VILLAGE PLANS - Offaly County Council

OFFALY COUNTY DEVELOPMENT 

PLAN 2009 - 2015 

- VOLUME II - 

VILLAGE PLANS

OFFALY COUNTY 

DEVELOPMENT PLAN 

2009 - 2015 

• BALLINAGAR • 

VILLAGE PLAN 

2009 - 2015

OFFALY COUNTY DEVELOPMENT PLAN 2009 - 2015 

Volume 2 - Settlement Plans 

BALLINAGAR VILLAGE PLAN 

1.0 GENERAL INTRODUCTION AND 

DEVELOPMENT CONTEXT 

The settlement plans stem directly from the policies 

and objectives contained in the County Development 

Plan with particular reference to Chapters 4, 

“Settlement Strategy” and 18, “Landuse and Zoning”. 

This is to facilitate the growth of a hierarchy of 

well-planned, sustainable and complementary 

settlements throughout the county presented in a 

consistent manner to allow ease of interpretation and 

implementation. 

Ballinagar has been designated as a village within 

Offaly’s settlement hierarchy, as set out in Chapter 4 of 

the County Development Plan 2009–2015. This 

settlement plan along with the zoning map is seen as a 

specific view of the village so that development 

pressures can be focused and properly managed in 

order that the settlement can fulfil this role effectively. 

1.1 Location 

Ballinagar is a well-established village located at the 

junction of a number of routes, namely the R402 

Tullamore to Edenderry, the road to Geashill and the 

road to Cappincur, approximately 12km from Tullamore, 

and 24km from Edenderry. It is seen as a local service 

centre for the surrounding area. In the Census 2006, the 

population of Ballinagar was 381 people. 

1.2 Settlement Form 

The original settlement is likely to have developed as a 

small cluster at the road junction. Subsequent 

expansion has in the main, taken the form of linear 

development along the constituent roads, and by the 

addition of 2 residential housing schemes within 

proximity of the core of the village, providing added 

depth to the village. This settlement is low rise and low 

density, with a number of different building styles in 

evidence. 

1.3 Context 

Ballinagar has been designated as a village within 

Offaly’s settlement hierarchy, as set out in the County 

Development Plan 2009-2015, Chapter 4, Settlement 

Strategy. A development boundary has been identified 

for Ballinagar and is shown on the accompanying map. 

It is intended that the area delineated will: - 

• Foster the creation of a more coherent 

settlement, with adequate critical mass to 

maintain/improve local service provision. 

• Ensure that the village’s location on the R402 

Tullamore/Edenderry corridor does not lead to a 

rate of expansion, which might adversely affect 

its village character. 

• Cater for a number of small in-depth housing, 

commercial and employment developments, 

which are appropriate in terms of scale, use and 

location within the village. 

• Contain development in order to enhance the 

village and its setting. 

2.0 SERVICES AND SOCIAL 

INFRASTRUCTURE 

2.1 Water Supply 

A public water supply is available to serve development 

within the village and there is spare capacity available 

currently. 

2.2 Waste Water 

The village is served by two main sewers in the 

constituent roads of the village leading to the sewage 

treatment plant of 200PE capacity to the southwest of 

the settlement, which is currently at capacity. Approval 

for a new treatment plant 1000PE has recently been 

obtained and this, when built, will allow development 

to move forward as it will create some spare capacity. 

2.3 Other Services 

a) Social and Community Infrastructure. 

Ballinagar has a good base of social & community 

facilities serving both the village and its surrounding 

area. Within the plan boundary, there is (in 2007): 

• Church (RC) 

• National School 

February 2009 | Ballinagar Village Plan | page 44



• Community Hall 

• Petrol filling station/shop 

• Shop unit (used as an office) 

• Licensed premises 

b) Roads 

Ballinagar is located on the junction of the R402 

Tullamore/Edenderry Road, Cappincur Road and the 

Geashill Road and is therefore well connected by road 

and within easy commuting of Tullamore and 

Edenderry. It is therefore on an essential link in the 

network and important at both county and 

subregional levels. 

With the implementation of the settlement strategy in 

the County Development Plan and in particular this 

Tullamore/Edenderry Corridor which includes 

Ballinagar and Daingean, there will be significant 

increases in both local and county traffic on this already 

busy road. This may lead to the requirement for a relief 

road in the longer term. The previous plan shows an 

aspirational road line to the west of the village and this 

has been taken into consideration on the internal 

planning of the settlement. 

Internal roads, which are necessary to serve in-depth 

development in Ballinagar, will be required to be 

designed and constructed to a high standard, in order 

to provide an attractive and safe environment. While 

these will be provided by separate developments it is 

intended that over time, they will evolve into an 

integrated network of routes allowing movement 

around and through the village. This will require 

adjoining landowners/development interests to 

co-operate at an early stage. 

c) Footpaths 

Footpath provision is in general adequate. 

3.0 KEY MESSAGES FOR BALLINAGAR 

a) Ballinagar shall be developed in a properly 

planned coherent manner centred around the 

existing core, so that an attractive sustainable 

outcome is achieved. Policies and objectives with 

regard to village development are contained in 

the County Development Plan, 2009-2015, 

Chapter 4, Settlement Strategy. 

b) Promotion of low-density clustered style 

development within the village, with the 

exception of slightly tighter knit development in 

the core. 

c) Avoidance of excessive residential growth where 

such growth would precede the provision of 

adequate services, or adversely affect the village’s 

rural character. 

d) Promotion of Ballinagar as a local service and 

small-scale employment centre to create the 

critical mass necessary for maintaining and 

attracting investment and services. 

e) The conservation and integration into new 

development of existing stone walls, trees and 

native hedgerows, and promotion of similar 

materials for new boundaries. 

f) High quality designs, which are reflective of the 

existing rural character of the village, without 

precluding high quality innovative contemporary 

designs. 

g) Promotion of natural building and boundary 

materials. 

4.0 GENERAL DEVELOPMENT 

OBJECTIVES 

4.1 The Main Objectives Driving Village 

Development are as Follows: 

• Facilitate people to live in high quality and 

primarily low density housing in a rural village 

location. 

• Maintain and enhance services at a local level. 

• Reinforce the attractive rural village, which exists 

at present by permitting appropriate and 

sensitively designed new development. 

• Create commercial and employment 

opportunities. 

4.2 Growth Rate 

The rate of growth will be regulated by the capacity and 

availability of physical and social infrastructure. 

Furthermore, development both in scale and rate shall 

not be allowed to take place at the expense of the 

village’s character, (See County Development Plan 

2009-2015, Chapter 4, Settlement Strategy). 

4.3 Priorities 

a) Promotion and consolidation of development 

within the development boundary as shown on 




the accompanying plan. 

b) Improvement of the existing road network and 

provision of footpaths, particularly where 

development is not served by footpaths, in 

conjunction with on-going development. 

c) Create/reinforce ‘gateway’ features to engender a 

sense of place and delineate the village. 

d) Encourage and facilitate co-operation between/ 

amongst the different development interests in 

order to maximise community gain, for the 

greater good of the settlement. 

e) If development is only forthcoming in a 

piecemeal fashion, (i.e. along existing road 

frontages rather than lands identified to the ‘rear’ 

of road frontages) special development 

contributions may be applied and pooled so as 

to facilitate the Council in providing linking 

infrastructure/environmental management etc., 

at some time in the future. 

4.4 Shape and Form 

The village as proposed within the development 

boundary as shown on the accompanying plan will 

result in a relatively compact settlement, laid out in a 

concentric manner around the centre utilising the 

existing roads, with new internal roads to open up 

backland areas. These roads will also act as linking and 

connecting vehicular/pedestrian infrastructure for the 

village as a whole, thus allowing movement around and 

through the built fabric. 

The existing older part of the village at the crossroads 

acts as the ‘core’ and will accommodate a mixture of 

uses, for example, commercial, residential, 

entertainment, employment etc. The Council will 

encourage an urban design led refurbishment and 

traffic calming of the centre (when the relief road is 

complete). 

All new development will be expected: 

• To comply with the land use zoning objectives 

contained in the County Development Plan, 

2009 – 2015. 

• To have and illustrate an understanding of the 

local style and character. 

• To be designed and laid out in a coherent and 

sympathetically integrated manner, which is 

commensurate with the size and scale of this 

village. 

• To respect the mainly rural nature of the 

settlement with sensitive landscaping. 

4.5 Design 

All proposals shall be consistent with the Council’s 

policy on design as contained in the County 

Development Plan 2009-2015, Chapters 4 & 19. 

Of particular note:- 

Development shall be well designed with a view to 

maintaining and enhancing the rural character of the 

village. The Council will resist inappropriate suburban 

styles. 

5.0 SPECIFIC DEVELOPMENT 

OBJECTIVES 

5.1 Archaeology 

It is an objective of the Council to secure the protection 

(i.e. preservation in situ or at a minimum protection by 

record) of all Recorded Monuments included in the 

Record of Monuments and Places as established under 

Section 12 of the National Monuments (Amendment) 

Act 1994, and their setting. 

5.2 Protected Structures 

A complete list is contained within the Record of 

Protected Structures for the County. Policies contained 

within Volume 1 of the plan will apply. 

5.3 Amenities (Open Space) 

All new in-depth residential development schemes 

should incorporate sufficient good quality open space 

in accordance with the County Development Plan 

standards. In this regard, the Council will endeavour to 

ensure that different development interests consider 

the above and work together when designing any new 

residential, or other developments, in accordance with 

the policies contained in the County Development Plan 

2009-2015, Chapter 4, Settlement Strategy. 

5.4 Trees and Boundaries 

New development should ensure the protection of 

mature trees, hedgerows and the conservation of 

existing stone walls, and their integration into new 

development. Where the provision of new boundaries 

are required, these should comprise native hedgerow 

planting, or stone walls which consist of stone found in 

the locality. Where comprehensive new development 




occurs, it should take into account the pattern of 

existing hedgerows and incorporate same into layouts 

or plant connecting hedgerows where hedgerow 

removal to facilitate development works is necessary. 

The Council will require that all new development 

respect both the tight urban grain of the central core 

and the looser more rural nature of the back lands. This 

should be achieved by recognising the design cues of 

the former and by sensitive landscaping of the latter. In 

the event that the removal of tree(s) is deemed to be 

necessary, it will be conditional on replacement with 

appropriate species. 

5.5 Local Issues 

a) The incremental provision of footpaths on both 

sides of roads, through requirements for works as 

part of planning permissions granted, or by way 

of development contributions / special 

development contributions is envisaged, to 

improve the amenities of the area. 

b) Adequate lighting to be provided along all routes 

within the village boundary, over time. 

c) Progressively underground overhead cables. 

d) In the case of new development, ducting will be 

required under new roads or new / upgraded 

footpaths. 

e) Access points to be provided where necessary, in 

the village. 

employment generating land uses being located 

here. 

2. This area is zoned for Public, Community & 

Educational uses to accommodate school 

expansion. 

3. This area is zoned Public, Community & 

Education in line with its current use as a sewage 

treatment plant. 

4. This area is zoned open space and is the buffer 

zoned required by the sewage treatment plant 

referred to in point 3. 

Note: 

Red Arrows 

These indicate the preferred locations for access points 

to be taken into the backland areas so that they may be 

developed in a coherent and properly planned manner. 

Use of some or all of these points should, over time, 

create an internal road network which will bring depth 

and permeability to the built environment. 

These indicative access points shown by the arrows are 

seen as the optimum points where the new network will 

connect with the existing. Space should be reserved at 

points indicated for possible future roundabouts/ 

junction improvements. 

5.6 Zoning 

Lands within the village boundary are formally zoned 

under this plan. The zoning objectives are those 

contained within the County Development Plan 

2009 – 2015. 

In the case of ‘residential’ zoning, no maximum or 

minimum densities are specified in this plan. However, 

this zoning will accommodate the more mainstream 

types of development and particular regard will be had 

to standards contained in the County Development 

Plan 2009-2015, Chapter 19, Built Form and the 

Residential Density Guidelines, (Department of the 

Environment, Sept. 1999), or any reviews thereof. 

5.7 Map Annotation – Guidance & 

Requirements for Development 

1. This area is zoned as “other settlement land” and 

the Council would give first preference to 




NOTES 


Volume 2 - Settlement Plans | Ballinagar Village Plan | February 2009

OFFALY COUNTY 


2009 - 2015 

• BALLYCUMBER • 


2009 - 2015



BALLYCUMBER VILLAGE PLAN 

local service centre for the surrounding area. 

Development levels have been low in Ballycumber in 

the recent past. One reason for this is the lack of 

capacity in the wastewater treatment facilities. 

However, it is recognised that an appropriate amount of 

development could be harnessed to overcome 

infrastructural constraints and contribute positively to 

the proper planning and sustainable growth of this 

area. 



The settlement plans stem directly from the 

policies and objectives contained in the County 

Development Plan with particular reference to Chapters 

4, “Settlement Strategy” and Chapter 18, “Landuse and 

Zoning”. This is to facilitate the growth of a hierarchy of 


settlements throughout the County presented in a 



Ballycumber has been designated as a village within 


the County Development Plan 2009-2015. This 





1.1 Location 

Ballycumber is a small settlement located on and 

around the road junction of the R436 Ferbane to 

Kilbeggan road and a county road linking Ballycumber, 

to Moate, and is sited north of the bridge over the 

Brosna River. It is approximately 16 km from Tullamore 

and 20 km from Athlone. 

The village of Ballycumber expanded under the 

patronage of the Armstrong family in the eighteenth 

century. It was an area where the linen industry thrived. 

According to the Census 2006, the DED population for 

Ballycumber was 688 people. However, it is estimated 

that the population within the village boundary (see 

plan) is approximately 260 people. Ballycumber is the 



small cluster at the junction. Subsequent expansion has 

in the main, taken the form of linear development along 

the constituent roads, and two Council housing 

developments. This settlement is low rise and low 


evidence, although the original core has a slightly 

tighter grain and more vernacular style. 





within the village. 


Main sewers are available along the two main routes, 

namely from the Brosna bridge to almost as far as 

Twickenham House, and as far as Grogan’s townsland. 

These currently discharge to the village’s wastewater 

treatment plant. Ballycumber is currently (2008) 

contained within the Offaly Group Towns and Villages 

Sewerage scheme for proposed upgrading. 


a) Social and Community Infrastructure 

Ballycumber contains a community premises 

(Ballycumber Leamonaghan Community Development 

Ltd., which is located in the Barracks), two shops, a post 

office and four licensed premises within the village 

boundary. 

A GAA pitch and ancillary facilities, community centre, 

and an additional licensed premises are located within 

close proximity of the development boundary. 

February 2009 | Ballycumber Village Plan | page 50



A national school, Roman Catholic Church, and 

graveyard which serve the community of Ballycumber, 

are situated approximately 3km northwest of 

Ballycumber village in Boher. 

b) Roads 

New roads, which are necessary to serve in-depth 

development in Ballycumber will be required to be 


to provide an attractive and safe environment. 

3.0 KEY MESSAGES FOR BALLYCUMBER 

a) Ballycumber shall be developed in a properly 

planned, coherent manner centred around the 


outcome is achieved. Policies and guidelines 

with regard to village development are 

contained in Volume 1, Chapter 4. 

b) Promotion of low-density linear or clustered style 



the core. 

c) The conservation and integration into new 




d) High quality designs which are reflective of the 


precluding high quality innovative 

contemporary designs. 

e) Promotion of natural building and boundary 

materials. 


OBJECTIVES 





location. 

• Maintain services at a local level. 

• Reinforce the attractive rural village which exists 






The rate of growth must be in accordance with the 

Council’s policy on villages (Refer Volume 1, Chapter 4) 

and the availability of services (including physical and 

social provisions). 






provision of footpaths in conjunction with 

on-going development. 



d) Encourage and facilitate co-operation between / 





piecemeal fashion (i.e. along existing road 


of road frontages), special development 

contributions may be applied and pooled so as to 

facilitate the Council in providing linking 





boundary on the accompanying plan will result in a 

relatively compact settlement, laid out in a rectangular 

manner, utilising the existing roads, with the possibility 

of new internal road(s) opening up lands to the north, 

east and west of Sycamore Drive for development, and 

also acting as linking and connecting vehicular / 

pedestrian infrastructure for the village as a whole. 

The existing older part of the village will be treated as 

the ‘core’ and will accommodate a mixture of uses, for 

example, commercial, residential, entertainment, 

employment, etc. 




2009– 2015, Volume 1. 







sympathetically integrated manner which is 


village. 



4.5 Design 



Development Plan 2009-2015, Chapters 4 and 19. 



maintaining and enhancing the attractive rural 

character of the village. The Council will resist 

inappropriate suburban styles. 


OBJECTIVES 







Act 1994, and their setting. There are two Recorded 

Monuments situated within the village boundary. 





5.3 Other Amenity Designations 

There is a portion of an Area of High Amenity/Area of 

Special Control within the village boundary. This refers 

to the esker which is located to the north of 

Ballycumber House. 





standards. In particular, a substantial high quality 

public open space area is considered necessary as part 

of the overall development of the area zoned for 

‘residential’ and ‘other settlement lands’ to the north, 

east and west of Sycamore Drive. In this regard, the 

Council will endeavour to ensure that different 

development interests consider the above when 

designing any new residential developments, for 

example by requiring the formulation of a master plan 

or plans. 

An existing attractive public space/walkway exists 

along the River Brosna/former railway line to the east of 

the village. This could be enhanced if the adjacent lands 

are developed through the provision of a connecting, 

high quality portion of public open space which is 

clearly linked to the walkway. 













The Council will require that all new development will 

respect the predominantly rural nature of the 

settlement, in particular through the provision of 

sensitive landscaping schemes. In the event that the 

removal of tree(s) is deemed to be necessary, it will be 

conditional on replacement with appropriate species. 










c) Progressively underground overhead cables. In 

the case of new development, ducting will be 

required under new roads or new/upgraded 

footpaths. 




d) Access points to be provided where necessary, in 

the village. 

e) Protection of the area of high amenity to the 

north of Ballycumber House. 

f) It is policy of the Council to reserve an area of 

approximately 2 acres of Council-owned land in 

Ballycumber for a green area (public park). This 

will be for the benefit of the village as a whole. 

5.7 Zoning Objectives 




2009 – 2015. 









should be retained as far as possible, should 

development take place along these roads 

(retained / reconstructed stone walls, natural 

hedgerows as front boundaries etc.). The 

provision of a footpath would make this loop 

more accessible for walking. 

4. The proposed open space zoning along the 

stream and the western extent of the current 

development boundary should, as part of 

development on lands to the east, be very 

attractively landscaped and planted in order to 

provide a green buffer or boundary between the 

developed area of the village and the rural area 

to the west. In the long term, should the 

development boundary extend towards Grogan, 

this area would act as a well-landscaped 

greenway or ‘lung’ between two development 

areas. 

