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your
participation
is crucial
Clare County
Development Plan
2022–2028
Issues Paper
Preamble
The County Development Plan sustainable development of our County
for the benefit of all its citizens up to 2028
sets out an overall strategy and comes at a time of change globally,
for the proper planning and nationally and locally.
sustainable development of The County Development Plan making
the County over a six year process includes periods of public
consultation.
period. Clare County Council
We encourage you as individuals, the
is commencing the process communities and organisations you
of preparing the new County represent, schools, businesses and
stakeholders to become involved and help
Development Plan for the period
us plan for the future of County Clare as a
2022-2028. place to live, work and visit.
The County Development Plan is the single Clare County Council has put this Issues
most important policy document for the Paper together as the first stage in the plan
County as it represents an agreed economic, making process to stimulate debate on what
social, cultural and environmental blueprint are some of the priority issues for County
for the future planning, growth and Clare over the next six years and beyond.
development of County Clare. These are set out under a number of broad
headings in this booklet, but they are by no
The preparation of the new County
means exhaustive.
Development Plan will be a key strategy
document for the future planning and At this early stage, we are looking for your
input on these and other broad strategic
your participation issues that need to be looked at to inform
the new Clare County Development Plan
at this early stage in 2022-2028.
“This is the start of a 99 week plan-making
the plan preparation
process during which the public will have a
process is crucial so that number of opportunities to participate and we
welcome people’s early participation in this
the final plan can address statutory process”. Councillor Mary Howard,
our collective aspirations Cathaoirleach
for County Clare.
We look forward to your valued participation
at this and future public consultation stages.
Pat Dowling, Chief Executive, Clare County
Council
Councillor Mary Howard, Cathaoirleach,
Clare County Council
2
What is a County
Development Plan?
The County Development Plan Every six years a Planning Authority is legally
obliged to make a new County Development
sets out the overall strategy Plan which must set out the strategic spatial
for the proper planning and vision and future direction for the County.
sustainable development Clare County Council is now commencing
of the County over a 6 year the process of preparing a new County
Development Plan 2022-2028 which is a two
period and must align with the year statutory process.
national and regional framework There are various stages involved in the
of strategies, polices and preparation of a Development Plan. This
current stage is Stage 1 ‘Pre-Draft’ and
guidelines.
includes the preparation of an Issues Paper.
We are
here
Stage 1:
Pre-Draft Public Chief Executive’s Direction from Preparation
Consultation Report on Public Elected Members of Draft
(Issues Paper) Consultation of the Council Development
Plan
Stage 2:
Draft Public Chief Executive’s Consideration of Prepare any
Consultation on Report on Chief Executive’s Material
Development the Draft Plan submissions Report by Amendments to
Plan Elected Members the Draft Plan
of the Council
Stage 3:
Amendments Public Chief Executive’s Consideration of Adoption of New
Consultation Report on Chief Executive’s Development
to Draft on Proposed submissions Report by Plan
Development Amendments to Elected Members
Plan the Draft Plan of the Council
3
Issues Paper
This is your plan
Your opinion matters
play your part
The purpose of this Issues Paper
is to draw attention to broad It is essential
areas which the Development
Plan covers and encourage a
to have your say
conversation and stimulate from the very start
debate and thinking on the key
topics concerning the future
development of County Clare,
which is
and to promote and support
your involvement at this stage.
right now!
With your active involvement and guidance
the new County Development Plan can
reflect the needs and ambitions of all
communities in County Clare to create a
more attractive, inclusive, competitive and
sustainable county. We really want to hear
from you about what you believe the main
challenges are for the County in the future.
