Chapter 1: Introduction

Contents

1.0 Introduction

1.1 Kerry County Development Plan 2022-2028, Purpose, Vision, and Goals

1.2 County Overview

1.3 Legal Context

1.4 Plan Review Process

1.5 Monitoring and Implementation

1.6 Public Participation

1.7 Sustainable Development Interpretation

1.8 Format and Content of the Plan

1.9 Planning Policy Context

1.10 Environmental Statement and Assessments

1.11 Statement of Implementation of Ministerial Guidelines

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1.0 Introduction

This Chapter sets out the legislative background to the Plan, the context in which the Plan is produced and the overall structure of the Plan. This Chapter also sets out the context for the Councils 10 Main Goals which are underpinned by the Strategic Core Principles (as set out in 3.4). These permeate all Policy Objectives in the Plan and are supported through an increased focus on implementation, monitoring, and evaluation.

1.1 Kerry County Development Plan 2022-2028 - Purpose, Vision, and Goals

The Kerry County Development Plan 2022-2028 incorporates aims, objectives, policies, and guidelines to provide for the proper planning and sustainable development of County Kerry. The County Development Plan is a spatial planning framework that gives effect to the delivery of sustainable and planned economic and social development in a manner consistent with higher level plans and strategies such as Project Ireland, 2040 National Planning Framework Ireland and the Regional Spatial and Economic Strategy for the Southern Region (RSES), 2020.  Essentially it establishes a broad framework for the way in which our economy, society, environment, and the use of land should evolve over its lifetime.

The Vision of the Kerry County Development Plan 2022-2028 is as follows: -

“The Vision is to provide for the development of County Kerry as an attractive, competitive and sustainable place to live, visit and do business, and where the quality of employment and educational opportunities, natural and built environment, cultural experiences and the strength and viability of its rural and urban communities are to the highest standards”.

The Kerry County Development Plan 2022-2028 has ten main goals for the future development of the county:
1.	The growth of a Sustainable and Strong Economy
2.	The transition to a Low Carbon and Climate Resilient Society
3.	Attract inward Investment and People into the County
4.	Enhance Physical and Digital connectivity internally, across the broader region and internationally
5.	Promote a Socially Inclusive County
6.	Create attractive Vibrant Compact Settlements that provide a high quality of life for our citizens
7.	Strengthen the fabric of Rural Areas and Villages and support the communities who live there
8.	Maintain and provide additional Services for our citizens, investors, and visitors
9.	Protect and enhance the Natural and Built Environment
10.	The development of Kerry as a Healthy and Age friendly County with Life-Long Learning opportunities

1.2 County Overview

Figure 1.1: Kerry at a Glance _{(click to enlarge)}

The administrative area of Kerry covers an area of over 4,807km² and is the second largest county in Munster.  It adjoins Cork to the east and Limerick to the north. The strong functional relationship between these three counties results in Kerry being a vital supporting partner in the development of a strong Southern region. 

Kerry has a population of over 147,707 people[1] accommodated in a network of attractive towns, villages and across its rural area.  Many of these settlements have a high degree of self-containment, operating as significant local employment and service centres for large rural hinterlands. 

The County possesses a diverse range of landscapes, including extensive areas of impressive coastlines and sizeable mountain ranges including Ireland’s highest mountain peak, Carrauntoohil.  Kerry’s coastal areas contain some of our most vibrant and culturally distinctive communities and form an integral part of the State’s heritage and have a special significance in Irish culture.  Kerry is renowned internationally for its attractiveness and as one of Ireland’s premier tourist destinations.

Kerry is a rural county undergoing a transformation into a modern, ambitious, vibrant, and outward-looking county. It is a diverse county, with important regional towns, a landscape of outstanding beauty, rich culture and heritage, major marine potential and is home to significant national, international, and global leading companies, a tourism industry of both national and international significance and a thriving agriculture, fishery, and forestry sector. 

Kerry through its geographical location has strong economic, educational, cultural and access links to both Limerick (Mid-West) and Cork (South-West), and this has been evident through Kerry’s association with Limerick and Cork at various times through regional planning, tourism, and economic development bodies. Links to Cork have recently been strengthened with the merger of Tralee and Cork Institutes of Technology to form the Munster Technological University.

Kerry is also located within the Atlantic Economic Corridor region and on the Wild Atlantic Way tourism route, both drivers of economic growth and investment. Kerry has a strong internal economic core comprising of the linked hub towns of Tralee, Killarney and by extension Killorglin forming a knowledge triangle (Kerry Hub & Knowledge Triangle). Both Tralee, Killarney and by extension Killorglin offer a higher range of functions than similarly sized towns nationally, including the new third level Munster Technological University, infused with local job supported platforms and local industry, public and private hospitals, and a strong and vibrant internationally renowned tourism industry.