5. See 5.4 above. 



1. This area is not considered suitable for a single 

large housing development. A number of 

separately designed smaller developments is 

considered more appropriate. A large, usable 

and well-designed area of public open space 

must be provided in conjunction with housing 

development – 15% minimum of the area. A 

master plan showing roads / pedestrian / open 

space / services linkages between these and 

adjacent lands should precede any in-depth 

development. 

2. There may be potential for roads / pedestrian / 

open space / services linkages between this land 

and adjacent lands to the north. It is policy of the 

Council to reserve an area of approximately 2 

acres of Council-owned land in Ballycumber for a 

green area (public park). This will be for the 

benefit of the village as a whole. 

3. This ‘loop’ of road around the north of the village 

to Grogan has a very rural character, and this 




NOTES 


Volume 2 - Settlement Plans | Ballycumber Village Plan | February 2009

OFFALY COUNTY 


2009 - 2015 

• BELMONT • 


2009 - 2015



BELMONT VILLAGE PLAN 





Plan with particular reference to Chapter 4, “Settlement 

Strategy” and Chapter 18 “Landuse and Zoning”. This is 

to facilitate the growth of a hierarchy of well-planned, 

sustainable and complementary settlements 

throughout the county presented in a consistent 

manner to allow ease of interpretation and 


Belmont has been designated as a village within Offaly’s 

settlement hierarchy, as set out in Chapter 4 of the 

County Development Plan 2009–2015. This settlement 

plan along with the zoning map is seen as a specific 

view of the village so that development pressures can 

be focused and properly managed in order that the 

settlement can fulfil this role effectively. 

1.1 Location 

Belmont is a small settlement some 5kms west of 

Ferbane and 3.7kms north of Cloghan and lies within 

two DEDs, Lumcloon and Moyclare. It is estimated that 

the population within the village boundary (see plan) is 

approximately 150 persons with circa 130 persons in 

the immediate environs. 

Growth has been slow over the past few years and while 

this could, in part, be attributed to the lack of 

infrastructure there is evidence to indicate that there is 

some demand in this area. It is recognised that an 

appropriate amount of development could be 

harnessed to contribute positively to the proper 

planning and sustainable growth of this area. 


The original form was probably a small cluster at the 

crossroads with subsequent development taking the 

form of linear development on the constituent routes 

with the bulk happening to the east on the Ferbane 

road. The settlement is extremely long (at 

approximately 1.5kms), with very little depth although 

there have been attempts to redress this in the form of 

the council housing development in the southwest 

quadrant of the village. The settlement is low rise and 

low density, with a variation of different suburban 

building styles in evidence but with no real definition of 

the core area. 

1.3 Context 

Belmont has been designated as a village within Offaly’s 

settlement hierarchy, as set in the County Development 

Plan 2009 – 2015. A development boundary has been 

identified for Belmont and is shown on the 

accompanying map. It is intended that the area 

delineated will: - 


settlement with adequate critical mass to 

maintain / improve local service provision. 

• Cater for a number of small in-depth 

development schemes for both housing and 

commercial uses, which are appropriate in terms 

of scale, use and location within the village. 

• Contain development in order to bring some 

form to the settlement and engender a sense of 

place. 




Water supply is from the Clara/Ferbane public water 

scheme. 


The village is served by sewers in the roads which takes 

the effluent into a communal septic tank to the south of 

the village near the River Brosna. The system will require 

investment in order to allow developments within the 

village to proceed. It is included in the Water Services 

Investment Programme and the preliminary report is 

being prepared. (Nov 07) To this end, where a 

development proposal precedes adequate availability 

February 2009 | Belmont Village Plan | page 56



of either network or waste water treatment capacity 

special development contributions may be applied to 

facilitate the necessary improvement works. 



Belmont has a small base of such facilities. Within the 

plan boundary there are (in 2007) the following: 

• Shop (general merchant) 

• 2 Licensed Premises 

• Garage/petrol filling station 

The Church (RC), National School and community hall 

which serve Belmont are situated within the sraid High 

Street, approximately 1.4kms to the west of the village. 

These two settlements are, to a great extent, 

complementary. 

b) Roads 


development in Belmont, will be required to be 







adjoining landowners / development interests to 


c) Footpaths 

Footpath provision is generally poor and this should be 

addressed given linear nature of the village and the 

dispersal of facilities in the area. 

Given the linear form alluded to in paragraph 1.4, 

Settlement Form, and the dispersed nature of social and 

community infrastructure a footpath/cycleway from the 

east of Belmont through to High Street could 

encourage easy, safe non car movement in this area. 

This route should be lit appropriately. 

3.0 KEY MESSAGES FOR BELMONT 

a) Belmont shall be developed in a properly 





the County Development Plan 2009-2015, 




exception of slightly tighter knit development to 

help delineate and reinforce the “core” area at the 

crossroads. 



adequate services, or would not improve the 

village’s character. 

d) Promotion of Belmont as a local service centre to 

create the critical mass necessary for maintaining 

and attracting services. 





f) High quality designs which are reflective of the 

existing rural character of the village, shall be 

encouraged but without precluding high quality 

innovative contemporary designs. 


materials. 

h) Improve pedestrian linkages to allow safe 

movement in the area including the dispersed 

elements close to the village boundary. 


OBJECTIVES 





location. 





• Create commercial and service opportunities. 






village’s character. See County Development Plan 

2009 - 2015, Chapter 4, Settlement Strategy. 










existing development is not served by footpaths 

in conjunction with on-going development. 

c) Create / reinforce ‘gateway’ features to engender 

a sense of place and delineate the village. 











infrastructure / environmental management etc., 




boundary shown on the accompanying plan will result 

in a more compact and coherent settlement, utilising 

the existing roads and with new internal roads opening 

up the surrounding backland areas. These roads will 

also act as linking and connecting vehicular / 

pedestrian infrastructure for the village as a whole thus 

allowing movement around and through the built 

fabric. The central area around the “cross-roads” will be 

treated as the core area and will accommodate a 

mixture of uses, for example, commercial, residential, 

entertainment, employment etc. 




2009 – 2015. 






village. 

• To bring a mainly rural feel to the settlement with 

sensitive landscaping. 

4.5 Design 










OBJECTIVES 













While all new in-depth residential development 

schemes should incorporate sufficient good quality 

open space in accordance with the County 

Development Plan standards the scale of Belmont and 

the shape and form envisaged for the expanded village 

will preclude the creation of any large central open 

spaces. 

To this end, land owners/development interests around 

the cross-roads will be encouraged to work together to 

provide a communal area of open space within the 

north west quadrant of the village (see 2 on plan). This 

will be set against their open space requirements and 

will allow a slightly higher density tighter grained 

core/centre to evolve. In this regard, the Council will 

endeavour to ensure that different development 

interests consider the above when designing any new 

residential, or other developments, for example by 

requiring the formulation of a master plan. 















removal to facilitate development works is necessary. In 




5.5 Local issues 








within the village boundary, over time including 

the link to High Street. 



required under new / upgraded roads and 

footpaths. 


the village. 

e) Promote and facilitate interaction between 

Belmont and High Street to ensure their joint 

critical mass helps maintain the existing 

facilities/services available in both. 

f) Create pedestrian/cycleway link to join with High 

Street. 






1. This area is seen as the “village core” and as such 

is zoned as “other settlement land” in order to 

allow differing land uses to be accommodated 

e.g. commercial, employment etc. 

2. Open space provision required by this 

development should be concentrated in order to 

provide a flexible more usable approach. To this 

end, land owners/development interests are 

advised to co-operate at an early stage. 

Note: 

Red Arrows. 












5.6 Zoning 



contained within the County Development Plan 2009 – 

2015. 









NOTES 


Volume 2 - Settlement Plans | Belmont Village Plan | February 2009

OFFALY COUNTY 


2009 - 2015 

• BRACKNAGH • 


2009 - 2015



BRACKNAGH VILLAGE PLAN 






Strategy” and Chapter 18, “Land Use and Zoning”. This is 






Bracknagh has been designated as a village within 







1.1 Location 

Bracknagh is a clustered settlement located on and 

around the T-junction of the R442 and R419 roads and 

north of the Figile River. It is located approximately 

15km south of Edenderry, 6km south of Clonbullogue, 

8km northeast of Portarlington, and 7km west of 

Rathangan, Co. Kildare. 

In 2006, the population for the entire district electoral 

division of Bracknagh was 942 people. The area within 

the village boundary contains a population of 

approximately 300 people. 

Bracknagh is the local service centre for the residential 

community of the village itself and its surrounding rural 

hinterland. Recent pressures from the Greater Dublin 

Area and overspill from Edenderry have seen an 

increase in development pressure within this area. 


This settlement is likely to have originated as a small 

cluster of dwellings located around the road junction. 

Subsequent expansion has in the main, taken the form 

of linear development along the constituent roads, and 

two housing developments by Offaly County Council 

and Bord na Mona. The existing settlement is low rise 

and low density, with a number of different building 

styles in evidence. 




Bracknagh is serviced by a Group Water Supply Scheme. 

Consent to connection for the provision of a water 

supply will be required as part of planning permissions 

granted. 

2.2 Waste water 

The waste water treatment plant in Bracknagh 

discharges to the nearby Figile River, and upgrading will 

be required as the village expands. 


(a) Social and Community Infrastructure 

Bracknagh contains a Roman Catholic Church (St. 

Broghans’), a community centre, two shops, a petrol 

pump, post office and licensed premises within the core 

area of the village. A graveyard is situated to the north 

of the core and this is accessed via a narrow lane off the 

main Clonbullogue-Bracknagh Road. A national school 

and associated playing fields is situated in the extreme 

east of the village. 

A GAA pitch and ancillary facilities are situated within 

close proximity of the village. 

(b) Roads 

As development occurs, access routes to backlands will 

be required to allow for comprehensive, orderly 

development within the village boundary. New roads, 

which are necessary to serve in-depth development in 

Bracknagh will be required to be designed and 

constructed to a high standard, in order to provide an 

attractive and safe environment. 

February 2009 | Bracknagh Village Plan | page 62



3.0 KEY MESSAGES FOR BRACKNAGH 

a) Bracknagh shall be developed in a properly 

planned and coherent manner, centred on the 

nodal point of the main road junction. Policies 

and objectives with regard to village 

development are contained in the County 

Development Plan, Volume 1, Chapter 4. 

b) The promotion of low-density linear or clustered 

style development within the village, with the 











e) Promotion of natural building and boundary 

materials. 

f) Promotion of the area along the River Figile for 

amenity purposes. 

g) Create critical mass to attract investment for 

services. 


OBJECTIVES 


Development are: 

• Facilitate people who seek to live in high quality, 


location. 














within the village as shown on the 

accompanying plan. 






d) Encourage and facilitate co-operation 

between/amongst the different development 

interests in order to maximise community gain, 

for the greater good of the settlement. 




of road frontages) special development 






Bracknagh village is a relatively compact settlement. Its 

focal point is within the eastern part of the village, 

which will be promoted as the core and may 

accommodate a mix of uses, including commercial and 

residential development etc. 




2009 – 2015, Volume 1. 






village. 



4.5 Design 




Of particular note: - 









OBJECTIVES 







Act 1994, and their setting. There are 4 Recorded 

Monuments situated within the village boundary. 









standards. In particular, areas of substantial high 

quality public open space are considered necessary as 

part of the overall development of the areas north and 

south of the R419. In this regard, the Council will 



residential developments, for example by requiring the 

formulation of a master plan or plans. 



mature trees hedgerows and the conservation of 




planting, or stone walls which use stone found in the 

locality. Where comprehensive new development 















of development contributions/ special 








footpaths. 

d) Access points to be provided where necessary, 


e) Examination of the possibilities for the provision 

of more structured off-road car parking/ 

set-down areas for the school, particularly as the 

village expands. 




contained within the County Development Plan, 

Volume 1, Chapter 18. 

5.7 Map Annotation - Guidance & 


1. Possible expansion area for school site. 

Northwestern boundary treatment may allow a 

tangible link or ‘tie in’ between this possible 

expansion area and any development permitted 

on lands zoned as ‘other settlement lands’ 

adjacent to it. 

2. An open space area, developed as a village green 

is considered appropriate to the front (west) of 

this area, as part of its development. The 

recycling area could be integrated into such a 

green, by design, unless a suitable alternative 

location is decided upon. 




3. Development of this area zoned as ‘other 

settlement lands’ will require provision for an 

extension to the cemetery. 

4. Development of these areas must incorporate 

appropriately sized and scaled housing 

developments and include large, usable and well 

designed areas of public open space. A 

masterplan showing roads/pedestrian/open 

space/services linkages between these and 

adjacent lands should precede any in-depth 

development. 

5. This area comprises a substantial amount of land, 

to be reserved as public open space, along the 

banks of the River Figile. Any development of the 

adjacent lands which are zoned as ‘other 

settlement lands’ must be orientated towards 

this open space area and provide good linkages 

to, and, if possible, through and along this area. 

Proposals for same should be contained in a 

master plan to precede any development 

proposals. 




NOTES 


Volume 2 - Settlement Plans | Bracknagh Village Plan | February 2009

OFFALY COUNTY 


2009 - 2015 

• CLOGHAN • 


2009 - 2015



CLOGHAN VILLAGE PLAN 












Cloghan has been designated as a village within Offaly’s 


County Development Plan 2009 – 2015. This settlement 





1.1 Location 

Cloghan is a well-established village located at a 

confluence of routes, namely the N62, R356 and R357. It 

is approximately 29km from Tullamore, 15 km from Birr 

and 29km from Athlone. 

During the period from 1996 to 2006, the population of 

Cloghan rose by 26 people (5.4%) from 477 to 503. 

There has been pressure for new housing in the village 

with approximately 100 units built, or under 

construction (circa 2002-2007) and with evidence of 

continuing pressure for more. (Nov 2007). Cloghan acts 

as a service centre for the surrounding area. 





the constituent roads, with some of the newer 

development being rather suburban in style. This 

settlement has a number of different building styles in 



1.3 Context 

Cloghan has been designated as a village within Offaly’s 


County Development Plan 2009-2015. A development 

boundary has been identified for Cloghan and is shown 

along with proposed zoning etc on the accompanying 

map. It is intended that the area delineated will: - 




• Ensure that the village’s location on the N62 

corridor does not lead to a rate of population 

expansion, which might adversely affect its 

village character. 







1.4 Integrated Area Plan 

An Integrated Area Plan was prepared jointly by the 

Community, the Tipperary Institute and West Offaly 

Partnership, with input from Offaly County Council. This 

was recognised during the preparation of the County 

Development Plan 2009-2015. 

2.0 SERVICES & SOCIAL 



A public water supply from the Banagher Scheme is 

available to serve development within the village. 


The village is served by two main sewers in the main 

roads N62/R438 with the waste water treatment plant of 

February 2009 | Cloghan Village Plan | page 68



800pe capacity on the R438 to the south of the 

settlement. There is, currently, spare capacity in the 

system. 



Cloghan has a good base of social and community 


area. The following services/facilities are currently 

(2007) located within the plan boundary; 

• Church (R.C.) 

• Petrol filling station/supermarket/post office 

• Petrol filling station/car repair facility/small shop 

• 5 shop units (1 vacant/1 office) 

• Farm support/tractor sales and service 



• Health Centre 


• Garda Station 

b) Roads 

Cloghan is on the crossroads of the N62/R356 and the 

R357 and is therefore well connected by road to Birr and 

Athlone. It is therefore on an essential link in the 

network and extremely important at both county and 

subregional levels. Furthermore, its location in the 

heavily used Birr/Athlone Corridor, which also includes 

Ferbane and Doon, will probably lead to be significant 

increases in both local and county traffic on this already 

busy road. This may lead to the requirement for a relief 

road in the longer term. The previous plan shows an 

aspirational road corridor to the east of the village and 

this has been taken into consideration on the internal 

planning of the settlement. Internal roads, which are 

necessary to serve in-depth development in Cloghan, 

will be required to be designed and constructed to a 

high standard, in order to provide an attractive and safe 

environment. While these will be provided by separate 

developments it is intended that over time, they will 

evolve into an integrated network of routes allowing 

movement around and through the village. This will 

require adjoining landowners/development interests to 


c) Footpaths 

Footpath provision is generally very good. 

3.0 KEY MESSAGES FOR CLOGHAN 

a) Cloghan shall be developed in a properly 







b) Promotion of low-density, clustered style 



the core. 



adequate services, or adversely affect the 

village’s rural character. 

d) Promotion of Cloghan as a local service and 

employment centre to create the critical mass 

necessary for maintaining and attracting 

investment and services. 










materials. 


OBJECTIVES 





location. 













Furthermore, development shall not be allowed to take 

place at the expense of the village’s character. See 

County Development Plan, Volume 1, Chapter 4 

Settlement Strategy. 







existing development is not served by footpaths, 




















rectangular manner, utilising the existing roads, with 

new internal roads required to open up backland areas. 

These roads will also act as linking and connecting 

vehicular/pedestrian infrastructure for the village as a 

whole, thus allowing movement around and through 

the built fabric. 






traffic calming of the centre (when the relief road is 

complete). 




2009 – 2015. 






village. 



4.5 Design 










OBJECTIVES 







Act 1994, and their setting. There is one national 

monument situated within the plan boundary. 











the above when designing any new residential, or other 




developments, for example by requiring the 

formulation of a master plan or plans, in accordance 

with the policies contained in the County Development 

Plan 2009-2015, Chapter 4, Settlement Strategy. 

































footpaths. 


the village. 






Plan 2009-2015, Chapter 19 – Built Form and the 


Environment, Sept. 1999), or any reviews of the above. 



1. This area of “other settlement land” zoning is seen 

as suitable for mixed-use development with a 

preference being given for employment and/or 

village core type uses including potential 

expansion associated with the church. 

2. This area is considered to be suitable for land 

uses, which will generate employment 


Note: 

Red Arrows. 





create an internal road network, which will bring depth 





points indicated for possible future roundabouts / 


5.6 Zoning 




2009 – 2015. 




NOTES 


Volume 2 - Settlement Plans | Cloghan Village Plan | February 2009

OFFALY COUNTY 


2009 - 2015 

• CLONBULLOGUE • 


2009 - 2015



CLONBULLOGUE VILLAGE PLAN 

According to the Census of 2006, the total population of 

the district electoral division of Clonbullogue was 709 

people. However, it is estimated that the current 

population within the boundary (see plan) is 

approximately 330 people. Recent pressures from the 

Greater Dublin Area and overspill from Edenderry has 

seen an increase in development pressure within this 

village and its environs. 

Clonbullogue is the local service centre for the village 

itself and its surrounding rural hinterland. 












Clonbullogue has been designated as a village within 







1.1 Location 

Clonbullogue is a very attractive and well-maintained 

settlement located around the junction of the R401 and 

R442 roads, close by the bridge over the Figile River. 