4
EU, National
Local
Legislation &
Authority
Policy
Local Economic &
Volume
1
gov.ie/2040 Project Ireland 2040 Regional Spatial &
National Planning Economic Strategy
EU Directives Framework for the Southern Region
Clare County
Development Plan
Community Plan
(LECP)
Programme mark (Used for endorsement) Programme with explicit government text
2017–2023
Written
Tionscadal Éireann Rialtas na Tionscadal Éireann Statement
2040 2040
Project Ireland hÉireann Project Ireland
Government
of Ireland
Tionscadal Éireann Rialtas na Tionscadal Éireann
2040 2040
Project Ireland hÉireann Project Ireland
Government
of Ireland
Planning Legislation Tionscadal Éireann
2040
Project Ireland
Tionscadal Éireann
Rialtas na
hÉireann
Government
of Ireland
Tionscadal Éireann
2040
Project Ireland
Housing Strategy
Rialtas na Tionscadal Éireann
2040
Department of Housing, Project Ireland
2040
hÉireann Project Ireland
Planning and Local Government Government
gov.ie/2040
of Ireland
Ministerial Guidelines National Regional County Retail Strategy
Planning Spatial and Development
Framework Economic Plan &
Government Policy Capital Programme
(NPF) Strategy Local Area
(RSES) Plans
Climate Action
Capital Programmes
Adaptation Strategy
Context of the Plan The diagram above illustrates the position of
(National and Regional Policy) the Development Plan in the Irish planning
The Government recently published Project system hierarchy.
Ireland 2040 (National Planning Framework
This Issues Paper is the first step in the
and National Development Plan 2018-
preparation of the new Development
2027). Clare now forms part of the Southern
Plan. The County Development Plan must
Regional Assembly.
be consistent with national and regional
The Regional Spatial and Economic Strategy policies, guidelines and objectives.
(RSES) came into effect on 31st January
2020 and includes the Limerick – Shannon
Metropolitan Area which encompasses
Shannon as a key Metropolitan Area
Town. Shannon will be a key economic
driver within the Metropolitan Area and
will accommodate significant job and
population increases within the lifetime of
the new Clare County Development Plan
2022-2028.
We are looking for
your opinion Throughout this
Issues Paper, a series
of Key Questions
will be posed in boxes
to assist you in your
considerations.
5
Developing a
unique identity
and building on the
strengths of County
Clare
Growing the
Limerick-Shannon
Metropolitan Area Living in the future
Town of Shannon, and how it will be
the Key Town of different
Ennis and other
settlements
throughout the Living sustainably
County to achieve without
compact growth compromising
future generations
Reducing our
carbon footprint Accommodating the
Key and achieving the
national target of
zero emissions by
2050
needs of an ageing
population
challenges
Providing sufficient
physical and social
infrastructure to
we face!
Improving mobility
support economic
and accessibility
development and to
for all, within and
enhance our quality
through the County
of life
in a sustainable
manner
Building on the
provision of high
Promoting town quality employment
and village and economic
centre vibrancy opportunities
and vitality with at appropriate
multi-functional and sustainable
uses including locations
entertaining, living,
gathering, shopping
etc.
Delivering a balance
between social and
private housing
6
What is your vision
The Vision for for County Clare?
County Clare Do you agree with the
vision in the current
Development Plan or
What kind of place
would you like County
Clare to be in 2028?
The vision for County Clare in the current
how would you like to
Clare County Development Plan 2017-2023 is for:
see it change?
Is the current Clare
‘A county that has maximised its unique
County Development
characteristics, strengths, location and What are the key Plan 2017-2023 easy
connectivity to become Ireland’s centre characteristics that to access, read and
define County Clare understand?
of culture, tourism, heritage and the Can it be improved?
as a good place to live,
preferred international destination for work, visit and invest
sustainable investment and innovation. and how should they
be treated in the new How can Ennis as a Key
A county in which citizens, visitors Development Plan? town and Shannon as
and all stakeholders are empowered part of the Limerick-
Shannon Metropolitan
and supported by public bodies under Area continue to develop
How can County
the leadership of a professional, Clare contribute to the
as the key drivers of
economic growth in
responsive and progressive local development of the
County Clare and
Mid-West Region?
government system’. within the region?
7
What makes an attractive
residential environment?
The Core Strategy of the Clare
County Development Plan is to
ensure that the Council identify
and reserve an appropriate
amount of land in the right
locations to meet housing and
population targets.
