3.10 Recreation, Amenity & Open Space

Closed6 Dec, 2021, 00:01 - 23 Feb, 2022, 17:01

3.10 Recreation, Amenity and Open Space

The extended Town Park, pitch ‘n putt golf course and considerable tracts of land along the River Feale, including the Racecourse, are zoned for public open space and amenity purposes. It is essential to preserve and protect the special character and attractiveness of these zoned areas for the benefit of the towns people and visitors, for passive and active recreational purposes. The Council also recognises the important role these facilities play in promoting social inclusion, healthy living and the importance of ensuring they provide universal accessibility and enhance pedestrian permeability throughout the town.

3.10.1 Childers Park & Woodlands

Childers Park & Woodlands (17 hectares) was officially opened in 1975 and is managed by Kerry County Council. The Park is a highly regarded municipal park, distinctive for its relatively large size, quality of environment and range of services. Amenities include the Garden of Europe, community fruit and nut orchard, centenary garden and biodiversity area. A wide range of activities are supported by the park, including angling, community centre with sports complex, athletics, tennis, GAA, pitch & putt, rugby and children’s play area. A comprehensive system of walks and pathways have also been developed.

3.10.1.1 Childers Park & Woodlands Action Plan (2019)

The Childers Park & Woodlands Action Plan (2019) sets out a programme of works around conservation, heritage, safety and security, maintenance, sustainability, community engagement and management. In 2018 and 2019, the town park was awarded the European Green Flag accreditation, an international scheme which promotes best practice management of parks and green spaces.

3.10.2 Blueway

With an increased interest nationally in outdoor activity, and water sports, Kerry County Council recognises the potential of creating a “blueway” in the River Feale at Listowel having regard to the environment designations in the area. As such it is supportive of a feasibility study for the development of the River Feale Blueway and how this would be linked to the Greenways incorporating a Trail head at the designated Outdoor Facility Hub (at the Neodata site and Council Depot site) The Blueway and associated infrastructure projects will be required to demonstrate compatibility with the conservation objectives of the Lower River Shannon SAC within which the River Feale is located.

3.10.3 Listowel Racecourse

Listowel Racecourse is a dominant feature of the town, attracting an annual attendance of over 90,000 visitors to the annual race festival. The racecourse’s contribution to the town is significant and the festival retains its valuable position on the National Racing Calendar, however, the racecourse can provide additional economic opportunity for the town. Kerry County Council is supportive of the sustainable economic development of the racecourse as a venue for other events.

Recreation, Amenity & Open Space Objectives

It is an objective of the Council to:

LIS 72

Continue the development of walking routes within the town, to protect existing public rights-of-ways and provide improved access to the River Feale so as to create a continuous riverbank walkway.  Proposed walking routes should have regard to biodiversity considerations and should not adversely impact Natura 2000 site designations.

LIS 73

Facilitate the provision of a network of quality pathways for walkers, cyclists and horse-riders that are attractive and free from vehicular traffic.

LIS 74

Develop a network of green corridors throughout the town so as to link the residential areas to the natural amenity areas of the town.

LIS 75

Promote the use of designated walking routes within the town.  Such routes include The River Walk, Childers Park and Woodlands Walk and The Sive Walk.

LIS 76

Require developments adjacent to walkways or planned walkways to be designed to promote passive and active surveillance of the walkways.

LIS 77

Promote the sustainable development of walking routes and foster enjoyment of the natural amenities of the area, including the River Feale and the Spa Well areas.

LIS 78

Manage and improve public recreational open spaces to meet the social, recreational and environmental needs of the town. Protect existing amenity and open spaces including sports grounds from non-compatible uses.

LIS 79

Implement the Action Plan for Childers Park and Woodlands (2019) and continue the on-going programme for the development of Childers Park and Woodlands and the Garden of Europe, including the planting of replacement trees for those lost due to age or disease and promote landscaping and planting in the town that supports the All-Ireland Pollinator Plan in accordance with Tree Management Policy for Listowel MD.

LIS 80

Facilitate the sustainable development of sports facilities in the town and in Childers park and Woodlands in a manner which would not unduly impact on the other users and uses of the Town Park.

LIS 81

Facilitate the sustainable development of an Activity Trail Head in Listowel at the designated Outdoor Facility Hub incorporating a Trail head (at the Neodata site and Council Depot site) to serve the North Kerry Greenway, in a manner compatible with Natura 2000 site designations in the area.

LIS 82

Facilitate the sustainable development of the River Feale walkway and Blueway for Listowel and its incorporation into the Outdoor Activity Facility Hub, subject to environmental assessment.

LIS 83

Support a feasibility study for the sustainable economic development of the racecourse.

LIS 84

Support the development of a skate plaza at an appropriate location in Listowel Town. 

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