12. Settlement Plans

12.2 Settlement Hierarchy Overview

The Core Strategy sets out the settlement hierarchy for the County, which is informed by the settlement hierarchy in the RSES; job-to-work ratio, asset capacity matrix and the role/function of settlements in County Mayo, in order to determine an overall growth strategy and its position on the settlement hierarchy.

12.4.1 Location and Context

Ballinrobe town is situated along the main Galway to Castlebar road at the junction of the N84 National Secondary Road and the R334 Regional Road. The town is approximately 50km north-west of Galway City, 30km south from Castlebar and 36km southeast of Westport. The Ballinrobe area is known as the ‘Lake District’ of Mayo and the town is well located for easy access to some of the most scenic areas in Ireland.

The population of Ballinrobe has more than doubled in size (112.8%) over the last twenty years, from 1,309 persons in 1996 (Census figures) to 2,786 persons in 2016 (Census figures). Ballinrobe is the 5^th largest settlement in Mayo, the 19^th largest in the Western Region and the 124^th largest in the State. According to POWCAR 2016, the total number of jobs located within Ballinrobe was 1,077. The Ballinrobe labour catchment is the 27^th largest labour catchment in the Western Region with a resident ‘at work’ population of 1,859, and a job to work ratio of 0.969.

12.4.2 Historical Context and Settlement Form

The Irish place name for Ballinrobe is Baile an Róba, which translates as “town of the (river) Robe”. Ballinrobe is said to be the oldest town in Mayo and dates back to 1390. Ballinrobe was first established as a market town in 1605, with the town’s role as a garrison town during British rule still very much evident today, in the form of the town’s rich built heritage. The town has one of the highest concentrations of protected structures in the county. This reflects the historic significance of the town and the important role these buildings play in defining its character and identity. The town has a relatively compacted form framed around a central urban block, with existing residential areas generally located outside of the town centre core.

12.4.3 Function and Vision

Ballinrobe is situated within the Claremorris-Swinford Municipal District. The town provides a wide range of services and facilities to meet the daily needs of the local population. It is an important service town for the wide agricultural hinterland of south Mayo and north Connemara. Ballinrobe also functions as a Gaeltacht Service Town for the nearby Clonbur and Tourmakeady Gaeltachtregions.

It is envisioned that Ballinrobe, along with the Claremorris and Ballyhaunis, can form a Growth Cluster in South Mayo to harness their combined strengths to contribute towards the consolidation of the Atlantic Economic Corridor. Opportunity exists in the town for regeneration and consolidated growth within the existing built footprint.

12.4.4 Economic Development

The main employment sectors in the town according to Census 2016 is the Services Sector (32%), followed by Education, Human Health and Social Work (20.5%) and Manufacturing Industries (16.9%). The town is well served in terms of convenience and comparison shopping, with three of the main supermarket chains located in or close to the town centre. The town also contains several local independent shops. Potential exists in the town centre in the form of appropriately located, undeveloped lands and the re-use of existing vacant buildings, to further enhance the convenience and comparison retail offer. Ballinrobe is home to McHale Engineering, a successful indigenous business in both the domestic and international agricultural industry, providing innovative technologies in agricultural machinery. The business has a large employment base drawing from Ballinrobe and the surrounding hinterland.

12.4.5 Social Infrastructure

Ballinrobe serves as the retail centre and employment base for a larger rural catchment area and provides a range of services, social and community facilities, including a library, garda station, county council office, post office, medical centres, pre-school, primary school, secondary school, churches, banks, enterprise centre, retail shops and public houses within the town. Ballinrobe also has numerous community, sporting and social clubs. Sports and recreational facilities in the town comprise of a racecourse, GAA, soccer pitches, rugby pitches, and children’s playground. The town has an active Community Development Council, their objectives include creating sustainable local development, seeking additional infrastructural services and improving the socio-economic conditions in the town. The Bowers Walk, along the River Robe, and The Green constitute valuable natural amenities and visitor attractions for the town.

12.4.6 Physical Infrastructure

Ballinrobe is served by the N84, R331 and R334 national and regional road network. The town is served by an existing municipal wastewater treatment plant (8,000PE) and a water supply from the Lough Mask Regional water supply scheme. There is sufficient capacity for the projected population increase as set out in the Core Strategy. The town also benefits from fibre optic broadband infrastructure (Metropolitan Area Network and VDSL broadband) and has a connection to the national gas grid. A dismantled railway line between runs between Ballinrobe and Claremorris, providing an opportunity to re-establish the line as a walking cycling route or as a spur of the Western Rail Corridor.

12.4.7 Heritage and Tourism

Ballinrobe is rich in built heritage with protected structures (35), NIAH structures (35) and local vernacular buildings, all of which are reflective of the historical development, sense of place and character of the town. The protection, promotion and enhancement of the built and natural heritage of the town and its immediate environs is promoted in this plan. Mayo County Council has carried out habitat mapping in Ballinrobe, which has informed the identification of Local Biodiversity Areas in the town, while an Action Plan has been prepared for Ballinrobe, aimed at conserving and enhancing the natural heritage of the town. The Bowers Walk is an important amenity for locals and visitors to Ballinrobe. This riverside walk stretches for approximately 3 kilometres along the River Robe starting at the bridge, on Bridge Street towards Creagh Bridge and along the old towpath of the canal. Swans and wildlife are plentiful along the walk, together with a variety of flora and fauna when inseason.

Lough Mask is home to the annual trout fly fishing World Cup Championship, which attracts significant numbers of tourists into the town. Horse racing forms an important part of the Ballinrobe’s heritage and also acts as tourist driver for the town. Ballinrobe is also a base to visit other notable tourist attractions such as Bowers Walk heritage trail, Ballinrobe Golf Course, Ballinrobe Racecourse, Cong, Ballintubber Abbey, Moore Hall; and within easy access to Ireland West Airport Knock. Potential exists for the development of tourist accommodation for visitors travelling to and from these locations. This plan seeks to encourage appropriate development within the town to facilitate and support its tourism potential.

12.4.8 Sustainable Communities

Ballinrobe provides an attractive place to live, is rich in heritage, natural beauty and amenity. The town plays an important economic, social and cultural role for the inhabitants of the town itself and the wider hinterland. The town has good community stakeholder engagement and an active Tidy Towns committee. In order to help create sustainable communities, the development strategy for Ballinrobe is to support new housing and population growth, consistent with the Core Strategy. The NPF and RSES recognise that settlement patterns play a fundamental role in influencing how people travel, both the distances undertaken and the modal choice. New housing will be accommodated through facilitating compact growth and the through revitalisation of the historic town core, together with providing of a mix of housing types, densities and tenure to meet the needs of the area. A strong emphasis is placed on building communities with a high standard of design, the principles of place-making, green infrastructure, permeability and connectivity alongside the integration of community and recreation facilities.

12.4.9 Sustainable Travel

Ballinrobe is located on the main daily bus route between Westport and Galway. A local community bus service, operated by the Mayo Local Link, also serves the town and the surrounding hinterlands. The number of people who walk to their place of work, study and other services in town is above the national average (9.3%). According to 2016 POWCAR, 12.8% of the daily population walk. However, use of cycling as a sustainable mode of travel is less than 1%, compared to the national average (3%). Therefore, Mayo County Council promotes and supports the development of public transport initiatives, in keeping with the principles of Smarter Travel. Increasing the usage of cycling in the town will require further study (audit), including the provision of new or retrofitted infrastructure and adherence to DMURS guidance standards.