Population Under the Planning and
Development Act 2000, as
and Housing
amended, a Core Strategy
focuses on defining a settlement
hierarchy for the County that
is consistent with the National
Making provision for housing the Planning Framework and the
citizens of County Clare in sustainable Regional Spatial and Economic
Strategy.
communities is a key function of the
The County Development Plan
County Development Plan. will in turn support the Core
Strategy through a range of
policies and objectives to support
services and the provision of
appropriate infrastructure in areas
identified for growth.
8
118 , 817
Population of County Clare, 2016
Population How and where can
change County Clare provide
for the housing needs
of all groups, including
older people, people
with disabilities, the How best can we ensure
homeless, etc.? the vacant houses in the
rural areas are brought
2011–2016 2006–2016 into use?
1.4% 7.1% How can we encourage
the provision of house
Population Population older types in our towns How should we protect
gender and younger and villages for all life environmentally
stages? sensitive areas of the
County?
How can we encourage
innovation and new How do we achieve a
types of houses which good balance between
deliver on peoples’ single rural housing and
preferences, in a the creation of viable
females males over 65 under 15 sustainable manner? towns and villages?
50.5% 49.5% 14.9% 21.5%
9
Bellharbour
Fanore
Current Settlement Hierarchy for County Clare, Slieve Elva
Ballyvaughan
Clare County Development Plan 2017-2023
Th e B u r ren
Lisdoonvarna
COUNTY TOWN/HUB Carron
Doolin
Linked Gateway
Cliffs of Kilfenora
Moher
Service Towns Kilshanny Kilinaboy
Small Towns Corofin
Liscannor Ennistymon/
Large Villages
Lahinch Ruan
Moy
Small Villages
Inagh Toonagh
Clusters* Spanish Pt.
Miltown Kilnamona
Malbay
Spanish Point Slieve Callan
Countryside:
Kilmaley
ENNIS
The countryside are those parts Connolly Inch
of County Clare outside of Quilty Clarecastle
recognised settlements Mullagh
Ballyea
Creegh
Lissycasey
Atlantic Ocean Doonbeg Kilmihil Ballynacally
Cooraclare Cranny
Kilkee
Moyasta Killadysert
Knockerra Shannon
Kilrush Kilmurry McMahon Estuary
Querrin
Doonaha Cappa Knock
Killimer Labasheeda
Cross Carrigaholt
Loop
Head Kilbaha
* Clusters are the smallest settlement type in the The National Planning
settlement hierarchy which provide only for very
small growth. Framework sets out
the population target
for growth for the
County to 2031.
10Boston
Tubber Flagmount
Killanena
Slieve Aughty
Ballinruan Caher Whitegate
Crusheen Feakle Mountshannon
Scarriff Lou gh
Derg
Barefield Tuamgraney
Tulla Bodyke
Ogonnelloe How can we maintain
Clooney a distinction between
O’Callaghans Mills
towns and villages and
the surrounding rural
Quin Kilkishen Broadford
Killaloe areas?
Kilbane What measures
Newmarket Kilmurry
on Fergus should be considered
Bridgetown
to encourage the use How can Clare County
Sixmilebridge
O’Briensbridge of existing unfinished Council stimulate
Meelick estates and the large construction activity in
(Ballycannon Clonlara
Bunratty North) Ardnacrusha number of vacant our towns and villages?
Shannon Cratloe Parteen dwellings in our towns
Athlunkard and villages?
SHANNON Is there a deficit in the
INTERNATIONAL
AIRPORT LIMERICK CITY provision of a particular
How can we encourage type of housing that
the re-use of redundant should be addressed e.g.
or derelict buildings? apartments, duplex etc.?
The population target is lower
than previous population target
Do you have any other
allocations for the County. The views on housing and
Core Strategy for the new County
Development Plan 2022-2028 population in
must realign population growth
in terms of its distribution County Clare ?
throughout the towns and
villages in the County.
11What are County Clare’s strengths and
weaknesses regarding future
enterprise and employment growth?
