ROSCOMMON COUNTY DEVELOPMENT PLAN 2002

Transcription

1 Roscommon County Council ROSCOMMON COUNTY DEVELOPMENT PLAN 2002 As adopted by Roscommon County Council 29 th July 2002 Technical Assistance Provided By

2 CONTENTS PREAMBLE 1 1. INTRODUCTION 3 2. NATIONAL AND REGIONAL CONTEXT Ireland National Development Plan Regional Development Sustainable Development Local Agenda Other Relevant Guidelines/Reports/Legislation 8 3. COUNTY ROSCOMMON 9 4. ANALYSIS OF SURVEY Population Settlement Structure Housing Employment and Industry Retailing Transport Water Services The Environment Recreation, Tourism, Community Facilities Summary DEVELOPMENT STRATEGY DEVELOPMENT POLICY Housing Transport Water and Waste Management Industry, Commerce and Agriculture Retailing Environment Tourism Recreation and Community Facilities Government Tax Incentive Schemes The Shannon URBAN ENVIRONS AREAS Athlone Environs Creagh Cortober Lough Key DEVELOPMENT CONTROL General Residential Development Non-Residential Development 46

3 8.4 Traffic Pollution Design Requirements Special Policy Areas and National Routes LAND USE ZONING OBJECTIVES CREAGH AND CORTOBER 51 APPENDIX 1 DEVELOPMENT STANDARDS APPENDIX 2 - SCHEDULES

4 page 1 PREAMBLE Roscommon County Council, as Planning Authority for the County, has the duty to make development plans, control development and preserve and improve amenities. The County Roscommon Development Plan 2002 comprises a written statement, along with appropriate maps and plans that are incorporated into this volume. The Development Plan has been prepared pursuant to the relevant sections of the Local Government (Planning and Development) Acts, 1963 to The Plan applies to all of County Roscommon, with the exception of: the areas covered by the Town Development Plans for the scheduled towns of Roscommon, Boyle, Ballaghaderreen and Castlerea; and the area covered by the Athlone Environs Development Plan, For simplicity and short reference, the is referred to in the text as the Plan or this Plan. Save where the context otherwise requires, the Council refers to Roscommon County Council. Roscommon County Development Plan 1993 The aim of the County Roscommon Development Plan 1993 was to generate sustainable economic and social development whilst ensuring the conservation and protection of the natural and built environment. The Plan aimed to stem the population decline of the County by facilitating the development and strengthening of both rural and urban communities, and sought to facilitate employment opportunities especially in tourism and other services. The Plan also aimed to ensure that new development made a positive contribution to the County through design standards that would protect and enhance residential and environmental amenities. The strategic objectives of the Plan were set to be implemented over a twenty year period, whilst the detailed objectives and policies of the Plan covered the first five years of this period. The 1996 Census showed a stabilisation in the population of County Roscommon, indicating that the general direction and thrust of the 1993 Plan was correct. It is generally accepted that population growth has continued in the period since 1996, building on the objectives and policies of the Plan. Many of the development programmes and objectives contained in the Plan have been successfully implemented, including the expansion of water supply and sewerage schemes, the Curlews by-pass project and a new library at Ballaghaderreen. The Plan has also facilitated public and private funded initiatives to improve the social and economic environment of towns and villages. Other proposals await action due principally to financial constraints. Development Plan Format For the purpose of formulating the, the available survey information on population, employment, industry and commerce, the communications network, etc. for the County has been collated and analysed. The conclusions reached from the survey information, in terms of the physical, economic and social structure of the County and its environmental assets and patterns of change, are evaluated in the Analysis section of this Plan (Section 4), and the opportunities and problems facing Roscommon are highlighted.

5 page 2 The preferred strategy for the Plan, which aims to facilitate economic and social development in the County, is presented in Section 5. This is based on both the analysis and on the statement of principles set out in the Introduction to the plan. The Strategy is then translated into a series of aims, policies and objectives for the main development areas of Housing, Transport, Water and Sanitary Services, Industry, Commerce and Agriculture, Retailing, the Environment, Tourism, Recreation and Community Facilities as well as the Shannon (refer Section 6). The policies relating to each aim set out the long term development framework for the County in terms of physical planning and conservation. Section 7 of the Plan refers specifically to the urban environs of County Roscommon and outlines development and zoning objectives for the environs of Creagh and Cortober. The development control framework that will be used by the Planning Authority in assessing individual development proposals is outlined at Section 8 of the Plan. The Lough Key Study 2002 forms an annex to the County Development Plan. Similarly, the Housing Strategy for County Roscommon, the Retail Strategy for County Roscommon (as adopted) form part of, and shall be read in conjunction with, this plan.

