and harnessing the strengths of our ‘place’, through COLLABORATION.
The population living in rural towns, villages and the countryside (i.e. other than the Cities and Regional Growth Centres and Key Towns) are home to almost 80% of our region’s
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population and as such represent a sizeable cohort of the population and land area. They include settlements in each county that are smaller than Key Towns but play an important role in supporting the social, economic and cultural life within rural communities. The culture of living in smaller towns and the countryside is built upon a strong connection with rural areas. For some, it is both their place of work and their home but for many, the reality is that their place of work and main services are at a distance from their home elsewhere and therefore transport connectivity and telecommunications connectivity is a key issue for accessing employment, education and healthcare lifelines.
This region is defined by its strong connection to our rural areas, which provide for the economic, social, cultural and environmental well-being of our communities, both urban and rural. This requires the careful management of development within rural areas to ensure that they remain and grow as vibrant communities. Thus, the response required must be informed by the specific attributes of the place. This Dromahair Development Framework uses the town’s attributes to guide the development aims and priorities and ultimately the actions to be implemented to achieve sustainable growth: Dromahair’s clear and distinct character Its rural social character Recreation and tourism based on its resources and assets (both existing and those with development potential)
High environmental quality The sense of place, culture and the quality, character and distinctiveness of its landscape
Realising our Rural Potential: Action Plan for Rural Development
Ireland’s economy and heritage are heavily dependent on the contribution of rural areas. Almost 70% of the workforce is located outside the Dublin region, although a concentration remains of the Eastern side of the country. Agri-food and tourism – which are both crucial to rural economies – between them employ in excess of 363,000 people (18% of the workforce).
The aim of this Action Plan is to focus on the positive attributes and unlock the potential of rural Ireland through a framework of supports at a national and local level. It will ensure that people who live in rural areas have increased opportunities for employment locally, and access to public services and social networks that support a high quality of life.
Key targets are to:
Support the creation of 135,000 new jobs in rural Ireland by 2020 by supporting indigenous businesses, investing €50m for collaborative approaches to job creation in the regions, and increasing Foreign Direct Investment in regional areas by up to 40% Implement a range of initiatives to rejuvenate over 600 rural and regional towns, including a pilot scheme to encourage residential occupancy in town and village centres Assist over 4,000 projects in rural communities to boost economic development, tackle social exclusion and provide services to people living in remote areas
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Increase the number of visitors to rural Ireland by 12% in the next three years through targeted tourism initiatives, including increased promotion of Activity Tourism Accelerate the preparation for the rollout of high-speed broadband and ensure that all homes and businesses in rural Ireland are connected to broadband as early as possible Improve job opportunities for young people in rural areas by increasing the number of apprenticeships and traineeships available locally Develop an Atlantic Economic Corridor to drive jobs and investment along the Western seaboard and contribute to more balanced regional development Invest over €50 million in sports, recreation and cultural facilities throughout the country, including in rural areas Protect vital services in rural Ireland by improving rural transport provision, enhancing rural GP services and protecting rural schools Introduce a range of measures to boost job creation in the Gaeltacht, including the creation of 1,500 new jobs in Údarás na Gaeltachta client companies by 2020 and the development of Innovation Hubs in the Donegal, Mayo, Galway and Kerry Gaeltacht regions to support entrepreneurship Combat rural isolation by improving connectivity and enhancing supports for older people, including significant investment in the Senior Alert scheme Build safer communities by providing a more visible, effective and responsive police service in rural areas, through the recruitment of 3,200 new Garda members over the next four years to reach a strength of 15,000 members, and by introducing a new community CCTV Grant Aid Scheme Improve societal cohesion and wellbeing in rural communities by supporting cultural and artistic provision and participation
In total, the Plan contains more than 270 actions to support the economic and social development of rural Ireland. There is already a lot being done to support rural development through various Government strategies, but the Plan provides, for the first time, a visible, cohesive and coordinated approach across the whole of Government to rural development. The Plan will benefit a wide range of stakeholders in rural Ireland – farmers and fishers, rural businesses, rural communities, and families.