12.4.10 Placemaking and Regeneration

Ballinrobe provides the focus for a wide range of activities that contribute to a sense of place and identity. The town has a compact town centre with strong continuous street frontages of two and three storey buildings. It has relatively narrow street proportions and resultant traffic congestion. The two iconic water storage towers provide a sense of place for the town. A number of studies have taken place in Ballinrobe to enhance its urban fabric and address the issues of vacancy within the town centre, including a Town Renewal Scheme study (2000); a Public Realm Plan (2018); as well as projects carried out under the Historic Towns Initiative scheme; and an Adaptive Reuse Project (2019). The Public Realm Plan includes key objectives around the sustainable reuse of existing buildings and a need to encourage town centre living. A number of successful projects have received funding under the Rural Regeneration and Development Fund, including regeneration works for the development of Market House, the town library grounds and an upgrade of The Bowers Walk.

In terms of placemaking, the main priority is the consolidation of the town centre and support of existing business in order to maintain vibrancy. A challenging issue facing Ballinrobe is the extent of dereliction and vacancy in the town centre, with notable concentrations of vacant structures along Main Street, Glebe Street and especially Bridge Street. Many buildings in the town centre lend themselves for suitable for renovation of upper storeys into residential use. Ground floors should, however, be prioritised for commercial and community uses that activate the street, where possible. Together, these will help sustain town vibrancy, including the evening economy. Accordingly, the potential for more appropriate use of under-utilised sites, vacant sites and buildings within the existing built-up footprint of Ballinrobe, will aid the delivery of quality housing, services and employment opportunities, in tandem with supporting social infrastructure is promoted.

12.5.1 Location and Context

Ballyhaunis is located in east Mayo at the intersection of the N60 and N83 national routes and within close proximity to a number of large urban centres such as Claremorris and Tuam. The town also lies on the Dublin-Westport railway line and provides a wide range of services and amenities to a significant rural hinterland.

The population of Ballyhaunis has nearly doubled in size (84%) over the last twenty years, from 1,287 persons in 1996 (Census figures) to 2,366 persons in 2016 (Census figures). Ballyhaunis is the 6^th largest settlement in Mayo, the 27^th largest in the Western Region and the 147^th largest in the state. According to POWCAR 2016, the total number of jobs located within Ballyhaunis was 1,226. The Ballyhaunis labour catchment is the 21^st largest labour catchment in the Western Region with a resident ‘at work’ population of 2,601 and a job to work ratio of 1.460.

12.5.2 Historical Context and Settlement Form

Béal Átha hAmhnais translates to "ford-mouth of strife". The footprint of the town has developed primarily to the west of the River Dalgan, focussed around four main streets: i.e. Main Street, Knox Street, Bridge Street and Clare Road. The town originally developed around the Augustinian Friary, which dates from 1348. The structure of the settlement is well defined with retail and commercial uses primarily located within its town core, and with educational, institutional and community uses generally located on the outskirts.

12.5.3 Function and Vision

Ballyhaunis is located in the Claremorris Municipal District. The town is an important employment base in the east of the county, particularly in the areas of food processing, agri-engineering and manufacturing. Mayo County Council promotes the consolidation of growth within the established footprint of the town in conjunction with regeneration, public realm enhancement, while supporting local employment and the expansion of services to meet the needs of residents and visitors. It is envisioned that Ballyhaunis, along with the Claremorris and Ballinrobe can form a Growth Cluster in South Mayo to harness their combined strengths to contribute towards the consolidation of the Atlantic Economic Corridor.

12.5.4 Economic Development

Ballyhaunis has an established industrial and manufacturing base in the town. According to 2016 POWCAR figures Manufacturing Industries account for 27.3% of the main employment sectors in the town, which is significantly higher that the state average (13%). The other main employment sectors in the town include the Service Sector (19.3%) and ICT and Professional Services (9%).

The key economic activities in Ballyhaunis are concentrated in a number of significant companies that relate directly and indirectly to the food processing industry. The town also has a range of other manufacturing industries that includes furniture, plastics and kitchen construction. A range of medium to small retail outlets, as well as employment in the state sector and the financial sector provide important employment in the town. Opportunities also exist for start-ups and incubation hubs in Ballyhaunis at the Enterprise Centre, located centrally. Additionally, Ballyhaunis remains an important service town for a wide agricultural hinterland in East Mayo and with a reach into County Roscommon.

12.5.5 Social Infrastructure

Ballyhaunis serves as the retail centre and employment base for a larger rural catchment area and provides a range of services, social and community facilities, including a library, outdoor swimming pool, garda station, post office, medical centres, pre-school, primary school, secondary school, two churches, bank, enterprise centre, retail shops and public houses within the town. It is also home to Ireland's first purpose-built mosque. Ballyhaunis also has numerous community, sporting and social clubs. Sports and recreational facilities in the town comprise of a GAA club, a rugby pitch, children’s playgrounds, Multi Use Games Area (MUGA) and outdoor gym at the Friary grounds. The Abbey Walk, along the Dalgan River, at the Friary grounds, also constitutes a valuable natural amenity and visitor attraction for the town.

12.5.6 Physical Infrastructure

Ballyhaunis is served by the N60 and N83 National Roads. The town also has direct rail links to Dublin, is located within twenty-minute drive of Ireland West Airport Knock and has VDSL broadband (Very high-speed Digital Subscriber Line) available. Ballyhaunis is served by an existing municipal wastewater treatment plant (4,000PE) and a water supply from the Lough Mask regional water supply scheme. There is sufficient capacity in this infrastructure to cater for the projected population increase as set out in the Core Strategy.

12.5.7 Tourism and Heritage

The Augustinian Friary in Ballyhaunis is the second oldest friary in Mayo, after Ballintubber Abbey. The Friary and its grounds and graveyard are a prominent cultural amenity and tourist attraction in the town. Other tourist attractions include Ballyhaunis Golf Course, a 9-hole parkland course situated on the N83 on the outskirts of the town. Knock Shrine, Connaught GAA Centre of Excellence and Ireland West Airport Knock are in close proximity to Ballyhaunis. Potential exists for the development of tourist accommodation in the town for visitors travelling to and from these locations. The Friary Ground in Ballyhaunis also serves as an important natural amenity for locals and visitors alike, and includes a walkway along the river, playground, MUGA and outdoor gym, along with a new sensory garden and an abundance of flora and fauna.

12.5.8 Sustainable Communities

Ballyhaunis is rich in culture, heritage and amenity, with a diverse mix of cultures and nationalities. The town is the most diverse and inclusive in the country in the 2016 Census, with migrants from 20 different ethnicities making up more than half of the population. Ballyhaunis is a good example of a mixed community, living, working and co-operating together, to create a great place for people to live and bring up families. The town also has good community stakeholder engagement and an active Tidy Towns committee. In order to help create sustainable communities, the development strategy for Ballyhaunis is to support new housing and population growth, consistent with the Core Strategy.