6 page 3 1. INTRODUCTION The economic development of Ireland in recent years has been remarkable and unprecedented. In many parts of the country, the increased rate of economic activity has been reflected in considerable levels of new physical development and in these areas, the principal challenge to the planning system arises from pressure due to economic and population growth. To some extent, these pressures have been evident in County Roscommon. Figure 1 shows the parts of the county that experienced population growth in the period Projections prepared by the Economic and Social Research Institute and others predict a continuation in economic growth, though at a slower rate than in recent years. This, together with the challenges of monetary union, is likely to result in further significant changes in the economic, social and physical structure of the country, including County Roscommon. However, the principal challenge for Roscommon in the period covered by this plan is to continue to strengthen and develop all parts of the county and, in particular, to spread the benefits of economic prosperity to those areas that have not yet achieved their full potential. Consequently, rural development will remain a central and overarching theme of the County Council s policies for the foreseeable future. To this end, Roscommon County Council will facilitate sustainable economic and social development, especially employment, throughout the county, whilst ensuring the conservation and protection of the natural and built environment. A primary objective is to retain the young adult population within the county, especially those of young marriageable age in order to sustain communities, and especially rural communities that have shown signs of decline. In the period 1991 to 1996, County Roscommon stabilised its population, following a significant reduction of nearly 5% in the period 1986 to The stabilisation of population was an important aim of the Roscommon County Development Plan 1993 and a key strategic objective of this Plan is to continue to increase the population in the County to 60,000 or more by the end of the plan period. This will be achieved by: facilitating economic and social development throughout the County and in particular in the towns and villages, where it is considered that new development can bring most benefit; and facilitating growth and diversification in rural areas, especially where there has been an underlying trend of population decline. The four scheduled towns of Roscommon, Boyle, Ballaghaderreen and Castlerea, together with Strokestown, Elphin, Monksland, Cortober and Creagh, play an important role in supporting the network of smaller towns and villages and the rural communities of the county. It is important to the well-being of the county that these centres thrive. Consequently, they are the areas where most development in terms of housing, industry and services will be channelled. This will be complemented by new development and environmental improvements in the smaller towns and villages and in the rural areas. Agriculture remains the most important industry in Roscommon and the Council fully supports its further development. There is a growing emphasis on new rural development initiatives to create economic development and new sources of employment, as a result of farm restructuring. The Plan's Strategy endeavours to facilitate such rural initiatives and seeks to encourage the development of a settlement pattern throughout the County that will provide enhanced levels of social and economic functions for the benefit of the whole community.

7 page 4 The Plan's overall Strategy of building up the urban structure throughout the County will help to hold population within Roscommon and bring better employment and service provision to those living in the rural hinterlands as well as in the expanded towns and villages. Appropriate rural development initiatives will add to social and economic improvements. The tourism industry of County Roscommon continues to improve and expand due to the area s location and ever improving links with the rest of the country. Recent tourism developments have included the Famine Museum at Strokestown, King House at Boyle, Walled Gardens at Strokestown House, the extension of the Shannon Waterway to Boyle and the Hudson Bay Hotel Complex near Athlone. However, the County still has a significant number of under utilised tourism assets such as the Lough Key Forest Park, the entire length of the Shannon waterway system in the county, Rindoon, Cruachan Ai, Elphin windmill, the County Famine Memorial, Slieve BánMountain, Rathcroghan and other prehistoric and historic remains. Many of these assets require careful protection to ensure their sustainability as tourism resources. The County also has good potential transport links to the rest of the country and is convenient to the international airport at Knock as well as the regional airports at Galway and Sligo. However, the standard of these connections needs to be significantly upgraded. The County can make greater use of its assets for quality recreational pursuits such as fishing, cruising and exploring the past. The strengthening of the urban structure will add to these assets by making the towns and villages more attractive places in which to visit and stay. By means such as these the County will continue to progress as a tourism centre. The procurement of a range of decentralised government offices to County Roscommon, in order to attract increased population and provide for more balanced regional development, accords with the overall strategy and is an aim of the plan. Procurement and attraction of industry and public or private commercial enterprises or institutions will also be pursued and, in particular, the procurement of facilities providing opportunities for high-tech and research employment in order to attract a range of highly technically skilled people into the county. The creation of conditions to facilitate all of these objectives is a fundamental part of the development plan. A major part of the development strategy is to encourage sustainable and environmentally friendly development while conserving and protecting the natural and built environment. Thus the Plan positively encourages new development whilst ensuring the natural and built assets of town and country in the form of historic houses, beautiful landscapes, rivers, etc. and their settings, are not damaged by unsympathetic developments or pollution. Given the increased national awareness of the need to conserve our environment, the Development Plan process has a central role to play in achieving the aims of conservation. The Plan therefore sets out Policies for the County's natural and built heritage along with appropriate design standards to ensure new development is attractive and appropriate in the context of its surrounds. The development plan is set in the context of adopted national and regional policy of government. Consequently, the policies and objectives of the development plan, as well as the decisions and actions of the Council, are referenced to the full range of national and regional policy, including that relating to social inclusion, poverty proofing, rural proofing and sustainability. The Strategy of the Plan will be implemented over the next twenty year period. Throughout that period full use will be made of European Union and national funding sources, where the Council can make these available to the County. The Plan will be reviewed at regular intervals when the basis of the Strategy and the Policies can be re-evaluated, to ascertain if the Plan is still the most appropriate way forward, given future trends together with a changing economic climate and developing aspirations at E.U., national, regional and local Council levels. The Plan's role in this is to outline a long term Strategy and related Policies for land use development and conservation together with a five year programme of expected public and private sector developments in line with the long term Strategy.