The Plan has five pillars, underpinned by a range of key objectives:
Pillar 1: Supporting Sustainable Communities o Make rural Ireland a better place in which to live and work o Enhance local services o Empower local communities o Build better communities Pillar 2: Supporting Enterprise and Employment o Grow and attract enterprise o Support sectoral growth, development of the agri-food and renewable energy sectors, and International Financial Services o Skills and innovation o Support rural jobseekers o Support farm and fishing incomes
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Pillar 3: Maximising our Rural Tourism and Recreation Potential o Increase tourist numbers to rural Ireland by 12% by 2019 o Targeted rural tourism initiatives o Develop and promote activity tourism o Develop and promote our natural and built heritage Fostering Culture and Creativity in Rural Communities o Increase access to the arts o Further develop and enhance culture and creativity o Promote the Irish language as a key resource Improving Rural Infrastructure and Connectivity o Bring high speed broadband to every premises in Ireland through the rollout of the National Broadband Plan and improve mobile phone access in rural areas o Improve rural transport o Improve flood relief measures and other land management measures to protect our rural infrastructure
The five development aims set out in the Dromahair Development Framework (economic prosperity and physical enhancement; regeneration; tourism; community; social and leisure) align directly with these pillars.
Fáilte Ireland: Tourism Development & Innovation A Strategy for Investment 2016-2022
To stimulate innovation and improve international competitiveness, Fáilte Ireland has launched a significant new Tourism Development and Innovation Fund which will be the main source of funding in the sector until 2022. The Strategy sets out the framework and mechanisms for delivery of investment to cities, towns, villages, communities and businesses across the country. It identifies priorities to support innovation in the sector to retain and grow our competitiveness in the marketplace. Its ultimate aim is to strengthen the appeal of Ireland for international visitors. The objectives of this strategy are framed within the internationally recognised VICE model. This identifies sustainable tourism as the interaction between Visitors, the Industry that provides services to them, the Community and culture that hosts them and their collective impact on and response to the Environment where it all takes place.
The Strategic Objectives are:
To successfully and consistently deliver a world class visitor experience To support a tourism sector that is profitable and achieves sustainable levels of growth and delivers jobs To facilitate communities to play an enhanced role in developing tourism in their locality, thereby strengthening and enriching local communities To recognise, value and enhance Ireland’s natural environment as the cornerstone of Irish tourism
The strategy has been formulated in the context of the Government’s policy framework and longer-term objectives for the tourism sector. The priorities identified here are designed to support that policy framework and to achieve progress by:
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Significantly growing foreign earnings from international business and leisure visitors to Ireland Growing and sustaining tourism employment Increasing the economic contribution of tourism across local communities Building capacity of the tourism sector to compete more successfully internationally and to become more self-sustaining Ensuring that the contribution of tourism to economic growth and regional development is fully recognised and understood
The Strategy sets out the following growth metrics to be achieved by 2025: Foreign Earnings: €5.0 billion Tourism Employment: 250,000 Visitor Numbers: 10 million
There are also a number of specific outcomes which will be sought and prioritised (albeit to varying degrees and in line with the specific brand proposition), three of which are engaging with the outdoors, engaging with heritage, and innovation and product development. Dromahair’s many strengths and assets mean the village is well positioned to contribute to the achieving of the objectives and outcomes of this strategy for the benefit of the village, the region and the country.
Leitrim County Council Local Economic and Community Plan 2015 – 2021
The Leitrim LECP joins up the County’s approaches to Economic and Community development at the local level and is based on strong, evidence-based assessments of Leitrim’s local Economic and Community needs and aspirations, which in turn leads into tangible Actions that will address those needs and realise those aspirations. Its robustness is underpinned by the fact that some 50 related plans, strategies and analyses at the national, regional and Leitrim levels were reviewed and used to also inform the planning process.
Dromahair is identified as a Tier 2B settlement (along with Drumshanbo, Mohill and Kinlough), of which the Plan encourages further development.
