1999 WATERFORD COUNTY DEVELOPMENT PLAN

Transcription

1 1999 WATERFORD COUNTY DEVELOPMENT PLAN ADOPTED BY WATERFORD COUNTY COUNCIL JULY 12th 1999

2 WATERFORD COUNTY COUNCIL County Manager: Mr. Donal Connolly County Secretary: Mr. Peter Carey County Engineer: Mr. John O Flynn Senior Executive Engineer: Mr. Denis McCarthy

3 TABLE OF CONTENTS Page 1. Development Context The Regional Context Population and Economic Activity within the County Review of Progress under the 1992 Development Plan Development Opportunities and Constraints in Summary 7 2. Sustainable Development Strategy Economic Development Development of Industry and Enterprise Retailing and Other Commercial Activity Forestry Agriculture Fisheries and aquaculture Tourism Social Cohesion Housing Provision Maintenance of Cultural Identity Arts, Culture and Community Facilities Recreation and Amenity Sustainable Land use and Transportation Land Use and Settlement Strategy Roads,Transport & Telecommunications Protection of the Natural Environment Protection of Natural Resources Investment proposed in support of protection of the natural environment Management of the Landscape General Approach Upland Areas Coastal Areas Settlement Strategy The Settlement Strategy for Waterford County Service Centres Development Nodes Aglish Annestown Ardmore Ballinroad Ballyduff (East of the County) Ballyduff (West of the County) Ballylaneen Bawnfune Ballymacarbery 50 iii

4 Page Bunmahon / Knockmahon Cappoquin Cheekpoint Clashmore Clonea-Power Crooke Dunhill Dunmore East Fenor Kill Kilmacthomas Kilmanahan Kilmeaden Lismore Lemybrien Passage East Piltown Portlaw Rathgormack Mweelnahorna Ballinagaul Helvick Stradbally Tallow Touraneena Tramore Villierstown Availability of Serviced Land in Designated Settlement Nodes Development Control and Standards Standards for Different Types of Development Location of New Development / General Upland Areas Coastal Areas National Routes Other Routes Cottage Plots Standards for New Development New Housing in Urban Areas Single Developments Estate Development Tourism Development Industrial and Commercial Developments General Garages and Petrol Stations Mineral Extraction / Quarrying 116 iv

5 Page 4.7 Advertising Demolition of Buildings Car Parking Access for Persons with Disabilities and the Mobility Impaired Development Contributions, Bonds and Security Listed Buildings Tree Preservation Orders Agricultural Development Electricity and Other Cables Zoning Objectives 120 Appendix 1: Road Improvement Programme 123 Appendix 2: Areas of Scientific Interest 135 Appendix 3:Multi-Annual Programme for Small Public Water Schemes 141 Appendix 4: Scenic Landscape Evaluation 145 Appendix 5: Listed Buildings 159 Appendix 6: Schedule of Regional Roads 181 Appendix 7: Tree Preservation Orders 183 v

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7 Foreword The 1998 Waterford County Development Plan is part of a new generation of Development Plans that emphasises the principles of sustainable development. This concept has influenced the format and the layout of the plan, which is designed to integrate all of the issues that have implications for the future development of the County. The format of this Development Plan is also designed to enable the reader to understand the principal issues in County Waterford, such as housing, infrastructure, transportation and waste, that need to be addressed in a manner which allows the preservation of the environment over the next plan period. Crucially, the plan is designed to help members of the public ascertain how all proposals for development are assessed in County Waterford. The plan is also intended as a guide to persons who wish to undertake development in the County. The Development Plan consists of 4 chapters, which comprise the written statement, together with the schedule of maps. Should any conflict arise between the written statement and the maps, the written statement shall prevail. Chapter 1 of the Plan reviews the development context of County Waterford. Chapter 2 covers the sustainable development strategy for County Waterford. It sets out exactly what the county wide policies and the objectives of the Council are, with respect to all issues that impinge on land use in the County. It includes a number of Sustainability Indicators that have been devised for County Waterford to ensure that the implementation of the strategy in the Development Plan can be monitored against the broad principles of sustainability over the plan period. These sustainability indicators are marked by the following symbol. [Si] Chapter 3 consists of the policies and objectives of the Council for County Waterford with respect to settlement and the development strategies for each settlement within it. Chapter 4 focuses on the issues that the Planning Authority will consider when processing a planning application. It deals with the major issues that are to be addressed when a member of the public is making a planning application. 1

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9 1. Development Context The County Development Plan is the statutory framework within which all development in County Waterford will take place over the next 5 years. This draft plan has been prepared under Local Government (Planning and Development) Legislation. It lays down the physical development policies for County Waterford over the life of the plan, which will facilitate economic and employment growth in the County in a manner that preserves and improves the quality of the environment. It also explains the means to be used to achieve these objectives and the reasons why these mechanisms have been chosen. The achievement of the objectives stated in this plan is subject to the availability of resources (financial and otherwise). 1.1 The Regional Context County Waterford is located on the southern coast of Ireland bordering the counties of Cork, Tipperary, Kilkenny and Wexford. Together with counties Carlow, Kilkenny, South Tipperary, Wexford, and Waterford City, it forms the South East Region. County Waterford has an extensive coastline, which extends from the estuary of the river Suir in the East to Youghal in the West. There are also a number of natural harbours in the County, the largest of which is Waterford Harbour (which leads into the Port of Waterford). Harbours are also found in Helvick, Dunmore East and Dungarvan. Other physical features of the County include, the rivers Suir, Blackwater Mahon, Bride and Colligan and the impressive Comeragh and Knockmealdown mountain ranges. Waterford City exerts a strong influence over the physical, social and economic development of the County. Over the last plan period, Waterford City has become more significant in the east of the County and the town of Dungarvan (with its own Development Plan) has continued to dominate the west. An increasing proportion of the labour force of the County work in Waterford City. This commuter population is based in suburbs of Waterford City within County Waterford and in the dormitory towns of Tramore, Dunmore East and Passage East. In 1991, approximately 4500 persons lived in the County and worked in the City. There are a number of urban centres located on the border of County Waterford, which have had a noticeable impact on the growth of the County. Clonmel and Fermoy (and Carrick-on-Suir and Youghal to a lesser extent), have experienced employment and population growth in recent years at the expense of County Waterford. The location of Waterford City and the proximity of Cork City to the County have both made a positive contribution to the infrastructure of County Waterford. The County is serviced by the N.25 National Primary Route (Euroroute E30), which connects Cork to Rosslare, in addition to Waterford Port and Belview and Waterford Regional Airport. 3

10 Chapter 1: Development Context 1.2 Population and Economic Activity within the County Figure 1: Population change in County Waterford Population Trends The population of County Waterford grew by over 13 per cent between 1971 and 1979, then slowed and subsequently declined in the intercensal period 1986 to The 1996 total of 52,140 represented, however, an increase of 1.6 per cent since This compares with an overall national increase of 2.8 per cent and an increase in the South-east region of 2.2 per cent. Some 27.5 per cent of the population of County Waterford reside in the Aggregate Town Area, compared with 26 per cent in Population increases have occurred in the urban nodes of Lismore and Dungarvan and also in the hinterland of the Waterford City. In general, areas which have experienced growth are surrounding the urban centres and coastal areas Nevertheless, Cappoquin, Tallow and the environs of Lismore all suffered a decline in population in the intercensal period 1991 to These towns are all located in the West of the County. Kilmacthomas also experienced a decline in population. Indeed, out of a total of 92 District Electoral Divisions which make up County Waterford, 48 have declined in population in the last intercensal period. The rural areas to the West and North West of the County have experienced the highest percentage decrease. Clonmel, Carrick-on-Suir, Fermoy and Youghal, are located on the border of Waterford and act as service centres and employment providers for County Waterford. Youghal and Carrick-on-Suir experienced significant population growth in the 1990s and the spatial expansion of these towns is important in the development of a settlement strategy for County Waterford. Their presence has depressed the level of urbanisation within the County of Waterford, but the growth of their environs into County Waterford will place pressure on the supply of infrastructure. Household Formation All towns, apart from Lemybrien, experienced an increase in the number of households in the period The largest increases were found in the towns of Dunmore East (32.3 per cent), Tramore (14.7 per cent) and Cheekpoint (17.2 per cent). The formation of new households in these towns is partially a result of the development of tourism. In the West of the County, Ardmore experienced an increase in the number of households of 25%. 4

11 Chapter 1: Development Context Further examination of the data indicates that the rural areas surrounding urban centres are experiencing the largest increase in the number of households. Waterford Rural District, which comprises the area surrounding Waterford city, experienced an increase in the number of households of almost 12 per cent in the intercensal period 1991 to However, 18 other District Electoral Divisions experienced a decline in number of households. Since 1992, a total of 2003 houses have been constructed in County Waterford. Over 80 per cent of those constructed were for the private market with the remainder built by the County Council. Since 1992 there has been a sharp rise in the number of houses being constructed annually. The Gaeltacht area of Ring / Old Parish experienced a population decline of 1.6 per cent between 1991 and However, the area did not display a decline in the number of households. Economic Activity An analysis of economic activity in County Waterford over the last plan period (using 1991 and 1996 Census data) shows that manufacturing is now the most significant economic activity in employment terms with 24.2 per cent of the work force involved in this sector. However, if commerce, insurance and finance are taken together with other professional services, they amount to 31.8 of the workforce. The three named sectors above have all shown significant increases in employment over the period more than 1,500 persons. This contrasts with agriculture, which fell by 10 per cent over the period. Employment data on agriculture, however, understate the importance of the sector to the County, in relation both to the food manufacturing sector and the services sector, which are both interrelated and partly dependent on agricultural activity. In line with national trends, female participation rates rose sharply over the period Jobs for women are rising at nearly twice the rate as those for men. The latest available data, which relate to 1991, show that almost a third of the work force that are resident in the County, work outside the County. Unemployment Using the unemployment figures from the Live Register between 1991 and 1997, there was a decrease in unemployment of 12 per cent in County Waterford. The rate of unemployment defined by the Census of Population in 1996 was 14 per cent, with a high proportion of long term unemployed - up to 68 per cent, dependent on definition. Table 1: Sectoral Employment Sector Change Percent Change Male Female Total Male Female Total Male Female Total Male Female Total Agriculture, forestry and fishing Mining and Quarrying Manufacturing Building and Construction Electricity, gas and water supply Commerce, insurance and finance Transport and communication Public Administration and defence Professional Services Other Total Source: Census of Population 5

12 Chapter 1: Development Context 1.3 Review of Progress under the 1992 Development Plan The 1992 Development Plan highlighted a number of constraints to the development of County Waterford, including the low urban population fraction within the County; marginal population growth; and the considerable physical barriers to development. Over the last plan period, settlements have undergone considerable change. Many settlements in the East of the County experienced an increase in population while settlements in the west of the County underwent a decline in population. Unemployment continues to be a major problem in County Waterford. Although, the last plan period witnessed a decline in the numbers out of work, unemployment persists at a high level, particularly in the urban areas of the County. The Council have implemented the following investment programmes and other actions in support of policies set out in the 1992 development plan. Economic development The Council, in association with the I.D.A. and Forbairt, brought a number of new industries into the County over the last plan period. The Council, working with SERTO, tourism interests, Waterford Corporation, Waterford Crystal and Waterford Foods established a tourism marketing and development company, Waterford Tourism Ltd to promote Waterford as a tourist destination. Housing The Council constructed a total of 204 new dwellings and purchased 16 houses between 1992 and 1997 to accommodate those on the housing list. All of these dwellings were finished to a high standard. Water Supply The Council undertook considerable improvements to the water supply systems in the County over the last plan period, particularly the replacement of mains and leak detection. The water supply of East Waterford has improved considerably as a result of the completion of Phase 1 of the East Waterford Regional Supply Scheme in association with Waterford Corporation. The Council expect to complete Phase 2 of the scheme over this plan period. The Council have developed proposals for a West Waterford Regional Supply Scheme that will integrate the existing supply schemes in the west of the County with Dungarvan. Waste water treatment Improvements were also made to the waste water treatment systems in the County with new treatment systems being installed in Lismore, Portlaw, Kill, Lemybrien, Ballymacarbery, Bawnfune, Touraneena and Clonea. However, despite these improvements, substantial investment is required in many of the waste -water treatment systems within the County. Road Network The road network in County Waterford has benefitted from a comprehensive programme of modernisation and improvement. Between 1992 and 1998, all categories of road in the County have been upgraded and improved. Substantial investment has taken place into the road network of the county, with large sums being spent on the N.25 National Primary Route, Regional roads and County roads. Implementation of the County Settlement Strategy The settlement strategy of the 1992 Development Plan has met with a measure of success. Although policies for restricting development in scenic coastal and upland areas have been relatively successful, a number of applications for new housing were made in areas that have no sanitary services network or local service base. This development took place at the expense of many small rural settlements, which experienced population loss and a decline in local services over the period of the last plan. 6

13 Chapter 1: Development Context 1.4 Development Opportunities and Constraints in Summary Opportunities The location of County Waterford between the two major cities on the south coast provides an excellent opportunity to attract industrial development. County Waterford is easily accessible from Waterford City and Cork City, both of which offer a range of educational services. The Waterford Institute of Technology is located in Waterford City and Cork is home to University College Cork and the Cork Institute of Technology. The attractiveness of County Waterford for manufacturing and service industry will increase with the establishment of the new V.E.C. and FAS training centre in Dungarvan. The V.E.C. will specialise in a range of new third level courses for school leavers, mature students and the long-term unemployed. These facilities will service the education and training needs of the County as well as the town of Dungarvan. High quality agricultural land in many parts of the County, with potential for the retention of profitable commercial farming activity The quality of the road network in County Waterford also represents a valuable opportunity. Considerable progress was made over the last plan period in the improvement of the national primary and secondary routes within the County. A large number of County and Regional roads were also upgraded and resurfaced during this period. The Council recognises that County Waterford possesses great natural beauty in its extensive coastal and upland areas in particular. The preservation and improvement of this natural environment is seen as a necessary prerequisite for successful and sustainable economic, social and tourism development in the County. The transport infrastructure in County Waterford provides an excellent opportunity for the development of industrial, agricultural and services activity over the next Plan period. The county possesses a National Primary Route, A Regional Airport and Waterford Port. Constraints Large areas of mountainous terrain particularly in the north-west and west of the County. The river Blackwater, to the west of the County, and the River Suir, to the east. These have restricted the development of considerable amounts of land in close proximity to them. The propensity of these rivers to flood during the winter months and the likely significance of surface water abstraction in the future will ensure that the policy of restricting development in these locations will continue. The extensive Waterford coastline. This has restricted development in the southern part of the County. It has been the policy of the Planning Authority in previous plans to discourage single housing developments in coastal areas, particularly along the Dungarvan Tramore coast road. This policy will continue in order to preserve this attractive stretch of coastline and to relieve stress in coastal areas. In addition, it is the policy of the Planning Authority to continue this policy in all coastal areas of the County to maintain a quality coastal environment in Waterford. The proximity of a number of thriving towns in neighbouring counties. These are Clonmel, Carrickon-Suir, Fermoy and Youghal. They have had a noticeable impact on the development in the County, particularly in West Waterford. The availability of employment opportunities and shopping, education, health, leisure and social facilities in these towns has led to population and expenditure leakages. The absence of sanitary services, particularly the absence of waste water treatment facilities in key settlements in the County. The vulnerability of ground water supplies to pollution. At present, a large number of settlements in the West of the County (including Dungarvan) depend on groundwater sources for their water supply. A recent report by the Geological Survey of Ireland indicates that a significant proportion of these groundwater sources are extremely vulnerable to pollution. This has implications for the siting of domestic septic tanks and private treatment systems for rural housing. In order to preserve water supplies, it is necessary for the Council to strictly control the siting and the density of private septic tanks and individual treatment systems in rural areas. Employment growth in County Waterford between 1991 and 1996 has been relatively low, despite the national level of economic and employment growth that occurred over much of the same period. The low level of employment growth is the result of an overdependence on agriculture and a relatively narrow industrial and service base. 7