8

9 page 6 2. NATIONAL AND REGIONAL CONTEXT Roscommon County Council recognises the importance that the national and regional programmes will have for the future development of the County and sub-region, and is ensuring that there is a comprehensive and up to date County Development Plan to facilitate and assist in making presentations to Government and the Border, Midland and Western Regional Assembly regarding decisions on expenditures from the Structural and Cohesion Funds. 2.1 IRELAND NATIONAL DEVELOPMENT PLAN The National Development Plan (NDP) was published in late 1999 after an extensive consultation process. The Vision of the Plan is to ensure that Ireland will remain competitive in the global international marketplace and that the fruits of Ireland s economic success will be shared more equally at a regional level and throughout society. The objectives of the NDP include the following: to continue sustainable national economic and employment growth; to consolidate and improve Ireland s international competitiveness; to foster balanced Regional Development ;and to promote social inclusion. The NDP comprises three National or Inter-regional Operational Programmes (OPs), two Regional OPs and a separate OP for the PEACE Programme. There will also be a separate national programme for the Common Agricultural Policy for rural development accompanying measures. The three Inter-regional OPs are as follows. Economic and Social Infrastructure. Employment and Human Resources. Productive Sector. The Economic and Social Infrastructure OP is managed by the Department of Environment and Local Government and guides investment and provides funding for the sectors of road investment, public transport, water and waste water, coastal protection, energy and social affordable housing and health capital. The Employment and Human Resources OP is managed by the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment and addresses the four issues of employability, entrepreneurship, adaptability and equality. The Productive Sector OP is also managed by the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment and relates to research, technological development and innovation, industry, marketing, agricultural development and fisheries. The two Regional OPs are designed to complement and support the Inter-Regional OPs and relate to the Southern and Eastern Region and the Border, Midland and Western Region. The OPs for each region guide the use and implementation of the funding allocated within the framework of the NDP and are targeted at local infrastructure, the local productive sector and the promotion of social inclusion. Two Regional Authorities have been established to manage the Regional OPs. Funding for the PEACE Programme, which operates in the border counties and in Northern Ireland, is guided by a separate OP, to operate between 2000 and County Roscommon forms part of the Border Midland and Western Region (BMW Region). The OP for this Region identifies the following as being the main objectives that the Programme seeks to address.