In spite of Kerry’s proximity to the major adjacent urban metropolitan areas of Limerick and Cork, research based on commuting workflow patterns shows that Kerry residents remain largely dependent on economic activity within the county to generate employment opportunities.

Sustaining population growth in the county and retaining graduates requires a dynamic internal economy based on expanding indigenous industries, enhancing the reputation of the county through the development of centres of excellence and in attracting industry to the county. The Kerry Hub & Knowledge Triangle is identified in the Regional Spatial & Economic Strategy (RSES) as an economic driver for the Region and its future growth is key to the sustainable development of the county through the provision of employment opportunities, high level training and research opportunities as well as being a catalyst for further economic activity in the more peripheral areas of the county.

1.3 Legal Context

The legal basis, function and adoption process for Development Plans is set out in the Planning and Development Act 2000 (as amended). The County Development Plan sets out an overall strategy for the proper planning and sustainable development of the county. It sets out the policy framework and a Core Strategy within which development throughout the county is promoted and regulated over the six-year period of the plan.

The Planning and Development (Amendment) Act 2018 enacted legislative requirements, to enable the co-ordinated and timely incorporation of the National Planning Framework (NPF) and the relevant RSES into each City or County Development Plan. Section 11(1) of the Planning & Development Act 2000 as amended, sets out legal provisions which either suspended or deferred county development plan processes, or required plans to commence variation or review processes within six months of the making of the RSES.  The RSES for the Southern Region came into effect on 31^st January 2020.

Subsequent to this legislation an order made under Section 251A of the Planning and Development, Act 2000, as amended, on 29^th March 2020 has also resulted in an extension of time for a range of specified/appropriate periods and timelines under this Act, and a number of other related Planning Acts and associated regulations. These two legislative amendments delayed the commencement of the review of the Development Plan until June 2020.

1.4 Plan Review Process

The review of the Kerry County Development Plan commenced on 24^th June 2020 with an initial phase of Public Consultation based on the Strategic Issues Document prepared to promote discussion.  Due to the Covid 19 pandemic public open days were not held as per government guidelines. Two public webinars were held at which planning officials were present. A total of 204 submissions (written, online and e-mail) were received.

The Chief Executive’s Report on submissions received was considered by the Elected Members and directions regarding the policies and objectives to be contained in the Plan were issued to the Chief Executive at a meeting held on 15^th March 2021. This Draft Plan has been prepared having regard to the directions received from the Elected Members. Following the preparation of the Draft plan it was considered by the Elected Members at a series of meetings on the 11^th and 14^th of October and the 22^nd and 23^rd of November and this Draft Plan now incorporates amendments made by the Elected Members at those meetings. The Draft Plan will go on Public Display for a period of 10 weeks. The Development Plan Review Process and Indicative Timeline set out in Table 1.1 outlines the entire process involved in the preparation and adoption of the Development Plan.

The Schedule set-out in Table 1.1 below outlines the statutory process and indicative key dates involved in the preparation and adoption of this plan. 

Development Plan Review Process and Indicative Timeline
Publication of Council’s intention to review County Development Plan                        – initial phase of Public Consultation (Strategic Issues Paper prepared in consultation with Elected Members)	June 2020
Presentation of Chief Executive’s Report on submissions received during initial phase of Public Consultation	March 2021
Direction from Members to Chief Executive to prepare Draft Development Plan	March 2021
Draft Plan prepared for presentation to the Members of the Council	Sept 2021
Consideration and adoption of Draft County Development Plan by the Members of the Council	Nov 2021
Draft Plan (as amended by elected members) on Public Display for minimum period of 10 weeks	Dec 2021
Preparation of Chief Executive’s Report on Draft Plan	est. Feb 2022
Member’s consideration of Chief Executive’s Report and any amendments to Draft Plan	est. April 2022
Public consultation on amendments – 4 weeks	est. June 2022
Members consider Chief Executive’s Report on submissions and amendments and Adoption of County Development Plan	est. Sept 2022

Table 1.1: Development Plan Review Process and Indicative Timeline

1.5 Monitoring and Implementation

It is important for a Plan to be monitored to assess its effectiveness and to ensure the implementation of its objectives. A development plan must also be able to respond to changing circumstances during its lifetime. 

Monitoring will identify issues with objectives and allow suitable corrective action to be taken. It will also identify whether the Plan remains consistent with national and regional policy, and where changes occur at national and/or regional level, advise whether the Plan should be varied as necessary to ensure consistency with these higher-level plans.

