01. Introduction

Closed17 Dec, 2020, 07:00 - 8 Feb, 2021, 17:00

1.1 Introduction

Under the provisions of the Local Government Reform Act 2014, Athy Town Council was abolished and it s functions, including those relating to planning and development were fully subsumed into Kildare County Cou ncil. Accord ingly, the Draft Ath y Local Area Plan 2021- 2027 has been prepared to replace the Athy Town Development Plan 2012 - 2018 as the key strategic planning document which will guide the overall development of the town in the period to 2027. 

The Local Area Plan has been prepared in accordance with the requirements and provisions of the Planning and Development Act 2000, as amended (the 'Act'), in particular Sections 18-20 of the Act which provide that a local area plan shall be made in respect of an area which:

  • Is designated as a town in the most recent census of population, other than a town designated as a suburb or environs in that census;
  • Has a population in excess of 5,000; and
  • Is situated within the functional area of a planning authority, which is a County Council.

Census 2016 recorded a population of 9,677 persons in the town of Athy1. A Local Area Plan is therefore a mandatory requirement.

The Local Area Plan sets out an overall strategy for the proper planning and sustainable development of Athy in the context of the Kildare County Development Plan 2017-2023 (as varied), the Regional Spatial and Economic Strategy for the Eastern and Midland Region 2019-2031 and the National Planning Framework {2018 ). It is also info rm ed by Ministerial Gui delines issued under

Section 28 of the Act together with EU requirements regarding Strategic Environmental Assessment (SEA), Appropriate Assessment (AA), and Strategic Flood Risk Assessment (SFRA).

The period of the Plan shall be taken as being six years from the date of its adoption or until it is reviewed, or another plan made, unless it is extended under section 19(d) of the Planning and Development Act 2000 (as amended).

1.2 Composition of the Plan

This Plan comprises a written statement with accompanying maps. The written statement shall take precedence over the maps should any discrepancy arise between them. In the full interpretation of all objectives for Athy, it is essential that both the County Development Plan (CDP) and the Local Area Plan be read in tandem. Where conflicting objectives arise between the CDP and the Local Area Plan, the objectives of the CDP shall take precedence. It should be noted that the general development management standards applicable to the plan area are included in the CDP. This Plan therefore provides policies and objectivesthat are specific to the future development of Athy.

The figure provided relates to the population within the settlement boundary of Athy in 2016. The boundary of this Plan follows, as far as pra cticable, the 2016 settlefnent boundary as defi ned by the CSO. For an explanation of what constitutes a 'set tlement boundary' and a 'built-up area' refer to Section 3.3.

 

1.3 Relationship with Other Plans and Guidelines

The Local Area Plan has been prepared having regard to national, regional and local policy documents, in addition to ministerial guidelines issued under Section 28 of the Planning and Development Act 2000 (as amended). The Plan also has regard (where relevant) to any Specific Planning Policy Requirements (SPPRs) contained in Section 28 ministerial guidelines as per the provisions of the Planning and Development (Amendment) Act 2018.

The Kildare Local Economic and Community Plan (LECP) 2016-2021 has also informed this Plan. The purpose of the LECP is to promote the local and community development of each local authority area, act as a roadmap for the development of the county and ensure the effective co-ordination of publicly funded programmes.


1.4 Office of the Planning Regulator

The Planning and Development (Amendment) Act 2018 provided for the establishment of an independent Office of the Planning Regulator (OPR). Under the provisions of the Act, the OPR have assumed the Minister's evaluation and assessment function of all statutory land use plans including local area plans. The OPR will provide statutory observations on all draft statutory plans to ensure consistency with relevant national and regional policies. Kildare County Council undertakes that all observations received from the OPR will betaken into consideration and commits to working with the Regulator to realise the most optimal planning and development outcomes within each respective plan area.