14 2. Sustainable Development Strategy [Sustainable development is] development which meets the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs. (Report of the World Commission on Environment and Development). There have been significant developments in the field of land use planning, settlement policy and the regulations governing the planning system in Ireland over the last plan period. These changes arose for the most part from an acceptance of the principles of sustainable development and the adoption of Local Agenda 21 1 by the Irish Government. This commits each Local Authority in Ireland to the establishment of sustainable development objectives in their Development Plans and to the use of the existing planning legislation to achieve these objectives. Adhering to the principles of sustainable development requires a new approach to the use of natural resources. human activities have the potential to modify and, in many cases, damage it. It emphasises the need to identify those activities that are harmful to the environment and promote alternative, sustainable approaches. This involves a comprehensive assessment of all land use together with the activities that influence it. Waterford County Council confirms its commitment to the implementation of a Local Agenda 21 Plan and has prepared this Statutory Development Plan in accordance with the principles which underlie the Agenda 21 approach to economic, social and physical planning and development. This Chapter sets out the sustainable development strategy for County Waterford over the lifetime of the Plan in relation to economic development, social cohesion, land use and transportation, protection of the natural environment and landscape management. Local Agenda 21 encourages Local Authorities to take a fresh look at the environment and how 1 Agenda 21, the United Nations document promoting sustainable development, which was adopted by governments at the Rio Earth Summit in 1992, calls upon all local authorities worldwide to draw up and implement local plans of action for sustainable development, in partnership with all stakeholders in the local community. Chapter 28 of Agenda 21 is addressed specifically to local government and states that: Local authority programmes, policies, laws and regulations to achieve Agenda 21 objectives should be assessed and modified based on local programmes adopted. 8

15 Chapter 2: Sustainable Development Strategy 2.1 Economic Development Development of Industry and Enterprise Background and Analysis Foreign Direct Investment and Larger Indigenous Enterprise within the County The main sectors represented by overseas industry in Waterford City and County are auto components, engineering and healthcare. These are supplemented by Waterford Crystal, a major indigenous company. In most cases, these industries are located near to the largest centres of population. IDA policy is to direct investment towards cities and towns, a location sought by overseas companies, who in general do not wish to locate outside the main centres of population which provide a skilled workforce and the advantages of agglomeration of industry. In accordance with this policy, the IDA is planning the development of a major technology park to be located close to the City/County boundary. In 1996, Forbairt assisted 81 indigenous manufacturing companies in County Waterford and 101 in Waterford City. Over 80 per cent of those assisted in the County were defined by Forbairt as `very small` and only three as `large. In terms of location: Companies assisted by Forbairt are concentrated in the urban nodes of the County. Dungarvan has the largest concentration of manufacturing industries (26) With one exception, the North West of the County contains no manufacturing industries. In general, the areas without industry can be seen to correlate with those that are suffering problems of rural depopulation. Two of the industries defined as large are located in Dungarvan and the third in Cappoquin. Enterprise and Development Training Needs County Waterford is under represented in third level education and training institutions and has a low skill base. Training initiatives in support of development of this sector as well as in support of inward investment, are therefore of particular importance. The centre of FÁS activity in County Waterford is in the city of Waterford where a training centre for 600 persons is located. However, during 1996, seven community groups were active in community enterprise training. Enterprise workers were funded in Tallow, Cappoquin and Annestown. Training is also provided through the County Enterprise Board, Waterford Development Partnership Company and LEADER. Spatial Planning Implications of employment change Employment in industry and enterprise is increasingly urban-based. The centres of Waterford City, Dungarvan, Clonmel, Carrick-on- Suir, Fermoy and Youghal provide employment for much of the population in County Waterford. In contrast, the areas of the County at the greatest remove from urban centres are the areas of greatest employment vulnerability. Serious job losses in Clonmel and Dungarvan during 1997 both impacted on population in the West of the County. They underline the importance of a balanced development strategy in terms of housing and urban development and stress the pivotal nature of Dungarvan as the major urban centre in the West capable of developing a sustainable employment concentration Policy and Proposals It is recognised that the Planning Authority is limited in its actions in support of economic development, which will be determined, in the first instance, by market forces and, secondly, by agencies which have been established with a remit for specific intervention in this area. Waterford County Council can assist the economic development of all sectors of activity within the County through policies relating to Provision of an adequate road system; Provision of sanitary services and other urban infrastructure; Zoning of sufficient land for industrial and commercial development; Provision, in conjunction with other agencies and local communities, of infrastructure related to SME (small to medium sized enterprises) development, including advance units and training and enterprise centres; Zoning of land for residential development required for workers; Housing for workers not able to provide their own dwellings. 9

16 Chapter 2: Sustainable Development Strategy Policies and objectives with respect to each of the foregoing are to be found within this Plan in the sections indicated below. Sustainable development indicators are set out in the relevant sections of the plan. Supporting actions See sections: Roads and Appendix 1 Sanitary services and Appendix 3 Zoning Chapter 3 Housing Provision Fundamental to the successful attraction of foreign direct investment and the fostering of indigenous enterprise, will be the settlement and development strategy adopted in this Plan. This strategy, which is outlined in Section and detailed in Chapter 3, makes provision for a hierarchy of service centres and settlement nodes and is designed to strengthen the urban structure of the County. Combined with the strategic investment programme for sanitary services and road infrastructure, it will encourage the location of new industrial and service sector development in County Waterford. Settlement Strategy for Industrial Promotion It is the policy of the Council to pursue a settlement and associated development strategy, which will strengthen the urban and rural fabric of the County and increase employment and economic activity. Support for other Agencies It is the policy of the Council to support economic development initiatives taken by other agencies and will act to promote the development of sustainable jobs in co-operation with the relevant agencies. Inward Investment It is the policy of the Council in conjunction with the I.D.A. to support the inward investment into the County of world class industry. A limited number of high-quality locations will be established for these industries with necessary land and infrastructure. Indigenous Enterprise Development It is the policy of the Council to support Forbairt, the County Enterprise Board and the Waterford Development Partnership in the promotion of indigenous enterprise and provision of the requisite land and infrastructure, including roads and telecommunications, sanitary services, training infrastructure and housing. [Si] The Council will ensure that incubator units and proposals for small, medium and large scale industrial development are located in designated services centres Retailing and Other Commercial Activity Background and analysis The retail function of County Waterford is concentrated in the urban nodes of Dungarvan and Tramore and in the smaller towns of Tallow, Lismore, Cappoquinn, Portlaw, Kilmacthomas and Dunmore East. The smaller towns provide convenience goods (food etc.) for the local population. Tramore and Dungarvan provide both convenience and comparison goods (clothing and footwear, other non - food and durable household goods). The retail position of the county is weakened by the proximity of Waterford City as a regional shopping centre for the South East and the towns of Youghal (Co. Cork), Fermoy (Co. Cork), Carrickon-Suir (Co. Tipperary) and Clonmel (Co. Tipperary). Analysis confirms considerable leakage of shopping expenditure from County Waterford to these centres. The 1994 Waterford City Development plan estimated the gross retail floor space of the city to be 66,738 square metres. Over 70 per cent of this space was located within the city centre. Since 1994 there have been two significant additions to the retail space of Waterford City and a number of retail warehouses have been developed to the West of the city. The 1994 Development Plan noted that the city centre had re-established itself as a prime location for both convenience and comparison goods. However, recent developments have reversed this trend. It is estimated that over 8,000 sq. metres of retail warehousing have been developed in the last two years. The towns of Youghal, Fermoy, Carrick-on-Suir and Clonmel have also experienced considerable additions in retail floor space. This growth has outstripped the performance of the County. Since 1988, a total of 6,062 metres squared have been added to the retail space already existing in County Waterford. With the exception of Supervalu and Centra, none of the larger national grocery retailers has outlets within County Waterford. Both Waterford City and Clonmel have purpose built shopping centres which contain major anchor stores and which 10

17 Chapter 2: Sustainable Development Strategy attract shoppers from County Waterford. This reduces the role which small convenience outlets play in the smaller settlements of Waterford such as Lismore and Cappoquin. Projections of Floor Space Requirements Projections based on forecasts of personal consumption contained in the ESRI Medium Term Review suggest that, in the period 1997 to 2003, per capita expenditure on comparison goods is likely to rise from 1218 per head in 1997 to 1723 per head in Equivalent figures for convenience goods are 1362 to 1508 per head. This data may be added to the results of the County population projection, which indicate that population in the County may increase by some 1,000 persons over the next five years. Together, these projections suggest that the spending power of the County may rise by some 28 million pounds over a six year period, for comparison goods. The equivalent rise in convenience goods expenditure may be of the order of 9.1 million. Assuming an efficiency in new retail outlets of 3,000 per square metre, for comparison goods, this suggests that there is a potential for 9,000 square metres of additional selling space in the County - provided this potential is not lost to surrounding settlements. This figure is clearly sensitive to the sales density chosen, which will be a feature of the type of shopping provided - retail warehousing, for example, typically has a much lower turnover per square metre. The disposition of this new sales space is critical to the shopping future of the County, since it could easily be lost to Waterford and Clonmel, and in higher order comparison goods, part almost certainly will. However, the retention of some element of it will provide a basis for the strengthening of the convenience sector in the County and may form the basis of urban renewal in Dungarvan and elsewhere. In convenience goods, 5,000 per square metre is assumed and the potential amounts to some 2,000 square metres, assuming there is no reallocation of market share from independents to supermarket chains, for example. Key Issues Retail policy creates a dilemma for the development of the County as a whole. Waterford City is the regional service and shopping centre. This impacts on the role of the remainder of the County. Clonmel and Dungarvan emerge as the strongest retail centres outside Waterford City but in comparison goods, their combined turnover amounted to less than half that of the City. County Waterford must strengthen its retail base to prevent further inappropriate leakage to Waterford City and to the neighbouring towns of Clonmel, Carrickon-Suir, Fermoy and Youghal There is a need to provide a larger variety of retail choice within the county. Without this choice it appears that consumers are willing to travel longer distances in order to obtain specialist and household goods in alternative locations. This is an economic loss and environmentally undesirable in terms of energy usage. At the same time, a balance has to be achieved between retailing in the larger towns and in the smaller population clusters within the County. A means of achieving this sustainable balance is to encourage the development and maintenance of retail outlets which provide convenience goods in the smaller settlements while encouraging larger stores specializing in the sale of comparison goods such as durable household goods to locate in the larger urban nodes of the County such as Dungarvan and Tramore. This will prevent unnecessary everyday trips to the larger centres. The promotion of the retailing of convenience goods in smaller towns and villages is beneficial in that it enhances the urban fabric of the settlements. The encouragement of comparison goods in the larger settlements will enable them to maintain and strengthen their position in the urban hierarchy Policy and Proposals DEVELOPMENT OF HIGHER ORDER SHOPPING FUNCTIONS WITHIN THE COUNTY The County Council will actively promote the retention and further development of higher order shopping functions in Dungarvan as the trading hub of the County. It is the policy of Waterford County Council to facilitate the implementation of the Integrated Area Plan for Dungarvan (including the attraction of a major multiple retail chain) in association with Dungarvan UDC. LOCAL SHOPPING The County Council will actively promote the retention and further development of local shopping facilities in other service centres of the County as a means of supporting local development. LAND ZONING The Council will seek to ensure the provision of adequate serviced and zoned land for commercial development in the centres specified elsewhere in this 1998 Draft Development Plan. [Si] The Council will monitor the location of new retail and commercial developments and ensure that a minimum of 80 per cent of all new retail and commercial development takes place within existing town or village centres. 11

18 Chapter 2: Sustainable Development Strategy Forestry With approximately 17 per cent of its land area covered by forests, County Waterford has the second highest level of afforestation of any county in Ireland. The County Council recognises that the development of forestry within the County is an inevitable response to changes in rates of return from activities on the land. It will seek to ensure that such developments are controlled insofar as the Planning Acts permit, with regard to their social and environmental impacts (including views and prospects). The Council is preparing an Indicative Forestry Strategy (I.F.S.) as an aid to its planning and development policy. As part of the I.F.S., a draft sensitive area map has been prepared. This indicates areas that have been designated as sensitive to forestry development and has been prepared having regard to the following: Areas designated in the Development Plan as High Amenity; Areas of Scientific Interest; Special Areas of Conservation; Special Protection Areas; Natural Heritage Areas; Areas containing sites of Archaeological Importance (i.e. National Sites and Monuments); Scenic Routes; Areas containing rivers and streams which are prone to Acidification; River catchments upstream of Surface Water Abstraction points. In designating areas as sensitive to forestry, the Council is not precluding the development of forestry in these locations. The purpose of the map is to highlight the areas where the Council wishes to be consulted in depth before commencement of forestry development. Background information relating to the Sensitive Area map and the Council s general views on forestry development can be obtained from the Indicative Forestry Statement. The Council recognise that Forestry has potential to ameliorate the landscape impacts of other development types and thus provide a means of promoting development in areas which would otherwise be unacceptable due to landscape impact. FORESTRY DEVELOPMENT It is the policy of the Council to promote the sustainable development of forestry in accordance with the Indicative Forestry Strategy. MIXED DEVELOPMENT OF FORESTRY AND BUILT FORM The Council will encourage the development of forestry in such a way as to make possible the concurrent or subsequent development of industry, commerce and residential development at locations which accord with policies set out elsewhere in this plan, in such a way as to use the forestry to shield the visual impacts of such development. TRANSPORTATION OF FORESTRY PRODUCTS It is the policy of the Council that transportation of wood from the source must be carried out without causing nuisance to other road users. In certain instances, the public road may be deemed by the Council to be inadequate to carry the size of the loads proposed. The Council will include a condition requiring a contribution towards the maintenance and / or upgrading of the road and / or may specify alternative routes of the forestry traffic. [Si] The Council will require that a minimum of 20 per cent of all new forestry over the next plan period will consist of native broadleaf species in considering a planning application for such development Agriculture Agriculture is an important part of the economic life of the County. It is the predominant land use and a significant source of employment. The scope for intervention by the Planning Authority in the development of agriculture relates to infrastructure in support of the sector, and matters of planning control. Development control policies in relation to agriculture are set out in Section COUNTY ROADS IN SUPPORT OF AGRICULTURE Regarding infrastructure, it is the policy of the Council to facilitate the development of agricultural activity in the County through the selected improvement of all infrastructure in the County. SUPPORT FOR OTHER AGENCIES It is the policy of the Council to support the work of development agencies within the County in promotion of the rural economy, including agricultural development and diversification Fisheries and aquaculture The presence of the national fishery harbour at Dunmore East, together with a number of smaller harbours and piers along the coastline of the County 12

19 Chapter 2: Sustainable Development Strategy and the potential for aquaculture in Dungarvan Bay, indicate the considerable potential that this sector offers for economic development within the County. The sector has particular local importance, not least in the Gaeltacht area of the County, providing a source of part time employment, which encourages the retention of the rural population and associated cultural heritage. Inland fisheries on the Blackwater, Bride and Colligan have considerable tourism potential, as has shore and sea fishing. The Council can contribute to the development of this sector through the adequate maintenance of the piers and harbours within the charge of the Local Authority, together with the provision of adequate roads and sanitary service facilities for fishermen, aquaculturalists and fish processors. It can also ensure that water quality is maintained at a high standard, both marine and inland. DEVELOPMENT OF DUNMORE EAST It is the policy of the Council to support the development of the extension of the National Fishery Harbour at Dunmore East and to provide adequate road and sanitary services infrastructure in support of further development and operation of the harbour. DEVELOPMENT OF HELVICK It is the policy of the County Council to provide adequate road and sanitary services infrastructure in support of further development and operation of the harbour at Helvick. The County Council will seek to develop this facility in a way, which ensures that it is available for recreational users without compromising established or new commercial fishery activity. PIER AND HARBOUR DEVELOPMENT It is the policy of the County Council to ensure the adequate maintenance of and access to the following piers within the County: Helvick, Cheekpoint, Tramore, Dunbrattin, Passage East, Ballinagoul, Ballynacourty and Ardmore. It is also the policy of the Council to preserve water quality in Dungarvan Harbour by the establishment of a waste water treatment plant for Dungarvan. AQUACULTURE DEVELOPMENT It is the policy of the County Council to promote the development of aquaculture in Dungarvan Harbour in suitable locations that do not conflict with existing or potential amenity uses. Specific Objective: It is an objective of the Council to provide a waste water treatment plant for Dungarvan and Mweelnahorna Helvick Ballinagoul. [Si] The Council will work closely with the Southern Fisheries Board and local environmental organisations to ensure that the high quality of surface water bodies in areas relevant to fisheries and aquaculture is preserved over the plan period Tourism Background and analysis Waterford is part of the South East region. In 1996, the region received over one million overseas visitors, a 14 per cent increase on the previous year, which was itself a 14 per cent increase on The domestic market is the most important source of tourists to the South East and is a distinguishing feature of the region. A study carried out by Tourism Development International Ltd in June 1996 estimates that in 1995 County Waterford (including Waterford City) attracted 327,000 tourists. Many of these tourists pass through Waterford en route to another destination. Some sixty six per cent of all overseas tourists who visit the region do so for the purpose of a holiday. Only 9 per cent are on business. Tourism in the South East experiences its peak period in the months of May through to August. Forty seven per cent of overseas tourists who visit the region arrive during June, July and August. Tourists from America and Mainland Europe are more likely to visit in the period from June to August (48 per cent and 63 per cent respectively) than their British counterparts who display less seasonality in the distribution of their visits. Revenue generated by tourism in the South East increased by nearly 88 per cent between 1990 and More than half (55 per cent) of overseas revenue is generated by tourists from Britain. Nevertheless, the average spend per head in the South East is considerably lower than in other regions: the South East attracts a high number of domestic tourists who are less likely to spend money on goods other than food and accommodation. With regard to accommodation and visitor attractions within Waterford, it is useful to divide the county into a number of tourist districts. 13