In accordance with Section 15 of the Act, within two years of making the Plan, the Chief Executive must give a report to Members of the Planning Authority on the progress achieved in securing the objectives in the Plan. The Planning Authority can take such steps within its powers as may be necessary for securing the objectives of the Plan. 

The Development Plan Guidelines for Planning Authorities 2007 and the recently published draft Guidelines 2021 (Department of Environment, Heritage and Local Government) recommend that an annual monitoring and evaluation report is prepared. This report will facilitate the identification of any issues concerning the implementation of the Plan. It will inform the two-year review required by Section 15 of the Act. It will also inform the mandatory review of the existing Plan and preparation of a new Plan required by Section 11 of the Act, which must be commenced not later than four years after the making of the Plan.   See Volume 1, Appendices for further information on Implementation and Monitoring.

1.6 Public Participation

Consultation with the public is fundamental to the Plan making process. However, having regard to COVID restrictions a number of alternative consultation methods were employed including the use of webinars, online workshops with all SPC’s and the use of video conferencing with members of the public and relevant stakeholders. These methods of consultation proved successful as there was a 264% increase in submissions received on the Strategic Issues document published in June 2020 compared to that published in March 2013 that begun the process of preparing the previous County Development Plan.

The various issues arising from the consultation process informed the preparation of this Draft Plan.  Further Public Consultation will be undertaken at later stages in the Plan process as set out in Table 1.1 above.

1.7 Sustainable Development Interpretation

Throughout the Kerry County Development Plan 2022-2028 the term “Sustainable” is used widely. Sustainable development is defined as that which meets the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs.

For the purposes of this plan, the conservation of species and habitats in accordance with the requirements of the EU Habitats and Birds Directives is considered to be a vital component of sustainable strategies, policies, and objectives. Similarly, where the term ‘at appropriate locations’ is used within this plan, the protection of the Natura 2000 network inherently applies. Therefore, all policies and objectives supported by the plan are required to be carried out in a manner which does not adversely affect Natura 2000 sites. In addition, the plan only supports strategies plans and projects or aspects of same which are compatible with the requirements of the Habitats Directive.

1.8  Format and Content of the Plan

This Draft Plan has been prepared in accordance with the requirements of the Planning and Development Act 2000 (as amended) and fully complies with the mandatory requirements for preparation of a Development Plan. These consist of, inter alia, objectives for the zoning of land, the provision of infrastructure, the conservation and protection of the environment, and the integration of the planning and sustainable development with the social, community and cultural requirements of the area and its population. It is also a requirement to prepare a ‘core strategy’ for the County, which must be consistent, as far as practicable, with National and Regional development objectives as set out in the National Planning Framework (NPF) and Regional Spatial and Economic Strategy (RSES). 

The County Development Plan does not seek to duplicate or re-invent other County strategies such as Tourism and Economic development strategies for the County.  While these allied strategies influence its preparation, the focus of the Plan is on physical development and land-use and how it can help to achieve the sustainable economic and social development of the County.

1.8.1 Tralee, Killarney, and Listowel Town Development Plan 2009-2015 (as extended & varied)

The Tralee, Killarney, and Listowel Town Development Plans 2009-2015 (as extended and varied) are being incorporated into this plan and they are contained in Volume 2. This CDP is the first consolidated County Development Plan for the entire County of Kerry, (including the former Town Council areas of Tralee, Killarney, and Listowel). The County Plan includes updated land use and zoning frameworks in respect of the towns of Tralee, Killarney and Listowel and consolidates their associated written texts. This plan will set out the policies and objectives for the future development of the towns of Tralee, Killarney, and Listowel, including compliance with the core strategy for the County. The land-use zoning maps for each town are included in Volume 2.

1.8.2 Municipal Districts/Electoral Areas

The electoral structure of the County was reconfigured following the re-organisation of local government in 2014. The County is now divided into five municipal districts, for electoral and local government purposes. The five districts are:

• Tralee  
• Killarney  
• Listowel 
• Kenmare
• Castleisland/Corca Dhuibhne

Map 1.1: County Kerry Municipal Districts _{(click to enlarge)}

1.8.3 Local Area Plan Programme

A planned programme to prepare Local Area Plans (LAPs) in respect of Municipal Districts and other defined geographical areas commenced in 2018 and will continue following the completion of the County Development Plan.

Recently adopted LAPs for the following Municipal Districts are as follows:

• Tralee MD LAP 2018-2024
• Killarney MD LAP 2018-2024
• West Iveragh LAP 2019-2025
• Listowel MD LAP 2020-2026
• Corca Dhuibhne EA LAP 2021-2027

The indicative timescale for the remaining South Kerry (East Iveragh) LAP is Q4 2022.

