Galway County Development Plan 2009 – 2015 Variation No1 – 21/07/2011
2.0
CORE STRATEGY AND SPATIAL PLANNING
2.1
INTRODUCTION
The Development Plan Core Strategy sets out how the development objectives in the
development plan are consistent with the National Spatial Strategy and the West Regional
Planning Guidelines adopted in October 2010. The Core Strategy establishes an evidence
based strategy for the spatial development of County Galway 2009-2015.In preparing the
strategy, the Planning Authority has taken into account:
• The strategic aims of the National Spatial Strategy 2002-2020;
• The strategic aims and strategies of the West Regional Planning Guidelines 2010;
• The regional population targets set out by the Minister for the Environment Heritage
and Local Government in the Regional Planning Guidelines Review, Gateway and
Hub Population targets, August 2009.
• The goals , policies and objectives set out in the Regional Planning Guidelines for the
West Region.
The Core Strategy, which is required by legislation to be consistent with both the National
Spatial Strategy and the West Regional Planning Guidelines, seeks to realise the broad
development principles as set out in these documents as they relate to County Galway.
The Core Strategy of the Development Plan also sets out Core Aims that will define and
shape population distribution, preferred growth locations and consequent land use zonings
to be implemented through Local Area Plans.
2.2
NATIONAL AND REGIONAL POPULATION TARGETS
The Regional Planning Guidelines Review, Gateway and Hub Population Targets, issued by
the DoEHLG in October 2009, sets out population targets for the State and each of the
regions up to 2022. In accordance with the guidance in the document, the West Regional
Authority Guidelines allocated the Regional population with a maximum target at County
level and minimum targets at Gateway and Hub level. These targets for the county and for
Tuam Hub are set out in Table A.
The Core Strategy is supported by strategic economic development policies, including Retail
policies, in Chapter 4, the Settlement Strategy in Chapter 3, rural housing policies and the
Housing Strategy (Chapter 5) and the strategic policies relating to infrastructure, energy,
transport and mobility (Chapter 6 and 7) and Gaeltacht issues. The strategy and the
development objectives as set out in this Plan are consistent, as far as is practicable, with
the conservation and protection of the environment.
2.3
CORE AIMS
•
To provide for the growth of County Galway towards a long term target population
of up to 198,500 by 2022 and to distribute that part of the population growth
anticipated up to 2016 in line with the settlement strategy as indicated in the West
Regional planning guidelines, focusing a greater rate of growth in the Galway
Gateway and the Hub town of Tuam. The continuing support for appropriately
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Galway County Development Plan 2009 – 2015 Variation No1 – 21/07/2011
scaled development in key service towns, lower tier towns and villages in a
sequential manner will remain a priority while recognising the role that new
infrastructure and public transportation links will play in their future and in
maintaining the viability of rural communities in the hinterlands of these towns and
villages.
• To build on the regional-level linkages between County Galway, the Galway Gateway
and other parts of the West Region by supporting the implementation of regional
spatial strategies as set out in the West Regional Planning Guidelines 2010 and cooperating on areas of mutual planning interest;
• To ensure a high level of environmental protection in the implementation of the
strategic aims and objectives of the plan through the observance of all legal
requirements with regard to Strategic Environmental Assessment, Habitats Directive
Assessment, Water Framework Directive and Floods Directive, as appropriate.
2.4
STRATEGY
The Core Strategy builds on the Spatial Strategy outlined in Chapter 3 and proposes a
structured approach to spatial planning and the settlement strategy founded on the
principles set out at Regional level and the aim of achieving a well-developed urban
structure supporting diverse rural areas. The Strategy has been influenced by national
legislation and other EU Directives including the SEA Directive, Habitats Directive, Floods
Directive and Water Framework Directive and incorporates wider planning, economic and
social objectives. The strategy follows a structured yet flexible approach to development,
and focuses on building strong urban centres and generating critical mass in the Galway
Gateway, the Tuam Hub and a restricted number of towns. Economic, technical, social and
environmental considerations have been explored with particular regard to the capacity of
settlements to contribute to the objectives of the Core Strategy and which are consistent
with the Spatial Planning Strategy, having regard to opportunities for public or sustainable
travel and the availability of existing and planned critical water and waste water
infrastructure.