This settlement derives its name from the word ‘Cluain’ 

meaning field and ‘bolg’, which is in direct reference to 

the Celtic sun god Bolg, hence ‘Fir Bolg’, meaning 

‘followers or devotees of the sun’. Accordingly, it most 

likely signifies a field where in the remote past, 

followers of the sun god ‘Bolg’ assembled for worship. It 

was referred to in the last century as ‘Clonsast’ meaning 

‘field of the rough grass’. 

The village is situated approximately 7km south of 

Edenderry, 10km northeast of Portarlington and 5km 

northwest of Rathangan (Co. Kildare). 


This settlement is likely to have originated as a small 

cluster of dwellings around the junction at the bridging 

point over the Figile River. This settlement is 

predominantly low rise and low density with a number 

of different building styles in evidence. The area around 

the triangular village green has retained its character as 

a traditional-style village centre. Subsequent expansion 

has in the main, taken the form of linear development 

along the constituent roads, with associated backlands 

predominantly in agricultural use. There are two 

housing developments within the village currently 

[2007], namely an Offaly County Council scheme 

(Woodlawn) centrally situated within the village and a 

privately developed housing scheme located within the 

southern portion of the village. 




Clonbullogue is serviced by a public water supply. The 

source is on the banks of the Figile River and consists of 

a spring and small pump house. All new developments 

shall be connected to the public mains. 


The existing wastewater treatment plant serving 

Clonbullogue was upgraded in 2006. 



Clonbullogue has a National School (St. Patrick’s, 

established at this site in 1981), a Community Centre, a 

Catholic Church (St. Michael’s), a Church of Ireland 

Church (St. Kevin’s) and an adjoining graveyard, a Health 

Centre (located in the old national school building) and 

a Garda Station. 

February 2009 | Clonbullogue Village Plan | page 74



Additional services located within the village include a 

GAA pitch and ancillary facilities, licensed premises, 

convenience store, car garage (petrol pumps/car sales), 

car valeting business, auctioneers and recycling centre. 

Clonbullogue Development Association is situated to 

the north of the national school. Permission was 

granted [2006] for a pre-school, crèche and after-school 

facility in Clonbullogue (southeast part of the village). A 

parachute club which continues to attract people from 

throughout the country is located within close 

proximity, west of the development boundary. 

b) Roads 

This village is located on a regional route. As 

development occurs, access routes to backlands will be 

required to allow for comprehensive, orderly 

development within the village boundary. New roads, 

which are necessary to serve in-depth development in 

Clonbullogue will be required to be designed and 

constructed to a high standard, in order to provide an 

attractive and safe environment. 

The speed limit within the village plan is currently 50 

km/hr. 

2.4 Other Features 

• Public open space and water feature-Woodlawn, 

provided by Clonbullogue Development 

Association (1983). 

• River Figile and walkway situated to the west of 

the village. 

• Civic space/village green situated in centre of 

Clonbullogue. 

• Attractive planting and landscaping-locations 

throughout the village and along the approach 

roads. 

3.0 KEY MESSAGES FOR 

CLONBULLOGUE 

a) Clonbullogue shall be developed in a properly 

planned and coherent manner, centred around 

the focal point at the Village Green. Policies and 

objectives with regard to village development 

are contained in the County Development Plan, 








native hedgerows, and the promotion of similar 





designs. 

e) Promotion of the area along the River Figile for 

amenity purposes. 

f) Promotion of the use of natural building and 

boundary materials. 


OBJECTIVES 


Development are to: 

• Facilitate people to live in high quality, primarily 

low density housing in a rural village location. 





• Facilitate the creation of commercial and 

employment opportunities. 



Council’s policy on villages (Refer to Volume 1, Chapter 

4) and the availability of services (including physical and 



























Clonbullogue will continue to be a relatively compact 

settlement, laid out on a north-south axis, utilising the 

existing roads. New internal road works which will 

facilitate in-depth development, will complement the 

existing network. The village green open space area 

should be promoted and enhanced as a focal point of 

the village. 


• To comply with the land use zoning objetives 


2009 - 2015, Volume 1. 






village. 



4.5 Design 







character of the settlement. The Council will resist 



OBJECTIVES 






Clonbullogue currently comprises a number of 

attractive open spaces, the main ones being the Village 

Green and the open space to the front of the Woodlawn 

housing development. The village has, in recent times 

featured very highly in the National Tidy Towns’ 

Competition. 

The Figile River flows in close proximity to Clonbullogue 

village. Its natural scenic beauty lends itself to its 

attractiveness for river walks and a path exists along 

part of the river bank. 




standards. 







planting, or stone walls which use stone found in the 

locality. Where comprehensive new development 












a) The incremental provision of footpaths through 

development contributions / special 

development contributions or requirements for 

works as part of planning permissions granted is 

envisaged, to improve the amenities of the area. 

b) Protection of the groundwater resource within 

the aquifer protection area. 

c) Adequate lighting to be provided along all routes 


d) Progressively underground overhead cables. In 



footpaths. 




e) Access points to be provided, where necessary, 


f) Enhancement of gateway features and natural 

edges as the opportunities arise, so as to increase 

the sense of place and character of the village. 

5.5 Zoning 




2009 – 2015, Chapter 18. 











1. Development of the lands zoned ‘residential’ at 

this location must be orientated towards this 

proposed open space area and provide good 

linkages to, and, if possible, through the area and 

along the river bank. 

2. A narrow buffer area of open space is zoned 

along the River Figile. Development on the 

adjacent lands must also demonstrate how it will 

be integrated with this open space area, in order 

to provide a pleasant, usable and safe green 

corridor for access/recreation along the river 

bank. 

3. Development of these lands must incorporate 

appropriately sized and scaled housing 

developments and large, usable and well 

designed areas of public open space. 

4. Should development be proposed on this block 

of land, the planning application/preceding 

masterplan should clearly demonstrate how it 

will be delineated in design, density, concept, 

context and scale from the permitted 

development immediately to the west. This is to 

avoid the creation of a very large, homogenous 

development which is unsuitable for its location. 




NOTES 


Volume 2 - Settlement Plans | Clonbullogue Village Plan | February 2009

OFFALY COUNTY 


2009 - 2015 

• CLONEYGOWAN • 


2009 - 2015



CLONEYGOWAN VILLAGE PLAN 






Strategy” and Chapter 18, “Landuse and Zoning”. This is 






Cloneygowan has been designated as a village within 


the County Development Plan 2009 – 2015. This 





1.1 Location 

Cloneygowan is located alongside the R420, 

approximately 19kms southeast of Tullamore and 6kms 

north west of Portarlington. 

The census return for 2006 states the DED population 

for Cloneygowan, within which Cloneygowan village 

lies, as 424 people. However, it is estimated that the 

population within the village boundary at 2007 (see 

plan) is approximately 200 people, with a further 90 in 


Growth over the previous County Development Plan 

period took the form of County Council Serviced Sites 

and a small infill scheme of houses. At the time of 

writing (2007) there is a small commercial development 

and a relatively large residential development under 

construction. It is recognised an appropriate amount of 

development could be harnessed to contribute 

positively to the proper planning and sustainable 

growth of this area. 


Cloneygowan evolved as a linear roadside settlement 

on a basically east/west axis with a nucleus around the 

Fair Green, indeed the basic form does not differ greatly 

from that shown on early maps e.g. Larkin 1809. The 

railway, constructed in the mid 19th century, has 

become a constraint to northern expansion and has 

reinforced the linear character of the village over the 

past 150 years. 

1.3 Context 

Cloneygowan has been designated as a village within 


Development Plan 2009 – 2015, Chapter 4, Settlement 


for Cloneygowan and is shown on the accompanying 






commercial and employment schemes, which 

are appropriate in terms of scale, use and 



form to the settlement and reinforce the sense 

of place. 




Cloneygowan is served by the Killeigh private group 

water scheme and consent to connect to it will be 

required as part of any planning permission granted. 


The village is served by a main sewer in the road (R420), 

which picks up the various spurs from development. 

The pumping station in the eastern end of the Fair 

Green then transfers the effluent into a rising main 

which carries it to the treatment plant which lies some 

February 2009 | Cloneygowan Village Plan | page 80



500 metres to the north of the village. This plant has a 

capacity of 450PE and there is currently some spare 

capacity in the system. Future needs are being 

investigated and Cloneygowan is included in the 

Assessment of Needs Programme 2010-2014. 



Cloneygowan has a small base of such facilities serving 

both the settlement and the surrounding area. The 

following services/facilities are currently (2007) located 

within the plan boundary; 


• Hall 

• Shop/Public House 

• 2 Shops (1 currently closed) 


• Licensed Premises 

b) Roads 

Cloneygowan is situated on the R420 19kms from 

Tullamore and 6kms from Portarlington. This road is an 

important link in the county/sub regional network. It 

will no doubt become busier as the population grows 

and this may lead to the requirement for a relief road 

over time. To this end the Council have commissioned 

consultants to identify a corridor and prepare a 

feasibility study. 


development in Cloneygowan, will be required to be 







adjoining landowners/development interests to 


c) Footpaths 

Footpath provision is generally good. 


CLONEYGOWAN 

a) Cloneygowan shall be developed in a properly 










help delineate “core” type areas at the location 

shown as such on the plan. 



adequate services, or would adversely affect the 


d) Ensure that development shall bring character to 

the settlement and avoid predominantly 

suburban styles. 

e) Promotion of Cloneygowan as a local service and 

centre to create the critical mass necessary for 

maintaining and attracting services. 

f) The conservation and integration into new 




g) High quality designs which are reflective of the 

rural character of the village but without 



h) Promotion of natural building and boundary 

materials. 


OBJECTIVES 


Development are as follows: 



location. 















village’s character. See County Development Plan 2009- 

2015, Chapter 4, Settlement Strategy. 

























boundary and shown on the accompanying plan will 

result in a more compact and coherent settlement, 

utilising the existing roads and with new internal roads 

opening up the surrounding backland areas. These 

roads will also act as linking and connecting vehicular / 



fabric and reinforcing the Fair Green as the village 

centre. 

The area immediately surrounding the Fair Green, 

shown on the plan, will be treated as the ‘core area’ and 

will accommodate a mixture of uses, for example, 

commercial, residential, entertainment, employment 

etc. 



contained in the County Development Plan, 2009 

– 2015, Chapter 18. 






village. 

• To respect, maintain and reinforce the generally 

rural nature of the settlement with sensitive 

landscaping. 

4.5 Design 










OBJECTIVES 






































should bring tighter urban grain to the “core area” and 

maintain a looser more rural nature in the back lands. 

This should be done by good design in the former and 

by sensitive landscaping of the latter. In the event that 

the removal of tree(s) is deemed to be necessary, it will 

be conditional on replacement with appropriate 

species. 













footpaths. 


the village. 








Environment, Sept 1999), or any reviews of the above. 



Note 

Red Arrows 












5.6 Zoning 




2009 – 2015. 




NOTES 


Volume 2 - Settlement Plans | Cloneygowan Village Plan | February 2009

OFFALY COUNTY 


2009 - 2015 

• COOLDERRY • 


2009 - 2015



COOLDERRY VILLAGE PLAN 












Coolderry has been designated as a village within 







1.1 Location 

Coolderry is a small roadside settlement located 

alongside a county road approximately 8kms north of 

Roscrea, 11kms south of Birr and 43kms south-west of 

Tullamore. 

Census 2006 states the DED population for Ettagh, 

within which Coolderry lies, as 433 people. However, it 

is estimated that the population within the village 

boundary at 2007 (see plan) is approximately 80 people, 

with a further 20 in the immediate environs. Coolderry 

has basically evolved as a small settlement around the 

Church serving the local rural area. 

While development has been relatively slow in the 

recent past, there has been an upturn recently with 

approximately 20+ additional units coming on stream. 

It is recognised that an appropriate amount of 




area. 


The local Church was the focal point for the surrounding 

rural area and when other facilities/services came 

forward (e.g. national school, GAA) it was logical to 

locate them nearby. This in turn generated some 

residential development, which resulted in a small, 

rather dispersed, linear settlement. 

1.3 Context 

Coolderry has been designated as a village within 


Development Plan 2009 – 2015, Chapter 4, Settlement 


for Coolderry and is shown on the accompanying map. 

It is intended that the area delineated will: - 




• Cater for a number of small in-depth housing 

schemes and commercial development, which 

are appropriate in terms of scale, use and location 




place. 




Coolderry is supplied from a public scheme. This is 

currently at capacity and this will have to be addressed 

in order for development to proceed. To this end, it is 

proposed that new sources and plant be brought 

forward. Coolderry is included in the current ‘Group 

Towns and Villages’ preliminary report on water which is 

expected in mid 2008. 


Coolderry is serviced by a small waste water treatment 

plant and while this will require attention, as above, 

there is scope to expand the facility. 

February 2009 | Coolderry Village Plan | page 86





Coolderry has a small base of such facilities serving 

both the settlement and the surrounding area. These 

include the following (as at 2007) 


• National school 


• GAA facility 

b) Roads 


development in Coolderry, will be required to be 



these may be provided by separate developments it is 




adjoining landowners / development interests to 


c) Footpaths 

Footpath provision and street lighting are both very 

poor. 

3.0 KEY MESSAGES FOR COOLDERRY 

a) Coolderry shall be developed in a properly 










help delineate the “core” area at the “other 

settlement land” marked ‘1’ on the plan. 



adequate services, or adversely affect the 


d) Ensure that development shall bring some 

character to the settlement and move on from 

the suburban feel of the current new 

development. 

e) Promotion of Coolderry as a small local service 

centre and to create the critical mass necessary 

for maintaining and attracting services. 





g) High quality designs, which are reflective of the 



designs. 


materials. 


OBJECTIVES 





location. 




sensitively designed new development. Create 

commercial and service opportunities. 




Furthermore it shall not be allowed to take place at the 

expense of the village’s character. See County 

Development Plan 2009-2015, Chapter 4, Settlement 

Strategy. 







development is not served by footpaths, in 




























fabric. 

The area including the school, church, hall and the 

parcel of land marked ‘1’, currently zoned “other 

settlement land”, will be treated as the ‘core area’ and 



etc. 



contained in the County Development Plan, 2009 

– 2015 






village. 



4.5 Design 










OBJECTIVES 
















standards. In the case of Coolderry, where a 

considerable area has been zoned for open space (i.e 

the GAA facility) and the envelope is relatively tight it is 

unlikely that any area will be of a size that requires to 

consider open space within a comprehensive master 

plan. 




















species. 
















footpaths. 


the village. 

5.6 Zoning 




2009 – 2015. 

3. This area is seen as suitable for uses other than 

residential development i.e. employment 

generating development. 

Note 

Red Arrows. 

















Plan 2009-2015, Vol.1, Ch. 19 – Built Form and the 





1. This area is seen as suitable for “other settlement 

land” zoning. The Council would encourage any 

commercial, employment uses towards this zone 

in order to create a “core” for the village. It would 

benefit from a master plan as it is expected to 

contain differing uses. 

2. This area is seen as suitable for housing 

development. However given the amount of 

rather suburban development already in place, 

the Council would look more favourably on this 

area being developed by way of “individual 

plots”. 




NOTES 


Volume 2 - Settlement Plans | Coolderry Village Plan | February 2009

OFFALY COUNTY 


2009 - 2015 

• GEASHILL • 


2009 - 2015



GEASHILL VILLAGE PLAN 












Geashill has been designated as a village within Offaly’s 







1.1 Location 

Geashill is an attractive village located at the crossroads 

formed by the R420 (Tullamore–Portarlington road) 

and the Ballinagar-Kilcavan road. It is located 

approximately 12 kilometres east of Tullamore and 14 

kilometres west of Portarlington. 

The population as of 2006 is 1,449 people for the 

Geashill district electoral division and it is estimated 

that approximately 500 people are located within the 

village boundary (refer to map) by the existing housing 

stock (c.350 persons) in addition to the two new 

housing developments under construction (2007) 

(c.165 persons) to the north and south of the cross 

roads. 

While development has primarily facilitated local need 

in Geashill in recent years, there is a scheme of 40 

houses nearing completion and another of 15 units 

commenced in late 2006. It is recognised that an 

appropriate amount of development could be 

harnessed and contribute positively to the proper 

planning and sustainable growth of this area. However, 

it must be recognised that excessive residential growth 

rates would not be prudent having regard to the 

existing character of Geashill. Housing developments 

under construction in 2007 alone will potentially 

provide for an increase in population of approximately 

30%. 


The original settlement which dates back to the 12th 

century was probably a small cluster at the crossroads 

near the first, timber built, Norman castle. The village, as 

we know it today dates primarily from the early 19th 

century where it was laid out around the village green. 

This was in turn heavily improved during the latter part 

of that century. More recent development has been 

mainly linear in form along the constituent roads. The 

settlement is low rise and low density, with a number of 

different building styles in evidence, although the 

original core has a slightly tighter grain and more 

vernacular style. 

The settlement is low rise and low density, with a variety 

of different suburban building styles in evidence but 

with no real centre or core area. 

1.3 Context 

Geashill has been designated as a Village within Offaly’s 


County Development Plan 2009 – 2015 and is one of 

number of small settlements surrounding Tullamore 

which is designated as part of the Midlands Linked 

Gateway (Athlone/Tullamore/Mullingar) as per the 

National Spatial Strategy. The village will therefore play 

a complementary role. However it should not compete 

with the gateway and development should be suitably 

located and scaled so as to preserve Geashill’s attractive 

small village character. 

A development boundary has been identified for 

Geashill Village and is shown on the accompanying 


• Foster the continuation of a coherent settlement 

February 2009 | Geashill Village Plan | page 92



with adequate critical mass to maintain /improve 

local service provision. 


schemes and also commercial development 

which is appropriate in terms of scale, use and 


• Create potential for new development in 

locations, which avoid compromising the 

attractive ‘core’ of the village while attempting to 

contain the village and protect it from suburban 

spread out along the R420 which has attractive 

approaches to Geashill from both the east and 

west. 



• Identify and protect a route corridor for a future 

relief route so that in time the village can be 

relieved of through traffic to improve safety, 

protect its character and enhance the sense of 

place. 





within the village. All new developments shall be 

connected to the public mains. Where a development 

proposal precedes adequate availability of water 

supply, special development contributions may apply 

to facilitate the necessary improvement works. 


The village is served by a main sewer which runs along 

the Geashill-Ballinagar county road from the south to 

the north terminating in the waste water treatment 

plant. This sewer picks up a number of spurs (3 to the 

east and 1 to the west) which serve the adjacent areas. 

The current treatment system will require investment in 

order to allow developments within the village to 

proceed. Plans are progressing to increase capacity of 

the treatment plant to 750PE and Geashill is listed 

under the Water Services Investment Programme for 

2007-2009. Where a development proposal precedes 

adequate availability of either network or waste water 

treatment capacity special development contributions 

may be applied to facilitate the necessary improvement 

works. 