1.8.4 Structure of the Development Plan

This Plan consists of 6 Volumes.

Volume 1

Main written statement which covers topic-based strategies.  Each topic includes policies and objectives to assist in achieving the goals of the Plan. 

Volume 1 A

Written Statement Appendices

Volume 2

Contains the Town Development Plans and Zoning Maps for:

• Tralee
• Killarney
• Listowel

Volume 3

Consists of a number of Appendices which also form part of this Plan.

• List & Maps of Public Rights of Way 
• National Monuments & Registered Monuments
• Archaeological Landscapes
• Record of Protected Structures
• Architectural Conservation Areas

Volume 4

This volume contains the following maps associated with the Plan:

• Tralee, Killarney & Listowel Zoning Maps
• Rural Area Types
• Visually Sensitive landscapes & Views/Prospects
• Wind Zoning
• Ballylongford Landbank and Tarbert Island

Volume 5

The Plan preparation process requires 3 no. different Environmental Assessments. The environmental assessments provide information on a number of environmental factors and inform policy makers and the public of the effects the plan, when implemented, will have on certain elements of the environment. The three assessments are:

1. A Strategic Environmental Assessment (SEA) which assesses the likely significant effects the Plan will have on the environment.
2. An Appropriate Assessment (AA), contained in a Natura Impact Report (NIR), which assesses the likelihood for  adverse effects on the integrity of the Natura 2000 network.
3. A Strategic Flood Risk Assessment (SFRA) of flood risk in the plan area.

Volume 6

Consists of a number of Strategies and policy documents which also form part of this Plan.

• Development Management Standards & Guidelines
• Land-Use Zoning and Zoning Matrix
• Housing Strategy/Housing Demand Need Assessment (HDNA)
• Biodiversity Action Plan

1.9 Planning Policy Context

The preparation of this Development Plan which is a land use plan has been influenced by a number of strategic international, national, regional, and local strategies/reports. The preparation has also been influenced by the Covid 19 Emergency and Brexit.

1.9.1 Global Context

1.9.1.1 Covid 19 Emergency and Brexit

 This preparation of the Plan has come at a challenging time as society and the economy emerge from the severe impact of the COVID-19 pandemic.  The recovery of our economy and the rebuilding of our social and community networks will pose significant challenges in the immediate future and will be crucial for the overall development of the County. Kerry County Council has with key stakeholders from the public, private and community sectors in the County co-ordinated a response to the economic and social challenges that COVID-19 has brought.  In July 2021 a multisectoral COVID-19 Economic Recovery Plan 2021 was agreed by Council which sets out the opportunities and actions which will support this recovery. The Covid 19 emergency has also highlighted many of the County’s strengths including community spirit and the importance of outdoor amenity spaces and high quality urban and rural environments. 

The impacts of Brexit will only become apparent over the lifetime of the Plan. While it is too early to assess the long-term impacts of these trends it is important to continue monitoring and adjusting policies as required over the Plan period. While there may be negative impacts there will also be opportunities created in the County.  

1.9.1.2 UN Sustainable Development Goals 2030

The UN 2030 Agenda is a plan of action for people, the planet and prosperity which seeks to better incorporate sustainability into planning and policy. The plan sets out 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) that integrate the three indivisible dimensions of sustainable development – 1) Economic, 2) Social and 3) Environmental (see Figure 1.2). 

 Figure 1.2: UN Sustainable Development Goals

Subsequently Ireland prepared a Sustainable Development Goal National Implementation Plan 2018-2020 which provides a framework for how Ireland will achieve the 17 no. SDGs domestically by 2030 and support their global implementation. It reflects Ireland’s ‘whole-of-government’ approach to the SDGs, which will see the mainstreaming of the SDGs across national policies. Many of the measures through which Ireland will achieve the SDGs will take place within the context of Project Ireland 2040 (made up of the National Planning Framework to 2040 and the National Development Plan 2018-2027), which is the Government’s overarching policy initiative to make Ireland a better country for all people. These in turn filter down into regional and accordingly Development Plan policy.

Compliance with the Sustainable Development Goals is a main tenet of this Development Plan. These thematic goals have been deeply embedded within the Policies and Objectives of the Plan and consideration of same forms part of the plans reporting and monitoring requirements.

The context for same is further set out in Chapter 2: Achieving a Sustainable Future. As part of this a particular focus is given to Climate Change which is a global threat with local consequences. While uncertainties surround the magnitude and extent of climate change impacts, the Council is committed to addressing climate change in a proactive manner through the careful consideration of policy guidance and strategies. Unprecedented pressures on the world’s biodiversity are also recognised.              

