National Spatial Strategy For Ireland 2002 - 2020 - Full ... - Kildare.ie

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County development plans therefore need to recognise the resource that is the rural village and small town. Such plans
should promote policies that incorporate a presumption in favour of appropriate development in villages and small
towns, together with specific and practical measures in terms of providing serviced land and improved amenities that
support and encourage the development of these towns and villages.
Residential development in structurally weak rural areas
The weaker agricultural base and the weak urban structure in other parts of the Border, Midlands and in the West have
led to population and economic decline. These areas are generally distant from major urban areas and the associated
pressure for residential development. In general, any demand for permanent residential development in these areas
should be accommodated as it arises, subject to good practice in matters such as design, location and protection of
landscape and environmentally sensitive areas.
The long-term answer to strengthening structurally weak areas requires the strengthening of the structure of villages
and towns in these areas. This process can be supported through the provision of services and encouraging investment
in tourism supports, such as restaurant facilities and visitor accommodation, that harness in a sustainable way the
potential of important local resources, such as the natural and cultural heritage, attractive landscapes and inland
waterways. County development plans and county strategies should therefore contain policies of reinforcing weaker
settlements to create more attractive conditions to support investment in rural development opportunities. Measures to
be considered include public and private investment in the provision of water services, in-fill and new development
opportunities, design frameworks and the provision of sites in villages and smaller towns.
Catering for housing development in areas with distinctive settlement patterns
In some western seaboard areas, notably in Donegal, Mayo, Galway, Clare, Kerry and West Cork, distinctive settlement
patterns have evolved in the form of small clusters of housing. There is a need to recognise this distinctiveness, while
at the same time protecting valuable landscape resources and reinforcing rural communities. This can be achieved by
seeking to address, within the development plan process, the extent to which existing clusters can be strengthened
through appropriately scaled ‘in-fill’ development and avoiding linear or ribbon development. At the same time, it will
be important to safeguard key resources, such as landscape and habitats.
Second Homes and Holiday Home Development
Some scenic areas of the country, particularly in coastal and lakeside locations, are experiencing development
pressures arising from the growing trend of building second homes and developing holiday home accommodation. This
process is being driven by the increasing affluence of Irish people, the needs of the domestic tourism industry and the
increasing levels of leisure time available.
The National Spatial Strategy | People, Places and Potential