Geashill has a small base of such facilities serving both 

the village and the surrounding area. The following 

services/facilities are currently (2007) located within the 

plan boundary; 

• Church (C.O.I) 

• Filling station/shop 

• Post office/shop 

• Caravan park 


• National school 

• 2 Public Hall/Community facilities (one being the 

former national school) 


The GAA facility is sited to the west of the village and 

outside the plan boundary. 

(b) Roads 

Geashill is situated at a crossroads which includes the 

R420, approximately 12 kilometres from Tullamore and 

14 kilometres from Portarlington. This road is an 

important link in the county/sub regional network. This 

route will become busier as the population grows and 

this may lead to the requirement for a relief road over 

time. A possible route corridor has been identified by 

the council’s roads section and should be protected. 


development in Geashill, will be required to be 


to provide an attractive and safe environment. It is 




adjoining landowners/ development interests to 


(c) Other Features 

Geashill has a distinct character and sense of place 

which stems from: 

• The attractive topographical setting of the village 

and associated approaches. 

• The esker acting as a backdrop to the north. 

• Historical elements such as the castle, church and 

planned layout around the green. 




3.0 KEY MESSAGES FOR GEASHILL 

a) Geashill shall be developed in a properly planned 

coherent manner centred around the existing 

core, so that an attractive sustainable outcome is 

achieved. Policies and objectives with regard to 

village development are contained in the County 




exception of slightly tighter knit infill 

development in the core, if appropriate. 



adequate services, or would compromise the 


d) Promotion of Geashill as a local service and 


necessary for sustaining and attracting 







existing rural character of the village, many good 

and appropriate examples of which exist around 

the village green, but without precluding high 

quality innovative contemporary designs. 


materials. 

h) Encourage sensitive re-use of protected 

structures or buildings which contribute 

significantly to the village’s character. 


OBJECTIVES 





location. 


• Encourage appropriate and sensitively designed 

new development to reinforce the existing 

character and create a greater sense of place. 









a) Protection of the village’s attractive historic core 

(Castle, Esker, Fairgreen). 

b) Promotion and consolidation of development 



c) Improvement of the existing road network and 

provision of footpaths, where feasible, in 


d) Create / reinforce ‘gateway’ features to engender 


e) Encourage and facilitate co-operation 

between/amongst the different development 

interests in order to maximise community gain, 

for the greater good of the settlement. 

f) If development is only forthcoming in a 






infrastructure/ environmental management etc., 





in a relatively compact settlement, laid out in a 

concentric manner around the cross-roads/core area, 

utilising the existing roads, with possible new internal 

roads opening up the surrounding backland areas. 


vehicular / pedestrian infrastructure for the village as a 

whole thus allowing movement around and through 


The existing older part of the village around the village 

green will be treated as the ‘core’ and will accommodate 

a mixture of uses, for example, commercial, residential, 

entertainment, employment etc. 







2009– 2015, Volume 1. 






village. 



4.5 Design 







character of the village with particular care being 

exercised in and around the “core” area. The Council will 

resist inappropriate suburban styles. 


respect both the tighter urban grain of the central core 


should be done by recognising the design cues of the 

former and by sensitive landscaping of the latter. 


OBJECTIVES 







Act 1994, and their setting. There are two recorded 

monuments situated within the plan boundary. 






Land has been zoned for open space purposes to 

preserve and enhance the setting and amenity of the 

village as well as affording recreational opportunities 

for residents. These areas are shown on the village plan 

map. 






the above when designing any new residential 

developments. 


The trees at Glebe Walk are the subject of a Tree 

Preservation Order, as per Chapter 15 of the County 












removal to facilitate development works is necessary. In 
















footpaths. 


the village. 

e) Protect groundwater resources within the aquifer 

protection zone. 

f) Enhance village approaches and gateway 

features. 








2009 – 2015. 









5.7 Map Annotation- Guidance & 


1. The Council considers that these areas, which 

include two land blocks zoned as ‘other 

settlement land’ could be reinforced / developed 

to form elements of a ‘core’ for the village. 

Integrated and connected development is a 

priority for these zones, in conjunction with the 

area zoned for residential use in between and 

consequently, land owners/development 

interests are advised to liase at an early stage. 

This area, zoned for “other settlement land”, 

should be the subject of a comprehensive master 

plan which should address the following issues: 

• Mix of land uses, in particular provision of 

development which would generate 

employment opportunities. 

• An element of shelterbelt planting to the 

western edge. 

Red Arrows indicate preferred locations for access 

points to link over time to adjacent lands so that 

they may be developed in a coherent and 

properly planned manner. 

Development on lands marked 2(a) requires an 

attractive prospect to the public road perhaps by 

means of a linear, planted open space buffer 

along the front boundary and very high quality 

designs facing the road. Access must be provided 

at southwest corner for possible future access to 

lands to west and southwest. 

Development on lands marked 2(b) should be 

“low profile” houses, i.e. less visually intrusive as 

these lands are quite elevated. 

3. Any residential development on this backland 

site must satisfy the Council that satisfactory 

access can be achieved, that there will be a 

substantial open space buffer along the northern 

boundary (adjacent to the Glebe walk) and that 

the attractiveness of the Glebe walk is not 

compromised. It is considered that rear or side 

walls of dwellings facing the Glebe walk are not 

appropriate. 

Furthermore, as this area also includes part of the 

village core, the Council would be prepared to consider 

innovative designs if it can be shown that any increase 

in numbers would lead to a tighter grain being 

achieved along with added interest and variety being 

brought to the village. To this end, landowners / 

development interests are advised to work together. 

2. The Council considers that these areas should 

accommodate new housing development in the 

village. It is expected that any proposed scheme 

should have regard to variety in its design and 

range from conventional design through to 

innovative designs as well as provision for the 

inclusion of plots for individual units. 


Volume 2 - Settlement Plans | Geashill Village Plan | February 2009

OFFALY COUNTY 


2009 - 2015 

• KILLEIGH • 


2009 - 2015



KILLEIGH VILLAGE PLAN 












Killeigh has been designated as a village within Offaly’s 







1.1 Location 

Killeigh is an attractive village located on the N80 

(Tullamore to Portlaoise) road, and is approximately 

8kms from Tullamore and 26kms from Portlaoise. 

The 2006 census states a population of 1,209 people for 

the Killeigh electoral division and it is estimated that 

approx. 200 people reside within the village boundary 

(see plan) with a further 50 persons approximately in 


While development has been relatively slow in the 

recent past, there has recently (2007) been planning 

permission granted for a scheme of 20 houses. 

This plan sets the context for the limited growth of the 

village in order to sustain existing services, to allow 

limited opportunities for new residential and other 

development while protecting the existing character of 

the village and recognising the significant 

archaeological potential of some of lands within the 

settlement. 


Killeigh’s origins lie in the founding of a monastery in 

the 6th century and was joined by other religious 

elements i.e. an Augustine Convent and Franciscan 

Friary by the end of the 13th Century. This religious 

activity also engendered a secular element within this 

settlement and it was all protected by a double banked 

enclosure. Killeigh contains some very significant 

archaeological remnants, particularly in the northwest, 

southwest and southeast “quadrants” of the settlement 

and these have influenced the shape of the zoning plan. 

The present day village while still showing elements of 

its past has developed around the Fairgreen at the 

crossroads. More recent development has been mainly 

linear in form along the constituent roads. The 


different building styles in evidence, although the 

original core has a slightly tighter grain and more 

vernacular style. 

1.3 Context 

Killeigh has been designated as a village within Offaly’s 


County Development Plan 2009 – 2015. A development 

boundary has been identified for Killeigh Village and is 

shown on the accompanying map. This is intended to 

delineate an area, which will: - 





schemes and also commercial / employment 

generating development which is appropriate in 

terms of scale, use and location within the 

village. 



February 2009 | Killeigh Village Plan | page 98






A private group water supply exists to serve 

development within the village and availability of water 

is a matter for the scheme. Zoning of lands for new 

development within this plan are limited and it is 

considered that the development generated would not 

put excess pressure on the scheme. 


The village is served by a network of sewers which 

terminates at the waste water treatment plant located 

approx 700 metres to the west of the village. The 

capacity is currently 460 PE (2007). There are no 

immediate plans to upgrade the system. Where a 

development proposal precedes adequate availability 

of either network or waste water treatment capacity 

special development contributions may be applied to 

facilitate the necessary improvement works. 



Killeigh has a small base of such facilities serving both 


services/facilities are currently (2007) located within the 

plan boundary: 

• 2 Churches ( 1 R.C. & 1 C.O.I) 

• Post Office 

• Shop 


• Car sales & service facility 

• Community hall 


• Playschool 


• Shop unit (currently vacant) 

b) Roads and Transport Infrastructure 

Killeigh is situated on the N80 within easy commuting 

distance of both Tullamore and Portlaoise. This road is 

an important link in the national, sub regional and 

county network. This route will become busier as the 

population grows and this will probably lead to the 

requirement for a relief road over time. 


development in Killeigh, will be required to be 







adjoining landowners / development interests to cooperate 

at an early stage. 

Footpath provision is generally good within the built up 

area of the village. 

3.0 KEY MESSAGES FOR KILLEIGH 

a) Killeigh shall be developed in a properly planned 









the core. 



adequate services, or would damage the village’s 


d) Avoidance of development on sensitive areas of 

archaeological potential. 

e) Promotion of Killeigh as a local service and 


necessary for sustaining and attracting 











materials. 

i) Encourage sensitive re-use of protected 

structures or buildings which contribute 






OBJECTIVES 





location. 













a) Promote consolidation of development within 

the development boundary as shown on the 



provision of footpaths, in conjunction with ongoing 

development. 

c) Create / reinforce gateway features to engender 














f) Encourage the development of a ‘critical mass’ 

necessary in developing and sustaining local 

services provision within the village. 




in a compact settlement, centred around the 

crossroads/core area, utilising the existing roads, with 

the potential for new internal roads opening up the 

surrounding backland areas. These roads will also act as 

linking and connecting vehicular/pedestrian 

infrastructure for the village as a whole thus allowing 

movement around and through the built fabric. The 

‘shape’ of the zoning plan aims to avoid/protect areas of 

significant archaeological potential i.e. 

• Abbey (northwest quadrant). 

• Enclosure/rampart (southwest quadrant). 

• Site of former nunnery/outer enclosure 

(southeast quadrant). 




2009 – 2015, Volume 1. 






village. 



• To re-use wherever possible any existing 

buildings/out buildings within the village 

boundary in order to maintain the character of 

the village. 

4.5 Design 






maintaining and enhancing the existing attractive rural 




OBJECTIVES 



















standards. A considerable area has been zoned for 

open space to the northwest of the village, and a 

smaller block of land is zoned for open space at the 

southwest quadrant of the village. Both comprise areas 

of significant archaeological potential. In addition to 

normal open space requirements for development, a 30 

metre band has been zoned for open space along the 

southern bank of the stream in the northeast quadrant. 






is required, these should comprise native hedgerow 














respect both the tighter urban grain of the central core 



former and by sensitive landscaping of the latter. 












footpaths. 



5.6 Zoning 




2015. 









5.7 Map Annotations – Guidance & 


1. Future consideration of land use to the rear of the 

existing school site should have regard to 

possibility/need for an extension to school 

grounds. In the interim, lands are zoned as open 

space, which would facilitate some uses i.e. 

recreation associated with school expansion. 

2. A master plan for this area will be necessary 

and should address issues such as: 

• Land use 

• Appropriateness of the scale of the proposed 

land uses/development 

• Open space 

• Access and linkages network (both vehicular 

and pedestrian) 

• Servicing etc. 

3. Development in this area should re-use the 

existing stone buildings where possible. Any 

proposed departure from this will only be 

considered after a feasibility study / design 

statement is submitted to the Council. 




NOTES 


Volume 2 - Settlement Plans | Killeigh Village Plan | February 2009

OFFALY COUNTY 


2009 - 2015 

• KINNITTY • 


2009 - 2015



KINNITTY VILLAGE PLAN 

further 180 in the immediate environs. Kinnitty is the 


Development has been relatively slow in Kinnitty in the 

recent past. One reason for this is the lack of capacity in 

the wastewater treatment facilities. 












Kinnitty has been designated as a village within Offaly’s 







1.1 Location 

Kinnitty is an attractive small village located at a 

confluence of routes, namely the R421, R440 and three 

county roads. It is approximately 25km (16 miles) from 

Tullamore and 13 km (8 miles) from Birr. 

It is situated in an attractive rural setting in the foothills 

of the Slieve Bloom Mountains and was sited originally 

in close proximity to an ecclesiastical centre and 

fortified position. 

According to the Census 2006, the population of 

Kinnitty the DED was 518 people. However, it is 

estimated that the population within the proposed 

village boundary (see accompanying plan) is 

approximately 210 people, with approximately a 





the constituent roads. This settlement is low rise and 

low density, with a number of different building styles in 



1.3 Context 

Kinnitty has been designated as a village within Offaly’s 



boundary has been identified for Kinnitty and is shown 

on the accompanying map. This is intended to 





• Enable some of the “outlying” development to be 

incorporated into the village fabric. 

• Cater for a number of small in-depth schemes. 

• Consolidate development within the delineated 

village boundary in order to protect the area of 

high amenity within which the village is set. 







The main sewer runs from the small former County 

Council housing scheme to the east of the town, along 

the R440 to the village centre, and along the L07003 to 

the communal septic tank to the north west. There are 

a number of short spurs off this line to serve the 

adjacent areas. This system will require investment in 

order to allow developments within the village to 

February 2009 | Kinnitty Village Plan | page 104



proceed. Where a development proposal precedes 

adequate waste water treatment capacity, special 

development contributions may be applied to facilitate 

the necessary improvement works. Kinnitty is included 

in the Council’s Water Services Investment Programme 

(WSIP) 2007-2009 for proposed upgrading and 

improvement. 



Kinnitty has a good base of Social and Community 




• 2 Churches (1 R.C. & 1 C.O.I.) 

• 3 Shops 



• Restaurant 

• 4 Bed & Breakfast establishments 



• Community Centre 


(b) Roads 


development in Kinnitty, will be required to be 



Whilst these will be provided in line with separate 




require adjoining landowners/development interests to 


3.0 KEY MESSAGES FOR KINNITTY 

a) Kinnitty shall be developed in a properly planned 









the core. 

c) New development should recognise any existing 

outlying developments / permissions with a view 

to linking up and therefore consolidating them 

back into the village fabric in a sensitive and 

coherent manner. 

d) Avoidance of excessive residential growth where 





development of existing buildings/outbuildings, 

existing stone walls, trees and native hedgerows, 

in order to maintain the grain and amenity of the 

built fabric. These should also be taken as cues in 

the formulation of new designs. 


existing rural character of the village and its 

setting in the foothills of the Slieve Bloom 

Mountains but without precluding high quality 

innovative contemporary designs, where 

appropriate. 


materials. 

h) Create critical mass to attract investment for 

services. 


OBJECTIVES 





location. 
































of road frontages), access points shall be 

preserved and special development 







boundary comprises a relatively compact zone to the 

north and east of the original core, with a linear element 

to the west, on the north side of the Birr Road, to 

integrate the existing developments and planning 

permissions approved in that area. This will result in a 

relatively compact settlement laid out utilising the 

existing roads, with the possibility of new internal 

road(s) opening up lands to the north, east and west 

and also acting as linking and connecting vehicular & 

pedestrian infrastructure for the village as a whole from 

the Tullamore road and the Birr road. 

The existing older part of the village acts as the ‘core’ 

and will accommodate a mixture of uses, for example, 


etc. 




2009– 2015, Volume 1. 






village. 






the village. 

4.5 Design 







character of this village. (This should be achieved by 

respecting the context of the location and utilising local 

design cues). The Council will resist inappropriate 

suburban styles. 


OBJECTIVES 







Act 1994, and their setting. There is one recorded 

monument situated within the village boundary. 





5.3 Other Amenity Designations 

The village lies within an Area of High Amenity (Map 

15.2 Volume 1, County Development Plan 2009-2015) 

with the land to the south of the R421 and east of the 

L04025 county road, being part of the foothills of the 

Slieve Bloom Mountains, included in the Slieve Bloom 

Environment Park. 








standards. In particular, a substantial high quality public 

open space area, such as a “village green” is considered 

necessary as part of the overall development of the area 

zoned for ‘other settlement lands’, (See Annotation No. 3 

on accompanying map). Developers should utilise 

existing features, such as the stream in the west, to 

enhance their proposals. In this regard, the Council will 



residential, or other developments, for example by 

requiring the formulation of a master plan or plans in 

accordance with County Development Plan standards. 

The village core is built around an existing green area 

and any development / redevelopment in the vicinity 

should respect and enhance this element. 































footpaths. 


the village. 

e) Enhancement of gateway features and natural 

edges as the opportunity arises so as to increase 






2015. 









5.8 Map Annotation - Guidance & 


1. This area is considered suitable for high quality 

innovative infill scheme(s), allowing for a tighter 

grain to be achieved and bringing added variety 

to the village. It should be accessed by a loop 

road linking the areas represented by the two 

“arrows” on the plan, and provide a connection to 

the existing lane to the rear (north) of the Roman 

Catholic Church, if possible (see also 2.3.b). 

2. This area is considered suitable for more 

conventional type residential development and 

to make provisions for school expansion and 

playing fields, where necessary. It is therefore 

zoned for residential use and public, community 

and educational uses. 

It should be accessed by a loop road linking the 

areas represented by the two “arrows” on the plan 

(see also 2.3.b). 

3. This area is considered as an opportunity to 

accommodate any other type of development 

while tying the outlying housing development, to 

the north side of the Birr Road, to the village 




proper. Given the differences in land uses that 

could occur in this zone the landowners / 

development interests are encouraged to bring 

forward a “master plan” for the entire zone. This 

should include an open space element, utilising 

the stream as a focus with a pedestrian walkway 

(see also 5.4). It should be accessed from both 

frontages and include a road linking the areas 

represented by the two “arrows” as shown, (see 

also 2.3.b) on the accompanying map. 

These link roads, as mentioned in 1,2,3 when 

taken together will give the village an internal 

road network, which will bring depth to the 

settlement and permeability to the village fabric. 

4. Protect the existing stone wall at this location 

and incorporate it as a feature, if possible, into 

any future footpath that may be provided in this 

area. 

5. This entire quadrant is part of the Slieve Bloom 

Environment Park and is seen as an important 

asset to both the county in general and Kinnitty 

in particular. It makes an enviable setting, affords 

excellent views (see also 1.3) and as such is 

outside the village boundary to protect it from 

any further non-essential development. 

6. The fact that these lands sited on the south side 

of the Birr Road are not zoned, is not intended to 

preclude consideration for appropriately 

designed scaled single dwellings. Any such 

proposals should respect the amenity value of 

the trees and raised earth bank along the road 

frontage and be designed and located 

appropriately to protect these and also to 

protect the amenities of the village. 