10 page 7 Increase the potential of the Region to act as a counter- balance to the Southern and Eastern Region, especially Dublin, and pursue more balanced and diversified growth within the Region. Increase the presence in the Region of the key drivers of sustainable economic growth, notably in the productive sector. Improve the quality of the Region s economic and social infrastructure and human resources skillbase. Build on the Region s natural resource base especially in the areas of agriculture, tourism, fisheries, aquaculture and rural enterprise. Promote rural and urban social inclusion. The OP is broken down into three sub-programmes, namely, Local Infrastructure, Productive Investment and Social Inclusion. The Local Investment Sub-Programme consists of measures in respect of Non-national Roads, Rural Water, Waste Management, Urban and Village Renewal, E-commerce, Seaports, Regional Airports and Culture, Recreation and Sports. The Productive Investment Sub-Programme consists of measures in relation to Tourism, Micro-enterprises, Rural Development, Forestry and Fisheries, Aquaculture and Harbours. The Social Inclusion Sub-Programme relates to the issues of Childcare, Equality, Community Development and Family Support, Crime Prevention, Youth Services and Services to the Unemployed. 2.2 REGIONAL DEVELOPMENT The Border, Midland and Western (BMW) Regional Assembly manages the OP for that region, including its three associated sub-programmes. Roscommon County Council, as implementing authority for a number of public sector expenditure areas, has a direct interest in the OP and will work in conjunction with the BMW Assembly in the implementation of funding in accordance with the framework provided by the National Development Plan. Ireland West Tourism is responsible for the promotion and development of tourism in County Galway, Mayo and Roscommon. It has produced a Regional Development Plan that aims to stimulate and guide tourism development in the region. The Western Development Commission provides a strategic focus, in partnership with local communities, to the activities of the various state agencies in the region. The aim of the Commission is to maintain population stability and stimulate economic growth. 2.3 SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT The principles of sustainable development, as set out in the document Sustainable Development A Strategy for Ireland published in 1997, have been adopted by the Government. This commits public bodies, including the local authorities, to ensuring positive relationships between socio-economic growth and the environment. In effect, this implies that development should not exceed the carrying capacity of its local environment and should not compromise the ability of future generations to meet their needs. The Government strategy recognises the need for good spatial planning and the inclusion of sustainability concerns in urban and built environment policies. The Council, through the, seeks to support the objectives of sustainable development and will seek to integrate its land-use planning with sustainable and strategic economic, social and transportation planning. 2.4 LOCAL AGENDA 21 The Earth Summit, held at Rio de Janeiro in 1992, formulated the Local Agenda 21 initiative as an action programme that provides a blueprint on how the world's nations can work individually and collectively towards sustainable development in the 21st century. The basis

11 page 8 of Local Agenda 21 is the involvement of local communities in achieving specific targets of conserving resources and minimising environmental impacts. The Council supports Local Agenda 21 and will endeavour to implement the initiative through the development of a County Roscommon Local Agenda 21 Plan and other appropriate actions, including the involvement of local communities in the consideration of policies affecting conservation, resources and the environment. 2.5 OTHER RELEVANT GUIDELINES/REPORTS/LEGISLATION A number of planning guidelines have been produced by the Government which provide a framework for particular areas of planning and development throughout the country. These guidelines have an important role to play both in the preparation of development plans and in the assessment of planning applications. They include relevant EU Directives and Regulations and the following. National Development Plan for Ireland 2000 to Sustainable Development A Strategy for Ireland National Climate Change Strategy Residential Density Guidelines for Planning Authorities, Local Government (Planning and Development) General Policy Directive (Shopping) Retail Planning Guidelines, Wind Farm Development Guidelines for Planning Authorities, 1996 Telecommunications Antennae and Support Structures - Guidelines for Planning Authorities, July Access for the disabled Minimum Design Criteria. Standard Recommendations for septic tank systems, S.R.6, EPA Waste Water Treatment Manual, 2000 Site Development Works for Housing Areas Guidelines. Provision of Tourist Attraction and Accommodation Signs. Social Housing: the Way Ahead, Housing Strategy for County Roscommon Strategic Plan for the Development of the Forestry Sector in Ireland. Draft Architectural Heritage Protection, Guidelines for Planning Authorities, Dec National Spatial Strategy, Indications of the Way Ahead, Sept Childcare Guidelines for Planning Authorities, Pilot Rural Public Transport Initiative. Draft Guidelines for Planning Authorities on landscape and Landscape Assessment. CLÁR Programme The preparation of this Plan has had regard to all of the above documents and, where appropriate, the relevant policy considerations have been incorporated into the Plan.

12 page 9 3. COUNTY ROSCOMMON Roscommon is an inland County in the province of Connaught covering an area of 254,900 hectares (629,9256 acres). The County is bordered along the east and west by the Rivers Shannon and Suck respectively which meet to the south of the County. The County is largely underlain by limestone and forms part of the central plain of Ireland. Its rolling countryside has traditionally been devoted mainly to the grazing of sheep and cattle. The hill and mountain land, apart from a few isolated elevations, is mainly confined to the northern fringe of the County. There are considerable areas of level ground, much of which is subject to seasonal land flooding. There are over 12,000 hectares of environmentally and economically important peatland throughout the County. Many of the larger bogs are located adjacent to the Rivers Shannon and Suck. The County also has several areas of highly scenic landscape and overall has a pleasing pastoral environment. The rivers and lakes of the County, including Lough Key, are of particular scenic and amenity value. The countryside is principally divided into small farms. The County also has a unique cultural heritage that provides opportunities for the development of tourism. The town and village centres are distinctive in character and provide for the social, economic and service requirements of the population.