The population projections for the West Region, the Hub town of Tuam and for the
remainder of the County as set out in the Regional Guidelines are the starting point of the
Core Strategy population. The strategy then focuses on distributing the projected
population growth for the plan period to those settlements where such growth can help
achieve the strategic targets of balanced sustainable development and strengthen their role
as key service towns and lower tier towns for a sustainable hinterland population. The
strategy should also help inform future infrastructural investment decisions so that strategic
development and investment become more aligned.
The existing settlement strategy has been rationalised to reflect these principles and is
based on capitalising on existing and future service infrastructure whilst providing a focus
for the continued support of the rural areas. Rural populations will continue to be
supported through the settlement centres and through a sustainable, flexible approach to
maintaining rural economy and population, balanced against responsible environmental
protection.
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Galway County Development Plan 2009 – 2015 Variation No1 – 21/07/2011
The SEA Environmental Report identifies the water and wastewater capacity and shortfalls
in the various schemes within the county and this is highlighted in Table B. The Water
Services Investment Programme 2010-2012 aims to remedy capacity issues in the areas with
a shortfall, with indicative timeframes for various projects set out. Settlements with planned
infrastructural upgrades/schemes are also included in Table B.
The Strategy, together with any new ministerial guidelines that may issue, will influence the
development of any new retail development policies or strategy that will be prepared by the
Council in conjunction with Galway City Council during the lifetime of the Plan.
The variations in growth rates combine to direct almost 65% of all new population growth as
projected in the Regional planning Guidelines for Galway County, including Tuam Hub, over
the plan period to these settlements.
The distribution of this additional population as shown in Table A is based on the projected
overall growth rate for County Galway as set out in the Regional Planning Guidelines but
with a varied growth rate for the settlements to reflect the strategic nature of certain
settlements based on factors such as opportunities for public or sustainable travel, potential
employment opportunities, proximity of major transportation links and the availability of
existing and planned critical water and waste water infrastructure.
See Table A
The Core Strategy Map provides an illustrative depiction of the Core Strategy and spatial
planning strategy for the County. The main strategic elements of the strategy are described
and illustrated below followed by more detailed maps depicting the spatial planning and
settlement strategy.
Mitigation of potential negative impacts on the Natura 2000 network of implementation of
the Variation is ameliorated through existing Development Plan policies HL4, HL31-35, HL4650 for impacts on ecology, HL88-91 for impacts on water protection and IS15-18 for
potential impacts on waste water. As previously highlighted, the Core Strategy has been
subjected to and informed by SEA, which examines the likely significant effects on the
environment of implementing the Development Plan and by Habitats Directive Assessment
which examines the likely impact on the Natura 2000 network in accordance with the
Habitats Directive.
2.5
STRATEGIC SPATIAL PLANNING POLICIES
The Spatial Planning objectives and the settlement strategy as shown on Maps SP1 – SP5
inclusive were derived from a simple assessment of the likely impact of each of the
alternatives considered in the Strategic Environmental Assessment (SEA). The alternative
chosen and then expanded upon in the Spatial Strategy and Settlement Strategy policies and
objectives is Alternative 2 – Structured Development Strategy – Well Developed Urban
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Structure supporting Diverse Rural Areas. This is reflected in the policies and objectives to
build a strong urban gateway and hub with a network of smaller service centres throughout
the county, directing growth to the emerging public transportation corridors but balanced
against the strong culture of sustainable rural living the county.
The major strategic elements of the spatial planning and settlement strategy for the County
are set out below:
Policy SP1:
The promotion and development of the Galway Gateway and Tuam
as a Hub Town – a nationally significant urban centre, whose location
and scale support the desired critical mass necessary to sustain strong
levels of economic growth and prosperity in the West and a strong,
independent hub to support the spatial strategy at national, regional and
local level, together with improved connectivity between the gateway and
hub to enhance their complementary status and development.
Policy SP2:
Support the role of Ardaun, Garraun and the Galway Metropolitan
Area as key elements in the future strategic growth of the Galway
Gateway and Galway County in a plan led, sustainable manner
focussed on integrated land uses and transportation opportunities.