In order to promote sustainable
economic development, a balance
Economic, of location and diverse economic
activity along with the protection
of the environment and people’s
Enterprise, quality of life is required.
County Clare occupies a key
Tourism and Retail strategic location served by the
main motorway network with
Development
major economic assets including:
Shannon, located within the new
Limerick-Shannon Metropolitan
Area; Ennis, a designated Key
Planning shapes the environment in Town in the Regional Spatial and
which people live and work and it plays a Economic Strategy; Shannon
International Airport; the University
key role in supporting the wider national of Limerick – Clare Campus; the
economic, employment and enterprise Shannon Estuary; and the County’s
rural area and tourist attractions.
objectives.
Ennis and Shannon act as key
economic drivers for the County
and Region as critical elements
of the Limerick-Shannon-Ennis
economic triangle.
What options are there
for rural diversification?
12How can we promote
inward investment
and job creation in
the County and where
should it be located?
Recent events has seen a The County Development Plan Mid-West through the expansion
massive increase in remote will support the continued and diversification of its
working with many organisations development of Ennis as a self- economic offering.
and companies reviewing their sustaining regional economic driver
The County Development
practices in this regard which and a key location for investment
Plan seeks to support the
will potentially see a significant choice in the region, based on
implementation of Ennis 2040
change in work patterns. This its strategic location relative to
to set the long-term economic
in turn could see a change in Limerick and Galway Cities and
strategy for the County and
work places in terms of their Shannon International Airport.
designated Key Town, also
requirement, with potential
Ennis 2040, an economic and recognising the higher education
impacts on town centres.
spatial strategy for Ennis to 2040, growth potential of Ennis and
aims to strengthen its role as a its vision to become a centre for
key economic driver and major lifelong learning.
tourist destination in the
How can the potential What measures could
How will Ennis 2040
increase in remote be made to support
and the Shannon
working be facilitated Rural Business and
Town Masterplan be
in a way that would Enterprise?
integrated into the
benefit the communities
County Development
within the remote
Plan?
working locations?
How can we best
support new and
evolving work patterns
How can we ensure
which reduce the
the protection of rural
demand to travel
and natural amenities
to work, including
while providing for
e-business and home
sustainable economic
based activity?
development?
With a strong focus of
the Limerick – Shannon
Metropolitan Area, how
should the needs of, and
opportunities for, other
areas in the County to
develop, be addressed?
13Shannon occupies a strategic The South Clare Economic The retail environment is
position as a gateway to the Strategic Development changing particularly in relation
West of Ireland. It is a centre of Zone represents a significant to town centres, especially since
international business, aviation, future economic driver within COVID-19. A significant trend
aerospace and attracts emerging County Clare. This will involve towards on-line sales, coupled
sectors such as CAV (Connected the application for designation with increasing town centre
and Automated Vehicles) and of University of Limerick (Clare vacancy rates has exacerbated
Lifesciences and has strong Campus) South Clare as a already significant challenges for
synergies with Limerick City. Strategic Development Zone with town centre businesses.
potential to attract Foreign Direct
Shannon International Airport The Development Plan should
Investment.
and the industrial park, are critical include objectives that support
not only to the Mid-West but to The inclusion of this strategic measures which will help to
the country. economic initiative will reinvigorate the County’s town
be included in the County and village centre retailing.
The preparation of a Shannon
Development Plan.
Town Masterplan is currently
underway and should inform the County Clare has a strong
County Development Plan. tourism base which is primarily
founded on its unspoilt unique
The Shannon Estuary is of
natural environment including
both national and international
the Burren, Cliffs of Moher, Lough
importance having the potential
Derg as well as a wealth of
to attract multinational
historic towns and villages and
development to the County.
archaeological sites including
The Strategic Integrated Scattery Island and Inis Cealtra
Framework Plan for the Shannon (Holy Island).