The NPF and RSES recognise that settlement patterns play a fundamental role in influencing how people travel, both in terms of the distances undertaken and the modal choice. Stronger connections and linkages between residential settlements and the town centre is important in ensuring sustainable communities. The NPF and RSES recognise that settlement patterns play a fundamental role in influencing how people travel, both the distances undertaken and the modal choice. New housing will be accommodated through facilitating compact growth and the through revitalisation of the historic town core, together with providing of a mix of housing types, densities and tenure to meet the needs of the area. A strong emphasis is placed on building communities with a high standard of design, the principles of place-making, green infrastructure, permeability and connectivity alongside the integration of community and recreation facilities. In this regard, a number of Town Centre Opportunity Sites have been identified to encourage development within the town centre.

12.5.9, Sustainable Travel

The number of people who walk to their place of work, study and other services in town is above the national average (9.3%). According to 2016 POWCAR, 15.71% of the daily population walk. However, use of cycling as a sustainable mode of travel is less than 1%, compared to the national average (3%). Therefore, Mayo County Council promotes and supports the development of public transport initiatives, in keeping with the principles of Smarter Travel. Increasing the usage of cycling in the town will require further study (audit), including the provision of new or retrofitted infrastructure and adherence to DMURS guidance standards.

12.5.10 Place Making and Regeneration

Ballyhaunis provides the focus for a wide range of activities that contribute to a sense of place and identity. Public realm enhancement works have been completed at Market Square, Knox Street, Clare Street and Bridge Street through funding received under the Town and Village Renewal Scheme. These public realm enhancement and refurbishment works comprised of paving, upgrading of pedestrian footpaths and crossings, undergrounding of overhead cables, new public lighting, surface water alleviation works, all of which have visually enhanced the attractiveness of the town centre. These works also provide social and environmental benefits to the local community and to visitors to the town, encouraging economic growth and providing a pedestrian bias within the town centre. It is envisaged these works will act as a catalyst to assist with the revitalisation of existing building stock along Main Street, Knox Street, Bridge Street and Clare Street.

Funding has also been received through the Rural Regeneration Development Fund to prepare a design brief for the former convent school on Abbey Street for its redevelopment for community use as a workspace hub and to support local enterprise. The design brief also includes a new public plaza adjoining the community hub building and a new pedestrian bridge connecting the plaza to the public swimming pool. Restoration of the existing riverside walk along the River Dalgan, the creation of a new circular walking route through the town and provision of a new cover and heating facilities at the public outdoor swimming pool have greatly improved the amenity offering of the town.

12.6 Béal an Mhuirthead (Tier II)

12.6.1 Location and Context

Béal an Mhuirthead is a coastal Gaeltacht town located in northwest Mayo, between Broadhaven Bay and Blacksod Bay at the entrance to the Mullet Peninsula. The town is situated along the Wild Atlantic Way and is well located for easy access to some of the most scenic areas in Ireland. The town is situated approximately 62km west of Ballina and 75km to the north-west of Castlebar.

The population of Béal an Mhuirthead has marginally increased over the last twenty years, from 954 persons in 1996 (Census figures) to 1,019 persons in 2016 (Census figures). The population of the town is the 12^th largest settlement in Mayo, the 60^th largest in the Western Region and the 276^th largest in the state. According to POWCAR 2016, the total number of jobs located within of Béal an Mhuirthead was 689. The labour catchment is the 28^th largest labour catchment in the Western Region with a resident ‘at work’ population of 1,751 and a job to work ratio of 1.735.

​​​​​​​12.6.2 Historical Context and Settlement Form

The Irish place name for Belmullet is Béal an Mhuirthead, which translates as “mouth of the Mullet Peninsula”. The origin’s if the town can be traced back to Arthur Shaen, who, in 1715, began to develop the town, when he was trying to create a new canal passageway from Blacksod bay into Broadhaven Bay. By the 1820’s, Béal an Mhuirthead begin to develop and prosper following the construction of a new road to Castlebar. The landlord, William Henry Carter, was very influential in the development of the town by improving its infrastructure, building the Erris Hotel and a quay, which could accommodate large vessels. The settlement quickly developed into the principle town in the barony of Erris. The structure of the town today is well defined, with retail and commercial uses primarily located within its town core, and with educational and community uses located on edge of town centre locations.

​​​​​​​12.6.3 Function and Vision

Béal an Mhuirthead is located in the Westport-Belmullet Municipal District. The town is recognised as the main service centre for the Northwest of Mayo. The function of Béal an Mhuirthead is to provide local residential, retail, services and community facilities to residents and the wider dispersed, rural hinterland. The town is also a designated Gaeltacht Service Town and the largest settlement within the Mayo Gaeltacht. Opportunity exists to increase the population of the town and enhance jobs and services, by consolidating growth within the existing urban footprint.

The Plan supports measures to provide local employment opportunities and an increase in services, together with measures to visually enhance the public realm and historic character and setting of this settlement. The plan also provides an opportunity to maximise the potential of the strategic location of Béal an Mhuirthead, as a Fáilte Ireland ‘Destination Town’ along the Wild Atlantic Way.

​​​​​​​12.6.4 Economic Development

The largest employment sectors in Béal an Mhuirthead according to the Census 2016 are the services sector and the education & social work sectors both accounting for 27.6%, which is higher than the state average for both sectors, 25.7% and 22.8% respectively. Manufacturing industries (10.9%) and ICT and professional services (8.3%) are the third and fourth largest employment sectors, respectively. The town is well served by Údaras na Gaeltachta, which has a business park accommodating many indigenous firms. Údaras also has a state-of-the-art innovation and digital hub. The economic profile of the town is further supplemented by tourism, hotels, large comparison shops, convenience shops and several independent traders. Potential exists in the town centre in the form of the appropriate development of undeveloped lands and the re-use of existing vacant buildings, to further enhance the convenience and comparison retail offer.

​​​​​​​12.6.5 Social Infrastructure

Béal an Mhuirthead also has numerous community, sporting and social clubs. Sports and recreational facilities in the town environs comprise of a tidal swimming pool, MUGA. pier, links golf course, GAA pitches, soccer pitches, a handball alley, and children’s playgrounds. Áras Inis Gluaire /Erris Arts Centre is Ireland’s only bilingual arts centre. It provides a cultural, social, economic and educational service, via the medium of the arts, for and on behalf of the Erris community.

​​​​​​​12.6.6 Physical Infrastructure

Béal an Mhuirthead is served by an existing municipal wastewater treatment plant (2,500PE) and a water supply from the Erris Regional water supply scheme, which is sourced from Carrowmore Lake. There is sufficient capacity in this infrastructure for the projected population increase, as set out in the Core Strategy.

The town is mainly served by the R313 regional route, which intersects with the R314 regional route serving the north coast and the N59 national secondary route in Bangor. The Belmullet Aerodrome is located 3.7 km west of the town. Béal an Mhuirthead benefits from fibre optic broadband infrastructure know as Metropolitan Area Network (MAN) capable of delivering virtually unlimited bandwidth. The town has also been selected as a location for the provision of free outdoor public Wi- Fi hotspots under the European Commission Wifi4EU scheme. This will provide free Wi-Fi for visitors and local residents in the town and hinterland, helping to bring about a digitally connected Mayo.