20 Chapter 2: Sustainable Development Strategy Waterford City East Waterford which includes the towns of Passage East and Dunmore East as well as the seaside resort of Tramore. Dungarvan which encompasses the town of Dungarvan and the surrounding hinterland which includes the Gaeltacht area of Ring / Old Parish. West Waterford which includes the towns of Ardmore, Cappoquin, Tallow and Lismore. Tourist accommodation in Waterford is concentrated in Waterford City with a lack of accommodation facilities in the Western half of the County. Indeed, Waterford City contains 44 per cent of all rooms in the County. The eastern area has a high provision of self-catering units and camp-sites. Similarly, tourist attractions in Waterford are mainly concentrated in the urban centre of Waterford. Waterford Crystal, which attracted 230,000 visitors in 1995, is the most important tourist attraction in Waterford. In a survey carried out by Tourism Development International in 1995, fifty nine per cent of respondents stated that Waterford Crystal was a very important factor in their decision to visit the area. West Waterford is particularly rich in heritage monuments and buildings. The early Christian site in Ardmore is an example of an attraction, which has the potential to become a major tourism attraction in the region. Lismore is a Heritage town, with its cathedrals, castle, visitor centre and walks. According to the Waterford Tourist Plan, there are eight parks and gardens open to the public in the County. Large houses attached to some of these gardens (e.g. Lismore Castle and Mount Congreve) are not open to the public, despite their obvious appeal for visitors to the area. Tramore has a number of attractions, the most significant of which is Splashworld, which caters primarily for the domestic market. Despite the array of monuments, historic buildings and gardens in the County, there is a distinct absence of a major flagship attraction which would attract overseas visitors and serve as a catalyst for further tourism development. Specific tourist attractions and developments, which have been proposed, include the development of Dungarvan Castle and the development of a single gauge railway line between Dungarvan and Waterford City. South Eastern tourism have recently revised their Tourism Development Plan which was published in November The review of this plan involved consultation with County Tourism Committees including the County Waterford Tourism Committee. This Plan focuses on the promotion and marketing of the landscape of the region and developing amenities including angling, cycling, festivals, golf and heritage tourism. The County Waterford Tourism Committee have also formulated a tourism development plan which included a SWOT analysis of the County (including Waterford City). The strengths identified include the landscape, Waterford Regional Airport, the seaside resorts, cultural heritage and the Gaeltacht region. Weaknesses include the negative impact of the road infrastructure which attributes to the creation of corridor tourism and the under use of the airport. Threats to tourism in County Waterford identified in the plan include: The concentration of accommodation and facilities in Waterford city. This detracts from the development of tourism in other parts of the county, particularly in the Western region. The concentration of tourism on the coastal strip. The lack of adequate sewage treatment facilities preventing a number of coastal resorts from obtaining blue flag status. Litter. The visual impact of inappropriate afforestation. The visual impact of second homes and single houses in the countryside. The Council recognises that for many rural areas of the County, tourism represents the only viable alternative to agricultural activity and the promotion of this sector is of primary importance to the development of the rural economy in these areas. The Council also recognises that the growth of the industry on a world-wide scale which is manifested in ever increasing numbers of visitors means that there will be increasing pressure on sensitive areas of the County. Planning policies in the Development Plan should take account of the National Sustainable Development Strategy and ensure that through the planning process tourism development takes place in harmony with the surrounding human and physical environment. should ensure that an equitable geographic distribution of tourist facilities is achieved. This will avoid overconcentration in certain areas and therefore ensure that the carrying capacity of the environment and infrastructure is not breached. 14

21 Chapter 2: Sustainable Development Strategy should take into account the National Coastal Management Strategy and Special Areas of Conservation. In terms of development control, the presumption of the Council will be against the granting of planning permission for tourist related development in coastal and upland areas, away from existing settlements. Development control guidelines for tourist development are set out in Section Policy and Proposals SUSTAINABLE TOURISM PRINCIPLES It is the policy of the Council to ensure that in line with the national sustainable development strategy the development of tourism functions takes place in harmony with the surrounding physical and human environment and that tourism transport other than by car is promoted. Waterford County experienced noticeable growth in the number of holiday homes over the last plan period. Although, the construction and renovation of properties for this purpose has a beneficial impact on the economies and the appearance of County towns and villages, concentrations of holiday homes can have a number of undesirable consequences. It can reduce the population of a town or village, particularly during the winter months. This has a negative impact on the indigenous population and the service base (shops, pubs, etc.) of the town or village. It can lead to an increase in property values and prevent local people from purchasing a house or a site in their local area. It leads to development pressure in some of the most scenic locations in the County, particularly in coastal locations. SINGLE HOLIDAY HOME DEVELOPMENT The Council shall control the number of holiday homes that are permitted in the County over the next plan period. Each application for a development of this nature will be assessed on the basis of the appropriate standards. MULTIPLE HOLIDAY HOME DEVELOPMENT It shall be Council policy to encourage the provision of clusters of tourism residences rather than the construction of new one-off holiday homes - particularly in coastal areas. MARKETING It is the policy of the Council to work with relevant agencies such as Waterford Tourism and South East Regional Tourism Authority within the County to ensure the development of a clear marketing image for the County. SIGN-POSTING It is the policy of the Council to continue the tourism sign-posting programme already commenced in the County. COASTAL ZONE MANAGEMENT It is the policy of the Council to ensure that the development of coastal tourism is in line with the National Coastal Zone Management Strategy. BLUE FLAG BEACHES It is the policy of the Council to ensure the retention or recovery of Blue Flag beaches in the County through actions designed to protect such beaches from pollution. LITTER It is the policy of the Council to support the Clean Waterford Initiative. NEW ATTRACTIONS It is the policy of the Council to support the development of new tourism attractions in the County including the Dungarvan to Waterford walking route and Dungarvan Castle. [Si] The Council will monitor the distribution of tourist related development in the County to prevent excessive development stress being placed on scenic coastal and upland areas. The Council shall balance the demand for holiday homes in the towns and villages of County Waterford with the need to maintain a year round population in these settlements. 15

22 Chapter 2: Sustainable Development Strategy 2.2 Social Cohesion Sustainable development requires that attention be given to social equity and cultural identity. In this respect, the Plan addresses issues related to access to housing, recreation and amenity, cultural identity and facilities as well as the needs of minority groups within the County and the general development of arts, culture and community facilities Other actions related to social cohesion and inclusion are dealt with under the heading of economic development - for example, support for other agencies in addressing issues related to the Long Term Unemployed. Many other areas of action are outside the direct remit of the Local Authority. The Council is aware of the need for an integrated approach in dealing with all social and environmental issues. It is the policy of the Council to work in close cooperation with all the statutory and non-statutory agencies, business interests and community groups to deal with social and environmental issues of concern. As a local authority, the Council is committed to maintaining a good working relationship with voluntary groups and organisations within the County. In addition, it is the policy of the Council to support voluntary efforts by communities to improve facilities and the environment in their local areas Housing Provision In fulfilling its role as the housing authority for the County, the Council provides dwellings for letting to persons in need of accommodation and who are unable to provide such accommodation from their own resources. The Council may, from time to time, enter into partnership with voluntary agencies in the provision of this housing. The Council provides assistance to those in need of residential accommodation by, Constructing new dwellings, Purchasing dwellings, Providing financial assistance and loans to those who wish to purchase their own homes. Over the period of the last Development Plan, the Council completed 204 new dwellings, mainly in the urban areas of the County. Over the same period, there has been a noticeable decline in the number of loans being sought from the Council. A significant number of dwellings in 1995 and 1996 were constructed by the housing association RESPOND using Local Authority finance. Table 2: Local Authority House Completions over the last Development Plan Period Year House Completions House Purchases (estimate) (31) (2) The majority of these dwellings have been provided in the urban areas of the County, where the demand for accommodation is greatest. The demand for local authority housing in County Waterford has been increasing steadily over the last number of years. At the present time, there are 260 persons on the waiting list for accommodation. This represents a 13 per cent increase on 1997, and a 25 per cent increase on the 1996 figure. As the demand for housing is influenced by economic conditions, population movements and changes in social circumstances, it is difficult to accurately predict the demand for Council accommodation over the period of this plan. However, given the trend towards decreasing household size, it is likely that demand will continue to rise for the foreseeable future. The Council will endeavour to fulfil its role as a Housing Authority and accommodate all persons on the housing list within the budgetary constraints that it faces. This will be achieved by, Providing group housing schemes to reduce the numbers on the Local Authority housing list, Entering into partnership arrangements with housing associations and rural development companies to provide housing for disadvantaged groups such as the elderly and the infirm, Acquiring land in the County for the purposes of social housing, Extending loans and financial assistance to persons on the housing list who wish to build or purchase their own dwellings, 16

23 Chapter 2: Sustainable Development Strategy Acquiring derelict or vacant land within towns and villages in the County for the purposes of providing new dwellings, The promotion and encouragement of the measures outlined in the Department of the Environment publication entitled Social Housing The Way Ahead. The Council is committed to reducing the number of persons that are homeless, living in accommodation that is unfit or unsuitable and living in overcrowded accommodation over the period of this Development Plan. Furthermore, the Council is committed to encouraging social integration in housing provision by providing a sustainable mix of public and private development in settlements. PROVISION OF HOUSING It is the policy of the Council to provide, insofar as resources permit, adequate housing for persons who cannot afford their own accommodation. ENERGY EFFICIENCY OF HOUSING In line with Local Agenda 21 principles, the Council will seek to provide energy saving advice to tenants in Local Authority housing and to ensure that all new housing is finished to high energy efficient standards. [Si] The Council will ensure that the number of dwellings in new Local Authority housing schemes is consistent with the encouragement of social integration. [Si] In order to meet the needs of the public with respect to housing, the Council will monitor the need for Local Authority housing and evaluate the suitability of the accommodation available Maintenance of Cultural Identity The Needs of the Travelling Community To date, the Council has responded to the demand for indigenous traveller accommodation by the provision of Council dwellings in Local Authority housing schemes and the provision of temporary accommodation. This approach has been effective in reducing the number of indigenous traveller families seeking accommodation in the County. In response to the Report of the Task Force on the Travelling Community, the Council is committed to a broader approach to dealing with the issue of traveller accommodation. In line with the recommendations of the Report of the Task Force on the Travelling Community, the Council has established a Traveller Accommodation Committee. This Committee will progress the development and implementation of the accommodation programme and policy agreed by the Council, and advise on and help provide the other supports that travelling families will need such as access to education. TRAVELLER ACCOMMODATION It is the policy of the Council to implement the National Strategy on traveller accommodation as proposed in the Report of the Task Force on the Travelling Community issued in July This policy, which was adopted by Waterford County Council with some modifications on November 10th, 1997, will be implemented over the plan period. It is the policy of the Council to provide accommodation for travellers and to acquire particular sites for this purpose. [Si] The Council will provide suitable accommodation for the travelling community over the plan period in accordance with the Housing (Traveller Accommodation) Act, 1998 and in consultation with the Traveller Accommodation committee The Needs of the Gaeltacht Community The Ring / Old Parish Gaeltacht now has the highest ratio of Irish to non-irish speakers of any Gaeltacht in the State (86.5 per cent). Despite this, more than one in three of the Gaeltacht population of Ring-Helvick-Ballinagoul do not speak Irish on a daily basis. PROMOTION OF THE IRISH LANGUAGE It is the policy of the Council to promote the use of Irish in the Ring / Old Parish Gaeltacht and endeavour to ensure that most business with residents of this area is conducted through Irish. DEVELOPMENT OF THE GAELTACHT It is the policy of the Council to promote the economic development of the Gaeltacht through measures set out in Section of this plan and through enterprise development support set out in Section 2.1, road improvements set out in Section and sanitary services schemes set out in Section [Si] The Council will monitor the use of the Irish language and development of the Gaeltacht and will report on their advancements Arts, Culture and Community Facilities Library Services The library is the principle cultural and information service of the Local Authority. The service is currently provided through seven branch libraries, in Dungarvan, Tramore, Lismore, Portlaw, Dunmore East, Cappoquin and Stradbally. These are fully automated and networked. The major investment plans include: 1. The provision of a Central Library & County Archive in Dungarvan. This should be completed late in 1998 or early in the following year. 17

24 Chapter 2: Sustainable Development Strategy 2. The major extension of information services, particularly in Dungarvan and Tramore, with full internet access and Business Services. 3. The redevelopment of the Cappoquin Branch Library. 4. The restoration of the mobile library service though it is unlikely that this will be achieved until the end of the five year plan. 5. The significant extension of locally generated databases The Arts Over the period of the last Development Plan, the Council appointed an Arts Officer in association with the Arts Council / An Comhairle Ealaíon and the Waterford Development Partnership. The Arts Officer has: Compiled an artistic audit of the County. This important study has determined who was working in what art forms and the types of venues available. Assessed the needs and plans of the individuals, groups and committees involved in the Arts. Established the County Waterford Arts Database. This provides details of several hundred local and national arts organisations to the public via the countywide Library Computer Network. Compiled the County Waterford Arts Plan Community Facilities It is the policy of the Council to make provision for comprehensive community facilities. Sites will be reserved for such facilities in population growth areas and deficiencies in existing areas will be made good as opportunity arises and within the budgetary constraints of the Council. It is intended to group these facilities in or adjoining residential areas, general business areas or town centres, dependent on the support population required to warrant provision of a particular facility. DEVELOPMENT OF THE ARTS It is the policy of the Council to support the development of the Arts in County Waterford. PROVISION OF COMMUNITY FACILITIES recreational and cultural facilities and to facilitate local clubs and societies in cases where it is in the public interest to do so Recreation and Amenity The Council is committed to the sustainable development of coastal and upland areas of the County for recreational and amenity purposes, to the benefit of residents of the County as well as the promotion of tourism. The Council recognises the fragile nature of eco-systems, in these and other areas, and it is committed to sustainable management practices to ensure their preservation and improvement over the plan period. Policy regarding the management of fragile landscapes is set out in Sections and Development control policies for these areas are set out in Section 4.2 of this Plan. The Council will require that open space is provided in the case of new housing development as set out in the relevant parts of Sections 4.4 of this Plan. ACCESS TO RECREATIONAL AREAS It is the policy of the Council to preserve and promote access to recreational areas including the coast, upland areas and riverbank areas within the County, in accordance with sustainable management practices. For areas that have the capacity to accommodate increased usage, the Council will promote the use of existing rights-of-way. CHILDRENS PLAYGROUNDS The Council will seek to promote the safety of childrens play in relation to its role in the control of the development of new housing schemes and tourism developments, Local Authority housing, and parks and open spaces with the aim of creating a safe, childfriendly environment in the County. [Si] The Council is committed to increasing the amount of land available for amenity and recreational open space in County Waterford over the plan period. It is the policy of the Council to encourage, in appropriate locations, the commercial provision of 18