Volume 2 - Settlement Plans | Kinnitty Village Plan | February 2009

OFFALY COUNTY 


2009 - 2015 

• MONEYGALL • 


2009 - 2015



MONEYGALL VILLAGE PLAN 












Moneygall has been designated as a village within 







1.1 Location 

Moneygall is an attractive village located at a 

confluence of routes, namely the N7, R490 and 2 county 

roads. It is approximately 69kms from Tullamore, 33kms 

from Birr and 14kms from Roscrea. 

According to the Census 2006, the total population for 

Cullenwaine DED, within which Moneygall lies, was 664 

people. However, it is estimated that the population 

within the village boundary at 2006 (see accompanying 

plan) is approximately 320 people, with a further 50 

people in the immediate environs. Moneygall is the 


Development has been relatively slow in Moneygall in 

the recent past. One reason for this is the lack of 

capacity in the sewage treatment facilities. However, it 

is recognised that an appropriate amount of 




area. 





the constituent roads. This settlement is low rise and 

low density, with a number of different building styles in 



1.3 Context 

Moneygall has been designated as a village within 


the County Development Plan 2009-2015. A 

development boundary has been identified for 

Moneygall Village and is shown on the accompanying 

map. This is intended to delineate an area, which will: 





schemes and also commercial/employment 


terms of scale, use and location within the village. 









The village is served by a network of sewers which 

consists of two routes parallel to the N7 running 

through the rear gardens of the development fronting 

that road and then by way of the R490 and adjacent 

lands to the waste water treatment plant to the north. 

These main sewers pick up a number of ‘spurs’ which 

serve the adjacent areas. 

February 2009 | Moneygall Village Plan | page 110



The system will require investment in order to allow 

developments within the village to proceed. To this 

end, where a development proposal precedes 

adequate availability of either network or waste water 

treatment capacity, special development contributions 

may be applied to facilitate the necessary improvement 

works. Moneygall is included in the current ‘Group 

Towns and Villages’ preliminary report on water and 

wastewater. 



Moneygall has a good base of social and community 





• 6 shops (1 includes a post office) 

• 6 public houses 



• 2 Halls/Community Facilities (Former national 

schools) 


The GAA facility is situated to the east of the village in 

Co. Tipperary and is contiguous with the plan boundary. 


This village is currently located on the National Primary 

Road (N7) linking Dublin to Limerick. The village will be 

bypassed by the N7/M7. New roads, which are 

necessary to serve in-depth development in Moneygall, 

will be required to be designed and constructed to a 

high standard, in order to provide an attractive and safe 

environment. While these will be provided by separate 




require adjoining landowners/ development interests 

to co-operate at an early stage. The speed limit within 

the village boundary is currently 50kms/hr. 

3.0 KEY MESSAGES FOR MONEYGALL 

a) Moneygall shall be developed in a properly 


existing core so that an attractive sustainable 



the County Development Plan, Volume 1, 

Chapter 4. 

b) Promotion of low-density, clustered style 



the core. 





d) Promotion of Moneygall as a local service and 











designs. 


materials. 


OBJECTIVES 





location. 




















provision of footpaths in conjunction with ongoing 

development. 


a greater sense of place and delineate the village. 








of road frontages, special development 










the possibility of new internal roads opening up lands 

to the north and south. These roads will also act as 

linking and connecting vehicular / pedestrian 

infrastructure for the village as a whole, thus allowing 

movement around and through the built fabric. 

The existing older part of the village along the N7 acts 

as the ‘core’ and will accommodate a mixture of uses, for 


employment etc. The Council encourages an urban 

design led refurbishment of the centre (when the bypass 

is complete). 




2009 – 2015, Volume 1. 






village. 

• To respect the mainly rural and historic nature of 

the settlement with sensitive landscaping. 




the village. 

4.5 Design 










OBJECTIVES 













In particular, a substantial high quality public open 

space area, such as a “village green” is considered 

necessary as part of the overall development of the area 

zoned for residential use (see 1 on accompanying plan). 

In this regard, the Council will endeavour to ensure that 

different development interests consider the above 

when designing any new residential, or other 






with the policies contained in Vol. I of the County 

Development Plan 2009 – 2015. 






























footpaths. 


within the proposed development boundary. 





2015. 









5.7 Map Annotations – Guidance & 


1. This zone is regarded as being suitable for high 

quality housing developments. The Council 

would be prepared to consider innovative 

designs if it can be shown that any increase in 

numbers would lead to a tighter grain being 

achieved along with added interest and variety 

being brought to the village. The area would 

therefore benefit from a master plan being 

prepared and the land owners / development 

interests are advised to work together towards 

this end. 

2. This area of “other settlement land” zoning could 

be included in the master plan as per point 3 

above. The Council would favour development 

in this zone to accommodate land uses which 

will generate employment opportunities. 

3. These areas should both be the subject of master 

plans. 

4. These areas should both be the subject of master 

plans. 

5. This area of “other settlement land” zoning could 

be included in the master plan as per point 3 

above. The Council would favour development in 

this zone to accommodate land uses which will 

generate employment opportunities. 

Note 

Red Arrows. 




These roads are to link up, over time (viz. 1i to 1ii to 1iii; 

2i to 2ii; 3i to 3ii and 4i to 4ii) to create an internal road 

network which will bring depth and permeability to the 

built environment. Due to this latter function, these 

proposed access points shown by the arrows are seen as 

the optimum points where the new network will 


points 1iii, 2i and 3ii for possible future roundabouts. 




NOTES 


Volume 2 - Settlement Plans | Moneygall Village Plan | February 2009

OFFALY COUNTY 


2009 - 2015 

• MOUNTBOLUS • 


2009 - 2015



MOUNTBOLUS VILLAGE PLAN 












Mountbolus has been designated as a village within 







1.1 Location 

Mountbolus is a small village located approximately 

13km from Tullamore, and 8km from Kilcormac. The 

rural setting affords a pleasant prospect of the Slieve 

Bloom Mountains to the south. 

Mountbolus straddles the boundary between the 

Killoughy and Rathrobin Electoral Divisions. While 

these two DEDs have populations of 628 and 421 

respectively (Census 2006), it is estimated that the 

village has approximately 150 people within the 

boundary (see plan) with a further 60 in the immediate 

environs. Mountbolus houses some services for the 

surrounding area. 

Development has been very slow in Mountbolus in the 

recent past. One reason for this is the lack of capacity in 

the sewerage treatment facilities. However, it is 

recognised that an appropriate amount of development 

could be harnessed to overcome infrastructural 

constraints and contribute positively to the proper 

planning and sustainable growth of this area. 





the constituent roads although there is some backland 

development in the north east. This settlement is low 

rise and low density, with a number of different building 

styles in evidence, although the original core has a 

slightly tighter grain and more vernacular style. 

1.3 Context 

Mountbolus has been designated as a village within 


Development Plan 2009 – 2015. A development 

boundary has been identified for Mountbolus and is 

shown on the accompanying map. It is intended that 

the area delineated will: - 





schemes and also commercial development 









within the village. It will require upgrading as there is a 

limited supply. The scheme is included in the ‘Group 

Towns and Villages’ preliminary report on water and 

waste water. 


The main sewer runs from east to west along the L02014 

road then south along the lane to the east of the Church 

to the treatment plant which is currently at capacity. An 

February 2009 | Mountbolus Village Plan | page 116



upgrade of this plant is included in the “small schemes 

programme” and the lack of receiving waters will have 

to be addressed. Proposals for new sewers, plant and 

network upgrades are being considered (2008). To this 

end where a development proposal precedes adequate 

availability of either network or waste water treatment 

capacity, special development contributions may be 

applied to facilitate the necessary improvement works. 



Mountbolus has a base of such facilities serving both 


services / facilities are currently (2007) located within 

the plan boundary; 


• Shop 



• Hall / Community Centre 


• Old Persons Housing / Care complex with 

associated community element. 

There are also 2 vacant shop units and 1 closed licensed 

premises. 

b) Roads 

Internal roads, which are necessary to serve in-depth 

development in Mountbolus, will be required to be 









c) Footpath 


3.0 KEY MESSAGES FOR MOUNTBOLUS 

a) Mountbolus shall be developed in a properly 





the County Development Plan, 2009 - 2015, 

chapter 4, Settlement Strategy. 




the core. 





d) Promotion of Mountbolus as a local service and 













materials. 


OBJECTIVES 





location. 










































in a relatively compact settlement, utilising the existing 

roads, with the possibility of new internal roads to open 

up backland areas. These roads will also act as linking 

and connecting vehicular/pedestrian infrastructure for 

the village as a whole thus allowing movement around 

and through the built fabric. 

The existing older part of the village will be treated as 

the ‘core’ and will accommodate a mixture of uses, for 


employment etc. 




2009-2015, Chapter 18. 






village. 



4.5 Design 










OBJECTIVES 









































former and by sensitive landscaping of the latter. In the 

event that the removal of tree(s) is deemed to be 















footpaths. 


the village. 

5.7 Map Annotation 

Note 

Red Arrows. 












5.6 Zoning 




2015, Chapter 18, “Land use and Zoning”. 












NOTES 


Volume 2 - Settlement Plans | Mountbolus Village Plan | February 2009

OFFALY COUNTY 


2009 - 2015 

• MUCKLAGH • 


2009 - 2015



MUCKLAGH VILLAGE PLAN 












Mucklagh has been designated as a village within 







1.1 Location 

Mucklagh is located alongside the N52, approximately 

5kms southwest of Tullamore. 

The 2006 Census states that the population for 

Screggan DED, within which Mucklagh lies, was 1,339 

people. However, it is estimated that the population 

within the village boundary of Mucklagh at 2007 (see 

plan) is approximately 700-800 people, with a further 

170 in the immediate environs. 

Development pressures in Mucklagh have been 

increasing over the past 5 years or so to the extent that 

the wastewater treatment facilities are now running at 

capacity. 


The original form primarily included some sporadic 

roadside development i.e. houses, farms etc. but due to 

its proximity to Tullamore and the demand it generated, 

the area was subject to linear development alongside 

the N52. Measuring approximately 1.6 kms in length 

along the N52, the settlement at Mucklagh is extremely 

long with very little depth. 

The settlement is low rise and low density, with a variety 

of different suburban building styles in evidence but 

with no real centre or core area. 

1.3 Context 

Mucklagh has been designated as a village within 


the County Development Plan 2009 – 2015. The primary 

aim of this plan is to consolidate the settlement as a 

stand-alone ‘Village’, separate from Tullamore and to set 

the framework for the provision of commercial / social 

development primarily to facilitate the existing 

population rather than provide for significant levels of 

additional housing. A development boundary has been 

identified for Mucklagh Village and is shown on the 

accompanying map. It is intended that the area 

delineated will: - 




• Cater for a small number of small in-depth 

housing schemes. 

• Encourage commercial development, which is 

appropriate in terms of scale, use and location 




place. 




The water supply in Mucklagh is serviced by the Rahan 

Water Supply Scheme which is a public water supply. All 

new developments shall be connected to the public 

mains. Where a development proposal precedes 

adequate availability of water supply, special 

February 2009 | Mucklagh Village Plan | page 122



development contributions may apply to facilitate the 

necessary improvement works. 


The village is served by a main sewer running alongside 

the N52, which picks up the various spurs for 

development on either side, and terminates in the 

waste water treatment plant located at the north of the 

village. 

The system is at capacity and will require investment in 

order to allow any developments within the village to 

proceed. To this end where a development proposal 

precedes adequate availability of either network or 

waste water treatment capacity, special development 

contributions may be applied to facilitate the necessary 

improvement works. While Mucklagh is included in the 

Tullamore Sewerage Scheme preliminary report, an 

interim upgrade of the existing wastewater treatment 

plant is at the planning stage and should be in place by 

late 2007. It will eventually be pumped to the new 

Tullamore facility. 



Mucklagh has a small base of such facilities serving 


following services / facilities are currently (2007) located 

within and/or adjacent to the plan boundary: 


• Licensed Premises / Shop / Petrol filling station 


• Nursing Home 


There is also a shop/petrol station facility in the north of 

the N52 which is currently closed. 

(b) Roads 


development in Mucklagh, will be required to be 



the current plan advocates infill and consolidation 

rather than large scale development it is intended that 

over time and where practical, new roads will link up to 

form an integrated network of routes allowing 


require adjoining landowners / development interests 

to co-operate at an early stage. There is an existing 

footpath network in the village. The Tullamore bypass 

route has been finalised and will be sited to the north of 

the village. The speed limits within the village boundary 

are currently 60 and 50kms/hr. 

3.0 KEY MESSAGES FOR MUCKLAGH 

a) Mucklagh shall be developed in a properly 





the County Development Plan, Volume 1, 

Chapter 4. 




help delineate “core” type areas at the two 

locations shown as such on the plan (Map 

Annotation 1). 



adequate services, or would not enhance the 


d) Promotion of Mucklagh as a local service centre 

by reinforcing the critical mass necessary for 





materials for new boundaries, in order to 

maintain the grain and amenity of the built fabric. 

These should also be taken as cues in the 

formulation of new designs. 

f) Promotion of low-density linear or clustered style 



the core. 

g) New development should recognise any existing 

outlying developments / permissions with a view 

to linking up and therefore consolidating them 

back into the village fabric in a sensitive and 

coherent manner. 


materials. 





OBJECTIVES 





location. 









Council’s policy on villages (refer to Volume 1, Chapter 

4) and the availability of services (including physical 

and social provisions). 



























in a more coherent settlement, utilising the existing 

roads and infill with new internal vehicular / pedestrian 

connections being provided, to ensure the infill 

elements are integrated thus allowing movement 

around and through the built fabric. 

Two areas within the older part of the village, shown on 

the plan, will be treated as ‘core areas’ and will 

accommodate a mixture of uses, for example, 


etc. 




2009–2015, Volume 1. 






village. 



4.5 Design 






maintaining the character of this village. 


OBJECTIVES 






















developments. 































footpaths. 


the village. 











1. The Council considers that these areas, which 

include two land blocks zoned as ‘other 

settlement land’ could be reinforced / developed 

to form elements of a ‘core’ for the village. 

Integrated and connected development is a 

priority for these zones, in conjunction with the 

area zoned for residential use in between and 

consequently, land owners / development 

interests are advised to liase at an early stage. 

Note 

Red Arrows. 




See Paragraph 4.4. 






Blue Arrows – pedestrian / cycle links 

The blue arrows should be pedestrian / cycle accesses 

only. 





2015. 




NOTES 


Volume 2 - Settlement Plans | Mucklagh Village Plan | February 2009

OFFALY COUNTY 


2009 - 2015 

• POLLAGH / LEMANAGHAN • 


2009 - 2015



POLLAGH / LEMANAGHAN 







“Settlement Strategy” and Chapter 18, “Landuse and 

Zoning”. This is to facilitate the growth of a hierarchy of 


settlements throughout the county presented in a 



Pollagh has been designated as a village within Offaly’s 






settlement can fulfill this role effectively. 

1.1 Location 

Pollagh is a very dispersed linear settlement alongside 

the Grand Canal to the east and north of the Lough 

Boora Parklands in a fairly remote part of the county 

some 14kms (via tow path) from Tullamore or 22kms by 

road. 

Due to their proximity and inter dependence Pollagh 

and Lemanaghan have been examined as one and what 

could be described as a bi-polar settlement, as they 

function as one place. 

The settlement straddles the boundary of the Lea and 

Srah DEDs which, in the Census 2006 had a combined 

population of 1,078 up from 1,020 in 1996 [i.e. a rise of 

58 people (5.7%)]. 


While there is evidence of human settlement in the area 

since ancient times most accounts relating to Pollagh 

stem from the construction of the Grand Canal and the 

production of the distinctive yellow brick made from 

blue silt clay in the late eighteenth century and early 

nineteenth centuries. The part described as the core 

and serves both elements of the settlement and the 

surrounding area. Subsequent expansion has in the 

main, taken the form of sporadic and dispersed linear 

development along the constituent roads. This 


different building styles in evidence. The part of the 

settlement built on the north side of the Canal 

containing the Church, school, post office and public 

house could be described as the core area and serves 

both elements of the settlement and the surrounding 

area. 

1.3 Context 

Pollagh has been designated as a village within Offaly’s 

settlement hierarchy, as set out in County Development 

Plan 2009-2015. A development boundary has been 

identified for Pollagh and is shown on the 

accompanying map. This is intended to delineate an 

area, which will: - 




• Infill development to consolidate the fabric. 






Pollagh is served by the Rahan Public Water Scheme 

and Lemanaghan from the Boher / Lemanaghan group 

water scheme. 


Pollagh is served by septic tanks and individual 

treatment facilities while Lemanaghan is served by 

mains drainage to a waste water treatment plant 

located on lands adjacent to the GAA pitch. This plant 

has some spare capacity but in order to improve its 

performance it is being investigated in the Assessment 

of Needs Programme 2007-2009. 

February 2009 | Pollagh / Lemanaghan Village Plan | page 128



It would be technically possible to link Pollagh to the 

Lemanaghan scheme, once it has been improved, and 

this will be examined in the future. 



Pollagh has a good base of Social and Community 


area. The following services / facilities are currently 






• 1 Grocer / Petrol filling station 

• Community centre (Lemanaghan) 

• GAA facility (Lemanaghan) 

b) Roads 

As the development form envisaged for the Pollagh / 

Lemanaghan village is seen essentially as a 

consolidation exercise regarding the existing “ribbon 

development” elements, road works will be confined to 

formalising and improving the existing roads and 

providing footpaths. 

• The road between Pollagh and Lemanaghan 

should be improved and an appropriate 

footpath/cycleway provided either alongside or 

parallel to it to allow and encourage easy and 

safe (non car borne) movement between the two 

settlements. 

• This wayleave could also accommodate a sewer 

linking Pollagh to the treatment plan (see 2.2). 

3.0 KEY MESSAGES FOR POLLAGH / 

LEMANAGHAN 

a) Pollagh / Lemanaghan shall be developed in a 

properly planned coherent manner centred 

around the existing core, so that an attractive 

sustainable outcome is achieved. Policies and 

objectives with regard to village development 

are contained in the County Development Plan, 

2009-2015, Chapter 4 Settlement Strategy. 

b) Promotion of low-density development within 

the village envelopes, with the possibility of 

slightly tighter knit development in the core in 

the Other Settlement Land area. 

c) Avoidance of excessive growth where such 

growth would precede the provision of adequate 

services, or adversely affect the village’s 

character. 

d) Promotion of Pollagh / Lemanaghan as a local 

service centre and to create the critical mass 

necessary for maintaining and attracting services. 






rural character of the village, shall be encouraged 

but without precluding high quality innovative 



materials. 


OBJECTIVES 





location. 
















within the development boundaries as shown on 





in conjunction with on-going development 

(especially the link element between Pollagh and 

Lemanaghan). 












boundaries is basically the identification and 

consolidation of the two nodes with the areas on 

either side of the canal acting as a core area. 




