Killarney Town Development Plan 2009-2015

Transcription

Killarney
Town Development Plan
2009-2015
The Killarney Town Development Plan 2009-2015 sets out the polices of
Killarney Town Council for the development of Killarney town
over a 6 year period.
This document is to be read in conjunction with
the SEA Statement and accompanying maps.
Killarney
Town Development Plan
2009-2015
Killarney Town Development Plan 2009 - 2015
Introduction
1
1.1
Statutory Policy Context
2
1.2
Sustainable Urban Development Guidelines (Draft) 2008
3
1.3
Tralee/ Killarney HUB Plan 2007-2020
4
1.4
The Killarney Masterplan, 2005
4
1.5
Killarney Town Development Plan 2009-2015
4
1.6
Review Process
5
1.7
Key Objectives of the Killarney Development Plan 2009-2015
5
1.8
Structure of the Development Plan
6
1.9
Constraints on future development
6
1.10
Appropriate Assessment
7
1.11
Strategic Environmental Assessment
7
CONTENTS
CHAPTER 1
CHAPTER 2
Population
9
2.1
Context: Demographic and Socio Economic trends
10
2.2
Killarney in Context
11
2.3
Projected Population Growth 2009 – 2015
11
2.4
Tralee/Killarney Hub Plan
12
3.1
Housing Context
14
3.2
Objectives
14
3.3
Housing Strategy
14
3.4
Social & Affordable Housing
15
3.5
Neighbourhood Concept
16
3.6
Housing Protection Areas
17
3.7
Traveller Accommodation
18
3.8
Housing of the Elderly and persons with special needs
19
3.9
Homelessness
20
3.10
Regeneration
21
CHAPTER 3
Housing
i
CONTENTS
CHAPTER 4
Social Inclusion
23
4.1
Context
24
4.2
Overall Objectives
24
4.3
Social Inclusion defined
25
4.4
Provision of Community facilities including Childcare and Healthcare
26
4.5
Healthcare
27
4.6
St Finan’s
28
4.7
Care for the elderly
28
4.8
Education/ Outreach Programmes
29
4.9
School Needs Assessment
29
4.10
Social wealth - Community Facilities/ Community Based Care Facilities
30
4.11
Urban Design
31
4.12
Neighbourhood Centres
32
4.13
Integrated Green Network
33
4.14
Natural and Man Made Heritage - Heritage Trails
34
4.15
Public Art Policy
35
4.16
Burial Grounds
36
4.17
Amenity & Open Space
37
4.18
Leisure Facilities
38
4.19
Appropriate levels of Public Open Spaces
38
4.20
Loss of Recreational Open Space
39
4.21
Pedestrian Linkages/Walkways/Rights-of-Way
40
4.22
Social Capital
41
4.23
Building Local Democracy
41
CHAPTER 5
Enterprise & Development
ii
43
5.1
Context
44
5.2
Tralee-Killarney Linked Hub
44
5.3
Mixed Use Zone Lands north of Town by pass in Kerry County Council Administrative Area
45
5.4
Strategic Objectives
45
5.5
Lands for employment provision
46
43
5.6
Light industry and related uses
47
5.7
Telecommunications infrastructure
48
5.8
Knowledge Based Industries
49
5.9
Creative economy
50
5.10
Enterprise Centres
51
5.11
Home based economic activity.
52
5.12
E-communities/regeneration of communities.
53
5.13
Office development/office based industry
54
5.14
The economy in the Plan period: Priorities for different sectors. - Manufacturing (Clean)
55
5.15
Non conforming uses
56
5.16
Brownfield development
57
5.17
Childcare facilities
58
CONTENTS
CHAPTER 5 (continued)
CHAPTER 6
Retail Development
59
6.1
Context.
60
6.2
Research
60
6.3
The Retail Strategy for Killarney Town
61
6.4
Retail development since the Killarney Development Plan 2003.
61
6.5
Strategic Objectives of the Council
61
6.6
Retail Hierarchy in Killarney
63
6.7
63
6.8
The preferred location for new retail development
64
6.9
Definitions of Retail Uses
71
6.10
Future Retail Development
71
6.11
Non conforming retail
73
6.12
Betting Offices
74
6.13
Definitions of types of Convenience Good Shopping as per Retail Planning Guidelines
75
6.14
Definitions of types of Comparison Goods Shopping as per Retail Planning Guidelines
75
iii
CONTENTS
CHAPTER 7
Tourism
77
7.1
Context
78
7.2
Heritage and Visitor Attractions
78
7.3
Activities
79
7.4
Tourism Product Development Strategy 2007-2013
80
7.5
Recent trends and pressures.
80
7.6
Strategic Approach to Tourism Development
81
7.7
Strategic Framework
82
7.8
82
CHAPTER 8
Infrastructure
87
8.0
Context
88
8.1
Roads, Traffic, Pedestrian and Transportation Issues
88
8.2
Water Supply, Wastewater and Waste Management
96
8.3
Water Supply, Wastewater and Waste Management Issues – Objectives
96
8.4
Telecommunications and Electricity
105
CHAPTER 9
Natural Heritage, Biodiversity & Conservation
iv
107
9.0
Context
108
9.1
Statutory framework
108
9.2
Killarney context
108
9.3
Kerry County Council Heritage Biodiversity Plan 2008-2012
108
9.4
Integration of natural heritage and recreation facilities
109
9.5
Overall Objectives
109
9.6
Biodiversity
110
9.7
Statutory context
110
9.8
Kerry County Council Biodiversity Plan 2008-2012
111
9.9
Biodiversity that makes Killarney unique
111
9.10
Threats to Biodiversity
111
9.11
Conservation and Protection areas - Relevant Legislation
112
Natural Heritage, Biodiversity & Conservation
107
9.12
Other relevant Conservation designations
113
9.13
Flora Protection Order
113
9.14
Refuge for Fauna or Flora
113
9.15
Wildfowl Sanctuaries
113
9.16
Management Agreements
114
9.17
Killarney National Park
114
9.18
Management Plan for Killarney National Park
114
9.19
Habitats Assessment
116
9.20
Landscape preservation
116
9.21
Tree protection
118
9.22
Energy Efficiency & Climate Change
119
9.23
Flood Prevention
121
CONTENTS
CHAPTER 10
Built Heritage
123
10.1
Built Heritage
124
10.2
Architectural Heritage
124
10.3
Archaeological Heritage
124
10.4
Relevant legislation
124
10.5
Overall Objectives of the Council
124
10.6
Protected Structures and the Record of Protected Structures.
126
10.7
Components of a Protected Structure.
126
10.8
Declaration of Works
126
10.9
Demolition of Protected Structures
126
10.10
Urban rejuvenation
128
10.11
Damage by fire
129
10.12
Surrounding environment
130
10.13
Rezoning of lands
131
10.14
Adaptive Reuse
132
10.15
Alterations and extensions
133
10.16
Internal modifications
134
10.17
Access to Protected Structures
135
v
CONTENTS
Built Heritage
123
10.18
Architectural Conservation Areas (ACA’s)
136
10.19
Relevant Legislation
136
10.20
136
10.21
Public Spaces
137
10.22
138
10.23
Relevant Legislation
138
10.24
Record of Monument and Places (RMP)
138
10.25
Objectives of the Council
138
CHAPTER 11
Area Action Plans
vi
143
11.1
FLESK RIVER VALLEY ACTION AREA PLAN AAP
144
11.2
Objective of the Flesk Action Area Plan
144
11.3
The proposed N22/N71 Link Road
145
11.4
Location and Land-use
145
11.5
Environmental and Social Context
145
11.6
Guidance for Proposed Development
146
11.7
Land Use Zoning Objectives
146
11.8
INNER CORE ACTION AREA PLAN (AAP)
147
11.9
Location and Use
147
11.10
Physical and Social Context
148
11.11
Objective for the Inner Core
148
11.12
Guidance to ensure the implementation of the objectives set out above Components of the Plan
149
11.13
Phasing
149
11.14
Design Guidance
149
11.15
NORTHERN GATEWAY ACTION AREA PLAN (NGAAP)
150
11.16
Potential
151
11.17
Land-Use
151
11.18
Overall Objectives for the Northern Gateway
151
11.19
Groundwater/Wastewater Discharge
152
11.20
Policies to ensure the implementation of the objectives set out above.
152
Area Action Plans
143
11.21
Actions
153
11.22
159
11.23
Future Action Area Plans
160
CONTENTS
CHAPTER 12
Land Use Zoning Objectives and Development Management Standards
161
12.1
Introduction
162
12.2
Action Area Plans
162
12.3
163
12.4
Transitional Areas
167
12.5
Phased Development
167
12.6
Development Control Standards
167
12.7
Requirements for New Residential Developments
167
12.8
Residential Densities
169
12.9
Site Coverage and plot ratio
169
12.10
Densities
170
12.11
Residential layout and design
170
12.12
Private Open Space
171
12.13
Public Open Space
171
12.14
Design of Public Open Space
172
12.15
Trees and hedgerows Preservation
172
12.16
Reduced Provision of public open space
173
12.17
Invasive Species
173
12.18
Provision of Sports and Recreational Facilities
173
12.19
Play space
173
12.20
Apartments
174
12.21
Apartment Open Space
174
12.22
Daylight and Sunlight
175
12.23
Storage Areas and Communal Facilities
175
12.24
Building Design
175
12.25
Building Lines
176
12.26
Infill Developments
176
vii
CONTENTS
viii
161
12.27
Laneways
176
12.28
Brownfield Development
177
12.29
Building Height
177
12.30
Viewing Tower
178
12.31
Separation Distances between Houses
178
12.32
Boundary Treatments
178
12.33
Bin storage standards/ Home Composting
178
12.34
Placenames/Estate Names
178
12.35
Dark Skies
179
12.36
Good Neighbour Outdoor Lighting
179
12.37
Roads and Parking
179
12.38
Types of Street
180
12.39
Cycle provision
181
12.40
Sustainable Building
181
12.41
Change of use and alterations to dwellings
182
12.42
Home based Activities
182
12.43
Parking in front gardens
182
12.44
Archaeology
183
12.45
Commercial Development
183
12.46
Tourist Accommodation Signage
184
12.47
Advertising Control
185
12.48
Security Shutters
185
12.49
Public Services
186
12.50
Wheelie Bin Storage
186
12.51
Noise Control
186
12.52
Access to Backlands
186
12.53
Car parking Standards
186
12.54
Access for the Disabled/Mobility Impaired
187
12.55
Visually Impaired
187
12.56
Petrol Filling Stations
187
12.57
Nursing Homes
188
12.58
Childcare crèches / Playschools
188
12.59
Multi Storey Car Parks
189
161
12.60
Hot food take-aways
189
12.61
Archaeology
189
12.62
Protected Structures
189
12.63
Local shopping provision
190
12.64
Commercial Guest Accommodation
190
12.65
Caravan & Camping Parks
190
12.66
General Development Considerations
190
12.67
Future Publication of Standards & Guidelines
191
CONTENTS
ix
CONTENTS
x
Tables
Table 1:
Population in Killarney Town and Environs 1986-2006
10
Table 2:
Population Projections 2009 – 2015 (Killarney Town*)
11
Table 3:
Population and household growth in local areas 2009-2015 *
11
Table 4:
Population projections of the Hub Towns 2020 *
12
Table 5:
Admission to Visitor Attractions in the Killarney Area
79
Table 6:
Tourist Accommodation in Killarney, 2006
79
Table 7:
Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, Threats (SWOT) analysis of Killarney’s Tourism base * 81
Table 8:
Protective Status and designations
112
Table 9:
List of Tree Preservation Orders (TPO’s) and their Location
119
Table 10: Open space standards
173
Table 11: Lighting Specifications
179
Table 12: Lighting Specifications on or near structures
179
CONTENTS
Appendices
Appendix 1
193
Appendix 2
197
Appendix 3
199
Appendix 4
201
Appendix 5
205
Appendix 6
221
Appendix 7
225
xi
Introduction
Aim: “To administer, protect and facilitate the sustainable development of
the town in the interests of Killarney’s citizens and tourists”.
CHAPTER 1
CHAPTER 1 INTRODUCTION
1.1
Statutory Policy Context
1.1.5
A development plan is obliged to include objectives for:
• The zoning of land for the use solely or primarily of
1.1.1
The Killarney Town Development Plan 2009 outlines
particular areas for particular purposes (whether
the Councils policies and objectives for the
residential, commercial, industrial, agricultural,
development of Killarney Town to 2015. The plan was
recreational, as open space or otherwise, or a
formally adopted on the 23rd of March 2009.
mixture of those uses), where and to such extent as
the proper planning and sustainable development
1.1.2
In accordance with Section 11 of the Planning and
of the area, in the opinion of the planning authority,
Development Act 2000-2006, Killarney Town Council
requires the uses to be indicated;
commenced the process of reviewing the current
Killarney Town Development Plan 2003–2009 and the
preparation of a new Development Plan for the Town.
• The provision or facilitation of infrastructure
including transport, energy and communication
facilities, water supplies, waste recovery and
1.1.3
Under Section 11 of the Act, the Planning Authority is
disposal facilities (regard having been had to the
obliged to give notice of its intention to review its
waste management plan for the area made in
existing plan and prepare a new plan for its area,
accordance with the Waste Management Act, 1996),
engage in public consultations and invite written
waste water services, and ancillary facilities;
submissions/observations concerning the review
process.
• The conservation and protection of the
environment including, in particular, the
1.1.4
In accordance with Section 10 of the Planning and
archaeological and natural heritage and the
Development Act 2000-2006 (as amended), a
conservation and protection of European sites and
development plan shall set out an overall strategy for
any other sites which may be prescribed for the
the proper planning and sustainable development of
purposes of this paragraph;
the town and shall consist of a written statement (s)
and a plan or plans indicating the development
objectives for the area in question.
• The integration of the planning and sustainable
development of the area with the social,
community and cultural requirements of the area
and its population;
2
1.1.6
A Development Plan shall also include a Housing and
where, and to the extent that, in the opinion of the
Retail Strategy providing for the housing needs and
Planning Authority, the proper planning and
retail development for the existing and future
sustainable development of the area requires it,
population of the area.
including the preservation of views and prospects
and the amenities of places and features of natural
1.1.7
beauty or interest;
In reviewing the Development Plan regard must be
had to the existing planning framework and the
hierarchy of plans in operation to which the Planning
• The protection of structures, or parts of structures,
• The preservation of the character of the landscape
Authority is obliged to have regard i.e. the Planning
which are of special architectural, historical,
and Development Act 2000-2006 (as amended), the
archaeological, artistic, cultural, scientific, social or
National Spatial Strategy (NSS) 2002 – 2020,
technical interest;
Sustainable Urban Development Guidelines (draft)
2008, the Regional Planning Guidelines (RPG) 2004 and
• The preservation of the character of architectural
any existing plans in force. In addition the review must
conservation areas;
take account of the Kerry County Development Plan
2003 – 2009, the Tralee/Killarney Hub Plan 2006 –
• The development and renewal of areas in need of
2012, the County Development Board Strategy:
regeneration;
Meitheal Chiarraí 2002 – 2011, the Kerry Heritage and
Biodiversity Plan 2003 – 2007, the Killarney Masterplan
• The provision of accommodation for travellers, and
2003 and the Killarney National Park Management Plan
the use of particular areas for that purpose;
2005 – 2009, all of which are guiding development in a
certain way.
•
The preservation, improvement and extension of
amenities and recreational amenities;
1.2
Sustainable Urban Development
Guidelines (Draft) 2008
1.2.1
These draft guidelines act as a blueprint for the future
• The control, having regard to the provisions of the
Major Accidents Directive and any regulations,
under any enactment, giving effect to that
sustainable development of Irish cities, towns and
Directive, of:
villages in the coming years, addressing specific issues
1. Siting of new establishments,
in the consideration of residential development. When
2. Modification of existing establishments, and
adopted, these will replace the 1999 Residential
3. Development in the vicinity of such establishments
Density Guidelines.
for the purposes of reducing the risk, or limiting the
consequences of a major accident;
1.2.2
The guidelines are focused on creating sustainable
communities by incorporating the highest design
standards and providing a coordinated approach to
• The provision, or facilitation of the provision, of
the delivery of essential infrastructure and services.
services for the community including, in particular,
schools, crèches and other education and childcare
facilities, and
1.2.3
They seek to balance the needs and interests of all
stakeholders and provide a robust structure within
• The protection of the linguistic and cultural heritage
which future development can be managed. They aim
of the Gaeltacht including the promotion of Irish as
to improve not just the quality of housing
the community language, where there is a Gaeltacht
developments themselves, but also to ensure that
area in the area of the development plan.
proposals add to the character of areas and reinforce
3
the vitality of the local community and the services
• To promote high quality retail provision within the
and amenities needed in conjunction with residential
Hub in order to promote employment, competition
developments.
and choice
1.3
Tralee/ Killarney HUB Plan 2007-2020
1.3.1
The Kerry Hub Local Area Plan has been prepared in
• To facilitate the provision of high added value
knowledge based industry
accordance with the provisions of the Planning and
• To promote and facilitate alternative energy uses
Development Act 2000-2006. The Development
Strategy for Killarney states:
• Through addressing these issues to provide a high
quality of life throughout the Hub and the wider
County and
“Killarney will capitalise on its existing tourism, recreation
and amenity roles and promote itself as a leader in this
• Through a combination of these policies to increase
area for development, training and education. These roles
will be promoted together forming an overall multi-
the pull factor of the County in order to attract the
sectoral dynamic for future growth. Linkages to the
inward migration, investment and employment
surrounding settlements and rural areas will ensure that
necessary to enable the Hub to achieve it’s potential.
the benefits are realised throughout the Hub and the
1.3.2
County.”
1.4
The Killarney Masterplan, 2005
In summary the key issues for the Strategy are:
1.4.1
The Killarney Masterplan was generated to mark the
beginning of a framework of deliberate and strategic
planning of the Killarney Urban Area over the next 15-
• To develop linkages involving transportation,
communications and power from the
20 years. The Killarney Masterplan is seen as a blueprint
Tralee/Killarney Hub, in particular to the “National
for the development of Killarney, a key objective being
Gateways” of Limerick and Cork and to ensure the
the attainment of the dual goals of implementing an
effects of peripherality can be reduced
ambitious programme for tourism while diversifying its
economic base.
• To reinforce the economic strength of Killarney /
Tralee Hub by building critical mass of population
1.5
Killarney Town Development Plan
2009-2015
1.5.1
This plan builds upon the auspices of the 2003 Town
and jobs within the Hub
• To support the development of tourism
Plan in seeking to balance the needs for
redevelopment, expansion and growth in the town
• To recognise the complimentary roles of different
with policies for the conservation and protection of the
settlements
town’s natural and built environment whilst ensuring a
quality of life for its community until 2015.
• To promote high quality urban design
• To zone sufficient lands in the settlements as
1.5.2
The plan, as the main public statement of the Town
appropriate densities to cater for all sectoral
Council, provides a vision for the town to evolve, giving
demands in the housing market including housing
statutory context for guiding development in the
at a density required to provide a viable alternative
interests of the proper planning and sustainable
to one-off housing
development1 of the town.
1
4
Sustainable development
The Brundtland Commission, formerly the World Commission on Environment and
Development (WCED) defines sustainable development as :
“Development that meets the needs of present generations without compromising the
ability of future generations to meet their own needs”.
Review Process
1.6.1
On the 10th October 2007, Killarney Town Council
• To devise a range of mitigation measures for the
management of waste and emissions in minimising
potential adverse impacts on the environment
published notice of its intention in local newspapers
to review the current Town Development Plan and to
prepare a new plan. Notice was also given to the
• To promote the generation of communities in the
town
relevant statutory authorities.
• To provide for the development of more sustainable
1.6.2
The notices sought submissions and observations
communities through the undertaking of plans for
from interested parties between the 10th October
new neighbourhoods and existing older
2007 and 14th December 2007. An Issues Document
neighbourhoods
1.6
had been prepared outlining the main issues to be
addressed under the Development Plan. This
• To develop a recreational and amenity corridor
document was available from the Planning Authority
incorporating the National Park, the rivers, streams
and public buildings. A public information meeting
and woodlands along with developing a network of
was held in the town on the 27th November 2007.
green spaces in the promotion of Killarney as a
green and healthy town
1.6.3
A Managers report was prepared on foot of the
submissions received and presented to the Members
• To support the National Climate Change Strategy
on the 1st February 2008. Following a period for
2007-2012 and, in general to facilitate measures
consideration of the submissions, direction was
which seek to reduce emissions of greenhouse
provided by the members on the 18th of February
gases. This includes adopting sustainable planning
2008 for the preparation of the draft plan.
strategies, such as integrated approach to land-use
and transportation and encouraging
1.7
Key Objectives of the Killarney
Development Plan 2009-2015
• To promote the sustainable development of the
environmentally sustainable approaches to
development.
• To protect and improve where necessary the air
town in fulfilling its role as part of the
quality of Killarney in accordance with prescribed
Tralee/Killarney Hub
standards, particularly in areas zoned for increased
• To afford all citizens of and visitors to Killarney the
urban and transport related development.
highest quality living environment as possible
•
To consolidate the tourist industry around an
• To request a Flood Impact Assessment on those
economically, socially & environmentally
lands identified as part of the Flood Screening and
sustainable quality product
Scoping Assessment to be at risk or under threat
• To promote and provide access to social and
community facilities for the citizens of the town
from flooding and to implement the provisions of
the Assessment thereafter.
across the full demographic range
• To protect, conserve and enhance the built and
• To ensure that all plans and programmes during the
natural heritage of Killarney town for present and
lifetime of this plan are screened for the
future generations
requirements of the SEA Directive 2001/42/EC on
• To protect the built heritage fabric of the town
the assessment of the effects of certain plans and
through the designation of appropriate
programmes on the environment – The SEA
Architectural Conservation Area (s)
Directive 2001/42/EC and the associated Planning
5
and Development (Strategic Environmental
• Chapter 8: Infrastructure
Assessment) Regulations, 2004.SI 436 of 2004) and
• Chapter 9: Natural Heritage, Biodiversity and
the Habitats Directive.
Conservation
• Chapter 10: Built Heritage
• To ensure that all plans and policies are screened for
• Chapter 11: Action Area Plans
Appropriate Assessment as required under Article 6
• Chapter 12: Land Use Zoning & Development
(3) and (4) of European Union (EU) Council Directive
Management Standards
92/43/EEC on the conservation of natural habitats
and of wild fauna and flora commonly known as
1.8.3
the ‘Habitats Directives’
The second section contains a list of appendices
including a Record of Protected Structures (RPS), Car
parking provisions, the Housing Strategy, Petrol Filling
• To ensure that Killarney Town Council in
Stations & Service Stations, Retail Strategy, Record of
undertaking and fulfilling their statutory
National Monuments and a list of appropriate planting
responsibilities will at all times be compliant with
in Killarney. The third and final section is the Strategic
the requirements of national and EU environmental
Environmental Assessment (S.E.A.) Statement. This is a
legislation.
document that a Planning Authority is legally obliged
to prepare to show how environmental considerations
1.8
Structure of the Development Plan
from the Environmental Report and submissions were
taken into account. It also should outline the reasons
1.8.1
The plan consists of a series of written statements
for choosing the plan as adopted, in light of other
accompanied by maps, policies, strategies and actions
reasonable alternatives considered and proposed
for the town. The first number of chapters looks at
monitoring measures.
specific issues and policies to address these issues.
Each chapter is to be read in conjunction with other
1.9
Constraints on future development
chapters and the policies set out under those sections.
Any development within the town shall adhere and be
1.9.1
The Council’s objectives, both long and short term, are
considered in accordance with those policies
set out in the Plan. The implementation of many of
including land use objectives, housing, community,
these objectives is dependant on future finances.
economic, heritage and infrastructure considerations,
Objectives are therefore based on reasonable
underlined by the towns vision and strategic goals. No
requirements for the proper planning and sustainable
one policy therefore overrides another but is
development of the Town and on the assumption that
intertwined in the realisation of sustainable
the necessary funding will be available. This plan has
development for the town.
been prepared in accordance with the National Spatial
Strategy 2002-2020 where at present no specific
1.8.2
The development plan is divided up into three
funding has been made available through the National
sections. The first section includes the main polices
Development Plan (NDP) 2007-2013. The realisation of
and objectives of the Council under the following
the Council’s policies and objectives will largely be
sections:
determined by the availability of necessary investment
• Chapter 2: Population
through the NDP.
• Chapter 3: Housing
• Chapter 4: Social Inclusion
6
1.9.2
The attainment of the Councils policies and objectives
• Chapter 5: Enterprise & Development
are subsequently predicated on the provision of
• Chapter 6: Retail Development
strategic infrastructure provided by other agencies
• Chapter 7: Tourism
including the National Roads Authority (NRA), Kerry
• Option 2 – consolidation of the existing Town
Any shortcomings in relation to support from the
Centre, Zoned lands and Brownfield sites and
aforementioned agencies will have a bearing on the
• Option 3 – Extend new development zonings on
Councils ability in achieving its policies and objectives
Greenfield lands.
for the town over the 6 year period of the plan.
1.11.2
Under Option 1 the ‘do nothing’ scenario, Killarney
1.10
1.10.1
Included within Killarney town boundary are sections
be market dependent and would occur at a slower
of the Killarney National Park, Macgillicuddy’s Reeks
pace and in a less co-ordinated manner. Adopting the
and Caragh River Catchment candidate Special Area of
‘do-nothing’ approach would have serious implications
Conservation (cSAC) and sections of Killarney National
for the proper planning and sustainability of Killarney
Park Special Protection Area (SPA). The cSAC, which
Town, as it would mean development would take
encompasses the whole of the National Park, the
place in a haphazard manner. As a result of the do-
whole of the Lough Leane and the other lakes, and a
nothing approach, policies and objectives of the plan
large area to the south, west and southeast of the
would not be updated and therefore derelict and
town is one of the most important in Ireland, and
under-utilised buildings would dilapidate further.
would maintain its current physical and
socioeconomic characteristics. Development would
County Council and other Government departments.
overall, the area around Killarney is probably the most
ecologically diverse area and the most important in
1.11.3
Physical, social and economic development would not
terms of biodiversity in Ireland. The Town Council is
be planned and promoted within the town. Therefore
acutely aware that this rich biological heritage is one
Option 1 would not achieve the principle aim of the
of the most important factors in attracting visitors to
Killarney Town Development Plan, which is to provide
the town, and in formulating this plan, has made every
for an improved quality of life for all the people in the
effort to protect and enhance it. As part of this process,
town will regulating development in a sustainable
the Town Council has undertaken an ‘Appropriate
manner. Therefore this option is considered negative
Assessment’, under the provisions of the EU Habitats
in terms of the environment and sustainability of
Directive, to determine what potential negative
Killarney and is therefore not the chosen option for the
impacts the various policies and objectives of the plan
plan.
might have upon the SPA, the cSAC and other
European sites in the vicinity. Where necessary policies
1.11.4
Alternative Option 2 is to intensify uses within the
have been amended and new policies have been
existing town centre, on existing zoned lands and on
added in order to avoid any such impacts. This is one
brownfield sites. This scenario allows for the
of the first Appropriate Assessments of a Town Plan to
intensification of the town centre, through increased
be conducted in Ireland and emphasises the Town
densities and the consolidation and expansion of
Council’s commitment to protecting Killarney’s unique
existing services. This scenario would meet a large
natural heritage.
number of the objectives of the Town Development
Plan, as it would allow the rejuvenation of existing
1.11
Strategic Environmental Assessment
derelict sites, which would improve the town’s
architectural character and townscape and
1.11.1
The following strategic alternative options for the
consequently improve its tourist function. It would
current plan were considered for assessment as part of
also be likely to have a positive impact on existing
the SEA process for the Killarney Town Development
residents and traders in the town. Therefore Option 2 is
Plan 2009 - 2015;
the preferred option for the Killarney Town
• Option 1 – the ‘Do-nothing’ option;
Development Plan 2009 - 2015.
7
1.11.5
The zoning strategy of the Plan is designed to ensure
that adequate, suitably located and serviced lands are
available to cater for the orderly development of the
town having regard to:
• The need to establish a compact urban form and
reduce sprawl into the environs
• The need to reduce the reliance on private
transport
• The promotion of sustainable residential densities
• The promotion of the balanced development
between different areas of the town
• The promotion of the Housing Protection Area
Concept as outlined in the Housing Chapter and
• The maintenance of a vibrant and vital town centre
1.11.6
Alternative Option 3 is to extend new development
zonings on greenfield lands within the Killarney Town
Council area. Much of the town is already developed
therefore this option would involve extending zonings
into the only greenfield areas of the Town, most of
which is located to the south by the Flesk River and to
the west by Killarney National Park which forms part of
designated cSAC’s and SPAs. Sufficient lands have
already been zoned in the Killarney Town Council area
since the Killarney Town development Plan 2003.
Therefore this option would result in extending zoning
into greenfield lands, which would be unsustainable as
it would result in overprovision of zoned lands and
would not be in accordance with planned population
projections for the town. Therefore Option 3 is
considered unsustainable due to the dispersed nature
of growth and primarily due to its potential significant
impacts on the environment.
8
Population
Aim: “To plan and provide in a sustainable manner for the needs of all
citizens of Killarney and recognising new social realities”.
CHAPTER 2
CHAPTER 2 POPULATION
2.1
Context: Demographic and Socio Economic trends
2.1.1
Estimates provided by the 2006 Census of Killarney Town indicates a population figure of 13,497 in 2006. Of that figure
10,194 persons resided within the Town Council boundary and 3,303 persons resided in the environs, which is part of the
District Electoral Division’s (DED’s) of Killarney Rural (Part) and Muckross.
2.1.2
The following table illustrates the trends in population change in Killarney over the period 1986 to 2006.
Table 1: Population in Killarney Town and Environs 1986-2006
Area
% Change
7,275
-7.2
8,809
+21.1
12,087*
37.2
13,497
+11.65
Environs
2,358
2,675
+13.4
3,202
+19.7
1,050
-67.2
1,106
5.3%
Total
10195
9950
6.2%
5607
40.8%
13137
30%
14603
16.95%
96-02
20061
% Change
7,837
91-96
2002
% Change
1991
86-91
1996
% Change
1986
02-06
Killarney
Urban
Killarney
Killarney Town – Killarney Urban, Killarney Rural and Killarney Muckross
Killarney Environs - Environs of Killarney , (Killarney Rural), Environs of Killarney (Muckross)
*In 2001 Killarney town boundaries extended
10
Killarney in Context
2.2.1
The following statistics are taking from the 2006 Census, compiled in a report entitled ‘Emerging trends in Kerry – Census
2006’, undertaken by the Community and Enterprise Board of Kerry County Council:
• Killarney has the lowest share of all the towns in the County analysed, with respect to the percentage of persons aged 014, calculated at 14%
2.2
• Killarney has the greatest number of persons aged 65 and over in the County
• 16.5% of Killarney’s population are retired
• The number of one person households for Killarney is 23.9%
• Killarney contains over 57% of the County’s overall households comprised of three or more family members
• Killarney has the lowest percentage of lone parents in the County calculated at 9.9% which is below the State average
• 13.9% of Killarney’s population are employed in the manufacturing industry
• 20% of Killarney’s population are employed in hotels and restaurants which confirms the significance of the Tourism
Industry for the Town
• Just over half of Killarney residents were born inside the County
2.3
Projected Population Growth 2009 – 2015
2.3.1
It is necessary to make a population projection to derive estimates of demand for housing land, for other land uses, and for
infrastructural services over the life of the plan.
Table 2: Population Projections 2009 – 2015 (Killarney Town*)
Year
2009
2010
2011
2012
2013
2014
2015
Population
13,948
14,101
14,256
14,413
14,675
14,942
15,213
* Blackwell, J (2008),”Incorporating Population Projections”
Table 3: Population and household growth in local areas 2009-2015 *
Killarney
2009 POP
2015 POP
% INCREASE
2009 HOUSEHOLDS
22015 HOUSEHOLDS
% INCREASE
13,948
15,213
9.1
4916
5633
14.6
*Foley, T (2008),” Housing Strategy for Local Authorities in Kerry 2009-2015”.
11
2.4
2.4.1
The Tralee Killarney Hub Plan envisages population
increases in the hub towns (see table below).
Table 4:
Population projections of the Hub Towns 2020 *
Towns
Percentage increase
Tralee
65%
Killarney
35%
Total
100%
*Tralee/Killarney Hub Plan 2020
POLICY POP  01
2.4.2
The growth needs to be directed and facilitated within
its urban environs so to develop the critical mass
Policy Statement
necessary for the sustainable provision of services
facilities and infrastructure. Moreover this will attract
and maintain new investment, social, recreational and
employment services. Having a strong population
It is a policy of the Council:
base will attribute to inward investment making
Killarney an attractive place for young professionals
a. To encourage and facilitate the sustainable
and entrepreneurs and an increasingly diverse and
development of the town and its environs and to
mobile workforce.
promote a balanced distribution and mix of
population throughout the town and its immediate
2.4.3
Assuming an average population increase of 1,265
environs
persons over the lifetime of the plan and an average
household size of 2.7 persons, this will require the
provision of 500 units. Such projections are
Census of Population (carried out in 2006), in order to
determined by economic, growth diversification and
assess the accuracy of the projections made and to
migration to the town. Sufficient lands are zoned for
adjust policies accordingly in the development plan
residential purposes to accommodate future
population growth. Large tracts of land have been
zoned in the town under the existing development
plan for low to medium density residential
development as part of variations to the existing plan.
At present there are 223.78 hectares (552 acres) zoned
for residential development with ability to provide 6,
713 units. Based on these calculations there are no
justifications for additional lands to be zoned for
residential development.
12
b. To monitor and analyse the results from the new
Housing
Aim: “To plan and provide in a sustainable manner for the housing needs
of all citizens of Killarney, enabling accessibility to suitable housing”.
CHAPTER 3
CHAPTER 3 HOUSING
3.1
Housing Context
3.1.1
Killarney Town Council is both a Housing Authority
the projected housing requirements during the
lifetime of the plan
• To ensure that housing is available for persons
who have different levels of income
and a Planning Authority and as such it has the
• To ensure that future housing developments will
capacity to influence the supply, location and scale
of new housing within it’s functional area. The
provide a mix of house types and sizes in
Council’s core objectives in relation to housing can
keeping with the changing household structure
• To seek to achieve a greater housing mix in
broadly be stated as:
new and established housing developments
with a view to building sustainable residential
a) Ensuring that sufficient lands are available to
communities
meet the projected housing demand
• To promote social integration between persons
b) Provide or facilitate the provision of Social and
of different social background and nationality and
Affordable housing for those unable to provide
support for disadvantaged communities
housing themselves
• To apply the provisions of Part V of the Planning
3.2
Objectives
Development Act 2000 -2006 to meet the
demand for Social and Affordable housing
3.2.1
It shall be the Council’s policy to endeavour to
enable every household to have available to them
3.3
Housing Strategy
3.3.1
The Planning & Development Act 2000 - 2006 requires
a dwelling of good quality, suitable for their needs,
in a good environment. This objective will be
pursued in partnership with the Department of
each Planning Authority to:
the Environment, Heritage and Local Government,
a) Include the provisions of it’s Housing Strategy in
Voluntary Housing Groups and all other
appropriate State Agencies.
it’s Development Plan
b) Ensure that sufficient and suitable land is zoned
in the plan to meet the requirements of the
3.2.2
Specific Objectives include:
• To ensure, in co-operation with Kerry County
Council, that sufficient land is available to meet
14
strategy
c) Ensure that a scarcity of such land does not
occur during the period of the plan.
CHAPTER 3 HOUSING
3.3.2
In addition, the Act requires Development Plans to
include objectives for securing implementation of
the Housing Strategy, taking into account existing
and likely future need for Social and Affordable
housing. Future housing need includes the following:
a) The need to ensure that housing is available for
persons who have different levels of income.
b) The need to ensure that a mixture of house
types and sizes is developed to reasonably
match the requirements of different categories
of households.
c) The need to promote social integration and
counteract undue segregation, in housing,
between persons of different social backgrounds.
3.3.3
The Act also states that the Development Plan
objectives shall require a specified percentage of
POLICY HSG - 01
Policy Statement
land zoned for residential use or a mixture of
residential and other uses, be reserved for social
and affordable housing. The implementation of the
Housing Strategy is a key objective of this plan.
a. To maximise the acquisition of Social / Affordable
3.4
Social & Affordable Housing
3.4.1
Planning Authorities are required to reserve a
housing units, from available resources, through the
provisions of Part V of the Planning & Development
Act 2000-2006
percentage of land zoned for residential use or for
a mixture of residential and other uses specifically
b. To acquire land banks
for Social and Affordable housing.
c. To co-operate with and assist Voluntary Housing
3.4.2
Killarney Town Council will consider future
associations and other interested bodies in the
development requirements for housing in
provision of housing
accordance with the provisions of Part V of the
Planning and Development Act 2000 - 2006 and
the recommendations of the Housing Strategy and
subsequent reviews undertaken in accordance with
Part V.
15
CHAPTER 3 HOUSING
3.5
3.5.1
Neighbourhood Concept
It is an objective of Killarney Town Council that
private and public residential housing
developments shall be based on the
neighbourhood concept. This is based on the
principle that people should be able to access
many of their requirements for daily living within
easy reach of their homes and preferably, within
walking distance. This principle is central to the
concept of sustainable development.
POLICY HSG - 02
Policy Statement
a. To implement a development strategy based on the
neighbourhood concept in areas of new residential
development
3.5.2
The implementation of this policy will require the
careful phasing of development to ensure that
services become available as housing areas are
constructed.
16
Housing Protection Areas
3.6.1
The proximity of the town centre to established
residential areas has generated pressures for back
land and infill development not in keeping with the
3.6.2
traditional settlement pattern of these areas.
POLICY HSG - 03
The protection and enhancement of Killarney’s
Policy Statement
CHAPTER 3 HOUSING
3.6
built residential environment will be achieved
through the designation of Housing Protection
Areas. Such protective status will ensure that the
residential nature of such areas will be protected
as well as the architectural merit of dwellings.
Future development of areas designated as
Housing Protection Areas must be in accordance
with the proper planning and sustainable
development of the area.
a. To preserve the residential distinctiveness and
character of established residential communities
by the designation of Housing Protection Areas. In
general, the Council shall not be in favour, except in
exceptional circumstances, the sub-division of:
• Existing dwelling houses, located in areas zoned for
residential use, into two or more separate dwelling
units/apartments, or
• Individual residential sites, in areas zoned for
residential use, into two or more sites for the
provision of extra dwellings on the site, where,
such development would lead to congestion of
layout, over development of the site and would
tend to detract from the residential amenities of
properties in the immediate vicinity.
b. To curtail the change use of existing houses to
other uses within such areas except in immediate
family circumstances
c. To extend the Housing Protection Zone to include
the Woodlawn Park area (See map of Housing
Protection Zone). It is essential that the detached and
semi – detached character of the area is preserved
with a presumption against terrace style or infill
development.
17
CHAPTER 3 HOUSING
3.7
Traveller Accommodation
3.7.1
Under the Housing (Traveller Accommodation) Act,
1998, the Council has adopted The Traveller
Accommodation Plan 2005 - 2008.
POLICY HSG - 04
Policy Statement
a. To cater for the accommodation needs of
travellers by implementing the recommendations
of the Traveller Accommodation Plan
18
Housing of the Elderly and persons with
special needs
3.8.1
The specific needs of the elderly and people with
CHAPTER 3 HOUSING
3.8
disabilities and special needs must be considered
in the design and location of housing units. Both
sheltered and independent living units are required.
POLICY HSG - 05
Policy Statement
a. To co-operate with appropriate organisations in
the provision of specifically designed
accommodation
19
CHAPTER 3 HOUSING
3.9
Homelessness
3.9.1
The Council will continue to work with Kerry
County Council and other agencies in the
provision of services for the homeless.
POLICY HSG - 06
Policy Statement
a. To implement the provisions of the Homeless
Strategy and to provide accommodation for
homeless in Killarney
20
Regeneration
3.10.1
The elimination of derelict properties is vital to the
CHAPTER 3 HOUSING
3.10
improvement of the physical appearance the Town.
The Council must promote the regeneration of
such sites and failing this, the removal of
dereliction.
POLICY HSG - 07
Policy Statement
a. To use it’s power under the Derelict Sites Act 1990 to
remove the dereliction in the town. Derelict sites
within the boundary of the cSAC will be subject to
appropriate ecological survey for the Habitats
Directive Annex I species, otter, Kerry slug and lesser
horseshoe bat and for other wildlife species of
conservation concern. Prior to the commencement
of such works; appropriate mitigation or restrictions
on site clearance will be implemented based upon
the findings of such surveys. All sites, whether within
or outside the boundary of the cSAC will be surveyed
for otter and bat species prior to the commencement
of such works and appropriate mitigation or
restrictions on site clearance will be implemented
based upon the findings of such surveys.
21
Social Inclusion
Aim: “To remove the obstacles that prohibit Killarney town in being a
more participative society and to combat social exclusion through the
provision of, and accessibility to, public and social services and facilities.”
CHAPTER 4
CHAPTER 4 SOCIAL INCLUSION
4.1
Context
4.1.1
All development plans of a Local Authority under the
exclusion. The manner in which this can be achieved is
Planning and Development Act 2000-2006 are obliged
through a multi faceted approach, consisting of the
to incorporate objectives and proposals for the social
following 3 key elements –
growth are enjoyed by the entire population of the
town, especially those considered vulnerable to
and community needs of its people. Social inclusion is
• Social Inclusion – the creation of inclusive equitable
addressed at a national level as evident in the new
communities
National Development Plan (NDP) 2007 – 2013:
• Social Capital - the generation of opportunities for
Transforming Ireland - a better quality of life for all.
interaction
Complementing that document is The National
• Social Wealth - the provision of services, facilities
Action Plan for Social Inclusion 2007-2016 (NAP
and an attractive place to live
inclusion), which sets out a framework for anti poverty
initiatives for Local Authorities; for it is at a local level of
governance where greater social inclusion can be
4.2
Overall Objectives
achieved.
• To ensure that policies and objectives of the
4.1.2
The building of strong inclusive communities is vital in
development plan are framed in the context of
achieving the concept of sustainable communities; its
addressing social exclusion in a proactive and
attainment not entirely dependant on economic
integrated manner
development alone. It is a multifaceted structure
consisting of the provision and access to education,
health and community support services, amenities
and leisure services, along with a quality built
environment.
• To support and encourage the creation of inclusive
equitable communities
• To assist in developing participation in the
community and encouraging contributions to the
social, economic and cultural life of the town
• To provide an improved quality of life for all citizens
4.1.3
The policies and objectives of this plan will aim to
in the area by promoting the area’s economic
promote and encourage a more integrative society in
potential, protecting its natural and built heritage
the interest of social development. It is essential that in
and safeguarding its cultural heritage
overcoming social exclusion, that the benefits of
24
Social Inclusion defined
4.3.1
"Social Inclusion" can be defined as:
• A series of positive actions to achieve equality of
access to goods and services,
• To assist all individuals participate in their
community and society,
• To encourage the contribution of all persons to
social and cultural life and
• To be aware of, and to challenge all forms of
discrimination.
POLICY SI  01
4.3
Policy Statement
In addition social inclusion is about ensuring that the
marginalised and those living in poverty have greater
participation in decision making processes as well as
empowering them to improve their living standards
and their overall sense of well-being. Social Inclusion is
often measured against Poverty, Income Adequacy,
a. To ensure that the principle of social inclusion is at
the core of all aspects of decision making processes
Education, Health, Housing & Accommodation,
Children & Young People, Women, Older People,
b. To liaise with relevant organisations in the
Travellers, People with Disabilities, Migrants & Ethnic
deliverance of services and facilities whilst ensuring
Minorities and Access to Services.
equality in terms of their accessibility
c. To promote the development of an awareness
campaign so to highlight services and facilities
available and to have information points at
appropriate locations throughout the town where
such information can be attainable
d. To request applicants as part of major developments
to undertake an audit of community facilities, this in
turn will determine the location and nature of
facilities to be provided for as part of the proposed
development
(See chapter on Development Management Standards)
25
4.4
4.4.1
Provision of Community facilities
including Childcare and Healthcare
Childcare
An important element in the health, social life and
economy of any town or city is the provision of
childcare. Due to the ever increasing level of
participation of women into the workforce, a demand
has been generated in relation to childcare facilities,
the quality and accessibility of any facility being of the
utmost importance.
POLICY SI - 02
Policy Statement
a. To promote and encourage the availability of child
care facilities and access to same
b. To ensure that the provision of purpose built crèches
and play schools are in accordance with the
Childcare Guidelines as published by the Department
of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government
26
Healthcare
4.5.1
The interplay between the health agenda and social
4.5
development presents many opportunities for
pursuing the goals of improved health care and
sustainable development. Adequate health care
infrastructure is essential for sustainable development,
and for ‘healthy, sustainable communities’.
POLICY SI - 03
Policy Statement
a. To liaise with state bodies and voluntary
organisations with respect to the delivery of health
facilities in the town with equal access to same
b. To ensure that any new health care facilities are to the
highest of standards with respect to design, scale,
car parking provision, landscaping, amenity. It is
essential that safety management systems with
respect to traffic management and public safety be
reinforced
c. To ensure that adequate land and services are
available for the improvement, expansion and
establishment of health services
d. To assist and facilitate community bodies involved in
health care initiatives
27
4.6
St Finan’s
4.6.1
Killarney town is served by three hospitals; St Finan’s
psychiatric hospital, the District Hospital and for the
elderly, St. Columbanus.
4.6.2
Change in Government policy on psychiatric
treatment is bringing a reduction in institutional care
in favour of a wide range of smaller scale or
community based care (or centres of excellence). If
over time this policy manifests itself in a change in the
role of St Finian’s Hospital, it is an objective of the
Council that the hospital, the gate lodges and its lands
will remain a beneficial use to the surrounding area
and the proper planning and development of the
town.
Policy SI - 04
Policy Statement
a. To actively encourage integrated retirement villages
on residential zoned lands under the life time of the
new plan with provisions for recreational amenity for
the elderly
4.7
Care for the elderly
4.7.1
Recent figures provided by the 2006 Census indicates
that Killarney has the highest percentage of elderly
persons in the County (19%). Such a demographic
feature requires the need to develop a range of
facilities for the elderly, including community-nursing
units. An Integrated Retirement Village has recently
been provided on a four acre site on Rock Road
consisting of independent and assisted units along
with a 56 bed Nursing home. A day centre also forms
part of the development.
28
Education/ Outreach Programmes
4.8.1
Education is and will continue to be, a key instrument
in the ongoing growth of the town. Indeed education
POLICY SI - 05
is often regarded as the engine in the attainment of
Policy Statement
social and economic changes. It is essential that
accessibility to centres of education are strengthened
so that the town is enriched by a well educated work
force, which in turn will enable the town in becoming
4.8.2
a strong competitor in attracting investment.
It is essential that the town capitalises on its
a. To ensure that future educational establishments are
immediate location to third level education centres in
considered in conjunction with transportation and
the Tralee/Killarney Hub. It is essential that future
land use planning enabling safe and easy access to all
expansion in education facilities corresponds with
members of society
4.8
both existing and predicted population and economic
growth rates during the lifetime of the new plan.
b. To ensure that sufficient lands are zoned and are
safeguarded for further development, improvement
4.9
School Needs Assessment
4.9.1
As part of substantial residential developments, an
or expansion so to facilitate existing and future
educational needs
assessment of existing school capacity in the town
c. To request a school needs assessment as part of large
especially those in the catchment area of the
residential developments with proposals to include
proposed development, must be carried out and
provision of new schools if deemed necessary
submitted in tandem with the proposed
development. It may also include proposals for the
d. To ensure that as part of commercial, residential and
provision of new schools if necessary. A school needs
other developments, that provisions are made for a
assessment is essential to meet the educational needs
mix of educational, recreational and cultural facilities
of its community. This will also require a participative
as part of the proposed development with
framework involving the Council and Schools Board of
accessibility to same throughout the town
Management, in the preparation of a common plan in
identifying the current needs of educational facilities
e. To ensure that that Council co-operates with the
in the town. This shall inform the educational
Department of Education and relevant stakeholders
requirements as part of residential developments
with respect to the provision of new education
under the life time of the plan.
facilities and requirements with respect to design,
location, safety and management arrangement
systems
f.
To promote links with IT Tralee within Tralee/Killarney
Hub
29
4.10
Social wealth - Community Facilities/
Community Based Care Facilities
4.10.1
The growing population of the town over the past
number of years has created a demand for essential
community facilities. The provision of such community
facilities largely determines the quality of life of the
town’s residents. To enhance the quality of living for all
community members, the concept of community
planning must be incorporated as part of future
POLICY SI - 06
developments in the town such that developments
Policy Statement
are designed around and reflect the needs of
communities for the betterment of their lives.
4.10.2
The Killarney Town Plan 2009 is committed to
enhancing the quality of living for each member of its
community. Killarney Town Council recognises the
significance in the provision and accessibility of
appropriate mix of community facilities as part of
future development in the town. This will lead to the
promotion of both sustainable communities and
sustainable development in the town, making it a
more attractive place to work and live.
a. To develop a strategy for the provision of community
and recreational infrastructural projects and facilities
through the development contributions scheme
b. To facilitate the provision of appropriate community
based care facilities and to ensure that any new
facilities are integrated and accessible to all
c. To actively pursue the provision and accessibility of
high quality play and recreation areas
d. To promote co-ordination between existing service
providers in the town with respect to community
and cultural facilities
e. To promote flexibility with respect to design of
buildings and future structures, thereby enabling
accommodation of various uses and their
accessibility to all citizens
30
Urban Design
4.11.1
Public realm refers to all areas of an urban fabric which
4.11
facilitates public access and integration. It therein
extends to buildings, their aesthetic, streetscape,
squares and parks, signage and street furniture. Public
realm has the ability to create a sense of place with
character, civic identity and distinction. Such a
creation requires careful urban design with a particular
emphasis on the scale, layout, materials used,
landscaping and its relationship with the existing built
fabric and settlement structures. It is necessary for
POLICY SI – 07
buildings to be functional not just internally but also
Policy Statement
externally.
a. To ensure that the design of future developments
within the urban fabric of the town are of exceptional
architectural merit and defined by the concept of
public realm, incorporating a definable space in the
promotion of a more socially inclusive society
b. To promote community interaction and participation
through a range of community initiatives including
civic engagement and through the provision of
venues and civic space.
(See Development Management Standards Chapter re.
Urban Design requirements)
31
4.12
4.12.1
The development of comprehensive neighbourhood
centres is essential as part of residential developments.
The development of such centres ensures ease of
access to a range of local facilities and services and
eases the pressure on the town centre for simple every
day needs. This overcomes unnecessary trip
generations and traffic congestion into the town
centre.
POLICY SI - 08
Policy Statement
a. To develop networks of neighbourhood centres as
part of land zonings for residential developments in
the provision of community services and facilities
b. To ensure adequate infrastructure and supporting
community facilities and services through
neighbourhood centres and adequate provision of
open spaces
32
Integrated Green Network
POLICY SI - 09
4.13.1
The elevated topography around Killarney provides
Policy Statement
viewing platforms and highlights the spectacular
natural location of Killarney’s lakes, rivers and
mountains. At present there is an absence of green
linkages from certain parts of the town.
4.13.2
It is envisaged that the formation of a green network
for the town will form a seamless network of valuable
green connections and corridors consisting of parks,
rivers woodlands whilst enhancing accessibility. This
shall simultaneously contribute to promoting cultural
continuity and the encouragement of sustainable use
and management of Killarney’s natural features.
Key areas in the realisation of the green network
include:
• Urban fabric of Killarney town
• Killarney National Park
• Flesk river valley
• Woodford and Deenagh rivers
• Cronins wood, Pike wood, Dark wood Mangan’s
a. To promote Killarney as a ‘green town’ through the
designation and development of a network of green
routes incorporating a myriad of landscape features
around Killarney, such as urban woodlands, river
corridor heritage trails, in the creation of a tangible
and usable environmental route around Killarney.
Any such ‘green routes’ within the boundary of, or
immediately adjacent to, the Killarney National Park,
Macgillicuddy’s Reeks and Caragh River Catchment
cSAC will be developed in consultation with National
Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS)
4.13
b. To develop Axial Green Routes and Boulevards so as
to unify different areas of Killarney through a network
of both existing and proposed green spaces and
linkages as an alternative route for walkers and
cyclists. Any such Axial Green Routes and Boulevards
within the boundary of, or immediately adjacent to,
the Killarney National Park, Macgillicuddy’s Reeks and
Caragh River Catchment cSAC will be developed in
consultation with National Parks and Wildlife Service
(NPWS)
wood
• Town laneways
• Folly stream
(See map indicating the green network and the key areas)
c. To encourage the reintegration of the network of
laneways and to explore more hidden urban spaces
in the town
d. To liaise with the South Western Regional Fisheries
Board and the National Park and Wildlife Services for
the potential development of a board walk along the
Deenagh river at Port Road. If the development of
such a board walk has any potential impact on the
Killarney National Park, Macgillicuddy’s Reeks and
Caragh River Catchment cSAC, then the proposal will
be subject to a screening determination for an
e. To undertake an screening assessment to determine
whether or not an Appropriate Assessment (as
required under the Habitats Directive) is required
prior to consideration of implementation of policies
SI- 09 a. and b to ensure that such proposals will not
result in “significant effects” on the “conservation
objectives” of the Natura 2000 sites within and
adjoining the Plan boundary
33
4.14
Natural and Man Made Heritage Heritage Trails
4.14.1
Heritage trails provide an experience of an exposed
atmosphere, open to the elements. Heritage Trails in
the town can be identified in the ‘Town Trail’ booklet
drawn up by the Killarney Soroptimist. The designation
of heritage trails in Killarney provides an opportunity
to explore both the natural and historical features of
the town whilst basking in the beauty of the town’s
natural environment.
POLICY SI - 10
Policy Statement
a. To consider, in consultation with National Parks and
Wildlife Service, extending the Fossa heritage trail
along the fringes of the town as well as identifying
new trails in the formation of a trail network in
complementing the natural and historic designed
landscapes
34
Public Art Policy
4.15.1
Killarney town is a show case in celebrating various
4.15
indoor and outdoor events throughout the year. It is
considered however that in light of the rich, artistic
and cultural elements of the town, that there exists a
deficiency with respect to a designated space in the
celebration of the arts and culture in the town.
4.15.2
For any place to display its artistic and cultural
qualities, a designated space is required. This would
POLICY SI – 11
also encourage local artists from all aspects of the arts
Policy Statement
and the towns culture in coming together individually
or collectively in its celebration.
a. To undertake a study in conjunction with the
Killarney towns arts committee with respect to the
current state of the arts and culture in the town
b. To encourage the development of a new arts and
culture centre / theatre for the town and the
development of a cultural quarter
c. To promote great awareness of the towns cultural
diversity and to encourage participation and
interaction with respect to same
d. To ensure that as part of any future residential or
commercial schemes, a contribution shall be made to
the social and cultural infrastructure of the town
35
4.16
Burial Grounds
4.16.1
The Kerry County Council burial ground at Aghadoe
has traditionally served Killarney town. However this
burial ground is at full capacity and people from the
town are being interred in County Council burial
grounds in the surrounding areas or the newly
developed private burial ground at Aghadoe.
POLICY SI - 12
Policy Statement
a. To identify and acquire lands for the purposes of
burial ground
36
Amenity & Open Space
POLICY SI - 13
4.17.1
Adequate provision of recreation, leisure and sport
facilities is an important component of quality of life
Policy Statement
and has major land use implications. Killarney Town
Council recognises that it is likely to become more
important as housing densities increase and pressure
from competing land uses becomes more intense.
4.17
a. To ensure that open space is provided to enhance
the character of residential areas
b. To require that one appropriate indigenous
deciduous tree be planted in each private garden in
all new residential developments (See Development
Management Standards chapter)
c. To protect existing leisure facilities, including sports
clubs, grounds, built leisure facilities and areas of
public and private open space from redevelopment
to other uses unless an alternative open space or
leisure facilities can be provided to serve the same
area
d. To provide adequate recreation and amenity open
space for the future development of the town
e. To continue to acquire and develop lands zoned for
recreation and amenity use. These lands will be used
predominately for public use, but opportunities for
public/private partnerships will also be investigated
where a high standard of recreation facility will be
developed and where opportunities for public access
are provided
f.
To improve accessibility to recreational and amenity
areas and include for sustainable modes of transport,
where appropriate
g. To retain, extend and enhance opportunities for
recreation within recreation and amenity areas for all
members of the community including people with
disabilities
37
4.18
Leisure Facilities
4.19
Appropriate levels of Public Open Spaces
4.18.1
New proposals for leisure facilities, whether they form
4.19.1
Location of new residential areas should be
part of a larger development proposal (e.g. for housing),
accompanied by the provision of communal open
are independent or are a replacement for an existing
space that will benefit the residents of existing
facility elsewhere, will be assessed in relation to proper
residential areas as well as the residents of new
planning considerations and the principles of
residential areas.
sustainable development. This assessment will consider
whether or not the proposal is located where it can best
4.19.2
A well designed open space will be based on the
meet the needs of the community that the facility is
principles of adequate overlooking, supervision and
intended serve. All facilities will need to place particular
accessibility to the maximum number of dwellings and
emphasis on the ease of access for pedestrians
its suitability for use for active as well as passive
(including children), cyclists and people with disabilities.
recreational activities. The emphasis should be placed
on the retention of natural features. Narrow tracts of
open-space are non-functional and hard to maintain,
therefore, they will not be considered in assessing the
adequacy of open-space provision in new residential
developments.
4.19.3
Development applications will be required to make
provisions for sport and recreational facilities as an
integral part of their proposals. Such provision should
include direct provision on or off site, or a development
levy to enable Killarney Town Council to make
appropriate alternative provision.
4.18.2
Facilities serving a more widely based community than
that from the immediate locality of the site will,
additionally, need to demonstrate that there is good
access for both public transport and car users.
38
Loss of Recreational Open Space
4.20.1
Killarney Town Council will not permit development
which would result in the loss of public or private
playing fields, parks, children’s play space, or land
zoned for recreational or open space purposes, except
in exceptional circumstances.
4.20.2
An exception may be considered where the following
4.20
requirements are met:
• There is an excess of playing fields or open space
provision within the area. This should take into
account the long-term needs of the community,
POLICY SI-14
and the recreational and amenity value of such
Policy Statement
provision.
• Alternative provision is made which is both
accessible and of equal or greater value to the
community.
• The continued use and proper maintenance of the
facility can best be achieved by the redevelopment
of a small part of the site that will not adversely
a. To require developers to pool land for the purposes
of open-space requirements to allow for the
provision of multipurpose amenity areas (e.g. playing
affect its sporting, recreational or amenity value.
• The site is indicated for an alternative use in the
development plan.
pitches) as well as small open spaces within
residential developments. The Planning Authority will
charge an appropriate levy, which will be used for the
pooling of land and the development of amenity
infrastructure
39
4.21
4.21.1
Pedestrian Linkages/Walkways/
Rights-of-Way
Killarney Town Council will preserve suitable
pedestrian linkages or walkways/rights-of-way, create
new ones where appropriate and promote their
greater use in amenity areas. In order to link amenities
and facilities, Killarney Town Council may seek the
provision of pedestrian ways as a condition of
planning permission.
POLICY SI - 15
Policy Statement
a. To preserve and protect existing pedestrian
walkways/rights-of-way and create new ones in the
interests of amenity as the opportunity or need
arises, provided those new pedestrian
walkways/rights-of-way do not have the potential to
negatively impact upon the conservation objectives
of the cSAC
40
Social Capital
4.22.1
The concept of Social Capital refers to networks,
relationships and feelings of belonging, trust and a
sense of civic responsibility. These are influential in
shaping the spirit of co-operation and quality of life in
local communities and groups, whilst enabling a wider
society to achieve desired policy goals more
POLICY SI - 16
effectively. Strong social capital not only has positive
Policy Statement
alliances with high quality of public governance and
4.22
civic engagement, it is also moulded by personal wellbeing, health and life satisfaction. In essence, societies
that has strong social capital very often tend to be
happier places to live.
4.23
Building Local Democracy
a. To encourage and improve greater consultation with
4.23.1
The changing nature of Killarney’s community needs
participation in decisions that will affect their
to be recognised. While this presents both challenges
physical, social and economic environment
community groups so as to enable greater
and difficulties, it nonetheless presents new
opportunities. Engagement by all communities is
b. To develop and support the use of user friendly
essential in achieving local democracy and
language in all public documents
governance. Such a process is encouraged so that the
expression of new ideas will breed new ways of
c. To make information readily accessible through the
thinking and potential solutions.
Authorities website
d. To make available where resources allow translations
of information so to reflect ethnic minority groups of
the town
e. To liaise with community groups, stakeholders,
partnerships, voluntary organisations in the
achievement of a healthy participation and
collaboration
f
To encourage projects which add to the social capital
of the town
41
Aim: “To encourage and facilitate sustainable economic development in a
manner that promotes a climate of prosperity for the betterment of
Killarney’s citizens”.
CHAPTER 5
CHAPTER 5 ENTERPRISE AND DEVELOPMENT
5.1
Context
5.2
Tralee-Killarney Linked Hub
5.1.1
Killarney has a proud and enviable record in economic
5.2.1
The 2009-2015 Development Plan shall incorporate
development, such that the town is the main tourist
the vision as outlined in the Tralee-Killarney Linked
destination outside of Dublin. Despite such
Hub, which is to form an overall multi-sectoral
recognition there is a need for Killarney to broaden its
dynamism for future growth. This requires capitalising
economic base and seek to focus expansion on higher
on existing tourism, recreation and amenity roles and
value activities, where it could sustain some
to promote Killarney as a leader in this area for
competitive advantage in addition to building on its
development, training and education.
strong tourism base.