​​​​​​​12.6.7 Heritage and Tourism

There are two protected structures in Béal an Mhuirthead, namely Tallagh House and the Church of Ireland, however, there are many more structures included in the NIAH, all of which contribute to the sense of place and character of the town. Mayo County Council have identified Local Biodiversity Areas within the plan area of the town.

Béal an Mhuirthead due to its scenic and coastal location, is a popular tourist destination. The town was also awarded Tourism Destination Town Status by Fáilte Ireland. There are numerous Blue Flag beaches within the area. A strong tradition of fishing prevails and Béal an Mhuirthead Harbour is a focal point for visiting fishermen and locals alike. This plan seeks to encourage appropriate development within the town to facilitate and support its tourism potential.

The town has a very distinctive and strong cultural and linguistic heritage, and this combined with its role as a tourism is one of the main drivers behind economic growth in the town and region into the future. Béal an Mhuirthead also has a rich history as a market town and facilitates many heritage and craft events such as the Erris Agricultural/Heritage Show.

​​​​​​​12.6.8 Sustainable Communities

Béal an Mhuirthead provides an attractive place to live, is rich in heritage, natural beauty and amenity. The town plays an important economic, social and cultural role for its inhabitants and the wider hinterland. It has good community stakeholder engagement and an active Tidy Towns committee. Building on this, the Plan supports Béal an Mhuirthead’s transition to a low carbon town through Sustainable Energy Community Belmullet. Works include energy efficiency in buildings, installation of renewable technology, distributive grid and smart grid technology. To help sustainable communities, a strong emphasis is placed on building communities with a high standard of design, on the principles of place-making, green infrastructure, permeability and connectivity alongside the integration of community and recreation facilities and supporting community-led projects. In this regard, a number of Town Centre Opportunity Sites have been identified to encourage development within the town centre.

​​​​​​​12.6.9 Sustainable Travel

The private car is the primary mode of transport at 79.14%, which is substantially above the national average (61.40%). In terms of public transport, less than 1% use public transport, which can be attributed to the geographical location of the Béal an Mhuirthead in northwest. The town is located on the daily bus route between Béal an Mhuirthead and Ballina, and private bus operators and a local community bus service operated by the Mayo Local Link serves the town and the surrounding hinterlands. The Council is keen to promote and support the development of public transport initiatives in keeping with the principles of Smarter Travel.

The number of people who walk to their place of work, study and other services in town is above thenational average (9.3%). According to 2016 POWCAR, 10.95% of the daily population walk. However, use of cycling as a sustainable mode of travel is less than 1%, compared to the national average (3%). Mayo County Council promotes and supports the development of increased cycling in the town, including the provision of new or retrofitted infrastructure and adherence to DMURS guidance standards.

​​​​​​​12.6.10 Placemaking and Regeneration

The main priority, in terms of placemaking, is the appropriate protection and enhancement of the built environment in the town centre, including consolidation and support of existing businesses, in order to maintain vibrancy. Béal an Mhuirthead, as a Destination Town, has secured funding for public realm enhancement works. A public realm plan would provide a planned approach to inform enhancement works in the town centre. The town has also been successful under the Town and Village Renewal Scheme for the provision of covered outdoor spaces for community purposes, which will contribute to a sense of place.

12.7 ​​​​​​​​​​​​​​Claremorris (Tier II)

​​​​​​​12.7.1 Location and Context

Claremorris is located in southeast Mayo at the intersection of the N17 and N60 national routes and within close proximity to a number of large urban centres such as Castlebar, Ballinrobe, Ballyhaunis and Tuam. The town also lies on the Dublin-Westport railway line and provides a wide range of services and amenities to a significant rural hinterland.

The population of Claremorris has nearly doubled in size (92%) over the last twenty years, from 1,914 persons in 1996 (Census figures) to 3,687 persons in 2016 (Census figures). Claremorris is the 4^th largest settlement in Mayo, the 18^th largest in the Western Region and the 108^th largest in the state. According to POWCAR 2016, the total number of jobs located within Claremorris was 1,411. The Claremorris labour catchment is the 19^th largest labour catchment in the Western Region with a resident ‘at work’ population of 2,871 and a job to work ratio of 0.906.

​​​​​​​12.7.2 Historical Context and Settlement Form

The town was founded during the late 17th century and early 18th century. The basic linear pattern of the town with its distinctive market square around which the town has grown was already established by the late eighteenth century. The opening of the railway in 1863 strengthened the role of Claremorris and the railway heritage of this era is a distinctive feature of the town.

​​​​​​​12.7.3 Function and Vision

Claremorris is located in the Claremorris–Swinford Municipal District. The town is recognised as the main service centre in the southeast of the county and is therefore an important economic driver for the region. Mayo County Council promotes the consolidation of growth within the established footprint of the town in conjunction with regeneration, public realm enhancement, while supporting local employment and the expansion of services to meet the needs of residents and visitors. It is envisioned that Claremorris, along with the Ballyhaunis and Ballinrobe can form a Growth Cluster in South Mayo to harness their combined strengths to contribute towards the consolidation of the Atlantic Economic Corridor.

​​​​​​​12.7.4 Economic Development

The main employment sectors in the town according to Census 2016 (POWCAR) is the Services Sector (28.6%), followed by Education, Human Health and Social Work (23.2%) and Manufacturing Industries (12.9%). The town is well served in terms of convenience and comparison shopping, with three of the major supermarket chains located in or close to the town centre. There are two retail parks located along the old Ballindine Road. Potential exists in the town centre in the form of appropriately located undeveloped lands, to further enhance the convenience and comparison retail offer.​​​​​​​

12.7.5 Social Infrastructure

Claremorris serves as the retail centre and employment base for a larger rural catchment area and provides a range of services, social amenities and community facilities, including a hotel, library, swimming pool, Town Hall, two national schools, two secondary schools and numerous sporting and social clubs. Located to the south of the town are the Clare and Mayfield Loughs and the looped walk at McMahon Park, which constitute valuable natural amenities and visitor attractions for the town.

12.7.6 Physical Infrastructure

Claremorris is served by the N17 and N60 national routes and has direct rail links to Dublin, and a potential future rail links along the Western Rail Corridor. It is located within a thirty-minute drive of Ireland West Airport Knock and has fibre optic broadband infrastructure (Metropolitan Area Network) available. Claremorris is served by an existing municipal wastewater treatment plant (5,333PE) and has a water supply from the Lough Mask regional water supply scheme. Works by Irish Water to increase the capacity of the municipal wastewater treatment plant (7,900PE) are expected to be completed in 2023, which will provide sufficient capacity for the projected population increase, as set out in the Core Strategy.

​​​​​​​12.7.7 Heritage and Tourism

The built heritage of the town is best reflected in the linear street pattern leading to the central square which gives the town its market town atmosphere. There are a number of protected structures (RPS) and historic structures of significance (NIAH) in the town, which greatly contribute to the urban structure and sense of place in the town. The recent development of McMahon Park Loop Walk around Mayfield and Clare Loughs has significantly enhanced the public amenity provision in Claremorris. These amenities have greatly increased the public awareness of the high-quality natural environment and biodiversity that exists on the edges of the urban core. Habitat mapping and a local Biodiversity Action Plan have been completed for Claremorris, which identifies areas of local biodiversity importance in the town.