2009 – 2015. 






village. 




buildings / out buildings within the village 


the village 

4.5 Design 







character of this village. The Council will resist 



OBJECTIVES 












5.3 Amenity Designations 

The village lies on the northeast boundary of the Lough 

Boora Parklands Area of High Amenity and straddles the 

Grand Canal Corridor, which is a Natural Heritage Area. 


Given the continuing dispersed nature of the village 

there is little opportunity for in depth development 

although the area zoned for “other settlement land” on 

the South of the Canal and the residential area to the 

West could be considered for same. In this regard, the 

Council will endeavour to ensure that different 

development interests consider the above and work 

together when designing any new residential, or other 

developments, in accordance with the policies 

contained in the County Development Plan 2009-2015, 





existing stonewalls, and their integration into new 






























footpaths. 


the village. 

5.7 Zoning 




2015, Volume 1, Chapter 18. 












NOTES 


Volume 2 - Settlement Plans | Pollagh / Lemanaghan Village Plan | February 2009

OFFALY COUNTY 


2009 - 2015 

• RAHAN • 


2009 - 2015



RAHAN VILLAGE PLAN 












Rahan has been designated as a village within Offaly’s 







1.1 Location 

Rahan village is a small rural settlement, located along 

the Grand Canal and Clodiagh River. The village is 

situated approximately 10 kilometres northwest of 

Tullamore, approximately 20 kilometres northeast of 

Cloghan and approximately 8 kilometres south of Clara. 

According to the 2006 Census, the total population of 

the district electoral division of Rahan was 696 persons. 

However, it is estimated that the current population 

situated within the proposed village boundary of Rahan 

is approximately 120 persons. 


Historical records state that this settlement dates back 

to Pre-Christian times. However, in the year 594 AD, a 

monastery was founded on the flat fern covered terrain 

by the banks of the Clodiagh River and developed into 

a community of over 800 monks. Lands, which lie 

outside of the southeastern fringe of the village 

boundary, are of archaeological and historical 

significance. 

Expansion within this village has been largely in the 

form of farmsteads and ‘one off’ house developments in 

the environs along the constituent roads. A County 

Council residential estate was developed within the 

eastern quadrant of the village. The old shop and post 

office can be regarded as being the former centre point 

of this settlement. These services have ceased operation 

in recent years. A former mill house is situated alongside 

the river, demonstrating the commercial vibrancy and 

tradition which was previously in existence within this 

village. 

Tullybeg demesne is situated in Rahan and was 

originally part utilised as the Jesuit College, whilst also 

comprises a burial ground and extensive grounds. It 

was last part - utilised as a retirement village and golf 

course. 

Rahan is a predominantly low rise and low-density 

settlement, which contains a number of different 

building styles. 

Rahan Bridge which crosses over the Clodiagh River acts 

as the focal point of this village. The ‘Bridge House’ and 

its farmstead are strategically located at this bridge, 

within the western quadrant of the proposed village 

boundary. 

A Conservation Plan for the Rahan Monastic Site has 

been prepared as per an action of the Offaly Heritage 

Plan 2007 – 2011 and the Planning Authority will have 

regard to this plan in relation to the assessing of 

applications in the vicinity of the site. 

1.3 Context 

Rahan has been designated as a village within Offaly’s 



boundary has been identified for Rahan Village and is 

shown on the accompanying map. This is intended to 




February 2009 | Rahan Village Plan | page 134




• Enable some of the “outlying” development to be 

incorporated into the village fabric. 

• Cater for a number of small in-depth schemes. 

• Consolidate development within the delineated 

village boundary in order to protect the area of 

high amenity within which the village is set. 




Rahan is serviced by the Rahan public water supply and 

this scheme requires upgrading. It has been included in 

Offaly County Council’s Water Services Investment 

Programme 2005–2007, with regard to the preparation 

of a feasibility study in respect of upgrading under the 

Grouped Towns and Villages Scheme. Permitted 

development will be contingent on on-going 

improvement works and the provision of an adequate 

water supply. 


There is a small wastewater treatment plant located on 

lands immediately south of College View residential 

estate which has approximately a 120PE (population 

equivalent) capacity and currently serves this village. 

However, this plant is nearing capacity and future 

development permitted will be contingent on the 

provision of adequate wastewater treatment facilities. 

The future development of Rahan village may 

necessitate the identification of a more suitable site for 

the provision of a treatment plant for the village. Rahan 

is included in the WSIP for 2007-2009 for upgrading and 

improvement works. 



Rahan village contains an ‘All-Boys’ national school and 

a community centre. A licensed premises is situated 

along the canal within 1 kilometre of the proposed 

village boundary and a GAA pitch and ancillary facilities 

are located to the east of the proposed village 

boundary of Rahan. 

A number of local grocers and a post office previously 

operated in this village but ceased operation in recent 

years. Killina, situated within 2 kilometres of Rahan, acts 

as a local services centre for the residents of Rahan (i.e. 

national school, secondary school, Roman Catholic 

Church). 


Rahan village is located on a local road which connects 

the R436 (Ballycumber to Clara Road) with the N52 

(Tullamore to Kilcormac Road). As development occurs, 

access routes to backlands may be required to allow for 

comprehensive, orderly development within the village 

boundary. New roads, which are necessary to serve indepth 

development in Rahan will be required to be 



The speed limit in place within Rahan village is currently 

50 km/hr. 


• Grand Canal and its banks – attractiveness for 

tourism and recreational use. 

• Clodiagh River – access provided at Rahan Bridge 

– fishing / walking. 

• Rahan Bridge – Attractive stone bridge which has 

been recorded in the record of protected 

structures. 

• St. Carthach’s Church (and Abbey) – Important 

archaeological and historical site – immediately 

south of Rahan village – ruins of ancient church, 

abbey, and cemetery. 

• Tullybeg demesne – This comprises an attractive 

demesne landscape and contains a protected 

structure. An alignment of mature trees and an 

attractive stonewall enclose this site. 

• Attractive old stonewalls and hedgerows. 

3.0 KEY MESSAGES FOR RAHAN 

a) Rahan shall be developed in a properly planned 

and coherent manner, with Rahan Bridge as its 

focal point. Consolidation of the existing radial 

pattern of development along constituent routes 

is necessary in engendering a greater sense of 

place. Policies and objectives with regard to 






the core. 








d) High quality designs, which are reflective of the 




e) Facilitate and encourage the development of 

commercial and employment opportunities 


f) Encourage the use of natural building and 


g) Promotion of the Clodiagh River and the Grand 

Canal in particular as areas of natural amenity. 

h) Recognition of the Rahan Monastic site 

Conservation Plan and its implications for the 

development of the village. 


OBJECTIVES 





• Encourage and sustain existing services at a local 

level. 


at present by encouraging and permitting 

appropriate and sensitively designed redevelopment 

of the existing derelict buildings. 


opportunities, where possible. 



Council’s policy on villages (refer to Volume 1, Chapter 







b) Improve the existing road network and provide 

footpaths in conjunction with on-going 

development; in particular to the national 

school, community hall and GAA pitch. 

c) Create / reinforce gateway features to engender a 














f) Encourage the development of a ‘critical mass’ 

necessary in developing and sustaining local 

services provision within the village. 


Rahan village will continue to be a predominantly rural 

settlement. However, it is envisaged that its local 

services base should be increased to provide a more 

self-sustaining settlement, with Killina acting as a local 

services centre ancillary to this village. The 

consolidation of Rahan in its present form (with 

development having emerged in a radial manner along 

constituent routes) is necessary to engender a greater 

sense of place and contribute to the proper planning 

and sustainable development of the village. 




2009– 2015, Volume 1. 






village. 






the village. 

4.5 Design 













OBJECTIVES 


A zone of archaeological potential, which is contained 

within the book of Recorded Monuments for Co. Offaly, 

is located south of Rahan Bridge, (see accompanying 

map). It encompasses the site of St. Carthach’s Church 

(and Abbey), which is now in ruins and adjoining 

cemetery and also includes some lands on the west side 

of the road. 












Rahan village comprises two natural amenities of 

particular significance, namely the Grand Canal and the 

Clodiagh River. Their natural scenic beauty contributes 

to their attractiveness for scenic walks. 

The provision of a public open space on lands which 

adjoin the Clodiagh River at Rahan Bridge (south of the 

village) would be aesthetically pleasing and engender a 

greater sense of place for the village, (see 

accompanying map). 

The Grand Canal is designated as a Natural Heritage 

Area (NHA) and traverses lands to the south and west of 

Rahan village. The canal is very significant as an amenity 

and recreational area. The County Development Plan, 

Chapters 14, 15 and 16, outlines the Council’s policies in 

regard to the Grand Canal. 







developments. 


The Tullybeg demesne comprises an attractively 

landscaped and aesthetically pleasing demesne 

landscape, which is enclosed by an alignment of mature 

trees and an attractive stone wall. This alignment of 

mature trees is protected under the County 

Development Plan 2009 – 2015 by way of a Tree 

Preservation Order (refer to Volume 1, Chapter 15, 

Table 15.11). 





























footpaths. 




d) Enhancement of ‘gateway’ features and natural 



e) Facilitate and encourage the redevelopment of 

dis-used and/or derelict sites within the village. 

f) Examine possible measures which could 

facilitate the provision of a public open space 


g) Examination of the possibilities for the provision 

of more structured off-road car parking / setdown 

areas for the school, particularly as the 

village expands. 

h) Access points to be provided where necessary, 






2015. 









5.7 Flooding 

Lands surrounding the River Clodiagh may potentially 

be at risk from flooding. Any proposed development on 

these lands must demonstrate to the Planning 

Authority that it will be protected, by design, from flood 

risk and incorporates minimum setback from the bank 

as required by the Office of Public Works, (OPW). 

Council that it will be protected from flooding. 

2. This area, if proposed for development must be 

the subject of a masterplan to address, in 

particular, integration and connectivity with the 

village. Linkages of particular importance 

include, pedestrian access to the school and 

bridge, services, open space areas for the benefit 

of the development(s) and the village as a whole. 

Design themes and ‘grain’ of proposed 

development should be included, particularly in 

relation to the ‘front’ (north) of the site. Due 

regard to boundary retention / integration of 

development within the village should be part of 

the masterplan. 

3. Any proposed development on these lands must 

satisfy the Council that it will not have any 

negative impacts on the archaeology which may 

be contained within these lands. In this case, a 

detailed assessment on the archaeology of these 

lands will be required. 

4. These lands between the Canal (a Natural 

Heritage Area) and the Zone of Archaeological 

Potential are zoned as open space within this 

plan and for the plan period. This is to protect 

these features and to retain an attractive visual 

buffer to the adjoining lands zoned as 'other 

settlement lands', in particular on this approach 

road into the village from Killina. As this is a visual 

protection / buffer, its use for normal rural land 

uses, i.e. agriculture or forestry, etc. will not 

conflict with the purpose of the zoning. 



1. An indicative open space ‘buffer’ has been zoned 

along the river in order to ensure that any 

developments respect the river aspect, to reflect 

the fact that this area may be subject to flooding 

and to allow for a strip free from development for 

river maintenance if required by the Office of 

Public Works. The boundary of the proposed 

‘Open Space’ area is not intended to attempt to 

reflect the flood risk. Any development proposed 

must contain design proposals to satisfy the 


Volume 2 - Settlement Plans | Rahan Village Plan | February 2009

OFFALY COUNTY 


2009 - 2015 

• RHODE • 


2009 - 2015



RHODE VILLAGE PLAN 

Edenderry, 5km east of Croghan and 10km southeast of 

Rochfortbridge. 


Rhode village is likely to have evolved from a small 

cluster at the cross roads demonstrated by its 

vernacular style, where the R400 and R441 intersect. 

Subsequent expansion traditionally has taken the form 

of linear development along the constituent roads, with 

the exception of both the ESB and local authority 

housing developments. 












Rhode has been designated as a village within Offaly’s 







This plan pertains to Rhode village which encompasses 

an area of approximately 56 hectares. The village has 

undergone increasing pressures for development in 

recent years, due for the most part to its proximity to 

the Greater Dublin Area. Rhode is a rural village which 

acts as a local service centre for the village itself and its 

hinterland. It is apparent that a large proportion of the 

growth is taking place outside of the existing village in 

the form of single house developments. 

1.1 Location 

Rhode village is situated in the north-east of County 

Offaly and is surrounded by flat boglands and 

agricultural land. Two prominent hills are located close 

to the village, namely Croghan Hill and Clonin Hill. 

Rhode is situated approximately 12km west of 

Recent residential development has taken place within 

some of the backland areas in the village, providing 

added depth in an east-west direction. Future 

development should, however, have an emphasis on 

consolidation and small-scale expansion of the village. 

Rhode contains significant natural and cultural heritage 

attractions in its surrounding landscape, most notably 

boglands, the Grand Canal (situated approximately one 

kilometre south of the village) and numerous historical 

artefacts. There is one recorded monument situated 

within the village boundary. 

The parish of Rhode contains the ruins of castles, most 

notably Toberdaly Castle, once the demesne of the 

Nesbitt family. Ballybrittan Castle is also located in the 

area and comprises a well preserved castle tower and 

was once the home of the Warrens, a prominent English 

military family of the late 1550s. 

Bord na Móna (turf extraction) and the ESB (electricity 

generation) were traditionally to the forefront in local 

employment generation. The closure of the power 

station in 2001 with the loss of 160 jobs provides a 

major challenge to create employment locally. The 

power station has now been replaced with a temporary 

peaking power generation plant and ancillary facilities. 

1.3 Context 

Rhode has been designated as a village within Offaly’s 


County Development Plan 2009 – 2015. The primary 

aim of this plan is to consolidate the settlement for the 

provision of commercial / social development primarily 

to facilitate the existing population rather than provide 

for significant levels of additional housing. A 

development boundary has been identified for Rhode 

Village and is shown on the accompanying map. It is 

February 2009 | Rhode Village Plan | page 140



intended that the area delineated will: - 




• Cater for a small number of small in-depth 

housing schemes. 

• Encourage commercial development, which is 

appropriate in terms of scale, use and location 




place. 

Rhode has a distinctive and traditionally diverse 

character which is highly valued by its residents. Future 

growth and expansion can be achieved through 

developing this area’s residential function, but primarily 

by promoting its economic role as a sustainable rural 

village with its own local services, which facilitate the 

local community and its surrounding rural environs, 

whilst at the same time constraining rapid expansion 

resulting from this village’s proximity to the Greater 

Dublin Area. As the village continues to evolve, this 

process of change must be positively managed so that 

the distinctiveness of this village’s identity can be 

protected and enhanced, whilst managing future 

growth and new development. 

Rhode’s proximity to the main Dublin – Galway Road 

(M6), located c.10km to the north, has influenced the 

village’s expansion, particularly in recent years. The 

population of Rhode village increased by 63% over the 

period 1996-2006 i.e. from 476 persons to 778 persons. 

This very significant growth rate is reflective of the 

increasing pressure which the north of the County has 

been experiencing, given its proximity to the Greater 

Dublin Area. 

National Spatial Strategy (NSS) 

The NSS, (adopted in 2002), is Ireland’s overarching 

framework plan which provides a strategic vision for the 

spatial development of the country through the 

promotion of balanced regional development. 

The NSS identifies Rhode within its ‘village 

strengthening and rural areas opportunities’category. It 

outlines how the promotion of tourism and recreational 

activity, which is complimentary to the agricultural 

sector, offers future potential in such villages. It also 

states that by enabling villages to attract residential and 

other developments through availability of land and 

capacity of services, that residential and other functions 

of this settlement can be strengthened. 

Further to this, the National Spatial Strategy recognises 

that many worked out bogs in the Midlands are suited 

to wind energy development which would support 

ancillary manufacturing, servicing and development 

activities, a factor which may assist in supporting and 

maintaining Rhode as a sustainable settlement. 

Midland Regional Planning Guidelines 

The Midlands Regional Planning Guidelines, (MRPGs), 

(adopted in 2004 due to be reviewed in 2010) are in 

accordance with the NSS, and seek to ensure that the 

Midlands Region ‘achieves its potential for enhanced, 

balanced and sustainable development and contributes 

towards the national objective of balanced regional 

development’. 

Rhode village is included in the ‘eastern development 

area’ of the RPGs for the Midlands Region and is 

associated with the population increase which has been 

identified as being more pronounced on the eastern 

side of the region, primarily due to the influence of the 

Greater Dublin Area (GDA). Within this area, it is set out 

in the Guidelines that any major population increases 

should be targeted to the nearby ‘key service towns’, i.e. 

Edenderry and Portarlington. 

Further to this, the RPGs state that links, particularly 

with the central midlands area (to the gateway and the 

principal towns), must be strengthened so as to reduce 

the pull of the Greater Dublin Area which is currently 

experienced in this eastern area of the region. 

The RPGs are consistent with the NSS in stating the 

necessity of protecting villages such as Rhode. The 

Guidelines also highlight that significant levels of 

development of urban generated housing in such 

villages, which could be accommodated in nearby 

urban areas (e.g. Edenderry), should be controlled. The 

fundamentals of village development lie in the 

consolidation of development within the village rather 

than large-scale growth. 

Rhode’s specific role as a village is in providing a range 

of local services to support the viability of its rural 

community and surrounding hinterland. This should be 




achieved whilst curtailing rapid expansion of the 

village’s population, and thus the village will form part 

of a cohesive pattern of balanced urban and rural 

development throughout Offaly, in accordance with the 

County’s settlement structure hierarchy and consistent 

with the Midland Regional Planning Guidelines. 

1.4 Policy 

To encourage Rhode to sustain its current population 

and role as a rural village through the consolidation of 

its existing residential component and future 

development, and the expansion of both its local 

service / employment functions, in accordance with the 

County Development Plan and the Midlands Regional 

Planning Guidelines (MRPGs). 





within the village. The Edenderry / Rhode water supply 

scheme is included in the Water Services Investment 

Programme (WSIP) 2007– 2009. 


Main sewers are available along part of the main routes 

within the village, which currently discharge to a 

communal wastewater plant. Some of the main sewers 

require upgrading. Deficiencies in the treatment 

system have been identified, and have contributed to 

the refusal of planning permission for a significant 

number of houses in the years 2001 to the present. An 

interim treatment plan for 1,000PE (population 

equivalent) has been constructed and is currently (Nov 

2007) being commissioned. This will allow for adequate 

treatment of sewage to cater for the existing 

population, but it is not intended to provide for 

population growth. Rhode waste water treatment 

scheme is included in Offaly County Council’s Water 

Services Investment Programme 2007 – 2009. This will 

cater for 2000PE and for an upgrade of the sewer 

network. 



Within the village boundary, Rhode presently (2007) 

provides a variety of low to medium order services and 

facilities such as; Roman Catholic Church (St. Peter’s) 

and adjoining graveyard, Garda Station, community 

premises (Citizens Information Centre, crèche), health 

centre, pharmacy, convenience store, hair salon, 

launderette, video store, butchers, post office, petrol 

station and 3 licensed premises. A community hall 

which has remained derelict over a number of years is 

situated along the R400, south of the village core. 