5.2.2
5.1.2
Integrated spatial framework for land use, planning,
This Plan has identified key economic objectives,
urban design, transport links and public service
which are reflected both in the physical design of the
delivery is essential to reinforce the economic strength
plan, but also in a set of implementation strategies,
of Killarney as a linked Hub in conjunction with Tralee.
which have been outlined in principle in this
This shall contribute to the generation of critical mass
document. This section of the Plan seeks to identify
which will be essential as a pull factor to the town in
the key issues that the town needs to focus on from an
order to attract the inward migration, investment and
economic growth perspective and how it should go
employment necessary to enable Killarney to achieve
about achieving these objectives.
its potential as a joint Hub. Such a framework shall also
guide the development and decision making process
over the life time of the plan. Incorporating the
concept of community planning in the future
development of the town will also bring people closer
to where they work, provide the necessary services
and facilities in the interest of proper planning and
sustainable development.
44
5.3.1
Mixed Use Zone - Lands north of Town by
pass in Kerry County Council
Administrative Area
• To support and encourage the development of
As part of the joint Hub plan, lands to the north of the
• To identify sites so to steer development and
small scale light industries in locations compatible
with surrounding uses and the scenic landscape
bypass have been zoned as mixed use development
stimulate the market. Such sites include the Glebe
so to facilitate a high spec development. Due to the
Car Park, New Street Car Park, Pretty Polly Site, and
elevated and exposed nature of this site, it is essential
Fair Hill.
that it is of outstanding architectural quality and to be
sited in a manner that is sensitive to the visual amenity
of Killarney.
• To ensure that significant proposals submit Road
Safety Audits, Traffic & Transportation Assessments
(TTA’s) in accordance with the National Roads
5.4
Authority Guidelines to be carried out by suitably
5.3
competent consultants to be assessed in
• To make Killarney town a magnet for indigenous
conjunction with their cumulative impact with
and inward investment across all areas of the
neighbouring development on the road work.
economy by designating a location that will attract
Guidance is provided for by the National Roads
and sustain indigenous and foreign direct
Authority publication Traffic Management
investment
Guidelines. It will be a requirement that a Traffic
Management Plan be submitted to incorporate
• To ensure that sufficient lands are made available
and that the current infrastructure meets future
provisions for safety measures for pedestrians, cycle
routes and access for all through developments.
development demands
• To liaise with all relevant stakeholders in attracting
inward investment to the town and the promotion
of Killarney town as a centre for investment and
development
• To maximise on the strategic location of Killarney in
the South West by promoting improved road and
rail infrastructure with particular regards to access
to and from Kerry Airport
• To build upon the location of the Department of
Arts, Sport and Tourism in the town in the
facilitation of associated development
• To support and promote the facilitation of
advanced communication networks and
infrastructure in the development of a knowledge
based economy in the town so to obtain
competitiveness and attract inward investment
45
5.5
Lands for employment provision
5.5.1
It is no longer viable for tracts of land to be zoned for
commercial development in isolation. Lands to be
zoned for commercial or industrial use needs to be in
tandem with development for other land uses. A more
integrated approach in relation to land use planning
incorporating infrastructure such as transportation,
communication, energy and basic services is required
so to improve investment climate, productivity, access
to markets, and employment opportunities. Such an
approach should lead to more sustainable
communities and development.
POLICY ED- 01
5.5.2
This is already exemplified in Killarney Town through
the adoption of the Northern Gateway Action Area
Policy Statement
Plan which represents a more holistic approach to
zoning lands for both commercial and residential
development on key inter regional transport routes.
a. To ensure that sufficient lands are zoned and made
available for both large and small scale industrial
development for the generation of employment in
the town. These lands shall be zoned as part of an
integrative framework so to facilitate more
sustainable commuting patterns in contributing to
the economic development of the town
b. To promote indigenous industries which are
premised on the towns natural environment
46
Light industry and related uses
5.6.1
Light industry and related uses is regarded as playing a
5.6
pivotal role in the future economic development of
the town. Of importance is for such uses to be
sensitive to their environment with no infringement
on residential amenity or on the operative status of
existing commercial uses. Generally development may
take place in sites vacated by the relocation of existing
non-retail businesses. Derelict structures, or sites which
are being redeveloped or rehabilitated, may also be
considered suitable for development.
5.6.2
Uses associated with light industry include the
manufacture of physical products and shall also
POLICY ED- 02
incorporate the following uses:
Policy Statement
• Warehousing and distribution,
• Wholesaling,
• Trade showrooms,
•
Retail showrooms (where ancillary to
manufacturing, fitting and trade and incubator
units).
a. To promote the expansion of light industrial uses
through the provision of appropriately land use
zonings in suitable locations that are accessible and
sensitive to nearby existing land uses
b. To encourage a balance in the provision of small,
medium and large industrial business
47
5.7
Telecommunications infrastructure
5.7.1
Critical to the development of knowledge based
economy is the provision of a high spec
telecommunication infrastructure. The provision of
such essential infrastructure will also lead to the
promotion of different work practices thereby
generating social, economic and environmental
benefits. The existence of Kerry Technological
Innovation in the town and its co-location with the
Institute of Technology Tralee provides a strategic
resource for new employment opportunities.
POLICY ED- 03
Policy Statement
a. To promote improvements in the
telecommunications infrastructure and broad band
facilities so to attract and facilitate industries in the
generation of an knowledge economy for the town
b. To maximise the usage of ICT for the benefit of
Killarney in all aspect of the Towns development and
management
48
Knowledge Based Industries
5.8.1
A significant aspect of knowledge based enterprise is
5.8
the carrying out of research, the generation of
knowledge, innovation, and/or product activity. The
overall objective is for an array of support services to
be clustered in the town to facilitate such an
enterprise. The promotion and facilitation of such a
sector will in turn lead to a highly educated workforce
for the town and the attraction of inward investment.
Killarney needs to adopt a complementary role in
working with its hub partner Tralee and the third level
Institutes in Tralee and Cork in the realisation of this.
Policy ED - 04
Policy Statement
a. To promote the development of knowledge based
enterprises in the town ensuring suitable sites are
available so to facilitate high levels of learning,
innovation and creativity
49
5.9
Creative economy
5.9.1
Creative industries are the fastest growing sector in
the world powered by information based digital
technology and communications. The spectacular
landscape provided by the County and Killarney
provides a quality environment conducive to creativity
and artistry.
5.9.2
The development of workspace for artists, both
visiting and established would provide a platform in
complementing the existing tourism and cultural role
of the town. Killarney is ideally positioned to cater for
this aspect of the creative sector – including for
example pottery, ceramic, woodwork and furniture
design, glasswork, metal work, silverware and
jewellery. In addition to this is the need for galleries,
workshops, exhibitions spaces and retail outlets as a
Policy ED - 05
showcase for this sector. It is envisaged that this will
Policy Statement
lead to the development of similar enterprises similar
to the Blarney Woollen Mills and Killarney Design.
a. To explore the potential of extending existing
zonings for light industry to accommodate creative
local indigenous enterprise
50
Enterprise Centres
5.10.1
Community Enterprise Centres provide essential
5.10
support for entrepreneurship in urban areas, and have
a real and measurable impact on the economic and
social development of local communities, not least
through employment creation.
POLICY ED - 06
Policy Statement
a. To promote the development of enterprise centres in
association with relevant stakeholders. As part of
large scale developments the Council will require the
provision of incubator/starter units in concurrence
with this policy
51
5.11
Home based economic activity.
5.11.1
Such activities are generally small scale commercial
activities undertaken by the owner/occupier of a
dwelling which represents an ancillary use to
residential accommodation. Such an activity
represents an important source of employment and
the Council recognises the significant role played by
this sector. Examples of such uses include childcare
facilities (nursery, crèche, playschool) arts/crafts based
activities and single person offices where access by
the public is not a requirement. Uses not permitted
include office development.
Policy ED - 07
Policy Statement
a. To give consideration to the development of home
based activity by virtue of nature and scale, provided
they can be provided without eroding the amenities
of residential area
(See chapter on Development Management Standards)
52
E-communities/regeneration of
communities.
5.12.1
To be sustainable, towns need access to a wide range
of quality employment opportunities. With changes in
technology and communications, more and more
people are able not only to work, but to run
businesses from home. Broadband access and
community based animation and training helps to
create an alternative enterprise culture in each
community. Such a concept provides the opportunity
for those who may want to live and run their business
in a stress free environment. This is considered
significant for the regeneration of communities in the
POLICY ED - 08
town in that it provides both a living and working
Policy Statement
space, and positively promotes a more sustainable
5.12
social, economic and environmental development.
a. To promote the development of brownfield sites for
the development of live/work units consisting of
residential and micro businesses in the trade services
sector in achieving Live/Work balance in tailor-made
accommodation, create clusters of businesses and
bringing new economic activity back into local
communities
b. To ensure a broad balance between the provision of
land for new employment and economic
development and housing, thereby providing an
opportunity for people to live closer to work and to
reduce the need for unnecessary journeys
53
5.13
Office development/office based
industry
5.13.1
The development of offices/office based industry shall
be in accordance with the provisions of the
development management section. It is considered
that the appropriate location of offices in Killarney will
largely be in the Inner Core Area in accordance with
the Inner Core Action Area Plan. Applications for office
development shall be considered in accordance to the
following:
• The development management standards and the
nature and scale of the overall development
• The capacity of the area in question to absorb such
development
• The need for such development and its associated
car parking area
POLICY ED - 09
Policy Statement
• Its ability to have multi purpose use so to serve the
wider catchment area
5.13.2
In the interest of proper planning and sustainable
development, such developments should be properly
served by all modes of transport. It will be essential for
employment and commercial areas subject to
design statement with an emphasis on promoting
acceptable mobility plans being implemented,
public realm (see Chapter on Development
incorporating plans to reduce car usage with
Management Standards in relation to Urban Design
increase use of public transport
Statement).
54
a. To accommodate office based industry in
any application to be accompanied by an urban
5.14.1
The economy in the Plan period:
Priorities for different sectors. Manufacturing (Clean)
In light of the change in economic climate, new jobs
POLICY ED - 10
Policy Statement
will have to be created in other sectors such as
manufacturing to compensate. It is also desirable that
Killarney’s economy should remain reasonably diverse.
With regional economic growth being spearheaded
under the National Spatial Strategy, the industrial role
of Killarney is likely to increase in importance.
a. That all forms of economic and employment
Therefore greater emphasis is given in this
development are encouraged in Killarney, subject to
Development Plan to the facilitation of industry,
normal planning considerations, sustainable
particularly manufacturing, and internationally traded
development criteria and the principles and
services. The most dynamic sub-sectors in
objectives of the Plan
5.14
manufacturing in the Irish economy in terms of
employment and revenue since the 1990s have been
b. To encourage indigenous start-ups industry and to
the high-tech export oriented sectors. As an important
promote inward investment
manufacturing centre, Killarney is ideally positioned to
benefit from growth in this sub-sector in addition to its
c. To promote sustainable economic and social
present manufacturing industries. It is important that
development, facilitating local employment creation
such industries are sensitive to the environment and
and enterprise establishment, in co-operation with
uses on adjacent sites.
relevant stakeholders. Insofar as it is feasible, the
Council may acquire land, develop and promote
development, sell and let units for small businesses
d. To safeguard for manufacturing or other non-retail
commercial use, suitable sites and properties where
such would be considered of strategic advantage for
business and would not conflict with residential and
other amenities
e. To implement the provisions of the Noise Action Plan
of Kerry County Council during the lifetime of the
plan including the programmes of works outlined in
the Action Plan for the Killarney area
f.
To seek a Noise Impact Assessment where it is
considered that planning proposals would negatively
impinge on the residential amenity or other sensitive
receptors, i.e. schools
55
5.15
Non conforming uses
5.15.1
With respect to change of use, expansion or
intensification of uses which contravenes the zoning
objectives for an area, the Town Council will give
consideration to each case on its own merits having
regard to implications on the surrounding
environment.
POLICY ED - 11
Policy Statement
a. To facilitate the continued operation of existing non
conforming but established industrial or related
employment uses provided they do not seriously
impact or detract from the zoning objective of the
area and for all operations to be in accordance with
environmental quality standards
56
Brownfield development
POLICY ED - 12
5.16.1
Brownfield lands may be defined as any land which
Policy Statement
has been subjected to building, engineering or other
operations, excluding temporary uses or urban green
spaces. They generally comprise of redundant
industrial lands or docks but may also include former
barracks, hospitals or even occasionally obsolete
housing areas. Where such significant sites exist and, in
particular, are proximate to existing or future public
transport corridors, the opportunity for their re-
5.16.2
a. To identify brownfield sites within the functional area of the Town
Council and promote the redevelopment of such sites in accordance
with the proper planning and sustainable development of the area
b. To encourage the redevelopment of brownfield sites rather than new
greenfield developments for proposals for various development uses
and to make the best use of existing services such as public transport
and waste management
development to higher densities should be promoted.
c. To reuse brownfield sites for a full range of activities, including
housing, employment, recreation and open space, park and ride
facilities as well as increasing wildlife habitats
Brownfield redevelopment assists in economic and
d. To ensure that existing infrastructure has the capacity to support
redevelopment and that all future uses should, where possible, help
support families and assist in combating anti-social behaviour
social regeneration in urban areas and reduces
pressure for development on the urban/rural fringe.
Improving the possibilities for the redevelopment of
brownfield sites would help spur redevelopment for
employment uses in the town, mixed use centres’ and
residential infill and park and ride facilities. It will also
improve the environment and promote community
vitality.
5.16
e. To ensure that wherever brownfield sites are being developed there
will be no negative impacts on roosting bats. All demolition works will
be conducted in full consultation with National Parks and Wildlife
Service staff. Where renovation works or demolition works take place
within, or immediately adjacent to, the boundary of the Killarney
National Park, Macgillicuddy’s Reeks and Caragh River Catchment
cSAC, a screening determination for an Appropriate Assessment of
potential impacts on the cSAC will be carried-out
f. To ensure that brownfield sites within the boundary of the cSAC will
be subject to appropriate ecological survey for the Habitats Directive
Annex I species, otter, Kerry slug and lesser horseshoe bat and for
other wildlife species of conservation concern. Prior to the
commencement of such works, appropriate mitigation or restrictions
on site clearance will be implemented based upon the findings of
such surveys. All sites, whether within or outside the boundary of the
cSAC will be surveyed for otter and lesser horseshoe bat prior to the
commencement of such works and appropriate mitigation or
restrictions on site clearance will be implemented based upon the
findings of such surveys
g. To address the requirements for an assessment of potential for
contaminated materials, soils etc. to be unearthed during demolition,
development works, redevelopment of former petrol stations, fuel
chemical storage areas etc. Where any environmental risk and/or
associated environmental risks is identified, provisions should be
made for appropriate investigations to be undertaken to determine
the nature and extent of any materials, contaminated soils on the
proposed development site.
h. To implement the policies and objectives of the Soils Directive and for
the Protection of Areas of Geological Interest. Specific conditions on
granting planning permission for a development close to designated
or sensitive habitats may include but are not limited to the following:
• The provision for trial pits for significant developments given the
lack of information on aquifer classification;
• To retain and conserve areas of natural soil profile with its
constituent soil, flora and fauna by preserving undisturbed soil
profiles in areas to be used for open space and planting;
• The preventing of disturbance, compaction or removal of natural
soil profile from areas not required for construction; and
• The prevention of soil erosion and escape of suspended solids into
nearby watercourses.
57
5.17
Childcare facilities
5.17.1
As the number of parents going back to employment
rises, this generates demand for childcare facilities. The
provision of childcare facilities as an ancillary
development of future developments will not only
provide local employment but will also contribute to
an increase in childcare facilities which will enable
both parents to return to employment. The size of the
childcare facility shall be relative to the nature and size
of any proposed development.
POLICY ED - 13
Policy Statement
a. To promote the provision of adequate childcare
facilities as ancillary developments in conjunction
with all future developments in the town as
appropriate
58
Retail Development
Aim: “To promote sustainable retail development in the town by
providing a diverse retail experience and choice for present and future
generations”.
CHAPTER 6
CHAPTER 6 RETAIL DEVELOPMENT
6.1
Context.
6.1.1
Killarney Town Council with other Local Authorities is
retail services in South Kerry, along with the protection
required to take due cognisance of the Retail Planning
and consolidation of the town centre. The
Guidelines which provide a comprehensive framework
accommodation of requirements of consumers and
to guide both Local Authorities in preparing
communities for convenience retailing are also among
Development Plans and assessing applications for
the aims of the Town Council in relation to retail
planning permission, and for retailers and developers
planning in Killarney.
6.1.4
Killarney Town Council recognises the need for an
improvement in the role of Killarney in the provision of
in formulating development proposals.
6.1.2
6.2
Research
6.2.1
The Town Council commissioned the services of AP
Killarney Town Council is required under these
guidelines to put in place a clear policy in relation to
retail development within its Development Plan.
Mc Carthy Planning Associates to undertake a Retail
Strategy as part of the Killarney Development Plan.
6.1.3
In dealing with these matters, Planning Authorities are
This will guide the Councils overall approach to the
required to take account of the views of retailers,
retail development of the town under the lifetime of
shoppers, property owners and transport operators. It
the plan. The findings of the retail strategy have
should be noted that in respect of towns the size of
informed the Councils strategic aims for the
Killarney, it is not necessary for the Town Council to
development of the retail sector in the town. (See
estimate in any detail within the Development Plan
Appendix 7 for Retail Strategy).
the future requirement for additional development.
According to the Retail Planning Guidelines a “broad
assessment of requirements for additional
development reflecting the local evidence of market
interest and the need to provide good opportunities
for retail provision to serve the main population centre
ought to be sufficient in order to formulate
appropriate policies and criteria for dealing with new
development proposals”.
60
The Retail Strategy for Killarney Town
6.3.1
The Retail Strategy provides strategic guidance on the
citizens. It is envisaged that the Development Plan
scale and location of any new retail development
2009-2015 will address any gaps in retail mix, whilst
within Killarney Town over the timeframe of the new
promoting diversification and choice.
retail development so to encourage inward
investment, diversification and choice to the town’s
Killarney Development Plan 2009-2015. The guidance
is in accordance with the Government objectives for
6.4.1.2
Killarney has a large and rapidly growing residential
retailing, as set out in the Retail Planning Guidelines
community. Much of the growth in the 2009-2015
(RPG) 2005, which aim to accommodate future retail
Development Plan period and beyond, will be in areas
development in a way that is “efficient, equitable and
outside the town centre, which may require local
sustainable”.
centre or Neighbourhood centre type developments.
6.3
These are defined within the Retail Planning
Guidelines as” being small groups of shops, typically
comprising a newsagent, small supermarket, general
grocery store, sub post office and other small shops of
a local nature serving a small, localised catchment
population”.
6.5
Strategic Objectives of the Council
• To work in partnership and liaise with Tralee Town
6.3.2
In addition to the above national context, the terms of
Council in devising shared retail policies that are of
existing Plans and Policies affecting retailing in the
mutual benefit to both towns
South West region and, in particular, the Killarney area,
provide the local context for the Strategy. Therefore,
• To expand the quantum of retail development in
the process of arriving at the Retail Strategy has
the town offering a diverse retail experience and
entailed the assessment of a number of key issues and
choice to the citizens of the town and the wider
factors that are set out in the RPG and that are also
catchment area
influenced by the specific circumstances of the town
and its surrounding area.
• To ensure that the future expansion of the retail
sector in the town is in tandem with proposals with
6.4
Retail development since the Killarney
Development Plan 2003.
public modes of transport, delineated cycle and
pedestrian routes
• To recognise the significance of local shops in
6.4.1
The 2003 Development Plan has witnessed the
sustaining the convenience shopping of local
strengthening of the retail sector in the town with
needs and the need to protect such local retail
significant progress being made in terms of attracting
outlets
international retail operators. The redevelopment of
Scott’s Garden Hotel site and the arrival of big market
• To encourage the development of neighbourhood
brand names in the sale of convenience and
centres and to incorporate convenience shopping
comparison goods such as Marks and Spenser’s, Argos,
as part of large scale residential developments and
Homebase, Boots, Dorothy Perkins, have all
to protect and preserve the range of uses at
contributed to the level of retail mix in the town. The
existing neighbourhood centres
Council is mindful of the need for an expansion of
61
• To ensure that any increase in retail floor space is
(PRF), where proposals that result in the loss of Class
considered in tandem with growth in population
1 retail uses at ground floor shall generally be
projections in the town
discouraged.
• To promote the aesthetic of shop frontages in the
• To encourage and promote the redevelopment of
town through the undertaking of design guidelines
vacant, underutilised or obsolete areas within the
for shop frontages and upper floors of buildings to
town centre area. Where there is existing parking
be adhered to in the event planning applications
provision within such areas, redevelopment
are submitted involving changes to façades
proposals should seek to retain parking provision,
where appropriate, in any new scheme.
• To encourage the living over the shop scheme as
part of proposals for retail development in the town
• To only give consideration of new tourist-related
retail proposals that are outside the town centre
• To ensure that planning proposals for new retail
area where it is clearly ancillary to the primary
development in Killarney are consistently assessed
tourism use on the site and is of a nature and scale
against the requirements of the Retail Planning
that would not prejudice town centre vitality and
Guidelines (including the sequential site
viability. Such retail proposals will be assessed with
assessment), the Development Plan and the
regard to the Sequential Approach
general terms and Strategic Objectives set out in
this Retail Strategy.
• To ensure that significant proposals submit Road
• To ensure that the “Town Centre Facilities” zoned
Safety Audits, Traffic & Transportation Assessments
area is the primary location for new retail
(TTA’s) in accordance with the National Roads
development. Retail proposals within these areas
Authority Guidelines; to be carried out by suitably
will generally be encouraged, subject to normal
competent consultants and to be assessed in
Development Management Standards.
conjunction with their cumulative impact with
neighbouring development on the road work.
• To acknowledge Deerpark as a significant shopping
Guidance is provided for by the publication Traffic
area and to protect the existing mix of retailing uses
Management Guidelines. It will be a requirement
at this location.
that a Traffic Management Plan be submitted to
incorporate provisions for safety measures for
• To encourage bulky goods retail facilities in
appropriate accessible locations. Proposals for bulky
goods retail facilities shall be assessed in
accordance with the guidance set out in the Retail
Planning Guidelines 2005. The goods to be sold
from such facilities should be restricted to primarily
bulky goods.
• To extend the Primary Retail Frontage Area (Retail
Core) westwards along the north side of New
Street, to the junction with St. Mary’s Terrace.
• To continue to identify the Primary Retail Frontage
62
pedestrians, cycle routes and access for all through
developments.
Retail Hierarchy in Killarney
6.6.1
Retail Core/Town Centre
include Lidl Discount Store on the Hans Liebherr Road
6.6.1.1
The main traditional shopping centre is defined by
and a Supervalu store located at the Park Road
both the Retail Core (to be renamed Primary Retail
roundabout.
6.6.2.2
Considerable commercial development has also taken
place outside adjoining Deerpark Shopping area. These
Frontage Area) and the Town Centre. A mix of retail
and commercial businesses, including restaurants,
6.6.3
shops and office uses are provided in the town centre.
6.6.3.1
Killarney has developed a number of neighbourhood
Within the retail core area it is a requirement that the
centres that have an important role in providing a range
use of ground floor frontage consists of uses as
of shops and services to serve the local population. The
indicated in Class 1 of the Planning and Development
main centres are the Countess Centre (close to Deerpark
Regulations 2001 with a presumption against any loss
shopping area on Park Road), the Park Shopping Village
or change of such uses. The role of Killarney as a
(Park Road Roundabout) and the new Killarney Reeks
Gateway Centre at the Tralee Road Bypass junction.
vibrant tourist and cultural location is witnessed by the
considerable number of licensed premises, hotels, bed
6.6
6.7
6.7.1
From a retailing perspective, Tralee represents an
and breakfasts and restaurants located within the
town. The Killarney Outlet Centre is easily accessible
on foot, either from the traditional town centre area or
alternative destination from Killarney for shopping in
the bus and train stations and provides a considerable
particular. In line with the linked joint Hub status, this
comparison retail offer.
should pave the way for greater unity and
commitment rather than any potential for local rivalry
and competition. Both towns should be playing a
6.6.1.2
In terms of convenience retailing in the retail core/Town
more complementary role to each other in the
Centre, the main food shopping facilities are provided by
realisation of a shared vision as envisaged in the Hub
Dunne’s Stores on New Street and Tesco in the Killarney
Plan with mutual benefits enjoyed by both towns.
Shopping Centre. In the town centre, comparison
retailing is limited to a small number of national
multiples and is predominantly characterised by tourist
related retailing and service outlets.
6.6.2
Deerpark
6.6.2.1
The Deerpark shopping area is located outside the town
centre, approximately 1 km to the east. This is a recently
constructed shopping facility that includes a mix of
bulky goods retailers and large convenience foodstores,
as well as general high street retailing. Occupiers of the
Deerpark Centre include Homebase, Argos, World of
Wonder, Boots and leading fashion retailers, such as
Arcadia Group (Burtons/Evans) and New Look. Marks
and Spencer has also recently opened a store in the
Deerpark Centre. The area is also home to a Tesco Store
and an Aldi Store.
63
6.8
The preferred location for new retail
development
6.8.1
Primary Retail Frontage Area
6.8.1.1.
The Killarney Development Plan 2003-2009 identified a
“Retail Core” area to include primary retail frontages
(ground floor) as part of this zoning. The Retail Core
area is to be renamed as the ‘Primary Retail Frontage
Area’.
6.8.1.2.
The Primary Retail Frontage Area is dominated by a
significant proportion of service outlets, such as coffee
shops, restaurants and bars. These types of uses
POLICY RT -01
accounted for around 38% of the ground floor units in
Policy Statement
the retail core, which is significantly higher than other
Irish towns of a similar size. This results from the high
level of tourist activity in the town, including day
trippers and coach tour parties. The proportion of
convenience retail units is low at approximately 5%,
although it is acknowledged that Tesco is located
within this core area. It is envisaged that during the
lifetime of the Plan that the Primary Retail Frontage
Area will become a magnet for convenience and
comparison shopping to include high street retailing.
6.8.1.3.
In this area it is a policy to maintain retail use as the
primary use at ground floor and to resist further
changes of use to service and office use. Whilst it is
acknowledged that there exists a range of uses within
the Retail Core area, the Town Council will aim to
maintain the current balance and discourage any
erosion of the primary Class 1 retail use as set out in
the Planning and Development Regulations 2001.
Therefore, applications for the change of use of
ground floor premises from retail to other uses will
normally not be granted, unless exceptional
circumstances apply.
64
a. To maintain retail use as the primary use at ground
floor level and to resist further changes of use to
service and office use, use for financial services or use
as a betting office/shop
b. To encourage proposals for convenience and
comparison retail development in the Primary Retail
Frontage Area to include high street retailing
c. To consider the extension of the retail core of New
Street with Dunne’s Stores being the ‘anchor’ at this
end of the street.
Town Centre
6.8.2.1
The overall retail objective of the Town Council is to
protect and promote Killarney Town Centre as the
POLICY RT -02
primary retailing centre in the area. This takes
Policy Statement
particular account of the importance of a vibrant and
viable retail sector which contributes to a healthy
town centre. This is emphasised in the Retail Planning
Guidelines. As well as being a focus for the very
significant tourist economy, Killarney Town Centre
serves as the main centre for a wide catchment
population where there is a full range of community,
cultural and commercial uses including schools,
entertainment facilities, civic offices and business.
6.8.2.2
Town centres are the focus for a range of important
uses, including commercial, community and social
uses. Town centres are, by their very nature, highly
accessible and establish a sense of place and identity.
A town centre is the most universally accessible
location for the resident and visitor population and the
6.8.2
a. To encourage proposals for retail development in the
Town Centre so to maintain the vitality, viability and
identity of the town centre
b. To facilitate new retail development in the town
centre in a manner consistent with the Retail
Planning Guidelines and the general objectives as
stated in this plan for the town centre. This shall be
informed by the Retail strategy and Urban Master
Plan as part of the Development Plan.
retail element is complemented by a wide range of
services and community/civic uses. This is consistent
with established policies and guidelines and, in
particular, is in accordance with Killarney’s position in
the national and regional retail hierarchy. Therefore,
c. To ensure that proposals for retail development,
contribute to a retail hierarchy that is efficient,
equitable and sustainable and therefore meets the
following strategic objectives:-
the Town Council shall generally support new retail
developments within the town centre area, as defined
•
The facilitation of a competitive and healthy
environment for the retail sector.
by the “Town Centre Facilities” zoned area in the
Development Plan. This shall be the preferred area for
new retail development and regard shall be given to
•
The vitality and viability of the town centre shall
be retained and enhanced. Out of town centre
this in adopting the sequential test for new retail
developments will only be considered where
proposals.
there are no development sites, or potential sites
within the town centre or on its edge or
satisfactory transport accessibility cannot
realistically be provided within a reasonable
period of time.
•
To ensure convenience to all sectors of the
community, in particular matching services to
those who are less mobile and accessible by both
public and private transport.
65
6.8.3
Deerpark
6.8.3.1
This shopping area is acknowledged as an important
established retail area, providing a wide range of
convenience, comparison and bulky goods. This
shopping area of the town includes Homebase, Argos,
World of Wonder, Boots, Carphone warehouse and
leading fashion retailers, such as Arcadia Group
(Burtons/Evans), New Look and Marks and Spencer’s.
6.8.3.2
Deerpark is an important component to the town’s
retail offer. Having regard to the location of Deerpark
in relation to the town centre, it is noted that the
physical separation is not substantial. Therefore it is
POLICY RT -03
important to improve the linkages and pedestrian
Policy Statement
access between the town centre and Deerpark so that
further development opportunities occur along,
creating an opportunity corridor along Park Road as
far as Deerpark shopping area.
a. To ensure that future retail development and
expansion of Deerpark shopping area and on
adjoining lands zoned for retail development in this
location does not detract from the vitality and
viability of the town centre
b. To enhance greater connectivity between the Town
Centre and the retail development at Deerpark and
adjoining retail operators so that further
development opportunities occur in the corridor
along Park Road as far as Deerpark
66
Redevelopment Opportunities – Killarney Retail
6.8.4.1
In establishing the town centre as the main focus for
6.8.4
Corridor
retailing activity in Killarney and in order to provide new
retail facilities to meet modern demands, it is important
to encourage and facilitate redevelopment proposals at
appropriate locations. The Killarney Urban Masterplan
document identified a number of opportunity sites in
the town centre zone area for redevelopment that are
vacant, underutilised or obsolete. Some of these areas
of opportunity are in use as car parking areas. Whilst the
redevelopment of some of these areas for
commercial/retail development could entail the
POLICY RT -04
temporary loss of vital car parking facilities, the long
Policy Statement
term gain to the town centre would be substantial. The
Town Council will encourage and give consideration to
planning proposals for the redevelopment of vacant,
underutilised or obsolete areas. Such sites include: New
Street car park, Old Market lane and Glebe car park.
Their redevelopment could be linked in turn to the
Scott’s development, the Outlet Centre extending to
a. To consider proposals for the redevelopment of
the Old Torc site, forming a retail corridor for the town.
opportunity sites for the purposes of retail
development in consolidating the retail sector of the
6.8.4.2
However, as car parking provision is a very important
town and the creation of a retail corridor
issue, it will be desirable to maintain or increase parking
provision within any redeveloped site that is currently in
b. To encourage and promote the redevelopment of
use for parking. In redeveloping any site in the town
centre that is currently in use as a parking area, it will be
necessary to liaise with the Town Council in obtaining
the temporary use of vacant town centre lands for car
parking pending the completion of any redevelopment.
where appropriate, in any new scheme
Alternatively, sites would need to be developed on a
phased basis with provisions being made for parking
prior to the commencement of development.
6.8.4.3
Killarney is well served by a network of laneways which
are generally well-connected by both New Street and
Glebe car parks. Where the laneways are developed for
appropriate retail, these would act as important
through routes, linking up the different retail shopping
areas of the town in the development of the retail
corridor and would contribute to significantly
enhancing the attraction of the town centre and
shopping experience.
67
6.8.5
6.8.5.1
Neighbourhood centres serve an important role in
meeting the everyday needs of local residents,
including “top-up” convenience shopping, medical,
health & beauty and local service uses. It is considered
important that there are a number of such
neighbourhood centres spread throughout residential
areas in order that the majority of the urban
population has easy access. It is also important to
ensure that such centres are of an appropriate scale to
meet purely local needs and do not threaten retailing
operations in the town centre. Individual uses within
POLICY RT -05
these centres should primarily service local needs only
Policy Statement
to ensure that the primacy of the town centre is not
prejudiced. Individual units within the centre should
not normally exceed 300sqm in floor area the overall
centre should not normally exceed 1,500sqm in floor
area (See ch.12: Land Use Zoning Development
Management Standards).
a. When considering planning applications for the
development of residential schemes outside of the
town core, to require developers to make proposals
in relation to the provision of local and
neighbourhood retail services where it is felt it is
appropriate for the provision of same. Local and
neighbourhood facilities are clearly defined within
the Retail Planning Guidelines. In addition it will be a
policy of the Council to consider the findings of the
Retail Strategy in determining maximum floor space
in relation to food stores and/or convenience stores
and local/neighbourhood retail services will be
capped
68
6.8.6.1
Tourism-Related Retailing
Killarney enjoys a vibrant tourist industry and it is
important that a full range of ancillary services and
facilities are available to visitors. Whilst hotels
complexes and other accommodations are spread
throughout the town area, many tourists naturally
focus on the town centre, where there are a range of
shops and services. This should remain the position as
much of the town centre vibrancy and viability is
dependent on tourism. In order to preserve the town
POLICY RT -06
centre as the main tourist focus, it is important that
Policy Statement
any tourist-related retailing outside the town centre
area is strictly controlled. Small-scale retailing ancillary
6.8.6
to a large hotel or visitor attraction, for example, may
be acceptable. Any proposals for tourist-related
retailing outside the town centre would only be
permitted where it is clearly ancillary to the primary
a. To assess proposals for tourist related retailing against
the following:
viability.
•
Sequential approach.
•
Provisions of the Retail Planning Guidelines
•
Impact upon surrounding property
•
Scale of the proposal
•
It’s impact on existing retail developments in the
area and the Town
•
Accessibility by all modes of transport and by all
citizens
69
6.8.7
Retail Ware Housing
6.8.7.1
Certain forms of retailing do not fit easily into
traditional town centres and this is accepted in the
RPGs. Retail warehouses, either singly or in groups, are
a trading format that is most commonly located
outside of a town centre, generally with easy access to
the road network for ease of access and deliveries. This
POLICY RT -07
form of retailing, where the main business is the
Policy Statement
display and sale of bulky goods, is an important
element of the retail offer in any large town and
should generally be accommodated at appropriate
locations, subject to demand and supply assessment.
The Deerpark Centre includes some bulky goods retail
units, such as Homebase and Argos, and there may be
potential for further such units at this location. There
a. To encourage bulky goods retail facilities in
are other free-standing similar units in Killarney, such
as 4 Home.
goods retail facilities shall be assessed in accordance
with the guidance set out in the Retail Planning
6.8.7.2
Any future demands for bulky goods retailing should
Guidelines 2005. The goods to be sold from such
be subject to the normal sequential test and impact
facilities should be restricted to primarily bulky
assessment, having regard to the retail hierarchy for
goods. It will be a requirement for a transport
the town and existing facilities. However, due regard
assessment to be submitted with planning proposals
should also be given to the bulky goods retail
for retail warehousing. There is a presumption against
provision in the linked hub town of Tralee, where there
any proposals for retail warehousing adjacent to
already exists a large retail park and there are further
National routes
zoned lands for this use. As in the entire retail sector,
market forces may identify target areas for further
b. To facilitate the development of retail space designed
bulky goods retailing, where the majority of main
and built to accommodate bulky goods or otherwise
brands have their own set of requirements in terms of
known as Retail Warehouse Parks, the minimum floor
catchments. It may therefore be unlikely that large
space to be determined by the Retail Strategy
bulky retail operators will require stores in both
locations. In terms of bulky comparison retailing,
determining the requirement of a detailed Retail
serving a similar wide catchment. This is, of course, in
Impact Assessment with respect to large scale
accordance with whole idea of the linked hub, where
developments
the towns complement each other. In any event, the
assessment of any such proposals requires to be in
accordance with the Retail Planning Guidelines
(DoEHLG 2005).
70
c. To take cognisance of the Retail Strategy in
Killarney and Tralee will be viewed as a single entity
Definitions of Retail Uses
6.10
Future Retail Development
6.9.1
The definitions of Retail Uses as contained in the Retail
6.10.1
The Planning Authority is cognisant of the different
Planning Guidelines are set out as follows:-
retail types as defined above. In particular, it is
cognisant of the different requirements of each and
• Convenience
the potential impact of same. The Council is conscious
- Food
of the requirements that consumers and communities
- Alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages
have for a quality convenient retail service whilst
- Tobacco
protecting the special role of the town centre and
- Non durable household goods
ensuring that the town can accommodate changing
6.9
retail demands.
• Comparison
- Clothing and footwear
6.10.1
- Furniture, furnishings and household equipment
There is scope to improve Killarney’s retail function
without undermining the role of other centres of
(excluding non durable household goods)
population in the County, and also without
- Medical and pharmaceutical products,
exacerbating problems of congestion in the town
therapeutic appliances and equipment
centre.
- Educational and recreation equipment and
accessories
6.10.2
At the same time the Planning Authority will take due
- Books, newspapers and magazines
care to ensure that proposed retail developments
- Goods for personal care and goods not
reinforce and not undermine the retail hierarchy and
elsewhere classified.
that they are responsive to community needs and
utilise infrastructure.
The value of repairs is excluded in all cases.
• Bulky goods
6.10.3
It is particularly important that the size or location of
- goods generally sold from retail warehouses
any proposed retail development of a given type is not
where D.I.Y. goods or goods such as flat-pack
such as would divert trade away from the town centre
furniture are of such size that they would
such that it would undermine its vitality or viability.
normally be taken away by car and not be
manageable by customers travelling by foot,
6.10.4
In accordance with the Retail Planning Guidelines,
cycle or bus, or that large floor areas would be
Killarney Town Council recognises the importance of
required to display them e.g. furniture room
establishing the optimum location for new retail
sets, or not large individually, but part of a
development which is accessible to all sections of
collective purchase which would be bulky e.g.
society and is of a scale which allows for the continued
wallpaper, paint.
prosperity of the town centre and the existing retail
facilities.
6.10.5
In particular, the Planning Authority will seek to
accommodate for the projected retail needs by
ensuring that the existing retail hierarchy is not
seriously undermined by a development which it
considers to be inappropriate in scale, type or location.
71
6.10.6
In particular, the Council notes the Retail Planning
• Does not reduce the array of activities and services
Guidelines which clearly state that “in general, retail
that a town centre can support.
warehouses do not fit easily into town centres given
their size requirements and the need for good car
• Does not generate an increase in the number of
parking facilities and ease of servicing. In some
vacant properties in the town likely to persist in the
instances it may be possible to locate retail warehouse
long term.
groups on the edge of town centres”.
• Ensures a high standard of accessibility by all modes
6.10.7
Furthermore, the Retail Planning Guidelines go on to
of transport, foot, private car, bicycle, public and
state that Planning Authorities when considering
private vehicular and park and ride facilities.
applications for non food retail parks need to consider
the impact on existing town centres. If the range of
• Links effectively with the existing town centre in the
goods sold is conditioned only to the sale of bulky
generation of commercial synergy.
household goods, including carpets, furniture,
automotive products and white electrical goods and
6.10.10
The following criteria should be considered in the
D.I.Y. items, then it is unlikely that a retail park
assessment of significant applications:
development would have a material adverse impact
• To demonstrate a quantitative and qualitative need
on the more important town centres in the retail
for the development
hierarchy.
• The contribution of the development towards the
6.10.8
Killarney Town Council shall facilitate the upgrading
improvement of the town centre in terms of urban
and enhancement of the town centre to
design
accommodate additional retail floor space,
accommodating retail development. To achieve this
policy, specific provision is made in the Development
• The contribution of the development towards site
or area regeneration
Plan for new retail development, but of a scale, type
and location that would support town centre
enhancement.
6.10.9
The Planning Authority shall assess these
developments against a general criterion consistent
• The role of the development in improving the
competitiveness of the town
• Compliance with Retail Planning guidelines and
development plan policies and objectives.
with the Retail Planning Guidelines and the sequential
testing. Any proposals should demonstrate the
following:
• Supports the long term strategy for the town
• Considers any adverse impact on the town centre,
either singly or cumulatively
• Does not undermine the quality of the town centre
or its role in the economic and social life of the
community.
72
• Accessibility by all members of the community.
Non conforming retail
6.11.1
There is a presumption against the establishment of
6.11
specified retail operators in the town where it is
considered that:
a.
Would set a precedent and therefore lead to an over
concentration of certain types of retail outlets in the
town,
b.
Would attribute to certain areas in the town being
associated with the sale of products not conforming
with the image of the town thereby discouraging the
establishment of other retail development both
convenience and comparable retail development
within the immediate area
c.
d.
Does not conform with the streetscape or existing
POLICY RT -08
shop frontage
Policy Statement
Detracts from the heritage character of the town
a. To prohibit the following non conforming retail
developments:
• Adult Shops
• Taxi offices etc.
• Food takeaways
73
6.12
Betting Offices
6.12.1
Recent years has witnessed the establishment of
betting offices at principal locations throughout the
town. It is considered that there are at present 14
betting offices in the town serving a population of 13,
497 people. Some of these businesses have occupied
premises and units where financial use was already
established thereby not requiring planning permission
under the exempted development rights of the
Planning and Development Regulations 2001. The
Town Council is concerned that the presence of such
development with respect to the number of betting
offices, as well as their frontage is not in keeping with
existing traditional retail frontage in the town. This is
considered as detracting from the visual amenity of
the town’s streetscape thus eroding the historic
POLICY RT  09
character of the town.
Policy Statement
a. Not to permit planning permission for betting offices
in the town.
74
Definitions of types of Convenience Good
Shopping as per Retail Planning
Guidelines
6.14
Definitions of types of Comparison
Goods Shopping as per Retail Planning
Guidelines
Discount food store
Retail mall
Single level, self service store normally of between
Purpose built centres (either in-centre or out-of-centre)
1000 – 1500 square metres of gross floorspace selling
incorporating a mix of larger stores and individual shops
a limited range of goods at competitive prices, often
usually concentrating on comparison goods, together
with adjacent car parking.
with some convenience shopping and sometimes
commercial leisure and / or a food court.
6.13
Supermarkets
Single level, self-service stores selling mainly food, with
Regional shopping centres
a net sales area of less than 2,500 square metres, often
Out-of-town retail malls generally of 50,000 square
with adjacent car parking.
metres gross retail floorspace or more, typically enclosing
a wide range of clothing and other comparison goods
Superstores
with extensive dedicated car parking. Regional shopping
Single level, self-service stores selling mainly food, or
centres do not normally incorporate retail warehouses.
food and some non-food goods, usually with at least
2,500 square metres net sales floorspace with
Retail parks
dedicated surface level car parking.
A single development of at least three retail warehouses
with associated car parking.
Hypermarket
Single level, self service stores selling both food and a
Retail warehouse
range of comparison goods, with net sales floorspace
A large single-level store specialising in the sale of bulky
in excess of 5,000 square metres with dedicated
household goods such as carpets, furniture and electrical
surface level car parking.
goods, and bulky DIY items, catering mainly for car-borne
customers and often in out-of-centre locations.
Convenience Outlet
Single level, partially self service store with no adjacent
Warehouse clubs
car parking, selling food and other convenience items,
Generally out-of-centre retailers specialising in bulk sales
with a net sales area of not more than 500 square
of reduced price, quality goods in unsophisticated
metres, and a product range less than that carried by a
buildings with dedicated car parks. The operator may
supermarket. Such stores are characterised by longer
limit access to businesses, organisations or classes of
opening hours than supermarkets.
individual, through membership restrictions.
Factory shop
A shop adjacent to the production unit and specialising
in the sale of manufacturers’ products direct to the public.
Factory outlet centres
Group of shops, usually in out-of-centre locations,
specialising in selling seconds and end-of-line goods at
discounted prices.
75
Tourism
Aim: “To promote Killarney as a premier tourist destination in its own
right, offering a high quality, rich and diverse experience to all visitors”.
CHAPTER 7
CHAPTER 7 TOURISM
7.1
Context
7.2
Heritage and Visitor Attractions
7.1.1
Killarney is an internationally acclaimed destination for
7.2.1
The most significant aspects of Killarney’s tourism
tourism. From its landscape to its people, the town
product is the town itself. As an important tourism
instils a euphoric feeling of adventure and escapism.
centre, Killarney provides a range of accommodation
Yet beneath its landscape of beauty, discovery and
options, cultural experiences, transport links, heritage
romance, is a charming town that exhorts a lively and
features and a wide variety of services which add to
welcoming ambiance.
the urban visiting experience. The high quality of the
urban environment is key to this experience as is the
7.1.2
Killarney’s success as a tourist destination is founded
availability of information for both visitors and the
upon its surrounding natural environment. The vistas
local population alike. The number of visitors to the
around Killarney are superb and the landscape offers a
main admission-charging visitor attractions in and
rich and diverse experience to visitors, ranging from
near the town are provided in Table 5.
parkland, to lush woodlands and oak forests, from the
variety of the lakes to the rugged mountains. All of
these features are encompassed in the 10,000 hectares
7.1.3
An attractive natural landscape provides a backdrop to
the Town. The relationship between the town and the
during the course of a traditional Killarney Day Trip.
surrounding landscape is certainly a strong feature of
The National Park extends right into Killarney town,
the area’s charm and character and features such as
with the Rivers Deenagh and Flesk flowing through
the National Park and the Gap of Dunloe attract large
the outskirts of the town.
numbers of visitors each year.
Essentially, the town’s current position is that of a
tourist accommodation and service centre, providing
essential services to the large numbers of visitors who
are drawn to the area by its spectacular natural
environment. Killarney’s success in this position is
founded on a long tradition of warm hospitality,
friendliness and good service.
78
7.2.2
of the Killarney National Park, and can be experienced
Name
2005
2006
2007
Muckross House, Gardens & Traditional Farms
694,809
714,091
639,400
Ross Castle
34,678
32,083
30,609
CHAPTER 7 TOURISM
Table 5: Admission to Visitor Attractions in the Killarney Area
*Source Muckross House Estate and National Park and Wildlife Services
Other attractions in and near Killarney include:
• National Farm Museum at White Villa Farm on the Cork Road
• Coolwood Wildlife Sanctuary, which includes a childrens’ zoo
• St. Mary’s Catholic Cathedral, designed by Augustus Pugin
• Killarney House Gardens and Knockreer House Gardens, both in the National Park and adjacent to the town
7.3
Activities
7.3.1
Apart from the scenery in the surrounding area, the main attractions in the
Killarney area are activity based. These include walking, golf, cycling, boating,
equestrian pursuits, angling and horse-riding jaunting carts being the main
tourist attractions.
7.3.3
Killarney has more hotel rooms than any town in Ireland with the exception of
Dublin. The town has a wide range of accommodation options – ranging from
hotels to a range of smaller hostelries and bed and breakfasts, located both
within the town and in its environs. The accommodation sector continues to
grow - there has been substantial investment in the hotels in Killarney during the
past 5 years, which has resulted in a 30% increase in both the number of hotels
and hotel rooms in the town. Many established properties added to their
capacity during this period. There are now almost 2,700 hotel rooms in the town.
Table 6 provides an indicator of the tourist accommodation in the town.
Table 6: Tourist Accommodation in Killarney, 2006
Category
No. of Premises
No. of Rooms
Hotels
34
2635
Guesthouses
26
339
Town & Country Homes
96
441
farmhouses
22
121
Approved self-catering
219
660
5
351
407
4547
Hostels
Total
(Source Fáilte Ireland South West)
79
CHAPTER 7 TOURISM
7.4
7.4.1
Tourism Product Development Strategy
2007-2013
7.5
Recent trends and pressures.
7.5.1
Recent years has witnessed a diverse tourist clientele
The publication by Fáilte Ireland South West of its
visiting Killarney town. With that is a trend and a
tourism strategy recognises Killarney as a leading
demand towards cultural/historical pursuits.
urban magnet and hub with respect to tourism.
Underlining their recognition of Killarney is the scope
7.5.2
The percentage of visitors engaging in
to enhance the tourism product and the experience to
cultural/historical pursuits in the County for 2006 is
a visitor, as well as enabling equal distribution of
calculated at 37%. Hiking and walking is calculated at
tourism benefits to its surrounding hinterlands.
5 %.( Tourism Ireland). There is now a need to reinforce
such activities in the town. This can easily be
accommodated given the town’s landscape and
environment.
7.5.3
The town has invested heavily in the development of
its accommodation sector, and in other visitor services,
notably food, drink and transport. It is essential that
Killarney carefully manages its development and
presentation to visitors with an emphasis on quality;
offering an enriching experience to visitors. (See Table
7 of the Strengths, Weakness, Opportunities and
Threats (SWOT) analysis of Killarney tourism).
7.4.2
Killarney possesses a pristine physical environment, a
diverse accommodation base, key iconic attractions
7.5.4
This Development Plan incorporates the principles as
and a range of authentic experiences. These are assets
outlined in the Tourism Strategy of the Killarney Urban
which forms the overall tourism vision of the strategy.
Masterplan 2005. The distinguishing feature of this
The strategy includes measures in aiming for the
strategy is that it emphasises sustainability and
Killarney National Park to obtain World Heritage Site
controlled growth to ensure that the tourism industry,
quality. These are indicated in the strategy as a
visitors to the town and local residents, all secure
necessity in providing a high quality tourism product.
optimum benefits from tourism activity. In adopting
this approach, Killarney will underline its position as
7.4.3
The Council under the provision of the Town
the leader in Irish tourism.
Development Plan will devise a series of policies and
objectives in the realisation of this and to contribute to
7.5.5
Tourism is the key economic driver for Killarney,
a strategic vision for the sustainable development of
however in a highly competitive international market,
the tourism product.
Killarney is not a “low cost” provider and must ensure
that its product evolves to focus on quality rather than
quantity. While the Town Plan cannot be entirely
prescriptive on the type of facilities provided, it is in
the interest of the sustainability of the product that
higher quality branded product is the key focus of
future development.
80
STRENGTHS
WEAKNESS
• Natural resources (lakes, mountains, rivers)
• Traffic congestion
• National Park
• Lack of coach parking
• Well developed tourism infrastructure (hotels,
• Overcrowding during high season
restaurants, conference facilities etc.)
• Outdoor activities (golf, fishing, walking, cycling, horse
riding etc.)
• Established reputation as a premier tourist destination
CHAPTER 7 TOURISM
Table 7: Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, Threats (SWOT) analysis of Killarney’s Tourism base *
• Limited range of attractions within the town itself
• Inadequate provision for pedestrians
• Narrow range of retail outlets
• Limited selection of entertainment options
• Killarney has a wide appeal across all strata of society
• Historical and cultural sites/monuments
• Houses and gardens
OPPORTUNITIES
• Growth of short-break market
THREATS
• Over-development
• Demand for ‘healthy’ holiday destination i.e. health
• Over commercialisation
and tourism linkage
• Events in the off-season
• Expansion of services to Kerry airport
• Decline in demand from North America
• Development of competing holiday destinations in
Ireland and overseas
• Development of heritage sites
• Lack of sufficient numbers of trained staff
• Development of cultural attractions & activities
• Environmental degradation
*Killarney Urban Masterplan 2005
7.6
Strategic Approach to Tourism
Development
• Killarney should seek to be a very attractive and
healthy town in which to live and work, as well as to
visit
7.6.1
The strategic approach for tourism in the town
• Environmental qualities, the availability and uses of
involves growing both the average length of stay per
public spaces and the relationship between the
visitor, especially in the shoulder and off-seasons, and
town and its surrounds, including the National Park
the average tourist accommodation occupancy rates
are core considerations
so to improve overall utilisation, yield and profitability.
The advantages to Killarney of pursuing this strategy
• The well-developed accommodation sector
will lie not just in significantly improving returns on
requires more support in the form of visitor
current tourism sector investment, but also in
attractions and entertainment which will add to the
reducing the required land take thereby providing
town’s appeal and create opportunities for season
more space for uses other than tourist
extension
accommodation.
• The primary emphasis in the accommodation
Key components include:
sector should be on improving utilisation levels and
• Quality and sustainability should be central themes
yield, and raising standards rather than on volume
in the future development of tourism in Killarney
increase
81
CHAPTER 7 TOURISM
7.7
Strategic Framework
7.7.1
Killarney’s tourism industry is composed of the total
7.8
• To help broaden the tourism base of the town as a
offering of environmentally based natural attractions,
centre of excellence for sports, leisure and the
built attractions, supporting infrastructure, facilities,
performing arts in the delivery of a high quality
amenities and services. In considering the sustainable
product
development of the tourism product it is important to
• To promote Killarney as a premier tourist
take all components of the industry and local
destination, offering a high-quality, rich and diverse
environment into account:
experience to all visitors
• The primary resource base - natural environment,
• To encourage the development of Killarney as a
townscape, heritage and other attractions, activities
vibrant evening economy with a high level of social
etc.
and cultural entertainment
• The social, environmental and economic capacity of
• To encourage future expansion of accommodation
the local environment and community to support
capacity, the provision of properties of a high
and sustain tourism developments
quality standard, and in niche areas which are not
• The tourism facilities and services -
already well-supplied, such as health tourism
accommodation, amenities, access transport
• To ensure that there is effective environmental
• The supporting infrastructure - roads, utilities, etc.
management to conserve and enhance the vital
natural and built heritage of the town, and that
• The enabling environment - institutions,
sustainable tourism development practices are
regulations, marketing, etc.
observed
• Sectoral management
• To enhance the appearance of the town in all areas,
and to strengthen the links between the town and
its surrounds, especially the National Park
7.8.1
By implementing the measures necessary to achieve
these goals, Killarney will significantly strengthen its
competitive position and lay the foundation for
continued success in tourism.
82
Policy Statement
POLICY TOUR  02
Policy Statement
CHAPTER 7 TOURISM
POLICY TOUR  01
a. To support the implementation of the Regional
Tourism Plan for the South West, 2008 - 2010 with the
aim of increasing visitor numbers, increasing spend
per visitor, and reducing issues of seasonality
b. To promote the sustainable development and
enhancement of Killarney and the Killarney – Tralee
area, as major tourism and transport centres in the
South West, focussing on Killarney’s role as an
important business, accommodation and heritage
centre with ready access to numerous activity and
outdoors based amenities
c. To enhance and expand the tourism function of the
Town to ensure it maintains its key role as an
economic driver in the area while maintaining a
balance between economic success and protection
of the local environment
d. To encourage and support increased coordination,
cohesion and linkages between agencies such as
Fáilte Ireland (South West Region), Waterways Ireland,
Kerry County Council, the Regional Fisheries Board,
the Department of Communications, Marine and
Natural Resources and the Office of Public Works
(OPW)
e. To promote and facilitate new festivals and activities
in the Town particularly emphasising its role as a
family friendly town, while maintaining high
standards of environmental management and
ensuring that street activities, fireworks etc. do not
a. To co-operate with the “Killarney Looking Good”
committee, other interested groups and individuals
to maintain and improve the natural and built
environment
b. To endeavour to protect, enhance and develop the
architectural and historical heritage of the town and
seek to promote access to facilitate its enjoyment
and interpretation by the public
c. To facilitate and encourage the on-going restoration
of Killarney House & gardens
d. To promote the concept of public art works where
appropriate as an integral part of town design and
identity
e. To identify areas of special character within the fabric
of the Town where local design policies will be
applied to ensure that developments do not erode
that unique sense of place. Within such areas the
Council will apply design-sensitive and informed
standards in the protection and enhancement of the
urban experience in relation to both development
proposals and the Council’s own works programmes
for street management and maintenance. Key areas
of guidance will relate to façade and shop front
design, signage detailing, street furnishing and
surface materials, etc.
impact negatively on local character, the
environment, or wildlife habitats
83
CHAPTER 7 TOURISM
7.8.2
As part of the Tourism Strategy a series of key “Killarney
Products” have been identified, however the use of key
initiatives to provide common facilities that might
otherwise not be provided should be an essential part
of developing the “Killarney” product. Our Key
initiatives include:
• To promote improvements to pedestrian
environment – paving widening, traffic calming
POLICY TOUR  03
measures
Policy Statement
• To promote improved public open spaces
• To promote provision of an Arts Centre
• To promote the concept of a Civic Museum for the
town
a. To establish, in consultation with National Parks and
Wildlife Service, a strategy to monitor the tourist
• To promote greater variety of retail outlets, arts,
crafts
usage of sensitive ecological areas within Killarney
National Park, Macgillicuddy’s Reeks and Caragh River
Catchment cSAC. The strategy will take account of
• To promote the Flesk valley – outdoor pursuits
the possibility that Killarney-based tourists could
cause disturbance in other ecologically sensitive
• To advance the provision of dedicated coach
areas including Sheheree (Ardagh) Bog cSAC
parking facility
b. To protect the natural resources upon which tourism
7.8.3
The Council is acutely aware of the nationally
important ecological resources that are present within
and around Killarney, and that this natural wealth is
one of the key factors that brings tourists to the town.
is based through the enforcement of polices in
relation to resource protection, landscape character
assessment, architectural conservation areas, water
quality, biodiversity and overall development
The Council is also aware that many of the plants and
animals that make up this resource are highly sensitive
to excessive human disturbance. The Council is
therefore conscious of the importance of maintaining
a balance between tourism and ecology and propose
to monitor tourist numbers and the possibility that
increasing numbers of tourists could potentially
disturb these vital ecological resources.
84
c. To liaise with strategic partners such as the National
Parks and Wildlife Services, the Regional Fisheries
Board, etc. on the identification of land use strategies
for areas focussing on the tourism, environmental
and heritage value of these areas
CHAPTER 7 TOURISM
POLICY TOUR  04
Policy Statement
POLICY TOUR  0 5
Policy Statement
a. To implement the Council’s policies as set out in
Chapter 4 of this Plan in relation to the development
a. To investigate funding opportunities for the
of an integrated green routes incorporating features
development of flagship tourism products within the
such as urban woodlands, river corridors, heritage
town particularly focussing on the potential for
trails, etc. particularly adjacent to Killarney National
tourism to support local economies and to create
Park, Macgillicuddy’s Reeks and Caragh River
links between tourism and local craft and arts
Catchment cSAC; focussing in particular on trails that
enterprises
encourage walking, cycling and public transportation
b. To create an awareness of the need to engage
b. To promote and implement the ‘Leave no Trace”
initiative along equestrian routes and other areas
additional local business contributors, whether
voluntary funding or otherwise, as a priority
frequented by horses and Jaunting Cars to maintain a
high standard within the local environment
c. To investigate and support best-practice
environmental management including energy
c. To evaluate public transport provision and where
efficiency, waste management, procurement and
appropriate provide support for alternatives to the
recycling in accommodation providers and tourism
use of private cars to access visitor attractions inside
enterprises in the Town
and outside the Town
85
CHAPTER 7 TOURISM
POLICY TOUR  0 6
Policy Statement
a. To prepare and implement design guidelines in
relation to developments adjacent to, or visible from,
waterways with prime tourism function so as to
enable the full assessment of visual impacts on that
amenity
86
Infrastructure
Aim: “The development of an efficient, sustainable and integrated
transport system facilitating the movement of people, goods and services
while having regard to the exceptional demands of visitor volumes”.
CHAPTER 8
CHAPTER 8 INFRASTRUCTURE
8.0
Context
Safety Audits
Infrastructural issues are dealt with under the
Stage 1, 2 and 3 Safety Audits are required for
developments connecting to
following groupings:
national roads and for developments
• 8.1. Roads, Traffic, Pedestrian & Transportation Issues
involving 30 or more residential
• 8.2 Water Supply, Wastewater and Waste
units:
Management Issues
Stage 1:
Stage 2:
8.1
Roads, Traffic, Pedestrian and
Transportation Issues
Safety Audits at detailed design
stage
Stage 3:
Safety Audits at completion of
project
(This section to be read in conjunction with the
Infrastructure maps)
Safety Audits are required with
planning applications
• 8.3 Telecommunications and Electricity
All recommendations of these safety audits should be
carried out.
While the detailed objectives and policies of the
development plan will be based on traffic, parking and
Traffic & Transportation Assessments (T.T.A.’s)
visitor management strategies developed under the
T.T.A.’s are required where:
Killarney Urban Masterplan, the general objectives and
1. Traffic from a proposed development exceeds by
policies are as described in this chapter. The objectives
2. Residential development in excess of 50 units
Roads Authority (NRA) providing necessary funding to
3. Large retail and industrial development
construct the National Secondary Link from Muckross
Road to Lissivigeen and the National Primary Road
from Lissivigeen to Farranfore (the outer bye-pass). The
key to the transport plan is based on this infrastructure
being in place. It appears unlikely that funding for this
infrastructure will be provided during the lifetime of
the plan.