25 Chapter 2: Sustainable Development Strategy 2.3 Sustainable Land use and Transportation Population projections undertaken for this Development Plan suggest that: 1. Population in the County will increase by not less than 1,000 and not more than 2,000 over the next five years. Over a twenty year period, the increase may be between 3,000 and 5,000 persons. 2. The projected increase in the number of households will probably be in the region of 1,000 to 1,500 over five years, and in excess of 5,000 over twenty years. 3. The workforce is likely to increase by 1,000 persons over the next five years. The twenty year outlook is less certain. The distribution of this growth within the County and, in particular, the extent to which such growth will be concentrated in and around the major settlements, has important implications for the County. On present trends, growth of population is likely to be an urban phenomenon, though this will also be accompanied by pressure for development in the countryside and elsewhere because of the age structure of the population and the rapid growth in headship rates (implying fewer persons per household) which is, in turn, a result of rapid growth of incomes. All this has serious implications for County Waterford and illustrates that strong planning policies are required both to ensure the maintenance of the population of the smaller towns and villages in the County and to protect the rural environment. The building stock (and fuel consumption) may increase without a corresponding increase in population and in some cases, population may fall. This will put pressure on the existing level of services in these villages and if population continues to decline, the provision of the services will no longer be viable Land Use and Settlement Strategy The principles of sustainable development require that Local Authorities should organise combinations of land uses in a manner that, Reduces the cumulative impact of development on the environment with respect to visual amenity, air quality, and water resources, Improves the accessibility of all persons to employment opportunities and education, health, shopping, leisure and social facilities, Minimises energy usage Optimises the economic return from expensive infrastructure such as sanitary services and roads. The Council accepts these principles and will promote the implementation of policies at County level which strive to uphold them. This has implications for the land use and settlement policy of this development plan. The accessibility of all persons in the County to adequate opportunities for employment, education, health, shopping, leisure and social facilities is a primary concern of the Council. On this basis, a broad settlement strategy was devised to ensure that this objective could be achieved. The sustainable settlement strategy for County Waterford is illustrated on Map APPROACH TO SETTLEMENT STRATEGY It is the policy of the Council to ensure that all towns and villages in the County have basic services (e.g. local shop, Post Office) and have easy access to service centres. It is also the policy of the Council to promote the use of public transport to ensure that members of the public have a choice of mode of transport (public or private) to get to these centres. COUNTY SERVICE CENTRES It is the policy of the Council to promote the establishment of local service centres in Tramore, Portlaw and Kilmacthomas in the East of the County and Lismore / Cappoquin / Tallow in the West of the County to complement the existing principal service centres of Waterford City and Dungarvan. Details of these settlements and proposed development strategy are set out in Section 3.2 of this Plan. With respect to settlement outside of the County service centres, it is the intention of the Planning Authority to continue to channel new development into 34 designated settlement nodes. By concentrating development in this manner, population and economic viability of small rural towns and villages will be maintained. The policy does not exclude the possibility of locating new development in other villages that are not designated settlement nodes. The 34 designated settlement nodes have been selected on the basis of their strategic locations within the County and their existing levels of infrastructure and services. Details of their respective development strategies and development boundaries can be found in Section 3.3 of this Plan. Under this Plan there will be a presumption against the granting of planning permission for development in coastal and upland areas, outside designated settlement nodes, for the following reasons: 19

26 Chapter 2: Sustainable Development Strategy These areas may contain habitats of ecological importance that are more sensitive to environmental modification than many habitats in lowland/inland areas, Development in upland areas can be visually intrusive in the landscape by virtue of its elevated location in upland areas and the exposed nature of coastal landscapes, which results in lack of screening, Dwellings in upland and coastal areas are less energy efficient during both their construction phase and their operational phase (due to their exposed location), Construction in elevated areas can give rise to disturbance and change in drainage patterns, which can lead to the instability of slopes. In coastal areas, development can exacerbate coastal erosion by increasing stress on the coastline. RESTRICTION OF HOUSING DEVELOPMENT IN SENSITIVE AREAS In the interests of sustainable planning and development, the Council will control development in coastal areas, upland areas and other areas that have been identified as being of particular environmental significance. Proposals for development in any of these locations will be subject to more stringent control. Relevant development control policies are set out in Section 4.2 of the Plan. SINGLE HOUSE DEVELOPMENTS IN SCENIC LANDSCAPES The Council will restrict single house developments in areas identified as vulnerable in the scenic landscape evaluation undertaken for this Plan. It is the objective of the Council to enforce the 1991 Derelict Sites Act in order to reduce the number of derelict and unsightly dwellings in the County. PRESUMPTION IN FAVOUR OF BROWNFIELD DEVELOPMENT SITES It is the policy of the Council to favour the utilisation of derelict and vacant sites in preference to greenfield development in rural areas on the outskirts of towns and villages, and to encourage integrated resource and energy efficient types of development. [Si] In order to ensure that the sustainable settlement strategy is adhered to, the County will endeavour to accommodate 65 per cent of all new housing development in designated settlements (this includes settlements that are not designated settlement nodes). REDUCTION OF DERELICTION [Si] The number of derelict and vacant sites in the County will be reduced over the plan period and an annual report on progress will be issued Roads,Transport & Telecommunications Strategies for the provision of roads and public transport The provision of infrastructure in County Waterford over the period of this Development Plan will be in accordance with the principles of sustainable planning and development. The Council is committed to the provision of transport infrastructure on the basis of the strategic settlement strategy that is outlined in this plan. This will ensure that all investment in infrastructure will aid the achievement of the objectives of the Council with respect to sustainable development. The Council is aware of its obligations to Local Agenda 21 with respect to reducing non-renewable fuel consumption. This can be achieved by discouraging the use of private transport in favour of public transport, where possible, and promoting alternatives to car transport, such as cycling and walking. It is the intention of the Council to fulfil its obligations in this regard, by implementing the sustainable settlement strategy set out in detail in Chapter 3 of this plan. PROVISION OF ROAD NETWORK AND ENCOURAGEMENT OF PUBLIC TRANSPORT It is the policy of the Council to provide an efficient and high quality road network in the County. It is also the policy of the Council to encourage the use of public transport, where possible. It is an objective of the Council to complete the following major road improvement projects over the plan period. The Kilmacthomas Bypass, involving the realignment of the N.25 between Lemybrien and Newtown. Construction is scheduled to begin in The Waterford City Bypass (jointly with Waterford Corporation and Kilkenny County Council). Construction is scheduled to begin in The Youghal Bypass. This is a Cork County Council project, part of which lies within County Waterford. It will involve the realignment of the N.25 between Youghal Bridge in County Cork and Piltown in County Waterford.(the Kinsalebeg realignment project) Tarrs Bridge The Pike realignment project on the N25 Tallow Bridge realignment project on the N72 Full details of the proposed improvements to National, Regional and County roads in Waterford can be found in Appendix 1. 20

27 Chapter 2: Sustainable Development Strategy [Si] Any major improvement works to the road network in the County over the plan period will be subject to environmental impact assessment in accordance with the appropriate legislation Telecommunications masts Over the last plan period, the popularity of mobile phones has led to an increase in the number of applications by telephone companies to erect antennae support structures and masts. There has also been a growth in rural television transmission systems. In order to meet this demand, the Council will pursue the following policies. It is the policy of the Council to engage in pre-planning application discussions with operators in relation to the erection of structures for communications. When processing an application for such development, the Planning Department will have regard to National and international guidelines on the siting of antennae support structures and masts and on radiation and emission limits. The Council will only grant temporary planning permissions (for 5 year periods) for antennae support structures and masts to allow a review of the situation in light of changing technology in the communications field Port development The Ports of Waterford and Cork are both within easy access of all areas of the County. The nearest Ro-Ro service to Britain is from Rosslare. Access to these ports is via the N25, which is the principal national primary route through the County. It is the policy of the council to improve and maintain the port facilities within the County Waterford Regional Airport The Council recognises that Waterford Regional Airport represents a valuable asset to the County and the South - East region and it is an important factor in the attraction of industry and the generation of economic activity. It is the policy of the Council to ensure that every effort is made to improve its accessibility and facilitate the expansion of the airport over the plan period. It is an objective of the Council to improve the access road from Waterford City to Waterford Airport. 21

28 Chapter 2: Sustainable Development Strategy 2.4 Protection of the Natural Environment Protection of Natural Resources Protection of natural resources, including air and water, which are essential to health and well being, is a fundamental principle of sustainability. Policies set out in Sections 2.1 and 2.3 are designed to minimise the impact of development on natural resources or ensure that such impact is consistent with the principles of sustainability. In this section, policies having direct and specific relevance to the maintenance of air and water quality are set out, together with investments proposed in support of such policies Air Air pollution is caused predominantly by emissions from the burning of fossil fuels. The largest consumer of fossil fuels is the transportation sector, followed by the industrial and agricultural sectors. Commercial and domestic consumption of fossil fuels for power and heat also contribute to air pollution. Land use planning provides an effective means of controlling and reducing these emissions and improving air quality, through: Concentrating trip generating functions (such as employment centres, hospitals, schools, shopping facilities) in large population centres that are accessible by public transport, Settlement patterns that are not overly dependent on private transport, energy efficient housing, Use of renewable energy resources, Planting of trees and vegetation in areas of localised air pollution (e.g. along dual carriageways and major roads). SETTLEMENT STRATEGY IN SUPPORT OF AIR QUALITY It is the policy of the Council to promote the above planning policies for County Waterford over the plan period through the Settlement Strategy set out in Section and Chapter 3 and the housing policy as set out in Section Groundwater County Waterford is heavily dependent on ground water sources for its water supply. Groundwater has been developed as a source of public supply at a considerable number of locations throughout the County. Some 28 per cent of the public water supply in County Waterford is from groundwater sources. It is also the major source of domestic and farm water supplies throughout most of the County, which are not connected to a public water supply scheme. Over large areas of County Waterford the depth to bedrock is less then 3m. About a third of the County has little natural groundwater protection and therefore groundwater is classified as being highly or extremely vulnerable to pollution in these areas. It is, therefore, important that groundwater protection measures are incorporated into the County Development Plan. The Council commissioned the Geological Survey of Ireland, Trinity College Dublin and University College Galway to prepare a Groundwater Protection Plan for the County. The Groundwater Protection Plan is a management tool that allows the regulatory authorities to protect the groundwater resources of the County by providing a framework to respond to development proposals in a manner that seeks to prevent the contamination of groundwater. The investigations, carried out between 1991 and 1997, consisted of a compilation of all the available geological and hydrogeological information for the County. Some 30 per cent of the main public water supply wells show some evidence of contamination or the impact of human activities. A smaller number of sources show definite evidence of pollution. The principal sources of this contamination are considered to be, Effluent from septic tanks or farmyards, The storage or spreading of slurry or artificial fertilisers. GROUNDWATER PROTECTION PLAN It is the policy of the Council to have regard to the Groundwater Protection Plan in assessing development proposals in County Waterford. [Si] The Council is committed to preserving the quality of groundwater in the County over the next plan period. This will be achieved by adhering to the standards outlined in Section 4.3.D of this Plan Surface Water Surface water sources account for seventy-two percent of water abstractions within the County. With the exception of the boreholes supplying Dungarvan, all major supplies within the County are from surface waters. Surface waters that are used for the abstraction of drinking water are required to comply with Surface Water (Drinking Water Abstraction Regulations) 1989, which govern the type of treatment required for each source. 22

29 Chapter 2: Sustainable Development Strategy Surface water sources within the county are monitored by the Environmental Protection Agency who produce an annual report on River Water Quality. Results from 1997 show water quality to be generally satisfactory. Waterford County Council will continue to assess Surface Water Sources on the basis of monitoring by the E.P.A. and ongoing monitoring by the Council s own staff. Surveying of all catchments contributing to public water supplies has begun and will be continued with a view to identifying and managing possible pollution sources, whether public, industrial or agricultural. The Council is committed to the protection of Surface Water Sources used for water supplies and will use all statutory powers at their disposal to protect this valuable resource. [Si] The Council will monitor the quality of surface water at regular intervals throughout the lifetime of this Plan Ecology The principles of sustainable development emphasise the importance of the natural environment with its store of biodiversity the plant and animal species that live in it. In order to protect this diversity, it is essential to conserve habitats, both physically and by maintaining or reducing current levels of management. Agriculture (including forestry), waste disposal and industry have often led to a modification of the environment by destroying habitats or by so altering their condition that species die out. Euthrophication (nutrient enrichment) is one of the major processes by which this happens. The designated areas require protection as, They contain valuable habitats where organisms (some of them rare) live in a relatively natural state. They are, in most cases, proposed Natural Heritage Areas and other categories (Special Protection Areas or proposed candidate Special Areas of Conservation) which are or will be protected under national legislation. They often contain aquifers of regional importance that are vulnerable to groundwater pollution. Development in such areas has the potential to cause major visual change in the landscape. Full details and maps of these areas can be found in Appendix 2 of this Development Plan. HABITAT PROTECTION It is the policy of the Council to conserve the extent and variety of habitats in the interests of protecting the level of biodiversity in County Waterford using the relevant national legislation. It is the objective of the Council to maintain or increase the number of designated areas within the County over the plan period. It is an objective of the Council to control development close to or within any areas designated for ecological reasons. [Si] The Council will carry out and publish an environmental audit of the condition of specified sites at the end of the plan period Investment proposed in support of protection of the natural environment Direct investment by the Council in support of the maintenance of air and water quality will relate, for the most part, to improvements to water supply, sewage disposal systems and waste water treatment. Investments in each of these areas will also be used in support of the settlement strategy set out in this Plan Water supply The Council will also endeavour to maintain and improve, where necessary, existing water supplies in the County. Considerable improvements were made in the establishment of East Waterford Regional Water Supply Scheme, which provides water to Waterford City and a large proportion of East County Waterford. Work on this scheme will continue over the next plan period. Water Supply in the West of the County is dependent on a large number of local supply schemes. It is acknowledged that a Regional Supply Scheme is also required for the West of the County and a proposal to establish a new scheme has been made to the Department of the Environment. Table 3: Regional Water Supply Schemes for County Waterford Scheme East Waterford Regional Supply Scheme West Waterford Regional Supply Scheme Present Status Ongoing Under investigation The Council will continue to invest in the maintenance of existing public water schemes in the County over the next plan period. This investment will largely consist of sources and mains improvement of existing public water supplies. The priorities of the Council in this regard are listed in Appendix Sewage Treatment Sewage treatment and disposal are major issues of concern in County Waterford. The needs of the County with respect to waste water and sewage treatment vary according to each location, with the schemes in many settlements in need of modernisation and improvement. Some settlements require new schemes to deal with sewage disposal. 23

30 Chapter 2: Sustainable Development Strategy The provision of sewerage and water services is largely dependent on funding being available at local government level. At present, there are two major investment schemes in sewage treatment for County Waterford being considered by the Dept. of the Environment and Local Government. The proposed locations for these treatment plants are Dungarvan and Tramore. Both of these schemes are expected to be completed over the plan period. Although a large number of other areas and schemes are without adequate waste water and treatment facilities, these have yet to be considered by the Department. The table below details the priorities of the Council with respect to the provision of sewage treatment facilities over the plan period. It also indicates the present status of these schemes with respect to research, design and funding. Table 4: Proposed Sewage Treatment Schemes in Towns of County Waterford Scheme Dungarvan Tramore Ardmore Tallow Cheekpoint Kilmacthomas Dunmore East Cappoquin Present Status Awaiting Funding Awaiting Funding A Scheme has been submitted for approval. A Revised Design has been requested by the Dept. Design Prepared, but has not been approved by the Dept. No Design Prepared No Design Prepared No Design Prepared All of the above require major financial investment, with each scheme costing a minimum of 300,000. This implies that the Council is totally dependent on grant funding from the Department of the Environment and Local Government. Table 5: Proposed Sewage Treatment Schemes for Smaller Settlements in County Waterford period. In the interim, the Council is committed to the maintenance and efficient operation of the existing water supply and sewage disposal and treatment schemes Waste Management The Council, in conjunction with Waterford Corporation, completed a Joint Waste Management Strategy in 1997 and adopted statutory Waste Management Plans in January The strategy concluded that landfill was the most suitable and viable disposal option for Waterford, having regard to the relatively low volumes of waste generated annually. The Strategy contained a range of policies aimed at minimising and reducing the waste volumes arising through a range of re-use and recycling measures. A network of 16 bring to Recycling Centres and Civic Amenity sites are being installed throughout the County. The capital cost of implementing the Joint Management Strategy is estimated at 19 million with capitalised operating costs of 44 million over the next 25 years. Conscious of the requirement to reduce waste volumes and dispose of waste by alternatives to landfill in the future, in accordance with the EU Waste Hierarchy, the Council is participating in the South East Regional Strategy Study. The spiralling cost of providing waste management and disposal infrastructure is an area that the Council will consider for Private Finance Partnership Initiatives, supported by E.U. funding. While the Polluter Pays principle is accepted in respect of ongoing disposal costs, the provision of waste infrastructure should be treated similarly to other economic infrastructure, such as waste water treatment plants. In this regard, limited grant assistance is already provided for recycling and this programme should be expanded and accelerated in the new National Development Plan and Community Support Framework. WASTE MANAGEMENT It is the policy of the Council to implement the Waterford County Council Waste Management Plan. Scheme Stradbally Ballyduff Upper Dunmore East Cappoquin Present Status Improvement Scheme approved under the Small Schemes Programme. No Design Prepared No Design Prepared No Design Prepared OBJECTIVE It is an objective of the Council to launch a public education programme highlighting the importance of recycling and waste reduction. It is also an objective of the Council to provide waste disposal facilities in accordance with the Waterford County Council Waste Management Plan, Investment in sewage treatment schemes in the smaller settlements is undertaken by the Council using funding that is made available by the Department of the Environment and Local Government under the Small Schemes grant. [Si] The Council is committed to a reduction in the total volume of waste produced in County Waterford over the next plan period. This will be achieved by the installation of recycling facilities and by an education programme encouraging recycling and composting waste. WATER SUPPLY AND SEWERAGE The Council will seek funding from central government to undertake necessary improvements over the plan 24