Estuary (SIFP) provides a coherent
The Wild Atlantic Way has
spatial plan to recognise the
attracted many visitors and the
economic potential of the
County Development Plan will
Shannon Estuary. It aims to
support its continued success
support the multifunctional
along with the development
nature of the Shannon Estuary
of the Shannon Estuary Way to
and seeks to transform the
further promote the West Clare
estuary into an international
area.
economic hub, by harnessing the
economic potential of significant
opportunities to grow the Blue
Economy through offshore wave
and wind renewable energy. How can we support the
future of Moneypoint?
14How best can we
maximise the economic
benefit of the location
of the University of
Limerick on the Clare
side of the River
Shannon?
How can we facilitate
economic recovery post
Covid-19?
Are there potential
tourist attractions
including experiential
tourism which need
further development?
How can the tourist
attractions in the
County be capitalised on
without damaging our
rich built and natural
landscape?
What could be done to
protect, support and
enhance the Tourism
sector?
What can we do to
support town centre
retailing and commercial
activities to address
vacancy and enhance the
vitality of our town and
village centres?
15How best can we achieve
town and village renewal?
In addition to the key economic
drivers of Ennis and Shannon
there is a network of smaller
settlements consisting of
the service towns of Kilrush,
Ennistymon–Lahinch and
Scarriff–Tuamgraney and many
Towns and
other towns and villages, all of
which collectively support the
sustainable economic and social
Villages development of the County.
The aim is to create sustainable
and vibrant communities within
A network of settlements support these smaller settlements which
the sustainable economic and social will act as local development
and service centres, facilitating
development of the County. development in keeping with the
nature and extent of the existing
settlement and availability of
public services and facilities.
These centres will provide for
improved quality of life by
promoting economic potential,
high quality housing, improved
accessibility and public realm
whilst protecting the natural and
built environment.
16How can we make our
town centres more
attractive, vibrant
and welcoming for
everybody?
Vacancy has been an How can we support
Is the significant growth
on-going problem in the provision and
of online retailing
some areas. How can maintenance of
diminishing the vitality
we encourage uses and attractive Community
of retail in towns and
occupancy? Spaces to serve town and
villages? If so, what can
village communities?
be done to counteract
this?
What measures and/
or design policies can be How can houses
implemented to ensure be provided within
that our town centres rural villages without
are attractive places wastewater treatment
to shop, live, visit and infrastructure in place?
work in?
How can we support,
Is there an adequate protect and enhance the
range of uses available economic viability of
in the town centres? towns and villages?
What is the best means
of improving the retail
vitality and viability of
the County?
17What options are there
regarding economic diversification
in rural areas?
Clare County Council will
try to balance the need to
accommodate rural generated
residential development, support
rural communities and increase
rural based commercial activities
against the equally important
Rural
need to protect its unique
countryside from inappropriate
development.
Development
Rural areas offer diverse and strong rural
communities and economy, balancing
sustainable harnessing of natural
resources and an existing quality of life.
18How do you think the How can we manage
County Development our natural resources
Plan can support to ensure that rural
sustainable agriculture economies and
and other rural based communities prosper in
enterprises such as a sustainable way?
forestry and renewable
energy?
How do we achieve a
sustainable balance
What services are between granting
required in the one-off houses in
countryside to the countryside and
support vibrant rural maintaining viable rural
communities? towns and villages?
19How can we
promote integration of
land-use and transport?
Sustainable transport is central
to efforts to control greenhouse
gas emissions, air pollution and
environmental damage.
Reducing reliance on the private
car is a challenging policy target,
especially in a County like Clare
Transport and with a dispersed population,
however Clare County Council
Infrastructure
are working towards delivering
alternative more sustainable
transport options.
Although Clare County Council
Transport is vital to the well-functioning are not public transport providers,
of economic activities and a key the County Development Plan
will facilitate the integration of
to ensuring social well-being and public transport into the county
cohesion of populations. Transport where possible.
ensures everyday mobility of people Shannon International Airport
is a fantastic asset to County
and is crucial to the production and
Clare that provides essential
distribution of goods. international connectivity and
acts as a gateway to Ireland’s
premier tourist locations.