13 page ANALYSIS OF SURVEY 4.1 POPULATION The County had a population of 51,975 at the time of the 1996 Census of Population. This represents an increase of 78 persons or 0.2 per cent in the population from the 1991 Census, which is significant in representing a stabilisation of population following a period of decline. This contrasts with a population increase of 2 per cent in Connaught and over 5 per cent in Ireland for the same period. Within the overall pattern of stabilisation in the period 1991 to 1996, the population of Athlone No.2 and Roscommon Rural Districts increased by 5.5% and 0.1% respectively, whilst the population of Boyle No.1 and Castlerea Rural Districts fell by 2.0% and 3.2% respectively. County Roscommon has a population density of twenty persons per square kilometre. This is relatively low compared to that of Connaught (twenty five persons per square kilometre) and Ireland (fifty three persons per square kilometre) emphasising the predominantly rural nature of the County. The population structure of the County reflects declining fertility levels and an increasing elderly population. This is indicated by a decrease in the population under the age of fifteen from 26.6 per cent in 1991 to 23 per cent in Other characteristics of the population structure include: a dispersed rural population with small population centres; a high proportion of dependants, over 40%, with more than half of these between 0 and 14 years old; and a population with high out-migration levels as well as low birth and high death rates. The more unpredictable element in population change is migration. Changes in migration patterns and rates at a national level over the past decade illustrate the volatility of migration. The motive forces behind migration are generally the combination of employment opportunities, or the lack of them, at home and the situation elsewhere, together with the desire to seek new life styles. These motives apply at both national and County level. A reduction in net out migration from County Roscommon would retain population and also increase marriage and birth rates. Increased marriage rates would offset any decline in the numbers of children per marriage, and in the longer term the death rate would decline as the population structure became more youthful. An analysis of growth and development has indicated an increase in the population of Roscommon town and Monksland and in a number of other DEDs in the south, east, north and central areas of the County as indicated in Figure 1 of the Plan. The improvements in infrastructure and transportation links have stimulated this development and is likely to result in further growth in other areas of the County. The growth and development of adjacent counties may also stimulate the expansion of Cortober, Creagh and Ballaghaderreen. 4.2 SETTLEMENT STRUCTURE The settlement pattern of County Roscommon may be summarised as: a predominance of individual rural houses; a well distributed pattern of towns and villages throughout the County, but at low population levels; and a continuing demand for urban generated housing around the main towns and along the Shannon.

14 page 11 The settlement structure of County Roscommon is characterised by a strong rural population supported by a number of centres, the largest of which is Roscommon Town with a population of almost 4,000. The population trends indicate an increase in the number of people moving from the countryside to urban centres such as Roscommon town and the Monksland and Creagh areas. This corresponds with similar trends at provincial and national levels. This movement is in part due to rural people being increasingly drawn towards larger urban centres in order to access job opportunities and services and also reflects the increasingly urbanised lifestyle of modern society. These trends and the related continuing decline in agricultural employment and rural population levels are of considerable concern to County Roscommon. They point clearly to the need to continue to build up the economy throughout all parts of the county. In this, the role of the smaller towns and villages, as well as the principal towns, is critical. It is in these centres that services and facilities can be provided to meet the needs of modern lifestyles and to support those living in the countryside. An important aim of the Plan is therefore to continue to make the towns and villages of County Roscommon more attractive places in which to establish additional employment and new households. 4.3 HOUSING At the time of the 1996 Census of Population there were 16,513 housing units in the County, of which 16,352 were classified as permanent units. The development of the County, especially the expansion of the Athlone and Roscommon environs has resulted in further new houses, especially urban generated dwellings, being built since Although the population of the County has remained relatively static in the period between 1991 and 1996, there is a continuing demand for new public and private sector housing arising from: decreasing average household size (3.15 in 1996 as compared to 3.26 in 1991); new household formation in excess of housing stock; replacement of obsolete dwellings and demand for improved accommodation standards; increases in one parent families; and increased demand from elderly persons for housing accommodation, especially in towns and villages. The stabilisation of the population of County Roscommon has led to an increase in housing demand in the environs of Athlone and Roscommon town. There has, however, been a population loss in some other areas of the County. The survey has indicated that the majority of poor housing is in rural areas. The on going restructuring of the agricultural industry is likely to result in a continued movement out of the rural areas, especially those that are more remote from urban centres and employment opportunities. Thus, some of the older housing may not be replaced on site, resulting in part of the urban housing demand being the replacement of obsolescent rural housing. The Local Authority Housing Waiting List indicates that overcrowding is still occurring. The Council is endeavouring to deal with this issue through a house building programme, and through the use of other incentives, in accordance with government policy as set out in Social Housing The Way Ahead (Department of the Environment 1995) and the Housing Strategy for County Roscommon. These documents set out the broad aim of ensuring that every household has a dwelling suitable to its needs, located in an acceptable environment and at a price or rent they can afford.