Policy SP3
The careful management of growth in the Galway Transportation and
Land Use Study Area, in particular, the commuter zone of the greater
Galway City area needs strong policies to shape and direct growth. This
area corresponds with what the NSS describes as ‘rural areas under
strong urban influences’.
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Galway County Development Plan 2009 – 2015 Variation No1 – 21/07/2011
Policy SP4
The co-ordination of new growth within the emerging new
transportation and economic corridors in the key towns identified in the
Core Strategy throughout the County in order to create more sustainable
development patterns and to optimise public and private investment. The
development of the Western Rail Corridor and new commuter services,
together with significant road network improvement during the plan period
will have a major impact on development and settlement patterns.
Policy SP5
The development of Key Support Towns to serve rural areas.
Throughout much of County Galway, there is a need to address the
imbalance at County level and build on the strengths and scale of existing
settlements and to assist in promoting, sustaining and diversifying the
rural economy.
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Policy SP6
Policy SP7:
The protection and strengthening of vulnerable rural communities
and the promotion of diverse and sustainable rural areas and
villages. Significant residential growth has taken place in the form of
ribbonised development on rural roads, in the hinterland of the City. The
more peripheral areas of the County have continued to experience
depopulation and economic decline, which has resulted in continuing rural
decline and the loss of community services in small towns and villages.
Further residential growth must be deployed in a manner consistent with
sustainable principles and the balanced development of the County.
The protection and management of the areas and assets of the
County that contribute to the unique visual and environmental character
and sense of identity of the County and which underpin tourism, heritage
and quality of life.
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Policy SP8:
2.6
While it is accepted that gateway boundaries have been formally
established, it is considered by Galway County Council, based on
emerging patterns of development, settlement and economic and social
ties, that the Galway Metropolitan Area associated with the Galway
gateway is an important, spatially definable area which is supported by
ongoing investment in critical infrastructure, e.g., road, rail, water, waste
water, electricity and gas investment which has and is taking place and
which has provided the economic infrastructure to support the gateway.
A key element in the development of the Galway gateway and associated
Galway Metropolitan Area will be the preparation of an overarching
framework plan which will be integrated into the County and City
settlement strategies and should incorporate plans for emerging
development such as Ardaun, Briarhill and Garraun and the
implementation of an integrated land use and transportation strategy
(based on the Galway Transportation and Planning Study) and to
incorporate balanced County development.
STRATEGIC SPATIAL PLANNING OBJECTIVES
Objective SP1:
Objective SP2:
The Council will seek to direct development in such a manner as is
appropriate to achieve the overall aims of the Core Strategy in line with
the social, economic and environmental characteristics of the County and
building on the strengths and attributes of the existing settlements,
emerging transport patterns and communications and the distinctive
characteristics of the identified rural areas of the County.
The Council will support and seek to secure investment in the necessary
infrastructure to pursue the spatial and settlement strategies as set out
herewith in this Plan.
2.1.1
Objective SP3:
2.1.2
The Council will support and seek to secure investment for the
advancement of the East Galway Waste Water Treatment Plant and the
completion of the Western Rail Corridor and other critical enabling
infrastructure identified as necessary to achieve the objectives of the Core
Strategy during the plan period.
2.1.3
2.1.4
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Objective SP4:
Objective SP5
Objective SP6:
The Council will investigate the potential for development of integrated
transportation hubs at Tuam, Garraun and at Athenry to maximise the
strategic integration of transport and rational land uses.
The Council will seek to manage development and interact with the
relevant state bodies and private investors, in order to achieve key
strategic objectives, particularly those that relate to the development of the
strategic economic corridor. The Council will seek to control inappropriate
development or development which may be incompatible with the
achievement of key strategic objectives, particularly in relation to the
implementation of the Core Strategy and development in the strategic
economic corridor.
The Council will have regard at all times to the environmental and
ecological designations, characteristics and sensitivities in the pursuit of
the proposed strategy.
2.1.5
Objective SP7:
2.1.6
Consider the preparation of sub-county local area plans for geographically
cohesive areas such as the coastal belt, the City/County interface areas,
south-eastern uplands, etc to bring about greater social, economic and
environmental connectivity between settlements and their rural
hinterlands.