1.9.2 European Context

1.9.2.1 Europe 2020

European spatial planning is closely interlinked with a number of trans-national, regional, economic, and environmental policies and programmes. The European Union’s cohesion policy is currently divided into 11 no. Thematic Objectives (TO) (see Figure 1.3), aimed at reducing disparities in the development of its territories and to contribute to the priorities of smart, sustainable, and inclusive growth envisaged by the Strategy ‘Europe 2020’.

Figure 1.3: 11 EU Thematic Objectives

Europe 2020 Strategy is the European Union’s (EU) agenda for growth and jobs, emphasising smart, sustainable, and inclusive growth as a way to overcome the structural weaknesses in Europe’s economy, improve its competitiveness and productivity and underpin a sustainable social market economy. The next EU programming period 2021-2027 is under development, and there is an emerging convergence of territorial and cohesion policy in this process, which will give greater focus on the delivery of national and regional spatial policy. The European Commission has proposed a new framework for the future Regional Development and Cohesion Policy that identifies 5 no. main objectives:

1. A smarter Europe (innovative and smart economic transformation).
2. A greener, low-carbon Europe (including energy transition, the circular economy, climate adaptation and risk management).
3. A more connected Europe (mobility and ICT connectivity).
4. A more social Europe (European Pillar of Social Rights).
5. A Europe closer to citizens (sustainable development of urban, rural, and coastal areas and local initiatives).

These have been translated and integrated into the County Development Plan policy as appropriate. By ensuring good policy alignment, the Development Plan can drive investment that is targeted towards identified priorities at European, national, regional, and local scale, assisting in identifying partnership opportunities and leveraging funding from EU Regional Operational Programmes.

1.9.2.2 European Green Deal - 2019

The European Green Deal is a new growth strategy that aims to transform the EU into a fair and prosperous society, with a modern, resource-efficient, and competitive economy where there are no net emissions of greenhouse gases in 2050 and where economic growth is decoupled from resource use. It is about improving the well-being of people, making Europe climate neutral and protecting the natural habitat which will be good for people, the planet, and the economy. The aims of the Green Deal are for Europe to become climate-neutral by 2050; to protect human life, animals, and plants by cutting pollution; to help companies become world leaders in clean products and technologies; and to help ensure a just and inclusive transition.

Figure 1.4: The European Green Deal

Figure 1.5: National Strategic Outcomes - NPF

1.9.3. National Planning Context

1.9.3.1 Project Ireland 2040

Project Ireland 2040 is the Government’s overarching policy initiative to make Ireland a better country for all, a country that reflects the best of who we are and what we aspire to be.  Project Ireland 2040 comprises the National Planning Framework 2040 (NPF) and the National Development Plan 2018-2027. 

1.9.3.2 National Development Plan

The National Development Plan 2018 - 2027 (NDP) sets out the investment priorities that will underpin the implementation of the National Planning Framework.

1.9.3.3 National Planning Framework

The NPF projects that our national population will grow by one million in the next 20 years. This will require an enormous shift in thinking to plan how and where people live, work, and travel, and to ensure a more balanced growth away from the overconcentration of population, homes, and jobs in the Greater Dublin Area. The plan is guided by the National Strategic Outcomes and the Strategic Investment Priorities in the NPF.

1. Compact Growth; Creating more attractive places in which people can live and work through managing the sustainable growth of compact towns and villages.
2. Enhanced Regional Accessibility; Enhancing accessibility between key urban centres of population and their regions.
3. Strengthened Rural Economies and Communities; Strengthening rural areas to play a key role in defining our identity, in driving our economy and our high-quality environment.      
4. Sustainable Mobility; As part of the national climate mitigation plan support the use of electric vehicles and smarter travel initiatives in the county. 
5. A Strong Economy, supported by Enterprise, Innovation and Skills; Building regional economic drivers and by supporting opportunities to diversify and strengthen the rural economy, to leverage the potential of places.
6. High-Quality International Connectivity; Improving access to our ports and airports.
7. Enhanced Amenities and Heritage; Ensuring that our towns and villages are attractive and can offer a good quality of life. Investing in well-designed public realm, which includes public spaces, parks, and streets, as well as recreational infrastructure. Providing amenities in rural areas, such as national and forest parks, activity-based tourism, and trails such as greenways, blueways and peatways.
8. Transition to a Low Carbon and Climate Resilient Society; The National Climate Policy Position establishes the national objective of achieving transition to a competitive, low carbon, climate-resilient and environmentally sustainable economy by 2050.
9. Sustainable Management of Water, Waste, and other Environmental Resources; Conserving and enhancing the quality of these resources will also become more important in a crowded and competitive world as well as our capacity to create beneficial uses from products previously considered as waste, creating circular economic benefits.
10. Access to Quality Childcare, Education and Health Services; Good access to a range of quality education and health services, relative to the scale of a region, city, town, neighbourhood, or community is a defining characteristic of attractive, successful, and competitive places. Compact, smart growth in urban areas and strong and stable rural communities will enable the enhanced and effective provision of a range of accessible services.

