Chapter 9 Rural Economy
Background 9.1
Kildare is well positioned…..
Insert : as a gateway county to the Midland Peatlands and the West from Dublin to contribute more to the tourism sector with the development of Greenways, Blueways, Peatways and the potential of a National Peatlands Park on former industrial cutaways providing an alternative eco-tourism and activity based experience.
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RD O11 |
Support the implementation of the objectives identified in the County Biodiversity Plan 2009-2014 and any relevant local action plan. |
Amendment : Support the implementation of the objectives identified in the County Biodiversity Plan ( insert new dates) and the Local Just Transition Plan 2022
Reason : the County Biodiversity Plan is out of date.
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RD O20 |
Encourage public and private owners to allow / provide public access to forests for recreational and amenity use e.g., walking, biking and equine trails to enhance health and wellbeing. |
Amendment : RD020 Encourage public and private owners to allow / provide public access to forests for recreational and amenity use e.g., walking, biking and equine trails to enhance health and wellbeing with due consideration to sensitive areas for wildlife conservation and subject to compliance with the relevant environmental legislation .
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RD O22 |
Facilitate tourism infrastructure and visitor services including tourism accommodation at appropriate locations in forest estates. |
Amendment : Facilitate tourism infrastructure and visitor services including tourism accommodation at appropriate locations in forest estates with due consideration to sensitive areas for wildlife conservation and subject to compliance with the relevant environmental legislation .
Bogs and Peatlands 9.8
Peatlands form a distinctive aspect of Kildare’s landscape……(
Insert :The cessation of peat extraction by BNM provides tangible opportunities for West Kildare as a gateway county to the Midland Peatlands and the West. The potential of a National Peatlands Park and the development of the Blueway can greatly assist a Just transition for communities in the area and lead to successful economic regeneration and a sustainable local economy. The creation of a successful community-led tourism destination supported by Kildare County Council, Failte Ireland and other stakeholders following the Blueway and encompassing peatland areas to the west as part of a National Peatlands Park has the potential to offer the visitor a unique experience to get “lost in wilderness” in a relaxed environment away from urban life. The Council recognises that the development of a range of outdoor activities based around our natural amenities of bogs, canals and rivers and the discovery of the area’s natural and built heritage would significantly support the future growth of tourism in Kildare and the midlands.
RD P1
REASON: More specific with peatlands – “peatlands rehabilitation and sustainable peatland related tourism”
RD 08
REASON: Include more ….continued roll out of the National Broadband Scheme - and initiatives such as the EU Smart Villages Initiative.