15 page EMPLOYMENT AND INDUSTRY The survey has highlighted a number of changes in the pattern of employment in County Roscommon, including the following. Declining employment in agriculture. Overall decline in male employment in manufacturing. Relatively low levels of highly skilled, research based high tech employment for graduates. Expansion in employment in the agri-food business. Expansion in employment in the service sector. Expansion in female employment. The rural character and resource base of the county is the foundation for many of its industries and there is further scope to develop employment in food processing and similar industries, on both the large scale and as forms of small-scale rural enterprise. However, employment based solely on the county s rural resources is unlikely to meet the needs of its labour force and there is a growing need to develop additional employment in the county in services and in manufacturing. Employment in the services sector, including tourism, is relatively under-represented in County Roscommon, whilst the extent of strategic manufacturing industry is also relatively low. In particular, there is a need to provide highly skilled work for well-educated graduates. 4.5 RETAILING The retail sector is important as both a fundamental service for the whole community and as a major employer. Shopping can also be a major source of attraction and activity for visitors. The survey has indicated that the following factors are typical of the retail sector in the County. A developing retail structure with a large number of established small rural outlets with very low levels of turnover and a number of larger urban based outlets. A large flow of retail expenditure that is spent outside the County. The retail turnover within the County is dominated by the four towns of Roscommon, Boyle, Ballaghaderreen and Castlerea due to their large rural hinterlands and lack of competition from villages and other centres. The significant proportion of retail expenditure that occurs outside the County is principally in the retail centres of Athlone and to a lesser degree, Longford and Sligo. 4.6 TRANSPORT The County is linked by National Routes and rail to the rest of the country. The Council recognises that the transport system is an important component in meeting social and economic needs by ensuring the mobility of people and goods and facilitating the development of industrial investment and tourism. The following characteristics are consistent with the current transport network in the County. An extensive transport network that includes roads, railways and the Shannon waterway. The extensive road network that has resulted from the dispersed population and the needs of agriculture in the County. The continually improving road network. The strategies for the development of National and Regional roads are included in Inter- Regional and Regional OPs as detailed in the National Development Plan. A particular issue in the county is that Roscommon town is served only by National Secondary Routes. The Shannon waterway is a navigable waterway that has an increasing potential for recreation and tourism based boat traffic. The continuing growth of this activity has economic development potential for the County.

16 page WATER SERVICES Roscommon County Council provides water and sewerage services for residents and employers in the Plan area. The main public water supply schemes in the County are supplemented by private group schemes and individual wells. The dispersed settlement pattern results in a lack of services in several areas of County Roscommon. A number of these private and small water supply schemes are being absorbed into the regional water supply network as part of an ongoing process. The Water and Waste Water Strategy included in the Economic and Social Infrastructure OP of the National Development Plan aims to ensure that drinking water fully and consistently meets EC drinking water standards, and that pollution of inland waters by sewerage discharges is eliminated. The Council recognises that large areas outside the mains sewerage system is dependent on individual treatment systems. 4.8 THE ENVIRONMENT The survey revealed a range of environmental designations and other conservation areas that have significance at local, national or international level. These include: proposed Candidate Natural Heritage Areas; proposed Special Areas of Conservation; areas of high amenity value important scenic views; sites of archaeological and historical significance; buildings and structures to be protected; tree preservation orders; and town and village streetscapes. Detailed listings of sites included in these environmental designations are specified in Appendix 2 of this Plan. 4.9 RECREATION, TOURISM, COMMUNITY FACILITIES The survey has indicated that there is a wide range of recreation, tourism and community facilities in the County. The further development and improvement of leisure and recreational facilities will increase the attractiveness of towns and villages as a place to live as well as a location for tourism. The provision and improvement of facilities will also benefit surrounding rural areas and other local services. The tourism industry is recognised by the Government and the Council as an increasingly important generator of new employment. Under the auspices of Ireland West Tourism, a County Tourism Action Plan has been prepared for the County by the County Roscommon Tourism Committee. This committee is made up of a representative group from within the tourist industry and other related sectors that include the County Council. The County Tourism Action Plan is aimed at the co-ordination, further development and promotion of tourism in the County. The policies relating to tourism in this County Development Plan are consistent with the recommendations of the County Tourism Action Plan and with the County Development Strategy. The Council recognises that the County and especially the Shannon waterway have the potential to be further developed for tourism and that the rivers, lakes, mountains, the Lough Key Forest Park as well as other areas are also valuable tourism and recreation resources. The Council also recognises the significant work undertaken in developing and promoting Sliabh Bán. There are a number of other amenity areas that the Council will consider

