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

NEWCASTLE WEST Local Area Plan 2008Area of Archaeological Potential and ArchaeologicalRecorded MonumentsNewcastle West also contains numerous features ofarchaeological interest that contribute to its distinctivecharacter. The archaeological heritage significance isreinforced by the Zone of Archaeological Potential thatcovers a large proportion of the town centre (see Figure 8).Policy EH4: Preservation of Archaeological HeritageIt is the policy of the Council to safeguard the value andsetting of archaeological sites and monuments in andaround the town of Newcastle West and seek thepreservation (in-situ, or at a minimum, preservation byrecord) of all sites and monuments of archaeological andhistorical interest.Explanation:Applicants are advised to consult the archaeological maps(available in the Planning Office) in order to ascertainwhether their development is located in an area ofarchaeological potential (see Figure 8). Where adevelopment site coincides with an area of archaeologicalpotential the planning application will be referred to theDOEHLG for their recommendations. Their views togetherwith the views and concerns of other interested bodies willbe taken into account when assessing the planningapplication.In cases where it is deemed that the Archaeological Heritagewould be affected by a proposed development (due to theirlocation, size or nature), the Planning Authority will requirean archaeological assessment. The applicant will be formallyrequested, as part of the planning process to have a reportprepared by an archaeologist on the archaeologicalimplications, if any, of the proposed development either priorto a decision on a planning application or prior tocommencement of development on site.setting and visual amenity of the site. The area of themonument and buffer should not be included as part of theopen space requirement demanded of specificdevelopments but should be additional to the required openspaces. Developers are also advised of additionalrequirements under the National Monuments (Amendment)Act, 1994.5.4 Local Economic DevelopmentEmployment and Economic ActivityThe development of Newcastle West as an industrial andemployment centre is a key objective of this LAP. The role ofthe town as a service provider and employment locationwithin the West Limerick Area, its central location within theCounty as a whole and its proximity to Limerick provides asignificant opportunity for further inward investment.Apart from the main commercial core, employment locationsare scattered throughout the town. Main employment basesinclude the Ballygowan Water Extraction Plant to thesouthwest of the town centre, that has a significant role interms of local economic activity. Also of significance to thetown is the decentralisation programme of the RevenueCommissioners, which has to date provided for 51 localemployment posts. Other Public sector services such as theHospital, numerous schools, County Council Offices, Fireand Garda Station are all important employment bases.It is recognised that appropriate new employment usesshould continue to be encouraged through the identificationof well located and serviceable lands within the developmentboundary.In relation to development proposals the planning authoritywill adopt a policy of archaeological monitoring which will berequired on developments where the scale and nature ofsuch developments may, in the opinion of the planningauthority, have a negative impact on previously unknownarchaeological features/artefacts. In areas of residentialzoning, consideration will be given to applicant monitoringthe entire area rather than considering individualapplications within this zoned area on it’s merits.In relation to archaeological assessment of sites, applicantswill also be required to define the buffer area or areacontiguous with any monument which will preserve theSection 5: DEVELOPMENT MANAGEMENT POLICIES37