31 Chapter 2: Sustainable Development Strategy Alternative /Renewable Energy Alternative and renewable forms of energy are fast emerging as more sustainable sources of energy in terms of economic and environmental efficiency. It is the policy of the council to support the development of alternative forms of energy where such developments are in accordance with the proper planning and land use evaluation of an area. Such development shall be integrated with other major land uses especially tourism or forestry. It shall be a requirement that all developers shall comply with such national guidelines as may be issued from time to time Fire service The County Council has established and maintained fire brigades in the following towns Dungarvan, Ardmore, Cappoquin, Dunmore East, Kilmacthomas, Lismore, Portlaw, Tallow and Tramore. New stations have been built in Cappoquin, Dungarvan and Dunmore East. The County Council is committed to the upgrading and replacement of all fire stations and to the replacement and provision of new equipment and vehicles as the need arises Burial Grounds It is the policy of the Council to continue to undertake development of burial grounds on sites provided by the Parish Authorities and to hand over developed sites to the Parishes for administration and maintenance. A number of new burial grounds and expansions of existing ones may be required within the plan period. 25

32 Chapter 2: Sustainable Development Strategy 2.5 Management of the Landscape General Approach LANDSCAPE The landscape of the County is the visible result of the interaction of human landuses and natural factors for almost 8,000 years. The landscape is valued at a number of levels because of its role in creating and sustaining such varied strands of local identity, such as culture, myths and placenames. It sustains agriculture, forestry, mineral extraction and is the location of homes and communities while providing the routes and corridors for vital infrastructure. CHANGING LANDSCAPES In accepting that the appearances of the landscape arises from the historical combinations of landuses and natural factors it becomes possible to accept that the landscape has always changed and will continue to gradually change in response to society s changing needs and uses. The principles and policies for the orderly planning and development of the landscape of County Waterford are proposed in the context of the twin needs of facilitating development by current and future generations while also ensuring orderly transitions from our inherited landscapes towards the landscape of the early twenty first century. Specific Objective: The objective of the Landscape strategy will be to accommodate a wide a range of new and expanding landuses (such as wind-farms, forestry and tourism developments) while ensuring that no single landuse type or development creates disproportionate effect on the character of the environs. Full details of the Landscape Protection Strategy can be found in Appendix 4 of this Development Plan. DEVELOPMENT PRESSURES While the Landscape Protection Strategy (Appendix 4) describes the inherent sensitivities and robustness of various areas of the County, it should be noted that the pressures for change are not likely to be uniformly distributed. In addition to the normal pressures of new housing and agricultural modernisation, the following examples of the area-specific types of landscape pressure should be noted:- difficulties for machinery or access such as river corridors or unevenly drained lands though it is likely that increasingly larger tracts of lowland mixed forestry will occur during the lifetime of this Development Plan. Large and small-scale wind energy projects will continue to be proposed along elevated sea-facing coasts as well as on elevated inland areas (above 300m level). It is likely that there will also be a trend towards single turbines or small groups (2-4) located on, or shared between, farms (as is becoming more common in Denmark). Telecommunications infrastructure will continue to develop and seek to occupy topographic prominence, which typically occurs in visually sensitive areas. Tourism Development Projects - in particular housing on and adjacent to the coast and major rivers. The housing is likely to be for both new rural one-off residences and increasing clusters and villages often in association with facilities such as hotels, golf courses and outdoor pursuits or sporting activities such as horse riding, fishing and sailing. Rural Enterprise in response to the need to diversify sources of income in traditional farming areas, is likely to generate demands for new commercially scaled buildings, often associated with new and / or intensified agriculture or horticulture practices such as growing and processing fruit, flowers, herbs and rearing small stock. PRINCIPLES While the accompanying Landscape Protection Strategy (Appendix 4) describes the inherent characteristics in detail, it remains necessary to highlight that development control will need to be informed by a core of clear landscape policies namely:- To Minimize Contrast All new development and landuses should seek to minimise abrupt transitions or high levels of contrast with the existing character and appearance of the site and its wider environs. To Avoid Dominance Visual dominance of any development or landuse should be directly proportionate to its public utility, subject to the principal that only in the most exceptional circumstances should any development or landuse have a monopolising effect upon the appearance or character of the landscape. Continuing afforestation both on upland areas and also increasingly on lowland mineral soils. The latter will initially be on steeper soils and other areas which present 26

33 Chapter 2: Sustainable Development Strategy To Ensure Continuity It is accepted that a changing and developing society must, of necessity, result in a changed landscape, but it is also important that such changes must be gradual and orderly so that an area s continuity of character and identity is never disproportionately disrupted. To Nurture Distinctiveness County Waterford has a highly distinctive character much of which arises from the close proximity to one another of areas of different and distinctive character. New developments and landuses should strive to ensure that standardised or uniform forms, materials or designs are minimised in favour of those which have a clear connection to the existing cultural and natural character of the development area. It is the policy of the Council, when considering development proposals, to have regard to the principles set out in this section, the landscape protection maps and issues set out in Section 4. The accompanying Landscape Protection Strategy (Appendix 4) provides detailed and highly site specific guidance on the suitability of certain areas for a wide range of developments and landuses. In particular, the application of the recommendations contained in that strategy will be guided by the following policies:- Criteria for Decisions Decisions to permit development will be significantly determined by the inherent natural characteristics of the site or area. Decisions to permit development in sensitive locations will be influenced by the quality of design applied in such locations. To Be Encouraged: 1. Developments or landuses that increase the diversity of the places, times and types of activities which take place in the landscape subject to avoiding conflicts of uses. 2. Developments or landuses that are based upon resources that are specific to the locality - minerals, soils, energy potential, water quality subject to the principles and policies outlined elsewhere. 3. The renewal, intensification and maintenance of established developments, landuses and activities subject to the sensitivity of the existing natural and cultural environment. 4. Developments or landuses which integrate with or which increase the efficiency of the use of established activities subject to the principles and policies outlined elsewhere. 2. Developments or landuses that cause a significant loss to the continuity of the character of an area. 3. Developments that contrast excessively (by virtue of height, location, scale, colour or character) with the established appearance of an area. [Si] Relevant sustainable indicators have been set out under Section Built Environment As part of the preparation process of this Development Plan, a comprehensive assessment of the built environment of County Waterford was undertaken. PROTECTION OF THE BUILT ENVIRONMENT It is the policy of the Council to protect all the features of archæological, historical, architectural or artistic interest in County Waterford that have been identified in this inventory. The Council recognises that these features are examples of local culture and tradition and a source of local identity as they serve as links with the past. It is the policy of the Council to adopt a partnership approach to the renovation and improvement of listed buildings and structures by offering support and advice to property owners in order to preserve and / or adapt historical buildings to modern functions. Objectives The Council will seek to retain and preserve all the structures that are listed in this Development Plan. The Council will also work with property owners to find alternative appropriate uses for listed buildings that are or become vacant. A complete inventory of all the historical, architectural and artistic structures in County Waterford has been included in Appendix 5 of this Development Plan. The record of monuments and places* (as established under section 12 of the National Monuments (Amendment) Act 1994) in County Waterford is available from the Planning department of Waterford County Council. *As issued by The Commissioners of Public Works in Ireland, National Monuments and Historic Properties Services [Si] The Council will ensure, within the limits of relevant legislation, that no listed buildings in sound structural condition will be replaced with new buildings, if, in the opinion of the Council, the listed building can be adapted to suit an economic use. The demolition of older buildings without good reason is contrary to the principles of sustainable development. To Be Discouraged 1. Developments which unduly impinge upon or disrupt natural linear features such as skylines, coastlines, river banks. 27

34 Chapter 2: Sustainable Development Strategy National Monuments The monuments of National Importance in County Waterford are listed in the Archaeological Survey of Ireland. The locations of these monuments can be found in the map in Appendix 2. A complete inventory of the National monuments (including a large scale map) is available for inspection in the Planning Dept. of Waterford County Council. National Monuments are protected under 1930, 1954, 1987 and 1994 National Monuments Act, It is an obligation of the council, when considering development proposals, to have regard to the provisions of the National Monuments Acts and to the views and recommendations of the National Monuments Services of the Department of Arts, Heritage, Gaeltacht and the Islands Upland Areas Developments in upland areas will be considered in the context of their impact on the amenity of the area and in accordance with the Scenic Landscape Evaluation in Appendix 4. Developments may be considered in appropriate areas where afforestation has taken place as such areas are often well suited to absorb development. The planting of shelter belts for developments is advisable in both coastal and upland areas. Forestry will continue to be the principal development pressure in upland areas. Further development is likely to comprise consolidation and infill between existing forestry blocks and the avoidance of areas designated for nature protection (S.A.C. s and N.H.A. s listed in Appendix 2). As this alone is unlikely to result in a landscape which conforms with the principles and policies set out in Section 2.5.1, there was a need for an area specific and integrated indicative plan for forestry. Such a plan was commissioned by the Council and the Draft Indicative Forestry Plan has been produced. Integration will address more than the avoidance of environmental vulnerabilities. It shall include consideration of: Catchment management Maintenance of rural communities Accommodation and consolidation of infrastructure, sites and routes Enhancement of scenic routes and walks Consolidation and connection of wildlife habitats and corridors Upland developments such as wind energy, telecommunications facilities and mineral development. The accommodation and provision for other potential upland developments such as wind energy, telecommunication facilities and mineral development could all be incorporated into this plan Coastal Areas For the purpose of this section, the coastal areas may generally be regarded as being those areas within the first seaward watershed (see map 3.2.5) this generally contains the principal areas which are strongly visually connected to the sea and which are also likely to be visible from the shore. With the notable exception of the areas around Tramore Bay and Dungarvan Harbour, these zones are quite small (seldom extending inland for more than 3 5 kms). Developments in coastal areas will be considered in the context of their impact on the amenity of the area and in accordance with the Scenic Landscape Evaluation in Appendix 4. Holiday homes and tourism related developments are the principal developments that are likely to create pressure for change. Wind energy, mariculture and coastal protection works are also likely to be a cause for concern from time to time. Tourism is likely to play an increasingly important role in the County s economy and Waterford is likely to follow the national trend of having up to 70 per cent of its tourism concentrated in coastal areas. In light of these considerations, the landscape strategy for the coast must seek to accommodate two, apparently conflicting, needs: To protect the County s most important and valuable tourism resource from over - development, To ensure that coastal areas can be provided with sufficient physical capacity to absorb and accommodate tourism demands in a sustainable manner. The capacity of coastal areas to absorb tourism development varies significantly over small distances. It should be noted that the Landscape Strategy does not have the scale of resolution to accurately identify opportunities for or constraints to development in many of the coastal areas. Having regard to the likely pressure for new tourism development in the context of a vulnerable resource, applications for development in the coastal zone may require a study of the impact of the development Access to Recreational Areas and Rights of Way The general policy of Waterford County Council is to preserve and manage access to recreational areas such as the sea, coastline, upland and river banks in the interest of the overall amenity of these areas. It is recognised that the sensitive eco-systems in some of these areas can be irreparably damaged by uncontrolled recreational pressure. In view of this, it is the policy of the council to assist in the proper management and conservation of these areas and to improve access to recreational areas that have the capacity for increased usage. It is also the policy of the Council to protect existing rights of way and where necessary to establish and maintain new ones. 28

35 3. Settlement Strategy 3.1 The Settlement Strategy for Waterford The principles underlying the proposed settlement strategy for the County have been set out in Section In Section 3.2 below, development strategies for each of the proposed local service centres in the County - Portlaw, Kilmacthomas and Lismore, Cappoquin and Tallow, are set out, with accompanying zoning maps. This section also discusses policy with regard to Waterford City Environs, Clonmel environs and Dungarvan. Section 3.3 enumerates development strategies for each of 34 designated settlement nodes, with accompanying zoning maps. Relevant development control policies for residential development within these centres is found in Chapter 4. In general, development within settlement nodes without public sewers shall be subject to pre-planning discussions on an overall development strategy for the land holding. 3.2 County Service Centres While the West of County Waterford has experienced a population loss, decreasing numbers of households and low levels of urbanisation over the last plan period, East Waterford has enjoyed growth in all of these categories. This has also led to a series of challenges that have influenced the formation of a settlement strategy for this part of the County. It is proposed to establish the towns of Tramore, Kilmacthomas and Portlaw as the selected county service centres in East Waterford. West Waterford has undergone considerable change in recent years. This part of the County has experienced a loss of population, low levels of urbanisation and population leakage to the thriving towns of Carrick-on- Suir, Clonmel, Carrick-on-Suir, Fermoy and Youghal and Dungarvan. The largest towns of Lismore, Cappoquin and Tallow have all suffered a decline in population at a time of high economic growth. As many other settlements lack spare capacity in sanitary services, a significant percentage of the total growth of households in East Waterford will be accommodated in Tramore. The Development Strategy for Tramore can be found in the 1997 Tramore Development Plan. Kilmacthomas The town of Kilmacthomas is an appropriate location for a county service centre in County Waterford given its strategic location close to the N.25 (15 miles from Dungarvan) and 15 miles from Waterford City. This makes Kilmacthomas the most accessible town (using both public and private transport modes) in East Waterford. Kilmacthomas has a broad range of services available, which include, a supermarket, pharmacy, hardware shop, two bank branches and a post office. It also has a fire station, a Garda station and a dispensary. The community facilities in the town include a secondary school, a community hall and playing fields. The objective of the Council is to encourage industrial development and improve infrastructure in the town. The sanitary services infrastructure in Kilmacthomas requires upgrading and environmental and streetscape improvements are also required. The inclusion of Kilmacthomas in the Urban and Village Renewal Scheme and the installation of the town as a priority for sanitary services investment, are designed to address these issues. The establishment of Kilmacthomas as a county service centre is particularly important in view of the level of Local Authority housing within the town and the requirement to ensure that residents have access to a full range of basic services, including education and health. The development strategy (including map) for Kilmacthomas is covered in Section 3.3 of this Development Plan. Portlaw Portlaw is a suitable location for additional residential development, as it is located close to the N24, Waterford to Limerick Route. The towns of Lismore, Cappoquin and Tallow have been chosen as county service centres for West Waterford. This will involve significant industrial, commercial and residential development in these towns over the plan period. Tramore Tramore will continue to play a significant role in the settlement strategy of East Waterford over the next plan period and beyond. The Tramore sewerage scheme is currently awaiting funding and it is expected to be completed over the plan period. This will create significant spare capacity in sanitary services in Tramore. 29

