VILLAGE PLANS - Offaly County Council

OFFALY COUNTY DEVELOPMENT PLAN 2009 - 2015
Volume 2 - Settlement Plans
RAHAN 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 Chapter 4, “Settlement
Strategy” and Chapter 18, “Land Use 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.
Rahan 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
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.
1.2 Settlement Form
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
settlement hierarchy, as set out in Chapter 4 of the
County Development Plan 2009 – 2015. A development
boundary has been identified for Rahan Village and is
shown on the accompanying map. This is intended to
delineate an area, which will: -
• Foster the creation of a more coherent
settlement, with adequate critical mass to
February 2009 | Rahan Village Plan | page 134