This framework sets out the vision for the future development and investment in Ireland until 2040.  In terms of overall population and employment growth and new housing provision, the five cities of Dublin, Cork, Limerick, Galway, and Waterford will be targeted to accommodate 50% of overall national growth between them, with Ireland’s range of large and smaller towns, villages and rural areas accommodating the other 50%. 

An efficient use of land is essential for sustainable development. The National Planning Framework (NPF) acknowledges that the physical format of urban development is one of our greatest national development challenges and identified compact growth as one of the National Strategic Outcomes. This entails delivering a greater proportion of residential development and other development within the existing built-up area of settlements and moving away from a reliance on greenfield development to meet our development needs. Creating more compact development has been traditionally more difficult to achieve than a continuous process of pushing development onto Greenfield locations.

In order to address rural decline, a significant proportion of national population and economic growth will be targeted at building up the fabric of smaller towns, villages and rural areas with emphasis placed on redeveloping derelict and under-utilised lands inside small towns and villages.

Specifically, the NPF requires that 30% of all new homes will be delivered within the existing built-up footprint of settlements. This applies to all scales of settlements within the County, from the Key towns to villages. This will require making better use of underutilised land including infill and brownfield sites.

The NPFs, National Policy Objective 15 supports the sustainable development of rural areas by encouraging growth and arresting decline in areas that have experienced low population growth or decline in recent decades and by managing the growth of areas that are under strong urban influence to avoid over-development, while sustaining vibrant rural communities. 

While the National Planning Framework has a long-term vision to 2040, the specific focus of this County Plan is to 2028. The level of change required by the NPF cannot be implemented immediately and it will take several cycles of the County Development Plan process to achieve change to long-term patterns of sustainable development.  This County Plan is primarily concerned with setting the course to embed that long-term sustainable change.

1.9.3.4 Our Rural Future: Rural Development Policy 2021-2025

Our Rural Future provides a National framework for the development of rural Ireland over the coming years. As a predominantly rural county the policy document is of particular relevance to Kerry. The policy document seeks to put the development and regeneration of our rural towns and villages at the heart of decision making so that they are vibrant centres where people can live, work, and socialise, with walking, cycling and public transport options connecting people and places. Key deliverables contained in the policy document relate to the following areas: -

• Remote working – supported by the rollout of the National Broadband Plan
• Revitalising Rural Towns and Villages
• Jobs for Rural Ireland
• Rural Living
• Rural Ireland’s Unique Tourism, Culture & Heritage
• Supporting Communities to create their own future
• Agriculture, the Marine and Forestry
• Island and Coastal Communities
• Transitioning to a climate neutral economy

These considerations have been integrated throughout the plan including within the Core Strategy of the plan and Chapter 9 Economic Development.

1.9.3.5 Housing for All - a New Housing Plan for Ireland

‘Housing for All - a New Housing Plan for Ireland’, which was launched in September 2021, is the government’s housing plan to 2030. It is a multi-annual, multi-billion euro plan which targets the improvement of Ireland’s housing system and delivery of more homes of all types for people with different housing needs. The government’s overall objective is that every citizen in the State should have access to good quality homes: -

• to purchase or rent at an affordable price
• built to a high standard and in the right place
• offering a high quality of life

The government’s vision for the housing system over the longer term is to achieve a steady supply of housing in the right locations with economic, social, and environmental sustainability built into the system.  It is estimated that Ireland will need an average of 33,000 new homes to be provided each year from 2021 to 2030.

The policy has four pathways to achieving housing for all: -

• supporting home ownership and increasing affordability
• eradicating homelessness, increasing social housing delivery, and supporting social inclusion
• increasing new housing supply
• addressing vacancy and efficient use of existing stock

Housing for All impacts on the policies contained in the Development Plan in relation to the regeneration of towns and villages, accelerating the delivery of residential accommodation, land acquisition, diversification of housing types, the provision of housing for needs, unlocking vacant dwellings, heritage properties and land, developing a skilled workforce, the provision of water & wastewater infrastructure, and dealing with construction waste.  At the time of publication of this Draft Plan the Housing for All objectives and actions have recently been announced and will be refined over the coming months particularly through the publication of Section 28 guidelines and other amending regulatory provisions.  The plan supports the implementation of the objectives of the Housing for All Plan.