1.5 Pre-draft Public Consultation

The preparation of the Local Area Plan included pre-draft consultation with the local community, statutory agencies and adjoining local authorities in 2018. The pre -draft public consultation extended over a five-week period (20th M arch- 24th April) and was accompanied by the publication of an Issues Paper which identified the key planning and development matters that the Plan could address and was made available for inspection at Athy Community Library, Athy Municipal District Office, Kildare County Council and online. The pre -draft process also included an informal public consultation evening held on Tuesday 10th April 2018 in Athy  Community Library. A total of 76 submissions were received from residents, service providers, local community groups, interested parties and elected representatives. These submissions have been taken into consideration during the formulation of this Local Area Plan.

Figure 1.1: Pre-draft Issues Paper
Cover page of print version of Athy Local Area Plan 2019-2025

 

1.6 Strategic Environmental Assessment

The Strategic Environmental Assessment (SEA) process is the formal systematic evaluation of the likely significant environmental effects of implementing a plan or programme before a decision is made to adopt the plan or programme. It informs the plan-making process of the likely environmental impacts of alternative actions and contributes to the integration of environmental considerations into the Plan. Under the provisions of the Planning and Development (Strategic Environmental Assessment} (Amendment) Regulations 2011, SEA is mandatory for plans for areas with a population of 5,000 persons or more; therefore, SEA is required for the Ath y Local Area Plan.
 

The findings of the SEA are set out in the Environmental Report, which, while constituting part of the Plan document ation, is presented as a separate document alongside this Plan . The Environmental Report provides a clear understanding of the likely environmental consequences of decisions regarding the location of development in the Plan area. The mitigation measures needed to offset the potential adverse effects of the Plan and future monitoring proposals have been transposed from the Environmental Report into the Plan.

1.7 Habitats Directive

The requirements for Habitats Directive Assessment of plans or project s, is outlined in Article 6(3) and (4) of the European Communities (1992} Council Directive 92/43/EEC on the conservation of natural habitats and biodiversity ('Habitats Directive'). In any case where , following screening for Appropriate Assessment (AA), it is found that any plan or project is likely to have a signi ficant impact on areas designated as Natura 2000 sites, a full Appropriate Assessment must be carried out.

Athy Local Area Plan was screened for AA during its preparation at draft stage. This screening concluded that likely significant effects of the Local Area Plan on the integrity of the River Barrow and River Nore Special Area of Conservation (Site Code: 002162) could not be ruled out, and therefore full Appropriate Assessment wou ld be required. The mitigation measures identified in the Stage 2 Appropriate Assessment (i.e. Natura Impact Report [NIR]) have been incorporated into the Local Area Plan. The NIR has been published as a separate document alongside this Plan.

1.8 Approach Taken in Formulating this Plan

The Local Area Plan sets out an overall strategy for the proper planning and sustainable development of Athy in the context of the Kildare County Development Plan 2017-2023 (as varied) as well as the various national and EU legislative requirement s. In this regard an evidence-led approach has been adopted in the formulation of the Plan. Accordingly, the following data based documents have been prepared to inform the Plan and are published alongside the document:

Strategic Environmental Assessment (SEA)

SEA is the process by which environmental considerations are required to be fully integrated into the preparation of plans/programmes prior to their final adoption. The objectives of SEA are to provide for a high level of environmental protection and to promote sust ainable development.

Habitats Directive Assessment (HOA)

The HDA, also known as Appropriate Assessment (AA), is a requirement under the Habitats Directive 92/43/EEC. This Directive indicates the need for plans and projects to be sub ject to Habitats Directive Assessment if the plan or project is not directly connected with or necessary to the management of a Natura 2000 sit e but is likely to have significant effects either individually or in combination with other plans or projects on Natura 2000 sites.

Strategic Flood Risk Assessment (SFRA)

A SFRA was carried out to support the preparation of the Plan. The SFRA is required to be prepared in accordance with the requiremenst of The Planning System and Flood Risk Assessment Guidelines for Planning Authorities (2009) and Circular PL02/2014 (August 2014).