The LECP’s Strategic Goal is: Leitrim, a County that’s recognised, admired and sustainable
The LECP has the following Economic Goals: A County maximizing opportunities to promote economic development and build on its indigenous spirit of entrepreneurship A County that’s an attractive, innovative location for growth in and investment from different sectors A County where the travel, transport, utilities, communications and ICT infrastructure meet current and future needs A County of vibrant town and village centres which are attractive to visit and shop in An exemplar County for addressing and responding to climate change A vibrant rural economy driven by value-added agriculture and food
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A County building on the positivity of existing companies to sell itself as a prime business location A County with a vibrant creative sector driven by practitioners, activities and opportunities of the highest calibre A County renowned as an authentic, friendly tourist destination A County with a vibrant women in business sector which encourages more women to consider business as a career option
The LECP has the following Community Goals: A sustainable, clean and attractive County which values and harnesses its heritage, environment and people A County with a strong, mixed and sustainable economy based on its strengths, entrepreneurial spirit and well-trained, well-educated and well-skilled people who are ready and fit for work and social involvement A County that’s welcoming and comfortable as a place to live in, to work in and to visit
These goals have been considered in the drafting of the Dromahair Development Framework to ensure complementarity.
Leitrim County Development Plan 2015 – 2021 A new County Development Plan 2021-2027 is being prepared.
Leitrim Explore Experience Enjoy: A Growth Strategy for Tourism in Leitrim 2015-2021
Relative to its potential to deliver economic growth and jobs, there are opportunities for tourism in Leitrim to perform better. The county scores highly on many of the attributes that make a tourism destination successful but alongside the positives are several challenges. The strategy and action plan are modelled on research, consultation and best practice. The strategy will be driven by the Leitrim Tourism Growth Alliance (LTGA). To deliver it, trade and agencies need to adopt a united, cohesive approach in implementing the action plan. Success will not happen overnight and there will be challenges ahead. However, the opportunities are many and the potential is clear.
Current tourism performance in Leitrim is estimated at 144,000 visitors who generate €34m of tourism revenue annually. This figure includes 39,000 international visitors (Fáilte Ireland data), 70,000 domestic visitors (estimate) and 35,000 visitors from Northern Ireland (estimate). Targets have been set for tourism in Leitrim by 2021 from international, domestic and Northern Ireland visitors. This will double the size of the tourism sector. The table below sets out the targets for 2021:
2021 targets Tourist numbers Tourism revenue Jobs supported 296,000 €70m 2,400
The majority of Leitrim’s accommodation is in the south of the county. Accommodation is very limited in other parts of the county but as tourism grows, investors and accommodation providers will see business opportunities to fill gaps.
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Six strategic pillars have been devised to achieve these targets:
Pillar Pillar goal (what success looks like) Customer Our customer is at heart of everything. We understand what they want centricity and everyone they meet on the journey (pre-visit to end of holiday) delivers a truly memorable experience Product & All investment decisions in product/infrastructure capitalise on, but infrastructure protect, Leitrim’s natural & built assets. We focus on developing assets that give Leitrim a lead within the county’s competitive set Experience All areas of Leitrim deliver a unique holiday experience built on product, development service and story. Cohesive commitment to experience development creates lasting memories that drive repeat & referral business Collaboration Everyone involved in tourism in Leitrim, directly and indirectly, understands its economic importance. This understanding drives real collaboration, communication and sharing Marketing & Cross-platform marketing communications inspire and influence sales partners and customers. Leitrim is easy to find in the places where customers search for information. We make it easy for them to decide and buy Governance & Delivery of the strategy is driven by a shared desire for success. Leitrim implementation Tourism Growth Alliance (LTGA) and its various working groups lead and implement the strategy
Dromahair has assets and the potential to contribute to the development of and capitalize on the three components of the Leitrim Brand:
Brand promise: Memorable holiday experiences, friendly and authentic people, natural and scenic landscape Brand values (who is Leitrim?): Memorable, friendly, warm, intriguing, proud of our heritage, proud of our unspoilt environment Brand essence (core of Leitrim brand): Gracious, authentic
Leitrim Heritage Plan 2020-2025
The Leitrim Heritage Plan reflects the ongoing commitment of Leitrim County Council to protecting and promoting the heritage of the County. The unique built, natural and cultural heritage of the County is key to Leitrim’s identity. The new heritage plan aims to connect all Leitrim residents and communities with their shared heritage and to work together to conserve and celebrate our heritage, for the benefit of both present and future generations. The Plan recognises the important role of heritage in the economic, social and cultural development of the county. County Leitrim has exceptionally rich and diverse heritage and it is this heritage that makes the county so special and unique. Heritage is a key component of quality of life in Leitrim’s towns, villages and rural communities. It is what makes Leitrim a great place to live, what attracts tourists to the County and part of what attracts businesses.