1.9.3.6 Straitéis 20 Bliain Don Ghaeilge 2010-2030 (20 Year strategy for the Irish language)

The Strategy 2010-2030 outlines the economic, social, and cultural development policies for the Gaeltacht and contains particular policies for cultural and linguistic initiatives and language-based projects.  In this context, particular importance is attached to the preservation and promotion of Irish in the Gaeltacht in relation to conserving and protecting the heritage, culture, and richness of the language where it remains as a household and community language.

1.9.4 Regional Planning Context

1.9.4.1 Regional Spatial & Economic Strategy for the Southern Region 2020 (RSES)

RSES provides a long-term, strategic development framework for the future physical, economic, and social development of the Southern Region. The RSES sets out the following vision for the Southern Region:

• Nurture all places to realise their full potential
• Protect, and enhance the environment
• Successfully combat climate change
• Achieve economic prosperity and improved quality of life for all our citizens
• Accommodate expanded growth and development in suitable locations

The RSES seeks to achieve balanced regional development and full implementation of Project Ireland 2040 – the National Planning Framework. It will be implemented in partnership with local authorities and state agencies to deliver on this vision and build a cohesive and sustainable region. The RSES came into effect on 31^st January 2020.

Figure 1.6: RSES Strategy Map

Key Elements of RSES include:

• RSES consolidates the NPF National Strategic Outcome of compact growth, through strengthening the 3 three cities, while identifying Key towns for growth throughout the region including Tralee & Killarney.
• In relation to enhanced regional connectivity, the RSES provides for upgraded transport and digital links in the Region.
• RSES provides for the strengthening of and improving quality of life in the Regions’ diverse rural areas.
• RSES supports the provision of sustainable mobility, through public transport, walking, cycling and electric vehicles. 
• The ambition is for a competitive, innovative ad productive economy in the region.
• RSES prioritises actions of Climate Change across the Region, driving the transition to a low carbon and climate resilient economy.
• RSES seeks to optimise the Region’s international connectivity.
• The strategy supports the Region’s diversity, language and culture, the recreational assets and the natural and build heritage.
• Sustainable plan-led development.
• RSES supports the concept of a Healthy and learning Region and an inclusive International Region.

The policies and objectives that are appropriate to the needs and future growth of the County have been influenced by the National Planning Framework (NPF) and the Regional Spatial & Economic Strategy (RSES) for the Southern Region.  The themes and objectives outlined above are expanded through the policies and objectives contained in the various sections of the County Development Plan.

1.9.4.2 South West Regional Enterprise Plan to 2020

This plan builds on the success of the Action Plan for Jobs for the South-West Region 2015-2017. This Plan has identified particular strengths and opportunities in the South West. Like the National Action Plan for Jobs, the Plan for the South West sets out a series of commitments on the part of public bodies, complemented by some actions from the private sector, which will support enterprise growth and job creation. The plan seeks to ensure that it remains effective and that it continues to deliver jobs across the South-West region and can be robust to address the challenges we face, including Brexit.

1.9.5 Local Context

1.9.5.1 Kerry Local Economic and Community Plan (LECP) 2016-2022

The Local Economic and Community Plan (LECP) 2016-2022 sits alongside the County Development Plan providing a stronger and clearer role for local government in economic and community development.  This framework underpins the vision set out in the Putting People First: Action Programme for Effective Local Government (DoECLG). The Local Economic Community Plan 2016-2022 is a key document that significantly influences the Development Plan.

Figure 1.7: Development Plan Context

Central to the LECP is the marketing of the county as a place to invest, live and to visit. While this will be led by the public sector, existing firms in the county will play a pivotal role in promoting the positive experience of both doing business and living in Kerry. It is crucial to build on the history of entrepreneurship in the county, through brand leaders such as Kerry Group (Listowel), Dairymaster (Causeway), Dingle Distillery (Daingean Uí Chúis) and Fexco (Killorglin). 

1.9.5.2 County Kerry Tourism Strategy & Action Plan 2016-2022

The Tourism Strategy forms an integral part of Kerry County Council’s Local Economic and Community Plan 2016-2022. The strategy sets out to maximise, in a sustainable manner, tourism’s contribution to the quality of life, economy, employment and local community development, paying particular attention to nurturing and protecting the natural, built, cultural and linguistic heritage of the county.

1.9.5.3 KCC Climate Change Adaptation Strategy 2019-2024

Kerry is located within the Atlantic Seaboard South Climate Action Region and is one of 4 Climate Action Regions. This region is considered the most climate susceptible of the four Climate Action Regions in Ireland, given its location with regards prevailing wind/storms and Atlantic weather fronts.

This Climate Change Adaptation Strategy is the start of the process of adaptation planning in Kerry County Council and is the first step in increasing knowledge and understanding of our changing climate, growing resilience, and enabling effective responses to the threats posed by climate change.