Clare County Council will
proactively support and
encourage the sustainable
development of Shannon
International Airport to ensure
that it continues to grow as a key
driver of economic growth in the
Mid-West Region.
How can we support the
sustainable future of
Shannon International
Airport?
20How can we best Where should new or
promote and support improved footpaths
a modal shift towards and cycleway links and
more sustainable modes connections be located in
of transport? towns and villages?
Transport and land-use The Limerick-Shannon New infrastructure such as
planning are fundamentally Metropolitan Area Transport cycleways and walkways
linked and uses should be Strategy will be instrumental are also significant as a means
structured so that the need for in the transport planning of the of improving sustainable
travel and reliance on the private Metropolitan Area including the connectivity within and between
car is minimised. delivery of the Limerick Northern communities.
Distributor Route (LNDR) which
High quality transportation Future infrastructure needs and
will create a critical strategic
is critical to sustain, promote priorities should be included in
direct road link between Shannon
and improve our economy and the County Development Plan.
International Airport and the
standard of living.
University of Limerick –Clare
campus making it a highly
desirable prospect for foreign
inward investment.
In your opinion, what In your opinion, what
needs to be done to are the key transport
improve accessibility to and mobility issues
rural areas? affecting residents,
workers and visitors?
Should parking
standards for new How can the safety of
developments reflect vulnerable users i.e.
the need to reduce car cyclists/pedestrians be
dependency? managed?
21What is needed to
secure a better quality
communications
network throughout the
County?
The provision and maintenance of The communications sector
high-quality service infrastructure plays a substantial role in
is vital to attracting and retaining supporting development and
economic development and attracting inward investment,
improving the quality of life in the therefore it is essential that our
County. communications network is of a
high quality, reasonably priced
Investment in areas such
and available throughout the
as drinking water, waste
county.
water, energy and
telecommunications will The County Development
attract both commercial and Plan will seek to support the
residential development in the implementation of the National
County. Population growth will be Broadband Plan which is the
identified in areas with existing Government’s initiative to deliver
and planned public services and high speed broadband services to
facilities. all premises in Ireland.
What towns or villages
should be prioritised
for water/wastewater
improvements?
How can we support
agencies in the provision
of water and wastewater
infrastructure?
Are there significant
factors leading to
deterioration in the
water quality of
groundwater or rivers
and how can these be
addressed?
22What community projects
could be established to enhance,
conserve and protect heritage?
Built and Natural
Heritage,
Landscape and
Green Infrastructure
County Clare is rich in historic buildings
and structures which form part of
the architectural heritage, including
industrial and vernacular heritage.
What policies and/or
incentives could be used
to ensure that Protected
Structures are properly
maintained and do not
fall into disrepair?
23Many of these structures are County Clare has a unique
protected by legislation and landscape which includes great
included in the Record of contrasts throughout the County
Protected Structures (RPS). between the distinctive limestone
Currently there are 882 inclusions landscape of the Burren, the
on the RPS and the protection and coastal seascapes in the west and
preservation of these structures the more fertile rolling landscape
is of paramount importance. The around the shores of Lough Derg
RPS will be reviewed as part of the in the east.
new County Development Plan
The County Development Plan
making process.
will seek to ensure a balance
Architectural Conservation between the preservation of our
Areas (ACA) are places, areas, landscapes with the reality that
groups of structures or a these are living and working
townscape which are of special landscapes, requiring a measured
interest or contribute to the approach to change in the
appreciation of a protected landscape.
structure.
The natural heritage includes
The aim is to retain the overall important ecological European
special architectural or historical Designated Sites including
character of an area or place. The Special Areas of Conservation
Plan must include objectives that (SAC), Special Protection Areas
will preserve the County’s historic (SPA), proposed Natural Heritage
towns and villages while ensuring Areas (pNHA), and Geological Is the existing level of
that they are an attractive and Sites. protection for Protected
competitive place in which to live, Structures, ACAs and
Biodiversity and Heritage are Archaeology sufficient in
work and visit.
at the heart of public life, re- the County?