88
5% or traffic flow from the adjoining public road
and policies in this plan are subject to the National
Transportation Issues
Objective 8.1.1:
8.1.1
To safeguard and improve the
To safeguard and improve the capacity of the roads
capacity of the roads network and
network and develop new routes for perimeter, town
develop new routes for perimeter,
centre and backland roads in providing a efficient
town centre and backland roads in
sustainable integrated transport system
providing an efficient sustainable
integrated transport system
8.1.2
To adopt appropriate standards in the design and
Objectives - Roads, Traffic, Pedestrian and
management of the roads network
8.1.3
To facilitate and promote accessible public transport
POLICY INFRA  01
8.1.4
To promote the development of a coherent network
Policy Statement
of routes and facilities for pedestrians and cyclists and
all road users
8.1.5
To promote adequate lighting of streets, roads,
footpaths and public spaces
a. To seek to ensure that appropriate road infrastructure
8.1.6
To provide a comprehensive Town Centre traffic
management, land use and parking strategy to
improve the quality of the town centre
is in place prior to development commencement,
particularly in relation to new road linkages within
the plan area
b. To prohibit new vehicular accesses onto National
Primary Routes and National Secondary Roads in
accordance with N.R.A. policy. Exception will be
made where it is considered that the entrance will be
of strategic importance, as shown on the
infrastructure map (J13,J15,J16,J17,J26)
c. To limit the number of accesses, and frontage
development onto existing and new distributor roads
(J1-J12)
d. To ensure that all corridors of identified proposed
national route improvements are protected free from
development for future road construction (N71)
e. To ensure that in the layout of all developments there
is optimum network capacity and an orderly
hierarchy of roads, in the interests of road safety,
traffic flow, residential amenity, and accessibility to
services for those without a car
89
POLICY INFRA  01 continued
Policy Statement
f.
To continue to provide new roads, designed and built
•
and lands to the North of this area (J13)
to modern standards, to facilitate the strategic
sustainable development of the town centre,
backlands and suburban areas. In relation to this
•
•
goal. (R18)
•
To upgrade in co-operation with Kerry County
Council, the entrance roads to the town
•
To re-align and widen sections of the Countess
Road
•
To complete the Inner Link road through to St.
Mary’s Terrace (R12)
•
To work with Kerry County Council and the
National Roads Authority in the provision of a new
relief road to connect the N71 and the N22 at
Lissivigeen (subject to NRA funding) (N71)
•
To provide a new road to the north of New Street
(R13)
•
To widen and re-align sections on Mill Road
(RW02)
•
90
•
To widen and re-align St Mary’s Terrace (RW03)
Junction improvements to Rookery / Woodlawn
Road junction (J18)
To provide a south-western relief road from the
Flesk Bridge on the Muckross Road, as a long term
Increase the size of Cleeny Roundabout to cater
for increased traffic volumes (J25)
policy, the achievement of following developments
are specific goals:
New Roundabout on the N22 to access St. Finians
•
Junction improvements to Park Road / Countess
Road / Deerpark Road Junction (J27)
•
Junction Improvements to Deerpark road/
Gaelscoil road (J28)
•
To provide a new road linking the Spa road with
the N22 through Sara Lee (R5)
•
To provide a new road linking Deerpark Retail park
road with the N22
•
Extend the existing road north of McDonalds to
connect to this road. (R7)
g. To require that all roads that are privately funded and
constructed to facilitate new developments, should
meet all modern design and construction standards
h. To require the set back of building or road frontage
lines and new structures as required to improve sight
lines or to provide for footpath and road
improvements
i.
To require contributions from developers who
l.
To improve, with the co-operation of Kerry County
benefit from the provision of road infrastructure in
Council, the network of public directional signs both
accommodating future development
on the approach roads to Killarney and on the roads
within the urban area.
j.
To review and modify where necessary clearways and
no parking zones in town centre and other locations
m. To require new development roads to connect to
in the context of road re-design, traffic management
existing developments and create a permeable
and off street car parking
interconnecting series of routes that are easy and
logical to navigate around. (J2 – J6) (R1 – R20)
k. To improve the design of the roads and junctions as
identified in the Traffic Management Plan under the
n
Killarney Urban Masterplan
To support the National Roads Authority in
safeguarding the constraints corridor for the
proposed new N21 to Farranfore and the Southern
In relation to this policy, the achievement of
Relief road
improvements to the traffic flows at junctions:
o. To reserve lands and clear corridors, by means of
1) High Street, St. Anne’s Road, Rock Road. (J29)
acquisition and development control, for all access
roads as determined for development purposes (R1-
2) Muckross Road/ Ross Road (J21)
3) Countess Road/ Countess Road Estate (J30)
R20)
p
To restrict development at specific points along main
road frontages and by preserving access points (J1-
4) Woodlawn Road/ Muckross Road (J20)
5) Cathedral Place/ Inner Relief Road (J31)
J12)
q. To require all new junctions connecting to the
existing public road network to comply with the
6) Friary/ East Avenue Road (J24)
sight distance lines as set out in the design manual
for Roads and Bridges
7) Countess Road/ Muckross Road (J22)
r.
8) N22/ Deenagh Bridge/ Derreen Area (J26)
To adhered to the requirements of S.I. No 140 of 2006
Environmental Noise Regulations
s.
To adhere to the publication “Traffic Management
Guidelines” by the National Roads Authority
91
Objective 8.1.2:
To adopt appropriate standards in
the design and management of the
roads network
POLICY INFRA  02
Policy Statement
a. To implement the standard policy where third party
c. To ensure that safety shall continue to be the
operators requiring to undertake excavations on
principal consideration in respect of the siting and
public roads, paths and other areas in the charge of
design of Transport infrastructure, and in
Killarney Town Council are required to undertake
development control and in investment priorities in
temporary and permanent reinstatement in
that regard
accordance with the Town Council specification
d. To endorse the National Road Safety Strategy, and cob. To continue to address deficiencies arising from:
•
•
operate with all relevant agencies in developing a
Roads with confusing or inappropriate de-
comprehensive, integrated and pro-active approach
marcations or signage
to road safety in traffic management and design
Wide straight roads that encourage excessive
e. To adopt a policy with respect to school zone on
speeds in built up areas
•
Substandard bends, slopes, and chambers
New Road
f.
To ensure that all new public lighting shall be
provided to comply with the Dark Sky Policy – See
•
Poor drainage
•
Obstacles causing poor visibility
Development Management Standards chapter
g. To ensure that all new developments shall comply
with the traffic management guidelines and
•
Poor lighting in built up areas, or excessive glare
specification for roadworks for Housing Areas, as
published by the Department of Environment,
•
Intersections or crossings with poor inter-visibility,
Heritage and Local Government
gradients and turning curves and any other
deficiency as may be identified in the Traffic
Management Plan under the Killarney Urban
Masterplan
92
h. To ensure that all new developments provide
appropriate signage for each new road and walkway
To facilitate and promote accessible
Objective 8.1.4:
Public Transport
To promote the development of a
coherent network of routes and
facilities for pedestrians and cyclists
with equal consideration for access
to all
POLICY INFRA  03
Policy Statement
Objective 8.1.3:
POLICY INFRA  04
Policy Statement
a. To consult with Iarnrod Éireann and Bus Éireann in
improvements to pedestrian integration between the
bus and railway station, with adequate provision for all
road users
a. To provide disabled parking and access facilities as an
integral and standard component of access
infrastructure
b. To consult with Iarnrod Éireann and Bus Éireann to
improve the standard of railway network and services,
b. To construct lighted roadside footpaths on both sides
with respect to safety and regularity, efficiency and
of all public roads. Where appropriate, special levies
reliability of these services in response to need and
to cover the cost of provision of same will be applied
potential demand
to new developments that give rise to the need for
same
c. To explore, encourage and promote initiatives in
public transport for commuters to and from the town,
c. To create pedestrian priority concepts, cycle lanes
in particular addressing the needs of those without
and off-road cycle paths as required including
access to a car, the elderly, the disabled, people on
proposed routes outlined in blue on the
low incomes and young people
infrastructure map during the lifetime of the Plan
d. To liaise with Kerry County Council to identify suitable
locations for Park & Ride facilities for Killarney Town
d. To install secure bicycle stands in strategic reasonably
sheltered locations in the town centre, to be
integrated with the town centre traffic management
e. To take into account possible future public transport
strategy
routes in the siting and design of transport
infrastructure, the layout and density of housing and
commercial areas
e. To require all significant commercial, mixed use,
public and high density developments to install
bicycle stands
f.
To actively pursue a shuttle service between Tralee
and Killarney
g. To actively pursue the provision of a Town Bus Service
93
Objective 8.1.4:
To promote the development of a
coherent network of routes and
facilities for pedestrians and cyclists
with equal consideration for access
to all
POLICY INFRA  04 contniued
Policy Statement
f.
To develop separate jarvey routes and to pursue the
j.
To liaise with landowners in preparing a scheme for
possibility of a new bridge across the Flesk, west of
roadways, pedestrian routes and cycle paths
the existing Muckross Bridge (R18). As the route will
throughout the town during the lifetime of the plan
lie within the Killarney National Park, Macgillicuddy’s
Reeks and Caragh River Catchment cSAC, and the
k. To provide safe crossing facilities for pedestrians as
River Flesk also lies within the cSAC, investigation of
part of all junction improvements
this possibility will be carried out in full consultation
with NPWS, and an screening determination for an
l.
To undertake an screening determination for an
Appropriate Assessment will be carried out of any
Appropriate Assessment screening Assessment prior
actual proposal that results from this investigation. It
to consideration of implementation of policy action
will also be a requirement for Mobility Management
POLICY INFRA O4 (F) and (J) to ensure that such
Plans be included for large scale developments
proposals will not result in “significant effects” on the
“conservation objectives” of the Natura 2000 sites
g. To ensure all new developments provide Traffic
within and adjoining the Plan boundary.
Management Plans making to incorporate provisions
and safety measures for pedestrians, cycle routes and
access for all through their developments
h. To require new development roads to connect to
existing developments and create a permeable
interconnecting series of routes that are easy and
logical to navigate around
i.
To provide, subject to approval, a new pedestrian link
from the town centre to the National Park. As the
route will lie within the Killarney National Park,
Macgillicuddys Reeks and Carragh River Catchment
cSAC, design of the route will be carried out in full
consultation with the NPWS with a screening
determination for an Appropriate Assessment of the
proposal to be carried out
94
m. To consult with the NRA in the provision of
pedestrian crossing along the N22 By Pass.
To provide a comprehensive Town
Centre traffic management, land use
and parking strategy to improve the
quality of the town centre
POLICY INFRA - 06
Policy Statement
Objective 8.1.6:
Objective 8.1.5:
To promote adequate lighting of
streets, roads, footpaths and public
spaces
POLICY INFRA  05
Policy Statement
a. To ensure that the road network and public spaces
are adequately illuminated in accordance with
a. To undertake prioritised improvements to achieve the
recommendations as identified in the Traffic, Parking and
Visitor Management Strategies under the Killarney Urban
Masterplan
b. To ensure that all new or upgrading commercial
developments provide off street or underground parking
facilities. In exceptional circumstances the Council may
determine that the developer, pays a levy as a contribution
towards the provision by the Council of parking facilities.
Any proposal for underground parking must demonstrate
that no negative environmental effects will occur
including down stream pollution of Lough Leane
c. To ensure that all new or upgrading hotel/leisure
developments to provide off street or underground
parking facilities and cater for bus parking and drop-off.
d.
relevant road safety standards
b. To ensure that public lighting be provided as an
integral part of developments by the developers of
each scheme. All new public lighting to comply with
the Dark Sky Policy
e. To review and monitor the parking capacity of the towns’
car parks on an ongoing basis with a view to maximising
capacity in Killarney town
f.
c. To endeavour to remove all over ground cables in the
Town Centre area and on the main approach roads to
the town
In exceptional circumstances, that the Council may
determine a developer pays a levy as a contribution
towards the provision by the Council of parking facilities
To review the management and pricing structures of car
parks to encourage optimum usage/return and in
particular to encourage long stay parking to the out-oftown car parks and short stay in the town centre car parks
g. To extend the pedestrian prioritisation of Main Street, part
High Street and part New Street
h. To provide or facilitate the provision of multi-storey car
parks for Killarney Town
i.
To provide a vehicle messaging system for the major
approach roads to Killarney which will indicate the
numbers of unoccupied parking spaces available in all
public car parks
j.
To incorporate the recommendations of Kerry County
Councils Draft Noise Plan
95
8.2
Water Supply, Wastewater and Waste
Management
8.3.4
To implement water conservation measures to
minimise unaccounted for water and thereby improve
the level of service to customers, lowering operating
8.2.1
Water Supply and waste water are amongst the most
costs and maximising the value of existing and future
important services delivered by the Town Council as
investments
they, not only directly impact on the health and
welfare of the people, but are also essential for the
8.3.5
To co-operate with Kerry County Council in their
development and sustainability of industrial,
implementation of the South Western River Basin
commercial, agricultural, tourism and housing
Management Plan and associated Programme of
development.
Measures in accordance with the requirements of the
EU Water Framework Directive for those River Basin
8.2.2
A central objective of the Town Council is to promote
Plans pertaining to Killarney (South Western River
the economic and sustainable use and expansion of
Basin District)
existing services at all times and to promote and
favour the compact, economic and orderly
Management Plan covering all non-hazardous waste
boundaries. While the following tables list the broad
for the Limerick / Clare / Kerry Region 2006-2011
detailed water and wastewater objectives will be
established on the basis of the development proposed
within the Killarney Urban Masterplan. Since January
2004 water services function has been transferred
under the Water Services Act. Killarney Town Council
are acting on an agency basis for Kerry County
Council.
8.3.1
Water Supply, Wastewater and Waste
Management Issues – Objectives
To protect and achieve a high and sustained level of
water quality in all water bodies and courses, having
regard to its various vital uses in the town, and as a
landscape feature and habitat
8.3.2
To finance the provision of water and waste water
services in an effective, open and accountable manner,
in accordance with the polluter pays principle and to
maximise the benefit from capital expenditure by
ensuring the economic use of existing and planned
waster water treatment facilities
8.3.3
To ensure that sufficient spare capacity is provided for
in networks to cater for existing and future demands
96
To implement the provisions of the Waste
development of the town within the development
objectives and policies of the Town Council, the
8.3
8.3.6
Objective 8.3.1:
To protect and achieve a high and
sustained level of water quality in all
water bodies and courses, having
regard to its various vital uses in the
town, and as a landscape feature
and habitat
POLICY INFRA  07
Policy Statement
a. To implement the policies and objectives of the Water
g. To liaise with Kerry County Council in the
Framework Directive Development and to produce
development of a proposed water treatment facility at
river Catchments Management Plans. In particular it is
Lough Guitane
a policy of Killarney Town Council to maintain high
status or good status where they exist to achieve
h. To assess the assimulative capacity of the Folly stream
to cater for the effluent discharged from the
good quality status in all other waters by 2015
treatment plant along with the screened storm
overflow from the combined system under the life
b. To commit to the implementation of the Lough Leane
time of the plan
Study Recommendations
c. To liaise with Kerry County Council in the construction
i.
To implement policies recommendation of the Urban
of additional cells at Sheheree Reservoir to ensure
Wastewater Treatment Directive 2001 including the
reservoir storage capacity for Killarney town subject to
scheduled provision of waste waster treatment plants
assessment of its effects on Sheheree Bog cSAC
to facilitate critical infrastructure and other
developments, i.e. housing
d. To liaise with Kerry County Council in implementing
the recommendations of the Source Protection
Report in the protection of water sources
j.
To ensure that no new development shall be
permitted that requires septic tanks or other private
proprietary systems in the Town Council area that
e. To liaise with Kerry County Council in monitoring
discharges effluent independently from the Killarney
discharges from the Waste Water Treatment Plant
Waste Water Treatment Plant. However the Council
System (WWTPS) to protect the water resources
will look more favourably to developments for
immediate family of traditional land owners i.e.
f.
To reassess the sewerage network to cater for all
persons who have owned the site for five years or
planned developments in and around Killarney
more. Planning applications for single rural dwellings
discharging to it including the identification of area
should comply with the Environmental Protection
where further separation of storm water can be
Agency’s (EPA) 2000 Wastewater Treatment Manual
achieved to prevent the hydraulic overloading of the
Treatment System for single houses
foul network and the sewerage treatment plant so as
to avoid impacts to Lough Leane and rivers
97
Objective 8.3.1:
To protect and achieve a high and
q. To continue the implementation of the Local
sustained level of water quality in all
Authority Management Proposals recommended in
water bodies and courses, having
the Lough Leane Management and Monitoring
regard to its various vital uses in the
Report
town, and as a landscape feature
and habitat
r.
To request the undertaking of a Flood Impact
Assessment for development indicated in the Flood
Policy Statement
Zone Map and in close proximity to water courses
s.
To request the undertaking of an Invertebrate
Assessment for development in close proximity to
water courses
k. To ensure that no development shall be carried out
on the line of existing sewer, watermains or storm
pipelines (see attached map)
t.
To liaise with Kerry County Council to ensure that the
drinking water quality and drinking water supply is of
the highest prescribed standards
l.
To request the undertaking of a Fisheries Assessment
as part of development proposals in close proximity
u. To liaise with Kerry County Council in ensuring the
to water courses in conjunction with relevant
provision of a safe and secure drinking water supply
stakeholders under the life time of the plan
for Killarney
m. To ensure that the storage of any waste material does
not occur within 30m of any watercourse
v. To have regards to the Lough Gutiane Source
Protection Plan as prepared by Kerry County Council
and where applicable implement the measures
n. To ensure that water quality, particularly with respect
outlined in the Plan
to phosphorous, is sufficiently good to maintain a
positive conservation status for the aquatic habitats
w. To liaise with Kerry County Council to ensure any
and species under which Killarney National Park,
recommendations set out in The Provision and Quality
Macgillicuddys Reeks and Carragh River Catchment
of Drinking Water in Ireland - A Report for the Years
cSAC are designated
2006-2007 for Killarney are implemented
o. To adopt the recommendations of the relevant River
Basin Management Plan and associated Programme
x. To ensure the protection of water quality within the
Catchment of Lough Leane
of Measures (POMS’s) which will make provisions for
achieving “Good Status” of surface water quality of the
y. To protect the County’s waters from pollution by
Deenagh, Woodford and Flesk river catchments and
nitrates from agricultural sources through
of groundwater within the Plan Area
implementation of the Europeans Communities
(Good Agricultural Practice for Protection of Waters)
p. To implement effective controls on planning, design,
construction and operation of on site waste water
systems to avoid water quality problems
98
Regulations 2006 and any amending or substituting
legislation
To finance the provision of water
Objective 8.3.3:
To ensure that sufficient spare
and waste water services in an
capacity is provided for in networks
effective, open and accountable
to cater for existing and future
manner, in accordance with the
demands
polluter pays principle
POLICY INFRA  08
POLICY INFRA  09
Policy Statement
Policy Statement
a. To ensure that all levies chargeable for the provision
a. To ensure that all developments currently served by
of water and sanitary services shall be applied to
septic tanks or proprietary systems in the Town
reflect the true costs of delivering services
Council Area shall be connected to the Waste Water
Objective 8.3.2:
Treatment plant where possible. Exceptions shall be
b. To ensure charging of non-domestic users, shall be
allowed only where the Planning Authority is satisfied
based, in accordance with Circulars L4/00 and L16/00,
that the standard in design, operation and
on the polluter pays principle
maintenance of the proprietary system is such that
the treated effluent is, and will remain, of similar or
c. To ensure that all non domestic suppliers are to be
metered
higher standard than that which would obtain were
it treated in the WWTP
d. To prepare a Wastewater Infrastructure Map within 2
b. To ensure that all connections to individual housing
years of the adoption of the Plan in ensuring the
units have a WSCR boxes with the provision to fit
continued provision and maintenance of adequate
water meters if required. All non-domestic units to
and appropriate wastewater treatment infrastructure
be provided with separate water meters
to service the lands within the Plan
c. To ensure all new developments endeavour to
e. To ensure that zoned land will not be developed if
such development will lead to overcapacity of the
collect and re-use rain water, to reduce potable water
consumption
Waste Water Treatment Plant thereby ensuring the
protection of water resources within the catchment
d. To ensure that old water mains will be upgraded to
of Killarney. In the event that development is to take
cater for increased demand and prevent excessive
place, the Town Council will liaise with the developer
leakages and hence improve the capacity of
in the provision of a Sewer Impact Assessment to
the network
determine whether the existing network is capable of
facilitating the development
e. To ensure that all new developments will be required
to have an isolating valve where it connects to the
public water supply network
99
Objective 8.3.3:
To ensure that sufficient spare
capacity is provided for in networks
to cater for existing and future
demands
Policy Statement
f.
To ensure that developers comply with the
k. To provide wastewater treatment and collection
requirements of the ‘Recommendations for site
systems in accordance with the priorities of the
Development Works for Housing Areas’ published by
settlement hierarchy identified in Chapter 3 of the
the Department of the Environment, Heritage and
Kerry County Development Plan 2009-2015 and to
Local Government
comply with the Waste Water Discharge
(Authorisation) Regulations 2007
g. To require the installation of additional nutrient
reduction measures involving the use of on site
l.
To implement the provisions of Kerry County
wastewater treatment for all new private
Councils Water Conservation Strategy as proposed
developments within the catchment of Lough Leane
under the lifetime of the Town Plan. Killarney Town
Council will liaise with Kerry County Council to
h. To provide for the protection of groundwater
resources and associated habitats and species
ensure that this Strategy will give consideration to
the significant increased demands on water supply
generated by the significant transient tourist
i.
To liaise with Kerry County Council and the GSI to
develop a groundwater protection scheme for
County Kerry in line with the recommendations
within the DoEHLG/GSI/EPA publication
“Groundwater Protection Schemes, 1999 or any
revised or replacement publication
j.
To request a Groundwater Protection Scheme were
deemed appropriate in assessing planning proposals
for development
100
population visiting and staying in the Killarney area
of development proposals for the disposal of
Objective 8.3.4:
To implement water conservation
measures to minimise unaccounted
for water and thereby improve the
level of service to customers,
lowering operating costs and
maximising the value of existing
and future investments.
stormwater so to ensure that there is no negative
impacts to Killarney National Park, Macgilliguddy’
Reeks and Carragh River Catchment cSAC and
Castlemaine Harbour and in particular the surface
water quality of the Folly stream, Deenagh, Woodford
d. To ensure that arrangements are provided for as part
and Flesk river catchments
e. To ensure that as part of significant developments or
POLICY INFRA  10
development close to sensitive sites that provisions
Policy Statement
are made for trial boreholes so to identify
groundwater levels. Depending on the nature and
scale of the proposal it maybe necessary to
undertake a trail excavation to determine the
appropriate method for groundwater control and the
treatment of sub surface water encountered during
a. To ensure that planning applications for agricultural
developments (including growing of biofuels) are
accompanied by an Integration Prevention Pollution
Control Licence from the Environmental Protection
Agency (EPA) or a planning permission from the
Planning Authority. Farm holdings that do not require
a licence will be governed by the guidelines issued
by the Department of Agriculture in the Blue Book Code of Good Agricultural Practice, the Rural
Environmental Programmes (R.E.P’s) Guidelines and
S.I No. 378 – Good Agricultural Practice for the
Protection of Waters Regulations
excavations works. It will be a requirement of the
Town Council that all sub surface water shall be
recharged to the existing groundwater within the site
or another approved method. The monitoring of the
trial should be undertaken by a suitably qualified
independent consulting Engineer who shall submit
certification to the Town Council confirming that the
trial has been successfully concluded and certifying
that extraction and recharge of groundwater from
the excavation areas has not resulted in significant
environmental pollution of surface waters or
groundwater
b. To ensure separation of foul and surface water
effluents through the provision of separate collecting
networks and to ensure that all new developments
provide separate collecting systems. Special
development levies will be applied to developments
to provide a separate foul and storm water pipelines
where deficiencies exist in the current network. (See
Killarney Infrastructure Foul & Storm map)
c. To ensure that all storm water be disposed of using a
Sustainable Urban Drainage System (SUDS) where
possible and to ensure that the maximum permitted
surface water outflow from any new development is
restricted to that for the greenfield sites
f.
To ensure all developments involving catering and
food preparation shall be required to install grease
and fat removal separators, and all developments
within these categories shall be required to install silt
and oil traps
g. To ensure such measures shall be interpreted by
reference to the comprehensive range of nonplanning measures as recommended by the Lough
Leane study. Certain developments may also be
subject to a requirement for a discharge license as
determined under the Water Pollution Acts by the
Lough Leane Catchment Study
101
Objective 8.3.4:
To implement water conservation
measures to minimise unaccounted
for water and thereby improve the
level of service to customers,
lowering operating costs and
maximising the value of existing
and future investments.
Policy Statement
•
Be capable of being fitted with a minimum head
height of 300mm (measured between the highest
point on the manifold and the underside of the
cover)
h. To support measures to improve the capacity of the
Waste Water Treatment Plant and sewerage system to
•
capture and treat foul effluent from development, to
Have the word “Water” or “Uisce” permanently
incorporated into the cover or lid.
ensure that effluent complies with regulatory
standards
•
Have a manifold with a 1 ½” female BSP outlet that
will accommodate adaptors that will give the
i.
To ensure that proposals for development in area of
following functionality:
extreme groundwater vulnerability employ best
practice to ensure that the underlying groundwater
•
resource is protected
j.
To ensure that all domestic boundary Boxes comply
Total flow isolation, Flow restriction, Sampling
point, Pressure measurement
•
Be capable of being fitted to the service pipe
with the following:
using WRAS approved, or equivalent plastic
•
fittings.
The boundary boxes shall comply with WIS 4-3701 with the following amendments and
qualifications.
•
The manifold should have an eyelet to facilitate
the fixing of a security device.
•
Be free draining (class 2) as per WIS 4-37-01.
•
Boxes to be used in locations accessible to traffic
•
It should be possible to operate the stopcock
by hand, without the use of a special tool.
(including footpaths) shall have a cover and frame
that conforms to EN 124 and shall have a locking
•
The stopcock should operate with a ¼ turn.
Class C, of WIS 4-37-01, and need not be lockable.
•
The cover should have high slip resistance.
Consist of a guard tube / main body with a
•
Have a deep well below the stopcock to retain
device fitted. Otherwise they should conform
•
minimum cross-sectional dimension of 170mm
and maximum of 250mm.
102
sediment.
Boundary Box Location Guidelines
Objective 8.3.5:
Council in their implementation of
The boundary box shall be located bearing the
the South Western River Basin
following issues in mind:
•
Management Plan and associated
Programme of Measures in
In a place where it is safe to install, access and
accordance with the requirements
maintain the box.
•
of the EU Water Framework
Directive for those River Basin Plans
Be fitted with a minimum head height of 300mm
pertaining to Killarney (South
(measured between the highest point on the
Western River Basin District)
manifold and the underside of the cover).
•
External to the physical boundary of the property.
•
As near as is physically possible to the physical
boundary of the property.
•
Away from other services.
•
In a hard surface.
•
In a location which is unlikely to be subjected to
vehicular traffic
k. To request that developments above a predetermined threshold prepare a Water Conservation
To co-operate with Kerry County
POLICY INFRA  11
Policy Statement
a
To adopt the recommendations/Programs of
Measures of the South Western River Basin
Management Plan and associated Programme of
Measures in accordance with the requirements of
the EU Water Framework Directive thereafter
Plan to be implemented during the construction and
operation of the development. The thresholds are
applicable to developments proposals in excess of
5,000 sq metres
103
Objective 8.3.6:
To implement the provisions of the
Waste Management Plan covering all
non-hazardous waste for the Limerick
/ Clare / Kerry Region 2006-2011.
POLICY INFRA  12
Policy Statement
g. To request Waste Management Plan where the
proposal (s) involves the demolition and large scale
a. To provide a segregated waste management system in
the town to incorporate 3 separate systems – residual,
compostable and dry recyables collection for all
developments in the town
excavations of waste in excess of any of the following
b. To encourage waste minimisation by reducing, reusing
and recycling waste
(2) New developments other than (1) above, including
thresholds:
(1) New residential development of 10 houses or more
institutional, educational, health and other public
facilities with an aggregate floor area in excess of
c. To encourage the recycling and reuse of construction
and demolition waste
1,250 m2
(3) Demolition/ renovation/ refurbishment projects
d. To require new housing schemes, including apartment
blocks, multiple holiday homes development and
caravan parks, camping sites to facilitate the collection
and removal of recyable materials
generating in excess of 100m3 in volume of
Construction & Demolition waste
(4) Civil Engineering projects producing in excess of
e. To encourage recycling facilities for the collection and
removal of recyable materials for existing housing
schemes including apartment blocks’, multiple holiday
home developments, caravan parks/camping sites. It is
essential that as part of all Neighbourhood Centres
that recycling facilities are provided
f.
104
To ensure that as part of future planning applications
to submit Construction & Demolition Waste
Management Plans; to be in accordance with the
Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local
Government Publication: “Best Practice Guidelines on
the preparation of Waste Management Plan for the
Construction & Demolition Projects July 2006” and any
replacement or amending guidance
500m3 of waste excluding waste materials used for
development
h. To ensure that the management of all wastes
associated with excavation, demolition and
development activities including contaminated and
hazardous material must have the required
authorisation as appropriate
i.
To implement the provisions and achieve
recommendations of the Environmental Protection
Agency’s, National Hazardous Waste Management
Plan 2008-2012
Telecommunications and Electricity
Telecommunications in the Kerry area are being
continually upgraded and the area now enjoys
connection to the national grids through both the
traditional copper and through the more advanced
fibre optic connection.
8.4
Objectives – Telecommunication Issues
8.4.1
To support the development of a modern
telecommunications infrastructure including internet,
e-mail and digital television in order to enhance the
attractiveness of Killarney as a location for inward
investment.
8.4.2
To support and facilitate the provision of advanced
communications networks and services to the extent
required to contribute to national competitiveness
and attract inward investment.
8.4.3
To facilitate and support the development of a
modern efficient telecommunications network for the
town
8.4.4
To encourage the use and upgrading of existing
telecommunications infrastructure where this provides
a feasible alternative to the provision of new additional
infrastructure.
8.4.5
To liaise with Kerry County Council in ensuring that in
sensitive landscapes telecommunication/power lines
are laid underground
105
Natural Heritage,
Biodiversity & Conservation
Aim: “To manage, protect and enhance those features which have
enriched the town and its people and to ensure its distinctive and unique
qualities that attributes to the identification of Killarney town”.
CHAPTER 9
CHAPTER 9 NATURAL HERITAGE, BIODIVERSITY & CONSERVATION
9.0
Context
9.2
Killarney context
9.1
Statutory framework
9.2.1
The fabric of Killarney town is rich in heritage, both
9.1.1
The Heritage Act, 1995, gives definition to natural
heritage that Killarney has become the premier
heritage as consisting of monuments, archaeological
destination in the country. Careful management of the
objects, heritage objects, architectural heritage, flora,
elements that constitutes the towns heritage is
fauna, wildlife habitats, landscapes, seascapes, wrecks,
required such that the progression of the town will be
geology, heritage gardens, parks and inland
informed by a retreat to its past. Such a balancing act
waterways.
will enable present and future generations to
natural and man made. It is because of its unrivalled
embrace, celebrate, and enjoy an immeasurable asset
9.1.2
The National Heritage Plan 2002 outlines national
in a sustainable manner.
policy in setting out a framework for the protection,
maintenance and where possible, the enhancement of
9.3
Kerry County Council Heritage
Biodiversity Plan 2008-2012
9.3.1
Kerry County Council has published its second
biodiversity. It gives cognisance to the importance of
heritage and a vision for its management. It aims to
ensure the protection of heritage and its provision for
everyone’s enjoyment. An underlining objective of the
heritage plan and its first biodiversity plan for the
National Heritage Plan is the involvement of
County. It sets out a number of steps in the creation of
communities in the promotion and enhancement of
awareness of a broad range of heritage issues and
their heritage.
development of pro-active policies. It is envisaged that
this plan will implement those actions as outlined in
the Heritage Biodiversity Plan.
108
9.4.1
Integration of natural heritage and
recreation facilities
• To promote the integration of natural heritage and
Due to the affiliation between natural heritage and
• To ensure that future development within the town
recreation facilities and to improve access to both
recreation, this calls for a more integrated framework
is sensitive to the principles of maintaining
for their management. The concept of a green corridor
biodiversity
network for the town, envisaged as part of a
community development initiative, will also ensure
that the elements of the natural environment are
• To protect air quality in the town in accordance
with prescribed standards
protected and managed. Not only is this fulfilling the
Councils aims of enhancing accessibility to the towns
natural features, but it also provides for a more
• To protect designated scenic landscapes, views,
routes and landscape features of local value
sustainable framework for its management and
protection. The creation of linkages in the realisation of
in order to designate landscapes as “high amenity
plan is central to unlocking the natural elements of the
area” or of “high scenic quality”
town and their interconnectivity.
9.5
• To undertake a landscape assessment of the town
the green network as proposed under the new town
Overall Objectives
9.4
• To maintain and conserve the conservation value of
the Killarney National Park as a European site (365
and 4038), a National Park and a UNESCO Biosphere
Reserve and the Rivers Flesk and Deenagh (part of a
candidate Special Area of Conservation (cSAC))
during the lifetime of this plan and to ensure a
screening determination for an Appropriate
Assessment is carried out where development
projects are likely to have significant effects on this
European site whether within or outside the
boundary of the European site
• To protect species listed in Annex II and Annex IV of
the Habitats Directive occurring in the Killarney
Area, (otter, bat species, Kerry Slug)
• To ensure that zoned land will not be developed if
such development will lead to overloading of the
Wastewater Treatment Plant
• To ensure that any development in zoned lands will
not have an impact on Natura 2000 sites
109
9.6
Biodiversity
9.6.1
Biodiversity is referred to as the variability among
living organisms from all sources including, inter alia,
terrestrial, marine and other aquatic ecosystems and
the ecological complexes of which they are part. This
POLICY NH  01
includes diversity within species, between species and
Policy Statement
of ecosystems.
9.6.2
It is now acknowledged that biodiversity is being lost
at an increasing rate. Human influence is considered as
contributing to the loss of biodiversity through
development, transport, agriculture, forestry pollution,
tourism, recreation and the introduction of plant life
not indigenous to our local environment. One of the
a. To support the implementation and actions of the
main objectives of the Convention on Biological
County Kerry Heritage and Biodiversity Plan
Diversity was the conservation of biodiversity.
Subsequent agreements, EU Directives and Ireland's
b. To promote a green network for Killarney that allows
for sustainable use and management of natural
National Biodiversity Plan have reinforced this message
heritage, recreational and amenity areas in an
and the commitment to halt the loss of biodiversity.
integrated manner
9.6.3
The Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local
Government is currently co-ordinating the
c. To promote a greater sense of ownership, public
awareness, understanding and involvement by
development of Ireland’s second National Biodiversity
means of education based initiatives enabling young
Plan. The preparation and implementation of the Plan
people to educate themselves about their local
will be the responsibility of a range of Government
heritage, its value and its contribution to the town
Departments and Agencies. The production of
national biodiversity strategies is an obligation under
the Convention on Biological Diversity, which Ireland
d. To support community based projects which aim to
ratified in 1996.
raise awareness and promote best practise regarding
heritage and biodiversity
9.7
Statutory context
e. After consultation with the public, to compile a list of
people who have influenced the heritage fabric of
9.7.1
Much of Ireland's National Biodiversity plan is
the town artistically, culturally and politically whose
legislated for by the Wildlife Acts, as amended by the
name to be incorporated as part of future
Wildlife (Amendment) Act, 2000. Launched in April
developments and public infrastructure in the town
2002, the plan sets out the framework to provide for
the conservation and sustainable use of biodiversity
over a five-year period, where under fifteen themes
and sectors, it details actions which will be pursued to
achieve this objective.
110
Kerry County Council Biodiversity Plan
2008-2012
9.8.1
The publication by Kerry County Council of its
POLICY NH - 02
Policy Statement
biodiversity plan represents the first of its kind in the
County. It sets out a suite of aims, policies and actions,
looking at key performance area - Education and
Access, Research and Management. This is envisaged
as contributing to increased awareness and
understanding of biodiversity and measures for its
careful management. It is envisaged that the
provisions of the plan will be implemented under the
life time of this plan.
9.9
Biodiversity that makes Killarney unique
9.9.1
Killarney town contains a rich and unique biodiversity,
including the Killarney National Park considered as the
most extensive covering of native forest remaining in
Ireland. This is of high ecological value because of the
quality, diversity, and extensiveness of many of its
habitats and the wide variety of species that it
a. To maintain features of the landscape that serve as
refuges for wild plants, such as hedgerows, trees, rivers,
lakes, parklands, ponds and roadside verges
b. To commit to the undertaking of a Habitat Map within 2
years of the adoption of the plan. This shall be
undertaken by a suitably qualified person (s) to include
wetlands and habitat suitable for Freshwater Pearl Mussel.
The Habitat mapping shall be subject to consultation
with the National Parks and Wildlife Service –Department
of the Environment Heritage and Local Government, the
Heritage Council and other relevant statutory and non
statutory nature conservation interest groups.
c. To work in conjunction with relevant stakeholders with
respect to the protection of biodiversity within the towns
environs
d. To ensure that future development within the town is
sensitive to the towns biodiversity
World Biosphere Reserve in 1981.
e. To increase awareness, appreciation of biodiversity by
developing databases of the towns biodiversity to be
accessible electronically on the Town Councils webpage
While it is home for both the Oak and yew woodland,
f.
accommodates. The park was designated an UNESCO
9.9.2
it is Ireland’s only known breeding ground for the
native herd of Red Deer.
9.10
Threats to Biodiversity
9.10.1
Killarney’s rich biodiversity is threatened by a number
g. To undertake a local biodiversity action plan in
conjunction with Kerry County Heritage Plan involving
working groups, stakeholders and landowners,
establishing priorities and setting out targets and actions
the Killarney Town Plan Strategic Environmental
Assessment (RPS, 2008) and in the Killarney National
i.
To liaise with the National Parks and Wildlife Services
(NPWS) with the view to ensuring that the
implementation of the Plan does not increase major
pressures on habitats and species in the Plan area and
adjoining areas, in particular in relation to those major
pressures report in the assessment of Habitats and
Species carried out by the NPWS in 2008
j.
To implement where relevant in association with the
NPWS the Main Objectives Over The Coming Five Years
and Beyond set out in the Conclusions Section of the
Status of EU Protected Habitats and Species. (NPWS 2008)
Park Management Plan 2005 – 2009 (NPWS, 2005).
9.10.2
To encourage participation of people at a local level of
the importance of the biodiversity through the
establishment of a voluntary biodiversity working group
h. To protect non designated habitats and species, local
biodiversity features and to maintain and enhance
ecological corridors within the Plan area
of factors which have been discussed in detail in both
The principle threats identified in these documents
include the previous and potential introduction of
invasive exotic species, nutrient enrichment of water
bodies, particularly Lough Leane, overgrazing by deer,
goats and sheep, visitor pressure and disturbance and
the threat from fire.
9.8
111
9.11
Conservation and Protection areas Relevant Legislation
TABLE 8: Protective Status and designations
Candidate SAC (cSAC)
9.11.1
The Wildlife Act, 1976 and the Wildlife Amendment Act
MacGillycuddy’s Reeks
2000 and the Habitats Directive (92/43/EEC) are the
Caragh River Catchment
(000365)
principal statutory provisions providing for the
The Flesk River Corridor
protection of Wildlife (both Flora and Fauna) and the
control of activities which may impact adversely on
the conservation of Wildlife. The Minister for the
Environment, Heritage & Local Government is charged
under various sections of the Acts with a large number
of licensing functions which are discharged on behalf
of the Minister by the National Parks and Wildlife
Service (NPWS).
9.11.2
The Wildlife Act 2000 makes provisions for the
designation of areas as Natural Heritage Areas (NHA’s).
Other protective measures stemming from European
policy include designation of Special Areas of
Conservation (SAC)2 under the EU Habitats Directive
and Special Protection Areas (SPA)3 under the Birds
Directive.
9.11.3
Special Areas of Conservation (SAC’s) and Special
Protection Areas (SPA’s) are prime wildlife conservation
areas in the country, considered to be important on a
European and Irish level. The designation of
SAC’s/SPA’s was transposed into Irish law in the
European Union (Natural Habitats) Regulations, 1997
as amended in 1998 and 2005. The Irish sites join
thousands of sites across the European Union which
are known collectively as Natura 2000 sites.
9.11.4
Killarney National Park,
In NHAs, SACs and SPAs, certain activities or operations
that might be damaging can only be carried out with
the permission of the Minister for the Environment,
Heritage and Local Government. These are called
Notifiable Actions and vary depending on the type of
habitat that is present on the site. Landowners are sent
copies of the Notifiable Actions that are relevant to
their lands. The activities listed in the Notifiable Actions
are not prohibited but require the landowner/occupier
to consult (in practice with the local Conservation
Ranger) in advance.
2
Special Areas of Conservation (SACs) are strictly protected sites designated under the EC Habitats
Directive. They are to protect habitats & species listed in Annex I and II of the Directive which are
considered to be of European interest following criteria given in the Directive.
112
3
Special Protection Areas (SPAs) are strictly protected sites classified in accordance with Article 4 of the EC
Directive on the conservation of wild birds (79/409/EEC), also known as the Birds Directive, which came
into force in April 1979. They are classified for rare and vulnerable birds, listed in Annex I of the Birds
Directive, and for regularly occurring migratory species.
Designated SPA
Killarney Lakes
Annex 1 Priority
Habitat Alluvial Woodlands
Belliview Woodlands
9.12
Other relevant Conservation
designations
9.12.1
Nature Reserves
Policy Statement
9.12.2
A Nature Reserve is an area of importance to wildlife,
which is protected under Ministerial order. There are
currently 78 Statutory Nature Reserves in Ireland. Most
a. To ensure in addition to other required statutory
are owned by the State but some are owned by
assessments such as Environmental Impact Assessment
organisations or private landowners. Eirk Bog Nature
(EIA), any developments proposed in areas where there
Reserve is situated in the Owenreagh valley, Killarney.
are potential impacts on the nearby Killarney National
It is part of a very well developed bog with associated
Park, Macgillicuddy’s Reeks and Caragh River Catchment
poor fen and blanket bog/wet heath communities.
cSAC will be subject to a screening determination for an
Appropriate Assessment as required under the
9.13
Flora Protection Order
provisions of the EU Habitats Directive. This will include
any plan or project not directly connected with or
9.13.1
Under the Wildlife Act, 1976, particular plants are
necessary to the management of the site (Natura 2000
protected under a Flora Protection Order. It is an
sites) but likely to have significant effect thereon, either
offence to cut, uproot or damage these plants unless
individually or in combination with other plan or
under license from the Minister for the Environment,
projects. It also includes for any re-zonings or Variations
Heritage and local Government. It is also an offence to
(s) to the plan of all development within the flood plains
willfully damage or interfere with the habitat in any
of the Rivers Flesk and Deenagh, and any developments
way except under license. The Flora Protection Order
adjacent to Bellview Woods in the western part of the
lists 68 species for strict protection in Ireland.
POLICY NH - 03
Northern Gateway AAP area
b. To request both an Environmental Impact Assessment
9.14
Refuge for Fauna or Flora
9.14.1
Under the Wildlife Acts, the Minister may designate
as well as a screening determination or an Appropriate
Assessment as part of planning applications in close
refuges for wild birds or wild animals or flora and
proximity to Natura Sites 2000 and or sensitive sites. An
impose protective measures to conserve both the
appropriate buffer zone will be determined by the Town
species and their habitats.
Council in consultation with the National Parks and
Wildlife Services if required
9.15
Wildfowl Sanctuaries
9.15.1
These sanctuaries are areas that have been excluded
c. To ensure that Killarney Town Council in fulfilling its
responsibilities in the supply of services, zoning of lands
and authorisation of development that the threatened
from the - Open Season Order, so that game birds can
habitats and species are not placed under further risk of
rest and feed undisturbed. There are 68 sanctuaries in
deterioration (habitats) or reduction in population size
the State. Shooting of game birds is not allowed in
(species)
these sanctuaries.
d. To submit planning applications to the Department of
Environment, Heritage and Local Government, National
Parks and Wildlife Services as to verify the undertaking of
a screening determination for an Appropriate
Assessment
113
9.16
Management Agreements
POLICY NH - 04
9.16.1
The Wildlife Act, 1976, enables the Minister to enter
Policy Statement
into a voluntary management agreement with private
landowners. Under these agreements landowners will
manage their lands to ensure that desirable wildlife
habitats are protected. Payment for such responsible
management may be agreed. However, the number
and type of such agreements depends on the
a. To commit to the conservation objectives in the
resources available to the Department at anytime.
Killarney National Park Management Plan 2005-2009
9.17
Killarney National Park
9.17.1
The legal framework for Killarney National Park is
National Park and a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve and
provided by the Bourn Vincent Memorial Park Act 1932
the cSAC’s Rivers Flesk and Deenagh during the
and the State property Act 1954. The park is also an
lifetime of the plan
b. To maintain the conservation value of the Killarney
National Park as a European site (365 and 4038), a
SPA as are the Macgiddycuddy Reeks and Caragh River
Catchment.
c. To protect species listed in Annex IV of the Habitats
Directive occurring in the Killarney Area (otter, bat
9.18
Management Plan for Killarney National
Park
9.18.1
The National Park and Wildlife Services (NPWS) in
cSAC’s and to put in place mitigation measures to
conjunction with the Department of the Environment,
protect their special natural characteristics
species, Kerry slug)
d. To protect and conserve all designated SPA’s and
Heritage and Local Government are responsible for the
preparation of Management Plan for Killarney National
e. To request for all applications to submit
Park. The plan sets out a framework to develop and
environmental assessments indicating mitigating
maintain the highest standards of conservation,
measures in eliminating effects to the environment
management and educational provisions in facilitating
and water quality
appropriate recreational, community and commercial
interests and activities in consultation with local
interests. A draft plan is currently being prepared.
f.
To encourage and promote the principles of
sustainable development with a specific aim of
protecting the environment
g. To seek to achieve a sustainable pattern of
development which will facilitate the conservation of
natural resources and habitats and minimise
pollution
h. To liaise with the Department of the Environment,
Heritage and Local Government to ensure the
sustainable recreational and educational use of the
National Park and to maintain the aesthetic and other
qualities of the Park and its environs
114
To protect areas designated with National and
q. To ensure that wherever demolition or renovation of
International conservation status so to ensure that the
Protected Structures, or any other buildings occurs, that
habitats of wildlife are maintained
there will be no negative impacts on roosting bats. All
demolition or renovations works will be in full
j.
To consult with the National Parks and Wildlife Section of
consultation with the National Parks and Wildlife Services
DOEHLG regarding any planning applications located
staff (NPWS). Where renovation works or demolition
within or adjacent designated cSAC, SPA’s or pNHA’s.
works take place within or immediately adjacent to the
boundary of the Killarney National Park, Macgillicuddys
k. To take cognisance of existing cSACs, pNHA’s and SPA’s
Reeks and Caragh River Catchment cSAC, a screening
when processing planning applications. Development
determination for an Appropriate Assessment of
within or impinging on these sites, may be required to
potential impacts on the cSAC will be carried out.
submit an Environmental Report or a full Environmental
Specifically conditions on granting planning permission
Impact Assessment
for a development close to designated sites or sensitive
habitats may include but are not limited to the following:
l.
To conserve, protect and enhance features of the natural
•
Ecological Report/Appropriate Assessment
environment, essential for its enjoyment and
•
Environmental Impact Assessment
maintenance as a distinctive wildlife habitat, which is
•
Flood Risk Impact Assessment
important in local, national and international terms
•
Hydrological assessment (if near Killarney National
i.
Park) or cognisance taken of any aquifer plans (once
m. To co-operate with the National Parks and Wildlife
Service in the conservation of the Killarney National Park
completed) for the area
•
In stream works in salmonid waters to be carried out
and in the control and management of invasive species
between May and September, but in consultation
both on land and in water
and agreement with the requirements of the
Fisheries Board
n. To protect Annex 1 - Habitats and Annex II - Animal and
•
Provision of fuel bunding on site
Plant species of Council Directive 92/43/EEC/on the
•
Address disturbance to breeding birds during
conservation of natural Habitats and of wild fauna and
flora
construction
•
Bat surveys when mature/old trees or buildings are
been removed
o. To protect against invasive species including garden
•
Removal of trees (felled during the spring months of
centre invasive species that are used for native local
March, April, May- if no breeding birds are present- or
plant species in habitat recreation and landscaping (see
autumn months of September, October and
Appendix 6 for suitable planting in the Killarney area)
November / trees showing crevices, hollows etc
should only be removed in the presence of a bat
p. To ensure that wherever brownfield sites are being
developed there will be no negative impacts on roosting
specialist
•
bats. All demolition works will be constructed in full
consultation with the National Parks and Wildlife Services
Mammal surveys for badgers, otters etc should be
undertaken during the appropriate seasons
•
Provision of mitigation measures i.e. underpasses, bat
staff (NPWS). Where renovation works or demolition
boxes, habitat recreation or tree planting for example
works take place within or immediately adjacent to the
and
boundary of the Killarney National Park, Macgillicuddys
Reeks and Caragh River Catchment cSAC, a screening
•
Use of native local plant species in habitat recreation
and landscaping
determination for an Appropriate Assessment of
potential impacts on the cSAC will be carried out
115
9.19
Habitats Assessment
9.19.1
In accordance with Article 6 (3) and (4) of the Habitats
There will be a presumption against development
where the proposed development is deemed to:
Directive 92/43/EEC, an Appropriate Assessment was
• Have a substantial adverse effect on a scenic vista
prepared in preparation of the Development Plan. The
assessment evaluated potential impacts of this Plan on
areas designated in Killarney town as Natura 2000 sites.
• Substantially degrade the existing visual character
or quality of the site and its surroundings
These include the candidate Special Area of
Conservation (cSAC’s) and the Special Protection Areas
• Require substantial terrain modifications
(SPA’s).
• Significantly alter public views or viewing corridors
9.20
Landscape preservation
• Create a new source of substantial light or glare
9.20.1
Section 10 (2) (e) of the 2000 - 2006 Act requests for
which would adversely affect day or night time
development plans to include polices for the
views in the area
preservation of the character of the landscape and
where to the extent that in the opinion of the
Planning Authority, the proper planning and
sustainable development of the area requires it,
including the preservation of views and prospects and
the amenities of places and features of natural beauty
or interest.
9.20.2
Killarney is positioned in one of Ireland’s most precious
and vulnerable landscapes. The vistas around Killarney
are superb and the landscape offers a rich and diverse
experience to visitors, ranging from parkland, to lush
woodlands and oak forests, to the variety of the lakes
and the rugged mountains.
9.20.3
A proactive approach to conserving and enhancing
the distinctive features of Killarney’s landscape shall be
adopted under the auspices of the new plan.
Reinforcing this will be a landscape assessment, to be
undertaken under the life time of the plan to include
protection zonings. The landscape assessment shall
categorise lands in accordance by their sensitivity,
value and character, identifying areas which ought to
remain free of development.
116
9.20.4
• Result in a building scale that is not consistent with
the surrounding community
Policy Statement
a. To undertake a Landscape Character Assessment for
f.
To liaise with the South Western Fisheries Board to
Killarney town, its environment and the three action
provide for the protection, management and
areas, Inner Core, Flesk River Valley and the Northern
development of fish, fish habitats and water quality
Gateway within 2 years of the adoption of the plan in
as required under the Fisheries Act 1959 in order to
accordance with the Landscape and Landscape
ensure the protection of fisheries including in
Assessment guidelines by the Department of the
particular those listed in Annex II of the Habitats
Environment, Heritage and Local Government
Directive, though not exclusively salmonids, brook
lamprey, sea lamprey, Killarney shad, Artic charr etc.
b. To designate landscapes as ‘high amenity areas’ or
of ‘high scenic quality’ as part of the landscape
g. To incorporate into the planning process any future
POLICY NH - 05
guidance as published by the Central Fisheries Board
assessment
and the South Western Shannon Regional Fisheries
Boards or other relevant guidance (CIRIA4) in relation
c. To identify and protect scenic viewing points and
scenic routes of special amenity, value and interest,
to conservation of fisheries and management plans
which contribute significantly to the visual amenity
as part of future planning proposals
and character of the town
h. To request a Visual Impact Assessment for any
proposed development with potential; to impact on
d. To request a landscape character assessment as part
of proposed developments, where it is considered
the landscape character and visual receptors of the
that a proposed development, by virtue of scale,
plan area and adjoining lands in accordance with the
design or location may interfere with protected
Environmental Protection Agency and the
viewpoints and scenic routes. The Planning Authority
will require landscaping schemes to be submitted as
Government Guidelines or other more relevant
part of planning applications so to encourage
guidelines, i.e. Guidelines by the National Roads
existing on site features to be incorporated as part of
Authority (NRA) in relation to road proposals
new developments and for any new development to
integrate with its natural environment. It will also be a
i.
To undertake in conjunction with Statutory Bodies a
requirement for a soil stability assessment to be
building height study for the town. This study will
submitted as part of any development where the
establish broad parameters for setting building
development is likely to impact on soil stability
height throughout the town. It will contain criteria
that can be used for evaluating planning applications
e. To have regard to such views and limit any planting
and a methodology that gives consideration to the
which could have a detrimental impact on the value
potential for impact on existing established
of protected views
traditional viewing points, vistas and linkages
between landscape features
4
CIRIA is a leading provider of performance improvement products and services in the
construction and related industries.
117
9.21
Tree protection
9.21.1
Statutory context
9.21.2
Section 205 of the Planning and Development Act
POLICY NH - 06
Policy Statement
2000 - 2006 provides for Tree Preservation Order’s
(TPO’s) in Ireland for the protection of trees, groups of
trees and woods that have amenity value and that
contribute to the appearance of an area. They are
made if a tree is under threat of being cut down or
a. To make tree preservation orders (TPOS) in
damaged. All trees regardless of species can be
accordance with Section 205 of the Planning and
protected by a tree preservation order. Where a TPO is
Development Act 2000 - 2006 under the life time of
designated, trees cannot be felled without obtaining
the plan
planning permission from a Local Authority.
b. To undertake a tree survey of all trees in the environs
Hedgerows trees can be protected, but not hedges,
of the town deemed to be of special interest and
bushes or shrubs.
amenity value
c. To designate protective status on native and
broadleaf species deemed to be of special interest
and or amenity value
d. To enhance the amenity of the town through
preserving the appearance generated by trees and
hedgerows
e. To prohibit the felling of existing mature trees so to
facilitate new development
f.
To prohibit the felling of trees even though not
included in the list of special interest
g. To request the submission of a comprehensive tree
survey where a proposed development is located in
an environment where matures trees are existing (see
Chapter 12: Development Management Standards).
h. To ensure that matures trees in attributing to site
features are properly identified on site layout and
drawings
i.
To ensure compliance with the Code of Best Forest
Practice which covers all stages from seed selection
through to the establishment and maintenance of
timber harvesting
j.
To ensure that all forestry proposals within the
catchment of each lake are assessed in terms of their
potential impact on the water quality of the lake
118
9.22.2
the locations listed in Table 9 below:
Taken together, these measures will support
environmental sustainability and will underpin Ireland’s
competitive position and enable it to meet its global
responsibilities.
Table 9: List of Tree Preservation Orders (TPO’s)
and their Location
9.22.3
Each new residential dwelling must now be provided
Tree No.
Location
with an energy-rating certificate, similar to that which is
T1
Trees at St. Mary’s Cathedral
applied to household white goods. Part L of the
T2
Trees at St. Mary’s Church
National Building Regulations has just been revised and
T3
Trees along the northern side of
the effects of this, going forward, are to make homes
Countess Road
and buildings more energy efficient.
T4
Hedgerow trees on west side of access
road to Countess Grove
T5
9.22.4
New Planning Regulations introduced in 2007 provide
Trees around the Malton Hotel and
exemptions on the provision and installation of certain
Railway Station
small-scale renewable energy technologies - solar
T6
Trees in grounds of the Friary
panels and wind turbines for example. The ‘Greener
T7
Trees along Emmet’s Road in private
Homes’ grant aid scheme supported by Sustainable
gardens
Energy Ireland highlights the Government’s
T8
Roadside trees along New Road.
commitment to encouraging and facilitating greater
T9
Oak trees at west side of Quality Hotel
uptake of renewable energy technologies even in a
T10
Lime trees along the Muckross Road
domestic context.
T11
Trees along north-west side of Ross Road
T12
All mature trees in Kenmare Place
T13
All trees along the Inner Relief Road
9.22.5
It is an objective of the Council to preserve the trees at
The Council, through this Plan will support initiatives
aimed at reducing the level of energy consumption
within the town. Landuse strategies and policies that
9.22
Energy Efficiency & Climate Change
reduce the need to travel and mixed use developments
that provide an appropriate balance of residential,
9.22.1
The National Climate Change Strategy 2007-2012
employment, recreational and retail uses, will be
builds on the commitment towards sustainable
supported as they promote a more sustainable, energy
development as set out in Towards 2016: Ten Year
efficient pattern of living.
Framework Social Partnership Agreement 2006-2015
and the National Development Plan 2007-2013 and is
9.22.6
The day–to-day Development Management process
one of a number of interrelated Government initiatives
will be employed to ensure that buildings, gardens and
that will address energy and climate change issues.
public spaces are laid out to exploit the best solar
These include the White Paper on Energy (2007), the
orientation – in order to reduce energy demand and
Bio-Energy Action Plan and the forthcoming
CO2 omissions - and will encourage developers to
Sustainable Transport Action Plan. Under Transport 21
utilise renewable/sustainable energy sources, including
the investment in public transport over the period
Combined Heating Power (CHP) systems, in new
2006-2015 will encourage more energy efficient forms
developments.
of transport. Reduced journey times from the national
road upgrading will also play an important role in
improving energy efficiency in the transport sector.
9.22.7
The Council shall explore every possible source of
sustainable and renewable energy, including
geothermal heating. Planning policy will also contribute
to more general use of renewable energy sources.
119
9.22.8
It will be a requirement that new developments
should be designed and built to incorporate cost
effective energy efficiency measures. Developers will
be encouraged to provide geothermal heating for
larger developments. Future development should be
targeted towards locations that can provide extensive
on-site systems for re-use of grey water, treatment and
recycling of wastewater on site, installation of
alternative energy sources and composting of organic
household waste. Existing drainage systems must be
POLICY NH - 07
adapted to deal with climate change.
Policy Statement
a. To maximise the potential and promote the
development of appropriate renewable energy
projects throughout the Town and environs while
having due regard to the need to protect the
environment and ensure the proper planning and
sustainable development of the town
b. To support the integration of renewable energy and
sustainable design into the built environment
c
To implement the provisions of Kerry County
Councils Energy Conservation Strategy once adopted
during the lifetime of the Town Plan
d. To implement the provisions of Kerry County
Councils Renewable Energy Strategy where adopted
for the County during the lifetime of the Town plan
120
Flood Prevention
POLICY NH -08
9.23.1
The publication of the Planning System and Flood Risk
Management guidelines require the planning system at
Policy Statement
national, regional and local levels to introduce
comprehensive mechanisms for the incorporation of
flood risk identification, assessment and management
into the planning process, building upon the
longstanding acknowledgement in the planning
system of the importance of addressing the issue.
9.23.2.
These guidelines require the planning system at
national, regional and local levels to:
(1) Avoid development in areas at risk of flooding by not
permitting development in flood risk areas,
particularly floodplains, unless where it is fully
justified that there are wider sustainability grounds
for appropriate development and unless the flood
risk can be managed to an acceptable level without
increasing flood risk elsewhere and where possible,
reducing flood risk overall.
(2) Adopt a sequential approach to flood risk
management based on avoidance, reduction and
then mitigation of flood risk as the overall framework
for assessing the location of new development in the
a. To liaise with the Office of Public Works in the
undertaking of a detailed Flood Risk Assessment within
zoned areas for development identified as potential flood
zones as indicated on the Flood Zone Area Map so to
obtain an accurate assessment of flooding impacts
b. To co-operate with the Office of Public Works in
implementing the recommendations/measures of the
detailed Flood Risk Assessment and to carry out the
required material variations on foot of the
recommendation of the detailed Flood Study which may
include changes to the zoning objectives
9.23
c. To request flood risk assessments as part of planning
applications in the areas indicated on the Flood Zone
Area Map that are at risk from flooding to enable their
proper consideration with regard to flood risk
d. To ensure that planning applications in close proximity to
water courses are submitted to the Office of Public Works
for their consideration
development planning processes.
9.23.3
Information about flooding and flood risk is improving
and will improve further as a result of national exercises
undertaken by the Office of Public Works and others,
e. To ensure that planning applications in close proximity to
all water courses are assessed in accordance with the
provisions of the Flood Risk Management Guidelines for
Planning Authorities and future related publications and
assessments by the Office of Public Works
and implementation of these guidelines. Future flood
risk assessments required to support the development
plan process may highlight existing, undeveloped areas
which, on their own merits, were zoned for
development in previous development plans but which
new information indicates may now, or in the future, be
at risk of flooding.
9.23.4
The Town Council requested the undertaking of a Flood
Screening and Scoping Assessment of both existing
and proposed zoned lands. This has resulted in the
preparation of a Flood Zone map and the inclusion of
f.
To ensure that planning conditions are imposed on all
planning applications for new (or extensions to existing)
development within the Flood Zone Area Map in
particular which minimises significant hard surfacing and
paving. Conditions imposed will require the use of
sustainable drainage techniques include permeable
paving or surfaces such as gravel of slate clippings
g. To ensure that all planning applications within the Flood
Zone area includes proposals for sustainable drainage
techniques include permeable paving or surfaces such as
gravel or slate clippings
the following policy actions by the Town Council.