Kerry County Council’s Vision is to fulfil a leadership role in assessing and responding to the impacts of climate change, be fully engaged with the risks and opportunities of a changing climate and build a resilient future for and together with, the communities of County Kerry. The Vision is promoted through the implementation of actions set out under high-level goals.

1.9.5.4 Kerry County Council 2019-2024 Corporate Plan (as amended)

The plan sets out the strategic direction, vision, and goals of Kerry County Council for the period to 2024.

The 8 strategic objectives are:

• Deliver Excellent Public Services to our Citizens
• Promote Economic Development, Support Enterprise, and Employment Creation
• Build Strong Influential Partnerships to maximise the County’s potential
• Promote sustainability and support the transition to a Low Carbon Economy and Lead on Climate Action
• Develop organisational capacity through innovation and staff excellence
• Build sustainable infrastructure to meet the needs of our citizens, communities, and business needs for the future
• Engage the Wider Community, increase participation while promoting social inclusion, equality, human rights, and age friendly measures
• Deliver an effective COVID-19 Response & economic recovery programme

The mission statement of the Kerry County Council Corporate Plan 2019-2024 is to ‘lead the economic, social, cultural and environmental improvement of our county in a sustainable manner to make our county a great place to live, visit, learn, work, do business and invest. We will honour the past and embrace the future, recognising our unique cultural and social and sporting heritage and our Gaeltacht. Gach rud is féidir a dhéanamh chun saol na ndaoine agus na gcuairteoirí a fheabhsú (To do all that we can to improve the lives of the people and visitors)’.

1.9.5.5 County Kerry’s COVID-19 Economic Recovery Plan 2021

The County Kerry COVID-19 Economic Recovery Plan 2021 provides an overall framework for the economic development of the County in the short to medium term and has been developed as a response to the challenges and opportunities facing the Kerry Economy. This document has been integrated into the plan, as appropriate and is also included as an appendix to the plan for reference purposes. 

1.10 Environmental Statement and Assessments

Pursuant to Section 10 (1)(D) of the Planning & Development Acts as amended, a development plan must include a written statement which shows that the development objectives in the development plan are consistent, as far as practicable, with the conservation and protection of the environment.

1.10.1 Environmental Assessments and Considerations

The County Development Plan preparation process requires 3 (no.) separate Environmental Assessments.  The environmental assessments provide information on a number of environmental factors and inform policy makers and the public of the effects the plan, when implemented, will have on certain elements of the environment.

The three assessments are: -

1. A Strategic Environmental Assessment (SEA) which assesses the likely significant effects the Plan will have on the environment.
2. An Appropriate Assessment (AA), contained in a Natura Impact Report (NIR), which assesses the likelihood for adverse effects on the integrity of European Sites (Natura 2000 sites)
3. A Strategic Flood Risk Assessment (SFRA) of flood risk in the plan area.

In addition, the Plan is required to and has taken into consideration other relevant environmental legislation and guidance including, the Water Framework Directive, Shellfish Directive, Wastewater Treatment Directive, the Wildlife Acts, National Monuments Acts, and Waste Management Acts.

1.10.2 Environmental Statement

This draft plan has undergone a Strategic Environmental Assessment (SEA), Appropriate Assessment (AA) and Strategic Flood Risk Assessment (SFRA). None of these assessments have identified development objectives likely to have significant effects on the Environment or adverse impacts on Natura 2000 sites. It is therefore considered that the development objectives as set out in the Draft Plan are consistent, as far as practicable, with the conservation and protection of the environment.

The SEA, AA and the SFRA are ongoing assessments and will continue through the plan making process as amendments are made to this Draft Plan.

1.11 Statement of Implementation of Ministerial Guidelines

In accordance with Section 28 of the Planning & Development Acts 2000-2019, a Planning Authority shall append to the Draft Development Plan, a statement that: -

• Demonstrates how the Planning Authority has implemented the policies and objectives of the Minister contained in Section 28 Guidelines when preparing the Draft Plan.
• If applicable, where a Planning Authority formed the opinion that it is not possible because of the nature and characteristics of the area, or part of the area, to implement certain policies and objectives of the Minister contained in the Guidelines; it shall give reasons for the forming of the opinion and why the policies and objectives of the Minister have not been so implemented.

It is considered that Ministerial Guidelines issued to Planning Authorities regarding their functions under the Planning Acts have been fully considered in the making of this Plan in accordance with Section 28 of the Planning and Development Act, 2000, as amended.  These are outlined in Appendix 2 which is contained in Volume 1: Appendices.

 

[1] Census 2016