2.1.7
Objective SP8:
The Council shall seek to review the Galway Transportation and Land Use
Study within the lifetime of the County Development Plan 2009-2015
subject to funding and in cooperation with Galway City Council.
Objective SP9 The council shall establish a monitoring and review mechanism to track the
implementation of the Core Strategy through the various Local Area Plans and
through key indicators for transportation, environmental monitoring and other
factors relevant to the wider County Area.
Objective SP10 The Council shall undertake a review of all statutorily required Local Area
Plans within a year from the date of adoption of the Variation of the County
Development Plan to ratify the Core Strategy and ensure that such Local Area
Plans are adopted in line with the broad principles of the Core Strategy and the
County Development Plan. Other Local Area Plans shall be reviewed in
keeping with legislative requirements.
Eastern Strategic Corridor and the Atlantic Corridor
The policies of the National Development Plan, the National Spatial Strategy and the West Regional
Planning Guidelines promote balanced regional development based on specific growth targets for the
Region, the counties of the region, the Galway Gateway and Tuam Hub. In order to implement these
policies, Galway County Council in consultation with other relevant organisations, has identified a
strategic corridor to the east of Galway City which is endowed with a high concentration of valuable
infrastructure. The lands concerned are located approximately two kilometres to the north and the
south of the Dublin – Galway rail line between Attymon station and the N18 level crossing at
Oranmore (see Map SP4). The area as shown on the map is indicative only. The designation of the
Strategic\Economic Corridor was based on a framework plan which was commissioned to address the
need to accommodate Regionally Strategic Industrial sites. This Framework Plan is indicative only
and should not be relied upon as an indicator of land uses within the defined corridor.
The Atlantic Corridor is promoted nationally, as a second strategic economic and transportation
corridor to channel development to provide a counterbalance at national level to the Eastern corridor
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(Belfast – Dublin) and is a strong element of the National Spatial Strategy and National Development
Plan (2007-2013). The Council is committed to enhancing, promoting and protecting the potential of
both of these Strategic Corridors.
The objectives for the Eastern Strategic corridor include:
1. To upgrade, improve and maximise the infrastructural facilities available within the corridor.
2. To seek to reserve lands to support nationally and regionally significant activities and to attract
specialist enterprise development that is large scale or high value.
3. To facilitate opportunities for science and technology based employment.
4. To ensure development is compatible with the enhancement, preservation and protection of the
environment and cultural resources recognised within the corridor.
5. To identify sites of adequate size and location to accommodate necessary infrastructure or
support activities which would not be appropriate in proximity to centres of population or sensitive
environments or environmentally sensitive economic activities.
6. To inform and to aid the preparation of Local Area Plans for strategic areas and those
surrounding immediate environs within the corridor.
Within the strategic corridor between the City and Athenry, it is proposed that uses such as electronic,
biotechnological and pharmaceutical industries, power plants, integrated chemical installations,
railway lines with associated services, waste treatment facilities, pipelines for the transport of steam,
hot water or chemicals, over-head power lines, water storage and distribution works – including
reservoirs, forestry, peat extraction, wind farms, knowledge based economic activity including
laboratories, research and development facilities, appropriate, compatible and serviced recreational
and amenity facilities, outreach industry based higher educational facilities and car parking will be
considered.
1. Each individual development may be sited within the corridor in isolation from other proposed or
potential developments if it is considered expedient to do so.
2. Other uses which are considered ancillary to these primary uses will be open for consideration
within the corridor and will include groundwater abstraction and recharge projects.
3. Consideration will be given to other compatible or ancillary land uses providing that their location,
layout and use are not likely to significantly compromise the optimum utilisation of this area.
4. Development adjacent to and surrounding the strategic corridor will be assessed in the context of
the permitted uses suggested above and the potential growth of the core strategic corridor.
5. The Planning Authority will endeavour to secure the infrastructure necessary to advance the
development of the strategic corridor within the lifetime of the Plan.
6. The Planning Authority will actively encourage and facilitate development of the type identified as
desirable in the Strategic Corridor within the lifetime of the Plan, having regard to but not
restricted by the findings and recommendations of the Framework Plan on which the designation
of Strategic Economic Corridor within the County Development Plan is based.
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