elphin local area plan 2009 - 2015 - Roscommon County Council
elphin local area plan 2009 - 2015 - Roscommon County Council
elphin local area plan 2009 - 2015 - Roscommon County Council
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Chapter 8: Recreation, Leisure and Tourism<br />
Policy 113<br />
Ensure that recreational activities are safe places for all users and that one group of users<br />
do not enjoy public facilities at the expense of the safety of others or the quality of the<br />
environment.<br />
Objectives in relation to Integrated Tourism and Recreational Development<br />
Objective 101 Identify locations where public open space should be provided, so that they may be<br />
useable by a large proportion of the <strong>local</strong> community and so that they may facilitate the<br />
enjoyment of other amenities such as picturesque landscapes, views or features of our<br />
natural heritage, or to retain <strong>area</strong>s of ecological interest and biodiversity value.<br />
8.4.1 Walkways/Cycleways<br />
An important component of an integrated tourism strategy is sustainability and the use of more sustainable<br />
forms of transport. There are a number of walking/cycling routes as well as walking clubs throughout the<br />
<strong>County</strong>. There is a need to recognise the importance of walking and cycling in the Elphin <strong>area</strong> from a<br />
<strong>local</strong> as well as tourism perspective. RCC supports the development of tourist walks and cycle routes<br />
which consider <strong>local</strong> requirements as well as economic potential and endeavour to meet these needs on an<br />
ongoing basis. Walking and cycling routes should be designed to incorporate current thinking and best<br />
practice from experience in other locations in order to create more people friendly places. Road safety for<br />
pedestrians and cyclists is an important issue in tourist <strong>area</strong>s and lower speed limits and priority over<br />
motorized transport should be provided, where appropriate.<br />
Policies in relation to Walking Routes, Cycling Routes and Recreational Access<br />
Policy 114<br />
Policy 115<br />
Facilitate the improvement and development of walkways and cycle-ways in the Elphin<br />
<strong>area</strong>, through promotion of routes and the provision of new routes where appropriate.<br />
Routes should take full advantage of existing amenities in order to facilitate their<br />
enjoyment and exploit their tourism value.<br />
Encourage walking and cycling by ensuring that a network of safe, well-marked and<br />
maintained rights-of-way, walking, cycle ways and footpaths are provided in<br />
mountainous, lowland and tourist <strong>area</strong>s and throughout the county.<br />
Objectives in relation to Walking Routes, Cycling Routes and Recreational Access<br />
Objective 102 Promote walking, rambling and cycling, as appropriate, as well as recreational and<br />
tourism activities within the <strong>area</strong>.<br />
Objective 103 Establish walkways and cycle routes on a legal and permanent basis to include heritage<br />
and other attractions including accompanying signage.<br />
Objective 104 Seek the co-operation of Coillte and other agencies and landowners where appropriate, in<br />
the establishment of access ways, bridle paths, nature trails and other recreational<br />
facilities within forest and woodland <strong>area</strong>s.<br />
8.4.2 Arts and Theatre<br />
<strong>County</strong> <strong>Roscommon</strong> has a lot to offer the visitor with regard to Arts and the Theatre. There are a number<br />
of other non-arts buildings throughout the county that host arts events occasionally such as Strokestown<br />
Park House and the Angling and Conference Visitor Centre in Athleague.<br />
Elphin Local Area Plan <strong>2009</strong>-<strong>2015</strong> Page 74