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The aim of the heritage Plan is to connect all Leitrim residents with their shared heritage and to work together to conserve and celebrate Leitrim’s unique heritage, for the benefit of both present and future generations. It aims to conserve and promote Leitrim’s natural, cultural and built heritage as a finite resource which contributes significantly to the maintenance of a healthy environment, sustainable farming, well-being, creativity and the creation of cultural and tourism jobs.
The Heritage Plan objectives are: Support the Conservation and Recording of Leitrim’s Heritage Raise Awareness of Leitrim’s Heritage Engage Communities with their Heritage Support Sustainable Heritage Tourism in Leitrim
A development aim of the Dromahair Development Framework is heritage-led regeneration. This aim recognises that the heritage of the town – natural, cultural and built – should be maintained and protected and harnessed sympathetically for the sustainable development of the town. It has to the potential to impact positively on residents’ quality of life, attract visitors and businesses and contribute to the economy of the town.
Leitrim Diaspora Strategy: Connecting Leitrim’s Global Community 2019 – 2023
The Vision for Leitrim set out in the Diaspora Strategy is “connecting our Global Community to celebrate, sustain and develop Leitrim”. The strategic aims are to:
Develop and deliver a Leitrim narrative that helps build the Leitrim brand and deliver a strong sense of belonging for Leitrim people everywhere so that economic, community and personal wellbeing can be improved Build long-term, two way relationships with our Diaspora so that they can help their home area/village/town/County and that ‘home-based Leitrim’ can equally help them: our Diaspora is therefore seen both as an asset and a responsibility Recognise the efforts of Leitrim’s diaspora by engaging with them practically and strategically and create a welcoming environment for their engagement Drive forward joined-up thinking, integration and collaboration between those working with our Diaspora Constantly recognise that we are part of and contribute to Irish Diaspora work generally (Global Irish, Irish Abroad Unit)
The strategy is set out under four themes:
Economic and Job Creation Arts, Heritage and Culture Tourism and Genealogy Sport and Community
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Each of the development aims and actions in the Dromahair Development Framework complement those of the Leitrim Diaspora Strategy. Developing Dromahair will contribute to achieving the vision as set out across the four themes.
Landscape Assessment of County Leitrim 2002 (under review) County Leitrim has been divided into fourteen unique Landscape Character Areas – the units of landscape that are geographically specific and have their own character or sense of place. They are useful in terms of landscape planning and management, as appropriate policies and actions can be applied at a local level.
The Landscape Assessment highlighted a wide range of issues to be considered when assessing the capacity of the landscape to accommodate change. A strategic approach to balancing different land use interests, coupled with knowledge each Landscape Character Area’s specific sensitivities to development, can ensure that appropriate planning and management is undertaken that enhances development and maintains the integrity of the Leitrim landscape.
The current planning framework for County Leitrim is the County Development Plan 2015- 2021. The new plan is currently being written. The Landscape Assessment will be reviewed in the context of the development of the new County Development Plan.
Region in Transition, the Way Forward Report 2019
The Northern and Western Region which includes County Leitrim has recently been downgraded from a ‘More Developed Region’ to a ‘Region in Transition’ by the EU. This demonstrates that the region has not prospered economically compared to other regions in Ireland and the EU in recent years. The recently published ‘Region in Transition – The Way Forward’ report outlines a strong rationale for greater government intervention or ‘positive discrimination’ towards the region. This includes a focus on Rural Economies – support for SMEs within small towns and villages, particularly areas that suffer from deprivation, depopulation or high vacancy rates.
