PART II: DEVELOPMENT STRATEGY FOR <strong>2012</strong> – <strong>2018</strong> & BEYOND Chapter 6: Built & Natural Heritage Boyle Local Area Plan <strong>2012</strong>-<strong>2018</strong> Page 90
PART II: DEVELOPMENT STRATEGY FOR <strong>2012</strong> – <strong>2018</strong> & BEYOND Chapter 7: Economic Development & Employment CHAPTER 7: ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT & EMPLOYMENT 7.1 INTRODUCTION Planning and development issues today have become more complex and frequently overlap with other policy <strong>area</strong>s such as economic development, transport, education, and health provision. The economic role of Boyle is significant in terms of the towns’ population and location. Considering the size, scale and nature of Boyle, it is imperative that the strategy for economic development in the Town focuses on the achievable delivery of <strong>local</strong> services and potential employment generation. The zoning of appropriate sites in the town centre to accommodate mixed-use developments can facilitate the development of small-scale services. These services can expand over time if required. There are several strategic economic advantages in Boyle, including for example; a high quality built environment (historic heritage, protected structures, an Architectural Conservation Area); improved road access; notable development interest in the town; a significant volume of land and availability of readily serviced sites; considerable tourism potential; a high quality natural environment; and, relatively low development charges. 7.2 EXISTING CONTEXT Similar to many towns in Ireland, Boyle has been affected by the downturn in the national economy since 2008, and to the subsequent increase in unemployment rates. This LAP therefore includes the facilitation of employment generation as a principle aim and the <strong>plan</strong> contains a level of flexibility in order to facilitate potential new developments with varying requirements that are capable of delivering employment. Employment and industry are of fundamental importance to the economic and social development of Boyle. There are no major industries in the Boyle <strong>area</strong> at present and a significant proportion of people living in the <strong>area</strong> commute to towns such as Sligo, Carrick-on-Shannon, Longford, and <strong>Roscommon</strong> for employment. Agriculture and agricultural services still remain a significant source of employment in the <strong>area</strong>. Employment is also generated in the <strong>area</strong> in, for example; small shops, supermarkets, solicitor’s offices, insurance brokers, and betting offices, amongst many others. Whilst Boyle acts as a <strong>local</strong> service centre for the surrounding rural hinterland, there is insufficient indigenous employment for residents of the town at present. Boyle lacks industry, despite having an educated workforce. Employment generating uses in Boyle are critical to readdressing the balance of development that has taken place. The <strong>area</strong> has experienced significant population growth and should be in a position to capitalise on the available skilled workforce. There is a need to encourage entrepreneurship with assistance from support agencies such as the IDA, Enterprise Ireland, and the Enterprise Board. In addition to the commercial/retail and industrial lands included on the land use zoning map, flexible policies and objectives are also included in this LAP, which demonstrate RCC’s commitment to assisting and facilitating in the creation of additional employment for Boyle (See appended Maps 14a & 14b). As outlined above, there is a large agricultural sector on the fringes of the town and this provides limited employment. However, many farmers are finding it increasingly difficult to entice their sons or daughters to remain in Boyle and work the farms due to low farm incomes. Farming has now become predominantly parttime and primarily consists of farm sizes between 50-100 acres. Many farmers’ wives also work part-time in order to supplement family incomes. In most cases, farm income is supplemented by a mixture of wages, headage payments, unemployment assistance or F.Á.S schemes. With changes in agricultural production and reduction in EU financial supports, farming can be expected to contribute less income in the future and a reduction in farm related employment is likely. RCC also recognises that there are many advantages to the <strong>local</strong> community living within a reasonable travel distance from their place of employment. These advantages include; reduced travel time and costs, reduce carbon emissions, and increased productivity. Achieving these benefits will contribute to an overall improvement in the quality of life for everyone in Boyle. Furthermore, the presence of employment in a town leads to increased potential for business interactions and the <strong>local</strong> economy will grow with the level of trade and commerce. There are several influencing factors that will aid in the attraction and creation of new employment in Boyle. These include, amongst others; a significant <strong>local</strong> workforce, an existing active business community, huge tourism potential, a vibrant community and great quality of life, available industrial lands, and a population and wide hinterland providing a market for services. It is considered that renewed emphasis is required on the creation of long-term sustainable employment in Boyle, particularly in tourism, industry (production and manufacturing) and the service industry. There is considerable potential for growth in the service industry in Boyle town in terms of the level and range of service provision in <strong>area</strong>s such as leisure, retail and restaurants. A significant portion of such Boyle Local Area Plan <strong>2012</strong>-<strong>2018</strong> Page 91
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