The attractiveness and potential of Claremorris as a standalone tourist destination and as a base from which to further explore the wider region has developed significantly in the recent years. The recently constructed hotels in the town and the development of the McMahon Loop Walk have been a success in attracting visitors and raising the tourism profile of Claremorris and this strategy aims to consolidate and build on this success.

​​​​​​​12.7.8 Sustainable Communities

Claremorris provides an attractive place to live, and is rich in heritage, natural beauty and amenity. The town plays an important economic, social and cultural role for the inhabitants of the town itself and the wider hinterland. The town also has good community stakeholder engagement and an active Tidy Towns committee. The Plan supports Claremorris’s transition to a low carbon town, noting that a community-led project by the Claremorris and Western District Energy Co-Operative, were successful in obtaining planning and financial support for a solar renewable energy project at Streamstown, Claremorris. The cooperative, which is focused on developing renewable energy projects, is a member of Community Power, Ireland’s first community-owned renewable electricity supplier. To help create sustainable communities, a strong emphasis is placed on building communities with a high standard of design, the principles of place-making, green infrastructure, permeability and connectivity, alongside the integration of community and recreation facilities. In this regard, a number of Town Centre Opportunity Sites have been identified to encourage development within the town centre.

​​​​​​​12.8 Swinford (Tier II)

12.8.1 Location and Context

Swinford is located in east Mayo adjacent to the intersection of the N5 and N26 national routes, on a tributary of the River Moy, the Derryonan River which runs through the town. The N5 lies to the south and the N26 runs through the centre and the town is located less than 30km northeast and southeast of Castlebar and Ballina, respectively. Swinford is located along the disused Western Rail Corridor.

The population of Swinford has marginally increased over the last twenty years, from 1,386 persons in 1996 (Census figures) to 1,394 persons in 2016 (Census figures). Nevertheless, the population of the town has decreased by 7% since 2006, when the population stood at 1,507 persons (Census figures). The population of the town is the 7^th largest settlement in Mayo, the 43^rd largest in the Western Region and the 217^th largest in the state. According to POWCAR 2016, the total number of jobs located within Swinford was 926. The Swinford labour catchment is the 37^th largest labour catchment in the Western Region with a resident ‘at work’ population of 1,118 and a job to work ratio of 2.332.

​​​​​​​12.8.2 History and Settlement Form

The origin of Swinford is attributed to a ford crossing the river. The present-day settlement form is attributed to the Brabazon family, who planned the town on their estate. The demesne known as Brabazon Woods is part of the original estate and is a popular amenity in the town. The opening of the railway in the late 19^th century strengthened the role of Swinford and the railway heritage of this era is a distinct feature of the town. The urban fabric of Swinford is historically rich, including key buildings which have been conserved and maintained for modern uses.

​​​​​​​12.8.3 Function and Vision

Swinford is located in the Claremorris–Swinford Municipal District. The town is the established administrative, commercial and service centre for a considerable hinterland in this part of the county. There are a number of significant employers in the public and private sector, including in the areas of healthcare and pharmaceuticals. Mayo County Council promotes the consolidation of growth within the established footprint of the town in conjunction with regeneration, public realm enhancement, while supporting local employment and the expansion of services to meet the needs of residents and visitors. Opportunities exists for Swinford to develop in a sustainable manner by reason of its close proximity to Ireland West Airport Knock and its location within the Atlantic Economic Corridor region.​​​​​​​

12.8.4 Economic Development

The largest employment sector in the Swinford labour catchment according to the Census 2016 is the Services Sector (34.6%), followed by Education, Human Health and Social Work (25.8%), ICT and Professional Services (14.2%) and Manufacturing Industries (11.9%). The town is well served in terms of convenience and comparison shopping with a major supermarket chain located on the southern edge of the town centre, a smaller supermarket in the town centre and a variety of independent traders in the town core. There is a Chamber of Commerce in Swinford who actively work towards the long-term sustainability of local business growth and development of the local economy in thetown.

Mayo County Council and the Western Development Commission (WDC) are working in collaboration to deliver “DigiWest”, a rural digital working hub network. The Council have selected the former courthouse in Swinford as the first digital hub under this project, with funding under the RRDF. The aim of this hub network is to provide a resource to local entrepreneurs, workers and communities in providing workspace with high-speed telecommunications capacity along the AEC.

12.8.5 Social Infrastructure

Swinford is the retail centre and employment base for a larger rural catchment area and provides a range of services, social amenities and community facilities. These include a library, District Garda Headquarters, a district hospital, a post office, medical centres, a cultural centre, pre-school, primary school, secondary school, churches, banks, a Credit Union, enterprise centre, retail shops, public houses and a hotel. Swinford has numerous social and sporting clubs, amenity walks and a golf course.

​​​​​​​12.8.6 Physical Infrastructure

Swinford is served by the N5 and N26 national roads. The town also has direct bus links to Dublin, is located within fifteen-minute drive of Ireland West Airport Knock and has VDSLC broadband (Very high-speed Digital Subscriber Line) available. Swinford is served by an existing municipal wastewater treatment plant (6,500PE) and a public water supply sourced from the Carrowcanada Spring. There is sufficient capacity in this infrastructure to cater for the projected population increase as set out in the Core Strategy. Swinford has been selected as a location for the provision of free outdoor public Wi-Fi hotspots under the European Commission Wifi4EU scheme. This will provide free Wi-Fi for visitors and local residents in the town and hinterland, helping to bring about a digitally connected Mayo.

12.8.7 Heritage and Tourism

There are a number of protected structures (RPS) and historic structures of significance in the town, which greatly contribute to the urban structure and sense of place. The protection, promotion and enhancement of the built and natural heritage of the town and its immediate environs is promoted in this plan. This includes the enhancement of features and areas considered unique and important and the protection of watercourses, while enhancing the accessibility and amenity value of same. These are measures which will also increase the tourist potential of the area. Mayo County Council have also identified local biodiversity areas in Swinford and have recently prepared a Local Biodiversity Area Plan for the town.

Swinford is renowned for its fishing waters in particular the Callow lakes which yield excellent brown trout. Pony trekking and nature walks are among the many activities on offer to the visitor, along with a wealth of archaeological sites within walking distance. The Brabazon Woodlands is an important amenity for the residents and visitors to the town.​​​​​​​

12.8.8 Sustainable Communities

Swinford provides an attractive place to live, is rich in heritage, natural beauty and amenity. The town plays an important economic, social and cultural role for the inhabitants of the town itself and the wider hinterland. Swinford has an active Town Towns committee and many other organisations that contribute to the community of the town. The Plan supports community-led initiatives to transition to a low carbon town, including the formation of community power company, similar to Claremorris. To help create sustainable communities, a strong emphasis is placed on building communities with a high standard of design, on the principles of place-making, green infrastructure, permeability and connectivity alongside the integration of community and recreation facilities and supporting community-led projects. In this regard, a number of Town Centre Opportunity Sites have been identified to encourage development within the town centre.

​​​​​​​12.9 Balla (Tier III)

​​​​​​​12.9.1 Location and Context

The town of Balla is located on the N60 national route, approximately 13km southeast of Castlebar and northwest of Claremorris. Balla is the 14^th largest settlement in Mayo. The population of the town has more than doubled (143%) over the last twenty years, from 316 persons in 1996 (Census figures) to 769 persons in 2016 (Census figures). The focus of the settlement plan is to encourage job creation and population growth within the built-up footprint of the town, combined with service provision and attracting investment into the town.