17 page 14 promoting for recreational purposes including Mote Park and the new town park at Loughnaneane (Roscommon). The range of community facilities throughout the County include primary and secondary schools, churches, community halls and other meeting places that in turn facilitate a wide range of activities SUMMARY The analysis of survey indicates that the Development Strategy of the Plan should aim to strengthen the economic, social and population growth of the towns, villages and rural areas of the County. The Strategy should also conserve and where possible enhance the environment of the County to ensure it is an attractive area to visit as well as to live and work. The Strategy will need to be supported by positive development inputs from the Council and other relevant bodies, as well as appropriate zoning and development control policies. The main areas of growth and development are likely to be centred on the four scheduled towns of Roscommon, Boyle, Castlerea and Ballaghaderreen as well as Monksland, Cortober, Creagh, Strokestown and Elphin. The encouragement of residential, industrial and service developments to locate within towns and villages will improve the attractiveness of these settlements as places to live and work. Rural communities depend to an extent on services and employment opportunities that are provided in towns and villages. The provision of these services will sustain and improve the quality of life for people living in rural areas. It is recognised that despite the recent changes in agriculture, rural communities will still seek development within their own localities and the Council will respond positively to appropriate proposals that cater for the changing needs of the rural population. The Development Strategy will concentrate zoned land and major development in the main centres, seek to build up the villages by appropriate small developments, and facilitate appropriate rural development.

18 page DEVELOPMENT STRATEGY The primary aim of the Roscommon County Development Plan 2002 is to consolidate the County as an attractive place in which to live, work and recreate, and to facilitate the achievement of a high quality of life for residents and visitors through the sustainable development of further economic and social activities in a quality environment. The plan seeks to achieve this aim through the development of all parts of the county including: economic and social development in the towns and villages, where most new development will be channelled and where it can bring benefits both to the settlements themselves and to their rural hinterlands; and growth and diversification in rural areas, especially where there has been an underlying trend of population decline. The rural area of County Roscommon is a working environment that has an agriculturally based economy and a large rural population. This working environment will be supported under the plan. Consequently, rural development is a central and overarching theme of the strategy and, in the period covered by this plan, will be accorded the highest priority commensurate with the Council s obligations to ensure the conservation and protection of the natural and built environment. By encouraging and facilitating rural development, as well as the on-going development of the towns and villages, the plan seeks to increase the population of the County to 60,000 or more by the end of the plan period. More importantly, it will seek to retain a young adult population that can provide a basis for sustaining communities. This is particularly important in areas where population decline has been evident. The key to this is employment and access to a range of services, both of which can be most readily provided in the towns and villages. Consequently, the strengthening of the urban structure and the consolidation of the towns and villages as centres of economic and population growth is a critical objective. In support of this, the Council will seek to develop town and village plans for settlements in addition to the four Scheduled Towns, Athlone Environs, Creagh and Cortober during the period of the plan. The towns and villages support the rural communities of the county and are, in turn, supported by the economic activities of the rural areas. Thus, the balanced and complementary development of all parts of the county, to sustain both rural and urban communities, is necessary to achieve the overall aim of the strategy. Other strategic objectives of the plan include: The improvement and upgrading of transport links to and within the county. The improvement and upgrading of other physical infrastructure. The support and facilitation of agriculture and rural development initiatives. The procurement of major employment facilities, including decentralised government offices, strategic industry, high tech and research and other commercial and industrial enterprises. The support and facilitation of tourism throughout the county, including the Shannon Waterway.