Sustainable Planning and Infrastructural Assessment (SP/A)

A Sustainable Planning and Infrastructural Assessment (SPIA) was carried out to inform the appropriate zoning of land. In accordance with Appendix 3 of the National Planning Framework (2018), the Sustainable Planning and Infrastructural Assessment comprises both quantitative and qualitative research analysis of existing and proposed infrastructure and accompanies the Plan .

Social Infrastructure Audit (SIA)

The SIA examined the current context with respect to social infrastructure provision in Athy and also involved identifying the future requirements of the town and makes recommendations on priority areas for investment within the plan area. The Audit identified relevant social infrastructure that will contribute to improving quality of life in the town, forming a key part of the fabric of an area, not just in terms of wellbeing, but also in terms of senseof place and local identity.

Area Based Transport Assessment (ABTA)

The purpose of the ABTA is to place the integration of land use and transport planning at the centre of the plan-making process for Athy. The assessment examined the existing and proposed transport infrastructure and service provision across all modes of transport including sustainable means such as active modes (walking and cycling) in the t own. The assessment provides an understanding of the existing constraints and modal share and also identifies the interventions required within the Plan area and in the wider context, to effectively accommodate the anticipated increase in demand and ensure the optimal transportation interventions can be planned in order to drive a shift t owards sustainable movement.

Athy Urban Regeneration Framework

The Urban Regeneration Framework for the town (incorporat ed into the Plan as Appendix 1) is intended to assist in the realisation of the key aspects of the Plan. While applying to the town as a whole, the Framework primarily focuses on the rejuvenation of the historic centre by identifying and presenting co-ordinated actions to improve the retail and commercial attractiveness of the Core Retail Area, provide for enhanced permeability and sust ainable mobility within the town centre and improve links between the core and surrounding residential and employment areas.

Athy Architectural Conservation Area (ACA) Statement of Character

The purpose of the statement of character was to conduct a comprehensive historical and architectural analysis in order to identify and define the special character of  Athy ACA. This provided the opportunity to review the boundaries and ext ent of the ACA. The statement of character also include s a guide which provides advice to homeowners, developers, architects and planning professionals on best  practice  for  development  within the ACA and type of  works that will require planning permission.

 

1.9 Athy in Context

The name Athy dates back to the 2nd century when Ae the son of Deargabhail was slain in a battle between the men of Munster and the men of Leinster. The battle was fought at a ford on the River Barrow called Ath-Ae, the Ford of Ae, which was later anglicised into Athy. The town itself developed as part of the Anglo-Norman settlement in Ireland. Woodstock Castle was built in the early years of the 13th century near the ancient river crossing of Ath-Ae. Indeed, Athy's strategic location on the River Barrow, at the edge of the Pale, was to a play key role in the development and consolidation of the town over the intervening centuries. The river was again to play an important role in the economic development of Athy with the opening of the Barrow Line Canal in 1791. This led to a boom in the trade of corn and resulted in the construction of warehouses and other facilities in the town. The opening of the railway followed in the mid-19th century and led to the further consolidation of the town. Despite this however, the extent of Athy's urban development remained confined to the area between the canal to the west and the rail line to the east. For most of the 20th century Athy remained a rural market town, though there was some level of industrial development with the opening of the asbestos cement factory in 1937.

The post-war period saw the gradual development of low-density residential housing to the north, east and south of the town. Such expansion accelerated rapidly during the 1990s and 2000s. This was to a large extent due to the town's accessibility by both road and rail to the jobs market of the Dublin Metropolitan Area as well as larger urban centres in the rest of the county- a position that has been reinforced with the opening of the M9 Motorway and the N78 motorway link.

Today, the town of Athy, despite having many of the characteristics of a commuter town continues to provide an important local employment base for south County Kildare. Indeed, Athy retains a vital role as a centre for jobs as well as retail, health and educational services for a wide hinterland area extending into the adjoining counties of Laois and Carlow .