​​​​​​​12.9.2 Historical Context and Settlement Form

Balla was originally known as Ros-Dairbhreach, the Oak Grove, and got its present name in the 7^th Century from its association with St. Cronin. The town has developed north of the railway line and station in a linear form along the N60, with one wide main street and a local road providing access east of Main Street. Balla maintains a village character, however, there have been a number of housing developments constructed on the northern outskirts of the town, towards Castlebar. The structure of the town is well defined, with retail and commercial uses primarily located within its town core. Housing developments have been constructed along ‘an Straid Mhor’ Road beside St. Cronans Church and Balla primary school and an opportunity exists to consolidate development, by strengthening physical linkages between existing residential areas and the town centre and encouraging infill development, over the shop development, redevelopment, or occupancy of vacant properties.

12.9.3 Function and Vision

Balla is located in the Castlebar Municipal District and functions primarily as a commuter town for larger urban centres, particularly Castlebar, which has influenced its rate of expansion. Balla provides a range of services and facilities to meet the daily needs of the local population. Consolidated growth within the development footprint, regeneration, supporting local employment, expansion of services to meet the needs of residents and visitors, together with measures to visually enhance the public realm will be key in realising the potential of Balla as a Tier III Self-Sustaining Town.

​​​​​​​12.9.4 Economic Development

Balla provides a range of medium to small retail outlets, as well as public houses and restaurants. Balla Mushrooms is a large-scale mushroom producer and employer in the area, while Balla Livestock Mart is located north of the town along the N60 attracting farmers into the town. Opportunities exist for the town to enhance its retail offer and the Council will look favourably upon the re-use of existing, vacant buildings in the town core for appropriate uses, such as local level convenience shopping in the town.

12.9.5 ​​​​​​​​​​​​​​Social Infrastructure

Balla provides a range of services, social and community facilities, including a post office, pre-school, primary school, secondary school, community centre, parish hall, church, salons, a pharmacy, medical centre, community centre, retail outlets, restaurants and public houses.

Balla also has numerous community groups, a strong community council and Tidy Towns committee and has benefited from the Community Futures Action Planning Process. South West Mayo Development Company is located in Balla and has developed numerous community-based programmes for the town. Balla won the national Pride of Place award in the 300-1000 population category in 2018. It is home to numerous sporting and social clubs along with recreational facilities. Sports and recreational facilities in the town include the town park, the GAA club, golf course with pitch and putt and children’s playground.

12.9.6 Physical Infrastructure

Balla is located on the N60, which directly connects the town to the large urban centres of Castlebar and Ballina. The town is served by an existing municipal wastewater treatment plant (1,200PE) and a water supply from the Lough Mask Regional Public Water Scheme. There is sufficient capacity in this infrastructure to accommodate additional population increases in the town over the plan period. The town has high speed broadband and has been selected as a location for the provision of free outdoor public Wi-Fi hotspots under the European Commission Wifi4EU scheme. This will provide free Wi-Fi for visitors and residents in the town and hinterland, helping to bring about a digitally connected Mayo.

​​​​​​​12.9.7 Heritage and Tourism

Balla’s built heritage consists of its planned form, protected structures (2), record monuments (12) and local vernacular buildings, all of which are reflective of the historical development, sense of place and character of the town. Mayo County Council has identified ‘Local Biodiversity Areas’ in the town, which includes a strategy for the management of local biodiversity. The Balla Tower is one the main tourist assets in the town. The town park is another amenity available to residents and visitors alike. Balla is a base for many of Mayo’s tourist assets and products, with the Balla Tower to Ballintubber Walk forming part of the Croagh Patrick Heritage Trail.

​​​​​​​12.9.8 Sustainable Communities

Balla provides an attractive place to live and is rich in heritage and amenity. Community development is a core ethos amongst residents and there are many community organisations and groups which deliver programmes to enhance the town as a place to live and visit, for example a Community Futures Action Plan (2017 -2022) has been prepared for the town. Balla is located along the main daily bus route between Castlebar and Galway. A local community bus service operated by the Mayo Local Link also serves the town and the surrounding hinterlands. The County Council is keen to promote and support the development of public transport initiatives in keeping with the principles of Smarter Travel.

The development strategy for Balla is to facilitate compact growth and re-populate the town core, together with providing a viable alternative to single rural housing within the surrounding countryside. New residential development will focus on compact growth to encourage a modal shift to more sustainable modes of transport such as walking and cycling. Stronger connections andlinkagesbetween residential settlements and the town centre is important in ensuring sustainable communities. A strong emphasis will be placed on the principles of green infrastructure, permeability and connectivity, alongside the integration of community and recreation facilities to assist with developing sustainable communities. It is necessary to consolidate and ensure the delivery of sustainable communities in Balla by accommodation a mix of housing types, densities, tenure and a high standard of design.

12.10 Charlestown (Tier III)

12.10.1 Location and Context

Charlestown is located in northeast Mayo, adjacent to the N17 and N5 national routes and on the Mayo/Sligo border. It is situated approximately 50km northeast of Castlebar, approximately 9km north of Ireland West Airport Knock (IWAK) and is linked to Bellaghy to the north, which is in County Sligo. Charlestown is the 11^th largest settlement in Mayo; however, this figure includes Bellaghy. The Charlestown labour catchment has a resident ‘at work’ population of 962, and a job to work ratio of 0.739. The population of the town has significantly increased (53%) over the last twenty years, from 675 persons in 1996 (Census figures) to 1,033 persons in 2016 (Census figures). The focus of the settlement plan is encouraging job creation and population growth within the built-up footprint of the town, combined with service provision and attracting investment into the town.

12.10.2 Historical Context and Settlement Form

Charlestown is the youngest town in County Mayo and dates back to 1846 when the first house was built on what was previously bog with stepping-stones to the town of Bellaghy. The town is a planned town with wide streets and a central location for trading. The River Mullaghanoe is located on the western boundary of the town, which has developed to the east of the river. The structure of the town is well defined, with retail and commercial uses primarily located within its town core, and educational and other community uses generally on the outskirts.

​​​​​​​12.10.3 Function and Vision

Charlestown is located in the Claremorris-Swinford Municipal District. The town functions as a market town and local service centre, providing retail, residential, service and amenity functions for the local population and wider rural hinterland. The strategic location of Charlestown, along the AEC and proximity to IWAK and its economic SDZ, presents opportunities in terms of population growth, enterprise and employment opportunities. The plan supports measures to support local employment opportunities and an increase in services, together with measures to visually enhance the public realm, which will be key in realising the potential of Charlestown as a Tier III Self-Sustaining Town.

​​​​​​​12.10.4 Economic Development

The main employment sectors in the town according to Census 2016 are Education, Human Health and Social Work (27.5%), followed by the Services Sector (24.4%), and Manufacturing Industries (13.8%). The town is well served in terms of convenience and comparison shopping, with a range of medium to small retail outlets, as well as public houses and restaurants which provide a range of employment. The Westpoint Business Centre also provides space for start-ups and enterprise hubs.