19 page 16 The improvement and development of community facilities and of the county s recreational, leisure, sporting and amenity assets. The conservation and protection of the natural and built environment. Rural Development The traditional settlement pattern of County Roscommon is of dispersed housing in the rural areas, mainly associated with agriculture, supported by a hierarchy of towns and villages. This pattern of development, common in rural Ireland, is different from that of many European countries and has strong historical and cultural associations. In recent years, developments such as changing agricultural trends and practices, the increasing dependency on part-time farming and the consolidation of farm holdings are fundamentally altering the rural economy and threatening the viability and sustainability of rural communities. In response, the Council strongly supports and will facilitate the development of alternative economic activities, including farm tourism and other diversification enterprises. In the light of the priority accorded in the plan to rural development and the need to sustain rural communities in those parts of the county where population decline is evident, the Council will adopt a positive attitude towards proposals for well sited and designed individual houses in the countryside. In adopting this approach, the Council has particular regard to: The strong rural character of the county and the traditional settlement pattern. The need to create diversity within rural communities beyond the traditional agricultural base. The scale and nature of potential housing development in County Roscommon as compared to the scale and nature of urban-generated housing in rural areas adjacent to major cities. The inclusion in the plan of Special Policy Areas, within which specific development safeguards apply. The relative priority accorded to rural development vis-à-vis environmental sustainability. Housing The strategic objectives of the plan in relation to private sector housing are twofold: To ensure that there is adequate land in appropriate locations available for housing. To have clear policies regarding proposals to build new houses in urban and rural areas, whether individually or in groups. It is the policy of the Council to implement the provisions of the Housing Strategy in accordance with the provisions of Part V of the Planning and Development Act Adequate areas of zoned land are available in the principal towns and in the Athlone Environs, Creagh and Cortober. New housing development, especially for estates or groups of houses, will be directed, as far as possible, to these lands and this will enhance socio-economic development and reduce out migration. Outside of the principal urban centres, housing development will be encouraged, where possible, into the smaller towns and villages, where support services and facilities are

20 page 17 available. The Council also recognises the potential for the accommodation of well sited and designed individual houses in the countryside. The Council will seek to facilitate the provision of an acceptable level of social housing within the County, but the rate of public sector house building will be determined mainly by financial constraints. Employment and Industry Employment and industry are of fundamental importance to the economic and social development of the County. Whilst the county enjoys relative advantages in relation to ruralbased employment activities, including food processing, the Council recognises the need to attract a wide range of employment opportunities, particularly those that support its overall strategy of attracting and retaining a young adult population. Consequently, Roscommon County Council will seek to: Facilitate large and small scale employment generating activities by ensuring that sufficient and appropriate land is zoned and available and by adopting clear policies in support of employment. Secure one or more large strategic industries for the county. Facilitate the expansion of the services sector, including retail, office and commercial uses, at appropriate locations within the county. Facilitate the on-going development of agriculture, forestry and the peat industry. Facilitate the expansion of tourism, agri-tourism, and alternative farming activities. Retailing Retailing is an important economic and social function, especially of the towns and villages of the county. The Council is currently preparing a Retail Planning Strategy for County Roscommon that will establish its objectives and policies for this sector. It is the policy of the Council to implement the findings and recommendations of the Retail Planning Strategy for County Roscommon, as adopted. Transport The transportation system of the county, including road and rail, is fundamental to its on-going economic and social development, linking it to other parts of the country and, within the county, tying the various centres and areas together. Consequently, the Council regards the further development of a safe, efficient and integrated transport system as of the highest priority and will continue to encourage patterns of economic growth that can be achieved with maximum transport efficiency and minimum environmental impact, so that economic growth does not generate an unlimited increase in demand for transport, with consequent adverse environmental effects. The Council recognises that Roscommon town is currently not connected to the National Primary Route network and will seek to encourage the reclassification of the N61 National Secondary Route to National Primary Route status. Water and Waste Management The Council plays a central role in the provision of water supplies within the county and in the collection, management and disposal of wastewater. The Council will continue to provide new

21 page 18 schemes and improve existing ones in line with the overall objectives for the county and in alignment with stated development plan policies and land use zonings. The County Council will protect water supply sources and continue to support the aims and objectives of the Lough Derg and Lough Ree Catchment Monitoring and Management Programme. Solid waste will be managed and disposed of in accordance with the Waste Management Plan for Connaught Region. The Environment The environment is a major economic and amenity resource to both residents and visitors. The conservation and enhancement of the natural and built environment is important in sustaining and developing the county as an attractive place in which to live, work, invest, shop and holiday. The Council recognises that the natural physical features, vegetation and man made features of the landscape should be conserved. The Council also recognises that the natural resources should be developed in an environmentally appropriate manner. The Council has an important role to play in the protection of the environment, and will continue to use all the means at its disposal to maintain the high environmental quality of County Roscommon. Recreation, Tourism and Community Facilities The Council recognises the importance of recreation, tourism and community facilities to the economic and social life of the county. It is an objective of the Council to implement, where funds permit, proposals to improve and maintain amenity, tourism and recreation facilities and to carry out other amenity improvement works as required in the County. It is also Council policy to facilitate the provision of recreation and sporting facilities, including the expansion of existing facilities, at appropriate locations. The County Council will seek to ensure that tourism proposals are developed in an environmentally sensitive manner in line with the principles of sustainable development and that tourism development proposals in rural areas meet the criteria set out in the Development Control section of this Plan. The Council recognises the need to maintain and, where possible, improve the provision of community facilities in the County. The Council will seek to facilitate appropriate development by voluntary bodies.