121
Built Heritage
Aim:” To conserve and protect Killarney’s built heritage through the
balancing of conservation and development objectives”
Part 1: Protected Structures
Part 2: Architectural Conservation Areas (ACA’s)
Part 3: Archaeological Heritage
CHAPTER 10
CHAPTER 10 BUILT HERITAGE
10.1
Built Heritage
10.4
Relevant legislation
10.1.1
This section establishes Killarney Town Council’s
10.4.1
Section 10(2)(f ) of the Planning and Development Act
objectives and policies for the protection, conservation
2000-2006 makes provisions for development plans to
and enhancement of Killarney’s architectural and
incorporate objectives for the protection of structures
archaeological heritage.
or parts of structures which are of special artistic,
architectural, archaeological, cultural, historical, social,
10.2
Architectural Heritage
scientific or technical interest. On this basis they are
included in a Record of Protected Structures (RPS) as
10.2.1
Killarney Town Council recognises the importance of
specified under Section 51 of the Act. Where such
retaining and improving those structures, buildings and
features are found as part of groups of buildings
streetscapes within the town which significantly add to
including streetscapes and urban vistas, these are also
the uniqueness of Killarney’s urban landscape and to the
included in the record. Other historic structures may
amenity value of the town. In achieving this, the Council
alternatively, or in addition, be protected under the
sets out specific planning policies and objectives in this
National Monuments Acts 1930-2004.
Development Plan 2009-2015.
10.5
10.3
• To protect structures contained in the Record of
10.3.1
Archaeological heritage is a resource which can be
Protected Structures (RPS)
employed to gain knowledge and understanding of the
past. The archaeological heritage is thus of great cultural
and scientific importance.
• To promote the protection of the built environment
which is of architectural heritage merit within its
administrative area by:
10.3.2
All material remains of past societies contribute to
enhancing our understanding of such societies through
interest
archaeology. Archaeology attempts to attain the greatest
- Including them in the RPS
possible level of knowledge and understanding of past
- Taking necessary steps to ensure the protection
societies by accumulating all obtainable evidence and
analysing it.
124
- Identifying structures of architectural heritage
of those structures
• To require the seeking of planning permission for
Assessment for planning applications where the
extensions, refurbishments and changes of use to a
proposal would result in a material change to the
Protected Structure where the carrying out of such
character of the protected structure. The
works would materially affect the character of the
assessment is to be carried out by an appropriately
structure and to seek an Architectural Heritage
qualified person with relevant competence or
Impact Assessment as appropriate in respect of
expertise
such proposals
• To have regard to the guidelines ‘Architectural
• To seek an Architectural Heritage Impact
• To retain all original features, which are important to
Heritage Protection: Guidelines for Planning
the character of buildings such as entrances,
Authorities 2004’ issued by the Department of the
chimney stacks, doors and windows
Environment Heritage and Local Government when
assessing planning applications for works to a
• To require planning permission for the installation
protected structure where those works materially
of external additions, including satellite dishes, signs
affect the character of the structure
and other attachments to a Protected Structure
where these additions would materially affect the
• To promote proper conservation standards in the
essential character of a Protected Structure
maintenance of authenticity through the
employment of best recognised practice in the use
• To initiate a design & conservation scheme so to
of materials in repair and adoption work. Referral
encourage high quality applications and
will be made to appropriate documents such as the
developments and recognition of same
guidelines ‘Architectural Heritage Protection:
Guidelines for Planning Authorities 2004’, issued by
• To encourage the carrying out of works to
the Department of the Environment Heritage and
protected structures and other structures of
Local Government
architectural heritage merit in Killarney
• To ensure that all major development proposals for
• To consult the guidance documents issued by the
Protected Structures or those which could affect
the setting of a Protected Structure, are referred to
Government in respect of good practice in
the prescribed bodies
conservation work
• To ensure, by means of the use of the provisions of
Sections 59 to 79 of the Local Government
• To repair as appropriate rather than replace historic
building details such as windows, doors, etc.
(Planning and Development) Act 2000-2006 that
the essential character of Protected Structures does
not become endangered
• To make use of traditional building materials and
techniques as appropriate to the authenticity of the
existing structure
• To protect the essential character and setting of
Protected Structures through control and design of
• To avoid the use of inappropriate materials such as
new development in the vicinity and by the
PVC and aluminium where the authenticity of the
protection of adjoining streetscapes and site
existing structure might be compromised.
features where appropriate
125
10.6
10.6.1
Protected Structures and the Record of
Protected Structures.
10.9
Demolition of Protected Structures
10.9.1
There is a presumption under the auspices of the new
The previous Town Development Plan 2003-2009
town plan against the demolition of Protected
listed a total of 68 structures in its Record of Protected
Structure (s) or proposed Protected Structure (s).
Structures. Under the life time of the new plan, it is
Planning applications for the demolition of a
considered that the record will be extended to include
protected structure or a proposed protected structure
more structures deemed to have special interest. In
will only be considered in exceptional cases and will
order to achieve this objective, the Council recognises
be judged on it own merits.
that in managing the RPS, it is vital that planning
policies guide and support the sympathetic
development, maintenance and adaptive reuse of
10.9.2
In the event demolition or partial demolition of a
structure is proposed, it must be demonstrated that:
recorded structures.
1. The structure to be replaced does not possess any
10.7
Components of a Protected Structure.
10.7.1
Protected structure status applies to all parts of a
architectural, historical, archaeological, artistic,
cultural, scientific, social or technical interest.
structure; its interior and exterior, surrounding land
2. An extension to a protected structure or proposed
and any other structures within the curtilage of the
protected structure does not detract from the
structure. It also extends to interior and exterior
architectural, historical, archaeological, artistic,
fixtures and fittings. It also extends to attendant
cultural, scientific, social or technical interest of the
grounds, which includes lands which are now in
main structure.
separate ownership but previously formed part of a
landholding designated with protective status, i.e.
outbuildings of a country estate, gate lodge house or
gardens features.
10.8
Declaration of Works
10.8.1
Where works are contemplated to a structure which is
included in the Record of Protected Structures, the
planning authority will encourage owners/occupiers
to seek a Declaration from the Council as to the type
of works which it considers would or would not
materially affect the character of the structure. This will
help establish if those works would require planning
permission.
126
3. Other protected or proposed structures on the
curtilage of the site are not affected.
POLICY BH – 01
Policy Statement
a. To consider proposals for the demolition of Protected
Structure only within the context of proper planning
and sustainable development and in exceptional
circumstances. Any application will be judged on its
own merits
b. To ensure that wherever demolition or renovation of
protected structures, or any other buildings occurs,
there will be no negative impacts on roosting bats.
All demolition or renovation works will be conducted
in full consultation with National Parks and Wildlife
Service staff. Where renovation works or demolition
works take place within, or immediately adjacent to,
the boundary of the Killarney National Park,
cSAC, a screening determination for an Appropriate
Assessment of potential impacts on the cSAC will be
carried-out
127
10.10 Urban rejuvenation
POLICY BH - 02
10.10.1
Policy Statement
The existence of redundant sites and obsolete areas
can be a major contributor to the economic decline of
an area. There are concerns regarding the number of
redundant buildings in the town and it is considered
that many of such structures offer much potential if
incorporated into mainstream society. With Killarney
town commanding a national status of best kept
a. To enforce the provisions of the 1990 Derelict Sites
town, it is the felt that such structures will erode the
Act to remove and eradicate dereliction and to use all
identity of Killarney and greatly undermine the
the provisions of the Planning and Development Act
enormous input of those who invert time and effort in
2000 - 2006 open to it, to prevent dereliction of any
the towns appearance. Redundant/obsolete
structure particularly those in the Record of Protected
buildings, irrespective of eroding the visual amenity of
Structures
a street or area, also pose potential danger to passers
by if left in their present situation.
b. To maintain, update and add to the existing list of
derelict sites register
c. To encourage the sympathetic refurbishment,
redevelopment and reuse of derelict, redundant and
ruined buildings of appropriate size and scale and
sites compatible with the established use of the
structure and other uses deemed appropriate in
design and scale to the character and amenity of the
area. Any proposals will require a design brief, to be
prepared by an appropriately qualified person with
relevant competence or expertise
d
To undertake a survey of derelict structures to
determine whether they possess architectural,
historical, archaeological, artistic, cultural scientific
social or technical interest and their inclusion
thereafter in the Record of Protected Structures
under the lifetime of the new plan
e.
To implement the provisions of the Derelict Sites Act
1990 (or as may be amended) to prevent or remove
injury to amenity arising from dereliction and to
identify and secure the redevelopment of obsolete
areas
f.
To actively pursue the renovation and reuse of
existing buildings rather than to demolish such
buildings for redevelopment
128
10.11 Damage by fire
10.11.1
The Council will encourage the reinstatement of
structures of architectural heritage merit which have
been damaged through fire, including the retention
and reinstatement of those elements of special
interest where it is reasonably practical to do so.
POLICY BH – O3
Policy Statement
a. To encourage the repair and reinstatement of
structures of architectural heritage merit which have
been damaged through fire, including the retention
and reinstatement of any elements of special interest
which contributed to the character of the structure
129
10.12 Surrounding environment
10.12.1
The setting providing as a backdrop within the
curtilage of a Protected Structure or within spaces
defined by a group of buildings, greatly enhances the
special character of a protected structure. The
elements (both natural and built) in providing a sense
of harmony, sets the scene for the Protected Structure.
The significance of the setting therefore cannot be
underestimated. Restrictions may therefore be
imposed on works within the curtilage of a protected
structure especially if such works would disturb the
setting that contributes to the overall context in which
the protected structure is located.
POLICY BH – O4
Policy Statement
a. To ensure that proposals for any ground works within
the curtilage of a protected structure do not interfere
with or disturb the setting attributing to the
character of a Protected Structure.
130
10.13 Rezoning of lands
10.13.1
In the event that there are proposals for the rezoning
of lands where a Protected Structure is in situ,
consideration will be given to the former use of the
lands or the context within which the land is located.
Any rezoning must take into account the existing
features on the site and the architectural heritage of
the location.
POLICY BH – O5
Policy Statement
a. To protect the setting/context of structures of
architectural merit present on lands rezoned for
appropriate uses and to encourage such structures as
focal points as part of the layout of development
131
10.14 Adaptive Reuse
10.14.1
The Council will encourage proposals for the change
of use of Protected Structures where a new use will
give those structures a viable future without adversely
affecting their character.
POLICY BH – O6
Policy Statement
a. To encourage proposals for the change of use, from
that of the established use of a Protected Structure
where that new use provides a viable future for the
structure and is in keeping with its character and
adaptive works do not adversely affect either the
structure or the surrounding environment
132
10.15 Alterations and extensions
10.15.1 The Council will encourage proposals for the continued
development of Protected Structures, including
alterations or extensions, where such works contribute
to the future viability of the Protected Structure and
do not adversely affect its character. The Council will
promote a standard of design and workmanship in
such work which enhances the special character of the
structure and are appropriate to it. (See requirements
in Chapter 12: Development Management Standards).”
POLICY BH – O7
Policy Statement
a. To encourage consultation of the guidance
documents issued by the Department of the
Environment, Heritage and Local Government in
respect of good practice in relation to conservation
work
133
10.16 Internal modifications
10.16.1
Where the existing character is to be materially altered
as part of a proposal for internal alterations, this will
require planning permission. It is therefore in the
interest of the owner /occupier of a Protected
Structure to seek a Declaration from the Town Council
to be more informed of the types of works that require
planning permission and those which do not.
10.16.2
Where the nature of the works to be undertaken
require specialised expertise, the Town Council may
make a requirement for the assessment to be carried
out by those with relevant competence of expertise.
POLICY BH – O8
Policy Statement
a. To consult with the guidelines for Architectural
Heritage Protection as published by the Department
of Environment, Heritage and Local Government in
relation to proposals for internal works
134
10.17 Access to Protected Structures
10.17.1
Due consideration must be given with respect to
disability access to Protected Structures. In doing, so
the sensitively of the protected building and its special
character must be allowed for in designing accesses
for the disabled. It is essential that the provision of
disabled accesses does not impinge on the special
interest of the protected building, either internally or
externally.
POLICY BH - 09
Policy Statement
a. To ensure that no infringement is incurred on the
character of a Protected Structure as part of any
proposals for disabled access to Protected Structures
135
10.18 Architectural Conservation Areas (ACA’s)
10.18.1 Architectural Conservation Areas (ACA’s) is a place, area,
10.20 Overall Objectives of the Council
• To undertake a survey within 2 years of the
group of structures or townscape with is either of
adoption of the Plan to identify elements of
special architectural, historical, archaeological, artistic,
architectural significance which permit protection
cultural, scientific, social or technical interest in its own
right or which contributes to the appreciation of
Protected Structures.
• To preserve the character of areas, places, groups of
structures or townscape of special architectural,
historical, archaeological, artistic, cultural, social or
10.18.2
Killarney’s urban environment is made up of a number
technical interest or value within the town
of distinctive areas and building types which gives the
town a certain uniqueness and sense of place. The
• To identify those areas of special interest, by
Town Council under the life time of the new plan will
designating appropriate Architectural Conservation
seek to designate areas of such status and to protect
Areas (ACA’s), and by taking such steps as are
and enhance, through appropriate development
necessary to ensure the preservation of the special
management standards, the distinctive characteristics
character of those areas
of each of the designated ACAs.
• To consult with the relevant owners/occupiers and
10.19 Relevant Legislation
the broader community with respect to the
designation of ACAs
10.19.1
Part IV of the Local Government Planning and
Development Act 2000-2006 requires that
• To bring about the designating of ACAS’s within 2
development plans shall include objectives to
years of the adoption of this plan for the following
preserve the character of places, areas, groups of
areas:
structures or townscapes that are of:
- Kenmare Place.
(a) Special architectural, historical, archaeological,
- St Mary’s Cathedral,
artistic, cultural, social or technical interest or
- Presentation College and convent,
value, or
- St Bridget’s,
(b) Contribute to the appreciation of Protected
Structures
- Bishops Palace,
- Old Monastery and Monastery gardens,
- St Brendan’s
10.19.2
Within an Architectural Conservation Area (ACA)
- Castlerosse cottages
planning permission is required for all works affecting
- St Mary’s Terrace
the exterior of a building where the carrying out of
- Lower New Street
those works would materially affect the character of
- Bridewell Lane
the area. The purpose of an ACA’s is to preserve the
- Coffey Lane
general character of the area having regard to building
- Convent Lane
heights, proportions, plot sizes and materials used.
- Friars hill
- Port Road cottages
- St. Finan’s
136
• To protect the essential character of ACAs through
the control and design of new development in the
vicinity; by the protection of adjoining streetscapes
and site features where appropriate
• To promote local initiatives which promote the
preservation of the special character of ACAs
10.21 Public Spaces
10.21.1
The architectural character of the town is determined
not only by the importance of individual buildings but
also by the quality of the spaces formed by footpaths,
streets, lane-ways, squares, parks, views and vistas
which, are an integral part of the urban structure.
POLICY BH - 10
Policy Statement
a. To protect, improve and extend where appropriate
the public space throughout the town. The effects of
the proposed developments on the quality of the
adjacent public spaces and the possibility of creating
new spaces will be an important factor in assessing
planning applications
137
10.22 Archaeological Heritage
the Environment, Heritage and Local Government will
update the RMP at regular intervals. An update of the
10.22.1
The archaeological heritage of Killarney is a unique
Kerry RMP is currently proposed for 2008. In the event
and special resource, which forms a distinctive
that an application is made to the Town Council in an
element of the landscape and local historical identity.
area rich in archeological findings, the onus is on an
Urban development has increased significantly in
applicant to consult with the Record of Monuments
recent years placing the archaeological heritage of the
and Places in determining whether there are any
town under increasing threat.
monuments on the land in question.
10.23 Relevant Legislation
10.24.3
The Record of Monuments and Places constraint maps
and accompanying manual can be viewed in the
10.23.1
The National Monuments Service, Department of the
County Library, Kerry County Museum and Kerry
Environment, Heritage and Local Government and The
County Council. Killarney and its town environs have
National Museum of Ireland have a specific role in
54 monuments listed on the RMP (Appendix 4).
relation to the protection of the archaeological
heritage. Their powers and functions are contained in
10.25 Objectives of the Council
the following legislation:
• To adhere to current archaeological legislation and
1. The National Monuments Acts 1930 to 2004
guidelines
2. The National Cultural Institutions Act 1997.
3. The Planning and Development Acts 2000-2006
and the Planning Regulations.
• To ensure the preservation of Recorded
Monuments and their setting and to consult with
the Statutory Bodies in relation to proposed
10.24 Record of Monument and Places (RMP)
development within the zones of archaeological
potential of these monuments
10.24.1
The National Monuments (Amendment) Act 1930 2004 makes provisions for the compilation of a record
• To consult with Statutory Bodies in relation to
of all known monuments in the County - The Record
proposed development near zones of
of Monuments and Places (RMP). The Record of
archaeological potential
Monuments and Places consists of a set of constraint
maps on which all the archaeological sites in the
• To avoid zoning lands within zones of
County known to
archaeological potential of recorded monuments
the Minister in 1997 were marked. It is accompanied
unless it is for open or amenity space zoning
by a manual, which contains a descriptive listing of
each site.
• To consult with National Monuments Service and
10.24.2
All the sites marked on the RMP constraint maps are
National Museum of Ireland and the County
protected under Section 12 of the National
Archaeologist in relation to the protection of
Monuments (Amendment) Act 1930- 2004. As new
recorded and previously unrecorded archaeological
features and monuments are discovered due to
monuments
research and development driven archaeological
assessment, monitoring, testing and excavation; a
second layer of monuments not yet included in the
RMP is created. It is intended that the Department of
138
•
To ensure that the area of the monument and
of archaeological monuments included in the
buffer should not be included as part of the open
Record of Monuments and Places as established
space requirement demanded of a specific
under Section 12 of the National Monuments
development but should be additional to the
(Amendment) Act, 2004
required open spaces
• To secure the preservation in-situ of, or preservation
• To ensure that where a monument or place
of any sites and features of historical and
included in the Record of Monument and Places lie
archaeological interest
within the open space requirement for a
development, a conservation plan for that
any subsurface archaeological features that may be
monument will be requested as part of the
landscape plan for that proposed open space
discovered during the course of infrastructural /
development works in the operational area of the
plan
• To ensure that where a monument or site included
in the Record of Monument and Places be
incorporated into a development the monument
• To ensure that any development either above or
and attendant buffer area should be ceded to Local
below ground, within the vicinity of a site of
Authority Ownership once the development and
archaeological interest shall not be detrimental to
associated landscaping works are complete so that
the character of the archaeological site or its setting
the future protection of the monument can be
assured
• To have regard to the advice and recommendations
of The Department of the Environment, Heritage
• To preserve and protect all archaeological sites and
and Local Government, both in respect of whether
their settings as listed in the Record of Monuments
or not to grant planning permission and in respect
and Places as established under the National
of the conditions to which permission, if granted,
Monuments Act 2004 and also any newly
should be subject
discovered sites of which the Planning Authority are
notified of by Department of the Environment,
• To request an archaeological assessment where the
Heritage and Local Government. Under the
site includes a monument or site included in the
provisions of the National Monuments Act 2004, a
Record Monument and Places within the
person proposing to carry out works at, or close to a
landholding as part of planning proposal. Such
Recorded Monument is obliged to give notice of
developments include those that are located at or
such intention to the Department of the
close to an archaeological monument or site, those
Environment, Heritage and Local Government. The
that are extensive in terms of area (1/2 hectare or
referral of a planning application to the Department
more) or length (1 kilometre or more) and
of the Environment, Heritage and Local
developments that require an Environmental
Government satisfies this requirement
Impact Statement. The assessment shall establish
the extent of archaeological material associated
• To protect and preserve (either in situ or by record)
with the monument or site. This assessment shall
places, caves, sites, features or other objects of
also define the buffer area or area contiguous with
archaeological, geological, historical, scientific or
the monument which will preserve the setting and
ecological interest
visual amenity of the site
139
• To promote public awareness of the rich
archaeological heritage of the area to seek to
POLICY BH – 11
designate archaeological landscapes in consultation
Policy Statement
with the Department of the Environment, Heritage
and Local Government, as part of an ongoing
landscape appraisal
• To address specific issues relating to archaeological
monuments listed in the Record of Monuments and
Places for County Kerry
a. To encourage protection through appropriate
management and treatment of historic resources
b. To increase public awareness of the value and
importance of Killarney towns archaeological
resources
c. To encourage accuracy of information about local
places and archaeological sites
d. To give consideration of the archaeological resources
in the planning and decision making processes of
new developments
e. To monitor future developments so as to protect
potential prehistoric sites
f.
To ensure the conservation of sites and features
deemed to have historical and archaeological interest
g. To submit planning applications to the Department
of Environment Heritage and Local Government for
its consideration
h. To request that an archeological assessment be
submitted as part of the application indicating
mitigation measures if required and to adhere to a
30m radius buffer area so to preserve the setting of
the site. The archaeological assessment shall be
carried out by a registered archaeologist with the
undertaking of mitigation measures or initial
stripping of sites to be carried out by a registered
archaeologist
140
i.
To ensure that cognisance is taken of the National
Roads Authority (NRA) guidelines on archeological
assessment in relation to proposals for the
construction of roads
j.
To ensure the aesthetic of new development in areas
deemed to have historical or archaeological interest
to be sensitive to same with respect to scale and
design
k. To ensure that development taking place either
above or below ground which is within, adjacent to
or might affect sites and features of historical and
archeological interest respects the character of the
archaeological site and its setting, to be sited and
designed with care for the character of the site and
setting
l. To ensure that any proposal (s) for the construction of
roads within or in close proximity to an
archaeological site is in accordance with the National
Roads Authority guidelines on archaeological
assessment
141
Area Action Plans
Aim: ” To co-ordinate development in a sustainable manner
through the undertaking of integrated plans
in the future development of Killarney lands”
CHAPTER 11
CHAPTER 11 AREA ACTION PLANS
11.1
FLESK RIVER VALLEY ACTION AREA
PLAN (AAP)
11.2.2
It is an objective of this AAP to conserve and enhance
the environmental resources of the Flesk: The River
Valley, woodlands, hedgerows and hills. It is also an
11.1.1
The Killarney Urban Masterplan was adopted in
objective to establish the Flesk as a recreational and
principle by the Elected Members of Killarney Town
ecological corridor managed sensitively to sustain its
Council in 2005. This Flesk Valley Action Area Plan is the
biodiversity and recreational attributes. All
first AAP contained in that Masterplan to be adopted
development shall be designed and located in
for inclusion in the Killarney Town Development Plan
accordance with these objectives and shall be
2003.
accompanied by a Landscape Character and Visual
Impact Assessments demonstrating that they will not
11.1.2
The Urban Design Framework and the objectives and
have a negative impact on the character, or views from,
principles for this AAP set out in Section 4.4 of the
or to the Flesk River Valley.
Masterplan, will guide all future development in this
area. All developers, applicants etc shall have regard to
11.2.3
In addition to other required statutory assessments
Section 4.4 of the Masterplan in the design and
such as an Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA), due
recommendations of all future developments in this
to the potential for negative impacts on the nearby
area.
section of the Killarney National Park, Macgillicuddy’s
Reeks and Caragh River Catchment cSAC, any
11.2
Objective of the Flesk Action Area Plan
11.2.1
The objective of the Flesk Action Area Plan is to protect
Assessment and a screening determination for an
and enhance the environmental amenity of the Flesk
Appropriate Assessment under the provisions of the EU
River Valley, limiting development to strategic pockets
Habitats Directive.
developments proposed within the Flood Zone Area
Map of the River Flesk will be subject to a Flood Impact
and infill sites; optimising the unique value of the River
Flesk as a recreational corridor of benefit to the
residents of the town and as an attraction to visitors.
144
The proposed N22/N71 Link Road
11.3.1
This road is proposed to link the N22 and the N71 and
pasture fields separated by lush boundary hedgerows.
is proposed to run through the southern side of the
There is a large area of woodland at Dromhumper and
Flesk Valley AAP. The development of this road will
smaller clumps of mature trees on the upper reaches of
allow the development of much more of this AAP.
the valley (see fig. 4.4.1 of the Killarney Urban
Section 4.4 of the Masterplan looks at this second
Masterplan). The banks of the river are vegetated along
phase of development in detail. However until such
its length. The landform of the study area is severely
time as that roadway is in place, the Mill Road will
undulated, with several low hills on the south bank of
provide the only access to the area of the AAP zoned
the river (fig. 4.4.1 of the Masterplan).
11.5.2
The landscape of the Flesk is primarily agricultural in
character shaped by the farms still operable today, with
11.3
for development. This will undoubtedly give rise to
limitations on development in the interim. A Traffic
11.5.3
From the Flesk there are stunning views over the town
Impact Assessment shall accompany all significant
and westwards towards the National Park and beyond
planning applications.
to the sublime backdrop of the MacGillycuddy Reeks
mountain range. To the south the Flesk blends
11.4
Location and Land-use
11.4.1
The Flesk River Valley Action Area occupies the
seamlessly into the rural landscape of south east Kerry.
11.5.4
The Urban Master Plan placed primacy on the place of
southern limits of the Killarney Town Council area. The
the Flesk as an environmental amenity for the town. It
study area is centred on the Flesk River valley, bounded
is an invaluable green resource that contributes
to the east by the rail-line and to the north by the rear
immeasurable recreational opportunities. Realising the
garden walls of housing along Woodlawn Road. To the
value of the Flesk Valley by improving its connections
west the study area is book-ended by Killarney
with the rest of the town are critical to the future of
Racecourse, and to the south the study area bleeds into
Killarney as a high quality, high amenity place to live,
the fabric of the surrounding rural landscape.
work and visit. The Flesk River Valley provides the
potential for a recreational route encircling the town
11.4.2
The N22 Road crosses the study area from the south to
and connecting into the system of green linkages.
north. The N22 is the primary entrance into town when
Establishing the Flesk Valley as an amenity corridor will
approaching from Kenmare, Moll's Gap and the Ring of
define the symbolic southern limit of the town,
Kerry. Access to the rest of the study area is limited to
providing a more fitting, attractive and enticing
minor local roads accessed off the N72, north of the
entrance gateway.
river from Woodlawn Road and from the east via
Woodford Manor, which passes under the rail-line.
11.5.5
The Flesk Action Area provides for some medium to
low density residential developments set amongst a
11.5
Environmental and Social Context
11.5.1
The study area is dominated by the Flesk River and its
The design, layout and intensity of residential
deep valley. The land-use is predominantly
development for the Flesk Action Area will have regard
agricultural, with concentrations of housing spurring
to the development standards as set out in the Town
off the N22 and on the town centre bank of the Flesk.
Development Plan and current government policy on
Recreational land-uses include Killarney Racecourse,
residential development (Sustainable Residential
the pitch and putt course at Poulnamuck and the
Development in Urban Areas 2008).
strong green infrastructure of existing landscape
elements and new designed landscape interventions.
playing field in Coolclogher.
145
11.6
Guidance for Proposed Development
11.6.1
The area of lands to be made available for
and to provide an amenity for the people of Killarney
development in the Flesk Action Area Plan is restricted
by improving accessibility and linkages to this area
by a combination of environmental, archaeological,
from the town at every opportunity.
11.7.3.2
The objective is to preserve and protect this area along
the river side, which is a Special Area of Conservation
historical and cultural restraints, these being the:
11.7.3.3 It is the objective to ensure that the Old Mill on the
• The Flesk River Valley,
River Flesk is protected and that safe access is provided
• Woodland at Dromhumper
for the public to view this historically important site.
• Existing hedgerows and clumps of trees
This protection may result in preservation of the ruin or
• Archaeological sites
the refurbishment of the building.
• Industrial and agricultural heritage (the Old Mill)
• Historic sites (Flesk castle)
11.7.4
Recreation, Amenity & Open Space
11.7.4.1
The objective is to preserve, provide and improve
• Steep topography
• Significant views of the far landscape and of the
recreational open space amenities and facilities.
town
11.7
Permitted Uses: Swimming pools, indoor leisure
facilities, open space, sports clubs, sec. buildings,
11.7.1
stands, agricultural uses, halting sites and public service
Residential, tourism and associated facilities
installation.
11.7.1.1
The land use zoning objectives of residential, tourism
and associated facilities set out in this AAP and
Open to consideration: School playing fields, religious
accompanying map are the same as those set out in
and cultural facilities, community centres and halls.
the Town Development Plan 2009-2015.
11.7.5
11.7.2
Agriculture/passive recreation
Residential Development
11.7.5.1 There will be a total 38.7 ha of lands available for
residential development.
11.7.2.1
The land use zoning objective agriculture/passive
recreation is a new objective.
11.7.5.2 The residential blocks are to be developed at medium
to low densities. Medium residential densities will
11.7.2.2
The objective is to conserve and protect previously
typically be 10 – 16 to the acre (exclusive of the
undeveloped land from interference from unsuitable
requirement to provide public open space). Medium
and premature development.
residential density development will typically consist of
semi detached or detached housing. Low residential
Permitted uses: public open space, burial grounds,
densities will typically be 6 – 10 to the acre (exclusive of
agricultural uses, sports clubs and facilities, outdoor
the requirement to provide public open space). Low
recreational facilities.
residential density development will typically consist of
detached and semi detached housing. It is not
11.7.3
Special Amenity Area
11.7.3.1
The land use zoning objective Special Amenity Area is a
envisaged that apartments or duplex apartments will
form a significant part of any developments in this area.
new objective.
146
11.8
INNER CORE ACTION AREA PLAN (AAP)
aside for open space.
11.8.1
Context
All public open space is to be incorporated into the
11.8.2
The Killarney Urban Masterplan was adopted in
A minimum of 15% of the area of any proposed
developments of 5 or more dwelling units shall be set
11.7.5.4
Green fabric of the Flesk Action Area Plan (See section
principle by the Elected Members of Killarney Town
4.4 of the Masterplan for more guidance).
Council in 2005. This Inner Core Action Area Plan
(ICAAP) is the third Area Action Plan (AAP) contained in
11.7.5.5
All applications shall be accompanied by a design
that Masterplan to be adopted for inclusion in the
framework and a comprehensive landscaping scheme
Killarney Town Development Plan.
11.7.5.3
to show how any proposed development can be
successfully assimilated into this sensitive area.
11.8.3
All proposed developments shall have regard to the
general development standards as set out in the Town
11.7.5.6
Development Plan and all planning applications will be
assessed under the terms of the Town Development
Plan and specific study area objectives of this Action
Area Plan as is appropriate.
11.7.6
Commercial Development
11.8.4
11.7.6.1
There are no appropriate sites for light industrial,
wholesale and distribution activities. The rolling
Masterplan will guide all future development in this
topography of the area is unsuited to the broad floor
area. All developers, applicants etc shall have regard to
plates of the buildings required and the environmental
Section 4.2 of the Masterplan in the design and
impact of such development, visually and on traffic,
recommendations of all future developments in this
could be severely negative. Some small-scale office
area.
developments, workshops and craft studios may be
permitted within neighbourhood centres if the
11.9
Location and Use
11.9.1
The area designated as Inner Core AAP is defined as
environmental impacts are moderate.
11.7.6.1.2
11.7.7
11.7.7.1
Commercial development in this area will be limited to
the triangle between the Northern Inner Relief Road,
recreation orientated facilities, such as equestrian,
Park Road and the Railway Embankment. The total
adventure sports, archery and orienteering. Small
study area is approximately 85 hectares and is
guesthouses and hostels may also be suitable in
predominantly residential with over 46% of the current
appropriate locations.
occupation in suburban housing.
Storm and surface water
11.9.2
Existing Land Use Breakdown:
• 6%
Commercial
All proposed developments shall be served by a
• 46%
Housing
sustainable urban drainage system full details of which
• 4%
Official/Civic Elements
shall accompany all planning applications.
• 13%
Recreation
• 32%
remains in under-utilised and undeveloped
open space or has not been designated as
any particular use.
147
11.10 Physical and Social Context
11.10.1
11.10.2
The Inner Core study area is located east of the historic
11.11.1 Objective - Consolidation
11.11.1.1
To ensure a sustainable future for Killarney, the
heart of Killarney, separated by the railway, which turns
immediate suburban extensions must be brought into
northward close to the southern edge of the study
a more cohesive matrix of relationships to existing
area. Apart from a number of older farmhouses and
facilities and infrastructure. This consolidation of what is
cottages the structures that exist here are post 1945,
already well established will ensure a meaningful
and for the most part, the result of the explosion of
regeneration of the area, while providing viable
suburban expansion of the 1970s.
alternatives to the dominant commuter culture.
There is no predominant street or urban pattern. Rather
11.11.2 Objective - Legibility
it is a piece meal development of individual “field”
parcels, which are developed in an ad-hoc fashion. The
11.11.2.1
While removed from the structure of Killarney town
physical characteristics of the areas shift from field to
centre (based as it is upon the strong axial framework
field, from single family homes on suburban plots to
of High Street and New Street) by the presence of the
the west to Row Houses (new) to the south and a
railway, it is proposed to introduce a similarly strong
mixed suburban/social housing mix to the north and
urban structure, centred around the new transport link
east. The only opportunities for integrating this area
on a north-south axis.
into the existing urban matrix is by means of the two
existing roadways; Dennehy’s Bohereen and Friary
11.11.3 Objective - Permeability
Downs Road. By extending the proposed road
connection from Tesco to the East and a new link road
11.11.3.1
A new network of key routes is suggested to link with
Northwards the physical limitations of the Bohereen
existing structures, providing for an increase in the
can be transcended. Other possible road linkages are
permeability of the area. The separation by the railway
indicated (see ICAAP map).
to the west and the major road to the north are
substantial barriers that prevent leakage. Therefore the
11.11 Overall Objective for the Inner Core
other links are deemed to be highly important. These
links ensure that existing residential and institutional
The vision of the Inner Core AAP is to guide
uses have alternative routes, particularly those
development of the area over the life of the Plan and
providing for pedestrian and cycle use (See Map).
integrate the Plan into the future co-ordinated
development of Killarney Town Core. It is also intended
11.11.4 Objective - Sustainability
that it balances and contributes to the other Action
Area Plans. This can be achieved through the
implementation of a number of objectives.
11.11.4.1
The Plan aims to pursue sustainable design principles
with particular reference to ecological, economic and
social systems. In light of increased commitments to
Kyoto and other environmental policies the plan
responds by creating a responsive liveable
environment.
148
These elements are brought together to form a
Objective - Liveability - Healthy Town
11.11.5.1
The Plan aims to promote the image of Killarney as a
considering the opportunities for a meaningful and
healthy town for residents and visitors alike through
sustainable model of planning and development.
continuity of the urban matrix. The Plan offers a way of
the utilisation of urban design with social and
economic planning strategies. In turn the
11.13 Phasing
environmental quality of Killarney’s public realm and
streetscape will be advanced for greater liveability.
11.13.1
Development in the Inner Core AAP is promoted as
Ultimately, the longevity of success achieved will come
developing simultaneously due to:
from a combined environmental and economic
• The location of the Inner Core AAP in close proximity
approach. The study area is determined by the
to the town centre, and abutting this area signifies
landscape. This landscape-defined condition
the importance of developing this area over and
determines the location of buildings and roads. By
above more outlying areas of Killarney
11.12.2
11.11.5
preserving the topography and these landscape
elements of hedgerows and tree lines, it ensures an
• The form of development to date that has hollowed
already matured environment.
out the centre of the AAP. Development which
occurs in this centre will have implications for
11.12 Guidance to ensure the implementation
of the objectives set out above Components of the Plan
adjoining sites
• The small and compact nature of the AAP within a
defined developed area means that the provision of
11.12.1
There are seven main components of the plan.
infrastructure will impact heavily on prime land for
1
development.
A new urban transportation corridor which links
Park Road to the By Pass
11.14 Design Guidance
2
Pedestrian and cycle linkage from the AAP through
to the Leisure Centre on the By Pass
11.14.1
Design Guidance must be flexible enough to
encourage commercial and industrial activity and yet
3
4
A new development strategy with a high degree of
strict enough to provide a proper balance to the
connectivity to the existing infrastructure
residential component.
Preserved and protected landscape elements,
including hedges, and tree belts
11.14.2
The main component is the new transport link
northwards. This proposed route way minimises
encroachment onto the existing amenity area, while
5
Improved environmental balance and protection
being cognisant of the topography of the area and the
for existing residential uses nearby
existence of extensive housing on the northern
boundary of the AAP. These existing parameters of
6
Improved retail and commercial activities
topography and housing have forced the proposed
route through this area in order to serve the broader
7
Opportunities for work-living in the same
objective of the structured development of the Inner
neighbourhood accommodating a range of
Core AAP.
employment uses from small own-door office
opportunities to small light industrial businesses
which respect the residential component of the area
149
11.14.3
From this spine a link road is to be developed to
accommodate the planned retail development next to
11.15 NORTHERN GATEWAY ACTION AREA PLAN
(NGAAP)
Tesco. These two elements will encourage access and
development to spring up on either side. The plan has
11.15.1
Context
11.15.1.1
The Killarney Urban Masterplan
11.15.1.2
The Killarney Urban Masterplan was adopted in principle
been developed on a landscape first principle. The
location of link elements and blocks has been situated
to allow for the preservation of tree lines and
hedgerows. It is essential that this landscape aspect to
11.14.4
the plan be respected. It is intended that these
by the Elected Members of Killarney Town Council in 2005.
elements be utilised as screens to existing
This Northern Gateway Action Area Plan (NGAAP) is the
development and the beginnings of pocket parks.
second Area Action Plan (AAP) contained in that
Hedgerows are internationally recognised as significant
Masterplan to be adopted for inclusion in the Killarney
eco systems in their own right, often being the most
Town Development Plan 2003. This Action Area Plan was
enriching part of our landscape, and home to myriad
proposed as the 8th variation to the Killarney Town
wildlife.
Development Plan 2003.
In addition contours should be respected and hills and
11.15.1.3
valleys should be allowed to dictate the building form
and location. This will give rise to much-needed
Development Plan 2009-2015 and all planning
variation and interest in the plan. The unnecessary
applications will be assessed under the terms of the Town
removal of existing landscape features is best avoided.
Development Plan and specific study area objectives of
The excessive flattening of the sites nearby disturbs the
this Action Area Plan as is appropriate. Landscape
natural ecology of the place and diverts natural
mitigation measures within the northern Gateway should
drainage systems.
follow the recommendation of the Strategic Environment
Report prepared for the variation of the Northern Gateway
11.14.5
The scale of the housing ranges between two and
Action Area Plan any proposals within the Northern
three storey town houses. This is in keeping with both
Gateway Action Area Plan shall be accompanied by an
the one-storey suburban bungalows to the west, the
landscape and visual impact assessment demonstrating
new two-storey townhouses to the south and the two-
that the proposals will not have a negative impact on the
storey suburban development to the north and east.
character of view from or to the action area.
All of the industrial and retail commercial facilities are
to be kept to two-storeys.
11.15.1.4
Masterplan will guide all future development in this area. All
developers, applicants etc shall have regard to Section 4.3 of
the Masterplan in the design and recommendations of all
future developments in this area.
11.15.1.5
The majority of the study area was under the jurisdiction
of Kerry County Council until the Town Boundary
Extension in 2001. The area was primarily zoned as
‘unformulated’ in the Town Development Plan 2003. This
constrictive zoning was put in place to allow the AAP to
be formulated as part of the Masterplan project.
150
11.16.1.5
Existing elements of the physical environment such as
the Deenagh River are potentially significant additions
11.16.1
The Northern Gateway contains a considerable land
to the amenity of the town, providing additional
bank for development of approximately 90 ha. The
pedestrian and cycle routes, and locations for
Northern Gateway area is on key inter-regional
additional recreational amenities and community
transport routes such as the Cork-Tralee road (N22) and
facilities.
significant local routes such as the Hans Liebherr and
Fossa Roads. By virtue of its proximity to key routes and
11.17 Land-Use
to the town centre, the Northern Gateway area has
significant potential for commercial development,
11.17.1
The total area of the study area is approximately 127ha.
11.16 Potential
especially light manufacturing, wholesale, distribution
and call-centres that might require large open plan
buildings.
11.17.1.2 The study area presently contains a mix of land uses.
Residential development in the form of single standalone dwellings and three estate type developments
11.16.1.2
11.16.1.3
The commercial development potential of lands in the
account for 19.5ha. There are two commercial/tourist
Northern Gateway is central to diversifying the
developments (2.3ha), retail (1.3ha), healthcare usage
employment base of the town’s resident population,
(3.9ha) and playing fields (8.7ha). The rest of the study
and sustaining a high rate of employment amongst the
area is currently in roads, agricultural use or in
town’s workforce in the long term.
hedgerows and streams.
The Northern Gateway is identified as a significant
extension area for residential development as identified
11.18 Overall Objectives for the Northern
Gateway
by the Killarney Land Use and Transportation Study
(LUTS) 2000. The Northern Gateway area is an
The vision of the Action Area Plan for the Northern
opportunity to provide medium to low density
Gateway is to guide the development of the area in a
residential developments to complement higher
manner that is sustainable and in the best interests of
density consolidation of the centre and inner core of
the town of Killarney as a whole and to realise the
Killarney town. The design, layout and intensity of
potential of the Northern Gateway as a great place to
residential development for the Northern Gateway will
live, work, visit and an inviting environment to explore.
have regard to current government policy on
This can be achieved through the implementation of a
residential development (Sustainable Residential
number of objectives.
Development in Urban Areas Guidelines 2008). All
proposed developments shall have regard to the
11.18.1 Objective - Consolidation
11.18.1.2 To endeavour to consolidate additional development
as close to the existing centre of the town as possible
11.16.1.4
There is a considerable amount of zoned undeveloped
and as close as possible to work opportunities, schools,
land within the town boundary. However this land is
shopping and services, public transport, leisure and
not being released to the market and is not being
amenities.
developed. The development of the town of Killarney
is being stifled as a result. There has been minimal
residential development in the town over the past five
years. It is anticipated that the adoption of this AAP will
encourage the release of lands in this area.
151
indicative only, pending a hydrogeological /
11.18.2 Objective - Connection
hydrological assessment. Appropriate Assessments
11.18.2.1
To connect the activities and uses of the Northern
of the hydrolgeological and hydrological effects on
Gateway with the fabric of the town centre by
the cSAC will be carried out as part of planning
developing physical path connections, green linkages,
proposals within the Northern Gateway Action
visual connections, symbolic connections and
Plan area. It will be a requirement that these
commercial connections.
assessments be determined by appropriately
qualified experts. The initial assessments will
provide a scientific basis for informing assessments
11.18.3 Objective - Sustainability
for subsequent planning applications within the
11.18.3.1 To at all times pursue the principles and theories of
NGAAP.
sustainable design.
11.18.4 Objective - Liveability – the Healthy Town
11.20 Policies to ensure the implementation of
the objectives set out above.
11.18.4.1 To pursue principles of urban design, together with
11.20.1 Memory
social and economic planning that furthers the vision
for Killarney as a healthy town, a town that is amenable
11.20.1.2
The existing environmental, social and historical
resources of the study area have been analysed and
and inviting for local residents and tourists alike.
evaluated. Key objects and layers of physical
11.18.4.2
In addition to other required statutory assessments
environment and archaeological artefacts identified are
such as EIA, due to the potential for negative impacts
to be conserved and reincorporated into the
on the nearby section of the Killarney National Park,
framework of the Northern Gateway.
cSAC, any developments proposed within the Flood
Zone Area Map of the River Deenagh will be subject to
11.20.1.3
The key elements of the physical environment
a Flood Impact Assessment and a screening
identified are the Deenagh River, its tributaries and
determination for an Appropriate Assessment under
associated vegetation and a series of north – south
the provisions of the EU Habitats Directive
field boundary hedgerows. It is intended to retain
these environmental elements and incorporate them
11.19 Groundwater/Wastewater Discharge
meaningfully into the proposals for the Northern
Gateway. Connections from the study area to the
11.19.1
It is an objective of KTC that in the Northern Gateway
archaeological artefacts north of the Northern Gateway
Action Plan area, there will be:
are to be promoted visually, symbolically and
(a) No groundwater extraction
physically.
(b) All wastewater will be discharged for municipal
11.20.2 Local Hubs/Village Centres
treatment, and
11.20.2.1
(c) All development will allow sufficient permeability
Deenagh Bridge and Ballydowney. The local hubs are
to avoid significant adverse effects on spring-fed
imagined as village centres providing retail, commercial
priority habitats in the Killarney National Park cSAC
and community amenities to meet the local needs of
(365), and in this context the housing densities
the Northern Gateway.
contained in Northern Gateway Action Map are
152
The Northern Gateway will include two local hubs at
The villages will also provide local employment
11.21 Actions
opportunities and residential over shop/office use. The
local hubs are located to provide villages services and
11.21.1
Proposed Development
11.21.1.1
The Northern Gateway study area contains 90.6ha of
activities within easy walking distance (5-10 minutes)
from all parts of the Northern Gateway area.
land currently undeveloped or under-developed. It is
11.20.3 Green Linkages
11.20.3.1
proposed that these lands be redeveloped as follows:
The Master Plan vision for Killarney imagines a web of
• Residential
green linkages, as an additional layer of pedestrian and
• Commercial
17%
cycle movement throughout the town, connecting
• Village Centres
2.7%
river courses, public open spaces, woodlands,
• Green Fabric
22.4%
52%
11.20.2.2
community facilities, recreational activities,
archaeological and historical artefacts. The green
11.21.2
Residential Development
11.21.2.1
There will be 51.1 hectares of land available for
linkages are also imagined as a continuous system of
ecological corridors for the native flora and fauna of the
Killarney district.
residential development. These areas are to be zoned
as residential as set out in the Town Development Plan
11.20.3.2
In the Northern Gateway green linkages will tie the
2009-2015 and the development management
study area into the fabric of the town, connect into the
standards as set out in Chapter 12 will apply to all
National Park and extend outwards into the
residential developments. Where the AAP differs is that
surrounding rural landscape. The primary green
it is proposed that specific areas of land are allocated to
linkages will be along the course of the Deenagh River,
low density and medium density blocks (see Land Use
along existing north-south hedgerows, the rail-line and
Zoning map). The blocks of land allocated for
east-west along the northern edges of the study area.
residential development are exclusive of the
requirement for providing public open space.
11.20.4 Edges
11.21.2.3
11.20.4.1
The residential blocks are to be developed at medium
The approach road from the airport at Farranfore into
to low densities. Medium residential densities will
Killarney is to be reinforced as an entrance corridor to
typically be 25-37/ha net (exclusive of the requirement
the town. This corridor which is predominantly green,
to provide public open space). Low residential densities
defined each side by masses of native woodland
will typically be 15-25/ha net (exclusive of the
planting, will heighten the drama of arrival into the
requirement to provide public open space). The
town, by concealing views of development on the
number of units shall be determined by the quality of
outer limits of the town.
the layout and the quality and provision of amenity
open spaces. All planning applications shall have
11.20.4.2
The gateway to the town will be marked by a large
regard to the development management standards set
landscape intervention where the Farranfore – Killarney
out in Chapter 12, and the Department of the
road turns and descends across the Town Council
Environment, Heritage and Local Government’s
boundary. A landscape intervention could consist of
publication “Sustainable Residential Development in
earth mounding, large specimen tree planting or a
Urban Areas” (2008) and its companion documents,
large piece of sculpture.
“Best Practice Urban Design Manuals 1 and 2” and any
future publications and guidance.
153
to show how any proposed development can be
successfully assimilated into the area.
11.21.3 Green Fabric
11.21.3.1
The provision of quality open space within the green
11.21.4 Commercial Development
11.21.4.1
In total 11.77ha of undeveloped land in the Northern
fabric of the NGAAP is considered to be vital to the
Gateway is to be set aside for commercial
success of this AAP. The green fabric of the Northern
development. The land use objectives of Commercial A
Gateway will form part of a larger network of green
and B are new land use zoning objectives in the Town
linkages for the town as envisaged in the Killarney
Urban Masterplan.
11.21.4.2
11.21.3.2
The lands set aside for commercial development are
The total area of green fabric will be 21.35ha absorbing
distributed in three parcels; the largest situated in the
all the areas of public open space associated with
angle of the Killarney-Farranfore Road and the Hans
residential development The green fabric will be a
Liebherr Road. It is imagined that this parcel of
complex of play areas, woodlands, existing hedgerows,
development land will be developed as the Northern
streams, wetlands, recreational amenities, playing fields,
Gateway Business Park, which shall be developed and
children's playgrounds and community facilities such
finished to the highest standards of architectural and
as crèches and community centres. Reserved sites for
landscape design.
schools and medical facilities can also be
accommodated within the green fabric.
11.21.4.3
The business park will be developed over two distinct
phases. In the first phase, land will be available for
11.21.3.3
The green fabric will be criss-crossed with a network of
development to be accessible from the Hans Liebherr
pedestrian and cycle paths, which will continue into
Road only. On complete or partially complete
the adjoining fabric of Killarney and connect via
occupancy of Phase I, Phase II of the business park can
laneways and roads with the surrounding countryside.
commence. A new entrance will be provided from the
Killarney – Farranfore road subject to the approval of
11.21.3.4
All significant public open space is to be incorporated
the National Roads Authority. Phasing will allow the
into the green fabric of the Northern Gateway area (see
business park to be developed in an ordered and
Land Use Zoning map). Developers undertaking
coherent manner that is aesthetically well presented
residential developments will be required to make
and attractive to potential investors, future employees
financial contributions or hand over lands in lieu of the
and local residents. A phased approach will contribute
requirement for providing public open space within
to avoiding an incomplete or sprawled appearance of
the green fabric.
derelict development lots side by side with active
businesses.
11.21.3.5
Additional to the green fabric objective is the
requirement to provide a minimum of 15% of the area
11.21.4.4
The business park is designated for Category A of
of any proposed developments as usable open space.
commercial development. Commercial A can
Development that provides lands within the green
accommodate a diverse mix of commercial activities,
fabric for the benefit of the whole area will be
including office space, call centres, research,
considered on its merits with regards to the 15% open
manufacturing, wholesale, distribution and
space requirement.
warehousing. The business park will be subdivided into
a variety of development blocks to facilitate a
11.21.3.6
All applications shall be accompanied by a design
framework and a comprehensive landscaping scheme
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sustainable mix of economic activities.
realising a sustainable economic profile for Killarney
11.21.4.5
In the interest of achieving a high quality built
and thus commercial zoned lands must be made
environment that is urban and inviting, all car parking,
available for such activities.
service and loading areas are to be located to the rear
of buildings, with the front entrances and the most
11.21.4.10 Office use in Commercial B must only be that which is
active and transparent of elevations to be orientated to
necessary to serve the operational activities of the
front onto communal roads, pedestrian and cycle-
manufacturing industries and/or workshops.
paths.
Warehousing and/or storage facilities are to only be
provided for the immediate demands of the operations
11.21.4.6
The business park will include communal outdoor
of the light manufacturing industries and/or
recreation spaces, optimising on the existing
workshops.
industry and workshops are seen as a vital ingredient in
environmental attributes of the site. The existing
vegetation along the course of the Deenagh River is to
11.21.5 Educational and Community Infrastructure
be retained and reincorporated into the layout of the
park, as will portions of two north-south running
11.21.5.1
hedgerows.
A series of reserved sites will be set aside for the future
provision of educational and community infrastructure
to meet the needs of a growing population. These
11.21.4.7
The business park is to be integrated with the adjoining
reserved sites can be accommodated within the green
residential areas by means of fingers of green fabric
fabric of the action area or in the village centres and
intruding through and alongside the business park. The
include:
fingers of the green fabric will incorporate pedestrian
and cycle-paths and will be accessible and illuminated
• Reserved site for National school
24 hours a day. A pedestrian and cycle link will also be
• Childcare facilities
incorporated along the course of the Deenagh River.
• Community sports centres
• Community halls
11.21.4.8
Two smaller parcels of land for commercial
• Children’s Playgrounds
development are located in Ballydowney. The smaller
• Libraries
of these two parcels of land located to the immediate
east of the proposed new village centre is zoned
11.21.6 Movement Network
Commercial A. Part of these lands are currently
operating as a commercial horse stables.
11.21.6.1
A movement network of link roads, residential streets
and shared surface streets will service the new
11.21.4.9
The second of these parcels is located to the
neighbourhoods in the northern gateway.
immediate north of the proposed Ballydowney village
centre. This parcel is zoned Commercial B. Commercial
11.21.6.2
Link roads will provide the primary means of access
B is intended for light manufacturing industry and
into and through the Northern Gateway. Link roads are
workshops. It is not intended for office, warehousing
imagined as the primary vehicular routes, with
and distribution/logistics uses. This commercial zoning
segregated paths for pedestrians and cyclists.
category is designed to ensure that there is land
available within the Town Council boundary for low
11.21.6.3
Residential streets will have lower traffic capacities than
rent commercial activities, such as welding shops and
link roads with vehicles calmed to speeds of below 40
mechanics that cannot compete for town centre leases
km/ph in a manner appropriate to the residential
with other commercial activities. Light manufacturing
character.
155
11.21.6.4
Shared surface streets are streets where the pedestrian,
• Address disturbance of breeding birds during the
cyclist and vehicle are of equal status sharing the same
construction period;
street surface, with no differentiation between
pavement and vehicular carriageway surface. Vehicles
• Use bat boxes to offset any loss of existing or
will be calmed to speeds of 25 km/ph or less, in a
potential roost sites;
manner that encourages the inhabitation of the street
by residents, in casual interactions, at play, at rest and in
• Undertake a pre-construction badger survey prior to
formal neighbourhood events.
construction works;
• Development proposals along Killorglin Road shall
11.21.7 Development Management Standards
demonstrate that they will not have a negative
11.21.7.1
impact on Belleview Wood.
general development management standards as set
11.21.7.2
11.21.7.3
out in the Town Development Plan.
11.21.9 Human Health
All significant applications will have to have regard to
11.21.9.1
All applications shall include measures to limit
additional development control objectives which are
construction hours. Significant applications may have
specific to this AAP area.
to submit human health impact assessments.
These specific development management objectives
11.21.10 Soil and Geology
arose out of the Strategic Environmental Assessment
Process as a series of mitigation measures to ensure
11.21.10.1 It is a policy of the Council to implement the policies
that development following on from this AAP will have
and objectives of the Soils Directive and for the
a reduced impact on the environment.
Protection of Areas of Geological interest. The Council
will also ensure that proposals for planned construction
11.21.7.4
The Planning Authority reserves the right to decide
works shall be carried out with the least foreseeable
which applications are to be deemed as significant.
disturbance of soils. Where possible all top soil and
These specific land use zoning objectives do not
subsoil’s excavated on site should be reused/replaced
generally apply to smaller applications such as one off
during construction works. Excess fill and unsuitable
houses, residential extensions etc.
excavated material should be deposited in appropriate
and approved infill sites, in compliance with the Waste
11.21.8 Biodiversity, Flora and Fauna
Management Acts 1996 to 2003 and Section 5 of the
Waste Management (Collection Permit) Regulations
11.21.8.1
All significant applications shall include proposals
2001. Conversely if the importation of top soil is
which shall:
required for landscaping purposes, the material should
• Use native local plant species in habitat recreation
be brought from as near a site as possible in order to
and landscaping;
• Retain hedgerows where possible. In terms of
hedgerow replacement, the total amount of woody
species planted will be at least equal to the total
amount of woody species in the hedgerow
removed;
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reduce transport distances.
11.21.11.2 A storm-water drainage strategy will be developed on
which shall:
a catchment basis taking account of flood risk, the
• Retain and conserve areas of natural soil profile with
impact of climate change and the systematic use of
its constituent soil flora and fauna by preserving
Sustainable Drainage Systems (SUDS) for all new
undisturbed soil profiles in areas to be used for open
developments.
space and planting;
11.21.12 Groundwater
• Prevent disturbance, compaction or removal of
natural soil profile from areas not required for
construction;
11.21.12.1 A detailed site assessment shall be carried out for
significant development proposals within the NGAAP
All significant applications shall include proposals
area addressing the following:
• Ensure applications for significant developments
- The nature and depth of the subsoil;
provide for trial pits given the lack of information on
aquifer classification.
- The potential impact of contaminants on
groundwater and
11.21.11 Surface Water
- Proposed mitigation measures.
11.21.11.1 All significant applications shall include proposals
which shall:
11.21.13 Transportation
• Include a Sustainable Urban Drainage System for the
site. All applications will be assessed to ensure that
11.21.13.1 All significant applications shall include proposals
the maximum permitted surface water outflow from
which shall:
any new development is restricted to that for the
• Ensure the appropriate road infrastructure is in place
green field site;
prior to development commencement, particularly
in relation to new road linkages within the plan area
• Include a buffer zone around the River Deenagh, the
River Flesk and all other watercourses of a minimum
10 metres;
• Maintain buffer of 30m for storage of Construction &
Demolition waste material (including subsoil);
• Incorporate well managed junctions accessing the
proposed development
• Support the provision of public transport i.e. bus
and cycle lanes, park and ride facilities
• Arrangements for disposing of storm water that
• Incorporate the simultaneous development of
ensure that the water quality of the Killarney
public transport modes and road upgrades
National Park is not compromised;
• Ensure the provision of walking and cycling routes
• A specific pollution monitoring programme shall be
wherever possible to provide safety for pedestrians
agreed between the developers and Kerry County
and cyclists, particularly along the River Deenagh
Council/Killarney Town Council at the outset of the
Corridor.
development process and maintained throughout
the life cycle of the development process up until
drainage solutions are taken in charge.
157
11.21.14 Cultural Heritage
11.21.16 Architectural Heritage
11.21.14.1 The Planning Authority shall liaise with the County
11.21.16.1 There are no protected structures likely to be impacted
Archaeologist and Heritage Officer within Kerry County
upon by development and it is unlikely that there will
Council on any relevant applications.
be impacts of an indirect visual nature on the
protected structures located outside the NGAAP plan
11.21.15 Archaeological Heritage
11.21.15.1 It is recommended that where feasible all three
area.
11.21.16.2 However, there are certain structures as indicated on
recorded archaeological monuments within the study
the First Edition Ordnance Survey mapping (1840s) of
area be avoided and furthermore, that sufficient
the NGAAP area that may represent structures of built
distance and buffering of the sites be respected
heritage interest such as Ballydowney House, Gortroe
thereby both preserving the features in situ and
House and Deenagh Bridge. Further investigation shall
protecting the archaeological setting of each.
be undertaken as part of any application throughout
the study area in order to determine if structures such
11.21.15.2 Should it not be feasible to avoid the recorded
as those listed above or any similar buildings of merit
archaeological RMP sites, a full archaeological
exist. If any such structures are identified within the
assessment by a suitably qualified licensed
study area it is recommended that they be avoided as
archaeologist must be undertaken with agreement
part of the design proposals and that their respective
from Department of the Environment Heritage and
context and setting be sympathetically respected by
Local Government.
means of sufficient distances and/or screening by
trees/landscaping etc. Should it not be feasible to
11.21.15.3 Since the study area is deemed to be of high
avoid such structures, it is recommended that a full
archaeological potential, it is recommended that a full
buildings survey (written, drawn & photographic) of
field survey of any significant proposed development
same be undertaken by a suitably qualified specialist
site be undertaken by a suitably qualified archaeologist
for archive purposes.
in order to identify any features that may potentially be
of archaeological significance and to assess the
11.21.17 Sustainable Building Practice
landscape for the likelihood of the existence of subsurface remains. Following this, any areas identified
11.21.17.1 Buildings should be designed and laid out with the aim
during field survey should be investigated by means of
of reducing energy consumption, maximising solar
archaeological test excavation under licence from
gain and minimising heat loss.
DoEHLG. Should any significant archaeological remains
be uncovered as a result of test excavation consultation
11.21.17.2 Significant planning applications will be required to
with the statutory bodies, Killarney Town Council and
take full account of:
Kerry County Council will ensure that either avoidance
• Energy conservation techniques such as the siting,
of the site can be ensured or alternatively that full
excavation takes place.
form and layout of buildings
• Passive Solar Design
• Water Conservation
• Energy Management
• Waste Management and
• Promoting walking, cycling and public transport
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detail design is undertaken to reduce negative visual
11.21.18.1 All significant applications shall include proposals to
impacts and assist in compensating for the loss of
take account of the visual amenities map with regards
the landscape resource
to Zone A, B & C and shall:
• Ensure that any visual impact by development(s) is
• Incorporate a screening belt on proposed link road
mitigated against particularly in relation to protected
running east west through Zone C. Applications for
views / aspects.
development to the north of this new road will have
to demonstrate through a detailed landscape and
11.22 Land Use Zoning Objectives
• Ensure that landform, planting and sympathetic
11.21.18 Landscaping
visual assessment, that they do not have a negative
impact on the amenity and views in this area.
• Consolidate existing screening belt in zone A to rear
11.22.1
Residential
11.22.1.1
The land use zoning objective of Residential set out in
of new housing estate.
this AAP and accompanying map is the same as that set
out in the Town Development Plan.
• Incorporate a new screening belt into proposed
northern link road through Zone B.
• Retain and consolidate existing screening and
11.22.2
Commercial A and Commercial B
11.22.2.1
The land use zoning objective Commercial A and
vegetation within the buffer zone along river
Commercial B are new objectives. The objective here is
corridor in Zones B and C.
to provide for the commercial expansion of the town in
a planned and integrated way.