Archaeological Heritage enforced by the Clare County
includes physical remnants in Heritage Plan 2017-2023 and the
the landscape and form part of Clare County Biodiversity Plan
historic human activity. Many 2017-2023. Green Infrastructure
archaeological features may not is now an integral element in
be easily recognisable or visible as planning and features throughout
they can be hidden underground all planning themes of the Clare
or concealed by vegetation. County Development Plan.
The importance of protecting The Plan must seek to support
archaeology as part of the Green Infrastructure in
County’s built heritage must recognition of its value for
be provided for the County recreation amenity and the
Development Plan in terms of its proven health and well-being
preservation. benefits it provides.
24How can the new
County Development
Plan protect and
enhance the County’s
existing natural heritage
and biodiversity?
Are there any pieces of
Green Infrastructure
that you are aware of in
the County that could
be developed further to
benefit the community?
Are there areas you How can modern
would like to see living requirements be
designated as an ACA? facilitated for Protected
Structures and ACAs
without compromising
their integrity?
How can the County
Development Plan
continue to protect
the natural heritage Are there any areas of
including landscape Green infrastructure
while supporting in Clare that could be
sustainable development? sustainably developed
to provide recreational
spaces?
How could the County
Development Plan
promote and encourage How can the existing
the inclusion of Green Green Infrastructure
Infrastructure into new in the County be
developments? improved?
25In your opinion, what will be
County Clare’s key source
of renewable energy in the future?
The Clare County Development
Plan must take account of the
significant challenges that are
present as a result of the effects
of climate change. It is critical
Climate Change, that the Plan sets out policies
and objectives that support the
Renewable Energy
development of a low-carbon,
climate resilient County.
and Environment
The National Climate Action
Plan sets the ambitious targets
of 50% Energy Efficiency and
30% greenhouse gas emissions
reduction by 2030. The County
Protecting and improving our
Development Plan will seek to
environment and heritage is important fulfil these targets through the
for all those who work, live and visit establishment of objectives
relating to decarbonisation,
County Clare. We therefore recognise resource efficiency and climate
and understand the importance resilience.
of protecting our precious natural
environment and the potential adverse
impacts of climate change.
26Renewable and Wind Energy Clare County Council recognise A Strategic Flood Risk Assessment
Strategies help to guide the and understand the importance (SFRA) will be carried out and
transition away from fossil fuel of protecting the natural the County Development Plan
use towards a renewable, low- environment and the potential will be subject to Strategic
carbon energy future. The adverse impacts of climate Environmental Assessment (SEA)
County Development Plan will change, evidenced by recent and Appropriate Assessment (AA)
consider the future of renewable extreme weather events, on our to consider its potential effects
energy sources within the county way of life and want to reduce on the natural environment and
to ensure that they are up to date the risks to a minimum. on European Protected Sites and
and align with the objectives their networks.
of the NPF, RSES and national
guidelines.
What renewable energy How do you think the
How can the County
do you consider most County Development
Development Plan
efficient? Plan could facilitate
actively engage and raise
the integration of
awareness and help
climate adaptation into
reduce the impact of
What are the main development planning?
climate change?
environmental issues
facing Clare and
how can the County How can the pressure
Development Plan for development in areas
address these? at risk of flooding be
managed?
How can the County
Development Plan tailor How can the County
its policies on renewable Development Plan
energy to support this achieve a balance between
industry but also protect the growth of the County
the landscapes, amenity and the protection of the
and ecology? environment?
How can the County How can the County
Development Plan Development Plan
facilitate the transition best promote the
to a low carbon society? conservation of energy
and minimise its usage?
What measures could
be implemented to What policies and
encourage householders objectives could be
and commercial set out in the Plan to
businesses to reduce expand or incentivise
waste and increase small scale renewable
recycling? energy developments,
for communities or
individual homes?
27How can the
County Development Plan
support cultural
development in Clare?