The national school is located approximately 1km south 

of the village core along the R400, and the GAA pitch 

and ancillary facilities are situated circa 1km west of the 

village. 

(b) Roads and Infrastructure 


development in Rhode, will be required to be designed 

and constructed to a high standard, in order to provide 

an attractive and safe environment. While the current 

plan advocates infill and consolidation rather than large 

scale development it is intended that over time and 

where practical, new roads will link up to form an 





Broadband is currently available within the village, and 

provides a vital role in the connectivity of rural areas 

and encourages and facilitates local business and 

enterprise. 

3.0 KEY MESSAGES FOR RHODE 

a) Rhode shall be developed in a properly planned 


village core, so that an attractive sustainable 




Chapter 4. 

b) Emphasis on the consolidation of the village’s 

residential function by permitting only small 

scale residential schemes which are reflective of 

Rhode’s essentially rural character. 




rural character, or would be contrary to the policy 

contained in Section 1.4 above. 




d) Promotion of Rhode as a local service / 

employment centre to create critical mass to 

maintain and attract investment for services. 





f) Promotion of natural building and boundary 

materials. 


OBJECTIVES 





location. 





































boundary on the accompanying plan will result in a 

relatively compact, sustainable settlement, utilising the 

existing roads. 

The area around the crossroads (R400 and R401 

intersection) will remain as the village ‘core’ and will 

accommodate a mixture of uses, for example, 

commercial, residential, entertainment, employment, 

etc. 




2009– 2015, Volume 1. 






village. 



4.5 Design 

The design of the buildings located in the village core 

demonstrate Rhode’s vernacular heritage, and differ in 

scale, density and materials in comparison to the design 

of more recent residential developments which are 

situated within the village boundary. 

Subtle variations in terms of innovative design in 

buildings and their key elements are both desirable and 

acceptable in creating an interesting and attractive 

streetscape for Rhode. However, it is of vital importance 

that such variation is based on careful consideration of 

a common design style which is in sympathy with the 

existing pre-dominantly rural, attractive character of 

Rhode. 









maintaining the character of this village. 


OBJECTIVES 



















developments. The GAA pitch, (situated west of the 

village) and St. Pat’s football grounds (situated in the 

northern end of the village) are both valuable open 

space areas serving the local community within Rhode. 

The Grand Canal flows in close proximity south of 

Rhode village. Its natural scenic beauty lends itself to its 

attractiveness for recreational purposes, e.g. walking, 

fishing etc. 






is required, these should comprise native hedgerow 














Infrastructural Objectives 

a) Adequate lighting to be provided along all routes 


b) Provision of new permanent wastewater 

treatment plant to meet anticipated and future 

demands. 


d) The incremental provision of footpaths through 

development contributions / special development 

contributions or requirements for works as 

part of planning permissions granted is 


e) Access points to be provided where necessary, 

within the village plan. 

Economic Objectives 

a) Encourage and facilitate employment 

opportunities in the village, where possible, 

providing a realistic alternative to commuting. 

Environmental Objectives 

a) Protection of the groundwater resource within 

the aquifer protection area. 

b) Enhancement of village through physical and 

townscape improvements. 

c) Encourage redevelopment and restoration of 

derelict sites, in particular site north east of 

crossroads. 

d) Enhancement of gateway features and natural 


the sense of place and character of the village. In 

particular, the natural boundary (comprising 

shelter belt and Yellow River) on the northern 

fringe of the village boundary which adjoins 

Woodville Manor residential estate. 

e) Assist, where feasible, in providing attractive 

open space within the village and co-operate 

with the local community in its enhancement and 

improvement. 








2015. 











Note 

Red Arrows. 




These roads are to link up, over time to create an 

internal road network, which bring depth and 

permeability to the built environment. These indicative 

access points shown by the arrows are seen as the 

optimum points where the new network will connect 

with the existing. 




NOTES 


Volume 2 - Settlement Plans | Rhode Village Plan | February 2009

OFFALY COUNTY 


2009 - 2015 

• RIVERSTOWN • 


2009 - 2015



RIVERSTOWN VILLAGE PLAN 












Riverstown has been designated as a village within 







This village plan for Riverstown pertains to that portion 

of the village within Co. Offaly only. It is recognised that 

the bulk of services provision, development and growth 

within ‘Riverstown’, in its entirety, will predominantly 

occur within the portion of Riverstown village located 

in Co. Tipperary. 

1.1 Location 

Riverstown is a rural settlement located in west Offaly 

on the N52. The Offaly / North Tipperary border runs 

through the centre of this settlement and follows the 

line of the Little Brosna River. This village is located 

approximately 2km southwest of the town of Birr. It is 

estimated that the current population within the Offaly 

portion of this village is less than 60 persons. However, 

the population of the entirety of the settlement, 

including the area located within County Tipperary, is 

significantly higher than this. 


The settlement at Riverstown is very traditional in 

origin. The existing settlement within County Offaly is 

predominantly linear and is centred on the bridge over 

the Little Brosna River. There are currently a number of 

detached houses on large sites along constituent routes 

and a small number of semi-detached dwellings located 

in the centre of the portion of this village within County 

Offaly. Further, there are also a small number of 

farmsteads sited within the village. 

The settlement has a very attractive setting, with the 

roads within Riverstown sloping down towards the 

Little Brosna River. The approach roads have views 

down towards the river and the well maintained streets, 

giving the village a quaint and rural feel. 

Riverstown is a predominantly low rise and very lowdensity 

settlement, which contains a number of 

different building styles. 

1.3 Context 

Riverstown has been designated as a village within 


the County Development Plan 2009-2015. A village 

boundary has been identified for that portion of 

Riverstown Village within County Offaly and is shown 

on the accompanying map. This is intended to 

delineate an area which will consolidate development 

within the delineated village boundary in order to 

protect the residential amenity of the area. 




Riverstown is currently serviced by a Public Group Water 

Supply Scheme. The water for this scheme is provided 

by the Birr Public Scheme. Permitted development will 

be contingent on on-going improvement works and the 

provision of an adequate water supply. 


Riverstown is serviced by a pumping station owned and 

operated by North Tipperary County Council. The 

pumped effluent from this station is treated by the Birr 

February 2009 | Riverstown Village Plan | page 148



public waste water treatment facility. 



The majority of services within Riverstown are located 

within the Co. Tipperary portion of the settlement, 

including a national school and gift shop, and a licensed 

premises / restaurant is located within the Offaly 

portion of the village. The settlement also benefits from 

the services and amenities available in the larger 

neighbouring town of Birr. 


Riverstown is located on the N52, southwest of the 

town of Birr. 

c) Footpaths and Lighting 

There are no formal footpaths at present within 

Riverstown. However, it is desirable that provisions be 

made to provide a network of footpaths, in line with 

future development, where feasible. Public lighting is 

currently provided within the settlement and it is 

envisaged that this too could be extended as the 

settlement expands. 

The speed limits in place within Riverstown village is 

currently 50 km/hr. 


• Overall picturesque and rural character. 

• Attractive approach from the east - stone walls, 

mature trees and views downhill towards the 

river and the Tipperary side of the settlement. 

• Ballindarra Castle (site of) - Recorded in the Sites 

and Monuments Record for County Offaly is of 

archaeological significance. The castle was in the 

ownership of the O’ Carroll family in 1582 and 

passed into the ownership of various different 

parties until it fell in 1848. There are no visible 

remains at ground level. The remains of the castle 

bawn still exist on the site. 

• Attractive mature trees in the vicinity of the Little 

Brosna River. Particularly attractive cluster of 

trees in the vicinity of the site of Ballindarra 

Castle. 

• Little Brosna River - visually attractive and a 

valuable amenity within the settlement. 

• Town bridge - attractive bridge over the Little 

Brosna River, constructed in natural stone with 5 

arches, it marks the centre of the settlement. 

3.0 KEY MESSAGES FOR RIVERSTOWN 

a) The portion of Riverstown village within County 

Offaly shall retain its current development levels. 

However, the promotion of infill development 

and redevelopment within the development 

boundary is appropriate. Policies and objectives 

with regard to village development are contained 

in the County Development Plan, Volume 1, 

Chapter 4. 

b) The conservation of existing stone walls, trees 

and native hedgerows, and promotion of similar 


c) High quality designs, which are reflective of the 



designs. 

d) The conservation and protection of the Little 

Brosna River. 

e) Protection of the N52, its carrying capacity and 

traffic safety. 

f) Facilitate and encourage the development of 


within the village, where possible. 

g) Encourage the use of natural building and 



OBJECTIVES 





• Encourage and sustain existing services at a local 

level. 


at present by encouraging and permitting 

appropriate and sensitively designed redevelopment 

of the existing derelict buildings. 


opportunities, where possible. 





social provisions). It should be noted that in light of the 

existing physical features / constraints which exist 




within that portion of this village within Co. Offaly, it is 

considered that the future development of Riverstown 

will most likely, pre-dominantly occur within that 

portion of the village sited within Co. Tipperary. 





b) Improve the existing road network and provide 

footpaths, where feasible. 

c) Create / reinforce gateway features to engender 







Riverstown village will continue to be a predominantly 

rural settlement and small-scale infill development or 

redevelopment which is reflective of its rural character 

only will be permitted. 




2009– 2015, Volume 1. 





commensurate with the size and scale of the 

village. 






the village. 

4.5 Design 










OBJECTIVES 













It should be noted that whilst there is no formal public 

open space within the portion of Riverstown village in 

County Offaly, the Little Brosna River provides a 

valuable amenity and is also visually attractive. Further, 

a small area of civic open space within Riverstown 

located in Co. Tipperary is currently the only provision 

within this settlement in its entirety. It takes the form of 

a small paved area with seating located on the banks of 

the river. 


An attractive and comprehensive network of old stone 

walls and mature hedgerow are contained within the 

settlement of Riverstown. Their presence contributes 

significantly to the attractiveness and rural character 

and distinctiveness of this village. It is the Council’s 

policy to preserve and protect these stone walls and 

hedgerow, insofar as is possible. 






















a) The incremental provision of footpaths. 


within the enclosed settlement, over time. 




the sense of place and character of the 

settlement. 





2015. 












NOTES 


Volume 2 - Settlement Plans | Riverstown Village Plan | February 2009

OFFALY COUNTY 


2009 - 2015 

• SHANNONBRIDGE • 


2009 - 2015



SHANNONBRIDGE VILLAGE PLAN 












Shannonbridge has been designated as a village within 







1.1 Location 

Shannonbridge (Irish: Rachra) is a small, rural village 

situated at the bridging point of the River Shannon in 

west Offaly, hence the foundation of its name. It is 

situated at the Offaly / Roscommon county border and 

is approximately 10 kilometres south of Clonmacnoise. 

Its location along Ireland’s largest river and its proximity 

to Clonmacnoise have contributed to tourism being a 

key factor in its local economy. It is rich in heritage and 

the village is flanked by an important nature 

conservation area – the Shannon Callows. However, the 

Shannon flood plain has imposed large constraints in 

the development of lands surrounding the existing 

village. 


the district electoral division of Shannonbridge was 332 

persons. It must be noted that a population decline of 

almost 6% for the DED of Shannonbridge was recorded 

between 2002 and 2006. 


This settlement originated as a result of its location at 

the bridging point of the River Shannon, with this 

bridge, completed in 1757, being one of the oldest over 

the river. The village was fortified by the British in the 

Napoleonic era and this is particularly evident west of 

the river (within Co. Roscommon), with a fort which 

currently (2007) functions as a restaurant. 

Expansion within the village in recent decades has been 

very slow, with the settlement predominantly linear in 

pattern, with little scope for backland developments, 

given its natural constraints. 

Shannonbridge is predominantly low rise and lowdensity 

and contains a number of different building 

styles, with two housing estates situated within the 

village. 

The Roman Catholic Church acts as the focal point of 

this village. 

1.3 Context 

Shannonbridge has been designated as a village within 


the County Development Plan 2009 – 2015. A 

development boundary has been identified for 

Shannonbridge Village and is shown on the 


area, which will: 







terms of scale, use and location within the village. 



February 2009 | Shannonbridge Village Plan | page 154






Shannonbridge is currently serviced by a public water 

supply which is supplied by Roscommon County 

Council. It has been included in the rural water 

programme for improvements, with a proposal to 

extend the Clara / Ferbane public water supply to 

Shannonbridge. 


Effluent is currently treated by an existing septic tank, 

which serves the village. Shannonbridge is included in 

the Water Services Investment Programme for 2007- 

2009 for upgrading of works to the existing waste water 

treatment facilities and is limited in terms of capacity 

until such upgrading is provided. 



Shannonbridge village presently contains a Roman 

Catholic Church, community centre, 3 licensed 

premises, a number of grocers and a seasonal tourism 

information centre. A health centre building was 

developed in the village, but has never been functional 

and serves as a meeting centre for a number of 

organisations, whilst also containing a local library 

managed by the community. Recently the village’s 

national school closed down. The Council considers 

that the interim use of the school building as a 

community facility or training / resource centre (subject 

to any necessary planning permission requirements) 

could assist in keeping the building in use until an 

opportunity to revert to a school presents itself. The 

village’s location along the River Shannon and the 

provision of a quay, marina and wastewater pumpout 

within the village facilitate tourism. 

West Offaly Power Plant, with peat supplied by Bord na 

Mona from the nearby Blackwater Bog peatlands, is a 

large employer situated within the village. 

Shannonbridge village acts as a local centre for its 

community, while the nearby towns - Ballinasloe, Co. 

Galway and Athlone, Co. Westmeath serve as district 

centres for the village. 


Shannonbridge village is located on a regional road 

(R357) while the R444 (Shannonbridge – Clonmacnoise 

Road) connects with the village to the east of the core 

area. 


development in Shannonbridge will be required to be 


to provide an attractive and safe environment. The 

speed limit within the village boundary is currently 

50kms/hr. 

c) Other Features 

• River Shannon - associated quays and marina 

• Tourist Information office - (seasonal opening). 


SHANNONBRIDGE 

a) Shannonbridge shall be developed in a properly 

planned, coherent manner centred around the 


outcome is achieved. Policies and objectives 




b) The conservation and protection of the 

surrounding nature conservation areas, namely 

the Shannon Callows which are designated as a 

Natural Heritage Area (NHA), Special Area of 

Conservation (SAC) and Special Protection Area 

(SPA). 

c) Promotion of Shannonbridge as a local service 

and employment centre to create the critical 

mass necessary for sustaining and attracting 

investment and services and enhancement of its 

amenity potential in attracting tourism. 

d) Promotion of low-density linear or clustered style 



the core. 

e) Facilitate and promote an increase in residential 

development, where appropriate, so as to sustain 

the critical mass necessary in securing and/or 

sustaining the provision of local services. 













materials. 

i) Encourage sensitive re-use of protected 

structures or buildings, which contribute 


j) The assessment of all residential applications 

within the village centre will be considered as 

secondary in accordance with the need to 

reserve sites and develop opportunities for 

commercial development which will in turn 

sustain the village in the long term. 


OBJECTIVES 





location. 
















b) Protection of the village’s nature conservation 

areas (NHA, SAC, SPA), in particular the Shannon 

Callows areas which are internationally 

important for birdlife (in particular; the 

corncrake) and wild flowers. 

c) Improvement of the existing road network and 


development. 

d) Create / reinforce ‘gateway’ features to engender 


e) Encourage and facilitate co-operation between / 




f) If development is only forthcoming in a 








g) Examine the possibility of providing a civic 

greenspace. 

h) Facilitate future development, where suitable, in 

order to sustain the critical mass necessary in 

retaining services at a local level. 

i) Promotion of the village as a key tourism 

destination within the County. 


Shannonbridge village will continue to be a 

predominantly rural settlement, which is also tourism 

based. Development should be sensitively integrated 

and sympathetically reflective and respectful of this 

village’s existing character. 




2009– 2015, Volume 1. 






village. 






the village. 




4.5 Design 










OBJECTIVES 



















developments. 

The provision of civic greenspace(s) would be 

significant in enhancing the aesthetic qualities of the 

village and providing a key recreational facility for the 

community of Shannonbridge. The development of one 

such greenspace by the community on lands east of the 

village which are currently in ownership by the ESB is 

regarded by the Council as being a positive approach in 

the revitalisation of the village. Furthermore, 

development on the area which surrounds the church 

(if possible) should include proposals for a substantial 

civic space, (See Annotation 1 in Section 5.8 below). 

5.3.1 The Shannon Callows 

The stretch of the River Shannon at Shannonbridge has 

a very shallow gradient which results in seasonal 

flooding when heavy rain occurs. The outcome of this 

has resulted in the formation of the Callows (wet 

grassland areas) which are rich in flora and fauna and 

internationally recognised as a nature conservation 

area, designated as an p(NHA) proposed Natural 

Heritage Area, (SAC) Special Area of Conservation and 

(SPA) Special Protection Area. 

The callows are comprised of grasses and sedges, 

meadowsweet, ragged robin and a number of other 

vegetation which, when dried out in the summer 

months is utilised for agricultural activity (hay cutting, 

grazing). 

The corncrake, whose species is now rare and is 

protected nationally, is located in the callows area and 

duck, gulls, swan, and breeding waders including the 

lapwing, redshank, curlew and sandpiper are also sited 

within the area. Hence, these lands are designated as a 

Natural Heritage Area (NHA), Special Protection Area 

(SPA) and Special Area of Conservation (SAC). In 

addition, this area is also protected through its 

designation as an Area of High Amenity in the County. 

(Refer to Chapter 15, Volume 1 County Development 

Plan 2009-2015, for the Council’s policies with regard to 

these designations). 

































footpaths. 




e) Facilitate and encourage the redevelopment of 


f) Examine possibilities to sustain and enhance the 

development of tourism within the village. 

g) Access points to be provided where necessary, 


suitable for development due to possibility of 

flood risk. Any proposed development must 

demonstrate that it can be protected. Severe 

protection measures, i.e. significant raising of 

ground levels, which may render development 

inconsistent with surrounding development or 

result in visual obtrusiveness, may not be 

permitted. 

2. If development is to be considered on these 

lands, the area west of the dashed line as 

delineated on the accompanying map should not 

be included for the provision of any structures as 

it comprises a hill and it is considered 

inappropriate for such development. 

5.6 Zoning 




2015, Volume 1, Chapter 18. 









5.7 Flooding 

The village of Shannonbridge is at risk from flooding as 

it is within the floodplain of the River Shannon. All 

proposed development must demonstrate to the 

Planning Authority that it will be protected, by design, 

from flood risk. 



1. Refer to Section 5.3. of this written statement 

–regarding a civic / open space area. 