​​​​​​​12.10.5 Social Infrastructure

Charlestown provides a range of services, social and community facilities, including a garda station, library, outdoor swimming pool, arts centre, town hall, post office, medical centre, pre-school, primary school, secondary school, Roman Catholic church, retail outlets, restaurants and public houses. Charlestown has numerous community, sporting and social clubs. Sports and recreational facilities in the town include the GAA club, Multi Use Games Area and children’s playground in the town park.

A new municipal wastewater treatment plant (3,250PE) is planned for Charlestown with an expected completion date of 2020/2021, while Charlestown’s drinking water is sourced from a well at Tombohola outside the town. The town is located along the main daily bus routes between Ballina and Dublin Airport and Galway and Derry. A local community bus service operated by the Mayo Local Link serves the town and the surrounding hinterlands. The town is located on the north-south axis of the disused Western Rail Corridor linking Mayo with Sligo. The County Council continues to promote and support the development of public transport initiatives in keeping with the principles of Smarter Travel.

​​​​​​​12.10.7 Heritage and Tourism

Charlestown is a planned town with wide streets lending to the design and aesthetic of the town. The Mullaghanoe River is the main natural asset, which is part of the River Moy SAC. Along the river there is an informal riverside walk. Charlestown contains protected structures (2) and recorded monuments (7), which contribute to its sense of place. Knock Shrine, and Ireland West Airport Knock are in close proximity to Charlestown. Potential exists for the development of tourist accommodation for visitors travelling to and from these locations.

​​​​​​​12.10.8 Sustainable Communities

A Community Futures Action Plan (2015-2020) has been prepared for Charlestown. The development strategy for Charlestown is to facilitate compact growth and re-population of the town core, together with providing a viable alternative to single rural housing within the surrounding countryside. Settlement patterns play a fundamental role in influencing how people travel, both the distances undertaken and the modal choice. The provision of sustainable mobility options is only realistic for the town when development patterns locate populations close to employment centres and complementary services such as education, retail, leisure and community facilities.

Stronger linkages between the existing residential settlements and the town centre are important in ensuring sustainable communities. New residential development must focus on compact growth, in order to encourage a modal shift to more sustainable modes of transport such as walking and cycling. A strong emphasis will be placed on the principles of green infrastructure, permeability and connectivity, alongside the integration of community and recreation facilities to assist with developing sustainable communities. It is necessary to consolidate and ensure the delivery of sustainable communities in Charlestown comprising of a mix of housing types, densities and tenure of a high standard of design.

12.10.9 Place Making and Regeneration

The town square area located on the junctions of the N5 and N17 routes provides the focus for a wide range of activities that contribute to a sense of place and identity. Enhancement works would revitalise the town centre and provide social and environmental benefits to the local community and visitors to the town. There is potential for better use of under-utilised lands, vacant sites and buildings within the existing built-up footprint of Charlestown to drive the delivery of quality housing, services and employment opportunities, in tandem with supporting social infrastructure. Opportunities such as the further development of the river walk along the River Mullaghanoe, protection of the handball alley and Fairgreen, and appropriate planting, paving and lighting are supported by Mayo County Council.

​​​​​​​12.11 Crossmolina (Tier III)

​​​​​​​12.11.1 Location and Context

Crossmolina is situated on the Deel River, along the northern shores of Lough Conn, approximately 9 km west of Ballina. The town is located at the intersection of the N59 and the R315, a location from which there is ease of access to some of the most scenic places in Ireland, including Lough Conn, the Nephin Mountains and Ballycroy National Park. Crossmolina is the 2^nd largest town in north Mayo and the 10^th largest settlement in Mayo. The population of the town has marginally decreased (5.3%) over the last twenty years, from 1,103 persons in 1996 (Census figures) to 1,044 persons in 2016 (Census figures).

​​​​​​​12.11.2 History Context and Settlement Form

Crossmolina derives its name from the Irish Crois Ui Mhaoiliona meaning “Cross of Mullany.” This name is said to be in memory of O’ Maolfhiona, a chieftain of the ancient rulers of Clan Fiachra. The parliamentary Gazetts compiled in the 1840’s refers to Crossmolina as a market and post town with a population of 1,481 persons in 1831 and 1,672 in 1841, respectively. In terms of form, the town has developed on both the eastern and western banks of the River Deel, resulting in a split urban core. The eastern banks are loosely defined by the junction of Ballina Street and Mullinamore Street and the western banks are loosely defined by the junction of Church Street and Erris Road. The street layout of Crossmolina reflects the historical pattern of growth since the early 19^th century configuration. This morphology is characterised by strong built edges and varying plot widths. In more recent times, the town has expanded in a linear form, along all approach roads, but most especially along the Ballina Road.

​​​​​​​12.11.3 Function and Vision

Crossmolina is situated within the Ballina Municipal District. The town functions primarily as a service town and provides a range of services and facilities to meet the needs of the local population. Crossmolina provides important local level retailing, social and leisure functions to the wider hinterland. The vision for Crossmolina is to enhance the level of jobs, services and residential development, through consolidated growth within the existing urban footprint. This will involve supporting regeneration of existing vacant buildings and under-utilised sites, to provide residential, local services and employment opportunities. In addition, the plan supports measures to visually enhance the public realm, the historic character and the setting of Crossmolina.

​​​​​​​12.11.4 Economic Development

The main employment sector in Crossmolina is the service sector, in particular retail outlets. The town is well served in terms of convenience and comparison shopping, with two medium sized supermarkets located on the eastern and western sides of the River Deel. These are supplemented by a number of independent traders. Opportunities exist for the town to enhance its retail offering. In this regard, Mayo County Council will look favourably upon the re-use of existing vacant buildings in the town core for local level convenience and comparison shopping, including tourism/niche comparison outlets.

​​​​​​​12.11.5 Social Infrastructure

Community services within and close to Crossmolina include a national school, two secondary schools. St. Tiernan’s College also provides adult education courses in the form of PLCs. Other services available in the town include a town hall, library, childcare facilities, playground, banks, post office, medical centre, tourist office, garda station and sporting and recreational facilities. In recent years there have been a number of positive developments in the town, including a new MUGA and the creation of a linear park and boardwalk along the banks of the Deel, in the town centre. There is community- built light industrial units located in proximity to the Ballina Road, one of which is currently occupied by the Real Deel Craft Brewery, a brand which is gradually raising the national profile of Crossmolina.

​​​​​​​12.11.6 Physical Infrastructure

Crossmolina is served by the N59 and R315 road network, which directly connects the town to the large urban centres of Ballina and Castlebar. It is served by an existing municipal wastewater treatment plant (3,150PE) and a water supply from the Lough Conn and Tobermore Well and there is sufficient capacity in this infrastructure to accommodate additional population increases in the town over the plan period. The town has high speed broadband and has been selected as a location for the provision of free outdoor public Wi-Fi hotspots under the European Commission Wifi4EU scheme. This will provide free Wi-Fi for visitors and residents in the town and hinterland, helping to bring about a digitally connected Mayo. In recent times Crossmolina has come to national attention due to incidences of flooding and a Flood Relief Scheme by the OPW is currently planned for the town and will be constructed over the lifetime of the plan.