It is important that the residents of
County Clare have a high quality
of life and that the county is an
attractive place to live, work and
socialise in. Clare County Council
Social, Community recognise there is a need to create
high quality social and community
and Cultural
infrastructure for all sectors of
society in both our towns and
villages.
Development Community facilities include
the provision of libraries, schools,
childcare facilities, open space,
playgrounds, leisure facilities
Clare County Council continues to strive
and health centres. Walkability
to create vibrant, healthy and inclusive Audits undertaken for Ennis and
communities that are accessible to all Kilrush, the Clare Age Friendly
Plan 2018-2020, the Healthy Clare
and have the ability to grow sustainably. Strategic Plan 2019-2021 and the
Clare Rural Development Strategy
2026 will assist in formulating the
policies and objectives in the new
Development Plan.
The Development Plan will
examine all the settlements within
the County and identify suitable
areas for community facilities
County Clare has a rich and
varied cultural tradition, with
its reputation worldwide for
traditional music. Ennis hosted
the National Fleadh Cheoil in
2016 and 2017, the All Ireland
Golf Tournament in Lahinch in
2019 and there are numerous
festivals and fleadhs held year-
round throughout the towns and
villages.
28Are the educational How can the new
needs of the population County Development
from pre-primary Plan facilitate the
to lifelong learning provision of childcare
adequately met in facilities in the right
County Clare? locations?
Are there any arts/ How can the County
cultural facilities that Development Plan
are lacking in the facilitate the demand
County? for sports and leisure
How can the County facilities within the
Development Plan County?
facilitate the transition
Are the needs of
towards Clare becoming
different cultural,
an Age Friendly County?
ethnic, youth, elderly, How can the new
disabled groups County Development
being adequately Plan support and protect
accommodated in our the viability of our
County? Rural Communities?
29How can you
get involved…
Community Groups, individuals, Submission or observations can be made
between 18th September 2020 – 16th
stakeholders, children or groups November 2020 inclusive. The deadline for
/associations representing submissions is 4pm on Monday the 16th
November 2020. Further information and all
the interests of children,
updates are available on Clare County Council
are all encouraged to make Twitter, Instagram and Facebook and
submissions or observations to www.clarecdp2022-2028.clarecoco.ie
the Planning Authority. Please note that requests or proposals
for the zoning of areas of land for any
We would welcome your views on any of the purpose cannot be considered at this
issues and question raised in this Issues Paper, stage of the process.
or on any other issues that you may consider
important to be included in the new County The Planning Department will be holding an
Development Plan. informal public event when you can come
and talk to us directly and let us know what
The focus is on strategic issues i.e. the big you think the new County Development
picture so proposals or requests for zoning of Plan should include. This will be subject to
particular lands will not be considered at this Covid-19 government public health guidance
stage. There will be an opportunity to make and will be by appointment only which can
submissions on zoning later in the process. be made by calling the Forward Planning
Section on 065 6846451.
Save the date
Thursday 1st October 2020 between
2pm and 8pm in the Foyee of
Clare County Council Offices,
Clare County Council,
Áras Contae an Chláir,
New Road, Ennis,
Co. Clare
V95 DXP2
30Where do I send my
Submission or Observation?
In writing to:
Development Plan Review
Planning Department
Clare County Council
Áras Contae an Chláir
New Road, Ennis
County Clare
V95 DXP2
or email: The closing date
for receipt of
submissions is:
forwardplan@clarecoco.ie
subject headline should read:
“Development Plan Review”
4pm
Monday 16th November 2020
Please make your submissions/ Submissions received after this deadline
observations by one medium only cannot be accepted.
i.e. hard copy or email.
N.B. As this is a public consultation process,
Submissions should include your name submissions will be made available on the Clare
and address where relevant, details of any County Council website for public viewing and
organisation, community group or company consequently personal details such as address,
etc. which you represent. email address and phone number should be
submitted on a separate sheet accompanying
the submission or observation.
31This is your plan
Your opinion matters
play your part
Áras Contae an Chláir
New Road, Ennis
County Clare V95 DXP2
www.clarecoco.ieYou can also read