Furthermore, part of these lands may not be 


Volume 2 - Settlement Plans | Shannonbridge Village Plan | February 2009

OFFALY COUNTY 


2009 - 2015 

• SHANNONHARBOUR • 


2009 - 2015



SHANNONHARBOUR VILLAGE PLAN 












Shannonharbour has been designated as a village 

within Offaly’s settlement hierarchy, as set out in 

Chapter 4 of the County Development Plan 2009 – 

2015. This settlement plan along with the zoning map is 

seen as a specific view of the village so that 

development pressures can be focused and properly 

managed in order that the settlement can fulfil this role 

effectively. 

1.1 Location 

Shannonharbour is a very small clustered settlement, 

located at the terminus of the Grand Canal where it 

meets the River Shannon at the mouth of the River 

Brosna. This settlement derives its name from its 

strategic location at the River Shannon. It is unique, in 

that this settlement was purpose-built in the early 

1800’s, designed and developed as a transhipping 

centre and is arguably the most important inland 

harbour in the country given its strategic location in the 

centre of Ireland. 

The village is situated approximately 5 kilometres 

northeast of Banagher, 5 kilometres west of Cloghan 

and 11 kilometres southeast of Shannonbridge. 


the district electoral division of Shannonharbour was 

321 persons. This figure shows a decrease of over 2% in 

the population since 2002. However, it is estimated that 

the current permanent population situated within the 

village boundary of Shannonharbour is approximately 

30 persons. 

This plan sets the context for the limited growth of the 

village in order to sustain existing services, to allow 

limited opportunities for new residential and other 

development while protecting the existing character of 

the village and recognising the significant 

archaeological potential of some of lands within the 

settlement. 


This settlement was purpose-designed and constructed 

in the 19th century as a transhipping centre in the 

midlands, due to its strategic location along two of 

Ireland’s most important waterways, namely the Grand 

Canal and the River Shannon. 

It was a vibrant commercial centre at the time and 

comprised a bonded warehouse, customs and excise 

post, a large Royal Irish Constabulary barracks (which 

included holding cells), the Harbour Masters House, 

boat and barge repair dockyard and dry docks, national 

school, a number of taverns, smithy and livery and The 

Grand Hotel. Its vibrancy was attributed to the number 

of people who used the canal passenger barges, 

(estimated at over 250,000 with many of them to 

emigrate from Limerick or Cobh to America, Canada and 

Australia). Approximately 1,000 people at its peak lived 

in Shannonharbour and its hinterland. 

The development and prominence of Ireland’s road 

network and consequent reduction in waterways as a 

main mode of transport is a major contributory factor in 

Shannonharbour’s decline in prominence as a large 

settlement. 

Presently, the village core is located south of the canal 

and has developed in a linear fashion on a north-south 

axis. Shannonharbour also comprises a number of 

dilapidated buildings which are in need of restoration. 

The majority of these buildings are in the ownership of 

the north-south government body – Waterways Ireland. 

Shannonharbour is a predominantly low rise and very 

February 2009 | Shannonharbour Village Plan | page 160



low-density settlement which is vernacular in design. 

Griffin Bridge over the Grand Canal acts as the focal 

point of the village. Physical expansion of the village is 

constrained given the villages’ location close to the 

Shannon callows area which are liable to flood 

regularly. A recent development ‘An Caladh’ which 

comprises 8 detached private dwellings is situated 

north of the canal. It is evident that some pressure for 

‘one-off’residential developments in the environs along 

the constituent roads, particularly the Shannonharbour 

– Moystown Road has prevailed in recent decades. 

1.3 Context 

Shannonharbour has been designated as a village 

within Offaly’s settlement hierarchy, as set out in 

Chapter 4 of the County Development Plan 2009 – 

2015. A development boundary has been identified for 

Shannonharbour Village and is shown on the 


area, which will: 







terms of scale, use and location within the 

village. 






Shannonharbour is serviced by the Clara / Ferbane 

public water supply, which is available to serve 

development within the village. 


There is a wastewater treatment plant in this village 

which has a capacity of 200PE (population equivalent) 

and is available to serve development within 

Shannonharbour. 



Shannonharbour has 2 licensed premises, self-catering 

accommodation, and a local grocer. The local post office 

service (which operated within the grocers) has ceased 

operation. 

Banagher town, located within 5 kilometres of 

Shannonharbour, acts as a local service centre for the 

residents of the village. 


This village is located on a local county road which is 

connected to the R356 Banagher to Cloghan Road to 

the south of the village and to the R357 Cloghan to 

Shannonbridge Road north of the village. As 

development occurs, subject to site suitability, access 

ways to backlands may be required to allow for 

comprehensive, orderly development within the village 

boundary. New roads, which are necessary to serve indepth 

development in Shannonharbour will be 

required to be designed and constructed to a high 

standard, in order to provide an attractive and safe 

environment. 

There is a 50km speed limit in place in the village. A 

dismantled railway which formerly linked 

Clonmacnoise, and Ferbane with Banagher lies to the 

southeast of this village. 

c) Other Features 

• Grand Canal and its banks - attractiveness for 

boating and walks. 

• Amenity areas to west side of village, north and 

south of canal. 

• River Shannon - to west of village. 

• Mooring area for boats - both from the River 

Shannon and the Grand Canal. 

• Attractive planting and landscaping - at various 

locations throughout the village. 


SHANNONHARBOUR 

a) Shannonharbour shall be developed in a 

properly planned coherent manner with the area 

south of Griffith Bridge as its focal point so that 

an attractive sustainable outcome is achieved. 

Policies and objectives with regard to village 



b) Promotion of the restoration and development of 




key sites which have been in disuse in recent 

decades. Also, promotion of current potential of 

amenity areas alongside the Grand Canal. 

c) Promotion of this area as a tourism village, with 

its service base facilitated by the nearby town of 

Banagher. 




contemporary designs. Layouts, location of 

development, buildings and boundary materials 

to be appropriate in order that such 

development can be successfully integrated into 

this historic and attractive settlement. 





f) Facilitate and encourage the development of 


which are necessary in sustaining its tourism 

base. 

g) Encourage the use of natural building and 



OBJECTIVES 





location. 









Council’s policy on villages (Refer to Volume 1, Chapter 







b) Promote Shannonharbour as a tourism village 

within the County. 

c) Protection and promotion of the Shannon 

Callows as a nature conservation area. 

d) Encourage and assist Waterways Ireland where 

feasible, with the restoration and future 

development of key sites which are in their 

ownership. 

e) Improvement of the existing road network and 


development. 

f) Create / reinforce ‘gateway’ features to engender 


g) Encourage and facilitate co-operation between/ 




h) If development is only forthcoming in a 








i) Encourage and facilitate the implementation of 

the Masterplan prepared for Shannonharbour 

(Scott Wilson, 2008), where feasible. 


Shannonharbour will continue to be a small rural 

settlement, with a significant emphasis on tourism. 

Natural constraints which exist restrict development 

within the village. However, it is envisaged that the redevelopment 

and re-utilisation of existing derelict 

buildings situated within the western portion of the 

proposed village boundary, and the backlands area 

within the eastern portion of the proposed village 

boundary, will engender a greater sense of place within 

this village and increase its potential as both a tourism 

village and sustainable settlement. 




2009– 2015, Volume 1. 









village. 






the village. 

4.5 Design 










OBJECTIVES 













Shannonharbour village is rich in natural amenities, and 

is located at the terminus of the Grand Canal where it 

joins the River Shannon at the mouth of the River 

Brosna. Its banks are attractively landscaped and its 

natural scenic beauty lends itself to its attractiveness for 

canal side walks and boat trips. An opportunity may 

exist for the provision a footpath from the hard 

standing area on the north side of the canal to the 

towpath, to allow a walk from the village to the 34th 

lock and back along the south side, i.e. to form a circular 

walk. 







developments. 

5.3.1 The Shannon Callows 

The formation of the Callows (wet grassland areas) 

along the banks of the Shannon are resultant of 

seasonal flooding. The callows are internationally 

recognised as a nature conservation area, rich in flora 

and fauna. They are comprised of grasses and sedges, 

meadowsweet, ragged robin and a number of other 

vegetations which, when dried out in the summer 

months are utilised for agricultural activity (hay cutting, 

grazing). The corncrake whose species is now rare and 

protected nationally, is located in the callows area and 

duck, gulls, swan, and breeding waders including the 

lapwing, redshank, curlew and sandpiper are also sited 

within the area. 

Hence, these lands are designated as a Natural Heritage 

Area (NHA), Special Protection Area (SPA) and Special 

Area of Conservation (SAC). In addition, this area is also 

protected through its designation as an Area of High 

Amenity in the County. (Refer to County Development 

Plan, Volume I for the Council’s policies with regard to 

these designations). 

5.3.2 The Grand Canal 

The Grand Canal which runs through Shannonharbour 

village is very significant both as an amenity and 

recreational area, as well as being an important link 

between the canal system and the Shannon Waterways. 

The County Development Plan, Volume I outlines the 

Council’s policy as regards the Grand Canal. In general, it 

is Council policy that the canal system is protected and 

is sensitive to large development structures, however, in 

the case of Shannonharbour, due cognisance will be 

afforded to the restoration and redevelopment of the 

protected structures which currently lie derelict along / 

within proximity to the Grand Canal. 

































footpaths. 




e) Protection of the Grand Canal and its associated 

amenities. 

f) Facilitate and encourage the redevelopment of 


g) Examine possibilities to sustain and enhance the 

development of tourism within the village. 

h) Access points to be provided where necessary, 


5.6 Zoning 




2015. 









5.7 Flooding 

The village of Shannonharbour is at risk from flooding 

as it is within the Shannon floodplain. All development 

must demonstrate to the Planning Authority that it will 

be protected, by design, from flood risk. 



1. Offaly County Council will facilitate and 

encourage the re-development of existing 

derelict sites which are currently in the 

ownership of Waterways Ireland, where feasible. 

In particular, further delineation of roadways, 

grassed areas, managing formal recreation areas, 

redevelopment of dry docks etc. would benefit 

the area. 

2. This backland area should, when proposed for 

development, be subject to a masterplan. 

Development should not take place along the 

boundary between these lands and the Grand 

Canal. Rather, the area inside (south) of the 

natural hedgerow / trees should be utilised as a 

linking open space area between the Grand 

Canal area boundary and the lands, with only 

pedestrian access between the two. Very 

significant boundary planting must form part of 

all development proposals. This will serve to 

‘soften’the transition between the village and the 

open countryside, as the area included within the 

proposed village boundary in this area does not 

follow field boundaries. 

3. The Grand Canal – The Council will encourage 

and facilitate canal related development, whilst 

protecting its scenic amenity qualities. 


Volume 2 - Settlement Plans | Shannonharbour Village Plan | February 2009

OFFALY COUNTY 


2009 - 2015 

• SHINRONE • 


2009 - 2015



SHINRONE VILLAGE PLAN 












Shinrone has been designated as a village within 




specific view of the town so that development 



1.1 Location 

Shinrone is a well-established village located at a 

confluence of routes, namely the R492 Birr road, R491 

Roscrea Road and two minor routes. It is approximately 

49km from Tullamore, 13.5 km from Birr and 11km from 

Roscrea. 

During the period from 1996 to 2006, the population of 

Shinrone rose by 112 people (23%) from 479 to 591 

people, with the bulk of this growth occurring between 

2002-2006 i.e. from 488 persons to 591 persons. 

There has been pressure for new residential 

development in the village with some 69 units built or 

under construction (2002-2007 with evidence of 

continuing pressure (Nov 2007)). A nursing home and 

associated sheltered housing complex has also been 

completed. Shinrone is seen as a local service area for 

the surrounding area. 



small cluster at the junction with subsequent expansion 

being mainly linear development along the constituent 

roads. Some of the newer developments are rather 

suburban in style. This settlement is low rise and low 


evidence. The original well-defined core has a slightly 

tighter grain and contains the majority of “village & 

centre” uses. 

1.3 Context 

Shinrone has been designated as a village within 

Offaly’s settlement hierarchy, as set out in Chapter 4, 

Settlement Strategy of the County Development Plan 

2009-2015. A development boundary has been 

identified for Shinrone and is shown along with 

proposed zoning etc, on the accompanying map. It is 

intended that the area delineated will: - 




• Ensure that the village does not expand at a rate, 

which might adversely affect its character. 













The village is served by a network of sewers either in the 

roads or running through rear curtilages. The waste 

water treatment plant lies to the south west of the 

village and discharges its effluent into the Little Brosna 

River. This treatment plant will require upgrading to 

accommodate further significant levels of 

development. 

February 2009 | Shinrone Village Plan | page 166





Shinrone has a good base of social & community 


area. Within the plan boundary, there is (in 2007): 

• 3 Churches (R.C., C.O.I, Methodist) 

• Petrol filling station/supermarket 

• Post office 

• Library 

• Farm supplies shop 




• Nursing Home 



b) Roads 

Shinrone is located on the junctions of the R492/R491. 

Two county roads in the village connect Shinrone to the 

N62 and to the N52 in Co. Tipperary. Shinrone is 

therefore well connected by road and within easy 

commuting distance of Birr and Roscrea. It is therefore 

on an important link in the network at both county and 

subregional levels. 

With the implementation of the settlement strategy in 

the County Development Plan consolidating Shinrone, 

there will be an increase in traffic. This may lead to the 

requirement for improving the road network over time. 

Any roads, which are necessary to serve in-depth 

development in Shinrone, will be required to be 









c) Footpaths 


3.0 KEY MESSAGES FOR SHINRONE 

a) Shinrone shall be developed in a properly 



outcome is achieved. Policies and objectives 


contained in the County Development Plan 





the core. 





d) Promotion of Shinrone as a local service and 













materials. 


OBJECTIVES 





location. 









































boundary, as shown on the accompanying plan will 



new internal roads required to open up backland areas. 


vehicular / pedestrian infrastructure for the village as a 

whole, thus allowing movement around and through 







traffic calming of the centre when the internal road 

network progresses (see section 5.7). 




2009 –2015. 






village. 



4.5 Design 










OBJECTIVES 







Act 1994, and their setting. There are three national 

monuments situated within the plan boundary. 











the above when designing any new residential, or other 



with the policies contained in the County Development 

Plan 2009-2015, Chapter 4, Settlement Strategy. 




existing stonewalls, and their integration into new 
























of development contributions is envisaged, to 







footpaths. 


the village. 



1. The arrows shown in this area should join up over 

time to create an internal road network which 

will bring permeability to the overall 

development and provide a northern distributor 

route. 

Note 

Red Arrows. 












5.6 Zoning 




2015, Chapter 18, “Land Use and Zoning”. 












NOTES 


Volume 2 - Settlement Plans | Shinrone Village Plan | February 2009

OFFALY COUNTY 


2009 - 2015 

• WALSH ISLAND • 


2009 - 2015



WALSH ISLAND VILLAGE PLAN 






“Settlement Strategy” and 18, “Land Use and Zoning”. 

This is to facilitate the growth of a hierarchy of wellplanned, 





Walsh Island has been designated as a village within 






order that the settlement can fulfill this role effectively. 

1.1 Location 

Walsh Island is located 20kms east of Tullamore and 

12kms north of Portarlington. The settlement straddles 

the boundary of the Rathfeston and Raheenakeeran 

DEDs and the 2006 Census states these areas 

populations as 381 and 388 persons respectively. 

However, it is estimated that the population within the 

village boundary (see plan) is approximately 450 with a 

further 50 in the immediate environs. 

Walsh Island is the local services centre for the 

residential community of the village itself and its 

surrounding rural hinterland. Pressures from the 

Greater Dublin Area and overspill from Edenderry have 

seen an increase in development pressure within this 

area since 2000. 


The original settlement was basically “ribbon 

development” alongside the road with the Church 

approximately in the middle. Later development, 

mainly housing, while continuing this linear style also 

created a number of “culs-de-sac” accessed from the 

existing road. There has also been some growth around 

the Church, school, shop, public house and this could be 

described as the centre of the settlement. In the main, 

development is low rise and low density with a number 

of different building styles in evidence. 

1.3 Context 

Walsh Island has been designated as a village within 


Development Plan 2009-2015. A development 

boundary has been identified for Walsh Island and is 

shown on the accompanying map. It is intended that 

the area delineated will: - 





schemes and also commercial development, 





place. 




Walsh Island is serviced by a public water supply the 

source for which is at the northern end of the 

settlement. All new developments shall be connected 

to the public mains. Where a development proposal 

precedes adequate availability of water supply, special 

development contributions will apply to facilitate the 

necessary improvement works. Walsh Island is in the 

Water Services Investment Programme (2007-2009). 


The village is served by a main sewer running along the 

road through the village, which picks up the 

development on either side, and terminates in the 

waste water treatment plant at the north east of the 

February 2009 | Walsh Island Village Plan | page 172



village. The plants capacity is 340PE and it is currently 

operating at this capacity. Consequently it is being 

investigated as part of the assessment of needs (2007- 

2014) programme. 



Walsh Island has a small base of such facilities serving 


following services/facilities are currently (2007) located 

within the plan boundary (2007): 


• Shop 

• Post Office/Shop 



• GAA Facility 

b) Roads 


development in Walsh Island, will be required to be 









c) Footpaths 

Footpath provision and street lighting is uncoordinated 

and relatively poor. 

3.0 KEY MESSAGES FOR WALSH ISLAND 

a) Walsh Island shall be developed in a properly 


existing embryonic core, (see 4.4) so that an 

attractive sustainable outcome is achieved. 

Policies and objectives with regard to village 






help delineate the “core” area at location shown 

as such on the plan. 



adequate services, or would not enhance the 


d) Ensure that development shall bring character to 

the settlement. 

e) Promotion of Walsh Island as a local service 

centre to create the critical mass necessary for 






g) High quality designs which are reflective of rural 

character but without precluding high quality 

innovative contemporary designs. 


materials. 


OBJECTIVES 




primarily low density housing in a village location 

with rural overtones. 





• Create commercial and service opportunities. 














existing development is not served by footpaths 

and continue in conjunction with on-going 

development. 



























fabric. 

The area within the existing older part of the village, 

shown on the plan, will be treated as the ‘core area’ and 



etc. 




2009 – 2015. 






village. 



4.5 Design 










OBJECTIVES 







Act 1994, and their setting. There is an area of 

archaeological potential on the eastern side of the 

village envelope. 












residential or other developments, in accordance with 

























species. 



sides of roads, through requirements for works as part 

of planning permissions granted, or by way of 




b) Adequate lighting to be provided 

along all routes within the village boundary, over time. 


the case of new development, ducting will be required 

under new / upgraded roads and footpaths. 

d) Access points to be provided where 

necessary, in the village. 







5.6 Zoning 




2015, Chapter 18 “Land Use and Zoning”. 











1. This area is considered as the village core and is 

expected to accommodate any commercial type 

development. 

Note 

Red Arrows. 









NOTES 


Volume 2 - Settlement Plans | Walsh Island Village Plan | February 2009

VILLAGE PLANS - Offaly County Council

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