1.10 Overview of Core Issues and Challenges

Table 1.1 (see overleaf) provides an overview of the key strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats (SWOT) affecting the spatial and economic development of Athy. This Local Area Plan acknowledges the current weaknesses and potential threats facing the town . However, in transitioning to a growth model of low carbon development whilst also focusing on improving quality of life issues, the aim now should be on developing the town's many inherent strengths which will be used as a basis to identify and realise opportunities and future possibilities for Athy.

 

Table 1.1: A SWOT Analysis of Athy

 

Strengths
  • Strategic and accessible location within the 'Hinterland' of the Dublin Metropolitan Area.
  • A young demographic profile -with a vibrant and growing population.
  • An intact and highly legible urban core with an inherent historic character.
  • Rich in historic, architectural, industrial and natural heritage.
  • An established economic and employment base serving a wide rural hinterland.
  • Town centre as an established commercial area serving the local needs of the community.
  • Town is served by a good level of social infrastructure, including leisure and training and education services.
  • The quantity of natural spaces such as the River Barrow and the Barrow Line Canal within the town.

 

Weaknesses
  • An underperforming town centre with unsustainable high levels of vacancy.
  • A jobs ratio of less than 1:1 resulting in high levels of commuting to other centres of employment.
  • An urban form that has an extended footprint which lacks legibility and connectivit y.
  • A lack of specific types of recreational amenities and facilities such as playing pitches.
  • Heritage, recreation and tourism infrastructure is under-developed and under-utilised .
  • High levels of socio-economic deprivation present within the town.

 

 

 

 

 

Opportunities

 

 

 

 

 

 

  • Develop a compact and consolidated urban form with particular emphasis on orderly and sequential development alongside a regeneration of the town centre.
  • Support the continued development of Athy as a Self-Sustaining Growth Town that provides an important role in delivering economic growth and promoting sectoral interests .
  • To deliver integrated communities by initiating a model shift towards sustainable movement centred on a network of high quality cycling and walking routes linking all key destinations within the town as well as longer distanced routes (i.e. Barrow Blueway)
  • To ensure the existing historic and natural heritage should be at the heart of Athy's recreational and amenity infrastructure.
  • Capitalise on the opening of the Athy Distributor Road with its second Barrow Bridge, to deliver an enhanced public realm with particular emphasis on the quality of the town's key routes, entry points and historic core.
  • To make the transition to a low carbon and climate resilient society.
  • To become and inclusive and age friendly town with universal accessibility to infrastructure and amenities.
  • To develop the many regeneration proposals already being progressed for the town.
Threats
  • Employment growth lagging behind population growth.
  • Continued development of poor ly int egrated housing estates at edge-of-town locations.
  • Increased retail leakage to neighbouring towns such as Newbridge, Carlow and Portlaoise undermining the viability of the established commercial core.
  • Lack of targeted investment to regenerate the historic core.
  • Lack of co-ordinated and sustained investment in the town's social and recreational infrastructure to accompany the planned growth in population and the aging of the town.
  • Continued over-reliance  on private vehicular transport, part icularly for  local journeys.
  • Climate change and associ,at ed negative consequences (i.e. increased frequency of severe weather events such as flooding along the River Barrow).

OPR Submission on the Draft Athy Local Area Plan 2021-2027.
Please see attached the OPR submission on the Draft Athy Local Area Plan 2021-2027. Please note that the attached refers to the Draft Plan in its entirety.
Environmental Health Service submission on Athy Local Area Plan
The Environmental Health Service (EHS) is making this submission under the remit of Healthy Ireland and relevant health supporting strategies. We have reviewed the draft plan and recommend Kildare...
Please note that Meath County Council, Planning Department have no comments to make in relation to the Draft Athy Local Area Plan 2021 – 2027
Dear Sir/Madam, Please note that Meath County Council, Planning Department have no comments to make in relation to the Draft Athy Local Area Plan 2021 – 2027.  Letter is attached...
Flood Risk
flood risk