• Include proposals for developments along the
Killorglin Road to demonstrate that they will not
Commercial A
have a negative impact on Belleview Wood.
Permitted Uses: Business Park including office space,
information technology related industry, call centres,
• Retain the screening belt on the northern side of
Killorglin Road as it functions as a buffer between
research, manufacturing, wholesale, distribution and
warehousing.
the development area and the National Park on the
southern side of the road. This screening belt shall
Commercial B
provide for visual containment of development in
Commercial B is a commercial zoning distinct from
Zone A and mitigate against any visual impact
Commercial A.
development may have on the National Park in this
location. Care shall be taken in terms of boundary
Permitted Uses: Light manufacturing industry,
treatments for development along the northern side
workshops, low rent commercial activities, such as
of the road, not just in terms of the visual impact but
welding shops and mechanics that cannot compete for
also the traffic impact. In both instances, it is
town centre leases with other commercial activities,
desirable to take a small number of shared entry
ancillary warehousing and office use only.
points into Zone A rather than a larger number of
individual ones.
Non permitted uses: Offices, warehousing and
distribution/logistics uses.
• Include an implementation plan for landscape
design
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11.23.2
Bishops Farm Ballycasheen – These lands are located
11.22.3
11.22.3.1
The land use zoning objective Neighbourhood Centre is
bound to the west by Rookery Road. The lands are
a new objective.
currently zoned residential use and recreation, amenity
to the south east of Killarney Town Centre and are
and open space. Such lands at present are in
11.22.3.2
The objective here is to provide retail, commercial and
agricultural use. Private residential dwellings are situated
community amenities to meet the local needs of the
along the southern and western perimeters of these
Northern Gateway. The neighbourhood centres will
lands.
provide local employment opportunities and residential
living over shop/office use. The Local Hubs are located
11.23.3
Lands to the rear of St. Oliver’s National School –
to provide villages services and activities within easy
These lands are located to the south east of Killarney
walking distance (5-10 minutes) from all parts of the
Town. The lands are zoned for residential development
Northern Gateway area.
and are currently in agricultural use. These lands are
bound to the north, south and west by residential
Permitted uses: Dwellings (including houses,
estates with a Primary school located to the east. These
apartments and duplexes) open spaces, playgroup or
lands are bound to the east by Rookery road.
crèche, offices, convenience retail, newsagents,
pharmacy, public or civic buildings, petrol filling
stations, health centres/clinics, public house (maximum
floor space of 150square metres, including any
extensions), restaurants (maximum floor space of
150square metres, including any extensions),
11.22.4
Health Care
11.22.4.1
The land use zoning objective Heath Care is a new
objective. The objective here is to provide and improve
health care facilities.
Permitted Uses: residential care facilities, medical
centres/surgeries, education facilities, day centres and
associated uses.
11.23 Future Action Area Plans
11.23.1
As a consequence of the large tracts of zoned
developing land in the town, it is considered that future
development of these lands be planned by means of
Action Area Plans (AAP’s). AAP’S promote a more
sustainable approach in the manner in which lands are
to be developed in Killarney. Under the life time of the
new plan, it is envisaged that the following action area
plans will be devised to co-ordinate development at the
following lands:
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and Development
Management Standards
Aim: “To ensure that suitable lands is made available and used in the best
possible manner for the betterment of the community and the town”.
CHAPTER 12
CHAPTER 12 LAND USE ZONING OBJECTIVES AND DEVELOPMENT MANAGEMENT STANDARDS
12.1
Introduction
• The maintenance of a vibrant and vital town centre.
12.1.1
The purpose of land use zoning is to indicate the
• The promotion of sustainable residential densities
planning activities of the Local Authority for all the
• The need to reduce the reliance on private
lands in its administrative area, with the aim of
transport
establishing an urban form focused around the
existing town centre.
• The promotion of balanced development between
12.1.2
different areas of the town
Zoning is designed to reduce conflicting uses within
areas, to protect resources and in association with
phasing, to create the basis for investment in public
• The promotion of the Housing Protection Area
and private infrastructure and facilities. This ensures
Concept as outlined in the Housing Chapter
that land suitable for development is used to the best
advantage of the community as a whole. Zoning
12.2
Action Area Plans
12.2.1
During the period of the last plan two Action Area
policy must have regard to the strategic policies
underlying the Development Plan. These include the
principles of sustainable development, the integration
Plans were adopted for the Flesk Valley Action Area
of land use and transportation planning, the concept
Plan and the Northern Gateway Area which together
of a consolidation and the protection of natural
zoned over 120 hectares for residential development
resources.
and a considerable area for commercial and business
park development in the Northern Gateway Plan Area.
12.1.3
The zoning strategy is designed to ensure that
These Action Area Plans are adapted from those put
adequate, suitably located and serviced lands are
forward in the Killarney Urban Masterplan. No major
available to cater for the orderly development of the
applications have been received in these plan areas at
town having regard to:
the time of the issue of the Draft Plan. These Action
Area Plans as well as a Draft Action Area Plan are
• The need to establish a compact urban form and
reduce sprawl into the environs
contained in Chapter 11. The land use zoning
objectives within the Action Area Plans are set out as
part of the plan.
162
conference facilities, public buildings, restaurants/café
and crèche.
The establishment of zoning objectives, as illustrated
on the accompanying land use zoning maps, will
12.3.2
12.3.2.1
The objective here is to provide local community
facilitate the identification of compatible land uses for
each particular zone. It is proposed to designate 16
services / facilities including residential, retail and
land use zones in this Development Plan.
commercial development within easy walking
distance of most residential areas. These centres will
In this section:
provide local employment opportunities and
‘Permitted Use’ means a use which is acceptable in the
residential over shop/office use. These local centres
relevant zone. However it is still the subject of the
are located to provide local services and activities
normal planning process. Uses listed in each zoning
within easy walking distance of most residential areas.
objective are generally acceptable in principle in the
relevant zones. The schedule of permitted uses is
Permitted uses: dwellings (including houses,
intended as a guideline in assessing development
apartments and duplexes) open spaces, playgroup or
proposals and should not be regarded as exhaustive.
crèche, offices, convenience retail, newsagents,
pharmacy, public or civic buildings, places of public
‘Open for Consideration’ means a use which may be
worship, petrol filling stations, health centres/clinics,
permitted where the Planning Authority is satisfied
public house (maximum floor space of 150square
that the suggested form of development will be
metres, including any extensions), restaurants
compatible with the policies and objectives for the
(maximum floor space of 150square metres, including
zone and will not conflict with the permitted uses and
any extensions), car parking at grade or underground.
also conforms with the proper planning and
Open for Consideration: off license, workshop or light
industry above street level.
12.3.1
Light Manufacturing/Office/ Enterprise
12.3.2.1
The objective here is to accommodate light industrial
and associated buildings. Where such lands are
adjacent to any residential area the process or plant /
12.3.3
Residential
12.3.3.1
The objective is to provide and improve residential
12.3
amenities.
machinery shall not be detremental to the amenity of
such areas by reason of noise, vibration, smells, fumes,
Permitted Uses: Dwellings, open spaces, places of
smoke, soot, ash, dust or grit. Commercial business
worship, community facilities, public service
premises include wholesale business primarily retailing
installations, playgroup or crèche, nursing homes,
to trade customers. In addition the zoning will
schools/education facilities, home based economic
accommodate relocation of some existing commercial
activity, local convenience shops, playing fields,
enterprise from the town core to facilitate central
community facilities.
redevelopment.
Open for Consideration: Bed and
Permitted Uses: Offices, information technology
breakfast/guesthouse, hotels (with public bar of
related industry, wholesale premises, warehousing,
maximum floor space of 150 square metres, including
medical, related consultants, and light industry.
any extensions), hostels, lock up garages, restaurants,
Open to consideration: Open space, car parks,
health centres/clinics, use by an owner or occupier of
163
part of a residence as a studio, a clinic or surgery,
newsagents, restaurants, medical and related
professional office, or as a playgroup or crèche, car
consultants, veterinary clinic/centre, pharmacy, car
parks, public house (maximum floor space of 150
parking (at grade and underground).
square metres, including any extensions).
Open for Consideration: Hotel and/or Public house
Not Permitted Uses: Fast Food/takeaway outlets,
(maximum floor space is 150 sq. metres, including any
wholesale/cash in carry or retail warehouses, petrol
extensions), cinema, theatre.
filling stations, motor sales outlets
12.3.5
Town Centre
12.3.5.1
The objective is to provide for and improve the
Residential A
The objective here is to provide and improve
development of the Town Centre. This aim covers the
residential amenities in this sensitive and scenic area.
central area and includes a wide and varied range of
land uses.
Permitted Uses: Single Storey Dwellings, Domestic
Garage.
Permitted Use: Residential, open space, public service
Residential B
installation, car parks, tiered car parking,
The objective here is to encourage and promote the
educational/schools, places of public worship,
development of low density housing, on sensitive
residential institutions, medical and related
sites. The density shall not exceed 2.5 (two and a half )
consultants, health centre/clinics, community halls,
residences per acre, which would be in keeping with
recreational buildings, cultural uses and associated
infill development in the area.
buildings, guesthouses, restaurants, public houses,
cinemas/theatres, retail, hotels and guesthouses,
offices, financial services, conference centre.
Permitted Uses: Dwellings, Open Spaces, Domestic
Garages
Open to consideration: Nursing homes/hospitals,
12.3.4
Killarney Gateways
wholesale retail, workshop or light industry.
12.3.4.1
The objective here is to recognise the importance of
Not permitted uses: Caravan and camping parks, night
gateway locations and to take full advantage of their
clubs, discos, dancehalls, amusement arcades,
strategic locations. A varied range of land uses will be
agricultural machinery outlets, heavy commercial
permitted. Any proposed mixed use development will
vehicle parks, warehouse/storage depots, industry
have strong residential component (being not less
special, industry-general, takeaway fast food. Retail
than 25% of the developments total net floor space,
warehousing, petrol stations, repair garages, motor car
excluding any basement car parking area) and the
showrooms.
overall design will be of high architectural standard.
12.3.6
Town Centre B
12.3.6.1
The objective is to provide for and improve the
Permitted uses: offices, civic buildings, financial
services/banking, information technology related
industry, Dwellings (including houses, apartments and
development of the town centre excluding public
duplexes), open spaces, places of worship, community
houses and hotels.
facilities, public service installations, playgroup or
crèche, schools/education facilities, convenience retail,
newsagents, restaurants, medical and related industry,
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Industrial /Mixed Use
12.3.7.1
The objective is to accommodate all the current uses on
apply.
12.3.10 Light Manufacturing/Commercial
the site, whilst allowing for the future development of a
12.3.10.1 The objective here is to provide for general
more mixed use character. It is essential that the vitality
development.
and viability of the town centre remains the over riding
objective.
Permitted uses: Offices, Information technology
related industry, warehousing, medical and related
Permitted Uses - Light manufacturing, office,
consultants, light industry.
warehousing, open spaces, car and heavy vehicle
parking (at grade and underground), public service
Open to consideration: Open space, car parks,
installations, wholesale premises, indoor recreational
conference facilities, public buildings.
facilities, light industrial premises and ancillary offices.
12.3.11 Industrial Warehousing
Open for consideration: Public house (maximum floor
area 150 sq.m), retail (net lettable floor space of more
12.3.11.1 The objective here is to provide for industrial and
than 300 sq. m) residential, cinema/theatre, play
related uses
school/crèche, petrol filling stations, service stations, car
Permitted uses: Industrial premises and ancillary
showrooms.
offices, open spaces, warehouses car and heavy
Not permitted Uses: Town centre type
vehicle parks
comparison/convenience goods retailing,
Open to consideration: petrol filling stations, service
supermarkets, foodstores.
stations, car showrooms, advertisement structures,
12.3.8
Recreation, Amenity & Open Space
12.3.8.1
The objective is to preserve, provide and improve
wholesale premises, public service installations, play
school/crèches
recreational open space amenities and facilities.
12.3.12
Permitted Uses: Swimming pools, indoor leisure
12.3.12.1
facilities, open space, sports clubs, spectator stands,
12.3.7
Social and Community Facilities
The objective here is to protect, provide and improve
Community Facilities.
agricultural uses, playgrounds and public service
installation.
Permitted uses: Educational, religious or cultural
facilities, public buildings, schools, churches, hospitals,
Open to consideration: School playing fields, religious
community centres and halls, playing fields, public
and cultural facilities, community centres and halls.
service installations, nursing homes, leisure facilities,
swimming pool.
12.3.9
Amenity Area of Special Control
12.3.9.1
This zone comprises of the lands bordering the shore of
the Lower Lake which are under special ownership and
control and includes the National Park, Golf Course,
Race Course and Castlerosse Hotel area. In principle
the uses defined in the Zone Amenity and Open Space
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12.3.13 Sustainable Hardstand Uses
12.3.16
12.3.13.1 The objective here is to provide for sustainable
12.3.16.1 Throughout the Development Plan Area there are uses
Non-Conforming Uses
hardstand uses in suitable locations to make use of
which do not conform to the zoning objectives for the
existing facilities without any major modifications.
area. These are principally uses, which were already in
existence on the 1st of October 1964. Extensions to
Permitted Uses
and improvement of premises accommodating these
• Car Parking
uses may be permitted where the proposed
• Bus Parking
development would not seriously injure the amenities
• Vehicle Manoeuvring Tests
of the area or prejudice the proper planning and
• Driver Testing and
sustainable development of the area. In some cases,
• Associated Facilities
the Planning Authority may encourage relocation of
permitted incompatible uses, for example by
exchange of sites.
12.3.14 Tourism and Associated Facilities
12.3.14.1 The objective here is to preserve, provide and improve
12.3.17
Agricultural land
tourist facilities and to enhance the quality of the
tourist experience in Killarney.
12.3.17.1 The purpose of this zone is to ensure the retention of
agricultural uses and protect them from
Permitted uses: Hotels and associated facilities,
encroachment by unplanned urban sprawl and ribbon
guesthouses, bed and breakfasts, dwellings (including
development.
homes and apartments), crèches, public houses,
restaurants, conference facilities, event centres, holiday
12.3.17.2 It is essential that future farm development is of
homes and apartments, outdoor and indoor leisure
sufficient size so to absorb any additional farm
facilities, open spaces, swimming pools, aquariums,
effluents arising, will not impact negatively on the
museums, theatres.
environment and will not have a negative impact on
the residential amenity of adjoining dwellings.
Open for Consideration; tourist retailing that is strictly
ancillary to the main tourism use on the site and is of a
Permitted Uses: Proposals directly associated with
scale and type that would not detract from the vitality
agriculture
and viability of the town centre
Open for consideration: Limited housing for persons
Non permitted uses; Retail (other than outlined
who can demonstrate a need to live in the agricultural
above), fast food/take away outlets.
zone, amenity uses such as playing fields or parks,
water based activities, diversification directly
12.3.15
Retail and Associated Town Centre Facilities
12.3.15.1 The objective is to encourage and promote the
Not permitted: Intensive development not associated
development of retail and associated facilities which
with agriculture or uses that impact negatively on the
would be complimentary to the commercial functions
environment or residential amenity.
of the lands zone ‘Town Centre’. The matrix of uses are
the same as those of the ‘Town Centre’ zoning.
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associated with agriculture
Transitional Areas
12.4.1
While the zoning objectives indicate the different uses
Guidelines and to the proper planning and sustainable
permitted in each zone, it is important to avoid abrupt
development of the town, its amenities and the
transitions in scale and use at the boundary of
Council’s policies and objectives.
in a positive manner having regard to the provisions of
the Planning and Development Acts and Ministerial
adjoining land use zones. In these areas it is necessary
that developments are designed in a manner which
12.6.3
It is intended that reference to these standards will
would not be detrimental to the amenities of the
provide guidance and assistance to those who seek
more environmentally sensitive zone.
permission for development. The standards are merely
a statement of general principles. Decisions regarding
12.4.2
For instance, in zones abutting residential areas
individual applications for development rest with the
particular attention must be paid to the uses, scale,
Planning Authority and will be determined on a case
density and appearance of development proposals
by case basis in accordance with the circumstances at
and to landscaping and screening proposals in order
the time an application is submitted. Any decision to
to protect the amenities of these residential areas.
grant planning permission will be contingent on the
availability of adequate infrastructural services.
12.5
Phased Development
12.5.1
In the rural hinterland of the town, due to the
Authority and to refer to the Development Plan prior
existence of large undeveloped areas of land within
to the preparation of detailed plans.
12.6.4
Developers are advised to consult with the Planning
the Urban Boundary, the Planning Authority will
continue to control the phasing of development as
12.7
Requirements for New Residential
Developments
12.7.1
Access for All
12.7.1.2
All new developments shall have access for persons
necessary. Local Area Plans arising out of the Master
Plan will set out such phasing.
12.6
12.6.1
Development Control Standards
The purpose of this section of the Plan is to encourage
with disabilities and those who are mobility impaired,
the creation of living and working environments of the
incorporated into the design of the development as
highest quality by ensuring a high standard of design,
an integral part of the proposal. The Council in all its
layout and function for all development, to conserve
developments in the public realm will make provision
and build upon positive elements in the built and
for accessibility for all persons with particular regard
natural environment and to protect amenities. The
for measures to enhance access for persons with
recommendations and principles of the Killarney
mobility and visual impairment.
12.4
Masterplan 2005 should be considered in all planning
12.6.2
applications.
12.7.2
Urban Design
Development control is a statutory process and
12.7.2.1
Sustainable communities have a high quality natural
Killarney Town Council as a Planning Authority is
and built environment. There are places where people
required to control development by ensuring that all
want to live work and play, now and into the future.
developments considered and granted planning
They meet the diverse needs of existing and future
permission are consistent and comply with the
residents, are sensitive to their environment and
provisions set out in the Statutory Development Plan.
contribute to a high quality of life. They are safe and
Development Control will be exercised by the Council
inclusive, well planned and built. Planning for future
167
housing must take account of the needs of modern,
and proposals on sensitive sites where the local
dynamic and multi cultural society, reflecting a
authority deems it necessary, that an Urban Design
diversity of housing needs.
Statement will be required. Development either
detracts from or contributes to the Urban Environment
and, while the detail of the Urban Design Statements
12.7.3
Urban Design Guidance
12.7.3.1
Urban design is essential in creating community
developments, each application shall be accompanied
identity and making places that are successful both
by a design statement including a site analysis and
socially and economically, are good to live in, and
design assessment.
will vary according to the size of the proposed
attractive to visit. It is effective planning in the widest
sense, and it can help to deliver better public services.
The challenge is to create a place that will be used and
12.7.3.3
Urban Design Statements should address the
following issues:
enjoyed by a wide range of people for different
purposes, not only now but in years to come. The key
Site Context / Site Analysis
to good urban design is the adoption of a multidisciplinary approach from the initial stage of a
• Context relative to existing urban area
project. This will involve the use of landscape
• Mapping
architects, planners, architects and engineers working
• Topography
in a planned coordinated fashion to produce a safe
• Vegetation
attractive and functional development which
• Services
capitalises on the assets of a site, integrates with the
• Site Features
surrounding character of an area and produces a
• Orientation
development with a sense of place, identity and
• Adjacent Developments
character. A Landscape Architect should be
• Zoning Provisions
involved in analysing and understanding sites from
the start of the planning and design process, rather
Overall Design Vision
than being brought in at a late stage to disguise ugly
buildings with some planting. Similarly roads
• What is the main objective of the development?
engineers should use their skills to create places that
• How will it relate to the settlement?
are pleasant to be in and to walk through, rather than
• How will it contribute to the settlement?
focusing narrowly on keeping the traffic moving. The
• Will it incorporate Environmental Sustainability?
design of the open space, its functionality and its
• What are its Civic Aims?
quality is critical. Once this space has been properly
• Will it meet the needs of the residents?
designed and detailed the structures enclosing it can
• Will it have distinctive character and a sense of
be seen in a more contextual setting and be designed
place?
appropriately.
Design Objectives
12.7.3.2
It is the intention of the Planning Authority in
promoting good design to rely less on prescriptive
• Appropriate location and density
standards and to assess development proposals on
• Distance from town centre
their individual design merits. In order to promote this
• Integration
aim it is the intention of the Planning Authority that
• Sense of Place
applications for the development of two or more
• Community/neighbourhood
houses, or in the case of commercial developments
168
• Ownership
• Respect existing Scale and Character
• Clear public/ private divide
• Proportion
• Applications should show how the proposed
• Active street frontages
development fulfils the design objectives of the
• Detailing and Finishes
Urban Design Statement.
• Sustainability
12.8
Residential Densities
12.8.1
The Planning Authority shall have regard to the
Sustainable Design
• Provision for urban transport
DoHELG publications "Residential Density-Guidelines
• Water Conservation
for Planning Authorities" issued in September 1999
• Maximise sunlight
and the draft “Sustainable residential development in
• Heating
urban areas” issued in February 2008 in the assessment
• Design
of planning applications for residential developments.
• Energy Efficiency
As stated in the guidelines there will be an emphasis
on qualitative standards in relation to design, layout
and provision of private and public amenity open
Landscape Objectives
space to ensure the highest quality of residential
• Overall landscaping vision
environment is achieved. The standard measures for
• Hard Landscaping
residential developments are residential densities and
• Materials / furniture
site coverage and plot ratio. While in the context of
• Permeability and Accessibility
Killarney densities are more
• Character
easily applied to green field locations where more
• Safety
standard residential developments are proposed, site
• Water Course Management Plans for boundary
coverage and plot ratios are more easily applied to
treatment and landscaping for streams and
brown field sites where apartment or mixed use
watercourses with a presumption against land
developments are proposed.
• Safety
Architectural Objectives
filling, culverting, diverting or realignment along
salmonid rivers and riparian corridors
Public domain / Private divide
12.9
Site Coverage and plot ratio
12.9.1
Site coverage is determined by dividing the ground
floor area by the gross site area, excluding any land
• Public domain
lying between the building line and the public street.
• Design of the open space
The maximum site coverage shall be:
• Permeability
• Pedestrian, bicycle and vehicular access
•
Up to 80% coverage for town centre uses
•
Up to 65% for industrial development
•
Up to 50% coverage for residential
• Uses
• Meeting/ circulation area
• Passive recreational area
• A minimum buffer zone of 10 metres from the
waters edge for amenity and biodiversity purposes
• Active sport area
• Suitability for all year use
169
•
Plot ratio expresses the total amount of floor space
12.11 Residential layout and design
in relation (proportionally) to the site area. In the
town centre area a maximum plot ratio of 2.5
12.11.1
In new residential developments it is a sense of place
should apply. On green field sites on the outer area
and permeability that should have priority. It should
of the town the indicative range of plot ratio shall
not be the road layout but the relationship of
be between 0.25 and 0.35. In the other areas a ratio
buildings to each other and the public realm which is
of between 0.5 and 1.0 will be considered.
paramount. It should be the aim of all those involved
in providing housing that new developments be
12.10 Densities
based on a network of spaces rather than on the
hierarchy of roads. The Planning Authority will require
12.10.1
Residential densities will be controlled throughout the
a high level of residential amenity conducive to a
development area. In general the density in housing
good quality living environment in new residential
development shall range between 30-40 per hectare
developments. Road widths shall reflect the number
(12-16 per acre).
of dwellings served by the roads. A reduction in road
width may be acceptable where the number of
12.10.2
A high standard of architectural design and layout will
dwellings being served is small.
be required. Residential densities shall be decided by
the particular design and layout, taking into account
12.11.2
New residential layouts shall provide a safe and
the economic use of services and availability of open
attractive environment. Residential areas shall be
space.
broken into small functional and visual groups, which
fulfil a social and aesthetic need for identity, while
12.10.3
Housing densities should, however, be appropriate to
maintaining permeability. These shall be designed to
the location of the development and be cognisant of
create safety for young children, facilitate social
the adjoining residential developments, particularly in
interaction and introduce a variety into the visual
areas outside the town centre.
environment whilst avoiding a monotonous repetitive
type development. Each group of houses should have
12.10.4
Within the town centre a higher density of
its own visual identity, variation being achieved by
development may be considered where it is felt that
layout including building lines, house design, colour,
such an infill development would integrate with the
hard and soft landscaping. Proposals should
streetscape. The development will, however, be
incorporate residential streets with curvilinear roads
required to comply with the standard set out by the
and physical traffic calming measures within the estate
Planning Authority in the Development Plan. Higher
should be included at the planning application stage.
densities will not be appropriate in every
circumstance. Higher densities must not be achieved
12.11.3
All proposed development shall take cognisance of
at an unacceptable amenity loss to the surrounding
the natural amenities of the site, including its physical
dwellings and residents of the proposed development.
features, existing views from the site and any existing
structures of architectural or historical merit.
12.11.4
Apartments will not be considered as part of new
housing developments outside of the Town Centre. In
order to achieve a better dwelling type mix without
the use of apartments it will be necessary to include
smaller dwellings, terraces or town houses.
170
A detailed landscaping plan must be prepared as an
12.12 Private Open Space
integral part of any development and submitted as
part of the planning application. Existing landscape
12.12.1 Dwellings shall be provided with a minimum of 48 sq.
features are to be integrated into proposed schemes
m. of private open space in the town centre area and
and mature trees to be retained. Natural features such
75 sq. m. in green field sites outside of the town centre
as mature trees or vistas should help to determine the
area. One semi-mature indigenous tree shall be
layout and orientation of the housing. All Landscaping
planted in each private garden in all new housing
Plans shall include a schedule for implementation. (See
developments. New houses shall have rear garden
Appendix 6 in relation to native trees and shrubs
outdoor sitting areas not directly overlooked by
suitable for planting in the Killarney Area.)
adjacent or opposing outdoor sitting areas or living
rooms. A minimum garden depth of 11 metres shall
12.11.6
Killarney Town Council will not permit development
apply. Exceptions may be made to these requirements
which, would result in the loss of public or private
where residential units are proposed for elderly
playing fields, parks, children’s play space, or land
persons or persons with a disability or other specific
zoned for recreational or open space purposes, except
requirements.
in exceptional circumstances.
12.13 Public Open Space
The following criteria will be taken into account when
assessing applications
12.13.1
Public open space is one of the key elements in
defining the quality of the residential environment. It
• Action Area Plans
provides passive as well as active amenity and has
• Size of the site
important environmental aspects. The provision of
• Need for consolidation of the Urban Core of the
open space shall be integral to any development and
town
shall not be secondary to the overall development. A
• Quality of proposed layout and design
minimum of 15% of the total area of any residential
• Dwelling mix
development shall be provided by the developer as
• Ancillary facilities
usable recreational open space. In calculating the area
• Quality of the public realm and ability to meet both
of open space, the area of roads, grass margins
the active and passive recreational needs of future
roundabouts and footpaths shall not be taken into
residents.
account.
12.11.5
• Permeability
• Levels of private amenity
12.13.2
The concept of the green boulevards and green
• Traffic safety/residential streets
linkages as put forward in the Killarney Urban
• Provision of access for all
Matsterplan is a key objective of the Development
• Energy efficiency
Plan (See Social Inclusion chapter). Over the lifetime of
• Site ecology
the Plan all developments will be assessed against this
• Childcare facilities
objective.
171
12.14 Design of Public Open Space
12.14.2
In residential developments being built in one phase,
the open space being provided shall be completed
12.14.1
Public open space should be provided in a
before the houses are first occupied. Where a
comprehensive and linked way and designed as an
development is being built in phases, the open space
integral part of the development. The majority of open
shall be provided immediately after the building of the
space should be multi functional. Areas should be well
first phase and before the commencement of the
designed from a visual perspective as well as accessible
second phase.
to the maximum number of dwellings within the
residential area. Public open space should be provided
12.14.3
Proposals for the provision of open space shall include
with a maximum amount of surveillance from
details for the drainage and landscaping of the open
dwellings within the estate. The provision of open
space area.
space to serve new residential developments should
be on a hierarchical basis, varying in size from large
12.15 Trees and hedgerows Preservation
parks to children’s play areas and passive recreation
spaces close to people’s homes. All open spaces
12.15.1
The Council will encourage the protection of all
proposed by developers shall be designed and set out
mature trees and hedgerows which occur on
by suitably qualified landscape professional to ensure a
development sites and roads and as part of the
high standard and consistency with good design and
application process will require the submission of tree
layout principles. The following should be considered:
and hedgerow surveys to accompany applications for
development. Remedial works should also be
indicated where appropriate and trees should be
• Public open space should be provided in a
comprehensive and linked way and designed as an
identified on site with suitable tags. Provision should
integral part of the development
be made in any site layout for incorporating specimen
trees that are in good condition.
• Public open space shall be assessed against the
objective of providing green linkages and
boulevards
12.15.2
Where the felling of trees is unavoidable, new planting
will be required using native species. The Council will
promote the planting of native trees and shrub species
• The majority of open spaces shall be multi
by committing to using native species in its
functional
landscaping works and on Council property.
• Public open space shall be well designed from a
visual perspective as well as functionally accessible
12.15.3
It is important that new planting serves, not just to
to the maximum number of dwellings within the
contribute to tree regeneration generally but to
residential area
ensure that the age mix of trees guarantees that there
is always replacement stock at differing stages of
• Attractive natural features shall be maintained
• Public open space shall be provided with a
maximum amount of surveillance from dwellings
• The use of hard landscaping features such as paving
or cobbled areas shall play an increasingly important
role in the design of open spaces
172
growth.
12.19 Play space
12.16.1
12.19.1
Reduced provision of open space may only be
A minimum of 10 sq. m. of dedicated playable space
acceptable in town centre or more urban locations
per residential unit is to be provided as an integral part
where there are more sustainable patterns of
of each new development. The playable space can
development and maximum use can be made of
form part of the overall open space but must be
urban land or redevelopment schemes where open
dedicated to play. This space is to be distributed
space is already available. With higher densities such as
throughout the development and should take into
town house or apartment developments, good quality
account the presence or lack of existing off site
landscaped open space shall be provided.
provision. The total space requirement should be
broken down into the relevant typologies taking
12.16.2
Open space provision for smaller residential
account of the maximum walking distances from
developments and schemes catering for special needs
residential units set out below. All children and young
such as accommodation for the elderly will be
people should have access to play space which should
considered on its merits and having regard to the
be within a reasonable and safe walking distance from
requirements of the future residents.
home.
12.17 Invasive Species
12.19.2
Not all developments will be required to provide all of
the play areas as outlined below, all developments will
12.17.1
It is essential that invasive species are not used in
be assessed separately and an appropriate allocation
terrestrial or aquatic planting scheme (See appendix 6
decided upon based on recreational need.
for appropriate plantings and shrubs in Killarney). This
will be a condition of any planning permission.
Table 10: Open space standards
12.18 Provision of Sports and Recreational
Facilities
12.18.1
Play space type
Developers will be required to make provision for
Maximum walking
distance from home
Doorstep play space
100m
Local play space
400m
12.16 Reduced Provision of public open space
Neighbourhood play space 800m
sports and recreational infrastructure commensurate
Youth Space
with the needs generated by their development and
800m
the capacity of existing facilities in the area to cater for
existing and future needs. Residential development
proposals (in one or more applications) resulting in
12.19.3
Doorstep play space suitable for younger children can
more than 100 dwellings will be required to submit a
be included in smaller areas while the other play
recreational needs assessment as part of the proposal.
spaces require larger areas. This play space should be
Recreation facilities shall form an integral element of
laid out to include a mixture of fixed equipment such
the development proposal. Where provision is not
as rockers, cradle swings, carousels, slides and junior
provided on site it may be directly provided off site.
multi units together with sand for creative play. The
use and manipulation of the site’s topography and
features such as trees, rocks etc should be an integral
part of the creation of the play space.
173
12.19.4
Local play space should include a mixture of rockers,
12.20.5 All rooms shall be of a minimum shape and proportion
cradle swings, carousels, slides, multi units, space nets
and have adequate space for normal living purpose.
and balance beams among other fixed items suitable
The shape and layout of the rooms should maximise
for children up to 12 years. The use and manipulation
the amenity of residents. All living room, kitchens and
of the site’s topography and features such as trees,
bedrooms should minimise overlooking of
rocks etc should be an integral part of the creation of
adjoining/adjacent and should be located so as to
the play space.
avoid facing towards nearby high boundary or gable
walls.
12.19.5
A neighbourhood play space should be an extension
of the doorstep and local play spaces with a wider
12.20.6
The standards apply to units on one floor, duplexes
range of equipment and range of play opportunities
shall provide for additional floor area required to
providing a challenging, stimulating play environment.
provide for stairways and landings in accordance with
the Building Regulations. All apartment schemes shall
12.19.6
Youth space should include detailed proposals to
provide for a mix of units comprising of one bedroom,
provide for the recreational requirements of young
two bedroom and family units. Please note that
people over the age of 12 in the area.
granny flats are not considered as apartments and are
dealt with separately.
12.19.7
Developers will be required to make suitable provision
for the future management and maintenance of open
12.21 Apartment Open Space
space required under this policy.
12.21.1
12.20 Apartments
Development of residential apartments shall be
provided with amenity open space within the site
(exclusive of car parking space) solely for the residents
12.20.1
In general apartments will only be considered in the
at a rate of 10 sq. m. for one bedroom apartment and
town centre area. Apartment development will not be
20 sq. m. for a two/three bedroom apartment.
considered in established residential areas. The
subdivision of existing residential units shall be
discouraged in predominantly residential areas.
12.21.2
Private open space shall be in the form of landscaped
courtyards, terraces/patios and balconies (not over
hanging) and sited to take advantage of sunshine and
12.20.2
Given the existing character of Killarney town it is
provide shelter and privacy. Upper floor apartments
important that apartment developments are kept small
should have access to landscaped areas. Roof gardens
in nature. It is not foreseen that Killarney will need to
offer only limited potential in this regard due to
develop large apartment schemes to meet its housing
climatic and safety factors and should not form a
needs. The ideal is that apartment developments are
major part of such space.
small in terms of the number of apartments in each
and higher in quality in terms of floor sizes and finishes.
12.20.4
The design and layout of new apartments shall provide
for the satisfactory accommodation for a variety of
household types and sizes including families with
children, over the medium to long term. Regard shall
be given to the relevant Government Guidelines
Sustainable Urban Housing: Design Standards for
Apartments 2007.
174
Balconies need to be of a minimum width to be useful
12.24 Building Design
from an amenity viewpoint. A minimum width of 1.5
metres from one bedroom units and 1.8 metres for
12.24.1
A high quality of house and apartment design will be
apartments with 2 or more bedrooms is
sought. In considering applications for new
recommended. Site conditions such as elevations
developments the Planning Authority will refer to the
facing north or overlooking busy streets may diminish
Department of Environment Heritage and Local
the amenity value of balconies. Balconies may not be
Government Draft Guidelines on Sustainable
appropriate in historic areas. In such cases it will be the
Residential Development in Urban Areas 2008.
designer’s responsibility to provide some form of
compensating amenity for the occupants. This may
12.24.2
All new housing and apartment developments should;
take the form of landscaped communal areas or
bigger living rooms.
• Reflect the existing character of the street by paying
attention to the proportion, pattern, massing,
12.22 Daylight and Sunlight
12.22.1
density and materials of the surrounding buildings
The amount of sunlight reaching an apartment
• Maintain existing building lines
significantly affects the amenity of the occupants. Dual
aspect apartments are likely to maximise sunlight.
• Incorporate variations of design around a common
Single aspect apartments should allow the living
theme in housing estates of more than 20 houses
rooms to face south or west; north facing units should
be excluded. The orientation of buildings within the
• Be of significant architectural merit and may be
site should maximise energy efficiency.
12.23 Storage Areas and Communal Facilities
allowed to vary from traditional forms and materials
12.24.3
The design of existing boundary walls and railings
should be reflected in the new development. Where
12.23.1
Provision should be made in apartments for general
development is proposed adjoining a building of
storage areas (additional to minimum kitchen presses
special architectural quality, more stringent
and bedroom storage) for bulky items not in everyday
requirements will be necessary.
12.21.3
use.
12.23.2
Adequate provision should be made for bin storage
and a private storage space of not less than 1 cubic
metre per bedroom shall be provided for each
apartment, within the curtilage of the building and
out of view from the public.
12.23.3
Developers shall make suitable provision for the longterm management and maintenance of any
apartment block
175
12.25 Building Lines
12.25.1
12.26.2
Development will only be considered if it:
• Will not detract from the character of the area
Applications for development will be dealt with on its
own merits in relation to established building lines or
• Will not be detrimental to the residential amenities
proposed improvement lines. In built up areas,
of the area
development, which would infringe on an existing
building line and would be prejudicial to residential
• Will not be prejudicial to the proper planning and
amenity, or orderly development will not be allowed.
Building lines may be relaxed in the following cases:
Contemporary infill developments will be considered
• To incorporate key landscape features
on their own merits.
• To incorporate key land mark buildings
12.27 Laneways
• For innovative designs which can positively
enhance the townscape
12.27.1
Killarney’s laneways are hugely unique. They represent
the perfect hub for bringing people and business
together thus humanising the towns laneways. The
• For innovative housing layouts
redevelopment of the laneways would provide a safer
environment especially at night with better lighting.
• To provide important areas of public open space
Their revitalisation could promote outside dining,
like squares or plazas.
street theatre entertainment. Such redevelopment
12.26 Infill Developments
should take the form of retail units at ground level and
residential units above ground floor level. The
12.26.1
Within the town centre infill development and
revitalisation of the laneways shall also facilitate in the
refurbishment schemes will be required to pay
drive of tourism in terms of quality and business
particular attention to the local architectural character
development. More importantly it would promote
and materials used. Outside of the town centre infill
permeability and interconnectivity with other
and backland development will also have to pay
laneways in different areas of the town, creating a
attention to the local character of the area in terms of
network of linkages and movement. Their revitalisation
blocks plots and buildings. Infill development will be
will also provide a safer environment for pedestrians
required to maintain established building and
and other road users.
rooflines and proportions. Infill within existing terraces
will also be required to take cognisance of roof pitch,
fascia level, parapet, eaves and cornice lines, the line of
12.27.2
The Council shall seek funding where opportunities
window heads and string courses. As a general rule
present itself for the revitalisation of the laneways in
the number of materials used on a building, should be
the town. The Council shall encourage the
kept to a minimum.
redevelopment of the laneways as part of the retail
core incorporating the concept of ‘living over the shop
scheme’ (LOTS).
176
Consideration will also be given to the provision of
12.29 Building Height
appropriate measures at the entrances of laneways in
12.29.1
Killarney’s streetscape has changed dramatically in the
the control of parking along the laneways. The future
last 10 to 15 years and especially over the lifetime of the
development of the laneways should include
last Development Plan. This has been in response to
proposals which do not include projecting or over
unprecedented growth nationally, regionally and locally.
hanging features. The storage of refuse bins and
This increased economic activity has significantly
beverage containers should be placed in controlled
increased land values which have in turn led to a focus on
and shielded enclosures. All development proposals
getting higher rates of return. Simultaneous to these
along laneways shall conform to the
changes has been increased emphasis on increased
recommendations of the Killarney Urban Master Plan
urban densities which has filtered down from
2005. All future developments within the town centre
International and National policy to the local level. The
should facilitate the creation of new laneways and
convergence of these influences has driven building
courtyards, linking up with older laneways so to
heights upwards over the recent past. Killarney has
promote permeability and interconnectivity with the
historically been a low rise town. The prevailing building
town.
height seldom exceeds two or three storeys however,
some four and five storey buildings have been built to
12.28 Brownfield Development
accommodate hotels. Some of the more recent and
proposed developments have tended to be higher in the
12.28.1
Regard must always be taken of the environmental
region of 4 to 6 storeys.
impact of undertaking remediation work. Such works
should be in compliance with legislative requirements
12.29.2
Taller buildings can mark points of significant activity such
Waste Management Acts 1996-2003 and Section 5 of
as central spaces, create fine landmarks (St Mary’s
the Waste Management (Collection Permit)
Cathedral) and highlight civic buildings (St Finian’s
Regulations 2001. In situations where the cost of full
Hospital). On the other hand they can overshadow,
remediation renders redevelopment of the site
overlook and dominate their immediate surroundings
unsustainable, sufficient work should be carried out to
and can have harmful effects on living conditions.
safeguard the local environment and to remove visual
Inappropriately planned designed and located very tall
blight.
buildings can detract seriously from the quality of a
12.27.3
residential environment. Tall buildings can be especially
12.28.2
The highest design standards should be applied to all
harmful for historic buildings, conservation areas and
brownfield development, compatible with the
significant views and skylines. Therefore their location
economic limitations of the individual site. Decisions
needs to be carefully managed.
regarding the future use of brownfield land shall be
made in the context of normal planning
12.29.3
It is not envisaged that over the lifetime of this plan or the
considerations. Proposals for the redevelopment of
subsequent plan, that Killarney will need to develop tall
brown fields that are contaminated must be
buildings as generally described in literature as 10 storeys
accompanied by remediation measures to be
or higher. However more medium height buildings that
undertaken prior to redevelopment. Proposals for
are taller than the normal building heights may be
smaller contaminated land projects should be
appropriate in major development sites. It is not
accompanied by a risk assessment. (See Ch. 5. sec 5.16.
envisaged that these buildings will be allowed to break
Brownfield Development and Ch. 11 sec 11.21.10 Soil
the established streetscape within the town centre.
and Geology re. the removal and importation of soil).
Future building heights will be determined by the heights
of the majority of the existing buildings in the immediate
vicinity and not by the tallest of the existing buildings.
177
12.29.4
The Planning Authority may require that a visual
12.32 Boundary Treatments
impact assessment accompany any application for
taller buildings. Over the lifetime of the Development
All residential developments shall include screen walls
Plan the Planning Authority will undertake a building
of at least 2 metres in height along that part of the
height study for the town. This study will establish
side boundaries, which are behind the building line
broad parameters for setting building height
where the site abuts roads pedestrian walkways and
throughout the town. It will contain criteria that can
public open space, in order to protect the privacy and
be used for evaluating planning applications.
residential amenity of the dwelling.
12.30 Viewing Tower
12.30.1
12.32.1
12.33 Bin storage standards/ Home
Composting
The concept of a viewing tower at the Glebe site was
previously put forward in the Killarney Urban
12.33.1
Each residential unit shall have adequate storage for
Masterplan. Given the town setting in some of the
three wheeled bins. Residential units with no rear
most spectacular landscapes in the world, a viewing
access shall have adequate storage for the bins to the
tower for Killarney and its environs would be given
front of the development, in contained units. In
consideration by the Planning Authority on any
apartment schemes bin storage shall generally be on
suitable site within the town centre. It is considered
the ground floor level of any development and shall
that there will never be a need for more than one such
be screened from public view and be immediate to
development. Any application for such a
the block it serves. All new dwelling houses shall be
development will need to be accompanied by a visual
supplied with a home composting unit prior to the
impact assessment and an Urban Design Statment.
first occupation of the dwelling house.
Any viewing tower shall be of excellent design quality
to ensure that it fulfils a role as a strategic landmark.
12.34 Placenames/Estate Names
The height of any viewing tower shall not be used as a
precedent for other tall buildings.
12.34.1
The naming of residential developments shall be
approved by the Planning Authority. The names of
12.31 Separation Distances between Houses
residential developments shall reflect local townland
and Irish place names for the locality as far as possible.
12.31.1
A distance of 2.3 metres shall be provided between
dwellings or pairs of dwellings for the full length of
Placenames are an important aspect of our heritage
their flanks. This distance shall be divided equally
and provide insight into the history, folklore,
between adjoining properties. Where garages are
mythology and geography of our environment.
provided at the sides of houses, these may substitute
Placenames also provide local communities with a
for this required space provided that they incorporate
sense of identity.
a direct through access from the front to the rear of
the premises.
178
12.34.2
Table 12: Lighting Specifications on or near
structures
12.35.1
Many of our urban and suburban towns and cities
Lighting Situations
Rules
suffer from “Skyglow”. This phenomenon obliterates
Lighting near
No direct light source
the night sky from sight, removing one of the most
residential properties shall be visible at the property
line at ground level or above.
spectacular aspects of our phenomenological world,
Business Premises
the night sky, stars and other celestial bodies. A typical
All non-essential lighting will
suburban sky today is about 5 to 10 times brighter at
be required to be turned off
the zenith than the natural sky. A dark sky policy in
after business hours, leaving
respect of lighting can assist in recovering this natural
only the necessary lighting for
resource. All developments shall adhere to the
site security.
concept of dark skies. The Planning Authority shall
dictate the choice and use of lighting fixtures as well
12.36 Good Neighbour Outdoor Lighting
as assisting in correcting those already in existence.
Light Trespass - Poor outdoor lighting shines onto
12.35.2
All exterior lights and illuminated signs shall be
neighbours' properties and into bedroom windows,
designed, located, installed and directed to avoid light
reducing privacy, hindering sleep, and giving the area
at the property lines and glare at any location on or off
an unattractive, trashy look.
the property.
Energy Waste - Many outdoor lights waste energy by
spilling much of their light where it is not needed,
Table 11:Lighting Specifications
such as up into the sky. This waste results in high
Light Fittings
electricity costs.
Rules
8 – 12 Metre Lamp Standards Full cut fittings
2 – 4 Metre Lamp Standards
Cut Off fittings
Excess Lighting - Some homes and businesses are
Up-lighters
Prohibited
flooded with much stronger light than is necessary for
Externally lit signs
safety and security.
Internally illumined signs
Prohibited
Building lighting
The Planning Authority shall assess all developments
Shielding to prevent
against this criteria.
All situations
12.35 Dark Skies
direct glare and/or
light trespass
Wall mounted
12.37 Roads and Parking
Wall mounted light
fittings must be
12.37.1
The Planning Authority shall have specific regard to
shielded to allow light
the Design of residential streets section of the draft
downwards or to the
Government Guidelines on “Sustainable Residential
back of the unit.
Development in Urban Areas” (2008) and the best
practice guide which accompanies it when assessing
layout submitted with applications.
12.37.2
The guidelines quote the UK’s Manual for Streets’
definition of a street as a highway that has important
public realm functions beyond the movement of
traffic. These functions include place – making,
179
12.37.3
providing access to buildings, parking and the location
can be unsafe for pedestrians (especially after
of public utilities and public lighting. The guidelines
dark) and can result in a hostile environment. As
state that while it is essential to provide for movement
busy streets will normally be along main bus
along the street, designers also need to consider the
routes, safe and convenient access to bus stops
appropriate balance between these different functions
will need to be factored into the layout from the
and not treat any one in isolation.
outset.
The following urban design principles should
b) Most residential streets – as witnessed by many
influence the layout and design of streets in residential
existing streets in cities and towns – can
areas:
successfully combine low to medium traffic
movements with a pleasant residential setting
• Connectivity and permeability: convenient access
including on-street parking where street widths
needs to be provided between and within areas,
permit. Some of these streets will also serve as
particularly to larger communities and commercial
bus routes. The design of such streets from the
developments and to places of work. Routes within
outset should limit traffic speeds within the range
areas should be as direct as possible and for this
of 30-50 kph without the need to resort to the use
reason gated estates should be discouraged.
of remedial measures such as speed ramps.
Segregated cycle tracks are not generally required.
• Sustainability: priority should be given to the needs
The design should also allow for the delivery of
of walking, cycling and public transport and the
goods and services (such as waste collection) to
need for car-borne trips should be minimised.
dwellings.
• Safety: streets, paths and cycle routes should
c)
Cul-de-sacs can offer a safe and relatively traffic-
provide for safe access by users of all ages and
free environment. However, if large schemes are
degrees of mobility.
dominated by this type of street it can militate
against the economical provision of public
• Legibility: it should be easy for both residents and
visitors to find their way around an area.
transport and result in unnecessarily long walking
or cycling distances within the neighbourhood.
Connections between cul-de-sac heads should be
• Sense of place: streets should contribute to the
creation of attractive and lively places.
as short as possible, well lit, and overlooked by
dwellings. The design of cul-de-sacs should not
facilitate vehicular speeds exceeding 30 kph.
12.38 Types of Street
12.38.1
Streets normally found in residential areas include:-
d) In the case of shared surfaces or “Home Zones”,
very low traffic speeds allow a sense of place to be
a)
180
Streets with higher traffic volumes, such as those
prioritised over movement. The street can be
connecting with other areas or near
designed as an attractive place with distinctive
neighbourhood centres, should be designed
paving, planting, play areas and seating. Shared
accordingly with designated pedestrian crossings.
vehicle/pedestrian surfaces can serve up to 25
Streets with relatively high numbers of
dwellings where there is one point of access and
pedestrians are likely to have a significant “sense of
up to 50 dwellings where there are two access
place” function. Frontage-free streets (such as
points. Particular attention should be paid to the
distributor roads) are not recommended as they
design of entry points to shared surfaces; for
significantly affect the level of daylight within the
points, and distinctive surface materials and
dwelling and the impact of solar gain. For all dwellings
colours, will help to emphasise the difference
including apartments at least one main living room
between shared surfaces and other types of street.
should be facing within 90 degrees of due south. The
Consideration should also be given to the needs
amount of north facing glazing should be minimised.
of blind or partially-sighted people who might
normally rely on the presence of a footpath kerb.
12.39 Cycle provision
12.40.2 Water Conservation
12.40.2.1 The design of new developments should aim to
conserve potable water, insofar as is practicable. Water
12.39.1
Cycle stands will be required for all significant
saving fittings such as shower heads, taps, toilet
developments. Stands should be of an approved type
cisterns should be used where feasible. Consideration
and in a secure location. Where stands cannot be
should be given to the collection and storage of
provided on site a contribution may be required
rainwater and its use for purposes other than human
towards the provision of public cycle stands by the
consumption. It will be a requirement that water
Council.
harvesting be attached as a condition of planning
permission in all large scale developments
12.39.2
Cycle provision shall be particularly important in
respect of developments for apartments, public
12.40.3
Sustainable Urban Drainage Systems (SUDS)
services, community facilities, bus and railway stations
and retail/office developments. Details of the
12.40.3.1 The extent of paved areas and other hard surfaces
provision for same shall be submitted as part of the
reduced the capacity of the soil to absorb surface
planning application.
water run off and increases the risk of flash flooding. A
sustainable approach to urban drainage includes a
12.40 Sustainable Building
whole range of approaches to surface water drainage
management including:
Buildings should be designed and laid out with the
aim of reducing energy consumption, maximising
example the use of tight kerb radii, ramps at entry
• Source control measures including recycling
solar gain and minimising heat loss. This plan aims to
encourage sustainable forms of development and
• Infiltration devices to allow water to soak into the
sustainable sources of energy. A Building Energy
ground including individual soak-aways and
Management System should be employed in all
communal facilities
commercial/industrial buildings and a need for a
standard approach of better monitoring and control of
heating/cooling ventilation system and energy use.
• Permeable surface treatments that in suitable
locations, allow rainwater and run off to infiltrate
into permeable material below ground and provide
12.40.1 Daylight and solar gain
12.40.1.2 The creation of a satisfactory microclimate for a
storage if necessary
• Water attenuation ponds and storage tanks that can
housing scheme requires a balance between the
hold excess water after rain and that can be
provision of wind shelter and optimising the
emptied gradually and in a controlled manner in
availability of sunlight daylight and solar gain. The
drier periods
orientation of the dwelling on the site, the internal
layout of the dwelling and window orientation, can
181
12.40.3.2 All significant planning applications shall be
12.41.2.2 Such applications will need to be accompanied by a
accompanied by a Sustainable Urban Drainage System
covering letter detailing the need for such a unit.
that will provide for post development run off levels to
Where such applications are permitted, conditions will
be maintained at pre development levels.
be imposed restricting the use/sale of the structure to
a granny flat unit and requiring the reintegration of the
12.41 Change of use and alterations to
dwellings
12.41.1
Extensions to dwelling houses
12.41.1.1 Extensions should follow the pattern of the existing
unit for use as part of the main dwelling in the event
of its cessation of its use as a granny flat.
12.42 Home based Activities
12.42.1
Home based activities are defined as small scale
building as much as possible. They should be
commercial activities which are secondary to the use
constructed with similar finishes and with similar
of the premises as a residence. They may be permitted
windows to the existing building. Any extension
where the primary use of the dwelling remains
should have a pitched roof, especially when visible
residential and where the amenities of the
from the public road. Care should be taken to ensure
surrounding dwellings are not affected. The Planning
that the extension does not interfere with the
Authority will consider the following:
amenities of adjoining properties.
• The nature and extent of the work
• Hours of operation, noise nuisance and general
12.41.2 Granny flat extensions
disturbance
12.41.2.1 The following criteria will be used in the assessment of
applications for granny flat extensions:
• Levels of traffic generation
• Where a bona fide need for such a unit is
• The generation, storage and collection of waste.
demonstrated
12.42.2
• Where the unit acts as a physical extension of the
Over the counter services, business signage, security
gates or grills or excessive security lights will not
main house with full integration proposed between
normally be permitted.
the existing house and the proposed extension
12.43 Parking in front gardens
• Where such a unit is located at ground floor
12.43.1
• Where the unit is capable of reintegration for use as
The cumulative impact of the removal of front garden
walls and railings damages the appearance of streets
part of the main dwelling after the cessation of the
and roads. Consequently proposals for off street
use as a granny flat
parking need to be balanced against loss of amenity.
Where permitted such developments shall:
• Where the entrance to the granny flat is through
the main dwelling
• Not have outward opening gates
• Have a vehicular entrance not wider than 3 metres
• Have an area of hardstanding (2.5 x 5 metres)
• The balance of the space shall be suitably
landscaped
• Have gates walls and railings made good
182
Where adjoining landowners intend to carry out such
12.45 Commercial Development
developments a more efficient use of garden space
can be achieved by the use of a shared vehicular
12.45.1 Shop Fronts
entrance. Alterations necessary to the public footpath
shall be carried out by the Council at the applicant’s
expense.
12.45.1.1 It is envisaged that the Council will endeavour to
undertake the production of guidelines for
appropriate shop fronts under the life time of the plan.
12.44 Archaeology
It is the policy of the Planning Authority to encourage
the maintenance of original shop fronts or the
12.44.1
It is the policy of the Council to preserve and protect
reinstatement of traditional shop fronts where poor
all archaeological sites and their settings as listed in
replacements have been installed. In new buildings
the Record of Monuments and Places as established
the proposed shop front should have regard to the
under the National Monuments Act 1930-2004 and
existing shop fronts on the street and should
also any newly discovered sites of which the Planning
complement both the building and the street. In
Authority are notified of by the Department of the
existing buildings the original fascia line should be
Environment, Heritage and Local Government. Under
maintained and not excessively enlarged or lowered.
the provisions of the National Monuments Act, a
The removal of street doors giving separate access to
person proposing to carry out works at or close to a
upper floors will not be permitted unless alternative
Recorded Monument is obliged to give notice of such
separate access is provided.
intention to Department of the Environment, Heritage
and Local Government. The referral of a planning
12.45.1.2 Modern ‘multiple’ formats which have adopted a
application to Department of the Environment,
corporate image will not necessarily be allowed to use
Heritage and Local Government satisfies this
their standardised shop front design, corporate colours
requirement. Archaeological Impact Assessments will
and materials. Such companies shall be encouraged
be required for all developments that impinge on a
to ensure that their particular fascia takes account of
recorded archaeological monument or its zone of
the character of the local street.
potential as defined in the Record of Monument and
Places (RMPS) and those developments that are large
12.43.2
12.45.2 Shop Front Signage
scale. The results of these assessments may necessitate
further mitigation measures including pre-
12.45.2.1 In addition to the general guidelines for advertising
development archaeological testing, monitoring,
structures, the following conditions will apply to shop
excavation, re design and/or refusal.
front signage:
• Shop front signs must be kept to a minimum and
12.44.2
The Council will have regard to the document
combined into a single plate.
‘Framework and Principles for the Protection of the
Archaeological Heritage’ published by the Minister for
• Only signs truly necessary will be allowed.
Arts, Heritage, Gaeltacht and the Islands in 1999, in
assessing planning applications.
• Wording on signage should be simple, direct and
should avoid repetition.
• Placement of signs must avoid obstruction of road
signs, traffic lights, other signs, a view or a building
detail and must not project above parapet level or
skyline.
183
• Not more that one hanging sign will be permitted
12.45.4.4 No free standing advertisement sandwich boards,
on each frontage of a premises, the size of which
display shelves, etc., shall be permitted on public
shall be 500mm wide x 700mm high maximum
property. The Council will remove any such
subject to other local constraints. Hanging signs
advertisements under Section 71 of the Roads Act
shall not be internally or externally illuminated.
1993.
12.45.2.2 The Planning Authority will only permit new
12.45.4.5 Due to the significant visual impact of signage on the
advertising signs, which reflect traditional styles and
environment and the importance of maintaining and
materials. In particular the Planning Authority will
presenting a consistent approach to the control and
encourage the use of traditional hand painted signs,
management of signage, the Town Council have
which are externally illuminated.
entered into an agreement with Kerry County Council
whereby the Town Council will take full responsibility
for the management, maintenance and licensing of
12.45.3 Shop front – Lighting
signage in that area of the County which immediately
12.45.3.1 Internally illuminated fascia or projecting box signs will
surrounds the urban area. The purpose of this strategy
not be permitted. All external illumination shall be
is to ensure that all areas which would logically be
incorporated into the advertising sign (spotlights shall
seen as town areas by the public, but which may be
not be allowed) details of which shall be submitted at
technically “County” areas, are required to comply with
planning application stage.
similar standards of signage as the adjacent urban
areas.
12.45.4
Advertisements
12.45.4.6 Within the town centre only finger post directional
12.45.4.1 As part of the Urban Masterplan process a ‘Book on
signs will be permitted. At the entrance to laneways
Signage’ for Killarney will be put in place. This booklet
off town centre streets, only advertisements signs
will provide a guide to owners and occupiers of
similar to fingerpost signs will be permitted and these
business premises, establishing good design practices.
shall be erected on a frame. These poles shall be
provided by the Council and shall be erected against
12.45.4.2 All advertisements and advertisement structures other
or upon the walls of the structures on each side of the
than those exempted under Part II, Second Schedule
lane entrance.
of the Local Government (Planning and Development)
Regulations, 2001, shall be subject to a formal
12.46 Tourist Accommodation Signage
planning application. Advertising signs, separately or
more particularly in groups, can often cause injury to
12.46.1
As a major tourist centre the need for the advertising
amenities, and can detract from the appearance of the
signs and directional signs in the town is recognised
area or a building. They can also be a major traffic
by the Council. To ensure that the visual amenities of
hazard, causing major distraction to road users.
the town and safety of pedestrian and vehicular traffic
are preserved it is necessary that the number and type
12.45.4.3 The Council shall seek the removal of advertisements
of advertisement signs and structures be controlled.
and advertisement structures or material, which are
unsympathetic and detrimental to the visual amenities
of the surrounding area.
12.46.2
Considering the levels of growth in the tourist
industry, the previous Development Plan scheme
allowing up to two directional finger-post signs per
Guesthouse/B&B, is no longer feasible. It is the policy
of the Council to rationalise the position regarding
184
• Internally illuminated signs shall not generally be
accommodation in the town by:
favoured.
• Putting in place a comprehensive road naming and
• The use of neon, plastic, PVC, Perspex flashing,
townland identification scheme.
reflectorised or glitter type signs on the exterior of
buildings or where they are located internally but
• Not allowing any further directional finger post signs.
visible from the outside will be prohibited.
• Limiting the number of advertising signs, to one
• Projecting/hanging signs, banners and flagpoles
sign per establishment. This shall be erected within
will be restricted in size and number to prevent
the boundaries of the site, shall be less than 0.6 sq.
clutter and shall be the subject of a planning
m in surface area, shall be of traditional hand
application.
painted quality, with a dark background and shall
not be internally illuminated.
• Any advertisement within the curtilage of a
commercial property shall be the subject of a
12.47 Advertising Control
planning application.
• Advertisement signs and structures shall not
generally be permitted in residential areas if they
12.48 Security Shutters
compete with road signs, on or near buildings of
architectural or historical importance or in amenity
12.48.1
The installation of security shutters can visually destroy
and deaden the town centre at night. The erection of a
and recreation areas.
security shutter requires planning permission. It is the
policy of the Planning Authority to actively discourage
• Temporary/promotional signs shall be restricted in
number and to a maximum size of 2.25 sq. metres.
the use of such shutters. Where security shutters are
Signs should only be in place six weeks before the
considered to be essential because of the type of
event and a maximum of one week after and are
business transacted or goods stored, the Planning
subject to license.
Authority may permit them providing that they meet
advertising and directional signs relating to overnight
the following criteria:
• Signs shall not be permitted above roof line.
• They must be the open grille type (not perforated
• Shop-front signs shall be confined to fascia and
or solid).
should be in keeping with the scale of the building.
• They must be painted to match the shop front
• Signs attached to buildings shall not interfere with
colour scheme.
windows or other significant features of the
• Where possible they must be located, together with
building façade and shall not exceed 0.47 sq. m in
their associated fixings behind the window display.
surface area.
Rollers, which are located on the exterior of the
• Signs should respect the scale and character of the
shop front, will not be allowed.
location and should be of a high standard of design.
In particular signs on traditional style shop fronts
12.48.2
Alternatives to roller shutters such as the use of
and on other premises shall be of traditional design
demountable open grilles will be preferred where
and construction.
security needs are involved.
185
12.49
Public Services
12.49.1
The Planning Authority shall require that all public
strictly in breach of the EPA limits, the Town Council
utilities be placed underground.
shall implement similar control and shall require the
12.51.2
In the case of residential areas, where noise emanating
from a property proves to be a nuisance and not
premises causing the noise nuisance to install noise
12.50 Wheelie Bin Storage
insulation or to reduce or remove the source of the
noise.
