elphin local area plan 2009 - 2015 - Roscommon County Council

Chapter 3: Settlement Policy and Development Strategy
population during the 1996-2002 Census period. According to the 2006 Census, Elphin Townland itself
has a population of 591 persons. For the purpose of the Elphin LAP all the Townlands within the proposed
development boundary of the area have been considered.
The An Post Geo-Directory (a database of addresses and geographic locations established by An Post &
Ordnance Survey Ireland) has been used which is regularly updated and can also be synchronized with a
range of Geographical Information Systems (GIS) and mapping applications. The number of existing
households has been calculated at approximately 353. At an average household size of 2.76 persons (CSO
Roscommon County Average 2006), the total population within the Elphin Town Boundary is
approximately 974 persons. However, in consideration of the substantial new house building since 2002, it
is expected that the actual population of Elphin has markedly increased and will continue to do so over the
coming years.
3.3 SETTLEMENT STRUCTURE
Elphin is identified as a Tier 3: Key satellite village (population range 500 – 1500). These centres have a
more limited range of services than tier 1 and 2 and service provision often includes a range of retail and
educational services, but limited financial, health and community services. These areas have been
traditionally referred to as towns within County Roscommon, however in the national setting would be
deemed villages. They should be further developed as residential and employment centres, as well as
service and local retail centres for their surrounding hinterland. Retail development is likely to be mainly
convenience goods, with supermarkets and local shops serving the local town and the hinterland.
The strategic aims, policies and objectives of Roscommon County Council in relation to Elphin are
outlined below. The Strategy is based on the main aims for Elphin in terms of its growth as an important
key satellite village accommodating residential, employment and services for a growing local community,
while protecting and enhancing the unique built and natural heritage of the area. Each aim is linked to
policies that set out the long-term development framework for the proper planning and sustainable
development of Elphin. The Council’s long-term commitments are presented as a series of objectives.
In terms of the National Spatial Strategy (NSS), Elphin is identified as a centre in an area with strong
potential for diversification. This will entail strengthening the town structure. Elphin has experienced
significant development pressure in recent years, particularly from Shankill Cross into the town centre. On
the approaches to the town, along Windmill Road and the Strokestown Road, there has also been notable
development pressure. The potential for strengthening the existing urban form will involve the provision
of serviced land and improved amenities, which will support and encourage development within Elphin.
This process will also encourage investment in tourism supports that harness, in a sustainable manner, the
potential of important local resources such as the natural and cultural heritage, attractive landscapes. (NSS
2002:108). Elphin should continue to be supported as an area which is a ‘centre of weak urban structure’
as defined in the NSS.
3.4 DEVELOPMENT STRATEGY
An overall development strategy for the proper planning and sustainable development of Elphin Town
and environs has been prepared based on an analysis of social, economic, infrastructure, environment and
heritage data. Key objectives in this LAP include; amongst others, enhancement and development of the
town core; identification of lands suitable for the expansion of community facilities; and the
intensification and rationalisation of the existing residential footprint of the town.
The overall development strategy for Elphin focuses on its growth as an important key satellite village and
the enhancement of tourism in the town through encouraging public and private investment in both
physical and social infrastructure, including roads, water services, telecommunications, energy, business
support infrastructure, and social and recreational facilities. In order to achieve the overall strategy the
LAP focuses on consolidating the town centre by permitting appropriate in-fill development, and the
Elphin Local Area Plan 2009-2015 Page 12