36 Chapter 3: Settlement Strategy Portlaw has a wide service base. The range of services available has improved in recent years and it is now more than sufficient to meet the needs of the local population. The town has adequate sanitary services. It has a modern sewage treatment system with considerable spare capacity. It is proposed to upgrade the water supply to the town by connecting the system to the East Waterford Regional Water Supply Scheme. It is Council policy to optimise their returns from this infrastructure by encouraging an increase in residential and commercial development in the town. It is proposed to further upgrade the road network and the water supply of the town (see Appendices 1 and 3). There are also plans to undertake improvements under the Urban and Village Renewal Scheme over the plan period. The proximity of Portlaw to Waterford City, Carrick-on-Suir and Kilmacthomas provides opportunities to establish public transport routes between these locations. Given the rich history and heritage of Portlaw, the Council intends to examine the possibility of establishing a tourism industry in the town. This will be achieved by working closely with statutory and voluntary interests to develop the necessary facilities and by marketing Portlaw as a tourist destination. The development strategy for Portlaw is detailed in the 1996 Portlaw Development Plan. Lismore Lismore is a suitable location for major residential development. It is the fifth largest town in the County and has the potential to establish itself as a thriving town to rival the neighbouring towns of Youghal and Fermoy. Lismore has a modern sewage treatment plant, with considerable spare capacity. The development strategy for Lismore is covered in the 1996 Lismore Development Plan. Cappoquin Cappoquin has also been chosen as a county service centre for West Waterford. It has a wide service base and a range of community facilities. It also has an industrial estate, which provides valuable employment to Cappoquin and the surrounding area. The town is strategically located on the National Secondary Route (N.72) connecting Mallow and Fermoy in County Cork to Dungarvan. The sanitary services infrastructure in Cappoquin requires investment as the sewage disposal system is approaching capacity. It is anticipated that the water supply and sewage disposal system will be upgraded over the plan period. The development strategy for Cappoquin (including map) can be found in Section 3.3 of this Development Plan. Tallow The town is located close to the N.72 (Mallow- Dungarvan) National Secondary Route and relatively close to the N.25 (Rosslare Cork) and the N.8 (Dublin- Cork) National Primary Routes. Tallow is located close to the Cork / Waterford border and has a wide range of retail services and community facilities. There is also an industrial estate in the town, which has undergone considerable expansion in recent years. It is the policy of the Council to ensure that the employment function of Tallow is expanded over the plan period. This will require additional investment in road infrastructure and in sanitary services (see Appendices 1 & 3). The development strategy for Tallow (including map) is outlined in Section 3.3 of this Development Plan. Waterford City Environs Waterford City has been the most significant influence on the growth and development of East Waterford over the last plan period and this will continue to be the case. Plans by the I.D.A. for an expanded enterprise park in the City environs will have an impact on employment in both City and County and settlement patterns will be affected as a result. It is the policy of the Council to ensure a clear demarcation of the City edge by controlling new developments within two to three miles of the proposed Waterford City Ring road. At present, development is being resisted on the grounds that the necessary infrastructure is not in place. Every attempt will be made to comply with the recommendations of the Waterford City and Environs Strategy Framework Plan, which is currently being prepared. A continuation of the policy restricting new development within the two to three mile zone is anticipated. The development strategy for Waterford City Environs is illustrated on Map in this Development Plan. The area that is designated A shall provide for the further development of agriculture and provide for a clear physical demarcation to the adjoining urban area. It is the policy of the Council to ensure that all new dwellings in the A land use zone provide for the personal habitation of existing landowners and their immediate families only. Waterford Regional Airport All development will be restricted in close proximity to Waterford Regional Airport. The control zone for the Airport is indicated on Map Dungarvan It is an objective of the Council to stimulate significant industrial and retail development in Dungarvan to make it the focus of the County. It is the most appropriate location for this form of land use as it has: The largest population, A comprehensive range of retail services, An established industrial base, Education services. It is also located on the N25 and is presently seeking central government funding for major investment in sanitary services infrastructure, urban renewal and harbour improvement. 30

37 Chapter 3: Settlement Strategy The development strategy for the Dungarvan Environs is illustrated in Map of this Development Plan. The area that is designated A2 shall protect and improve rural amenity and provide for the further development of agriculture. Clonmel Environs The area of County Waterford adjoining the southern environs of Clonmel has come under considerable pressure for development over the last plan period. However, the elevated nature of this land combined with inadequate infrastructure made this land unsuitable for significant development. In order to accommodate demand arising from Clonmel, a new settlement node has been created at Kilmanahan and additional land has been zoned for residential development in the nearby settlements of Ballymacarbery. Details of these settlement nodes can be found in Section 3.3 of this Development Plan. The development strategy for the Clonmel Environs is illustrated on Map The area that is designated A shall provide for the further development of agriculture and provide for a clear physical demarcation to the adjoining urban area. It is the policy of the Council to ensure that all new dwellings in the A land use zone provide for the personal habitation of existing landowners and their immediate families only. The Coastal Zone The designated settlement nodes that are located in relative proximity to Waterford City in the scenic coastal locations of Cheekpoint, Passage East, Crooke and Dunmore East have all experienced major growth in recent years. Although, there is available land for further development in these locations, substantial investment is needed in sanitary services before any additional significant development can take place. Limited additional development will be accepted into these settlement nodes (with the exception of Passage East) over the period of this plan, within the development boundaries indicated in Section 3.3 of this Development Plan. In general, development on the Coastal Road between Tramore and Dungarvan will be confined to existing settlements. The only exception will be in the case of a local landowner building for himself / herself or his / her immediate family. As a result, investment in the sanitary services network will be confined to maintenance work rather than upgrading of existing facilities. However, the settlement of Annestown has a small amount of land available for development, which should cater for demand over the next plan period. Coastal locations, for example Woodstown, which are valuable amenity areas, will be protected from further development. Remainder of the County The settlement strategy for the rest of the County will also involve the encouragement of development in the existing settlement nodes that have been identified. This policy will maintain and enhance the vitality of these settlements while dealing with the problem of ribbon development. However, it will require major investment in sanitary services infrastructure as many of these settlement nodes have sub standard sewage disposal systems and water supplies. This policy will also help consolidate the social infrastructure in these villages and improve the quality of life for local people and for those that live in the surrounding areas. The settlement strategy provides for the zoning of additional land for development in the selected development nodes. This will guarantee the availability of land for housing in these areas over the next plan period and help to reduce the demand for single houses in scenic areas. This settlement strategy will be accompanied by controls on the location of housing in these areas for the following important reasons: 1. They have been identified in the landscape evaluation as sensitive areas that have a distinctive, homogenous character dominated by natural processes. Development in these areas would have the potential to create impacts on the appearance and character of an extensive part of the landscape. 2. They contain (with the exception of Drumhills and the Knockmealdown Mountains) Natural Heritage Areas where plants and animals exist in relatively natural state (p. 15, Evaluation of Environmental Designations in Ireland: The Heritage Council, 1997). 3. They have been identified as containing aquifers of regional importance that are extremely vulnerable to groundwater pollution. An important element of the settlement strategy is the designation of a number of new settlement nodes in close proximity to the towns of Carrick-on-Suir and Youghal. Both of these towns have experienced growth in recent years and this has led to an increase in the number of planning applications for single dwellings in their environs in County Waterford. In response to this demand, a new settlement node has been created at Piltown (to cater for the growth of Youghal) and additional land has been zoned for development at Rathgormack and Clonea-Power. Details of the development strategies (including maps) can be found in Section 3.3 of this Development Plan. This policy is a planned response to increased pressures for development in these areas. New development in the coastal zone must be in accordance with the Scenic Landscape Evaluation (see Appendix 4). The coastal zone is indicated in Map More detailed maps of the coastal zone are available in the Planning Department of Waterford County Council. 31

38 Chapter 3: Settlement Strategy 3.3 Development Nodes This section deals with the policies for the individual settlements in County Waterford and the objectives for development in each case Aglish Location The small village of Aglish is located approximately 1 mile from Villierstown and approximately 13 miles from Dungarvan. Services Aglish has an adequate service and community base. Infrastructure Aglish has a public water supply. The village also has a public sewerage scheme with spare capacity, although the pumps need to be upgraded. Development Strategy Existing development in Aglish is linear and it is scattered over 5 different road junctions. The development strategy is designed to draw the different strands of development together in order to establish a firm nucleus for the village. The development boundary is indicated on map There are relatively large amounts of land available within the proposed development boundary to cater for new development. Given the existing form of development, residential dwellings at low level densities will be acceptable in this location. 32

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40 Chapter 3: Settlement Strategy Annestown Location The coastal village of Annestown is located approximately 14 miles from Dungarvan on the Dungarvan Tramore Coast Road. Services The small village of Annestown has a narrow service base. Community facilities are also very limited. Infrastructure The water supply of Annestown has improved since its connection to the Kill public water main and there is considerable spare capacity. It also has a basic public sewerage system. the east is restricted due to the topography of the lands sloping downwards. Additional development to the west will not be permitted as this stretch of road forms part of the scenic coastal touring road. There are a small number of areas within the development boundary to the north of the town that are suitable for residential development (see Map 3.3.2). Although, these areas could only cater for a small number of one off houses, they should be sufficient to meet demand resulting from natural increase in the village. Any development in this location will have to avoid visual intrusion in this coastal area and satisfy the requirements of the Council with respect to drainage and access. Development Strategy Existing development in the village of Annestown is clustered around the Church. Further development to 34

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42 Chapter 3: Settlement Strategy Ardmore Location The coastal village of Ardmore is located approximately 14 miles from Dungarvan and 10 miles from Youghal in County Cork. It had a population of 436 persons in 1996, a rise of 61 persons since Services The village of Ardmore is a major based holiday centre and the range of services available is a reflection of this function. The community facilities of the town are adequate. Infrastructure The water supply for Ardmore is adequate to meet the existing needs of the local population. However, the public sewerage system is experiencing capacity problems and a new treatment scheme is required. Development Strategy The coastal village of Ardmore consists of a cluster of development around the pier and the surrounding coastline. Most of the development that has taken place in Ardmore is located close to the coast. Although, the coastal location and local architecture of Ardmore give the village an attractive appearance, the village centre (in front of the Church) would benefit from redefinition and streetscape improvements. In addition, there are a number of derelict and vacant sites located within the development boundary that should be addressed over the next plan period. Ideally, development should be channelled into these sites before any of the greenfield sites that are zoned for development in the town are taken up. The 1992 Development Plan provided for considerable expansion of Ardmore to the north of the village. The elevated area to the south of Ardmore (See Map 3.3.3) zoned R is being rezoned for residential use to ensure that the parcels of land presently zoned can be accessed by the public road. However, the elevated location of this land means that proposals for housing will be carefully considered as restrictions on density, height and design may be necessary. Further development at Curragh, which is approximately 1 mile north of Ardmore should be restricted in the future as additional dwellings in this location could restrict the further growth of Ardmore. 36

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44 Chapter 3: Settlement Strategy Ballinroad Location Ballinroad is located approximately 2 miles north of Dungarvan. It had a population of 253 in 1996, a rise of 18 persons since Services The service base in Ballinroad remains limited. Commercial development is expected to take place over the next plan period. Infrastructure This area was originally designated as a settlement node to accommodate the needs of persons who wished to live close to Dungarvan. Sanitary services were provided to allow this development to take place. However, although a reasonable number of people chose to live in Ballinroad, a considerable amount of serviced land remains undeveloped. Development Strategy At present, much of the existing development is piecemeal in nature and the settlement lacks a central nucleus. This has a negative effect as there is no character or definition in Ballinroad. The area zoned Primarily Residential in Ballinroad (see Map 3.3.4) allows for the provision of basic services for the surrounding population. It is the policy of Waterford County Council to ensure the optimum use of existing sanitary services infrastructure in Ballinroad. In order to avail of the spare capacity that exists in the sewage treatment system of Ballinroad, indepth development will be encouraged in this location. In order to achieve this objective, the planning authority will resist development pressures on designated access points. Continuous frontage development can leave large backland areas undeveloped and this results in land and infrastucture being underutilised. The Council will encourage the development of the zoned lands in Ballinroad on a phased basis, to ensure that future development does not take place in a sporadic manner. The areas zoned R close to Ballinroad crossroads should be developed before any of the other zoned lands. Additional development in the central area of Ballinroad will consolidate the settlement and encourage the establishment of basic retail services. It is unlikely that demand for housing in this area will require quantities of land in excess of the total area in R over the next plan period. Planning permission should not be given for dwellings with individual septic tank drainage systems in this area. Such drainage arrangements are clearly unsuitable to Ballinroad as, there is an existing drainage system in place, there is a relatively high density of existing septic tanks in the wider area, the catchment has been identified as containing an aquifer of regional importance which is extremely vulnerable to groundwater contamination. 38

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46 Chapter 3: Settlement Strategy Ballyduff (East of the County) Location The village of Ballyduff is located in the East of the County, 22 miles from Dungarvan. Services The service base of Ballyduff is quite limited. Community facilities are sufficient to meet the needs of the existing population. Infrastructure The public water supply of Ballyduff is adequate for current demands. At present, there is no public sewerage scheme in the village. Development Strategy The development strategy of Ballyduff is illustrated in Map All land within the development boundary has been zoned for primarily residential use, with consideration being given for any developments or uses that will enhance or preserve the village centre. A small amount of development land is available to the south and north east of the village as indicated. There are also limited development opportunities to the north west, adjacent to the school. The design, density and scale of new residential units should be consistent with existing dwellings. 40

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48 Chapter 3: Settlement Strategy Ballyduff (West of the County) Location The village of Ballyduff is located approximately 18 miles west of Dungarvan. It is a picturesque village that is located in relatively steep terrain. Services Ballyduff has a sufficient range of services to meet the needs of the local population. Infrastructure There is an existing public sewer in Ballyduff, however, treatment is presently inadequate. Additional connections are also problematic due to the terrain of much of the undeveloped land. A new treatment system is needed. Development Strategy At present, development in Ballyduff is clustered in the Upper Village and across the river Blackwater in the Lower Village, which is the smaller of the two settlements. Although Ballyduff has experienced only modest development in recent years, further development is restricted due to the natural boundary around Ballyduff. There are opportunities for residential development in the area to the north and east of the village (indicated R and R2 on Map (a)). However, none of this land is suitable for significant development due to the difficult terrain of the area. Applications for planning permission in this location will be considered on their merits. Applicants are advised that pre-application discussions should take place as additional information (such as levels etc) will normally be required for applications for housing in this area. Any development in this location will also be required to connect up to the existing public sewer as the groundwater in Ballyduff was identified as being vulnerable to pollution. Development will not be permitted in the areas immediately outside the development boundary on Map (a). Any development in these locations would be highly unlikely to satisfy access and drainage requirements, as well as being visually intrusive. Some of these areas also suffer from periodic flooding. All new development within the development boundary must be connected up to the existing public sewer. Development at Ballyduff south of the village is more problematic due to a number of factors. Namely, the elevation of available lands and the difficulty of providing sanitary services in these areas. Opportunities for development have been identified on land to the north of the school (as indicated on Map (b)). 42

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50 Chapter 3: Settlement Strategy Ballyduff (South of the Village) Location The village of Ballyduff is located approximately 18 miles west of Dungarvan. It is a picturesque village that is located in relatively steep terrain. Services Ballyduff has a sufficient range of services to meet the needs of the local population. Infrastructure There is an existing public sewer in Ballyduff, however, treatment is presently inadequate. Additional connections are also problematic due to the terrain of much of the undeveloped land. A new treatment system is needed. Development Strategy At present, development in Ballyduff is clustered in the Upper Village and across the river Blackwater in the Lower Village, which is the smaller of the two settlements. Although Ballyduff has experienced only modest development in recent years, further development is restricted due to the natural boundary around Ballyduff. There are opportunities for residential development in the area to the north and east of the village (indicated R and R2 on Map (a)). However, none of this land is suitable for significant development due to the difficult terrain of the area. Applications for planning permission in this location will be considered on their merits. Applicants are advised that pre-application discussions should take place as additional information (such as levels etc) will normally be required for applications for housing in this area. Any development in this location will also be required to connect up to the existing public sewer as the groundwater in Ballyduff was identified as being vulnerable to pollution. Development will not be permitted in the areas immediately outside the development boundary on Map (a). Any development in these locations would be highly unlikely to satisfy access and drainage requirements, as well as being visually intrusive. Some of these areas also suffer from periodic flooding. All new development within the development boundary must be connected up to the existing public sewer. Development at Ballyduff south of the village is more problematic due to a number of factors. Namely, the elevation of available lands and the difficulty of providing sanitary services in these areas. Opportunities for development have been identified on land to the north of the school (as indicated on Map (b)). 44