12.50.1
The use of public areas for storage of wheelie bins has
become an issue due to design omission of adequate
12.52
Access to Backlands
12.52.1
Access to backlands shall be preserved by developers
storage areas within premises to accommodate same.
As use of public areas for storage of wheelie bins is in
12.50.2
breach of the Roads Act and Litter Acts, all properties
in cases of all roadside development. The Planning
that utilise public areas for storage of wheelie bins will
Authority may require such access to be maintained in
be required to arrange for accommodation for wheelie
specific locations to permit the future development of
bins within their properties and out of public view.
these areas.
All new planning applications will be required to
12.53 Car parking Standards
clearly indicate the storage space allocated for wheelie
bins. This space should be out of public view, should
12.53.1
All new development will normally by required by the
be accessible to all users of the development and
Planning Authority to provide adequate off-street car
should be accessible to the collection service. A
parking facilities. Such facilities shall cater for the
minimum of 3% of ventilated floor area is allocated for
immediate and anticipated future demands of the
wheelie bin storage. In the case of existing properties
development and shall be located within the site or in
it is a goal of the Town Council to establish formal
close proximity to such development. In the town
methodology whereby the storage of wheelie bins in
centre where car parking cannot be provided on site a
public areas can be discontinued at the earliest
development contribution towards the provision of
possible date. The Town Council will utilise all powers
public car parking will be required.
available to it within the Roads & Litter Acts in the
implementation of this policy.
12.53.2
Car parking facilities shall generally be provided
behind established building lines in each
12.51 Noise Control
development and shall be screened. All car parking
areas should be properly landscaped by the provision
12.51.1
The Town Council will implement the general
of trees, shrubs and grassed areas in order to ensure
conditions as set down by the Environmental
that damage to the visual amenities of the area is
Protection Agency (EPA) and Local Authorities, that
avoided. Imaginative finishes for car-parking areas will
noise emissions from all premises do not exceed
be considered by the Planning Authority. A detailed
sound pressure levels of 45 decibels for night-time
landscaping scheme shall be submitted with any
noise levels and 55 decibels for day-time noise levels
proposals for car parking. Any proposal for car parking
where the night-time period is defined as the period
shall include a schedule for implementation.
22:00 hrs - 08:00 hrs. Premises exceeding these limits
will be required to install noise insulation or will be
required to reduce or remove the source of the noise
and all planning shall be subject to such conditions.
186
In all developments the parking standards set out in
Appendix 3 shall be applied to ensure the adequate
12.54 Access for the Disabled/Mobility
Impaired
provision of off street parking. A minimum of one car
parking space shall be provided within the curtilage of
12.54.1
In the design of buildings to which the public could
each dwelling house. Car parking areas and parking
be expected to have frequent access, special
bays shall be provided in accordance with the
consideration will be given to the accommodation of
guidelines laid out in Appendix 3.
people with disabilities in accordance with the
requirements of the Building Regulations, and the
12.53.4
In the case of any use not specified in Appendix 3 the
advice set out in Buildings for Everyone (1998) as
Planning Authority will determine the parking
issued by the National Rehabilitation Board and other
requirements, having regard to the traffic levels likely
statutory regulations. Access requirements for the
to be generated as a result of the development.
physically disabled shall be a material consideration of
the Planning Authority in assessing applications.
12.53.5
Predominantly night time uses within the town centre
will not have to provide any parking spaces exclusive
12.54.2
to that development unless a specific need can be
Where sanitary conveniences are provided in public
buildings, provision shall be made for disabled people.
demonstrated. A financial contribution shall be levied
in lieu of spaces. Where a number of uses are
12.54.3
Car parking provision shall be provided for the
contained within one development, the various uses
disabled and mobility impaired in all car-parking
shall be separated and the overall parking
developments. The minimum criteria for such
requirements for the development shall be assessed
provisions are detailed in “You Can Park Here”
relative to each separate use in order to compute the
Guidelines published by the National Rehabilitation
overall requirement for the development (e.g. in a
Board in 1994.
hotel the function room, bars etc shall be assessed as
12.53.6
separate from the bedroom provision).
12.55 Visually Impaired
However where a developer can demonstrate to the
12.55.1
Tactile paving surfaces can be used to convey
satisfaction of the Planning Authority that parking
important information to visually impaired pedestrians
spaces will be utilised throughout the day by a
about their environment, for example, hazard
number of different users, availing of different services
warnings, directional guidance or the presence of an
within a proposed development, the Planning
amenity. Developers shall be required to make
Authority may, in the interest of sustainability, take this
provision for the visually impaired in all developments
multi use into account when assessing car parking
through the introduction of tactile surfaces.
12.53.3
needs.
12.56 Petrol Filling Stations
12.53.7
In addition to the requirements set out in Appendix 3,
developers will be required to provide and maintain
12.56.1
Planning applications for petrol filling stations shall be
loading and circulation facilities sufficient to meet the
considered primarily with reference to the effect on
likely demand of each development.
traffic safety and amenity of the area and with
reference to the publication by the Department of the
Environment, Heritage and Local Government
Guidelines for Planning Authorities on Retail Planning,
published in December 2005.
187
12.56.2
Petrol stations shall not be permitted where the
12.58 Childcare crèches / Playschools
development would give rise to a traffic hazard due to
the location of the development being at or close to a
12.58.1
The Planning Authority recognises that the social,
road junction, or where minimum visibility standards
educational and economic importance of
cannot be provided or the development cannot
encouraging a broad range of childcare facilities
comply with the standards set out in the
within the town.
Development Plan. The Planning Authority will ensure
that there be minimal interference with the amenities
12.58.2
Childcare is taken to mean full day care and sessional
of the area, and in particular those associated with
facilities and services for pre school children and
adjoining residential properties.
school going children outside of school hours. The
provision of amenable and accessible childcare is an
12.56.3
The erection of a canopy over the centre-island shall
important aspect in the proper planning and
not be permitted where it would interfere with the
sustainable development of new and existing
flow of vehicular traffic along the adjoining public
communities.
road or where it would be injurious to the visual
amenities of the area.
12.58.3
It is the policy of the Council to have regard to the
Department of the Environment and Local
12.56.4
Ancillary retail uses may be permitted such as small
Government Guidelines on Childcare Facilities. Where
convenience stores with a floor space of up to 100
a large development is proposed i.e. seventy five
sq.m of sales space. However, planning applications for
houses or more that the Planning Authority will
the provision of such shops shall be applied for
require the provision of a purpose built unit for
specifically. The layout of the station forecourt should
childcare on the site which shall have regard to the
allow dedicated parking for those using the retail
existing level of childcare provision in the area. The
store. The siting and layout of the filling stations shall
Council shall operate this requirement in a flexible
comply with the standards specified in Appendix 3.
manner.
12.57 Nursing Homes
12.58.4
In general childcare facilities will be assessed on the
following:
12.57.1
The need for nursing homes and residential car homes
as well as retirement villages in the town is anticipated
• The suitability of the site/premises for the type and
to grow into the future and these facilities should be
size of the facility proposed, taking into account the
integrated wherever possible into the established and
effects on the existing amenities of the area.
planned residential areas of the town where their
residents can avail of reasonable access to local
• Adequacy of the vehicular and pedestrian access
services. To facilitate integrated retirement villages or
and parking provisions, including an adequate set
more standard housing for the elderly close to or in
down/drop off area.
suitable town centre sites the Planning Authority will
take a relaxed view of car parking requirements.
• Provision of an adequate out door play area within
the curtilage of the facility.
12.57.2
Permission for a change of use from a residential
dwelling to a nursing home shall only be granted in
cases where such a use would not give rise to a traffic
hazard and where the building can be adapted to a
satisfactory level of accommodation.
188
• Ease of accessibility for all.
12.61.2
Where there are known or recorded archaeological
monuments these shall be protected under the terms
12.59.1
All applications for multi storey car parks must be
of the National Monuments Acts 1930-2004 at all
accompanied by a report consisting of recent
times. Any proposals for development near the vicinity
quantitative data which illustrates the need for parking
of a monument shall meet the following requirements:
spaces in the area proposed. The report should
:
• Employ a licensed archaeologist at the applicants
contain an assessment of this data by a competent
consultant on the likely impact of the car park on the
expense to carry out trial excavations in advance of
town. Each application will be considered on its own
development
merits. The height and design of multi storey car parks
• To liaise and consult with the Department of the
shall be sensitive to the character of the immediate
area. It is preferable that the street edges of the multi
Environment, Heritage and Local Government, on
storey car park be wrapped in active commercial uses
all matters affecting the sites and monuments in its
where possible.
charge
12.60 Hot food take-aways
• Adjust building lines and construction methods to
avoid damage to remains so far as practicable.
12.60.1
The Planning Authority will not allow a proliferation of
take-aways in any one area or in other areas
12.61.3
Developers may be required to contribute to and to
designated in the Plan. Regard will be had to the
allow a reasonable time for excavation, monitoring,
impact of hot food take-aways on the amenities in the
recording and/or removal of any features prior to the
area. Take-aways will only be considered where they
commencement of development. Important sites shall
are proposed as part of a restaurant development. The
be left physically intact wherever feasible.
Planning Authority may impose restrictions on
opening hours of hot food take-aways where they are
12.62 Protected Structures
permitted.
12.62.1
12.61 Archaeology
Planning permission is normally required for
12.59 Multi Storey Car Parks
alterations or modifications to protected structures
and proposed protected structures. Owner/applicant
12.61.1
Development will not be permitted on or within at
should seek a Declaration from the Planning Authority
least 20 metres of a known, recorded archaeological
to ascertain which works/use requires planning
monument. Any decision on whether previously
permission (refer to Chapter 10: Built Heritage –
unrecorded archaeological remains, that may be
Protected Structures). The Planning Authority will take
uncovered during the course of assessment of new
account of the conservation guidelines issued by the
developments, are preserved by record (excavation) or
in situ rests entirely with the National Monuments
Government and other statutory provisions as set out
Section of the Department of the Environment,
in Part IV of the Planning and Development Act 2000-
Heritage and Local Government. It should however be
2006, (See Chapter 10 on Built Heritage).
noted that in the majority of cases preservation by
record (excavation) is preferred.
189
12.63 Local shopping provision
12.65.4
Proposals for caravan parks shall show detailed
landscaping proposals, covering both planting on the
12.63.1
The Planning Authority recognises that there is a need
site boundaries, the periphery of the site and within the
to provide for local shopping and social needs of a
site, in order to ensure that such developments can be
neighbourhood. Therefore, changes of use from
fully integrated into their environments.
residential properties to meet these local needs will be
considered by the Planning Authority within the
12.65.5
Caravan sites should be located adjacent to public
perimeters of the residential zoning as previously
roads, which are of adequate width, alignment, and
identified.
capacity and capable of being developed without
giving rise to traffic hazards or adding to or creating a
12.64 Commercial Guest Accommodation
12.64.1
Commercial guest accommodation in the form of
risk of increased congestion on such roads.
12.66 General Development Considerations
guesthouses, bed & breakfasts and hostels are normally
Developments should have regard to the following
allowed in residentially zoned areas. The amenities of
matters from the initial stages of project development:-
existing residential areas should be preserved and
improved.
12.64.2
Development of commercial guest accommodation
shall be provided with amenity open space within the
12.66.1
Development Contributions
12.66.1.1
The Planning Authority, taking into consideration the
capital expenditure necessary for the provision of
site, exclusive of car parking spaces. The Planning
infrastructure, will require financial contributions by way
Authority will require adequate off-street car parking
of conditions attached to planning permissions in
facilities at a rate of one space per guest bedroom and
relation to drainage, water supply, roads, open space
one space for private use. Building lines, access, service
and car parking and all other infrastructural
roads, footpaths, landscaping, etc. shall be provided as
developments which facilitate the proposed
required for housing developments.
development.
12.65 Caravan & Camping Parks
12.66.1.2
12.65.1
with the relevant development contribution scheme.
The Planning Authority will ensure that caravan parks
The Planning Authority may also set a date by which
comply generally with the guidelines published by
contributions must be paid and they may also allow for
Fáilte Irelands Caravan and Camping Park Regulations
payments to be made in instalments.
2009. In general, a density of not more than 16 no.
caravans and/or tent pitches per acre may be permitted.
12.65.2
The provision of sites will generally be permitted where
the topography would allow their siting without injury
to amenity and public health.
12.65.3
All proposed sites must have adequate water, sewerage,
refuse collection and electricity services. In relation to
sanitary facilities, such developments shall comply with
specific Fáilte Ireland guidelines and requirements.
The amount of financial charge shall be in accordance
12.66.2
Bonds
12.66.2.1
To ensure the satisfactory completion of multiple
developments undertaken by private developers, which
will, in the long term, be taken over by the Local
Authority, the Council will impose as a condition of
permission that a security will be lodged with the
Council to achieve that end. The security shall consist of
a cash deposit or security bond which shall be lodged
with the Planning Authority prior to commencement of
development.
190
12.67.1
The Planning Authority will continue, during the
course of the plan period, to prepare and make
available to the public technical and design guidelines
on matters affecting planning and sustainable
development of the town.
12.67 Future Publication of Standards &
Guidelines
191
Appendix 1
Record of Protected Structures
APPENDIX 1 RECORD OF PROTECTED STRUCTURES
194
Ref
Address
Owner/occupier
Rating
66-03
Tower House, Muckross Road
Patrick O’Donoghue, Gleneagle Hotel
Regional
66-09
Reen Cottage
Sr. Pauline McShain
Regional
66-8-05
Mercy Convent Rock
Mercy Sisters
Regional
66-8-16
Ross Hotel
P. Treacy
Regional
66-8-17
International Hotel
Hotel Balor Teoranta/Mr Sean Coyne
Regional
66-8-33
The Speakeasy Bar
Tom O'Donoghue
Regional
66-8-34
Counihans Travel
Vincent Counihan
Regional
66-8-38
No 41 High St
Legal Reps Dr Bill Mangan
Regional
66-8-39
No 42 High St
Regional
66-8-45
Blackthorn House
Theresa O'Donoghue
Regional
66-8-60
No 15 College St
Cecily O'Connor
Regional
66-8-68
No 18 St Mary's Terrace
Karl O’Leary
Regional
66-8-69
Conor & Derek O’Leary – Gemini Properties
Regional
66-8-70
No 1-2 New St
Mary Trant
Regional
66-8-71
No 4 New St
Walsh Brothers
Regional
66-8-81
West End House
Mr. Fassbender
Regional
66-8-90
No 81 New Street
John Paul Coughlan
Regional
66-8-04
St Brigid's School New
Presentation Order
Regional
Cg 0 142
Beechcroft Killarney
John O'Leary
Regional
66-06
Coolclogher House
Maurice Harnett
Regional
66-8-06
John Paul II Pastoral
St Brendan's Trust
Regional
66-8-22
AIB Main Street
A.I.B
Regional
66-8-23
Town Hall Main Street
Killarney Town Council
Regional
66-8-28
AIB Main Street
A.I.B.
Regional
66-8-32
Allegro/Robertinos 9-10 High Street
Sandro Taddei
Regional
66-8-35
Fruit and Veg No 20 High Street
Eugene O'Sullivan
Regional
66-8-41
No 52 High Street
Regional
66-8-42
No 53 High Street
Denis Counihan
Regional
66-8-43
no 56 High Street
Mrs. Eileen O'Shea
Regional
66-8-47
No 74 High Street Lee
John McGillicuddy
Regional
66-8-54
Arch Barry's Lane
Regional
66-8-55
Warehouse Barry's Lane
John Quill
Regional
66-8-56
No 22 Plunkett Street
Timmy McCarthy
Regional
66-8-65
No 3 St Mary’s Terrace
Legal Reps Thomas Flynn
Regional
66-8-66
Thomas Bambury
Regional
66-8-67
Michael O'Connor
Regional
66-8-80
Letter Box New Street
An Post
Regional
66-8-84
No 68 New Street Aras
Henry de Courcy Dodd
Regional
Address
Owner/occupier
Rating
66-8-86
FCA Hall No 73 New
Department of Defence
Regional
66-8-92
Killarney Post Office New
Post Office
Regional
66-8-93
Caragh Restaurant and Bar
Dermot O'Sullivan (For sale)
Regional
66-8-94
Road Crossing Countess
Regional
66-8-96
The Golden Gates
The Department of the Environment,
66-8-97
Dovecote, Killarney House
Regional
Regional
National
P01
St Mary’s Cathedral
St Brendan’s Trust
P02
St Mary’s Church of Ireland
Church of Ireland/ Mr Adrian Hilliard,
Cahernane, Muckross Road
Regional
P03
Franciscan Friary
KYDS
National
P04
Methodist Church
Methodist Church/Dr Ed
Regional
P05
Court House
Kerry County Council
Regional
P06
Gate Lodge at Golden Gates
P07
Deenagh Lodge
Ross Castle
Abbey and Church (ruins)
Knockreer House
Killarney House
National
P11
National
P10
Regional
P09
Regional
P08
APPENDIX 1 RECORD OF PROTECTED STRUCTURESÒÒ
Ref
Regional
Regional
P12
Kerry Parents and Friends/
Kerry Parents and Friends
Regional
P13
Bishops Palace St Mary's Cathedral
St Brendan's Trust
Regional
P14
Columbanus' Home
Southern Health Board
Regional
P15
Railway Station
Iarnrod Éireann
Regional
P16
Malton Hotel
Great Southern Hotels Ltd
National
P17
Port Road Cottages
Various (see file)
Regional
P18
Courtney's Bar Plunkett
David Courtney
Regional
P19
No.s 3,4,5 Main Street
EBS Building Society/ Mr & Ms Sheehan
Regional
P20
No.s 22 & 23 High Street
Carol and Denis Hartnett
Regional
P21
Old Town Hall
T.A.O.B Investments Ltd
Regional
P22
St Mary’s Well/Rear of Town Hall
Regional
P23
St Finan’s Hospital
Health Service Executive
National
195
Appendix 2
Car Parking
APPENDIX 2 CAR PARKING
Car Parking Requirements
Car Parking Standards
for Various Land Uses
• Car parking associated with buildings, which have
late night uses must be sited and screened so as to
minimise the impact of noise and disturbance on
Land Use
Dwelling House
neighbouring developments.
• Car parking bays shall have minimum dimensions
of 4.8m x 2.4m.
• Aisles may vary in width from 7.6m for 90 parking to
3.7m for 45 parking.
• Parking bays and aisles must be clearly delineated.
• Parking areas shall be graded, surfaced with durable
dust free material, drained and properly maintained.
• In addition to the provision of car parking
accommodation, loading bays having dimensions
of 6.1m x 3.0m shall be required by the Planning
Apartment
Schools
Churches, theatres,
public halls
Clinics,
Medical Practices
Offices
Banks, Libraries
Bars, Lounges,
Function/Dining Rooms
(including hotel facilities)
Hotel, Guesthouses,
Commercial Guest
Accommodation
Hostel
Authority to serve commercial, industrial and
Restaurants Cafes
Playschools, Crèches
warehousing developments.
• Loading bays shall be provided as follows;
- Commercial developments
2 spaces per 1,000
Disco, Night Club.
Shops, Retail Stores
sq. m of gross floor
area
- Industrial and warehousing
1.5 spaces per 1,000
sq. m of gross floor
area.
Shopping Centres,
Supermarkets,
Department Stores
Industry
Warehousing
Retail Warehousing
Parking Spaces
2 car parking spaces per unit in
suburban areas
1 space per unit in town centre
0.25 per dwelling for visitor parking
1.25 spaces per unit
1 space per classroom plus 4
additional spaces
1 space per 3 seats
2 spaces per consulting room
3 spaces per 100 sq. m
(public area)
1 space per guest bedroom
1 space per 40 sq. m of dormitory
area
10 spaces per 100 sq. m (public area)
1 space per employee and adequate
set down/loading areas
30 spaces per 100 sq. m (public area)
5 spaces per 100 sq. m in town
centre
10 per 100 sq. m outside
1 space per 100 sq. m
1 space per 35 sq. m of net retail
floor area
5 spaces per 100 sq. m.
Conference Centres
Golf or
Pitch and Putt Courses 4 spaces per hole
Leisure Facilities – gyms,
adventure lands, etc
5 spaces per 100 sq. m.
Bowling Alley
3 spaces per bowling lane
Sports grounds and
1 space per 15 sq. m of floor area
sports clubs
and 6 spaces per pitch
Hospitals, Nursing Homes1.5 spaces per bed
198
Appendix 3
Petrol Filling Stations and Service Stations
APPENDIX 3 PETROL FILLING STATIONS AND SERVICE STATIONS
Petrol Filling Stations and Service
Stations
1.
The frontage of the filling station shall be a
minimum of 30.5 metres long. Where the petrol
pumps and other services are at a distance of
9.1m or more from the street boundary of the
site, the frontage may be reduced by 15m.
2.
Not more than two vehicular openings onto the
street shall be permitted. The width of the access
shall be a minimum of 6.1m and not more than
9.1m.
3.
The radii of the curves at the entrance and exit
shall be a minimum of 10m.
4.
The centre island containing the pumps shall in
no case be less than 6.7m from the roadside
boundary.
5.
The site shall be clearly demarcated from the
public road by a low wall or fence of at least
300mm in height. This wall shall be constructed
along the length of the roadside boundary
except at the vehicular openings.
6.
The forecourt shall be surfaced in durable, dust –
free material and shall be adequately drained
and maintained in good condition.
7.
Provision shall be made for the storage and
removal of waste material. Adequate grease
incepting traps shall be provided.
8.
Only one company identification sign shall be
permitted and shall be a maximum height of 4.6
m in height.
200
Appendix 4
Recorded Monuments in Killarney
APPENDIX 4 RECORDED MONUMENTS IN KILLARNEY
Recorded Monuments in Killarney.
The following archaeological sites are located within the town boundary and illustrate the rich archaeological landscape of
the area.
Moument Number
Sh/Pl/Tr
National Grid
Townland
Classification
KE066-045---
066-/03/5
9540/ 9211
Ballydowney
Enclosure
KE066-046---
066-/03/6
9625/ 9195
Ballydribbeen
Enclosure Site
KE066-052---
066-/04/4
9643/ 9235
Derreen (Ma. By)
Standing Stone
KE066-062---
066-/06/3
9365/ 9101
Gortroe(Ma. By) Killarney Rural Ed
Fulacht Fiadh
KE066-063---
066-/06/6
9370/ 9080
Gortroe(Ma. By) Killarney Rural Ed
Cist
KE066-064---
066-/07/2
9501/ 9170
Ballydowney
Fulacht Fiadh
KE066-06501-
066-/07/5
9501/ 9092
Knockreer
Bullaun Stone
KE066-06502-
066-/07/5
9501/ 9092
Knockreer
Holy Well
KE066-066---
066-/07/3
9583/ 9128
Coollegrean(Ma. By)
Enclosure
KE066-067---
066-/07/3
9617/ 9103
Coollegrean(Ma. By)
Holy Well
KE066-06801-
066-/08/1
9675/ 9112
Coollegrean(Ma. By)
Enclosure
KE066-06802-
066-/08/1
9675/ 9112
Coollegrean(Ma. By)
Graveyard
KE066-069---
066-/08/4
9686/ 9087
Coollegrean(Ma. By)
Font Present
Location
KE066-070---
066-/08/3
9840/ 9122
Park
Enclosure
KE066-071---
066-/08/4
9704/ 9049
Dromhale
Holy Well
Moument Num
Sh/Pl/Tr
National Grid
Townland
Classification
KE066-072---
066-/10/3
9343/ 8939
Innisfallen
Ecclesiastical
Remains
KE066-07201-
066-/10/3
9338/ 8937
Innisfallen
Abbey
KE066-07202-
066-/10/3
9342/ 8939
Innisfallen
Oratory
KE066-07203*
066-/10/3
9338/ 8937
Innisfallen
Font Original
Location
202
KE066-07204-
066-/10/3
9342/ 8936
Innisfallen
Grave Slab (S)
KE066-07205-
066-/10/3
9341/ 8938
Innisfallen
Bullaun Stone
KE066-07206-
066-/10/3
9349/ 8941
Innisfallen
Clochan
KE066-07401-
066-/11/5
9495/ 8874
Ross Island
Castle
KE066-07402-
066-/11/5
9495/ 8874
Ross Island
Causeway
KE066-075---
066-/12/1
9637/ 8979
Scrahane
Enclosure Site
Sh/Pl/Tr
National Grid
Townland
Classification
KE066-076---
066-/12/1
9700/ 8993
Dromhale
Enclosure
KE066-095---
066-/15/1
9444/ 8802
Ross Island
Mine (S)
Coolclogher
Ringfort
KE066-086
KE066-099---
066-/07/6
9596/ 9088
Inch (Ma. By) Killarney Urban Ed
Ogham Stone
KE066-0108---
066-/07/2
9520/ 9099
Knockreer
Enclosure (S)
KE066-109
Killarney
Holy well
KE066-110
Killarney
Ritual Site/Holy Well
Townland
Classification
KE066-115
Avenue
Pit Possible
KE066-125
Cleeny
Bridge
KE066-126
Ardnamweely
Workhouse
KE066-127
Ballydowney
Bridge
KE066-128
Demesne
Bridge
KE066-130
Moyeightragh
Fever Hospital
KE066-131
Coolclogher
Mill - Unclassified
KE066-133
Ross Island
Mine - Copper
KE066-138
Demesne
Country House
KE066-143
Ardnamweely
Ring Ditch
KE066-144
Ballydowney
Fulacht Fia
KE066-144-001
Ballydowney
Fulacht Fia Possible
KE066-144-002
Ballydowney
Fulacht Fia
KE066-144-003
Ballydowney
Fulacht Fia
KE066-144-004
Ballydowney
Fulacht Fia
KE066-144-005
Ballydowney
Pit
KE066-144-006
Ballydowney
Barrow Ditch
KE066-144-007
Ballydowney
Metalworking Site
KE066-144-008
Ballydowney
Furnace
KE066-144-009
Ballydowney
Habitation Site
KE066-168
Cleeny
Enclosure
KE066-169
Cleeny
Enclosure
KE066-185
Ballydowney
Fulacht Fia Possible
KE066-188
Dereen
Enclosure
KE066-189
Dereen
Enclosure
KE066-204
Park
Fulacht Fia
KE066-212
Scrahane
Pit
KE066-213
Knockreer
Enclosure
Moument Num
Sh/Pl/Tr
National Grid
APPENDIX 4 RECORDED MONUMENTS IN KILLARNEY
Moument Number
203
Appendix 5
Housing Strategy for Kerry 2009 - 2015
APPENDIX 5 HOUSING STRATEGYFOR KERRY 2009 - 2015
1.
Introduction
An overall summary is presented in section 7.
This housing strategy follows the guidelines as
The main objective of the housing strategy is to
identified by the Department of Environment,
ensure where possible, subject to available resources
Heritage and Local Government (DEHLG) and by
and other issues, that people get the accommodation
legislation. It follows the methodology as outlined in
appropriate to their needs in terms of size of
DEHLG (2000). This involves estimation of the likely
accommodation, location and tenure type. The
overall demand for housing which is based on
strategy reflects the desire that Kerry should be at the
population change and developments in household
forefront of effective housing strategies to meet its
formation patterns. The supply possibilities in terms of
populations needs relative to other local authority
available land are identified. The requirement for
areas.
affordable housing is identified in the strategy using
the recommended DEHLG methodology. This involves
There are four housing authorities in the county of
estimation of the proportion of the likely
Kerry. The housing requirements of specific
population/household increase which will have
legally/administratively defined areas often
affordability difficulties on the DELG indicator which is
necessitates provision outside the administrative area.
that mortgage payments should not exceed 35% of
An important feature of an effective Kerry housing
disposable income. The affordability is determined by
strategy is that there will continue to be active
income levels and distribution of income, interest rates
cooperation and partnership between the four
and house prices. In addition the strategy identifies
housing authorities
the range of social housing provision which is needed
to meet the needs of the population in the county.
The Planning and Development Act, 2000, states that a
housing strategy should include consideration of:
The housing market is currently in a situation of flux
and at present there is no consensus on the likely
- the existing and likely future need for housing
short term trends in house prices. In addition there is
disagreement on the immediate macroeconomic
performance of the economy in 2008 and to a lesser
- the need to ensure that housing is available for
persons of different levels of income
extent in 2009. There is greater agreement on likely
economic performance beyond 2009. The short-term
- the mixture of house types and sizes to reasonably
uncertainty influences expectations about incomes
match the requirements of different categories of
growth and interest rates. Because of this uncertainty
households as may be determined by the Council
the strategy presents two economic scenarios for 2008
and including the special needs of the aged and
and 2009 and continues with projections based on the
persons with disabilities
current ESRI medium term economic strategy for the
period 2010 to 2015.
- the need to counteract undue segregation of
housing between persons of different social
The strategy also reviews the housing performance in
backgrounds. The four housing authorities are
the current development plan.
committed to ensuring that their housing strategies
Population projections are presented in section 2.
meet these requirements.
Affordability is identified in section 3. The alternative
requirements for social and affordable housing is
examined in section 4. Supply issues are discussed in
section 5. Section 6 deals with the past performance.
206
Population Projections and Overall
Demand for Housing
building is twice that of population determined
demand, there would be 200 houses supplied in the
lowest price category. This results in an affordability
The population projections are consistent with the
problem of 300 households instead of 400. The DEHLG
current DEHLG regional growth expectations and
model results in the 400 figure but the figure which is
regional authority expectations and also reflect the
related to actual supply results in 300.
position of Killarney and Tralee as a growth hub.
Both approaches are presented in the strategy but the
The requirement for additional housing is based on
local authorities are formally required to follow the
the expected population growth which is a function of
DEHLG model.
birth, death and migration patterns. The projected
population is converted into households through an
There are several geographic concepts which are
assumption about the likely average size of
relevant to the housing strategy. There are four local
households. This should identify the expected housing
authorities in the county of Kerry. There is also the
need and therefore the required supply as is done in
functional concept of towns and their environs. There
the DEHLG guidelines. However, historically there has
is the concept of the Tralee/Killarney growth hub and
been a substantial difference between the required
there is the concept of the electoral areas. The
number of houses to meet demand based on the new
approach is to initially present the overall Kerry
household formation methodology and actual
population and household projections and then to
numbers built. The difference is substantially
examine the different individual geographic
determined by second and holiday homes. It may also
components within the county.
2.
be influenced by the fact that the increment of
population is characterised by smaller household size
Table 2.1 presents an overview of the past population
than the average. Whatever the reasons the actual
trends for Kerry (as a whole) and projections up to 2015.
houses built in a particular period substantially exceed
the numbers warranted on the basis of
Table 2.1 Kerry population 1996 to 2015
population/household projections. This factor must be
year
persons
1996
126130
The DEHLG model does not take this feature into
2002
132527
account but it has important implications for the
2006
139835
estimation of the numbers of households with
2008
143666
affordability problems. The following illustrates the
2009
145621
problem. Based on population/household projections
2015
160363
incorporated in the housing supply consideration.
let us assume that 500 households require houses in
the lowest price category. Based on the
The population was 126130 in 1996 and increased to
population/household projections as the determinant
132527 in 2002 and 139835 in 2006. The current
of supply let us assume that only 100 houses are
development plan and housing strategy are based on
supplied in this category. This generates a total of 400
projections from 2006. In 2009 the population is
households with affordability problems. However, the
expected to be 145621 and by 2015 this will have
data show that actual numbers of houses supplied
grown further to 160363. The relative rates of increase
exceed the numbers warranted by the population
are shown for different periods in Table 2.2. The
projections. On the assumption of the same price
periods identified are 1996-02, 2002 to 2009 (including
distribution for the additional houses and that actual
projections for 2006 to 2009) and 2009 to 2015.
207
Table 2.2 Relative rates of population increase
persons in private dwellings 131159 were in
1996 to 2015
permanent dwellings and these were 47743
Annual
average
change
in persons
households with an average size of 2.75 persons. An
5.1
1066
appropriate average household size and then derive
13094
9.9
1871
the required number of households and assess
14742
10.1
2457
affordability. Allowance would also have to be made
Change in
persons total
% increase
1996-02
6397
2002-09
2009-2015
alternative approach to the DEHLG model is to project
the population in private households, apply the
for the likely aim of reducing/eliminating the numbers
Population growth since 2002 has greatly exceeded
in temporary accommodation in the context of the
the 1996-02 performance. In the first period
housing strategy. As shown in Table 2.3 there are
population grew by 1066 persons per year. Between
relatively small differences between the different
2002 and 2009 population is expected to have
approaches to using average household size. The 2015
increased by 1871 persons per year. This rate of
private dwelling population is estimated on the basis
increase will grow further in the period of the housing
of the private to total proportions staying unchanged
strategy. The expected annual growth between 2009
and the absolute level of private population in non
and 2015 is 2457 persons per year. Based on the
permanent accommodation halving. The average
population projections which are consistent with the
household sizes are projected to decline at the same
current regional projections the expected population
proportions.
increase over the period of the housing strategy will
exceed previous experience.
Table 2.3 new household formation using different
To convert the population increase to changes in
methodologies 2006 to 2015
household numbers and hence the demand for new
accommodation assumptions are made about the
2006
2015
Total population
139835
160363
households
48110
59614
the period of the housing strategy from 2.91 in 2006
Av. household size
2.91
2.69
and 2.83 in 2009 to 2.69 in 2015. There are several
household size. The DEHLG uses a basic number total
Total private dwelling
population in
permanent residences 131159
150839
population, total households and derived average size
households
47743
59385
to estimate new household formation. This ignores
Average size of
private household
2.75
2.54
average size of household. The basic assumption is
that the average size of household will decline over
different concepts of household numbers and
issues such as the proportion of the population not in
private households and the distinction between
private households in permanent dwellings and those
in non permanent structures.
In Kerry according to the latest census data there was
a population of 139835 persons and 48110 private
households giving an average household size of 2.91.
However, the population included only 131817
persons in private households which would give an
average household size of 2.74 persons. Of the
208
increase
11504
11642
Over the 2006 to 2015 period the difference in new
households is 138 or 15 per year. Table 2.4 details the
changes in household numbers using the DEHLG
approach. As already noted the projections are
consistent with the existing official regional
projections and those supporting the overall
development plan. The projections are detailed in
Blackwell (2008).
2006
2007
2008
2009
2010
2011
2012
2013
2014
2015
population
139835
141738
143666
145621
147603
149611
151647
154498
157403
160363
Average household size
2.91
2.88
2.85
2.83
2.80
2.77
2.75
2.73
2.71
2.69
Number of households
48110
49180
50338
51529
52753
54011
55144
56593
58082
59614
1070
1158
1191
1224
1258
1133
1449
1489
1532
Increase in number
of households
Between 2009 and 2015 the number of private households will increase from 51529 to 59614, a growth of 8085 or 1348 per
year on average. The phasing of the growth is more concentrated towards the second half of the 2009-2015 period. In 2010
the increase is 1224 compared with 1532 in 2015.
The same population and household projection exercise has to take into account the four different local authorities. It also
has to take into account the extent to which the housing needs of a specific local legal administrative area is different from
the needs of the functional area in which the legal area is located. It also needs to take account of the desire to develop the
Table 2.4 New household formation in Kerry up to 2015
Tralee/Killarney growth hub which would require a larger population growth than would otherwise arise. These are
fundamental policy issues for the Kerry local authorities and their settlement strategies. The local area population
projections include an assumption of slightly higher hub population growth and also makes assumptions of the location of
population growth inside a legal/administrative area and outside it but within the functional area. These assumptions
would of course have to be changed if policy determined a different hub and other settlement pattern.
The detailed population projections are presented below in Table 2.5
Table 2.5 Local area population and household growth 2006 to 2015, functional and legally defined areas
Functional Area Popn
2006
2007
2008
2009
2010
2011
2012
2013
2014
2015
Tralee Centre
22,744
23,125
23,513
23,907
24,308
24,716
25,131
25,801
26,489
27,195
Killarney Centre
14,603
14,801
15,001
15,204
15,409
15,615
15,825
16,174
16,529
16,891
Listowel Centre
4,338
4,432
4,529
4,627
4,728
4,832
4,937
5,046
5,156
5,270
County Remainder
98,150
99,380
100,623
101,882
103,158
104,448
105,754
107,478
109,229
111,007
County Kerry
139,835 141,738 143,666 145,621 147,603 149,611 151,647 154,498 157,403 160,363
Legally Defined Area Popn
2006
2007
2008
2009
2010
2011
2012
2013
2014
2015
Tralee Legal Area
20,288
20,383
20,480
20,579
20,679
20,781
20,885
21,052
21,224
21,401
Killarney Legal Area
13,497
13,646
13,796
13,948
14,101
14,256
14,413
14,675
14,942
15,213
Listowel Legal Area
3,901
3,972
4,044
4,118
4,194
4,271
4,350
4,432
4,515
4,600
County Legal Remainder
102,149
103,737
105,346
106,976
108,629
110,302
111,999
114,339
116,723
119,149
County Kerry
139,835 141,738 143,666 145,621 147,603 149,611 151,647 154,498 157,403 160,363
Average Houehold Size
2006
2007
2008
2009
2010
2011
2012
2013
2014
2015
Linked Hub
2.92
2.89
2.87
2.84
2.81
2.78
2.76
2.74
2.72
2.70
Metro Area
3.03
3.00
2.97
2.94
2.92
2.89
2.87
2.84
2.82
2.80
District Centres (1)
2.68
2.66
2.63
2.61
2.58
2.55
2.54
2.52
2.50
2.48
Rest of County
2.85
2.82
2.79
2.76
2.74
2.71
2.69
2.67
2.65
2.63
County Kerry
2.91
2.88
2.85
2.83
2.80
2.77
2.75
2.73
2.71
2.69
209
Households
2006
2007
2008
2009
2010
2011
2012
2013
2014
2015
Functional Area Popn
2006
2007
2008
2009
2010
2011
2012
2013
2014
2015
Tralee Centre
7,785
7,992
8,206
8,426
8,653
8,887
9,102
9,413
9,735
10,070
Killarney Centre
4,998
5,115
5,235
5,359
5,485
5,615
5,731
5,901
6,075
6,254
Listowel Centre
1,617
1,668
1,721
1,776
1,833
1,892
1,947
2,005
2,064
2,125
County Remainder
33,654
34,405
35,176
35,968
36,782
37,617
38,364
39,274
40,208
41,166
County Kerry
48,053
49,180
50,338
51,529
52,753
54,011
55,144
56,593
58,082
59,614
Legally Defined Area Popn
2006
2007
2008
2009
2010
2011
2012
2013
2014
2015
Tralee Legal Area
6,944
7,044
7,147
7,253
7,361
7,472
7,564
7,681
7,801
7,924
Killarney Legal Area
4,620
4,716
4,815
4,916
5,020
5,126
5,220
5,354
5,492
5,633
Listowel Legal Area
1,454
1,495
1,537
1,580
1,626
1,672
1,716
1,761
1,807
1,855
County Legal Remainder
35,036
35,925
36,840
37,780
38,747
39,740
40,644
41,797
42,983
44,203
County Kerry
48,053
49,180
50,338
51,529
52,753
54,011
55,144
56,593
58,082
59,614
An assumptions for the projections is that Tralee will take 60% of the linked hubs growth and Killarney will take 40%. This
broadly reflects the current population distribution and therefore reflects a no change position on population share. In
Tralee it is assumed that 25% of the population growth of the functional area will occur in the legally defined area. In
Killarney and Listowel it is assumed that 75% of the functional area growth will occur in the legally defined areas. These
assumptions modify recent trends. As already noted changes in planning policy and hub expectations would alter these
assumptions.
The distribution of the population and household growth between the four legally defined areas is shown below for the
plan period. The main feature is the relatively low growth In Tralee but as noted above this is because it is assumed that
most of the functional area growth for Tralee will occur outside the town council area.
Table 2.6 Population and household growth in local areas 2009 to 2015
2009 pop
2015 pop
% increase
2009
households
2015
households
% increase
Tralee TC
20579
21401
4.0
7253
7924
9.3
Killarney TC
13948
15213
9.1
4916
5633
14.6
Listowel TC
4118
4600
11.7
1580
1855
17.4
County CC
106976
119149
11.4
37780
44203
17.0
Total
145621
160363
10.1
51529
59614
15.7
The linked hub of Tralee and Killarney is an important Kerry development issue. The prime rationale for growth centres or
growth hubs is that they contain sufficiently large population concentrations to support a wide range of both social and
economic infrastructure and services which attracts and sustains economic activity. The linked hub had a population of
37347 persons in 2006 or 26.75 of the county population. This is assumed to increase to 39286 in 2009 or 27.0% of the
county population in 2009. By the end of the plan period in 2015 the hub population will be 44766 or 27.9% of the county
population. The hub increase will be 13.9% over the plan period compared to 10.1% for the county as a whole. A change in
this development would require a change in planning and settlement policy.
210
3.
Estimates of Affordability
change in the number of new households with the
increase in the demand for housing. However, the
The identification of affordability is a critical part of the
increase in supply of houses significantly exceeds the
housing strategy. Clearly, as the exercise involves
numbers required by the new household formation
forecasting affordability levels and shares there is a
changes. This is the case nationally and also in Kerry.
substantial degree of uncertainty associated with the
The increase in new households substantially
exercise. While this is always the case with forecasts it
understates the growth in the supply of houses. The
is particularly so for the current housing strategy
main reason for this is the prevalence of second
because of uncertain short-term economic factors. The
homes and holiday homes. Obsolescence also has to
affordability estimates include assumptions on likely
be included. To be consistent with the DEHLG model
house prices. House prices declined in 2007 by over
for assessing affordability the household formation
7%. Forecasts for 2008 range from continuing decline,
indicator is used but in estimating the demand for
albeit at a slower pace, to resumption of price
serviced land and the likely growth in actual house
increases. It is also uncertain whether 2009 will see a
building it is necessary to allow for the gap between
resumption of “normal” house price trends.
household formation and new house supply. Blackwell
considered this issue in his population background
There is substantial uncertainty about interest rates in
paper. He recommended on the basis of past trends
the short-term. Depending on economic
and likely future developments that the ratio of actual
circumstances they could rise or fall over the next two
supply of house to household formation should be 2
years and it is unclear at what level they will settle over
to 1.
the period of the plan. Income levels are a major
The DEHLG affordability methodology equates the
determinant of affordability and these are influenced
The change in the number of new occupied private
by economic growth and levels of unemployment.
households between 2002 and 2006 in Kerry was 4421
Over a short period of time growth forecasts for 2008
but the number of new houses supplied as measured
have decreased from over 3% to around 1.5% and
by ESB connections was 10715, a ratio of 2.42. The
forecast growth rates for 2009 have been reduced. The
current projection assumes a lower ratio of 2 to 1
ESRI has published its medium term economic review
because of the weaker housing market. Of course if
for the period up to 2015 (published in 2005) but the
the ratio stayed at the 2.41 level the number of new
current short term performance is substantially below
houses supplied over the plan period would be higher.
that envisaged in 2005. However, it could be expected
Between 2009 and 2015 the increase in households
that the economy will resume its medium to long
will be 8085, This would generate an increase in the
term expected growth performance from 2010 and
supply of houses of 16170 units or 2695 per year. The
the medium term assessment is used as the basis for
comparison of this required growth with past
2010-2015 performance.
performance is examined in section 5.
Unemployment is a substantial determinant of
affordability and the increased levels of
unemployment that are expected over the next two
years will increase the level of affordability problems. It
will increase the proportion of households in the lower
income categories which form the core of the
affordability problems. Overall, the DEHLG model is
followed and the necessary assumptions are identified.
211
The income distribution of new households in Kerry is
back to its medium and long term potential growth
calculated as follows. The starting point is the national
from 2010.
2004/05 income distribution for household disposable
The ESRI MTER reports two growth scenarios for this
income available from the Household Budget Survey.
period, high growth and low growth. The housing
The national distribution is converted to a Kerry
strategy proceeds on a projection which is between
distribution by a Kerry deflator. The deflator is the ratio
the high and low growth expectations. The low
of per capita disposable income in Kerry compared to
growth projection includes a real average annual
the national average as identified in the CSO Regional
increase in GNDI of 2.9% and the high growth
Accounts. For most of the past five years this has
projection is 4.4% per year for the 2010-2015 period.
stayed at 0.85. However in 2005 the ratio increased to
Allowing for price changes the income calculations
0.86. This refers to per capita income while the DEHLG
assume a 2010-2015 average household income
model refers to household income. Kerry average
growth of 5.5 % per annum in nominal terms. This
household size is 2.7 compared to 2.8 nationally.
results in the income pattern identified in Table 3.1.
Therefore Kerry household income is relatively lower
and Table 3.2. In Table 3.1 the national average
compared to the national situation than per capita
monthly disposable income in each decile of gross
income. Adjusting for these results in the 0.86 ratio
income is displayed in column i. This is increased by
dropping to 0.83. The national income levels and
the growth in income between 2005 and 2009 on the
distribution of household income is multiplied by 0.83
assumption that the distribution of income remains
to derive the Kerry income distribution. The DEHLG
unchanged. The resulting 2009 national distribution is
model assumes that the increase in households will
multiplied by 0.83 to get the Kerry level and
have the same income distribution as the total.
distribution. It is assumed that the Kerry and national
income distributions are the same.
It is necessary to bring forward the 2004/05 data to the
start of the development plan period, 2009 and also to
Table 3.1 Income pattern and distribution in Kerry
project the increases from 2010 to 2015. This was done
2004/05 to 2009
as follows. As required by the DEHLG model the
Decile
(% of
households)
2004/05
av. household
disposable
income
€ monthly,
national
2009 estimated
av. household
disposable
income
€ monthly,
national
2009
av. household
disposable
income
€ monthly,
Kerry,
(nat. deflated by 0.83)
The following increases in household income were
1
693
875
726
assumed. The HBS distribution was assumed to relate
2
1060
1339
1111
to 2005. The 2006 increase was the CSO reported GNDI
3
1556
1965
1631
increase of 9.3%. As of now there are no official
4
2116
2673
2219
measures of GNDI in 2007 so the increase in the value
5
2723
3439
2854
of GNP was used as the basis to generate the 2009
6
3378
4266
3541
income levels. The ESRI forecast levels of GNP in 2008
7
4120
5204
4319
and 2009 were used to bring the figures to 2009. These
8
5059
6390
5304
were adjusted by the ratio of GNDI to GNP for the
9
6157
7776
6454
20000 to 2006 period. This resulted in the following
10
9672
12216
10139
household disposable income was increased by the
expected growth in Gross National Disposable Income.
The ESRI 2005 Medium Term Economic Review
provided some guidelines for the 2010-2015 period.
The 2008 and 2009 forecasts are more problematic.
increases, 2006, 9.3%, 2007 6.5%, 2008 3.4% and 2009
4.9%. In total the increase between 2005 and 2009 was
26.3%. It is assumed that the economy will be broadly
212
the development plan. These are shown in Table 3.2.
Table 3.2 Average monthly household disposable income in Kerry 2009-2015 €
decile
2009
2010
2011
2012
2013
2014
2015
1
726
766
808
852
899
948
1000
2
1111
1172
1236
1304
1376
1452
1532
3
1631
1721
1816
1916
2021
2132
2249
4
2219
2341
2470
2606
2749
2900
3060
5
2854
3011
3177
3352
3536
3730
3935
6
3541
3736
3941
4158
4387
4628
4883
7
4319
4557
4808
5072
5351
5645
5955
8
5304
5596
5904
6229
6572
6933
7314
9
6454
6809
7183
7578
7995
8435
8899
10
10139
10697
11285
11906
12561
13252
13981
The 2009 income levels are increased by the expected growth to get the income levels and distributions for each year of
The above incomes data is the basis on which the affordability and non-affordability issue is examined.
The affordability criterion is a maximum of 35% of household income spent on a mortgage. The maximum mortgage
payments for each income cohort and year between 2009 and 2015 were identified and adjusted for the 97% financing
contribution to identify the house prices that different income groups could afford. This is shown in Table 3.3. The
calculation is based on a 97%, 35 year mortgage on a standard variable interest rate of 5.45%.
The level of mortgage supported by these monthly payments is determined by interest rates. There is substantial
uncertainty associated with short and long term interest rates. Expectations of a decrease in European interest rates seem
to have been reduced by the current high Euro area inflation rates. Our assumption is to assume that interest rates will
remain at their current level. To the extent that they decline the incidence of non affordability will be reduced and, of
course, if interest rates increase the affordability problem will be worsened. The impact of different interest rate levels is
illustrated in the analysis. There are slight differences in the mortgage interest rates charged by different institutions. We
use the IIB standard variable rate which is 5.45 %. The mortgage level will determine the affordable price subject to the
ratio of the mortgage to the purchase price. There is an increasing tendency of lending institutions to roll back the
proportion of the selling price advanced as a mortgage. Currently The IIB lends through an affordable scheme at a 97%
level. We assume this ratio in the analysis. If the ratio drops to 90% the mortgages identified will support larger house
prices but the people with affordable difficulties would then have to source larger deposits from own resources which
would be difficult. The analysis examines the impact of a 90% mortgage on the affordability issue.
213
Table 3.3 Maximum house price afforded by each income decile Kerry 2009-2015
decile
% of
households
2009
2010
2011
2012
2013
2014
2015
1
7.6
48
52
55
58
61
64
67
2
8.8
74
78
84
88
93
98
103
3
9.9
109
115
123
129
136
143
149
4
9.9
149
158
167
175
186
196
206
5
10.3
193
203
214
226
238
252
265
6
10.7
239
253
266
280
296
312
330
7
11.1
292
307
325
342
361
381
402
8
10.7
358
378
399
421
443
468
494
9
10.7
436
460
486
513
540
570
601
10
10.3
685
723
763
804
848
895
944
The above factors determine the maximum price that individual households in Kerry can pay for houses. The next issue is
to determine the likely prices of houses. The DEHLG has provided information on the price distribution of houses in Kerry.
The data set refers to all accommodation (new and second hand houses and apartments). The data refers to 2007. The
prices have to be adjusted for performance since then and likely future performance. The 2008 situation is uncertain but a
prudent expectation would be a decline of at least 4%. In 2009 we assume that prices will increase by 4% and that this
trend will be continued over the period of the plan. Clearly, if prices increase by more than this the affordability problem
will be worse.
The pattern of house prices in Kerry is shown in Table 3.4
Table 3.4 % Distribution of house prices in Kerry 2004 to 2007
€
Up to
150000
150001 to
200000
200001 to
250000
250001 to
300000
300001 to
350000
350001 to
400000
400001 to
500000
Over
5000000
2004%
22.5
32.8
21.0
11.5
5.1
2.9
2.3
1.9
2005%
13.4
25.9
23.9
15.6
9.1
4.9
4.1
3.0
2006%
8.6
20.4
23.5
17.1
12.4
7.1
6.0
4.9
2007%
8.2
16.5
20.1
17.8
14.4
7.8
7.5
7.7
The data refer to all housing units, house, apartments and new and second hand dwellings. As expected there is a
substantial decline in the proportion of houses in the lowest price category over recent years. In 2004 22.5% of all houses
were priced at up to €150000. By 2007 this had declined to 8.2%. The decline in prices in 2007 slowed down the decline in
the proportion of low priced houses but it did not reverse it. The second lowest price category has also declined in recent
years. In 2004 32.8% of all houses were in the €150001 to €200000 category. By 2007 this share had declined to 16.5%. The
affordability issue can immediately be appreciated even before the detailed assessment by the fact that almost 92% of
houses are priced at above €150000 in 2007. In 2009 this priced house category would be about the same price and would
require an income of €2226 per month to service a 97% mortgage. The three lowest income deciles in Kerry in 2009 will
have average disposable monthly incomes of € 748, €1144 and €1678 respectively, well below the level to fund a €150000
house.
214
• the income distribution of the new additional
in the below €15000 category. It is not known, for
households is the same as the total number of
example if the lowest price was €90000 or €80000.
households:
It should be noted that the DEHLG model makes no
• the future distribution of house prices will be the
allowance for the own resources part of the households
same as currently except for the increase in price in
with affordability problems. It is assumed that persons in
each price cohort:
the non affordable category can raise the non-mortgage
part of the house price. This may not be the case. The
• the number of houses supplied will be the same as
model also does not take into account that all
the number of new households each year.
households may not wish to purchase and may prefer to
rent. This could readily arise in the case of non-nationals
The methodology effectively involves comparing the
who do not intend to be permanent residents.
distribution of affordable prices with the distribution of
actual expected prices for the number of new
The expected pattern of house prices over the period of
households.
the plan is outlined in Table 3.5. The starting point is the
distribution of prices in 2007. It is assumed that prices
As already identified the assumptions on income
continued to decline in 2008 by 4% and that prices
growth, price increases, interest rates and proportion of
increases resumed from 2009 to the end of the plan
the price sourced as a mortgage influence the outcome.
period at a rate of 4% per year on average.
The implications of alternative assumptions are
Details are not available on the distribution of the prices
identified after the estimate of the size of the
The proportion and number of households with
affordability problem. In general as incomes growth is
affordability difficulties is now identified according to
expected to be higher than house price growth over the
the DEHLG methodology. This methodology is based on
planning period the affordability issue will improve
the following assumptions:
slightly.
• the income distribution in the future is the same as
the 2004/05 HBS:
Table 3.5
Number of houses in each price category 2009-2015
Price range Up to
and total 149700
2009
149701
To
199600
199601
To
249500
249501
To
299400
299401
To
349300
349301
To
399200
399201
To
499000
Over
499000
%
8.2
16.5
20.1
17.8
14.4
7.8
7.5
7.7
1191
98
197
239
212
172
93
89
92
2010
€
Up to
155688
155689
To
207584
207585
To
259480
259481
To
311376
311377
To
363272
363273
To
415168
415169
To
518960
Over
518960
Up to
161916
161917
To
215887
215888
To
269859
269860
To
323831
323832
To
377803
377804
To
431775
431776
To
539718
Over
539718
1224
2011
€
1258
215
2012
€
Up to
168393
168394
To
224522
224523
To
280653
280654
To
336784
336785
To
392915
392916
To
449046
449047
To
561307
Over
561307
Up to
175129
175130
To
233503
233504
To
291879
291880
To
350255
350256
To
408632
408633
To
467008
467009
To
583759
Over
583759
Up to
182134
182135
To
242843
242844
To
303554
303555
To
364265
364266
To
424977
424978
To
485688
485689
To
607109
Over
607109
Up to
189419
189420
To
252557
252558
To
315696
315697
To
378836
378837
To
441976
441977
To
505116
505117
To
631393
Over
631393
1133
2013
€
1449
2014
€
1489
2015
€
1532
The identification of the number of households with affordability difficulties for each year from 2009 to 2015 is done below
for each year of the period. The exercise proceeds on the DEHLG model where the number of available houses in total is
assumed to be the same as the number of new households. As already identified, the number of new house built will
exceed the number of new households by a significant margin based on past experience.
As per the DEHLG methodology in 2009 and shown in Table 3.3 7.6% of new households will have an affordability
threshold of €48000, 8.8% of new households will have an affordability threshold of €74000, 9.9% will have a limit of
€109000, 9.9% will have a limit of €149000 and 10.3% will have a limit of €193000. In total, assuming an even distribution of
affordability 559 new households could purchase up to the limit of €193000. Using the DEHLG approach 434 households
could purchase up to an upper limit of €149700. As shown in Table 3.5 98 houses or 8.2% of the total expect to be supplied
in 2009 will be available at a price up to €149700. This leads to (434-98) 336 new households with affordability problems.
This is 28.2% of the 1191 new households in 2009.
In summary, in 2009 as shown in the earlier tables 434 households can afford a house price of up to €149700. 98 houses
will be provided at prices up to €149700. On the assumption of an even distribution of house prices and affordability 434
households will be able to buy up to €149700 but only 98 houses will be supplied. This leaves 336 households with
affordability problems or 28.2 % of the total. Adequate provision of houses will arise at higher income levels within
affordability criteria.
In 2010 there will be 1224 new households. On the DEHLG methodology it is assumed that there will be 1224 houses
supplied. Of these 100 will be made available up to a price of €155688. The analysis in this strategy shows that in 2010 443
households can purchase up to an upper limit of €158000. This means that 437 would be affordable up to a limit of
€155688. As there are only 100 available the affordability problem relates to 337 households or 27.5% of the total in 2010.
In 2011 457 households will have an upper affordability threshold of €167000. This converts to 443 households at a limit of
€161916. Only 103 houses will be available up to this level. This leaves 340 households or 27.0% of the total with an
affordability problem in 2011.
216
price from their own resources. This may be difficult if
affordability problem in 2012 is 26.7% or 302 of the
not impossible for low income persons. For example, a
expected 1133 new households. In 2013 the
97% mortgage on a €150000 house requires own
proportion with affordability difficulties is 25.8%. The
resources of €4500 excluding legal costs but a 90%
proportion is 26.8% in 2014 and 25.1% in 2015.
mortgage requires €15000 in own resources but of
course monthly repayments would be less. The DEHLG
The analysis on affordability dealt with Kerry as a
model does not make any provision for the own
whole and did not separately identify the position in
resources element of the house purchase.
each of the four local authorities. There are no subcounty statistics for income levels and income
The sensitivity of the non-affordability share to a 90%
distributions. There are certain data for house prices in
mortgage limit the 2009 and 2015 affordability analysis
different parts of the county. There are some grounds
was redone. No account was taken of the own
for assuming that there would be some differences in
resources problem. Based on a 90% mortgage limit the
affordability between areas. In particular house prices
affordability share in 2009 was 26.9%(down from
are higher in the tourism/amenity areas than in other
28.2% based on a 97% mortgage). The 2015 share
parts of the county. While average income levels may
based on a 90% mortgage is 22.7%( down from
also vary there should not be the sma degree of
25.1%). The non affordability shares are well above
variability at the lower end of the income spectrum
20% even when the 90% mortgage assumption is
because the minimum wage would act as a
used.
On the same methodology the proportion with an
mechanism to reduce convergence. On balance it
seems reasonable to expect that in the areas with the
There is another feature of the DEHLG methodology
above average house prices the affordability problem
which probably results in an understatement of the
would be worse than in the lower priced areas. In the
level of non-affordability. The household budget
absence of specific representative sub-county income
survey has two distributions of income levels by decile.
data it is more appropriate to use the average county
These are the unadjusted responses in the sample
non-affordability proportions as indicative of the
which are listed in Table 3.3 and are not exactly 10% in
situation in the four separate local authorities.
each decile. The adjusted sample figures each have
10% of households in each decile. The possibly more
As noted above the affordability analysis is influenced
appropriate figure is the 10% of households in each
by the assumptions on income growth, interest rates
decile but the DEHLG model uses the unadjusted data
and mortgage relative to price proportion. There
to establish numbers of households in each decile.
seems little basis for expecting substantially different
This means that the current analysis has 36.2% of
income and interest rate projections than already
households in the lowest 4 income cohorts instead of
used. That is not the case with the mortgage to price
40%. Using 40% would increase the non-affordable
proportion. The analysis used the 97% proportion of
share. However, this analysis follows the DEHLG
the IIB affordability scheme. Many financial institutions
methodology.
are reducing the proportion as a hedge against
negative equity. A reduction in the proportion to 90%
will increase the house price that is affordable for a
given income and mortgage payment and in the
DEHLG model will reduce the non-affordability share.
Paradoxically in the actual case it may increase the
difficulty of low income house seekers because they
will have to accumulate a larger part of the house
217
4.
Requirements for Social and Affordable
Housing
at an initial financial cost( albeit below market rates) to
make available for rent. Clearly there are financial
There is a wide variety of social housing requirements
resources implications in such an approach if the
which goes well beyond the affordability to buy issue.
DEHLG does not fund the acquisitions.
Many of those who fall into the “non-affordability”
category in purchasing are unable to afford the below
The affordability analysis showed that a large cohort of
market affordable price. They are unable to get the
new households would not be able to afford large
mortgage because of insufficient incomes, lack of the
enough mortgages to finance any likely house price.
deposit and other purchasing costs, weak credit record
16.4% of new households in 2009 would afford up a
or other causes. In addition because of personal or
€74000 mortgage. It is unlikely that there would be
health circumstances some people may not be in a
many “affordable” houses at that price unless there was
position to manage a long term commitment.
substantial discounting relative to the sourcing cost. If
the council was to discount substantially the selling
The Kerry councils recognise that there is a need for a
price of affordable housing relative to the acquisition
wide range of social and affordable housing in both
price there would be a financial burden on the council.
the rental and purchase sectors. The data relating to
The experience of the housing authorities in Kerry is
the affordability assessment showed that there are
that many of those with affordability problems are
large numbers of households which can support only
unable to support the purchase of affordable housing.
very small mortgages and would be unlikely to afford
This would indicate that there will be increased
houses even at the below cost affordable price. This is
recourse to renting and or substantial price
the case even where the affordable price is well below
discounting of Part V houses. Both of these
the market price and even if it was below the cost
approaches impose a financial burden on the councils.
incurred by the councils in obtaining the houses. To
meet the social and affordable housing needs of the
years to 2015 the four housing authorities will need to
be flexible and to use the full range of programmes
and instruments available.
