elphin local area plan 2009 - 2015 - Roscommon County Council

Chapter 5: Economic Development and Employment
Policy 56
Policy 57
Have full regard to the provisions of the Retail Planning Guidelines published by the
DoEHLG, particularly with regard to the acceptability of sites for retail development as
indicated by the sequential test.
Encourage and stimulate business and commercial activity in the town centre, in
accordance with the RCDP Retail Strategy 2008-2014.
Policy 58
Policy 59
Policy 60
Policy 61
Encourage tourism development through the upgrading and enhancement of the public
realm.
Promote the consolidation of the existing retail core of the town through the reuse of
vacant and derelict structures.
Promote the reuse of vacant buildings and vacant upper floors of existing retail premises
for office development where suitable.
Promote appropriately scaled office type development in suitably zoned locations.
5.5 PHYSICAL CONTEXT: INDUSTRIAL DEVELOPMENT
As outlined above, apart from Roschem manufacturing company, there are no major industries in the
Elphin Area at present. Roschem Products Limited is a chemical and detergent manufacturing company
based at Windmill Road, Elphin. All their products are manufactured in Elphin and they currently supply
products to Ireland, France, Germany, Switzerland, and Mexico. Roschem Products Limited employs
approximately five skilled personnel including a qualified Chemist. Clancy’s Fruit and Vegetable
Distribution Company are also based in Elphin.
Roscommon County Council recognise that new technologies, high added value and knowledge based
sectors such as Biotechnology, Medical Devices, Communication and Technology etc are the types of
industry that offer long terms prospects for generating revenues. In order for Roscommon to achieve
balanced and sustainable industrial development, a diversified base of employment opportunities will have
to be provided for and developed within the County. The Council is committed to attracting industry to
Roscommon and to the Elphin area. The Council recognizes the importance of industrial and commercial
development in terms of employment creation and the economic and social development of Elphin.
5.5.1 Industrial Development Strategy
Whilst the LAP cannot directly influence future industrial and commercial development, it can adopt a
plan led approach by:
Ensuring that sufficient and appropriate land is zoned and available for industrial and commercial
development;
Providing or facilitating the provision of infrastructure such as roads, drainage, water etc;
Promoting Elphin as a viable location to work and live.
Adopt a Development Contribution Scheme which includes measures to encourage such
development into these types of settlements.
Policies in relation to Industrial Development
Policy 62
Promote Elphin as a base for industrial development through the zoning of appropriate
industrial lands.
Elphin Local Area Plan 2009-2015 Page 42