01. Newcasle West Local Area Plan ( pdf file - 3593 kb in size)

NEWCASTLE WEST Local Area Plan 20083.11 SWOT AnalysisThe following table sets out the main strengths,weaknesses, opportunities and threats as identified throughpublic consultation and the site appraisals undertaken aspart of the LAP preparation process.To ensure the sustainable development of Newcastle West,these strengths and opportunities need to be encouraged,protected and developed, while the weaknesses and threatsneed to be addressed as an integral part of the policies andobjectives of this LAP.StrengthsWeaknessesOpportunitiesThreats• Newcastle West is thekey Urban Centre forWest Limerick.• Arra River and CastleDemesne near thecore of the town.• Well located on N21Limerick to KillarneyRoad.• Good range of localservices (i.e. pubs,petrol station,convenience stores,post office, Gardastation, banks).• Good accessibility toLimerick and CountyKerry with strongTourist Potential.• Compact and distinctivetown centre.• High traffic congestionthrough town on N21.• Local roads oftencongested.• Lack of adequate off-streetparking.• Some haphazard on-streetparking.• Limited retail andemployment opportunities inTown Centre• Poor public realm (apartfrom core area), inadequatepublic open space, restrictedaccessibility to River Arra.• Limited infrastructurecapacity.• Inadequate footpaths insome locations and limitedprovision for cyclists.• Adequate land available foremployment and housinguses.• Tourist potential from thoseon route to County Kerry,through increased visitorfacilities.• Suitable land available closeto town centre for mixed usedevelopment purposes.• Existing private sectorinterest for new housing andemployment development.• More sustainable pattern ofdevelopment.• Town centre enhancements,regeneration of derelictbuildings and sites and offstreetparking.• Protection and enhancementof the river corridors.• Provision of DistributorRoad.• Worsening trafficcongestion.• Unplanned ad-hocdevelopment with fewfacilities, poor urban formand monotonous design.• Lack of employment andhousing opportunities forlocal community.• Fragmented urban structurewith continuing ribbondevelopment on approachroads or in high visualamenity areas.• Loss of natural features thatcontribute to townscapecharacter.• Inadequate regard to naturalqualities of rivers.• Inaccessibility of backlands.• Deteriorating environmentand natural amenity.Table 4: SWOT Analysis20 Section 3: CHARACTER and LAND USE APPRAISAL