It also has to be recognised that financial resource
issues will be a significant element in the future
provision of social and affordable housing. Ideally the
requirement for much of affordable/ social housing
would be met by the Part V affordable scheme. This
would operate as follows. People who could not afford
market prices would be able to access the below
market priced houses under Part V. This would not
impose significant resource burdens on the local
authority finances. The cost of acquiring the land and
houses would be covered, with a time lag, by the
receipts from the sales. However, if those in need of
housing are unable to afford the below market
purchase price the council will have to make
accommodation available for renting, Effectively the
218
council would be acquiring the Part V land/dwellings
Table 4.1 Category of housing need Kerry and national 2005
homeless traveller
unfit
Overcwdd Invol
accomm accomm sharing
Leaving
care
Medical aged
compassion
disabled
cost
total
Kl
6
8
0
2
0
0
3
1
7
272
299
L
0
4
0
0
0
0
0
6
0
114
124
T
0
1
4
26
3
0
18
11
0
870
933
Ky
6
13
26
20
12
0
81
35
2
637
832
N
2399
1012
1725
4112
3375
262
3547
1727
480
25045
43684
The largest needs category on each areas housing list is those unable to meet the cost of accommodation. In the four Kerry
areas the shares of this category in total needs is 91%, 92%, 93% and 77% in the county council area. This compares with
57% nationally. While there are problems in interpreting the housing needs data it is still useful to note that while Kerry
accounts for 3.3% of the national population it has 2188 or 5.0% of the national 43684 housing need.
The 2005(the latest national assessment) housing needs assessment identifies housing need in ten categories
Updated housing needs statistics provided by the local authorities show that there are 3111 persons on the housing needs
list as of March 2008( the totals are incomplete for Killarney). This is made up of 1035 in the county council area, 1287 in
Tralee, 154 in Listowel and 635 in Killarney. Of the total 2366 or 76.1% are there because of inability to meet the cost of
accommodation.
7.
Overall Summary
Housing Policy in Kerry faces a number of challenges over the seven years to 2015. Population will continue to grow
resulting in a substantial growth in new households in the county. The share of new households with affordability
problems will remain high ranging from 28.2% of new households in 2009 to 25.1% in 2015. The overall number of new
households projected between 2009 and 2015 is 8085 or 1348 per year compared with 1105 per year between 2002 and
2006. Allowing for a reduction in the ratio of actual house built relative to new households the housing supply will increase
by 2695 per year between 2009 and 2015 compared to 2678 per year between 2002 and 2006. Overall the four councils
will have to facilitate a substantial private and public housing programme up to 2015.
In addition the current housing need assessment identifies a total of 311 applicants for social housing of which 76% are
there on the basis of inability to afford accommodation.
There are a range of national programmes for affordable and social housing. In theory the affordable schemes, both 1999
scheme and Part V scheme should not impose costs on the local authorities. Under Part V councils should acquire
land/units at below market price which is sold onto affordable eligible applicants without loss to the council except for the
delay between payment for units and receipt of selling price. However, the affordability analysis, data from the housing
needs assessment and the experience of the local authorities all indicates that many persons are unable to afford the
discounted below market price or are unable to get mortgages of a sufficient level to afford the discounted price. This has
two important implications for the housing strategy. Firstly consideration may have to be given to making affordable
houses available at prices which have a larger discount relative to market price or maybe drop below the acquisition price.
Clearly this has implications for the finances of the local authorities. Secondly the councils may have to provide a larger
share of the social/affordable population segment through social or rented accommodation. If this is done through either
direct building or use of Part V units it will imposed financial burdens on the council. This will arise through the cost of
219
direct building or Part V acquisitions not being
In the interests of sustainable development it remains
recouped by sales of units as they will be for rent.
valid that the housing needs of people should as far as
is possible be available in their own communities.
It is likely that increased provision of social housing will
However, the housing and settlement strategy should
have to be made to make up for likely difficulties in the
also reflect clear intentions for the linked hub of Tralee
ability of lower income persons to pay the affordable
and Killarney. In addition detailed and integrated
prices.
planning of the provision of functional area housing
for Killarney, Tralee and Listowel relative to the legally
The Part V 20% requirement specifically refers to land
defined areas of the town councils is required.
and based on experience nationally the actual
proportion or contribution can be in terms of units,
It should continue to be an objective that 20%of land
land in the scheme, land elsewhere or financial
zoned for residential or mixed uses shall be made
compensation. Clearly the social integration objective
available for social or affordable housing. This is
is best served by the transfer of units to the council
justified on the basis of the affordability assessment
which can then be used as affordable or social
made in this report. There should be a flexible
housing. As noted above the financial burden on the
approach to the definition of the contribution in the
council is increased if the affordable units are not sold
interests of the overall objectives for social and
on at an appropriate price. It is recommended that
affordable housing. The demand for social and
the intended housing strategy should adopt a flexible
affordable housing will exceed the levels of the
approach to the satisfying of the 20% requirement.
previous housing strategy.
The aim should be to take units subject to the overall
social and affordable housing objectives not being
In terms of facilitating the private housing sector the
better served by availing of other contributions.
councils will continue to promote the provision of
adequate supplies of serviced land and infrastructure.
The future housing strategy should reflect the range of
The councils must continue to utilise the full range of
housing requirements in terms of size of unit. The
social and affordable housing programmes and to
housing needs data indicate a substantial proportion
directly and indirectly meet the housing needs of the
of small households especially single person
population and the specific groups within that
households.
population.
As Part V contributions develop over the period of the
housing strategy strategic decisions will have to be
made in the appropriate linkage of direct local
authority building and the element of Part V which will
be used for social housing.
The current housing strategy has a number of
objectives which remain valid for the 2009-2015
strategy. These objectives differ somewhat between
the four councils.
It remains valid that the four councils should actively
participate in the private and public housing sector
through the provision of infrastructure and serviced
land for social, voluntary, affordable and private
housing.
220
Appendix 6
Native Trees and Shrubs
Suitable for Planting in the Killarney Area
APPENDIX 6 NATIVE TREES AND SHRUBS SUITABLE FOR PLANTING IN THE KILLARNEY AREA
222
Native Trees
Choosing the right species of trees and shrubs is very important in urban areas where there are restrictions on space.
Native species, indigenous to the area, should be used where possible. Below is a list of the trees and shrubs native to
Ireland and recommended for planting in the Killarney area, with advice on their suitability to particular conditions.
Common Name
Botanical Name
Height (max)
Site Suitability (see key below)
Alder
E.1 Alnus glutinosa
22m
ADPS
Alder Buckthorn
Frangula alnus
6m
D **
Arbutus (strawberry tree)
Arbutus unedo
8m
** 1
Ash
Fraxinus excelsior
28m
ADIPS
Aspen
Populus tremula
24m
DPSV 2
Bird Cherry
Prunus padus
14m
P
Broom
Cytisus scoparius
2m
3
Burnet rose
Rosa pimpinellifolia
2m
C/H
Common (European) gorse
Ulex europaeus
2.5m
HV
Crab apple
Malus sylvestris
6m
AHIP
Dog rose
Rosa canina
2m
C/H
Downy Birch
Betula pubescens
18m
ADIP
Elder
Sambuccus nigra
6m
V
Guelder rose
Viburnum opulus
4.5m
DH
Hawthorn
Crataegus monogyna
9m
AHIPS
Hazel
Corylus avellana
6m
AHS
Holly
Ilex aquifolium
15m
AHPS
Honeysuckle
Lonicera periclymenum
climber
C
Ivy
Hedera helix
climber
C 4
Juniper
E.2 Juniperus communis
6m
S
Pendunculate oak
Quercus robur
30m
AI 5
Privet
Ligustrum vulgare
3m
H
Purging buckthorn
Rhamnus cathartica
4.5m
AHPV**
Rowan or mountain ash
Sorbus aucuparia
9m
ADHIP
Scots pine
Pinus sylvestris
24m
AI
Sessile oak
Quercus petraea
30m
AI 5
Silver Birch
Betula pendula
18m
ADIP
Sloe, blackthorn
Prunus spinosa
3m
AHPV
Spindle
Euonymus europaeus
7.5m
H
Western (mountain) gorse
Ulex gallii
1.5m
3
Whitebeam spp.
Sorbus aria/ S. anglica/
S.devoniensis/S.hibernica/
S.latifolia/S.rupicola
12m
IPS**
Wild cherry
Prunus avium
12m
AHI
Willow spp.
Salix atrocinerea/ S.capraea/
S.aurita/S.pentandra
6m
V 2
Wych elm
Ulmus glabra
30m
PS
Yew
Taxus baccata
14m
AIPS**
A
Grows in a wide variety of soils
**
Particularly associated with Killarney
C
Climber
D
Tolerates or prefers damp conditions
1
Sensitive to frost
H
Suitable for hedging
2
Not close to buildings or services
I
Suitable as an individual tree
3
Suitable for dry conditions
P
Tolerates smoke or pollution
4
Suitable as groundcover
S
Tolerates shade
5
Only suitable for large spaces
V
Can be invasive
Adapted from the Heritage Council leaflet
‘Conserving and Enhancing Wildlife in Towns and Villages’
Naturalised Trees
A number of species of trees have been introduced/naturalised in designed landscapes in the Killarney area. Trees such as
Horse chestnut (Aesculus hippocastanum), Beech (fagus sylvatica) and Lime (Tillia spp.) are large majestic trees, which
though not native obviously can add great amenity value to the landscape and have some wildlife value.
APPENDIX 6 NATIVE TREES AND SHRUBS SUITABLE FOR PLANTING IN THE KILLARNEY AREA
Site suitability Key:
223
Appendix 7
Killarney Town Retail Strategy 2009-2015
APPENDIX 7 KILLARNEY TOWN RETAIL STRATEGY 2009-2015
Appendix 7 Table of Contents
1.0
2.0
3.0
4.0
i
Introduction
228
1.1
STUDY CONTEXT
228
1.2
REQUIREMENTS OF THE STUDY
228
1.3
STRUCTURE OF THE REPORT
229
Planning Policy Framework
229
2.1
THe NATIONAL SPATIAL STRATEGY 2002-2020
229
2.2
THE NATIONAL DEVELOPMENT PLAN 2007-2013
230
2.3
THE RETAIL PLANNING GUIDELINES FOR PLANNING AUTHORITIES (2005)
231
2.4
REGIONAL PLANNING GUIDELINES FOR THE SOUTH WEST REGION (2004)
233
2.5
KERRY COUNTY DEVELOPMENT PLAN 2003
234
2.6
THE KERRY HUB DEVELOPMENT STRATEGY 2007
TRALEE & KILLARNEY ENVIRONS LOCAL AREA PLANS 2007
234
2.7
KILLARNEY TOWN DEVELOPMENT PLAN 2003
235
2.8
THE KILLARNEY URBAN MASTERPLAN
236
National Economy, Population Trends, Estimates and Forecasts
237
3.1
NATIONAL ECONOMIC PROFILE
237
3.2
THE SOUTH WEST REGION
238
3.3
DEMOGRAPHICS ANALYSIS
238
3.4
NATIONAL & REGIONAL LEVEL: POPULATION TRENDS & FORECASTS
238
3.5
COUNTY & LOCAL LEVEL: POPULATION TRENDS & FORECASTS
239
3.6
RETAIL CATCHMENT AREA: POPULATION PROJECTIONS
239
3.7
THE RETAIL CATCHMENT AREA
241
Quantitive Assessment of Retail Capacity
243
4.1
BASELINE INFORMATION
243
4.2
SUMMARY OF POPULATION PROJECTIONS
243
4.3
EXISTING & PERMITTED FLOORSPACE PROVISION
243
4.4
PER CAPITA EXPENDITURE ESTIMATES
244
4.5
TOTAL AVAILABLE EXPENDITURE
245
5.0
Quantitive Assessment of Retail Capacity (continued)
243
4.6
EXPENDITURE FLOWS
245
4.7
TOURISM EXPENDITURE
246
4.8
TURNOVER RATIOS
247
4.9
ASSESSMENT OF ADDITIONAL RETAIL FLOORSPACE REQUIREMENTS
248
Qualitative Assessment of Killarney Town
250
5.1
KILLARNEY HEALTH CHECK ASSESSMENT
250
5.2
DIVERSITY OF USES
250
5.3
SHOPPING RENTS
251
5.4
ACCESSIBILITY
252
5.5
ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY
253
5.6
NEIGHBOURHOOD CENTRES
255
5.7
KILLARNEY & TRALEE – THE LINKED HUB
256
6.0
THE RETAIL STRATEGY FOR KILLARNEY TOWN
257
6.1
THE NEED FOR ADDITIONAL RETAIL DEVELOPMENT
258
6.2
THE PREFERRED LOCATION OF NEW RETAIL DEVELOPMENT
258
6.3
SUPPORTING ACTIONS & INITIATIVES
262
Appendix 1: Retail Catchment Population
263
Appendix 2: Establishment of National Per Capita Expenditure
265
Appendix 3: Survey of Retail Core Area
267
Appendix 4: Criteria for the Assessment of Retail Development Proposals
271
Appendix 5: Types of Retail Goods
272
4.0
ii
1.0
Introduction
1.2
REQUIREMENTS OF THE STUDY
1.0.1
AP McCarthy Planning Consultants Limited was
1.2.1
The Retail Strategy is required to meet the requirements of
appointed in April 2008 by Killarney Town Council to
the Retail Planning Guidelines for Planning Authorities
prepare the Killarney Town Retail Strategy for the
(DoEHLG 2005) as set out in paragraph 36 of the Guidelines
period 2009-2015. The preparation of this Strategy
(as revised) which identifies that the following matters
forms part of the process of reviewing the existing
should be included in all future development plans:
Killarney Town Development Plan 2003 and preparing
a new Development Plan for the period 2009-2015.
(i)
Confirmation of the retail hierarchy, the role of centres
STUDY CONTEXT
(ii) Definition in the Development Plan of the boundaries
A Retail Market Research Study (RMRS) for Killarney
(iii) A broad assessment of the requirement for additional
and the size of the main town centres;
1.1
of the core shopping areas of town centres;
1.1.1
retail floorspace;
town was prepared by Power & Associates in 2001. The
(iv) Strategic guidance on the location and scale of retail
RMRS set out a number of recommendations that
development;
should be included in a Retail Strategy for Killarney
town as follows:
(v) Preparation of policies and action initiatives to
• The Identified Need;
(vi) Identification of criteria for the assessment of retail
encourage the improvement of town centres;
developments.
• The Retail Hierarchy;
• Location & Scale of Retail Development;
• Definition of the Core Retail Areas;
1.2.2
Paragraph 38 of the Retail Planning Guidelines set out
• Criteria for the Assessment of Retail Development;
the areas that are required to prepare detailed
• National & Local Policies and Initiatives.
strategies to guide future retail development. The
county of Kerry is not included in the identified areas.
1.1.2
Having regard to the findings of the 2001 RMRS, the
In the remainder of the state, counties not identified in
Killarney Town Development Plan 2003-2009 set out
Paragraph 38 are required to prepare a more general
general policies to guide retail development in the
statement of strategic intentions and future policy.
town during the plan period.
1.2.3
1.1.3
In compliance with paragraph 47 of the Guidelines and
At present, there is no Retail Strategy available to
in order to address parts (iii) and (iv) as set out above, it
guide retail development in the main commercial
is not a requirement of this Retail Strategy to estimate
centres throughout County Kerry. Therefore, the
in any detail the future requirement for additional
findings of the 2001 Retail Study and the policies
development. The Retail Planning Guidelines advise the
relating to retail development as set out in the 2003
following methodology for areas not required to
Killarney Town Development Plan have provided the
prepare detailed strategies:
baseline data and information to inform the
preparation of this Retail Strategy.
“A broad assessment of requirements for additional
development reflecting the local evidence of market
interest and the need to provide good opportunities for
retail provision to serve the main population centres in
the county should be sufficient in order to formulate
appropriate policies and criteria for dealing with new
development proposals”
228
STRUCTURE OF THE REPORT
2.1
THE NATIONAL SPATIAL STRATEGY 2002-2020
1.3.1
The structure of the remainder of this report is as
2.1.1
The National Spatial Strategy (NSS) for Ireland is a
follows:
twenty year planning framework designed to achieve
a better balance of social, economic and physical
development and population growth between
• Section 2: Provides an overview of the planning
policy framework that underpins the
regions. The Strategy seeks to establish a structure for
Retail Strategy and Killarney’s position in
future infrastructure investment through closer
the retail hierarchy;
matching of where people live and where they work in
order to sustain a better quality of life, a strong
• Section 3: Outlines the economic context, the
population trends, scenarios and
competitive economic position and an environment
forecasts that underpin the capacity
of the highest quality. Balanced regional development
assessment and provides a description
is the core theme of the NSS which founds its policies
of the retail catchment for Killarney;
on:
• Section 4: Assesses existing and granted retail
• A better balance of social, economic and physical
provision and provides an updated
development;
indicative capacity assessment for future
1.3
• Population growth between regions;
retail development in Killarney Town;
• A better quality of life for people;
• Section 5: Provides an updated qualitative health
• A strong competitive economic position; and
check assessment of Killarney Town; and
• An environment of the highest quality.
• Section 6: Outlines the aims and strategic
objectives for future retail development.
This section also sets out some
2.1.2
This is to be achieved through concentration of
supporting action initiatives for Killarney
population in urban areas, in gateways and hub towns,
Town.
with a critical mass that enables a range of services
and facilities to be supported in order to sustain a
2.0
Planning Policy Framework
2.0.1
There is a large number of policy frameworks that
gateways and will energise smaller towns and rural
inform the preparation of this Retail Strategy that span
areas within their sphere of influence. The NSS will be
national, regional and local policy levels. This section
supported by the Regional Planning Guidelines and
identifies the existing policies and objectives that are
should filter down through County and Town
relevant to the Killarney Retail Strategy.
Development Plans and Local Area Plans.
higher level of economic activity and improved quality
of life. The hub towns will support the national
National Level
2.0.2
2.1.3
The National Spatial Strategy has identified Killarney as
There are a number of national level plans, strategies
a ‘Linked Hub’ with Tralee, working together to
and guidelines that are of particular relevance and
promote regional development in the South West
these include:
region. The NSS advises that this will involve
capitalising on the combined capacities of both towns,
• The National Spatial Strategy 2002-2020;
such as those in third level education, developing links
• The National Development Plan 2007-2013; and
between industry and centres of learning, surface and
• The Retail Planning Guidelines for Planning
air transport links and key natural resources.
Authorities (2005).
229
2.1.4
Enhancing the contribution of the South West region
2.2
THE NATIONAL DEVELOPMENT PLAN 2007-2013
2.2.1
The National Development Plan 2007-2013 (NDP) sets
to balanced regional development will also be
critically dependent on the development of Kerry as a
whole. This will be driven by combining the
out the economic and social investment priorities
complementary strengths of Tralee and Killarney as a
needed to realise the vision for a better quality of life
hub and building on their track record and established
for all. The better quality for all will be achieved by
residential, employment, retailing, education, transport
supporting the continued development of a dynamic
and service functions.
international economy and society, with a high
commitment to international competitiveness, social
justice and environmental sustainability.
The National Spatial Strategy:
The South West Region
2.2.2
Killarney is identified as a ‘linked hub’ with Tralee in the
NSS. Of Hubs, the NDP states that they provide
important regional bases for foreign direct investment
projects, indigenous industrial and service activity and
provision of essential local facilities and amenities in
areas such as public services, education and
healthcare:
“Hubs are therefore a key economic bridge between the
Gateways and wider rural areas. Investment in the
hubs in areas such as improving water services,
2.1.5
It is estimated in the NSS that the population of the
broadband networks, urban renewal, housing,
South West region in 1996 was approximately 540,000
education and healthcare will be important to support
of which 325,000 lived in Cork and its hinterland. Based
the continued economic and social vitality of more
on the NSS projections of a national population of
rural areas and restructuring and diversification of the
approximately 5 million by 2020 it is envisaged that
rural economy.”
the population of the region will increase to 740,000 of
which 450,000 could live in Cork and its hinterland.
2.1.6
The NSS estimates that the populations of Tralee and
Killarney were around 20,000 and 12,000 respectively
in 1996 rising to an estimated 25,800 and 16,000
respectively in 2002. Looking to the period to 2020
and beyond the hubs will need to grow substantially.
In terms of future growth in the population of
gateways and hubs and ongoing development
requirements, it will be vital that the provision of key
services is linked to current development trends.¹
¹ Chapter 3 deals specifically with population trends and forecasts employed for the
purposes of the Retail Strategy. The population statistics referred to in this Chapter are
quoted from statutory planning documents
230
2.3.1
THE RETAIL PLANNING GUIDELINES FOR PLANNING
2.3.4
The five key policy objectives of the RPGs can be
AUTHORITIES (2005)
summarised as follows:
Retail planning policy at both national and sub-
• To ensure that all development plans incorporate
national levels is shaped by the Retail Planning
clear policies and proposals for retail development;
Guidelines (RPGs) for Planning Authorities published
• To facilitate a competitive and healthy environment
by the Department of the Environment, Heritage and
for the retail industry of the future;
Local Government in December 2000 and amended in
• To promote forms of development which are easily
2005. The RPGs were prepared in response to the
accessible, particularly by public transport – in a
increasing pressure for retail development in recent
location which encourages multi-purpose
years and sought to provide a framework to enable
shopping, business and leisure trips on the same
future development to be accommodated in a way
journey;
that is “efficient, equitable and sustainable”.
• To support the continuing role of town and district
The aim of the RPGs is to provide a comprehensive
• A presumption against large scale retail centres
framework to assist planning authorities to prepare
located adjacent or close to existing, new or
policies for incorporation in development plans, to
planned national roads/motorways.
centres; and
2.3.2
2.3
assist the assessment of development proposals and
to help retailers and developers in formulating
development proposals.
2.3.5
Paragraph 29 of the RPGs advises that shopping
provision is a key component of town centres and
2.3.3
The RPGs identify a hierarchy of retail provision in the
makes a major contribution to their vitality and
state. The third tier in the National Retail Hierarchy
viability. It is important, therefore, that they retain
includes Tralee in Kerry alongside centres including
retailing as a core function. Considerable investment
Athlone, Carlow, Castlebar, Clonmel, Drogheda,
has already taken place in town centres and planning
Dundalk, Ennis, Kilkenny, Letterkenny, Monaghan and
authorities should seek to sustain and enhance their
Mullingar among others. Killarney is identified as a
role, including new retail developments and other key
potential third tier shopping location in the National
uses.
Retail Hierarchy, albeit to a more limited extent. The
Guidelines advise that the vibrancy of these 3rd tier
2.3.6
The RPGs require the application of the Sequential
centres, some of which are attaining functions
Approach to the location of retail development. The
previously found only in higher order centres, is
Sequential Approach in summary defines that:
demonstrated by the fact that at least 75,000 sqm of
comparison² floorspace (as well as 45,0000sqm of
i)
The preferred location for new retail development,
convenience² floorspace) was added to these centres
where practicable and viable, is with the town
between 1987 and 1996. The majority of the towns
centre (or district centre);
identified as 3rd tier centres in the national hierarchy
have supermarket chain representation and have
significant comparison goods shopping.
ii)
Where it is not possible to provide the form and
scale of development that is required on a site
within the town centre, consideration can then be
given to a site on the edge of the town centre so
as to encourage the possibility of one journey
serving several purposes. An edge of centre site
for the purpose of this Strategy and in compliance
² Definition of Convenience and Comparison Retailing is provided at Appendix 5 of this
Retail Strategy.
231
with the RPGs, is taken to be one which is within
developments or other outstanding planning
an easy and convenient walking distance from the
permissions, sufficient to undermine the quality of
primary shopping core of the town centre. An
the centre or its role in the economic and social life
edge of centre site is taken to be one that is
of the community;
unlikely to be more than 300-400 metres from the
• Diminish the range of activities and services that a
edge of the shopping area and less in smaller
town centre can support;
settlements;
• Cause an increase in the number of vacant
properties in the primary retail area that is likely to
iii) Only after having assessed the size, availability,
persist in the long term;
accessibility and feasibility of developing sites and
• Ensure a high standard of access by public
premises firstly within the town centre and
transport, foot and private car, so that the proposal
secondly on the edge of a town centre, should
is easily accessible by all sections of society; and
alternative out of centre sites be considered and
• Link effectively with an existing town centre so that
only where it can be demonstrated that there are
there may be commercial synergy.
no town centre or edge of town centre sites
which are suitable, viable and available.
2.3.10
In addition to the above criteria, there are specific
policy guidelines for particular types of retail
2.3.7
In formulating specific policies and proposals, the
development:
RPGs recognise that, in general, retail warehouses do
not fit easily in town centres given their size
requirements and the need for good car parking
facilities and ease of servicing. As such, in some
instances it may be possible to locate retail
warehouses on the edge of town centres.
• Regional Shopping Centres: Outside of Dublin
there is no justification in any circumstances for
regional shopping centres;
• District Centres: There is no clear size threshold for
a District Centre although, depending on the
density of population in the catchment area, they
2.3.8
The provisions of paragraphs 55-65 of the RPGs set out
are likely to comprise about 10,000sqm in or
the general principles for assessing new retail
adjacent to the main towns and up to 20,000sqm
proposals. These should be used by Planning
Authorities and developers to inform site selection,
within some parts of Dublin;
• Large Foodstores: Outside the Greater Dublin Area
form and scale, access and servicing, linkages and
the floorspace cap on foodstore development is set
support for a competitive retail market.
at 3,000sqm. This floorspace cap should apply to
new development or extension schemes which
2.3.9
In submitting evidence in relation to retail impact and
would result in an aggregate increase in sales
in compliance with the RPGs, it will be necessary for
floorspace. This limit should apply to the total net
applicants to demonstrate whether or not the
retail sales space of supermarkets;
proposed development will:
• Discount Foodstores: Stores up to 1500sqm have
the potential role in extending the choice and
• Support the long term strategy for town centres as
established in the development plan and not
materially diminish the prospect of attracting
of 8,000sqm-15,000sqm are unlikely to have
private sector investment into one or more town
significant adverse impact on main town centres,
centres;
provided that the range of goods sold is
• Cause an adverse impact on one or more town
centres, either singly or cumulatively with recent
232
range of retailing;
• Retail Parks: Retail Park Development in the range
conditioned only to the sale of bulky household
goods;
2.4.2
warehouse units, a minimum size condition of
The goals for the Region as set out in the Guidelines
include (inter alia):
700sqm can be applied by local authorities to units
in out of centre locations. Generally, for individual
• To promote the sustainable development of Mallow
retail warehouses, a maximum threshold of
and Tralee/Killarney as vibrant hub towns – creating
6,000sqm applies;
a critical mass in terms of population, employment
• Petrol Filling Stations: The maximum net retail
and services that will enable them to attract
floorspace of a shop associated with a petrol filling
investment and people, thereby supporting the role
station is 100sqm.
of the Gateway (Cork) and delivering balanced
regional development within the south west;
2.3.11
The RPGs (as amended in 2005) had the effect of lifting
• To establish an upgraded quality transport system
current maximum retail warehousing restrictions for
linking the Gateway and Hubs to facilitate their
individual single large scale retail warehouse
growth and sustainable development;
developments in Dublin and the gateway towns and
• To integrate land use and infrastructure provision so
cities identified by the National Spatial Strategy. This
as to ensure an efficient and effective development
applies to those areas subject to Integrated Area Plans
process to assist community and economic
under the provisions of the Urban Renewal Act 1998.
development in a sustainable manner.
• Retail Warehouses: Generally, for individual
This, therefore, does not apply to Killarney or County
Kerry.
2.4.3
At the time of publication of the Guidelines in 2004, it
was estimated that the South West Region had a
2.4
Regional Level
population of c. 580,000 and it was projected that this
REGIONAL PLANNING GUIDELINES FOR THE SOUTH
would increase to 670,000-700,000 by 2020. The
WEST REGION (2004)
Guidelines provide for an increase in the population of
the Hub towns (Killarney/Tralee) to 45,000 from their
2.4.1
Under the provisions of the Planning and
2004 level of 35,000. Tralee and Killarney’s environs
Development Act 2000, the Minister for the
(comprising Castleisland, Killorglin, Milltown,
Environment and Local Government directed each of
Farranfore etc.) will also grow to support the
the State’s eight regional authorities to prepare and
sustainable development of the Hub.
adopt Regional Planning Guidelines for their
respective administrative areas. The Guidelines are set
2.4.4
The Guidelines advise that if the Region is to grow as
in the context of the National Spatial Strategy (NSS).
planned, key facilities need to be put in place in a
The Regional Planning Guidelines for the South West
timely manner to facilitate and support a larger level of
Region were adopted in May 2004 and are intended to
population. In terms of retail provision, the Guidelines
provide a broad canvas to steer the sustainable growth
advise that both Mallow and Killarney complement
and prosperity of the Region and its people up to
the roles of Cork and Tralee and that both towns will
2020.
need to secure additional shopping facilities and
develop critical mass in a range of services to reflect
their position as Hub towns.
233
2.4.5
In relation to retail provision in Killarney town itself,
2.5.3
the Guidelines advise the following:
Killarney is identified as the second highest order retail
centre after Tralee in the County Retail Hierarchy and it
is acknowledged in the Development Plan that it
• Additional suitable sites for retailing need to be
performs an important tourist retail function. The
identified within and adjacent to the town
County Development Plan does not provide any more
shopping core, and specifically zoned accordingly
detailed policies or proposals for Killarney town as it is
to protect them from competing other uses. Some
not the statutory development plan for the Town
of this has been completed, but the policy needs to
Council area.
be retained and expanded;
2.6
• The retail mix needs to be improved. In particular,
THE KERRY HUB DEVELOPMENT STRATEGY 2007
TRALEE & KILLARNEY ENVIRONS LOCAL AREA PLANS
there is a shortage of higher order comparison
2007
stores. Competition from tourist shops will always
be a problem due to the high level of footfall from
2.6.1
In recognition of the linked hub status of Killarney and
this market, but if the town is to grow significantly,
Tralee, Kerry County Council produced a Development
then a broader range of shops must be attracted;
Strategy for the two towns and their environs. The
principle objective of the Kerry Hub Strategy is to
• The Town Council may need to use some statutory
provide a coordinated framework for the future
powers to deliver new retail sites if the market does
development of the Tralee-Killarney Hub area. It
not provide them. The Masterplan [Killarney Urban
recognises the complementary roles of each town and
Masterplan] has identified some sites, which could
provides an analysis of strengths and weaknesses of
expand retail provision and these need to be
each, identifying opportunities and threats. In
pursued.
particular, it emphasises the strengths and
opportunities of the Kerry Hub as an “urban network”,
2.5
County Level
where the range of facilities and services provided in
KERRY COUNTY DEVELOPMENT PLAN 2003
the hub area far exceeds those that could exist for
each town in isolation. In this regard, the Strategy
2.5.1
The current County Development Plan was adopted in
stresses the need for improved linkages between the
November 2003 and was intended as a guidance
two towns, including transportation, IT
document for the spatial management of the county
communications and civic/community co-operation.
in accordance with the proper planning and
sustainable development of the area.
2.6.2
The Kerry Hub Development Strategy document also
sets out to plan for and address the development
2.5.2
Section 5.7 of the Development Plan deals with
pressures that exist in the areas around each town. In
retailing and advises that due to economic growth in
this respect, the document incorporates Local Area
the recent past, Irish retailing has grown at
Plans (LAPs) for the Environs of Killarney and Tralee
unprecedented levels and the continued growth in
that complement the Development Plans for each
the retail sector is dependent on the rate of economic
town adopted by the relevant Town Council.
growth. The specific requirement for additional
development will therefore depend on the long term
performance of the economy, trends in consumer
spending and the way in which retailers react to
changing market conditions.
234
The Killarney Environs LAP notes that the town should
2.7.3
Killarney has a large and rapidly growing residential
continue to develop its retail and commercial services
community and it is acknowledged in the Plan that
role to serve its growing resident and visitor
much of the growth will be in areas outside of the
population. As the LAP does not extend into the Town
town centre, which may require local centre or
Council area, there are no specific policies or
neighbourhood centre type developments.
objectives affecting this area. However, the LAP does
acknowledge the need for well-located
2.7.4
The 2003 Plan refers to the Retail Market Research
neighbourhood centres, mainly for convenience
Study (RMRS) carried out in 2001 which identified
retailing and local services. In order to ensure that such
significant gaps in the retail comparison sector and
centres are of an appropriate scale that does not
advised that there was scope to improve the town’s
prejudice the primacy of the town centre, the LAP
comparison retail function without undermining the
includes a floor space cap of 300sqm per unit and
role of other centres of population within the county.
1,500sqm for the entire neighbourhood centre. The
The RMRS also indicated that there was adequate
LAP makes provision for three neighbourhood centres
convenience retailing in the town.
in the environs of Killarney.
2.7.5
2.6.4
During the preparation of the RMRS, a questionnaire
Whilst Tralee is outside the retail catchment area of
was circulated to the local auctioneers/agents in
Killarney, its status as a linked hub town is
Killarney to assist in the preparation of the Retail policy
acknowledged. In relation to retailing, the Tralee
in the Plan. The findings of this 2003 survey are
Environs LAP 2007 includes an objective to extend the
2.6.3
existing retail park at Manor West “in order to secure its
[Tralee’s] position as the premier retail destination in
the County and Region”. It is noted that any extension
is to be primarily for bulky goods. The LAP also
• Majority of queries are from local traders, followed
by national retailers;
• Most of the floorspace demand is for comparison
provides for additional retail warehouses at Rathass
and bulky goods retailing (approx. 100-150sqm for
and Moor East, subject to access and masterplan
comparison units and 300-500sqm for bulky
issues.
comparison units);
• Units of 100-150sqm difficult to secure in the town
Local Level
2.7
KILLARNEY TOWN DEVELOPMENT PLAN 2003
centre;
• There is a strong demand for retail warehousing,
generally for units of approx. 300-1500sqm in size;
2.7.1
The current Town Development Plan was adopted by
Killarney Town Council in October 2003 and is
currently under review. This Plan will be superseded by
the emerging Killarney Town Plan 2009-2015. The main
• Additional requirement for car parking spaces in the
town centre;
• Over supply of service outlets including pubs,
restaurants and cafes.
points and issues raised in relation to retailing and the
Retail Policies can be summarised as follows.
2.7.2
There is recognition in the Plan that the emphasis on
the tourist business and the problems with the
infrastructure of the town has impeded its
development and growth as a retail centre and retail
destination.
235
2.7.6
Policy RT1 seeks to ensure that proposals for retail
2.7.11
development contribute to a retail hierarchy that is
Policy RT6 will not permit any convenience/local store
in a suburban area that is in excess of 300sqm.
efficient, equitable and sustainable and therefore
meets the following strategic objectives:
2.7.12
Policy RT7 seeks to ensure that ground floor
accommodation in the retail core of the town centre is
• The facilitation of a competitive and healthy
primarily and principally used for retail purposes as
environment for the retail sector;
distinct from office use, use for financial services or use
• The vitality and viability of the town centre shall be
as a betting office/shop.
retained and enhanced. Out of town centre
developments will only be considered where there
2.8
THE KILLARNEY URBAN MASTERPLAN
are no development sites, or potential sites within
the town centre or on its edge or satisfactory
2.8.1
The Killarney Urban Masterplan Final Report was
transport accessibility cannot realistically be
produced in 2005 and is used as a guidance
provided within a reasonable period of time;
document for future developments in the Killarney
urban area, complementing the objectives and
• Convenience to all sectors of the community, in
particular matching services to those who are less
development standards of the Killarney Town
mobile and locations accessible by both public and
Development Plan 2003. It includes Area Action Plans
private transport.
(AAPs) for a number of locations and sets out a vision
for Killarney based on the following:
2.7.7
Policy RT2 deals with residential developments
outside of the town centre and requires developers to
• A concentrated economic and activity centre;
make proposals in relation to the provision of local and
• A town integrated with its landscape;
neighbourhood retail services. Convenience stores in
• A holiday destination of unrivalled grandeur;
these cases will be limited to a maximum net retail
• A growing residential base;
floor area of 300sqm and neighbourhood centres to a
• An attraction to visitors from around the world;
maximum of 1,000sqm net retail area.
• A transportation hub;
• An element of a vital natural environment; and
2.7.8
• A maturing market for retailing.
Policy RT3 deals with town centre retail development
and advises that the Council shall facilitate the
upgrading and enhancement of the town centre to
Town Centre Action Area Plan (AAP)
accommodate additional retail development that is of
a scale, type and location that would support town
centre renewal.
2.8.2
The Town Centre Action Area Plan (AAP) occupies the
central quarter of the town. A series of key sites in the
town centre have been identified for development:
2.7.9
Policy RT4 seeks to facilitate the development of retail
The Glebe; New Street; High Street; Fairhill; and the
floorspace to accommodate bulky goods. It is the
Railway Station site. These sites are reviewed in Section
policy of Killarney town council that the minimum size
5 of the Retail Strategy.
of unit to be permitted in a retail park shall be 175sqm
for retail park use.
2.7.10
Policy RT5 requires the preparation of a retail impact
assessment for developments in excess of 1,000sqm of
net retail accommodation.
236
2.8.3
3.0
National Economy, Population Trends,
Estimates and Forecasts
3.0.1
This section reviews the baseline economic context in
The Inner Core AAP covers an area designated as the
triangle between the Northern Inner Relief Road, Park
Road and the Railway Embankment. The main
terms of national economy trends and population
objective of this AAP is to focus development towards
growth and has informed the population forecasts for
the centre to balance the existing pattern of ribbon
the Retail Strategy.
developments at the edges.
2.8.4
3.1
NATIONAL ECONOMIC PROFILE
3.1.1
In recent years, Ireland has experienced a period of
The Northern Gateway AAP occupies the northern
limits of the urban district. The area is predominantly
under agricultural usage with some commercial
significant economic growth. The key drivers of this
development. Finally, the Flesk AAP occupies the
growth can be attributed to a combination of factors
southern limits of the urban district council. The
including significant levels of foreign direct
Masterplan places primacy on the place of the Flesk as
investment, growth in employment and in particular
an environmental amenity area.
the increased availability of a skilled workforce, low
inflation and falling interest rates and a prosperous
2.8.5
In terms of retailing, the Killarney Urban Masterplan
Other Action Area Plans
global economic environment.
proposes the following:
3.1.2
• Provide for significant expansion of total provision
Throughout this period of strong economic expansion,
the population of the country experienced
of retail floor area and new formats of retail activity;
considerable growth. In the 1970’s the population was
estimated at approximately 3 million. During the ‘Celtic
• Consolidate retail as a town centre activity cluster
Tiger’ period of the 1990’s the population steadily
from the Railway Station to New Street, in an area
increased and the most recent Census (2006)
approximately 10-15 mins walking time;
estimates a population of approximately 4.2 million.
• Exploit the potential of the Glebe, New Street and
3.1.3
Since the publication of the 2006 Census and in
Railway Station sites, to add to the variety of retail
acknowledgement of the exceptional growth rates
activity in the town centre.
witnessed in recent times, it has become necessary to
review the population projections which have been
employed in the National Spatial Strategy and which
subsequently informed the Regional Planning
Guidelines. In 2007, the DoEHLG issued revised
population projections for the period 2006-2020.
These projections estimate that the population of the
country will reach 5.3 million by 2020 compared to the
4.5 million population estimate for the same period as
set out in the NSS.
237
3.1.4
The 2000-2006 period was also characterised by
3.2.4
The tourism sector also plays an important role in the
significant changes to the labour market. Employment
economic life of the Region. It is a significant employer
continued to expand at a robust pace with growth
and draws considerable levels of investment and
averaging 3.4% per annum. This was driven by the
expenditure from outside of the Region.
natural increase in the population of working age,
3.1.5
higher participation rates and net inward migration.
3.3
DEMOGRAPHICS ANALYSIS
Alongside this unprecedented growth a number of
3.3.1
The future need for retail floorspace in any area is
trends have emerged that recent policy has sought to
influenced by projected population and personal
address. In particular, a significant proportion of the
income growth and, therefore, a clear understanding
national growth has been concentrated in the east
of national, regional and local population trends is
and in the Greater Dublin Area (GDA) in particular.
required to inform the Retail Strategy. The key facts
However, this raises issues in relation to the deficient
that need to be taken into account are summarised
provision of social and physical infrastructure to cater
below:
for the recent escalated expansion. In order to address
these challenges, Government initiatives (including
3.4
NATIONAL & REGIONAL LEVEL: POPULATION
the National Spatial Strategy, the National
TRENDS & FORECASTS
Development Plan) now share the same aim of
• The NSS estimated that the population of the
achieving balanced regional development.
country would reach 4.5 million by 2020. This
estimation now appears conservative in light of the
national population estimate of 4.2 million in the
3.2
THE SOUTH WEST REGION
3.2.1
Notwithstanding the concentration of growth in the
• The revised population projections as issued by the
eastern region (particularly the GDA area), economic
DoEHLG in 2007 now estimate that the national
output across all regions has been increasing at
population could reach 5.3 million by 2020;
2006 Census;
substantial rates in recent years.
• The NSS projected population for the South West
Region was estimated at 590,000 by 2020. This
3.2.2
The Regional Planning Guidelines advise that the
estimate has been revised upwards to 670,000 in
South West Region is no longer seen as a low cost
the 2007 population projections;
manufacturing location and recent growth has been
• At the time of the publication of the Regional
realised on the basis of the advanced skills, labour
Planning Guidelines, it was estimated that the
force and educational and training levels within the
population of the South West Region was c. 580,000
region.
in 2002, expected to increase to c. 670,000- 700,000
by the period 2020 (i.e. 1.14% per annum increase);
3.2.3
The South West Region has a strategic network of
• The Regional Planning Guidelines provide for an
world class industries and the existing education and
increase in the population of the Hub towns
research facilities need to be developed to build on
(Killarney/Tralee) to 45,000 from their 2004 level of c.
this base. Close linkages between industries, service
providers and the third level education sector will be
35,000 (i.e. average of 1.6% per annum); and
• The rate of growth experienced in the South-West
increasingly important if the Region is to increase its
Region increased from 0.53% per annum during the
attractiveness as a location for foreign direct
period 1991-1996, to 1% per annum between 1996-
investment.
2002 and 1.69% per annum between 2002-2006;
(Source: National Spatial Strategy, Regional Planning Guidelines for South-West Region
& the National Population Projections & Regional Population Targets 2006-2020
(DoEHLG Feb 2007)
238
In order to provide a longer term analysis, the following table illustrates the trends in population change in Killarney over
the period 1996-2006 and makes comparison with county and provincial level trends. It is evident from the table that the
longer term growth rate experienced in Killarney has considerably exceeded the growth rates experienced at regional
level. The population growth experienced in Killarney over the period 1996-2006 exceeded that of Munster overall and was
five times higher than the growth at county level which reflects its position as an important commercial centre in Kerry.
Table 3.1 Population Growth Rates Analysis 1996-2006, Provincial, County & Local Level
Area
1996
2002
2006
% Increase
Avg. Increase
1996-2006
Per Annum
Provincial Level
Munster
1,033,903
1,100,614
1,173,340
13.40%
1.34%
126,130
132,527
139,835
10.80%
1.08
8809
12,087
13,497
53%
5.30%
County Level
Kerry
Local Level
Killarney Town
3.5
COUNTY & LOCAL LEVEL: POPULATION TRENDS & FORECASTS
3.5.1
Over the shorter time period of 2002-2006 the following salient points can be made in relation to population growth rates:
3.4.1
• The population of County Kerry increased from 132,527 in 2002 to 139,835 in 2006 which represents an average annual
increase of 1.3% per annum;
• The population of Killarney Town increased from 12,087 in 2002 to 13,497 in 2006 which represents an average annual
increase of 2.9% per annum;
• The annual population growth in Killarney has surpassed the growth rates experienced at county level and in the
average annual population growth experienced in Tralee during the same period.
3.6
3.6.1
RETAIL CATCHMENT AREA: POPULATION PROJECTIONS
The retail catchment area for Killarney town was established in the Retail Market Research Study (RMRS) 2001. In the
interests of consistency, the catchment area adopted for the purposes of this Retail Strategy largely reflects that adopted in
the RMRS. In the analysis of the 2001 catchment area however, it became apparent that a number of the DEDs to the South
West of Kerry were not included. Given that Killarney is the only proximate retail centre of scale, the proposed catchment
area has been adjusted to include these DEDs to the South West. Map No. 2 shows the Killarney retail catchment area and a
detailed schedule of the catchment is provided at Appendix 1.
3.6.2
Based on the analysis of population trends as above, the population estimates for the retail catchment area are provided
below, followed by a brief description of the existing centres within the catchment.
239
3.6.3
The population estimates for the study area catchment are provided at Appendix 1 and the average population growth in
the catchment over the period 2002-2006 was approximately 1.6% per annum. It is worth noting that this growth rate is
not dissimilar to the average per annum growth rate predicted for the linked Tralee/Killarney Hub in the Regional Planning
Guidelines.
Table 3.2 Population Growth Rate Analysis: Retail Catchment Area
3.6.4
Area
Population 2002
Population 2006
% Increase 2002-2006
Avg. Increase Per Annum
Killarney Town
12,087
13,497
11.60%
2.90%
Catchment Area
47,550
50,128
5.42%
1.40%
As can be seen in Table 3.2 above, the average annual population growth experienced in Killarney Town, in the period
2002-2006, was 2.9%, which is double the rate for the wider catchment area. It is considered that this higher population
growth rate can be attributed to the period of significant economic growth and associated in-migration experienced in the
earlier part of this decade and is considered over ambitious to employ for future projections. The National Population
Targets and Regional Projections published in February 2007 estimate that over the period 2006-2011 the population of
the South West Region will grow at a rate of 1.9% per annum and this rate is considered more reasonable in this case.
3.6.5
Based on the above analysis, it would appear that growth in population has not been evenly spread within the County and,
as with the remainder of the State, this illustrates increased urbanisation and growth in proximity to urban centres and
lower rates of growth in the rural areas of the county. Two different population growth rate scenarios have therefore been
adopted for the Retail Strategy:
• A per annum population growth rate of 1.9% will be adopted for Killarney Town which is considered reasonable in light
of the higher growth rate experienced over the period 2002-2006 (2.9% per annum as per Table 3.2 above);
• The lower growth rate of 1.6% per annum will be adopted for the remainder of the catchment area, which is largely
consistent with the Regional Planning Guidelines. This lower growth rate (calculated at Appendix 1) is more appropriate
to the less densely populated areas outside the immediate area of Killarney Town.
Table 3.3 Retail Catchment Area Population Projections 2006-2015
Area
2006
2007
2008
2009
2010
2011
2012
2013
2014
2015
Killarney Town
13,497
13753
14015
14281
14552
14829
15111
15398
15690
15988
Remainder
of Catchment
50,128
50930
51745
52573
53414
54269
55137
56019
56915
57826
TOTAL
63,625
64683
65760
66854
67966
69098
70248
71417
72606
73814
Note: Growth Rate for Killarney Town 1.9%. Growth Rate for Remainder of Catchment Area 1.6%.
240
THE RETAIL CATCHMENT AREA
3.7.5
Since the publication of the 2001 Retail Market
Research Study, a number of significant retail
3.7.1
Killarney Town Centre
developments have been granted planning
Killarney is located on the National Primary Route,
permission in Killarney Town Centre (outside of the
approximately 90km from Cork, 33km from Tralee and
retail core area), including the Scotts hotel/commercial
110km from Limerick City. The town is situated north
scheme which has been completed. A large shopping
of the Macgillicuddy Reeks mountain range, on the
centre scheme has recently been granted permission
north eastern shore of Lough Leane. Killarney National
on the site of the former Torc Hotel, although this
Park is located directly adjacent to the urban area and
remains undeveloped at the time of writing.
provides an attractive backdrop to Killarney Town.
Owing to its natural heritage and unique landscape
3.7.6
Considerable commercial development has also taken
the town is one of the primary tourist destinations in
place outside of the town centre, particularly in the
Ireland.
convenience retail sector, including the Tesco and Aldi
stores at Deerpark (see also 3.7.9 below), Lidl Discount
3.7.2
Killarney is the second largest town in Kerry,
Store on the Hans Liebherr Road and a Supervalu store
designated as a linked hub with Tralee and as such
located at the Park Road roundabout.
acts as an important commercial and employment
centre for the County.
3.7.7
3.7
The Park Shopping Village is located opposite Daly’s
Supervalu at the Park Road roundabout. A second
3.7.3
The main traditional shopping centre is focussed on
neighbourhood centre, the Countess Shopping Centre
Main Street, High Street and New Street. A mix of retail
is located on Park Road at Deerpark. The Killarney
and commercial businesses, including restaurants,
Reeks Gateway development will also provide
shops and office uses are provided in the town centre.
neighbourhood centre uses.
The role of Killarney as a vibrant tourist and cultural
location is witnessed by the considerable number of
3.7.8
New comparison retail development in the town
licensed premises, hotels, bed and breakfasts and
centre in recent years has been limited, with the
restaurants located within the town.
exception of the Scott Street commercial
development that is anchored by Heatons (although
3.7.4
The majority of retailers within the town centre are
other units are either vacant or in predominantly
local independent traders, with some nationals
service use).
peppered along the main commercial streets. In terms
of convenience retailing in the town centre the main
3.7.9
There is a large shopping area at Deerpark, which is
food shopping facilities are provided by Dunnes Stores
located outside the town centre, approximately 1 km
on New Street and Tesco in the Killarney Shopping
to the east. This is a recently constructed shopping
Centre. Killarney Outlet Centre is located close to the
facility that includes a mix of bulky goods retailers and
town railway station and is immediately adjacent to
large convenience foodstores, as well as general high
the town centre area and provides a considerable
street retailing. Occupiers of the Deerpark Centre
comparison retail offer. In the town centre, comparison
include Homebase, Argos, World of Wonder, Boots and
retailing is limited to a small number of national
leading fashion retailers, such as Arcadia Group
multiples and is predominantly characterised by
(Burtons/Evans) and New Look. Marks and Spencer has
tourist related retailing and service outlets.
also recently opened a store in the Deerpark Centre.
241
Farranfore
3.7.10
Farranfore is located at the junction of the N22, N23
Barraduff
3.7.15
Barraduff village is located at a crossroads on the N72
and R561 routes, midway between Tralee and Killarney
National Secondary Route approximately 11km north
and approximately 10km southwest of Castleisland. It
east of Killarney and 10km south west of Rathmore. In
is notable in particular as a transport hub with Kerry
the past, the village was characterised by limited
Airport and a train station in the small town.
commercial activity/services, however construction of
a mixed use development centre comprising
3.7.11
The commercial provision in Farranfore is largely of a
residential units and approximately 27 commercial
localised nature, comprising 4 commercial outlets
units is underway on the main street. Once
including a pharmacy and a post office. There are a
operational, this development will considerably
number of employment opportunities within the
increase the commercial/service provision in Barraduff.
town, including Kerry Airport, Kerry Agribusiness,
Killarney Mechanical Services among a number of
smaller commercial enterprises. Other facilities in the
Killorglin
3.7.16
Killorglin town is located on the N70 and the N72 at
town include public houses, car sales outlets and a
the north eastern bridge crossing of the River Luane
furniture shop.
on the northern point of the Iveragh peninsula,
approximately 22km from Killarney. Killorglin
3.7.12
Planning permission was granted for a scheme of light
developed as a market town serving the needs of an
industrial/commercial units in Farranfore in April 2008
extensive farming hinterland where the quality of
which if developed will considerably increase the
farming land is higher than in many parts of the
range and diversity of commercial/industrial activity in
county. Due to the decline in agriculture in general,
the village.
the town has developed a wider economic base and
now supports small scale service and light industrial
Castleisland
3.7.13
services.
Castleisland is located approximately 25km north of
Killarney and 17km to the east of Tralee. It is
3.7.17
Killorglin is identified as a third tier retail centre in the
characterised by relatively good access to the national
County Retail Hierarchy. The town contains a number
road network with both the N21 and the N23 National
of convenience outlets which largely perform a top-up
Primary Roads meeting at the western end of the
shopping function. National convenience retailers in
town centre. The town is also within 15 minutes of
the town include Eurospar and Supervalu.
Kerry Airport located at Farranfore. Castleisland
developed as a market town and acts as a commercial
and service centre for its agricultural hinterland.
Rathmore
3.7.18
Rathmore is located approximately 20km east of
Killarney on the N72 National Secondary Road in close
3.7.14
Services are located within the town centre and
proximity to the border with Co. Cork. It is designated
include outlets for the sale/repair of car/machinery,
as a District Centre in the county settlement hierarchy
furniture, financial and legal services. Wholesale outlets
as set out in the Kerry County Development Plan
for agricultural goods are also evident, which reflects
2003-2009, functioning as a service centre for the
the role of agriculture in the town’s economy. Retail
surrounding agricultural hinterland in east Kerry and
provision in Castleisland is predominantly provided by
northwest Cork.
local independent traders. Convenience operators in
the town include Supervalu and Costcutter.
242
Convenience retailing in Rathmore is of a localised nature, for instance with one convenience store attached to a petrol
filling station. Comparison retail offer is limited with demand for comparison goods such as clothes, electrical goods, house
furniture being met in Tralee and Killarney.
4.0
Quantitive Assessment of Retail Capacity
4.1
BASELINE INFORMATION
4.1.1
The key baseline information has been reviewed to ensure that the most up to date information is taken due account of in
this Retail Strategy. The baseline information includes:
• Retail Market Research Study (RMRS) 2001;
• CSO Census of Population 2006;
• CSO Household Budget Survey 2004/2005 (published Dec 2007);
• Tourism Statistics (Tourism Ireland)
4.2
SUMMARY OF POPULATION PROJECTIONS
4.2.1
Based on the analysis of population trends and growth rates set out in Section 3, the catchment area population has been
3.7.19
projected forward and is set out again below (see tables 3.1- 3.2):
Table 3.3 Study Area Population Projections 2006-2015
Area
2006
2007
2008
2009
2010
2011
2012
2013
2014
2015
Killarney Town
13,497
13753
14015
14281
14552
14829
15111
15398
15690
15988
Remainder of Catchment
50,128
50930
51745
52573
53414
54269
55137
56019
56915
57826
TOTAL
63,625
64683
65760
66854
67966
69098
70248
71417
72606
73814
Note: Growth Rate for Killarney Town 1.9%. Growth Rate for Remainder of Catchment Area 1.6%.
4.3
EXISTING & PERMITTED FLOORSPACE PROVISION
4.3.1
The original retail floorspace surveys of Killarney were undertaken as part of the 2001 RMRS. This Retail Strategy has
updated and revised this 2001 floorspace data to exclude floorspace provided in service units and to include any
significant retail development that has been constructed since 2001 together with a review of any extant planning
permissions. Table 4.0 below presents an updated summary of existing and permitted retail floorspace.
4.3.2
It is evident from Table 4.0 that there has been a significant uplift in convenience and comparison floorspace since the
publication of the 2001 RMRS. The expansion in convenience floorspace can be seen in the number of major supermarket
retailers that have located in Killarney since in recent years including Aldi, Lidl, Tesco and the recently completed Marks &
Spencer at Deerpark.
4.3.3
The enhancement in the comparison retail sector can be attributed to the Deerpark development, the significant planning
permission on the Torc site and a number of town centre developments including Scott Street.
243
Table 4.0 Existing & Permitted Retail Floorspace Sqm
Study Area
Convenience
Comparison
Bulky Comparison
Killarney Town* (up to 2001)
10,838
21,697
12,030
Total Floorspace 2001**
10,838
18,282
12,030
Tesco Deerpark
2157
1784
0
Lidl
750
0
0
Aldi
850
0
0
Supervalu
1150
0
0
Halstead Enterprises (Scott St. Development)
0
1300
0
Torc Shopping Centre (not constructed)
2277
8148
0
Reeks Gateway Development (under construction) 0
778
0
Deerpark Retail Park
4806
2766
Daly Family Partnership***
0
866
1420
Oyster Developments Ltd (The Courtyard)****
150
1398
0
Other Centres in Catchment*****
5,000
3500
0
TOTAL
23,649
40,862
16,216
*
**
***
****
*****
4.4
477
Source: 2001 Retail Market Research Study (Power & Associates) Figures revised to exclude service related units
Service related units excluded from comparison floorspace
866 sqm net floorspace classified in RIS as "non bulky comparison"
Approx 150sqm Centra
Allowance for floorspace in significant retail units in other centres in catchment area
PER CAPITA EXPENDITURE ESTIMATES
Household Budget Survey
4.4.1
Per capita expenditure estimates have been calculated having regard to the Household Budget Survey 2004-2005
published in December 2007 by the Central Statistics Office (CSO), which provides details on average household
expenditure per week on shopping. Details of the Household Budget Survey and the methodology employed to calculate
expenditure estimates are set out in Appendix 2.
4.4.2
Based on projections of average household expenditure and taking into account average household size, average per
capita expenditure can be estimated as per the table below:
Table 4.1 Per Capita Expenditure Estimates 2008 -2015 €
244
Retail Type
2008
2009
2010
2011
2012
2013
2014
2015
Convenience
3978
4022
4066
4111
4156
4202
4248
4295
Comparison
3283
3398
3517
3640
3767
3899
4036
4177
TOTAL AVAILABLE EXPENDITURE
4.5.1
The first step in assessing future demands for retail floorspace is to calculate the total amount of expenditure available on
convenience and comparison goods to the end of the Plan period in 2015. To derive total available resident expenditure
(excl. tourism expenditure), the estimated per capita expenditure levels calculated in Appendix 2 are multiplied by the
catchment area population projections as set out in Table 3.3 above:
Table 4.2 Total Available Expenditure 2009-2015
Year
Per Capita Expenditure (€)
Study Area
Population
Total Available
Convenience
Expenditure €m
Total Available
Comparison
Expenditure €m
Convenience
Comparison
2009
4022
3398
66854
268.90
227.16
2010
4066
3517
67966
276.38
239.02
2011
4111
3640
69098
284.07
251.50
2012
4156
3767
70248
291.98
264.64
2013
4202
3899
71417
300.10
278.46
2014
4248
4036
72606
308.46
293.00
2015
4295
4177
73814
317.04
308.31
4.5
Sources: Household Budget Survey December 2007 & CSO Census of Population 2006.
4.6
EXPENDITURE FLOWS
4.6.1
Surveys undertaken during the preparation of the RMRS in 2001 found that 71% of local consumers went outside of
Killarney for clothing and other comparison goods and 42% of these did so once a month. The overwhelming reason
provided by consumers in the 2001 survey was the range of facilities available, indicating that Killarney was characterised
by a poor retail offer.
4.6.2
This high proportion of expenditure outflow was, however, prior to the significant retail development at Deerpark. Taking
this into account together with the commercial development granted at the Torc site and the arrival of Marks & Spencer in
the town, it is likely that Killarney’s market share of comparison expenditure has increased and will continue to improve
over the plan period.
4.6.3
Based on the considerable addition to the comparison retail offer in Killarney in recent years, it is assumed that its market
share will increase from 29/30% (2001 survey findings) to 60%. It is expected that a considerable % of comparison
expenditure (i.e. 40%) will continue to leak from Killarney taking account of its proximity to the linked hub Tralee and the
gateway Cork, where there are major comparison shopping facilities.
4.6.4
In terms of convenience retailing, the findings of the 2001 survey indicated that the majority of consumers shopped locally
for convenience goods. Therefore Killarney benefitted from a high market share of convenience spending (i.e. approx 93%).
Taking into consideration the amount of convenience floorspace built in Killarney since the preparation of the 2001 RMRS,
including Tesco, Aldi, Lidl and the recent addition of Marks & Spencer, it is likely that the town will continue to retain a high
market share of convenience retailing. For the purposes of this Retail Strategy it is assumed that expenditure leakage will
continue to be low for this retail category at 7%.
245
It is important to note that this quantitative
• Based on statistic that 40% of all visitors to Kerry
assessment provides only a broad indication of
stay in Killarney, approx. 40% of revenue generated
floorspace requirements in order to comply with
by overseas tourists to Kerry (i.e. 40% of €247m) can
paragraph 47 of the Retail Planning Guidelines.
be estimated at €98.8m;
Therefore the percentages employed to calculate
expenditure flows for the purpose of this capacity
• Tourism Ireland confirms that on average overseas
assessment are only assumptions based on market
visitors spend approximately €495 per day and
trends.
approximately 16% of expenditure can be allocated
TOURISM EXPENDITURE
(Source: Tourism Ireland 2006). Approximately 1,220,000 visited Killarney in 2000
(Source: Kerry County Development Board Strategy 2000);
to shopping
4.7
4.7.1
Killarney plays a very important role as a major tourist
• Based on these statistics approximately €96.6m of
destination in the South West Region. Therefore in
overseas tourist expenditure is allocated to
addition to the resident population, account also
shopping. This is largely consistent with €98.8m
needs to be taken of the visitor population and
estimated above;
expenditure potential generated by the tourism
industry.
• Based on data provided by Failte Ireland overseas
tourism revenue spend in Ireland increased at a rate
4.7.2
Whilst statistics on the number of tourists visiting and
of 9.8% over the period 1997-2006
staying in Kerry are not available, Bord Failte, Tourism
(Source: Tourism Ireland Market Trends 1997-2006))
Ireland and the South West Regional Tourism Authority
provide statistics in relation to the tourist numbers and
4.7.3
Tourism therefore plays an extremely important role in
associated revenue generated by the tourism sector.
the economic wellbeing of Killarney and the South
The following salient points have been taken into
West Region in general. In light of this, it is necessary
account for the purposes of the Retail Strategy:
to take account of the considerable amount of
• 1.99m overseas visitors stayed in the South West
imported expenditure³ that can be attributed to the
tourist industry.
Region 2006 generating revenue of approximately
€885m
(Source: Tourism Ireland: Facts & Figures 2006: Island of Ireland Overseas Visitors);
4.7.4
Based on the above statistics, revenue estimates
generated by the tourism industry can be projected
• Total no. of visitors to the South West Region (i.e.
forward to the end of the plan period. Tourism Ireland
Overseas & Domestic) reached approximately 3.6m
estimates that revenue generated by overseas tourists
in 2006 generating a total revenue of €1.2bn
has increased at an average of 9.8% per annum over
(Source: Failte Ireland: National Tourism Development Authority: Regions South West).
