‘Town Centre First’ policy approach included in CDP

Pedestrianisation and a greater emphasis on public amenity space are set to become an important factor in terms of local development over the coming years after the council supported a move connect more with the existing national 'Town Centre First' policy plan.

The proposal was one of more than 60 considered as part of the Draft Cavan County Development Plan 2022-2028 by elected members at the May monthly meeting held earlier this month.

Submitted for inclusion by Belturbet-based Independent Cllr Brendan Fay, his motion doubles down on existing national policy aimed at encouraging increased residential occupancy in urban centres, while also addressing the issue of vacant properties and units.

Castleblayney in neighbouring Co Monaghan was one of six towns included in a pilot scheme operated by the Department for Rural and Community Development that looks to explore how towns and cities can be made more resilient and sustainable through strategic investment.

The motion tabled by Cllr Fay demanded that the CDP, when formally published, 'fully supports' the provision of 'functionable, healthy and vibrant town centres' that are 'enjoyable places for living, working and visiting'. Cllr Fay said that town centres need to be 'enhanced and upgraded' and that there is a need to 'maximise the usage' of open spaces and the natural environment.

'The plan fully supports the creation of pedestrian friendly town centres', said Cllr Fay's motion.

The approach, in light of the changing functions of town centres, would be to 'encourage and support' the incorporation of appropriate public realm spaces and the need to strengthen pedestrianisation within town centres 'thus enhancing their vitality'.

The motion was seconded by Fianna Fáil's John Paul Feeley who himself tabled a motion asking to amend the map of Blacklion to take cognisance of existing residential units in order to expand the village core.

A similar motion was made in respect of Swanlinbar and, in both cases, the proposals put to a vote by members and passed unanimously.

Ballyconnell Courthouse

Cllr Feeley was supported in his motion to have the council to 'protect and support' the use of Ballyconnell Courthouse by Fine Gael's Peter McVitty.

In Bawnboy, Fianna Fáil's Sean Smith asked that the council include additional lands within the development boundary of Bawnboy. The site, the meeting was told, was already serviced, having been earmarked for the development in the past.

The motion went to a vote and was passed by majority, with 17 cllrs voting and one not present.

In support of persons working full-time and part-time in rural areas, meanwhile, Cllr Feeley sought the deletion of the wording: 'Persons involved in full time farming, forestry, inland waterway or related occupations, as well as, part-time occupations where the predominant occupation is farming or natural resource related'.

In its place he included the sentence: 'Persons working in full-time or part-time farming, forestry or other agricultural occupations'. The motion was seconded by Cllr Fay.