In terms of the Northern and Western Region, the National Planning Framework states: The Northern and Western region justifies a particular focus in this Framework. This is due to a historically lower level of urbanisation compared to other regions, proximity to the border and risks posed by Brexit The spatial contrast between the five existing cities in Ireland, all south of a line from Dublin to Galway and cities in Northern Ireland such as Belfast and Derry emphasises this underdevelopment and the strategic imperative of building up the strength of this part of the Country Such an approach would recognise and build on the facts that the Region contains both the fastest growing city in Ireland over the past 50 years (Galway), as well as places that have far reaching positive effects on their surrounding areas, well beyond what might be suggested by their scale in population terms Significant towns such as Sligo function in their areas in a similar manner, but at a different scale to the bigger cities and their regions. Letterkenny, with Derry City and Strabane in Northern Ireland also functions as a cross-border city region
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These city and city-region functions will be supported and enhanced over the lifetime of this Framework through relevant policies and investment but with a strong emphasis on securing a compact-growth development approach.
Through such policies, by 2040, this will be a region of more than 1 million people, 180,000 more than today, with the biggest challenge it faces being the identification and implementation of actions that will build up its urban structure, diversify and strengthen its rural areas as they transition towards a more broadly based mix of economic activities sufficient to underpin long term self-sustaining local communities. This will be complemented by improved accessibility.
Supporting the emerging and ongoing development, at both local and community levels, of the network of both urban and rural places working together for regional benefit under the Atlantic Economic Corridor initiative, including university and higher education and research alliances, and improved connectivity Supported by the Rural and Urban Regeneration and Development Fund, shaping and informing delivery of city, rural town and village rural rejuvenation priorities, harnessing publicly owned land and other assets that are not being used actively at present, such as former healthcare, military, transport and other complexes and combining the potential of such assets with community and wider private and public sector support and investment, to bring about the transformation of both urban and rural areas in an integrated manner Harnessing the potential of the region in renewable energy terms across the technological spectrum from wind and solar to biomass and wave energy Building on the progress made in developing an integrated network of greenways, blueways and peatways that will support the diversification of rural and regional economies and promote more sustainable forms of travel and activity-based recreation utilising canal and other routes
Draft Beara Breifne Way Activation Plan
A tourism masterplan for the Beara Breifne Way is being developed for the long-distance walking and cycling trail. The Beara Breifne Way is a unique grass roots community led initiative, all of whom are immensely proud of their local, natural, historical and cultural heritage. The Beara Breifne Way has been identified as a Signature Visitor Experience in the recently launched Ireland’s Hidden Heartlands experience brand region. As a walking trail of scale, stretching 500km from the tip of the Beara Peninsula in West Cork to Blacklion in Cavan, following generally the line of the 17th century march of O’Sullivan Beare the last great chieftain of West Cork and South Kerry. This historical trail has the potential to be an internationally motivating activity experience of scale for holidaymakers looking to engage with Ireland’s cultural landscape on quiet and off-road trails. This plan will inform and guide future capital investments and improvements in visitor services and facilities required to ensure the Beara Breifne Way is developed to best international practice with the objective of delivering an internationally motivating and compelling visitor experience.
Although regarded as the capital of the O’Rourke Kingdom, Dromahair does not feature on the Beara Breifne Way route. The corridor of the route is currently being audited and there
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may be scope within this exercise to ascertain how linkages could be made between Dromahair and the Beara Breifne Way.
Dromahair Village Urban Framework Plan 2006
When it was published, the 2006 urban framework plan for Dromahair represented an opportunity for a distinctive village of undoubted quality and character. At that time Dromahair had come under increasing development pressure. With a number of large residential developments constructed and further applications at advanced stages of the planning process, there was significant pressure for further growth in and around the village. The Dromahair urban framework plan was a means of consolidating this growth of the village, while preserving and enhancing the rich cultural and architectural heritage of the village. The plan aimed to be a proactive tool to foster economic development, counteract village decline and create an architectural and planning framework within which sustainable development can take place.
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Appendix C Dromahair Steering Committee Resource Materials
To be drafted
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