This means that approximately €315m revenue was
generated by domestic tourists over the same period;
the period 1997-2006. Given current global economic
trends, particularly the poor performance of the US
dollar, it is expected that levels in tourism revenue
• Approximately 40% of all visitors to Kerry stay in Killarney
(Source: South West Regional Tourism Authority);
growth will be lower. For the purposes of this Retail
Strategy, a growth rate of 5% per annum (approx. ½ of
past growth rate) has been adopted to project forward
• Revenue generated by overseas tourists in Kerry was
estimated at €247m in 2006 (i.e. approximately 28%
imported expenditure generated from the tourism
industry to the end of the plan period.
of total overseas revenue for south west region) ;
(Source: Failte Ireland: National Tourism Development Authority: Regions South
West);
³ Imported expenditure in this case refers to expenditure originating from outside of the
catchment and imported as a result of the tourist industry.
246
Year
%
Convenience %
Comparison
268.9
204.44*
2009
Resident Expenditure
Less Expenditure Outflow
7%
Spend by Residents
Add Imported Expenditure**
18.82
40%
250.08
0%
Spend in Retail Outlets
81.78
122.66
43%
98.8
250.08
221.46
317.04
277.48*
2015
Resident Expenditure
Less Expenditure Outflow
7%
Spend by Residents
Add Imported Expenditure**
22.19
40%
294.85
0%
110.99
166.49
43%
119.31
Spend in Retail Outlets
294.85
285.80
Gross Additional Spend
44.77
64.34
Table 4.3 Turnover in Retail Outlets 2009-2015
* 10% of total available comparison expenditure has been assigned to bulky goods expenditure. 10% calculated from household budget survey data contained at Appendix 2 of Retail Strategy.
**Imported Expenditure from Tourism Industry.
4.8
TURNOVER RATIOS
4.8.1
Evidence from the Institute of Grocery Distribution in the UK (1996) indicates that turnover €/sqm per annum for
supermarkets ranges from €10,538/Sqm - €14,025/Sqm. There is limited comparable data available regarding revenue/sqm
in Ireland.
Forfas has utilised the published estimates on the major multiples turnover, coupled with estimates of average store sizes
to estimate the turnover for the main Irish multiple retailers at approximately €7,510/sqm and €9555/sqm per annum
(Forfas 1999 – Dynamics of Retail Sector in Ireland).
4.8.2
In terms of projected increases in turnover, Roger Tym and Partners made the following assumptions in their study
submitted to the Department of Environment Heritage & Local Government (1999):
• Convenience Goods: Existing floorspace will increase in efficiency by 1% per annum to 2003 and by 0.5% per annum up
to 2011;
• Comparison Goods: Existing comparison floorspace will increase in efficiency by 2% per annum up to 2003 and 1.5% per
annum up to 2011;
• New convenience floorspace will have a turnover/sqm of €8608 per annum in 1998 prices, to which there will be no
subsequent efficiency change (i.e. €10,929);
• New comparison floorspace will have a turnover/sqm of €4304 per annum in 1998 prices, to which there will be no
subsequent efficiency change (i.e. €5464).
4.8.3
The turnover figures set out in Table 4.4 below provide an estimate of the amount of expenditure that could be sustained
by the estimated amount of floorspace existing and under construction in Killarney at the beginning of the Plan period.
This alternative method to calculate average turnover/sqm is useful to make a comparison with the estimates quoted at
paragraphs 4.8.1 and 4.8.2 above:
247
Table 4.4 Turnover Ratio Estimates €/Sqm
4.8.6
A turnover ratio of €3926/sqm has been calculated for
comparison retailing. Turnover efficiency growth in
Retail Type
Net
Floorspace
(Approx Sqm)
comparison retailing is likely particularly in light of
Available
Approx
Expenditure Turnover
€m
€/Sqm
increasing consumer demand for comparison goods.
Based on the projections made by Roger Tyms &
Convenience
Goods*
21,372
250.08
11,701
31,244
122.66
3,926
Partners (DoEHLG 1999) it is estimated that
comparison floorspace will increase in efficiency by
Comparison
Goods**
1.5% up to the period 2011. This growth rate is applied
to the estimated comparison turnover and projected
forward to the period 2015
* Calculation of convenience turnover does not include floorspace granted but not
constructed on Former Torc Site
** Calculation of comparison turnover does not include floorspace granted but not
constructed on Former Torc Site and floorspace in tourist related units.
Table 4.5 Turnover Efficiency Growth Comparison
Goods €/Sqm
4.8.4
4.8.5
In 2008, the amount of convenience floorspace and
non bulky comparison floorspace existing and under
Year
Comparison Goods
construction in Killarney is estimated at 21372sqm and
2008
3925
31244 sqm respectively. Taking into account estimated
2009
3984
available turnover for retail outlets in Killarney,
2010
4044
indicative turnover/€/sqm is calculated at
2011
4104
€11,701/sqm for convenience floorspace and
2012
4166
€3926/sqm for comparison floorspace.
2013
4228
2014
4292
2015
4356
It is considered that the turnover ratio for convenience
floorspace (i.e. €11701/sqm is within the range of the
Note: 1.5% efficiency growth rate applied to comparison turnover/sqm. This is largely
in line with other retail capacity studies.
turnover ratios estimated by the Grocery Distribution
in the UK. Whilst comparative figures for towns
elsewhere (Tullamore €9136 & Athlone €10,907)
4.9
suggest that the turnover ratio calculated above is at
ASSESSMENT OF ADDITIONAL RETAIL FLOORSPACE
REQUIREMENTS
the higher end of the scale, it is considered that this
could be attributed to the significant uplift in
4.9.1
Having regard to the gross additional expenditure
convenience floorspace provision in modern retail
potential together with the derived turnover
formats in Killarney in recent years. The addition of the
estimates, it is possible to provide an estimate of future
larger multiples such as Tesco, Marks & Spencer and
capacity that will occur in Killarney over the Plan
Supervalu which account for the majority of
period. The final part of the capacity assessment is to
convenience turnover are already operating at high
provide a broad indication of the quantum of
levels of efficiency. Therefore, it is anticipated that
floorspace that could be accommodated for the Plan
there will be no further efficiency growth in
period:
convenience retail floorspace.
Table 4.6 Indicative Gross Spare Expenditure
Capacity 2009-2015
248
Year
Convenience €m
Comparison €m
2009-2015
44.77
64.34
The above assessment indicates that there is capacity for convenience and comparison floorspace up to 2015. The spare
expenditure capacity estimates need to be adjusted having regard to expenditure that may occur via new retail
developments that have been granted but not constructed. Taking account of the proportion of expenditure that may be
captured by extant planning permissions (in particular the Torc site), the resultant net capacity estimates can be
Table 4.7 Indicative Net Floorspace Capacity Potential 2009-2015
4.9.4
Year
Convenience €m Comparison €m
2009-2015
18.13
28.85
Turnover €/Sqm
Convenience
Comparison
Convenience
Comparison
Floorspace Sqm Floorspace Sqm
11,701
4,356
1,549
6,623
Significant comparison expenditure leakage to other centres outside of Killarney of the scale of approximately 40% has
been assumed in this Retail Strategy. This rate of leakage has been employed having regard to the findings of the 2001
RMRS which documented an estimated 70% of consumers shopping outside of Killarney for comparison goods. As
outlined in paragraph 4.6.1, the main reason provided for this related to the poor comparison retail offer in Killarney.
4.9.5
4.9.3
Having regard to the uplift in comparison retailing developed and granted since the 2001 RMRS, it is likely that Killarney’s
market share of comparison expenditure will increase to reflect this. Whilst it is inevitable that some percentage of
expenditure will continue to leak to other major centres such as Limerick and Cork, some of this leakage can be retained as
a result of the increase range and quality of comparison retailing witnessed since 2001. Table 4.8 below demonstrates the
additional floorspace potential that could result if the exceptionally high expenditure leakage rate of 40% was halved to
20%:
Table 4.8 Indicative Floorspace Capacity Assessment 2015
4.9.6
Year
Expenditure Leakage 40%
Expenditure Leakage 20% Turnover €/Sqm Comparison
Comparison Floorspace Sqm
2015
110.99
55.50
12,741
4,356
In addition to the capacity for comparison floorspace indicated in Table 4.7 above (which includes the development of the
Torc site), potential exists to claw back some of the high level of expenditure leakage from the catchment. Based on the
assumption that leakage is reduced to 20% over the Plan period (many centres are characterised by a leakage rate of 1015%), this translates into capacity for approximately 12,000sqm over and above the 6,623sqm estimated in Table 4.7 above.
4.9.7
Any future development proposals are required to be assessed against the objectives set out in Section 6 and the
requirements of the Retail Planning Guidelines.
The figures presented in the capacity assessment only provide a broad indication of the requirement for additional
new floorspace up to the period 2015. They should thus be taken as indicative and as guidance on the quantum that
could be accommodated or required and are in no way intended to be prescriptive or absolute.
249
5.0
Qualitative Assessment of Killarney
Town
5.0.4
Killarney town centre will now be considered in terms
of the above qualities and indicators. In addition, the
assessments will consider the Deerpark area, which,
5.0.1
A key stated objective of the Retail Planning Guidelines
although separate from the town centre, has an
is to support the continuing important role of town
important complementary role. However, in assessing
and district centres. Town centres are the focus for a
the vitality and viability of Killarney, it should be
range of important uses, including commercial,
remembered that the town is designated as a linked
community and social uses. Town centres are, by their
hub with Tralee. Together, these towns service a wide
very nature, highly accessible and establish a sense of
catchment area that extends across County Kerry and
place and identity. The RPGs state that a Retail Strategy
towards Limerick and Cork. Therefore, consideration
should include an assessment of the vitality and
should be given to the overall health of both towns.
viability of town centres. They also acknowledge that
retailing is a key component of town centres that
5.1
KILLARNEY HEALTH CHECK ASSESSMENT
5.1.1
Killarney town centre is a focus for the very significant
makes a major contribution to their vitality and viability.
5.0.2
The vitality and viability of a town centre can be
tourist economy, as well as the population of south
assessed using a number of different measures and
Kerry. It enjoys an unparalleled lakeside position at the
indicators. Vitality is a measure of how active and
foot of Ireland’s highest mountain range. The town is
buoyant the centre is and viability relates to the
the gateway to the Killarney National Park and the Ring
commercial well-being of the centre. The RPGs provide
of Kerry and is a leading Irish tourist destination.
guidance on how to assess the vitality and viability of
town centres, using a range of “health check” measures.
5.1.2
The town centre is compact in form and is only a short
The RPGs state that a healthy town centre that is vital
distance from the entrance to the National Park. There
and viable has four key qualities:
are a number of predominant land uses in the town
centre, many being focussed on the tourist industry.
• Attractions
These include hotels, bars and restaurants, as well as
• Accessibility
craft and gift shops. However, as well as being one of
• Amenity
the major tourism hubs in the state, the town is also
• Action
the main centre for a wide catchment population and
there is a full range of community, cultural and
5.0.3
The RPGs also provide a number of health check
commercial uses in the town centre, including schools,
indicators that should be collected and monitored by
entertainment facilities, civic offices and business.
planning authorities. They acknowledge that some
information may be difficult to source or monitor and
5.2
DIVERSITY OF USES
5.2.1
The traditional town centre is focussed on Main Street,
state priority should be given to the following:
• Diversity of uses;
High Street and New Street. It extends eastwards to
• Retailer representation;
Fairhill and south to Kenmare Place. It extends to St.
• Shopping rents;
Mary’s Terrace to the west and northwards to New
• Ground floor vacancies;
Road. The main traditional shopping and commercial
• Accessibility; and
core is centred on Main Street and New Street (east). In
• Environmental quality
this core area there is a mix of retail and commercial
businesses, including restaurants, shops and office
uses. Whilst there are many local independent small-
250
5.2.4
Another notable retail development is the Killarney
core area. These include Quills, Penneys, Tesco, Lifestyle
Outlet Centre, which is located close to the town
Sports and Kilkenny. There is also a Dunnes Stores on
railway station and is immediately adjacent to the
New Street, although this is outside the currently
town centre area. This comprises a number of
defined core retail area.
outlet shops occupied by well-known brands,
mainly in the fashion sector. Whilst the ground floor is
5.2.2
A survey of the retail core of Killarney town centre was
fully occupied, it is noted that almost the entire upper
undertaken in April 2008, the details of which are
floor is currently vacant.
attached at Appendix 3. This found that the core area
had a significant proportion of service outlets, such as
coffee shops, restaurants and bars. These types of uses
accounted for around 38% of the ground floor units in
the retail core, which is significantly higher than other
Irish towns of a similar size. This results from the high
level of tourist activity in the town, including day
trippers and coach tour parties. The proportion of
convenience retail units was low at approximately 5%,
scale shops, there are a number of larger retailers in this
although it is acknowledged that Tesco is located
within this core area.
5.2.3
5.3
SHOPPING RENTS
5.3.1
Evidence shows that retail rents in the town have
There is a large shopping area at Deerpark, which is
located outside the town centre, approximately 1 km to
the east. This is a recently constructed shopping facility
stabilised over the past year after a period of strong
that includes a mix of bulky goods retailers and large
growth. This would be consistent with most Irish
convenience foodstores, as well as general high street
towns of a similar size and it appears that current rent
retailing. It comprises a free-standing Tesco supermarket
rises will be in line with the consumer price index,
and petrol filling station, free-standing Aldi discount
rather than the significant increases over the previous
foodstore and the Deerpark Centre. Occupiers of the
years. The main retail pitch is Main Street, where rents
Deerpark Centre include Homebase, Argos, World of
in the range of €60 to €100 per square foot can be
Wonder, Boots and leading fashion retailers, such as
achieved. Rents in the New Street area vary,
Arcadia Group (Burtons/Evans) and New Look. Marks
depending on proximity to Main Street and the quality
and Spencer has also recently opened a store in
of the premises, from €30 to €60 per square foot. The
Deerpark, which is likely to significantly increase the
new mixed commercial and retail development at
attraction of the shopping centre.
Scott Street, where there are a number of vacant units,
251
can achieve in the region of €35 per square foot. The
5.4
ACCESSIBILITY
5.4.1
The traditional town centre is compact and is well-
Deerpark Centre can also achieve in the region of €40
per square foot for the smaller units, although the
larger units would have a significantly reduced rate, at
located in relation to the train and bus stations. Much
around €15 - €20.
of the town’s trade is tourist-based and the town
centre is easily accessible to the many tour coaches
5.3.2
5.3.3
At the time of survey (April 2008), the rate of vacant
that stop in the town. Killarney itself is not a large town
units at ground floor level within the retail core of the
in terms of geographical spread and the town centre
town was recorded at just under 6% (9 units out of 144
will be accessible to many people on foot and cycle, as
units). Of these vacant units, a number were in the
well as by car. In this respect, the town centre does
process of being upgraded or redeveloped. In any
suffer from periods of traffic congestion, particularly
town centre, there is a vacancy rate resulting from the
during the high tourist season. The town centre is
natural turnover of premises and redevelopment
served by a number of car parks that are easily
proposals. The rate of vacancies noted in the Killarney
accessed from the main road network. However, again
core retail area is considered to be at a below average
primarily in the peak tourist season, parking supply
level to other similar towns. This is partially a result of
does not always meet demands and this can lead to
the relatively high level of service units (food and
further congestion and a loss of town centre trade. The
drink, etc) and the additional trade enjoyed as a result
main parking areas are the surface car parks at The
of the large tourist numbers. However, some of the
Glebe (College Street), Beech Road, Fairhill, High Street
vacant units are of poor quality and size/configuration
and Lewis Road. These car parks are generally well-
and these may be difficult to let without significant
connected to the main town centre streets by
improvements.
laneways and small arcades of shops.
Taking account of the above, Killarney town is
considered to offer a diverse range of convenience
and comparison shopping, as well as a significant
range of tourism-related retailing and services. Whilst
the traditional town centre may not in itself offer a
wide range of well-known brands in modern shopping
facilities, the Deerpark Centre provides
complementary shopping facilities that significantly
improve the town’s retail offer.
5.4.2
A section of the main shopping street (Main Street)
has been partially pedestrianised, although it remains
generally open to one-way vehicular traffic.
Nevertheless, the pavements have been considerably
widened at this location and pedestrians can enjoy the
shopping street safely. Many of the abovementioned
laneways are pedestrian only, affording safe and
convenient access between shopping areas. New
Street, which has a significant number of shops and
financial services, including a Dunnes Stores, Post
Office and banks, is not pedestrianised and is open to
vehicular traffic.
252
ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY
5.5.1
Killarney town centre has a number of significant
buildings of civic importance, as well as an attractive
range of traditional type facades and shopfronts.
Overall, the character of the town centre is one of
traditional Irish streetscapes, low rise buildings of
mixed styles and relatively narrow building plots. The
main shopping areas are well maintained and there
appears to be a general absence of significant litter or
graffiti problems. The partial pedestrianisation of a
5.4.3
The shopping facilities at Deerpark are located off the
section of Main Street has been implemented with
Park Road and are accessed via a separate distributor
good success, with attractive street furniture and
road. Car parking is readily available at surface level
quality surface materials.
and it appears that demand and supply are generally
well-balanced at present although this balance could
5.5.2
Generally, throughout the town centre area, the
alter now that the Marks and Spencer store is trading.
standard of the urban fabric is good, with few
Pedestrian access into the Deerpark Centre is not
examples of deterioration or dereliction. A number of
considered convenient or attractive, although it is
the laneway connections, which are important
acknowledged that the nature of the retailing here will
through routes, contain vacant buildings, although the
be primarily car-based.
overall impression is one of vibrancy. In this respect,
5.5
the overall rate of vacancy properties at ground floor
level within the town centre is relatively low, at around
6%. This compares favourably with most Irish towns of
a similar size and is most likely to have resulted from
the particularly high level of tourist-orientated shops
and businesses, including coffee shops and
restaurants.
5.5.3
The Deerpark area is of a good visual quality and
modern design. Whilst the car parking dominates the
area, as is the case with most similar types of
development, the overall visual amenity is good.
5.4.4
The Killarney Outlet Centre is easily accessible on foot,
either from the traditional town centre area or the bus
5.5.4
The Killarney Outlet Centre is a purpose-built building
and train stations. Additionally, there is car parking
of fairly modern design. It is an attractive structure at
available immediately adjacent to the Centre and tour
the edge of the town centre and on a main approach
buses regularly drop off tourists nearby.
to the town. Internally, the spacious mall with
individual shop fronts access to the units is attractive
and convenient for the customer.
253
solutions could include the identification of more
Key Quality - Action
peripheral lands for park and ride facilities. Whilst this
5.5.5
The town centre has already been the subject of
might appeal to some tourists, it is unlikely to attract
environmental improvements associated with the
significant customers from the resident population.
partial pedestrianisation of Main Street. This has
Nevertheless, should an opportunity or proposal arise,
succeeded in making this particular area more
the provision of an appropriately located park and ride
attractive as a shopping and social environment.
facilities should be encouraged.
Continuing improvements in the pedestrian realm
require to be carried out in order to maintain the
5.5.8
Private and business sector action is also required to
overall attractiveness and competitiveness of the town
enhance the retail offer in the town centre. A number
centre.
of major businesses have already invested
considerable money in improving shopfronts and
5.5.6
A number of opportunity sites within the town centre
store formats and this should be encouraged and,
area were identified in the Killarney Urban Masterplan
where appropriate, facilitated by the relevant
document. These included existing surface car parking
authorities. Challenges exist in adapting traditional
areas that, whilst currently well-used and vital for
narrow shop premises to meet modern needs and
accessibility to town centre uses, detract from visual
demands, especially in historic town centres where
and urban design quality of the town centre. Whilst it
ownership is also very fragmented. Whilst the town
is accepted that surface car parking is common in
centre has adapted to demands and exhibits general
most Irish town centres, it is not a sustainable or
vitality at the present time, competition from other
efficient town centre land use. It remains appropriate
centres and other shopping formats will increase.
to investigate the redevelopment potential of some of
Therefore, further investment and change is required
these identified opportunity sites, as well as other
to maintain the town’s retail diversity and market
vacant, underutilised or obsolete areas close to the
share.
town centre, in order to improve the provision of
quality modern retail units and other compatible uses.
5.5.9
The Deerpark area has been commercially successful,
However, as car parking supply is clearly a very
as evidenced by its almost full occupancy and its
important issue, it is will be desirable to maintain or
ability to attract major international retail brands.
increase parking provision within any redeveloped site
Whilst this facility undoubtedly attracts shoppers to
that is currently in use for parking.
Killarney town, it could be seen to represent a threat to
the town centre. Action requires to be taken to ensure
5.5.7
In addition to the above, in redeveloping any site in
that the Deerpark area does not change or expand at
the town centre that is currently in use as a parking
the expense and detriment of the town centre. The
area, this parking provision will inevitably be reduced
retail offer already existing at Deerpark should not
during construction works. This would clearly have an
change further to include normal “high street”
adverse impact on the town centre traders, particularly
comparison retailers and it should continue to offer
given that adequate free parking is available at
premises for bulky goods retailing. Action should also
Deerpark. A solution could involve the temporary use
be taken to improve the connectivity between the
of vacant town centre lands for car parking pending
town centre and Deerpark in order that neither
the completion of any redevelopment of existing car
operates in isolation and that, combined, they
parking sites. The Development Plan could include a
continue to attract shoppers to Killarney town.
policy giving general encouragement to this
temporary arrangement, subject to the usual
development management considerations. Other
254
5.5.11
As regards the Outlet Centre, whilst the ground floor is
5.6.2
The Countess Centre offers a limited range of local
fully let, the upper floor remains primarily vacant. It is
shops and services, including a convenience store,
acknowledged that the upper floor of similar centres is
pharmacy and credit union. It also includes a number
usually less desirable from a retailing point of view,
of more specialist occupiers, such as tile and catering
particularly when the number of potential occupiers is
equipment sales. It is of a fair environmental quality,
limited. Consideration should be given to encouraging
although rather dated in visual appearance.
other uses at first floor level, including tourism,
Nevertheless, it is well-located for easy access,
commerce and other services, which would also assist
including on foot, to local residents. However, it s likely
in maintaining and improving the vibrancy of the
that the Deerpark facilities across the Park Road will
Outlet Centre as an important shopping location in
offer more attraction for the local population,
Killarney Town.
including convenience shopping.
It is noted that the existing Killarney Development
5.6.3
The Park Shopping Village offers a good range of
Plan was varied to change the zoning of a large hotel
shops and services, including health, financial and
complex south of the town to Tourism and Related
other services. Taken in tandem with the Supervalu
Facilities, which states that some tourism related
supermarket at this location, this neighbourhood
retailing is open for consideration. In order to preserve
centre provides an excellent range of uses.
the town centre as the main tourist focus, it is
Environmental quality of the area is fair and
important that any retailing, tourist-related or
accessibility is relatively good, although safe and
otherwise, is strictly controlled at this and any other
convenient pedestrian access could be prejudiced by
location where retail development could prejudice
its location on a busy roundabout. Planning
town centre vitality and viability. The Development
permission exists for the major redevelopment of
Plan should seek to achieve this by way of a policy
adjacent lands, to incorporate the existing shopping
objective.
village and provide significant additional retail and
5.5.10
commercial floor space.
5.6
NEIGHBOURHOOD CENTRES
5.6.4
5.6.1
The Killarney Reeks Gateway development is nearing
As well as the major shopping facilities provided in the
completion and the petrol filling station and
town centre, Deerpark and at the Outlet Centre, as
convenience store are already operating. This is a
outlined above, there are other local shopping
major mixed retail/commercial and residential scheme
facilities throughout the town. These include a
of high visual and environmental quality that will
number of neighbourhood centres that have an
provide significant neighbourhood centre uses.
important role in providing a range of shops and
Additionally, there is a discount foodstore in the
services to serve the local population. The main
immediate vicinity that also provides an important
centres are the Countess Centre (close to Deerpark on
local retail facility, although with a wider catchment
Park Road), the Park Shopping Village (Park Road
than a neighbourhood centre.
Roundabout) and the new Killarney Reeks Gateway
Centre at the Tralee Road Bypass junction.
5.6.5
The Killarney Environs Local Area Plan 2007 also
recognises the important role of neighbourhood
centres in serving the daily needs of local populations.
It makes provision for three additional neighbourhood
centres in the Killarney area, just outside the Town
Council boundary.
255
main approach roads can be prone to congestion at
5.7
KILLARNEY & TRALEE – THE LINKED HUB
5.7.1
The above health check shows the Killarney as a retail
throughout the central area and pedestrian linkages
centre offers a good range of shopping facilities in an
are generally good. Significant well-known brands in
attractive environment. Its status as a linked hub town
the town centre include Penney’s, Shaw’s, Easons, A-
to Tralee which as the main retail centre in Kerry also
Wear, Elvery’s, Heaton’s, Boots and Mexx. There are also
offers a wide range of attractions and services, which
a number of convenience outlets in the town centre,
should be seen as complementary to those offered in
including Tesco, Dunnes and Supervalu. In addition, at
Killarney. The focus of business and commerce in
the Horan Centre, which is close to the town centre,
Tralee relates mainly to its county town status and
Argos and a number of other retailers have premises.
times. Car parking facilities are fairly well-located
there are many civic and community uses in and
around the town centre.
5.7.4
At Manor West, on the approach to the town from the
east, a retail area has been developed that comprises a
5.7.2
The retail offer in Tralee is concentrated in two distinct
mix of bulky goods, comparison and convenience
areas. The town centre is the traditional focus of
shopping. This area is generally in the form of a retail
retailing in the town, with a good range of local and
warehouse park and a shopping centre mall.
national/international brands. Sections of the town
centre are free from vehicular traffic and
environmental improvement works have been carried
out to enhance the public realm.
5.7.5
The central car parking area dominates the shopping
area, although this provides easy access to the
individual shop units. A number of major brands are
located here, including Next, TK Maxx, Harvey Norman,
5.7.3
Accessibility is fair to the town centre, although the
Halford’s, Woodies, Smyths, Lifestyle Sports and Carpet
main approach roads can be prone to congestion at
Right in retail warehouses. In the shopping mall, as
times. Car parking facilities are fairly well-located
well as Tesco and Debenham’s as the main anchors,
throughout the central area and pedestrian linkages
there are a number of well-known comparison shops,
are generally good. Significant well-known brands in
such as Paco, Mothercare and Esprit. There are also
the town centre include Penney’s, Shaw’s, Easons, A-
some smaller comparison and convenience shops, as
Wear, Elvery’s, Heaton’s, Boots and Mexx. There are also
well as other services.
a number of convenience outlets in the town centre,
including Tesco, Dunnes and Supervalu. In addition, at
the Horan Centre, which is close to the town centre,
Argos and a number of other retailers have premises.
5.7.3
256
Accessibility is fair to the town centre, although the
Taking the two linked hub towns together, it is
6.0
THE RETAIL STRATEGY FOR KILLARNEY TOWN
6.0.1
The overall aim of this Retail strategy is to provide
apparent that the diversity of uses and range of
retailers available to shoppers in Kerry is good. The
number of large national and international multiples
strategic guidance on the scale and location of any
with outlets in the towns is significant and is
new retail development within Killarney Town over the
considered to be better than many similar Irish towns,
timeframe of the new Killarney Development Plan
including other designated hub towns. It is important
2009-2015. The guidance is in accordance with the
to stress the linked nature of the two towns, although
Government objectives for retailing, as set out in the
it is also acknowledged that they each have some
Retail Planning Guidelines (RPG) 2005, which aim to
different functions and have specific character and
accommodate future retail development in a way that
catchments. Physical linkages between the towns
is “efficient, equitable and sustainable”.
should continue to be improved to enhance their
complementary roles and facilities.
6.0.2
In addition to the above national context, the terms of
existing Plans and Policies affecting retailing in the
south west region and, in particular, the Killarney area,
provide the local context for this Strategy. Therefore,
the process of arriving at this Retail Strategy has
5.7.6
entailed the assessment of a number of key issues and
factors that are set out in the RPG and that are also
influenced by the specific circumstances of the town
and its surrounding area.
6.0.3
The main factors and issues that establish the overall
approach to retailing in Killarney and which form the
basis of this Strategy are set out below. These are
considered in turn and form the basis of the policy
response and actions that are recommended in this
Retail Strategy.
1. The Need for Additional Retail Development
(Quantitative and Qualitative)
2. The Preferred Location of New Retail Development
3. Identification of the Core Retail Area and Primary
Retail Frontage
4. Specific Policy Objectives and Opportunities
5. Specific Actions and Initiatives
6. Criteria for Assessment of Significant Retail
Proposals
257
in accordance with Killarney’s position in the national
6.1
THE NEED FOR ADDITIONAL RETAIL DEVELOPMENT
6.1.1
Tables 4.7 & 4.8 set out the indicative quantum of
Strategy shall generally support new retail
additional floorspace potential for Killarney over the
developments within the town centre area, as defined
Plan period 2009-2015. In particular, Table 4.8 sets out
by the “Town Centre Facilities” Zoned area in the
an analysis of additional floorspace that could be
Development Plan. This shall be the preferred area for
sustained in Killarney over the Plan period in support
new retail development and regard shall be give to
of a strategy to reduce the level of retail expenditure
this in adopting the sequential test for new retail
leakage in relation to comparison shopping. This
proposals. Within the wider town centre zoned area
approach is considered appropriate given the high
there is a defined retail core area, where pure retailing
existing estimate of leakage and the desire to meet
uses dominate at ground floor level. Within this area,
more retailing needs locally. Whilst there will always be
as defined in the Killarney Development Plan 2003-
a degree of leakage to the larger cities, and from areas
2009, Council policy is to maintain retail use as the
closer to the edge of the identified Killarney
primary use at ground floor (Policy RT7) and to resist
catchment to other catchments, a reduction of the
further changes of use to service and office use. This
40% rate to 20% is considered appropriate and will
policy approach remains appropriate (see RS 5).
and regional retail hierarchy. Therefore, the Retail
form the basis of this overall Strategy. The reduction in
the level of leakage to a more modest and normal rate
Strategy Objective RS 2 – “Town Centre Facilities”
is in the interests of sustainable development in that
Zoned Area
more local needs are met locally.
To ensure that the “Town Centre Facilities” zoned
area is the primary location for new retail
Strategy Objective RS 1 – Additional Retail
development. Retail proposals within these areas
Development
will generally be encouraged, subject to normal
To ensure that planning proposals for new retail
Development Control Standards.
development in Killarney are consistently assessed
(Refer Map Nos. 3 & 4)
against the requirements of the Retail Planning
Guidelines (including the sequential site
assessment), the Development Plan and the general
6.2.2
Deerpark is acknowledged as an important
terms and Strategic Objectives set out in this Retail
established retail area, providing a wide range of
Strategy.
convenience, comparison and bulky goods retailing. In
effect, Deerpark now represents an established District
6.2
THE PREFERRED LOCATION OF NEW RETAIL
Centre, as defined in the RPGs and this use should be
DEVELOPMENT
protected. However, this District Centre should not
change or expand to the detriment of the primacy of
6.2.1
The overall objective of this Strategy is to protect and
the town centre. In particular, any further significant
promote Killarney Town Centre as the primary retailing
changes to normal “high street” comparison retail
centre in the area. This takes particular account of the
should not be encouraged and the emphasis of any
importance of a vibrant and viable retail sector and the
new retail development should be primarily for bulky
main element of a healthy town centre. The town
goods retailing.
centre is the most universally accessible location for
the resident and visitor population the retail element is
complemented by a wide range of services and
community/civic uses. This is consistent with
established policies and guidelines and, in particular, is
258
important element of the retail offer in any large town
To acknowledge Deerpark as a District Centre and to
and should generally be accommodated at
protect the existing mix of retailing uses at this
appropriate locations, subject to demand and supply
location. Any further retail development at this
assessment. The Deerpark Centre includes some bulky
location, including changes of use, should be
goods retail units, such as Homebase and Argos, and
focussed on the provision of bulky goods retailing
there may be potential for further such units at this
and further general comparison retailing will not be
location. There are other free-standing similar units in
encouraged.
Killarney, such as 4 Home.
Neighbourhood centres serve an important role in
6.2.5
Any future demands for bulky goods retailing should
meeting the everyday needs of local residents,
be subject to the normal sequential test and impact
including “top-up” convenience shopping, medical,
assessment, having regard to the retail hierarchy for
health & beauty and local service uses. It is considered
the town and existing facilities. However, due regard
important that there are a number of such
should also be given to the bulky goods retail
neighbourhood centres spread throughout residential
provision in the linked hub town of Tralee, where there
areas in order that the majority of the urban
already exists a large retail park and there are further
population has easy access, including on foot, to them.
zoned lands for this use. As in the entire retail sector,
It is also important to ensure that such centres are of
market forces may identify target areas for further
an appropriate scale to meet purely local needs and
bulky goods retailing, where the majority of main
do not threaten retailing operations in the town
brands have their own set requirements in terms of
centre. It is appropriate to provide floor area and/or
catchments. It may therefore be unlikely that large
use restrictions on these centres to effect this.
bulky retail operators will require stores in both
6.2.3
Strategic Objective RS 3 – Deerpark
locations. In terms of bulky comparison retailing,
Strategic Objective RS 4 – Neighbourhood Centres
Killarney and Tralee will be viewed as a single entity
To encourage the provision of new neighbourhood
serving a similar wide catchment. This is, of course, in
centres, particularly associated with areas
accordance with whole idea of the linked hub, where
undergoing significant residential development,
the towns complement each other. In any event, the
and to protect and preserve the range of uses at
assessment of any such proposals requires to be in
existing neighbourhood centres. Individual uses
accordance with the Retail Planning Guidelines
within these centres should primarily service local
(DoEHLG 2005).
needs only to ensure that the primacy of the town
centre is not prejudiced. Individual units within the
Strategic Objective RS 5 – Bulky Goods Retailing
centre should not normally exceed 300sqm in floor
To encourage bulky goods retail facilities in
area the overall centre should not normally exceed
1,500sqm in floor area.
goods retail facilities shall be assessed in accordance
with the guidance set out in the Retail Planning
6.2.4
It is acknowledged that certain forms of retailing do
Guidelines 2005. The goods to be sold from such
not fit easily into traditional town centres and this is
facilities should be restricted to primarily bulky
accepted in the RPGs. Retail warehouses, either singly
goods.
or in groups, are a trading format that is most
commonly located outside of a town centre, generally
with easy access to the road network for ease of access
and deliveries. This form of retailing, where the main
business is the display and sale of bulky goods, is an
259
6.2.6
The Killarney Development Plan 2003-2009 identified a
6.2.7
In establishing the town centre zoned area as the main
“retail core” area and primary retail frontages (ground
focus of retailing activity in Killarney and in order to
floor) in the town centre. In this area the Council’s
provide new retail facilities to meet modern demands,
policy is to maintain retail use as the primary use at
it is important to encourage and facilitate
ground floor (Policy RT7) and to resist further changes
redevelopment proposals at appropriate locations. The
of use to service and office use. This is a reasonable
Killarney Urban Masterplan document identified a
policy objective and should be retained as a town
number of opportunity sites in the town centre zone
centre retail core area policy objective. Whilst it is
area. In addition, other opportunities exist for the
acknowledged that there exists a range of uses within
redevelopment of vacant, underutilised or obsolete
the retail core area, including at ground floor level, the
areas within the town centre area. Some of these areas
overall balance of uses is considered appropriate.
of opportunity may be in use as car parking areas.
Within this area, policy objectives should aim to
Whilst the redevelopment of some of these areas for
maintain the current balance and discourage any
commercial/retail development could entail the
erosion of the primary Class 1 retail use. Therefore,
temporary loss of vital car parking facilities, the long
applications for the change of use of ground floor
term gain to the town centre should be substantial. It
premises from retail to other uses should normally not
is considered that the redevelopment vacant,
be granted, unless exceptional circumstances apply.
underutilised or obsolete areas with appropriate
proposals should be encouraged and actively
The extent of the retail core area and primary frontage
promoted by the relevant public authorities and other
identified in the 2003 Plan remains generally
owners.
appropriate. However, during the survey work in April
2008, it was noted that the core retail facilities on the
6.2.8
In order to maintain or improve the existing supply of
north side of New Street generally extended some
parking facilities for the town centre area during the
distance westwards to Dunnes Stores, whereas this
redevelopment of any site that is currently in car park
area was excluded from the retail core in 2003. Having
use, the Town Council should consider temporary
regard to the significant level of retailing in this area
parking provision arrangements on appropriate lands
and the Dunnes Stores “anchor” to this end of the
in the town centre area.
street, it is recommended that the primary retail
frontage area be extended to include Dunnes Stores.
Strategy- Objective RS 7 – Redevelopment
Opportunities
Strategy Objective RS 6 – Primary Retail Frontage
To encourage and promote the redevelopment of
To continue to identify the Primary Retail Frontage
(PRF) area (formerly Retail Core Area), where
proposals that result in the loss of Class 1 retail uses
at ground floor shall generally be discouraged. The
extent of the RCA-PRF should be subject to
where appropriate, in any new scheme.
monitoring and review (refer Map No. 03).
It is recommended that the Town Council considers
temporary parking provision on appropriate lands in
It is recommended that the PRF area be extended
the town centre area associated with the proposals
westwards along the north side of New Street, to the
related to the redevelopment opportunities
junction with St. Mary’s Terrace.
affecting existing parking facilities. Where lands are
not publicly owned, the Council should facilitate
planning applications at appropriate locations.
260
In addition to redevelopment opportunities in the
6.2.10
Killarney enjoys a vibrant tourist industry and it is
town centre, there may be other sites where mixed
important that a full range of ancillary services and
development, including retailing, could be
facilities are available to visitors. Whilst hotels
appropriate. Having regard to the location of Deerpark
complexes and other accommodations are spread
in relation to the town centre, it is noted that the
throughout the town area, many tourists naturally
physical separation is not substantial, at c. 1km.
focus on the town centre, where there are a range of
Indeed, the 2003 Development Plan has already zoned
shops and services. This should remain the position as
land for “town centre facilities” to within 200m of
much of the town centre vibrancy and viability is
Deerpark. It is accepted that the town centre and its
dependent on tourism. In order to preserve the town
associated facilities cover a much wider area than the
centre as the main tourist focus, it is important that
designated retail core, which is based on the
any tourist-related retailing outside the town centre
traditional town centre streets. It is also acknowledged
area is strictly controlled. Small-scale retailing ancillary
that Deerpark is an important component to the
to a large hotel or visitor attraction, for example, may
town’s retail offer. It is further noted that planning
be acceptable. Any proposals for tourist-related
permission has been granted for a very significant
retailing outside the town centre would only be
retail development on the site of the former Great
permitted where it is clearly ancillary to the primary
Southern Torc Hotel, which could effectively provide a
link from the traditional town centre to Deerpark. It is
important to improve the linkages between the town
viability.
6.2.9
centre and Deerpark and further development
opportunities could occur in the corridor along Park
Strategy Objective RS 9 – Tourist-Related Retailing
Road as far as Deerpark. Any additional retail
To only give consideration of new tourist-related
development proposals in this corridor, generally
retail proposals that are outside the town centre
being the lands bounded by Countess Road, Park Road
area where it is clearly ancillary to the primary
and East Avenue Road, could be beneficial to the town
as a whole. Whilst much of this area is zoned town
centre and therefore in accord with the sequential
viability. Such retail proposals should be assessed
approach, any significant proposals will require to be
with regard to the Sequential Approach and
assessed in order to ensure that established retail uses
proposals should demonstrate that there are no
are not prejudiced.
suitable sites available in the town centre.
Strategy Objective RS 8 – Opportunity Corridor
To give consideration of retail and mixed
development proposals on lands within the town
centre to Deerpark corridor (generally bounded by
Countess Road, Park Road and East Avenue Road)
that assist in improving connectivity between the
two locations. Retail proposals within this area
should be assessed with regard to the impact on
existing retail facilities and extant retail permissions.
261
6.3.3
The survey work undertaken in April 2008 shows that
6.3
SUPPORTING ACTIONS & INITIATIVES
6.3.1
The environmental improvement works carried out as
remains vacant, although the ground floor is fully let.
part of the pedestrianisation of Main Street have been
This is an important element of the retail and tourism
successful in making the shopping environment
offer in the town and the full occupation of the
significantly more attractive. Continuing
building would secure its long term viability. In the
improvements in the pedestrian and public realm
event that further retailing use is not in demand,
should be carried out in order to maintain the overall
alternative positive uses, including tourism, commerce
attractiveness and competitiveness of the town centre.
and other services, should be considered. These would
Such works could entail an extension of the
improve footfall to the existing retail units in the
pedestrianisation along parts of New Street, Plunkett
building and would therefore assist in maintaining and
Street and High Street. The laneway connections to
improving the vibrancy of the Centre.
most of the upper level of the Killarney Outlet Centre
the main shopping areas could also have a
programme of environmental works to improve
It is recommended that the Town Council
surfacing, lighting and general visual attractiveness. A
encourages, where possible, the full use of the
number of these issues were addressed in detail in the
upper floor of the Killarney Outlet Centre for retail,
Urban Masterplan document.
commercial or other appropriate complementary
uses.
It is recommended that the Town Council and other
relevant parties devise a programme of
environmental improvement works for the town
centre and that these be implemented as funds
allow.
6.3.2
Improvements to the visual amenity of the town
centre do not fall within the sole remit of the public
sector. The town centre is predominately a commercial
area and individual businesses also have a role in
enhancement works. A number of major businesses
have already invested considerable time and money in
improving shopfronts and store formats and this
should be encouraged and, where appropriate,
facilitated by the relevant authorities.
It is recommended that the Town Council
encourages and assists, where possible and
appropriate, owners and occupiers of retail premises
in the town centre area in the continued
improvement of the visual quality and trading
format of retail premises.
262
District Electoral
Division
Population 1996
Population 2002
Population 2006
Increase
2002-2006
% Increase
2002-2006
Aghadoe
760
857
877
20
2.30
Aglish
304
328
357
29
8.84
Ballyhar
150
150
180
30
20.00
Brewsterfield
451
578
676
98
16.96
Canuig
164
149
176
27
18.12
Cappagh
259
312
333
21
6.73
Castlecove
308
311
293
-18
-5.79
Castleisland
3260
3130
3285
155
4.95
Churchtown
356
391
461
70
17.90
Clydagh
137
119
126
7
5.88
Coolies
573
672
732
60
8.93
Coom
1926
1897
1910
13
0.69
Cordal
310
283
278
-5
-1.77
Curraghbeg
181
187
197
10
5.35
Curraghmore
304
294
285
-9
-3.06
Dawros
458
500
599
99
19.80
Deereen
220
197
181
-16
-8.12
Derriana
232
209
212
3
1.44
Doocarrig
570
541
569
28
5.18
Dromin
650
699
654
-45
-6.44
Dromore
201
228
248
20
8.77
Dunloe
619
727
790
63
8.67
Emlagh
809
830
924
94
11.33
Flesk
350
376
377
1
0.27
Glanbehy
935
1054
1116
62
5.88
Glanlee
214
204
214
10
4.90
Greenane
234
255
248
-7
-2.75
Headfort
561
541
616
75
13.86
Kenmare
2035
2672
2462
-210
-7.86
Kilbonane
370
435
504
69
15.86
Kilcummin
1450
1534
1677
143
9.32
Kilfelim
252
232
238
6
2.59
Kilgarvan
547
599
633
34
5.68
Kilgobnet
698
783
817
34
4.34
Killarney Rural (part)
120
2661
3153
492
18.49
Killarney Rural (part)
5134
3252
3432
180
5.54
Killarney Urban
8689
9375
10194
819
8.74
Killeentierna
878
856
892
36
4.21
Killorglin
3267
3517
3868
351
9.98
Kilmeen
277
298
309
11
3.69
Appendix 1: Retail Catchment Population
263
District Electoral
Division
Population 1996
Population 2002
Population 2006
Increase
2002-2006
% Increase
2002-2006
Kilnanare
719
795
872
77
9.69
Knocknagree
668
635
630
-5
-0.79
Knocknahoe
241
255
283
28
10.98
Lahard
506
546
595
49
8.97
Mastergeehy
101
83
73
-10
-12.05
Maum
175
257
266
9
3.50
Milltown
1183
1202
1447
245
20.38
Molahiffe
938
1085
1384
299
27.56
Muckross
645
Muckross (part)
699
38
5.75
150
119
383.87
Portmagee
339
363
376
13
3.58
Rathmore
1405
1434
1647
213
14.85
Reen
197
220
178
-42
-19.09
Rockfield
264
294
338
44
14.97
Scartaglin
599
607
631
24
3.95
St. Finans
165
137
154
17
12.41
Tahilla
174
207
193
-14
-6.76
Williamstown
446
447
452
5
1.12
Millbrook
532
482
469
-13
-2.70
Carker
446
436
438
2
0.46
Loughbrin
182
187
170
-17
-9.09
Cloon
76
73
70
-3
-4.11
Sneem
763
672
577
-95
-14.14
Lickeen
106
105
118
13
12.38
Caragh
736
809
852
43
5.32
Killinane
290
271
273
2
0.74
Castlequin
520
528
544
16
3.03
Bahaghs
228
208
210
2
0.96
Caherdaniel
385
335
348
13
3.88
Darrynane
225
210
170
-40
-19.05
Ballybrack
114
119
122
3
2.52
Loughcurrane
331
315
324
9
2.86
Ballinskelligs
407
358
355
-3
-0.84
Teeragarragh
310
304
284
-20
-6.58
Valencia
676
690
713
23
3.33
Caher
1962
2043
2127
84
4.11
59637
63625
3988
6.69
TOTAL
264
661
31
Household Budget Survey
The average household expenditure per week has been estimate using the 2004-2005 Household Budget Survey
published by the Central Statistics Office (CSO). The table below sets out the increases in household expenditure from
1999/2000 to 2004/2005. Based on the observed trends over this period, projections for expenditure have been made over
the plan period to 2015.
Table 1.1
Commodity Group
Food
1999-2000
2004-2005
% Change
€
%
€
%
117.67
20.4
142.74
18.1
21.3
Alcoholic drink and tobacco
44.10
7.6
47.18
6.00
7
Clothing & Footwear
35.11
6.1
42.67
5.4
21.5
Fuel & Light
21.68
3.7
30.65
3.9
41.4
Housing
55.41
9.6
94.51
12.00
70.6
Household non-durables
14.41
2.5
17.42
2.2
20.9
Household durables
26.86
4.6
35.55
4.5
32.4
Miscellaneous
19.08
3.4
23.78
3.00
24.6
Transport
94.92
16.4
122.74
15.6
29.3
Services & Other Expenditure
148.48
25.7
229.83
29.2
54.8
TOTAL
577.72
100.00
787.12
100.00
36.2
Appendix 2: Establishment of National Per Capita Expenditure
Source: Household Budget Survey 2004-2005
Convenience Goods
Comparison Goods
The estimated average weekly expenditure in 2004-2005 for all households in the State was €787.12, which is
approximately 36% higher than the figure recorded five years earlier. The corresponding increase in retail price levels as
recorded by the Consumer Price Index was 15.7%. As a result there was a real increase of approximately 21% in the volume
of average household consumption over this five year period, which results in an average per annum increase of 4% in
consumer expenditure.
The convenience category of goods includes food, alcoholic drink and tobacco, household and non durables. The
comparison category of goods includes clothing and footwear, fuel and light, household durables, miscellaneous goods.
An assumption is made that a % of the “services and other expenditure survey” is spent on comparison goods (an in the ASI
methodology 25%).
Discounting the increase in retail prices levels, Table 1.1 below illustrates the real increase in household expenditure on
convenience and comparison goods:
265
Table 1.1 Average Weekly Household Expenditure 1999-2000 & 2004-2005
Convenience
2004-2005 €
% Change
Real % Change
1999/20002004-2005
Avg % Increase
Per Annum
Food
142.74
21.3
5.6
1.12
Alcoholic drink & tobacco
47.18
7
-8.7
-1.74
Household Non -Durables
17.42
20.9
5.2
1.04
Clothing & Footwear
42.67
21.5
5.8
1.16
Household Durables
35.55
32.4
16.7
3.34
Miscellaneous
23.78
24.6
8.9
2.22
Services & Other Expenditure
229.83
54.8
39.1
7.8
Comparison
The average per annum increase in expenditure on convenience goods increased at a rate of approximately 1.1%. This is
with the exception of alcoholic drink and tobacco which experienced a negative increase in expenditure by consumers,
which can be explained by changing attitudes by society, the smoking ban being introduced in Ireland and a healthier
style of living in general. This growth rate for per capita expenditure on convenience goods is also largely in line with the
estimate provided by Roger Tym & Partners (April 1999, Report to DoEHLG) of 1.12% increase per annum for convenience
retailing over the period 2005-2011.
In the comparison goods sector, it is estimated that average per annum growth in expenditure is approximately 3.5 – 4%. It
is noted that the higher per annum growth rate of 7.8% occurred in the ‘Services & Other Expenditure Category” is
attributed to the increase in costs of services and cannot directly be applied to growth in expenditure on comparison
goods retailing. The growth rate of 3.5%-4% per annum is also compliant with the estimate provided by Roger Tym &
Partners (April 1999, Report to DoEHLG) of 3.15% increase per annum for comparison retailing over the period 2005-2011.
The 2006 Census indicates that the average household size in Ireland is 2.8. Based on projections of average household
expenditure and assumptions of average household size, average expenditure per head can be estimated as per the table
below:
Average Annual Expenditure (Per Capita)
2004/2005
266
Retail Type
(Actual)
2006
2007
2008
2009
2010
2011
2012
2013
2014
2015
Convenience
3850
3892
3935
3978
4022
4066
4111
4156
4202
4248
4295
Comparison
2961
3065
3172
3283
3398
3517
3640
3767
3899
4036
4177
Retailer Name
Location
Retail Type
The Tourist Centre
Main Street
Service
Claddagh Jewellers
Main Street
Comparison
AIB Bank
Main Street
Comparison
Christy's
Main Street
Comparison
O'Sheas
Main Street
Comparison
Killarney Bookshop
Main Street
Comparison
J O' Leary
Main Street
Comparison
Sheahans
Main Street
Comparison
Newsprint
Main Street
Comparison
Dessert House
Main Street
Service
Abbey Travel
Main Street
Service
Bank of Ireland Group
Main Street
Vacant
National Irish Bank
Main Street
Service
The Laurels Pub
Main Street
Service
The Town Hall
Main Street
Civic
**********Hotel
Main Street
Service
Carrig Donn
Main Street
Comparison
Innisfallen Mall
Main Street
Comparison
Restaurant
Main Street
Service
Giftshop
Main Street
Comparison
Internet Café
Main Street
Service
Unit
Main Street
Vacant
Opticians & Pharmacy
Main Street
Comparison
Gift Shop
Main Street
Comparison
Euro 2
Main Street
Comparison
Restaurant
Main Street
Service
Curiosities
Main Street
Convenience
EBS Building Society
Main Street
Service
Financial/Auctioneer
Main Street
Service
Ladbrokes
Main Street
Service
Quills
High Street
Comparison
Keanes Jewellers
High Street
Comparison
Killarney Giftshop
High Street
Comparison
Chrystal & Linen Shop @ Quills
High Street
Comparison
Quills Fashion House
High Street
Comparison
O'Connors
High Street
????
Humble Pie Café
High Street
Service
T Crown & Sons Butchers
High Street
Convenience
Robertinos Italian Restaurant
High Street
Service
Salvadors Restaurant
High Street
Service
Eagers Newsagents
High Street
Comparison
Appendix 3: Survey of Retail Core Area
267
268
Retailer Name
Location
Retail Type
Meara's Pub & Restaurant
High Street
Service
The Speakeasy Bar
High Street
Service
Travel Tours Limited
High Street
Service
Eagers Toy Shop
High Street
Comparison
d'Tandoor Indian Restaurant
High Street
Service
Ladies Fashion
High Street
Comparison
Unit
High Street
Vacant
Unit
High Street
Vacant
Medical/Herbalist
High Street
Comparison
Unit
High Street
Vacant
Youth Fashion
High Street
Comparison
Restaurant
High Street
Service
Bar
High Street
Service
Unit
High Street
Vacant
Lynes Kids Fashion
High Street
Comparison
Penneys
High Street
Comparison
Bar & Restaurant
High Street
Service
Giftshop
High Street
Comparison
Bookmakers
High Street
Service
Juice Bar
Old Market Lane
Comparison
Cartridge Shop
Old Market Lane
Comparison
Café/Gallery
Old Market Lane
Comparison
Café/Bakery/Deli
Old Market Lane
Service
Café/Wine Bar
Old Market Lane
Service
Health Shop
Old Market Lane
Comparison
Remax
Old Market Lane
Service
Beauty Salon
Old Market Lane
Comparison
Public House
Old Market Lane
Vacant
Bobby Kelly Photography
Plunkett Street
Comparison
Tatler Jack B&B
Plunkett Street
Service
Ring of Kerry Gift Shop
Plunkett Street
Comparison
Killarney Woollen Market
Plunkett Street
Comparison
Courtneys Bar
Plunkett Street
Service
Mikes Takeaway
Plunkett Street
Service
Razzle Dazzle
Plunkett Street
Comparison
Killarney Household & Gifts
Plunkett Street
Comparison
Reens Pharmacy
Plunkett Street
Comparison
Brian James Clothing
Plunkett Street
Comparison
Aran Sweater Outlet Store
Plunkett Street
Comparison
Cheque Clothing
Plunkett Street
Comparison
Klondikes Giftshop
Plunkett Street
Comparison
O'Sullivans Auctioneers
Plunkett Street
Service
Dunloe Lodge
Plunkett Street
Service
Location
Retail Type
O'Leary's Photoshop
Plunkett Street
Comparison
Gift Shop
Plunkett Street
Comparison
White Heather Florists
Plunkett Street
Convenience
Inn Jewellers
Plunkett Street
Comparison
Restaurant
Plunkett Street
Service
Gifts from Kerry
Plunkett Street
Comparison
Fish/Tackle Shop
Plunkett Street
Comparison
Gallery
Plunkett Street
Comparison
Kodak Shop
Plunkett Street
Comparison
Internet Café
Plunkett Street
Service
Ewells Pharmacy
New Street
Comparison
Kilkenny
New Street
Comparison
Walsh Brothers Shoes
New Street
Comparison
Carty's Flower Shop
New Street
Convenience
O' Grady's Auctioneers
New Street
Service
Adams
New Street
Comparison
Moriarity's Photo Shop
New Street
Comparison
Revive Café
New Street
Service
Lifestyle Sports
New Street
Comparison
Kingdom Jewellers
New Street
Comparison
Sheila's Hair Design
New Street
Service
DNG Property Agents
New Street
Service
Den Joes Restaurant
New Street
Service
Unit
New Street
Vacant
Good Friends Restaurant
New Street
Service
Subway Restaurant
New Street
Service
Junior Days Kids Clothing
New Street
Comparison
Libaas
New Street
Comparison
Unit
New Street
Vacant
Bar & Restaurant
New Street
Service
Photo Studio/Shop
New Street
Comparison
Furniture
New Street
Bulky Comparison
Bar & Restaurant
New Street
Service
Public House
New Street
Service
Public House
New Street
Service
ERA
New Street
BW Hotel
New Street
Service
Killarney Shopping Arcade
New Street
Comparison
Pharmacy
New Street
Comparison
Gamestop
New Street
Comparison
Nationwide
New Street
Service
Boyle Sports
New Street
Service
Ulster Bank
New Street
Service
Retailer Name
269
Retailer Name
Location
Ladies Fashion
New Street
Comparison
Opticians
New Street
Comparison
Post Office
New Street
Service
Tesco (Killarney Arcade)
Beech Road
Convenience
Bike Shop
Well Lane South
Comparison
Innisfallen Mall Entrance
Well Lane South
Greengrocer
Well Lane South
Convenience
The Granary Restaurant
Well Lane South
Service
The Credit Union
Well Lane South
Service
Ulster Bank
Beech Road
Service
Westlake Palace Restaurant
Beech Road
Service
Ashes Butchers
Beech Road
Convenience
O'Connors Newsagents
Beech Road
Comparison
Leaders Computer Sales
Beech Road
Comparison
Horans Therapy Centre & Health Shop
Beech Road
Comparison
O'Briens Café
Beech Road
Service
Tourist Office
Beech Road
Service
Note: Existing Dunnes Stores located in Town Centre but not in Retail Core
270
Retail Type
• Cause an adverse impact on one or more town
centres, either singly or cumulatively with recent
developments or other outstanding planning
The Sequential Approach
permissions, sufficient to undermine the quality of
In accordance with the Retail Planning Guidelines, the
the centre or its role in the economic or social life of
preferred location for new retail development where
the community;
practicable and viable is within the town centre.
Where is it is not possible to provide the form and
scale of development that is required on a site within
• Diminish the range of activities and services that a
town centre can support;
the town centre then consideration can be given to a
site on the edge of a town centre. An edge of centre
• Cause an increase in the number of vacant
site, as defined in the Retail Planning Guidelines, is
properties in the primary retail area that is likely to
taken to be one which is within easy walking distance
persist in the long term;
from the primary shopping core of the town centre,
with a presumption against development elsewhere,
• Ensure a high standard of access both by public
except where identified neighbourhood centres are
transport, foot and private car so that the proposal
being provided to meet neighbourhood needs.
is easily accessible by all sections of society; and
Having assessed the size, availability, accessibility and
feasibility of sites within the town centre and secondly
Appendix 4: Criteria for the Assessment
of Retail Development Proposals
• Link effectively with an existing town centre so that
there is likely to be commercial synergy.
on the edge of a town centre, alternative out of centre
sites should be considered only where it can be
demonstrated that there are no town centre or edge
of town centre sites which are suitable, viable and
available This is commonly known as the Sequential
Approach to the location of retail development.
Retail Impact Assessment
In making an application for planning permission for
retail development, the onus is on the applicant to
demonstrate compliance with the development plan
and that there will be no adverse impact on the vitality
and viability of the town centre. In submitting
evidence in relation to retail impact Paragraph 65 of
the Retail Planning Guidelines requires that the
applicant address the following criteria and
demonstrate whether or not the proposal would:
• Support the long term strategy for town centres as
established in the development plan and not
materially diminish the prospect of attracting
private sector investment into one or more town
centres;
271
Appendix 5: Types of Retail Goods
Retail goods categories are defined by reference to the
National Income & Expenditure Accounts and can be
divided into convenience goods and comparison
goods.
Convenience
Food;
Alcoholic & Non Alcoholic
beverages;
Beverages;
Tobacco;
Non-Durable Household Goods.
Comparison
Clothing & Footwear;
Furniture, furnishings and household
equipment (excluding non-durable
household goods);
Medical & Pharmaceutical products,
therapeutic appliances and
equipment;
Education & Recreation;
Equipment & Accessories
Books, newspapers and magazines;
Goods for personal care and goods
not elsewhere classified.
Bulky Goods
Goods generally sold from retail
warehouses where DIY goods or
goods such as flatpack furniture are
of such a size that they would
normally be taken away by car and
not managed by customers
travelling by foot, cycle or bus, or
that large floor areas would be
required to display them e.g.
furniture in room sets or not large
individually, but part of a collective
purchase which would be bulky e.g.
wallpaper, paint.
272
General Location of Killarney, Co. Kerry
Retail Strategy
±
MAP NO. 1
!
Legend
!
Killarney
©Copyright of Ordnance Survey Ireland. All Rights Reserved; License No: AR 0021808; Scale: NTS; Ref-No: K 7095-01
Prepared 13/05/08 - GIS Section, AP McCarthy Planning Consultants Ltd., Galway - www.apmccarthy.ie
273
274
CATCHMENT AREA OF KILLARNEY
Retail Strategy
±
TRALEE
CASTLEISLAND
MAP NO. 2
DINGLE
KILORGLIN
ATLANTIC
OCEAN
KILLARNEY
CAHIRCIVEEN
KENMARE
Legend
Catchment Area
County Boundary
Towns
National-Regional Roads
County Kerry ED
©Copyright of Ordnance Survey Ireland. All Rights Reserved; License No: AR 0021808; Scale: NTS; Ref-No: K 7095-01
Killarney Retail Strategy
Core retail area
±
MAP NO. 3
Legend
Core Retail Area
Proposed Extension
Primary Retail Frontage
©Copyright of Ordnance Survey Ireland. All Rights Reserved; License No: AR 0021808; Source: Killarney Town Council; Scale: NTS; Ref-No: K7095-01
275
276
Town centre zonings and opportunity sites
±
MAP NO. 4
3
Text
1
4
5
2
Legend
Town centre facilities zoning
Retail & Associated T.C. facilities zoning
Town centre B zoning
)
©Copyright of Ordnance Survey Ireland. All Rights Reserved; License No: AR 0021808; Source: Killarney Town Council; Scale: NTS; Ref-No: K 7095-01
Opportunity sites
Potential opportunity corridor
±
MAP NO. 5
_
`
b
b
* Note: Indicative only
Refer to Map 3 for
Core Retail Area Boundary
a
a
Legend
Retail Core
Opportunity Corridor
Deerpark
©Copyright of Ordnance Survey Ireland. All Rights Reserved; License No: AR 0021808; Source: Killarney Town Council; Scale: NTS; Ref-No: K7095-01
277

Killarney Town Development Plan 2009-2015

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