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52 Chapter 3: Settlement Strategy Ballylaneen Location The village of Ballylaneen is located approximately 12 miles from Waterford City and 18 miles from Dungarvan. Services The service base of Ballylaneen is limited. Infrastructure The water supply in Ballylaneen is adequate to meet existing needs. There is no public sewerage system in the village. Development Structure Existing development in Ballylaneen is clustered around the junction of two county roads. The development boundary (see Map 3.3.7) illustrates a number of opportunities for new residential development in the village. It is the policy of the Planning Authority to promote the integrated development of the zoned area utilising a single sewage treatment system. Notwithstanding this, the Council acknowledges the absence of a public sewer and the rural character of the village. For this reason, a flexible approach will be adopted to new residential development in this location. All planning proposals for the area will need to satisfy requirements with respect to access to the public road network and drainage. The zoned land will be more than adequate to meet the demand for housing in Ballylaneen over the next plan period 46

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54 Chapter 3: Settlement Strategy Bawnfune Location The small settlement of Bawnfune is located approximately 3 miles from Waterford. Services At present, Bawnfune has no service base or community facilities. Infrastructure The settlement is serviced by a small public sewerage system. Bawnfune is also connected to the public water main. Development Strategy The development strategy for Bawnfune is indicated on Map

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56 Chapter 3: Settlement Strategy Ballymacarbery Location Ballymacarbery is a relatively small settlement that is located on the Dungarvan Clonmel Road (R672), approximately 11 miles from Clonmel and 14 miles from Dungarvan. The village acts as a service centre for the surrounding rural area. Services There are sufficient retail services and community facilities in the village. Industry The most important industry in Ballymacarbery is Pinewood Laboratories which is a significant employer for the village and the surrounding rural area. Infrastructure Ballymacarbery has an adequate water supply and a sewage disposal system with spare capacity. However, despite these features, the village has not developed to its full potential. Development Strategy The existing linear form of development in Ballymacarbery opens up the possibility of a number of opportunities for more indepth development within the speed limit area (see Map 3.3.9). is confined to the southern half of the village. These lands are suitable for development as they can be connected to the public sewer and safe access exists onto the public road network. It is the policy of the Planning Authority to ensure that the form and density of housing on these lands will be consistent with that of existing development in order to preserve the residential character of the area. The location of new dwellings on lands outside the development boundary will be discouraged. Development in these areas would give rise to the normal problems of traffic hazard, visual intrusion and groundwater pollution as well as restricting the orderly development of the village. Groundwater pollution from septic tank effluent is a distinct possibility as the area has been identified as possessing a locally important aquifer of extreme / high vulnerability. Undeveloped lands surrounding Pinewood Laboratories to the north of the village will be preserved for open space. The location of Ballymacarbery at the entrance to the Nire Valley is likely to influence the future development of the village. It is envisaged that tourism will become increasingly important to Ballymacarbery and Waterford County Council will endeavour to support the work of the relevant agencies and local community groups in establishing tourism in the village. More indepth development is both desirable and practical in Ballymacarbery as possible development land 50

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58 Chapter 3: Settlement Strategy Bunmahon / Knockmahon Location Bunmahon is located approximately 10 miles from Dungarvan on the Dungarvan Tramore Coast Road. Services The service base and community facilities of Bunmahon / Knockmahon are sufficient to cater for the needs of the local population. Infrastructure The water supply in Bunmahon and Knockmahon is an extension of the Kill public water supply and there is considerable spare capacity in the system. There is also a basic septic tank drainage system in operation in the village. Bunmahon: Development Strategy Existing development is in two clusters, one of which forms the village of Bunmahon and the second of which forms Knockmahon. The urban form of both settlements is a reflection of the location of the two villages. There are very few development opportunities left in Bunmahon. Residential development of modest scale and appropriate design will be permitted to the west of the village (as indicated on Map (a)). Minor residential development will also be permitted to the west of the village of Bunmahon along the coast road as indicated. However, as this is a sensitive coastal location, proposals must satisfy the requirements of the Planning Authority relating to design, access and drainage. The low lying area between Bunmahon and Knockmahon is largely unsuitable for development as it is susceptible to flooding. Knockmahon: Development Strategy Similar constraints to development can be found in Knockmahon (see Map (b)). Planning proposals within the development boundary of this settlement will be considered on their merits and the availability of adequate sewage disposal facilities. The village of Bunmahon / Knockmahon has limited capacity for further development. 52

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60 Chapter 3: Settlement Strategy Knockmahon Location Bunmahon is located approximately 10 miles from Dungarvan on the Dungarvan Tramore Coast Road. Services The service base and community facilities of Bunmahon / Knockmahon are sufficient to cater for the needs of the local population. Infrastructure The water supply in Bunmahon and Knockmahon is an extension of the Kill public water supply and there is considerable spare capacity in the system. There is also a basic septic tank drainage system in operation in the village. Bunmahon: Development Strategy Existing development is in two clusters, one of which forms the village of Bunmahon and the second of which forms Knockmahon. The urban form of both settlements is a reflection of the location of the two villages. There are very few development opportunities left in Bunmahon. Residential development of modest scale and appropriate design will be permitted to the west of the village (as indicated on Map (a)). Minor residential development will also be permitted to the west of the village of Bunmahon along the coast road as indicated. However, as this is a sensitive coastal location, proposals must satisfy the requirements of the Planning Authority relating to design, access and drainage. The low lying area between Bunmahon and Knockmahon is largely unsuitable for development as it is susceptible to flooding. Knockmahon: Development Strategy Similar constraints to development can be found in Knockmahon (see Map (b)). Planning proposals within the development boundary of this settlement will be considered on their merits and the availability of adequate sewage disposal facilities. The village of Bunmahon / Knockmahon has limited capacity for further development. 54

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62 Chapter 3: Settlement Strategy Cappoquin Location The town of Cappoquin is one of the largest settlements in West Waterford. It is located approximately 12 miles from Dungarvan. In 1996, it had a population of 780 persons, which was a decline of 5.9% (49 persons) on the population in 1991 of 829. Services There is a broad range of services and community facilities available in the town. The area is also rich in historical architecture and built heritage. Infrastructure At present, the sanitary services in Cappoquin are approaching full capacity. A new sewage treatment scheme is required in the town, preferably as a joint scheme with industrial users. This would allow an expansion of industrial and residential land uses in the town over the plan period. Like many other settlements in County Waterford, Cappoquin is unsuitable for a high density of septic tanks as the area has been identified as containing a regional aquifer of extreme to high vulnerability. Industry There are a number of industries located in the industrial estate that are important employers for the local people of Cappoquin and the surrounding area. Development Strategy The urban form in Cappoquin is largely linear along Main Street. However, there are additional clusters of development to be found to the south west of the town close to the I.D.A. industrial estate. At present, there is a relatively large amount of land zoned for residential use to the north and south of Melleray Road (see Map ). The land to the north of Melleray Road is suitable for residential development as it is easily accessible from the existing public road network and it can be easily connected to the public sewer. In order to ensure that there is a sufficient amount of land available for housing, residential development will be allowed to take place on the lands adjoining Richmond House to the south of Cappoquin. These lands are also accessible and serviceable by existing infrastructure. The Council will encourage the development of these lands at low densities that are consistent with an urban area with no more than two access points onto the public road network. Residential development will also be permitted on the lands adjacent to the river on the opposite side of the road. It is the policy of the Council to ensure that a minimum distance of 60 metres should be left between the proposed residential zone and the river. Housing in this area will be at similar densities to those proposed for the residential land adjoining Richmond House. It is the policy of the Planning Authority to ensure that this land should be developed in phases as annual demand for housing in Cappoquin is normally modest. Developers are advised to submit plans that illustrate an acceptance to provide housing on a phased basis (e.g 6-8 dwellings per year). 56

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64 Chapter 3: Settlement Strategy Cheekpoint Location The scenic village of Cheekpoint is located approximately 8 miles from Waterford City. The village has experienced significant growth over the last plan period. In 1996 it had a population of 320, an increase of 22 persons since Services The service base of the village is relatively broad. The community facilities that are available in Cheekpoint are also sufficient to meet the needs of a village of its size. Infrastructure Sanitary services in Cheekpoint require upgrading. The water supply and the public sewerage system require upgrading. An application for funding for an improved sewerage scheme has been lodged with the Department of the Environment and it is hoped that finance will be made available over the period of this plan. Development Strategy Despite the problems with sanitary services, a considerable amount of development has taken place in Cheekpoint in recent years. As a result, only a small number of development opportunities remain inside the development boundary (see Map ). Residential development will be permitted on the land within the development boundary to the south of Cheekpoint as indicated. However, due to the topography, a very low density of development will be required and applications must meet all requirements with respect to drainage and access. Low density development will also be permitted in the area zoned for residential land use to the south west of the village. A minimum site size of 0.2 hectares (0.5 acres) will be required for development in this location. Once again, all proposals must meet the requirements of the Planning Authority with respect to drainage and access. The area in the centre of Cheekpoint will be reserved for open space as indicated. None of this land is suitable for development due to its terrain and the problem of vehicular access. There are a small number of sites available for low density development to the west of the village inside the development boundary. Applicants should be advised that access and drainage of these sites is likely to be problematic due to the topography. Pre-application discussions should take place regarding proposals for development in this location. Indepth housing development will also be permitted in the area to the north of Cheekpoint in the area indicated R1 on Map In order to facilitate this, a minimum of one access point onto the public road network will be preserved. However, no development should take place in this location until such time as the sanitary services has been sufficiently upgraded to accommodate it. Any applications for planning permission in areas that are not mentioned in the above section but that lie within the development boundary will be considered on their merits. 58

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66 Chapter 3: Settlement Strategy Clashmore Location Clashmore is located approximately 15 miles from Dungarvan and 8 miles from Youghal in County Cork. Services Clashmore has a good range of services and community facilities to cater for the needs of the local population and the surrounding area. Infrastructure Clashmore is serviced by an independent public water supply and it also has a limited public sewer. Development Strategy Existing development in Clashmore is clustered around the site of the old Church and Clashmore Bridge. Further development of this cluster, which is located in a river valley, is problematic due to the topography of the land. The development of a second cluster around the Church is a reflection of these physical constraints. The development boundary for Clashmore that is illustrated on Map , allows for frontage linear development north of the old village. It is the policy of the Planning Authority to ensure that any development in this location should be connected to the public sewer. An area to the east and an area to the west of the village have been zoned as open space. These areas, which are subject to periodic flooding, will preserve public access to the river Licky. The area south of the village has also been zoned for residential development. 60

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68 Chapter 3: Settlement Strategy Clonea-Power Location Clonea Power is a small village located approximately 6 miles from Carrick-on-Suir-on-Suir and 19 miles from Dungarvan. Services The attractive village of Clonea has a sufficient range of services to meet the needs of its small population. The existing community facilities are also adequate. Infrastructure Clonea-Power has a public water supply that is adequate to meet existing needs. The village also has a public sewage treatment system. Development Strategy Development in Clonea - Power is linear and it is concentrated on both sides of Clonea Bridge. Residential development will be permitted in the area north west of Clonea bridge (see Map ). It is the policy of the Planning Authority to ensure that new development in this area is connected up to the existing sewer. This area has already experienced development and additional dwellings would not be visually obtrusive. The Council will encourage indepth development in these lands and ensure that access is not obstructed by roadside development. It is expected that pressures for development will increase in Clonea-Power over the next plan period due to the proximity of Carrick-on-Suir. For this reason, it will be the policy of the Planning Authority to ensure that the majority of new dwellings should be located in Clonea village in the interests of orderly development in the area. The increase in residential zoned land in Clonea will also help to reduce further leakage of population from the north west of County Waterford into South Tipperary. 62

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70 Chapter 3: Settlement Strategy Crooke Location The village of Crooke is located approximately 1 mile south of Passage East and 8 miles from Waterford City. Services The service base and community facilities of Crooke are limited as many of the services in nearby Passage East are used by the population of Crooke. Infrastructure The sewerage network and treatment facility in Crooke has a limited capacity. There are also problems with water supply in the village. It is hoped that these problems can be resolved over the next plan period. Development Strategy At present, there are numerous opportunities for development available (see Map ) that are hindered by the unavailability of proper sanitary services. Much of the land that was zoned in the last Plan for residential land use has yet to be developed. 64

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72 Chapter 3: Settlement Strategy Dunhill Location The village of Dunhill is located approximately 8 miles from Waterford City. Services Dunhill is a small village with a narrow service base and adequate community facilities. Infrastructure The water supply and sewage disposal system in Dunhill is adequate for the needs of the existing population. However, the basic sewage disposal system will require upgrading. Development Strategy This area is within commuting distance of Waterford City and it is possible that this function will expand over the next plan period. Existing development is clustered around the two road junctions. The development boundary for Dunhill is illustrated on Map As the land in the village slopes down from west to east, most of the land zoned for residential development is located on the western side of the village. 66

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74 Chapter 3: Settlement Strategy Dunmore East Location The coastal town of Dunmore East is located approximately 8 miles from Waterford City. It is a small town with a population of 1430 persons, an increase of 392 since Services There is a relatively wide range of services available in Dunmore East. Community facilities are also available. Infrastructure There are a number of problems with sanitary services in Dunmore East. The water supply and sewage treatment system both require upgrading. Industry The harbour area of Dunmore East accommodates a number of operations that are related to the fishing industry. Both the port and its related industries are an important source of employment in the area. Further development of the port is difficult due to the constraints on space. Development Strategy There is sufficient land available in Dunmore East within the existing development boundary to cater for expected growth over the plan period (see Map ). A considerable amount of the land within the development boundary to the west of Dunmore East has been developed. Additional residential units will be permitted in this location provided that they are consistent with the size and scale of existing dwellings. 68

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76 Chapter 3: Settlement Strategy Fenor Location The small village of Fenor is located on the Dungarvan Tramore (R.675) coast road, approximately 20 miles from Dungarvan and 5 miles from Tramore. Services The service base of Fenor is limited. Community facilities are sufficient to meet the needs of the existing population. Infrastructure Fenor has no public sewage disposal system or public water supply. Development Strategy The development strategy for Fenor is indicated on Map Further development opportunities in the village are limited. Applications for new housing units within the development boundary will be considered on their merits 70

77 Chapter 3: Settlement Strategy Primarily Residential and to Protect and Enhance the Special Physical and Social Character of Town and Village Centres and to Improve Infrastructure. Open Space. Development Boundary. 71

78 Chapter 3: Settlement Strategy Kill Location The village of Kill is located approximately 12 miles from Waterford City. Services Kill has an adequate service base and adequate community facilities to serve the needs of the local population. Infrastructure The public water supply system at Kill has considerable spare capacity. The village also has a small sewage treatment system. Development Strategy Existing development is clustered around the road junction in Kill. Further development is possible to the North, East and South of the village, as indicated on Map

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80 Chapter 3: Settlement Strategy Kilmacthomas Location The town of Kilmacthomas is located approximately 15 miles from Waterford City and approximately 13 miles from Dungarvan. In 1996 it had a population of 681 persons a decline of 13 since Services The town of Kilmacthomas is a service centre for its local population and the surrounding rural areas with adequate community facilities. Industry There area has a small number of industries in Kilmacthomas which provide employment for the town and the surrounding area. Infrastructure The sanitary service infrastructure in Kilmacthomas requires upgrading. At present, the water supply and sewage disposal system for the town is only sufficient to cater for the existing population. Thus, any significant development will require an upgrading of water and sewage facilities. Development Strategy Kilmacthomas is located in a small river valley and this has influenced the development of the town. Existing development in Kilmacthomas is in two distinct clusters, the largest of which is located on the west side of the river valley, while the smaller is located on the east side of the valley. Development has not been possible in the low-lying land between the two clusters due to the risk of flooding. A cluster of industrial functions later developed in Kilmacthomas around Kilnagrange Bridge to the north and a smaller cluster developed around the convent to the east. More recently, a school was constructed to the south. However, the fragmented nature of the town has led to the growth of some areas and the decline of others. The development strategy for Kilmacthomas is designed to take account of the fragmented nature of development in the town and achieve a better integration of the different clusters or areas that have been identified. The development boundary is illustrated on Map The area to the north east of the railway station has been zoned for residential development. The area to the north of Kilmacthomas at Kilnagrange Bridge is zoned industrial and this will allow further expansion of this function in the area. The low-lying area between the west and east of the town is zoned as open space. This will ensure that the land will remain undeveloped and it will open up the possibility of a recreational use being found. There are large amounts of land available for development to the south west of the town, which are zoned for residential use. However, all development that takes place in this location should be at a density consistent with an urban area and all dwellings should be connected to the public sewer. None of these areas are suitable for septic tank drainage. In addition to the zoned lands, there are numerous opportunities for infill development in Kilmacthomas. 74

