Recommendation No 28

On the PROPOSAL of Cllr. Fallon

SECONDED by Cllr. Naughten

It was AGREED to include the following Strategic Objectives for Athlone in Volume I, Section 2.7 (Settlement Strategy), pg. 28 of the Plan, in the sub-section entitled Regional Growth Centre. 

Strategic Objectives for Athlone 

-To support the role of Athlone as a Regional Growth Centre and to facilitate the continued expansion and growth of the town based on the principles of balanced, sustainable development that enables the creation of employment, supports economic investment, and creates an attractive living and working environment.

-To support the continued growth of Athlone as a regional economic driver and to facilitate any infrastructural investment or employment generating sustainable development that will strengthen the role of the town and maintain its competitiveness.

-To promote Athlone as a sustainable transport hub, of national and regional importance. 

-To support the development of Athlone as a key tourism destination in the midlands, building on Fáilte Ireland’s Hidden Heartlands brand and the forthcoming Shannon Tourism Masterplan to develop the recreation and amenity potential of waterways.

Recommendation No 29

On the PROPOSAL of Cllr. Naughten

SECONDED by Cllr. Cummins

It was AGREED to include the following policy objective in Volume I, Section 10.13 of the Draft Plan, after NH 10.21, and re-number all subsequent policy objectives accordingly:

NH 10.(TBC) - To co-ordinate with all adjoining Local Authorities in reviewing Landscape Character Assessments (LCAs) to ensure consistency in classification and policy in adjoining areas of similar character. A targeted review of the LCA shall be undertaken following the completion of the National Landscape Character Assessment, and any associated statutory Guidelines as well as the Regional Landscape Character Assessment to be completed by the Regional Assembly.

Recommendation No 30

On the PROPOSAL of Cllr. Cummins

SECONDED by Cllr. Leyden

It was AGREED  to Revise policy objective ITC 7.31, contained in Volume I, Section 7.7 (Water Services) as set out below:

ITC 7.31: Protect both ground and surface water resources including taking account of the impacts of climate change, support the implementation of the Rural Water Programme and to support Irish Water in the development and implementation of Drinking Water Safety Plans and the National Water Resources Plan.

Recommendation No 31

On the PROPOSAL of Cllr. McDermott

SECONDED by Cllr. Waldron

It was AGREED  to amend policy objective PPH 3.18 (Volume I, Chapter 3, pg. 47 as set out below:

PPH 3.21 - Promote the provision of serviced sites, supported by Irish Water infrastructure, in order to provide opportunity for people to build their own home and live within the existing footprint of villages and self-sustaining towns.

Recommendation No 32

On the PROPOSAL of Cllr. Leyden

SECONDED by Cllr. Naughten

It was AGREED to Include the following content after the second paragraph in Volume 1, Chapter 5, Section 5.3 (Rural Economic Development), pg. 63 of the Draft Plan:

Our Rural Future, Ireland’s Rural Development Policy 2021-2025, published in March 2021, sets out a blueprint for the development of rural Ireland over the next five years. The policy will be implemented through 150 commitments which will address the challenges facing communities and deliver new opportunities for people living in rural areas. The policy will also help rural areas recover and create more resilient rural economies and communities for the future.

Recommendation No 33

On the PROPOSAL of Cllr. Shanagher

SECONDED by Cllr. Callaghan

It was AGREED to Amend Policy Objective RD 5.1 in Volume I, Chapter 5, Section 5.3, pg. 63 as follows:

Work with all relevant stakeholders to implement the recommendations of the CEDRA Report on Energising Ireland’s Rural Economy and Our Rural Future, Ireland’s Rural Development Policy 2021-2025 to develop economic, social and cultural benefits for the rural community.

Recommendation No 34

On the PROPOSAL of Cllr. Callaghan

SECONDED by Cllr. Shanagher

It was AGREED to Include the following additional policy objective in Volume I, Chapter 9 (Built Heritage), Section 9.8 (Rathcroghan Archaeological Complex), pg.132 of the Draft Plan and renumber all subsequent policy objectives accordingly: 

BH 9.(TBC): To support the Rathcroghan Archaeological Complex, as a historic landscape with viable land-use practices and a viable population, by continuing to support initiatives such as the Farming Rathcroghan European Innovation Partnership and the Royal Sites of Ireland application to Ireland's World Heritage Tentative List and progression to designation of the Royal Sites of Ireland as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.