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82 Chapter 3: Settlement Strategy Kilmanahan Location The small settlement of Kilmanahan is located on the Dungarvan Clonmel Road approximately 6 miles from Clonmel and 19 miles from Dungarvan. The extent of this small settlement is very limited and this is reflected by the absence of a service base. Services At present, there is no service base in Kilmanahan and development is extremely limited with only a small number of dwellings located in the settlement. The majority of these dwellings appear to be related to agriculture in the area. Infrastructure The existing public water supply is limited and there is no public sewer in the village. Thus, any significant or indepth development in this location is contingent on upgrading the public water supply and the provision of a sewer network and treatment facility. Development Strategy Due to the persistence of the problem of leakage of population from West Waterford to Clonmel and South Tipperary, Kilmanahan is designated as a settlement node for the next plan period. Allowing development in this location should serve to encourage Waterford people who work in Clonmel to locate in their native County. Because existing services are located on the southern side of the Regional Road and to avoid severance of a developing community, priority will be given to developments in this location. However, as this area contains an aquifer of regional importance that is extremely vulnerable to groundwater pollution, individual septic tank treatment systems will not be permitted. Given the existing low levels of development, one off dwellings with septic tanks should also be permissable in Kilmanahan, provided that they are low density and they are located north of Kilmanahan Bridge (see Map ). 76

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84 Chapter 3: Settlement Strategy Kilmeaden Location The village of Kilmeaden is located on the N.25, 23 miles from Dungarvan. Services The service base of Kilmeaden is sufficient to meet the needs of the existing population. There are no community facilities in the village. Development Strategy There are a small number of development opportunities available within the development boundary, which is indicated on Map All applications for new developments within the development boundary will be considered on their merits. They must also take cognisance of road alignment proposals for the village. Infrastructure Kilmeaden is connected to the East Waterford Regional Water Supply Scheme. At present, there is no public sewerage scheme in the village. 78

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86 Chapter 3: Settlement Strategy Lismore Location Lismore is located approximately 14 miles from Dungarvan on the N.72 National Secondary route that connects Dungarvan and Mallow. There has been no change in the population of Lismore over the period. Services There are a wide range of services and community facilities available in Lismore. Infrastructure Lismore has a modern and efficient sewage treatment system with spare capacity. The water supply of the town is adequate to meet existing needs. Development Strategy The Development Strategy for Lismore is outlined in the 1996 Lismore Development Plan. 80

87 Chapter 3: Settlement Strategy Please Refer to the Lismore Development Plan 81

88 Chapter 3: Settlement Strategy Lemybrien Location The village of Lemybrien is located on the N25 (Killarney Rosslare) approximately 18 miles from Waterford City and 10 miles from Dungarvan. It had a population of 197 in 1996 a decline of 25 since Services The service base of Lemybrien is largely a reflection of its location on a National Primary Route. Infrastructure The public water supply may require upgrading. However, there is considerable spare capacity in the constructed wetlands disposal system. As Lemybrien is located on the N25 from Rosslare to Killarney, the possibility of a bypass for the village cannot be ruled out. However, this will not take place in the short term. Development Strategy Existing development in Lemybrien is predominantly linear along the N25 and along the regional road (R676) to Carrick-on-Suir. The development boundary for Lemybrien is illustrated in Map The areas to the south east of the village and north west of the village are suitable for residential development. Low density development with individual treatment systems will be permitted in the area zoned for residential development in the north west of Lemybrien. 82

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90 Chapter 3: Settlement Strategy Passage East Location Passage East is located approximately 6 miles from Waterford City, and had a population of 573 in 1996 an increase of 51. Services There is a relatively broad service base in Passage East, despite the relatively small size of the village. Passage East also has its own tourist information office and a regular ferry service to Ballyhack in County Wexford. Industry Passage East is home to a small but thriving fishing industry which provides employment for a small number of local people. Infrastructure The water supply and sewage disposal system of Passage East is adequate to serve existing needs. Additional capacity will not be required in Passage East as it is highly unlikely that further development is going to take place. Development Strategy Existing development is clustered around the slipway. Further development in any direction cannot take place due to the physical constraints imposed by the location (see Map ). There are some opportunities for sensitive infill and the renovation of derelict properties. Applications for new developments in this location should be of high quality design to remain consistent with existing development. 84

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92 Chapter 3: Settlement Strategy Piltown Location Piltown is a small settlement located about 5 miles north of Youghal in County Cork and 15 miles west of Dungarvan. Services There are no retail services in Piltown and the community facilities are limited. Infrastructure The sanitary services infrastructure in Piltown consists of a public water supply and a local authority constructed septic tank drainage system, which is designed to cater for the small Council housing scheme. Development Strategy Piltown is being included in the new Development Plan to act as a new settlement node for the south west of the County. No land was zoned for residential purposes in Piltown in the 1992 County Development Plan. Thus, lands are being zoned adjacent to the existing Church and School to cater for demand for residential development in the area (see Map ). It is the policy of the Planning Authority to permit indepth development with adequate waste water treatment facilities on the zoned lands. 86

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94 Chapter 3: Settlement Strategy Portlaw Location Portlaw is located approximately 24 miles from Dungarvan on the R680. The town is located close to the N.24 National Primary Route (Limerick Waterford) and the N.25 National Primary Route, which connects Cork to Rosslare. The population of Portlaw increased from 1151 to 1176 between 1991 and Infrastructure Portlaw has a modern public sewerage scheme with considerable spare capacity. The present water supply is adequate to meet the needs of the existing population. Development Strategy The Development Strategy for Portlaw is outlined the 1996 Portlaw Development Plan. Services The service base and community facilities of Portlaw are adequate to meet the needs of the existing population. 88

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96 Chapter 3: Settlement Strategy Rathgormack Location The village of Rathgormack is located approximately 7 miles from the South Tipperary town of Carrick-on-Suiron-Suir and approximately 18 miles from Dungarvan. Services The range of services and community facilities in Rathgormack are sufficient to meet the needs of the existing population. Infrastructure The water supply for Rathgormack and the surrounding area comes from a borehole, which is located close to the village. This impinges on where development can take place in Rathgormack as the water supply must be protected from contamination. This particular problem can only be overcome by the installation of a public sewer in the village, which would negate the need for septic tank drainage. However, the construction of this system would be problematic given the topography of this area. Development Strategy Existing development in Rathgormack is linear (see Map ). Although, the village was identified as a settlement node in the 1992 County Development Plan, it has not experienced any significant development. One off dwellings with private drainage systems may be permitted in the areas zoned for residential development to the west and north west of the village on condition that they can satisfy the appropriate standards. Development will be permitted in the zoned areas in the east and south east of the village provided that a safe and efficient means of sewage disposal can be provided. 90

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98 Chapter 3: Settlement Strategy Mweelnahorna Ballinagaul Helvick Background The settlements which comprise Mweelnahorna - Ballinagoul - Helvick form the Gaeltacht areas of County Waterford. Located between 5 and 7 miles outside Dungarvan, the settlements have experienced noticeable growth in recent years. As a result of this prolonged growth, it is becoming increasingly difficult to distinguish between the three settlements. (a) Mweelnahorna Location Mweelnahorna is located approximately 5 miles to the south of Dungarvan. In 1996 it had a population of 289 persons (281 in 1991). Services The village of Mweelnahorna is very well contained with convenient retail services and a range of community facilities available. Industry There are a small number of industries in Mweelnahorna which are the major employers for the area. Most of the industry is located in the small industrial estate on the southern side of the village. Infrastructure The water supply of Mweelnahorna is adequate to meet existing needs. At present, there are capacity problems with the public sewerage scheme in Mweelnahorna - Ballinagaul - Helvick. However, this is expected to be resolved over the next plan period as the entire area is expected to be upgraded as part of the proposed Dungarvan waste water treatment scheme. Development Strategy The development of Mweelnahorna has been predominantly influenced by the terrain of the area, which slopes downwards in a northerly direction. The pattern of development is noticeably linear with clusters of dwellings to be found close to the coast. Mweelnahorna has experienced considerable growth over the last plan period and much of the land that was zoned for residential development in the 1992 County Development Plan has already been developed (see Map 29 (a)) Although, further significant development is constrained by the topography of the area and the proximity of Ballinagaul, residential development will be permitted on zoned land to the west and south of the existing zoned area to accommodate additional residential dwellings. Development in these locations should be connected to existing services. The development strategy for Mweelnahorna is indicated on Map (a). The area zoned to the rear of the dispensary is more suitable for development in the short term. Additional housing in this location could be connected to the existing sewer and no modifications to the public road network would be required. The Council will encourage sensitive infill along some sections of the road frontage and to the west of the village. However, there should be no further development to the east of Mweelnahorna in the interests of preserving the village as a separate settlement to Ballinagaul. The village of Mweelnahorna is approaching capacity. At present, only a small number of opportunities for development remain and these are unlikely to last beyond the next plan period. However, demand for properties is likely to remain strong given the proximity of Dungarvan and the desirability of living in this coastal area. For these reasons, the Council will endeavour to ensure that any remaining residential land is used to accommodate the natural increase of the existing village population. This will preserve the character of the area and reduce pressures on development land. 92

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100 Chapter 3: Settlement Strategy (b) Ballinagaul Location Ballinagaul is located 1 mile east of Mweelnahorna and approximately 6 miles from Dungarvan. Like Mweelnahorna, Ballinagaul also experienced noticeable growth over the last plan period. Services Ballinagaul has a relatively narrow service base and limited community facilities. Infrastructure The water supply of Ballinagaul is adequate to meet existing needs. At present, there are capacity problems with the public sewerage scheme in Mweelnahorna - Ballinagaul - Helvick. However, this is expected to be resolved over the next plan period as the entire area is expected to be upgraded as part of the proposed Dungarvan waste water treatment scheme. Development Strategy The settlement of Ballinagaul is larger than the small village of Mweelnahorna, but it also lacks an obvious focal point. Development in Ballinagaul is predominantly linear and concentrated for the most part along sub-standard poorly aligned country roads. Ballinagaul does not suffer the physical constraints to development that are obvious in Mweelnahorna. Much of the land to the south of Ballinagoul that was zoned for residential development in the 1992 Development Plan has not been developed and this could be used to accommodate the future demand for housing in Ballinagaul and the surrounding areas of Mweelnahorna and Helvick (see Map (b)). An additional area of land has been zoned for residential development to the east of the present development boundary. This area is suitable for further development as it comprises an extension of the existing development boundary and is readily accessible to the existing sanitary services and public road networks. It is the policy of the Planning Authority to ensure that all new development in Ballinagaul should be accommodated within the development boundary and connected up to the existing public sewer. 94

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102 Chapter 3: Settlement Strategy (c) Helvick Location The village of Helvick is the smallest of the three settlements. It is located 1 mile east of Ballinagoul and 7 miles from Dungarvan. Services The narrow service base that exists in Helvick is a reflection of the small size of the settlement. Industry The small fishing port of Helvick and its associated fish processing plant is a valuable source of local employment as many of its employees live locally. Infrastructure The water supply and public road network in Helvick is adequate to serve the needs of the existing population. At present, there are capacity problems with the public sewerage scheme in Mweelnahorna - Ballinagaul - Helvick. However, this is expected to be resolved over the next plan period as the entire area is expected to be upgraded as part of the proposed Dungarvan waste water treatment scheme. Development Strategy The coastal settlement of Helvick has experienced considerable disorderly and sporadic development. Although, the focus of the village is quite well defined, the road leading up to it (on the southern side) is also developed. As this development does not adhere to a building line or consistent design, infill development in this location could prove problematic. In addition, growth of the settlement is further constrained by the elevated nature of the land to the south of the coastline. The development strategy for Helvick is indicated on Map c. The Council will restrict the further growth of Helvick for the above reasons and only proposals for sensitive infill housing will be considered for planning permission. Applications for planning permission within the development boundary will be considered on their merits and their ability to satisfy the planning department with respect to access, sanitary services and visual intrusion. It is the policy of the Planning Authority to oppose any proposals for additional dwellings outside the development boundary given the density and the extent of existing development. 96

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104 Chapter 3: Settlement Strategy Stradbally Location The village of Stradbally is located approximately 7 miles from Dungarvan. It had a population of 262 in 1996, an increase of 11 persons since Services Stradbally has a service base, which is adequate to serve the needs of the local population. It also has a comprehensive range of community services. The village of Stradbally is relatively compact with existing development clustered around the village square. As development opportunities have become scarce in the village, continuous ribbons of linear development have begun to appear on the main roads on the outskirts of the village. It is the policy of the Planning Authority to ensure that all new development in Stradbally takes place within the development boundary, which is indicated on Map Infrastructure The water supply in Stradbally comes from a local source, which has spare capacity. The sewage disposal system requires upgrading. Development Strategy 98

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106 Chapter 3: Settlement Strategy Tallow Location The town of Tallow is located approximately 22 miles from Dungarvan and approximately 15 miles from Fermoy in County Cork. In 1996 this settlement had a population of 802 a decline of 56 persons since Services There are a range of retail services and community facilities in the town, which are sufficient to cater for the needs of the existing population. Industry There are a small number of industries in Tallow, which provide valuable employment for the town and the surrounding area. Infrastructure The public water supply and sewerage systems require upgrading. Significant development in Tallow will be conditional on upgrading both water and sewage networks. Development Strategy The lands zoned for residential development in the Tallow Development Plan are more than adequate to meet demands for housing in the town over the next plan period. The development strategy for the town is indicated on Map

107 Chapter 3: Settlement Strategy Primarily Residential and to Protect and Enhance the Special Physical and Social Character of Town and Village Centres and to Improve Infrastructure. Open Space To Provide for industrial Use Development Boundary 101

108 Chapter 3: Settlement Strategy Touraneena Location The small village of Touraneena is located approximately 13 miles from Dungarvan and 12 miles from Clonmel. Services Touraneena has a small service base and adequate community facilities. Infrastructure The majority of dwellings in the area have individual means of sewage disposal. However, there is a constructed wetlands disposal system, which was built to service a small scheme of Council dwellings. Additional connections to this public sewer from the east of the village are possible. Development Strategy Existing development in Touraneena is linear and it is largely confined to the east of the village. This is a result of the topography, which slopes rather steeply downwards from east to west. This has implications for development opportunities in the area as the land to the west of the village cannot be easily connected to a public sewer. This is not case with the land to the east, which is suitable for residential development (see Map ). The Council will encourage residential development in the area zoned Primarily Residential. Housing in this location would consolidate development in the village and create the least visual intrusion in this picturesque area. It is the policy of the Planning Authority to ensure that all new dwellings in this location will be connected to the public sewer. Upgrading of the sewer network treatment system may be required to facilitate new development. 102

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110 Chapter 3: Settlement Strategy Tramore Location The town of Tramore, which is the largest settlement in County Waterford, is located 26 miles from Dungarvan. The population of Tramore increased from 6064 in 1991 to 6536 in Services There is an adequate service base and a wide range of community facilities available in Tramore. Infrastructure Tramore is connected to the East Waterford Regional Water Supply Scheme. The Tramore public sewerage scheme is likely to be completed over the plan period. Development Strategy The Development Strategy for Tramore is outlined in the 1997 Tramore Development Plan. 104

111 Chapter 3: Settlement Strategy Please Refer to the Tramore Development Plan 105

112 Chapter 3: Settlement Strategy Villierstown Location Villierstown is located approximately 1 mile from the nearby village of Aglish and approximately 12 miles from Dungarvan. Services The services in this estate village are adequate to meet the needs of the local population. Infrastructure The sanitary services of Villierstown are sufficient to accommodate any additional development that will take place over the next plan period. Land has been rezoned in accordance with its proximity to existing services and it is the policy of the Planning Authority to ensure that new development should be connected to these services. Development Strategy Existing development in Villierstown is clustered around the village monument. New dwellings in the village should serve to consolidate the existing village core as this will help to lessen the impact of additional development on this attractive village. The development boundary for Villierstown is illustrated on Map The Planning Authority will encourage the development of the zoned areas that are closest to the village initially. This will ensure that the village will remain compact and tightly knit and it will allow the economic extension of sanitary services to new dwellings. 106

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