​​​​​​​12.11.7 Heritage and Tourism

There are two protected structures in Crossmolina, namely St. Tiernan’s Church and the Church of Ireland. There are many more historic structures which contribute to the sense of place and character of the town. The town also has a rich industrial heritage as a result of its links with the former Bord na Mona peat fuelled power plant at Bellacorrick. The built heritage in the town constitutes a valuable tourist resource. In terms of natural heritage, Mayo County Council have identified Local Biodiversity Areas within the plan area of the town and have set out a strategy for management of biodiversity at a local level. The new a linear park and boardwalk along the banks of the Deel is an important, local amenity. In terms of tourism, owing to its strategic location on the River Deel, proximity to Lough Conn, the Nephin Beg Mountain range, and the Erris Peninsula, Crossmolina has considerable potential for tourism development.

​​​​​​​12.11.8 Sustainable Communities

The compact form of the centre of Crossmolina combined with the range of retail, commercial and leisure services provided within this core, offers opportunities to accommodate the future needs of the town in a consolidated fashion. The delivery of sustainable communities will involve the re-use and regeneration of derelict and vacant buildings within the town centre and the provision of a mix of housing types and densities of high-quality design on infill and brownfield sites, moving out from the centre. Provision is made for the identification and provision of serviced sites within the town to provide opportunities for people to build their own home.

​​​​​​​12.12 Foxford (Tier III)

​​​​​​​12.12.1 Location and Context

Foxford is located in north-east Mayo, at the intersection of the N26 and N58 national routes, on the River Moy, approximately 16 km south of Ballina. Foxford is the 8^th largest settlement in Mayo and the population of the town has significantly increased (39.3%) over the last twenty years, from 944 persons in 1996 (Census figures) to 1,315 persons in 2016 (Census figures).

​​​​​​​12.12.2 History and Settlement Form

Foxford is located on the site of an ancient settlement that grew around a crossing point on the River Moy. The current town dates from 1683 when John Bingham, MP for Mayo, first took out a patent for 4 fairs and a market for a new plantation of English and Scottish settlers, on the east bank of the river. This is reflected in the existing settlement form, with the town centre and commercial core located on the eastern side of the river while, west of the river is almost exclusively residential in nature. Historically Foxford is renowned as the birthplace of Admiral William Browne (1777-1859). Admiral Brown founded the Argentinian Navy and there is an exhibition centre dedicated to his life and achievements in the town today.

The modern town of Foxford is inextricably linked with and shaped by the fortunes of the Providence Woollen Mills. The Woollen Mills were the principal employer and a significant contributor to the built form, social activity and cultural aspects in the town, from the late 19^th to the late 20^th century. The development of the town beyond the core area in modern times has extended along the main approach roads, with housing developments located along the Ballina Road, the Swinford Road and the R318 local road, leading to the Train Station. The opening of an inner-relief road in the 2002, connecting the Swinford Road to the southern section of Main Street, has greatly lessened traffic congestion and has presented development opportunities to the rear of the commercial core.

​​​​​​​12.12.3 Function and Vision

Foxford functions as a vibrant employment and service centre for the population of the town itself and the wider hinterland. The town draws tourists and visitors attracted by angling on the River Moy and the unique industrial heritage of the town. The vision for Foxford is to enhance the attractiveness of the town centre as aplaceto live, work and visit, while simultaneously developing the town’s heritage and tourism assets.

​​​​​​​12.12.4 Economic Development

A former industrial town, Foxford has shifted its focus of employment to newer industries and tourism centred around the industrial heritage of the town and angling on the River Moy. Employment in Foxford is dominated by O’ Hara’s Bakery located on the western outskirts of the town. Other smaller scale employers in the town include CPAC Foods and the Foxford Woollen Mills Visitor Centre. Convenience retail in the town is catered for by two appropriately sized supermarkets in the town centre.

Foxford is the retail centre and employment base for a larger, rural catchment area and provides a range of services, social amenities and community facilities, including a national and secondary school, childcare facilities, a playground, hotel, post office, leisure centre, shops, restaurants, food outlets, public houses and a range of community, voluntary, arts and sporting clubs.

​​​​​​​12.12.6 Physical Infrastructure

Foxford is served by the N26 and N58 national road network, which directly connects the town to the large urban centres of Ballina and Castlebar, respectively. The town is served by an existing municipal wastewater treatment plant, which was recently upgraded by Irish Water to increase its capacity (1,360 PE to 3,500PE). The water supply serving the town is drawn from Lough Muck. The upgrade works to the wastewater treatment plant ensures there will be sufficient capacity to accommodate additional population increase in the town. Foxford is also served by rail and a regular bus service. Foxford experiences regular flood events in recent years and appropriate measures need to be examined to manage this flood risk for the town, in order for it to develop in a consolidated fashion.

​​​​​​​12.12.7 Heritage and Tourism

The history and heritage of Foxford, both built and natural, are inextricably linked with the form and function of the existing settlement. There are four protected structures in Foxford, namely the Foxford bridge, St. Mary and Michael’s R.C. Church, Church of Ireland and St. Mary’s Convent. There are many other historic buildings and structures in the town, which contribute to the sense of place and character. The consolidation and revitalisation of the town core will strengthen the historic character of the town and enhance the tourist experience. The River Moy divides the town physically and attracts many visitors to the town each year. Considerable potential exists to improve access to the river within the town in conjunction with the relevant environmental agencies, thereby, building on its amenity value for both locals and visitors.​​​​​​​

12.12.8 Sustainable Communities

The development strategy for the town is to support revitalisation and repopulation of the town centre, by encouraging the reuse of existing vacant or derelict buildings and identifying sites for new residential and/or mixed-use developments that will respect the character and form of the existing core. It is part of the strategy to identify serviced sites within the built-up footprint of the settlement, for the provision of residential development at appropriate locations. Mayo County Council supports increased cycling and walking in the town and other community-led programmes, including the Foxford Community Action Plan (or any superseding version), to meet the needs of the town and contribute to a low carbon energy efficient Foxford.

​​​​​​​12.12.9 Placemaking and Regeneration

The placemaking strategy for Foxford builds on the way the town currently functions as both a residential settlement and as an employment and service provider, while also functioning as an attractive and unique tourist destination, centred around the natural and built environment and the industrial heritage of the town. This can be achieved by revitalising and rejuvenating the core area identification of enhancement works both centrally and beyond, designed to provide identification enhancement works both centrally and beyond, designed to provide social and environmental benefits to the local community and visitors alike. In addition, this involves the identification of opportunity sites within or close to the town core capable of accommodating residential developments of a suitable scale and density. In determining the location and extent of such sites, cognisance is taken of the flooding issues that currently impact the settlement.

​​​​​​​12.12.10 Opportunity Sites

Five Opportunity Sites have been identified for Foxford (Refer to Map):

Opportunity Site 1

Comprises of the back lands to the rear of the existing commercial properties along Lower Main Street and is bounded by Morrogh Bernard Road.

Opportunity Site 2

Located off Morrogh Bernard Road along Admiral Brown Road and is bounded to the north by Chapel Road properties/Church.

Opportunity Site 3

Located off both Morrogh Bernard and Admiral Brown Roads and adjoins Sliabh Rua estate to the south-east.

Opportunity Site 4

Located on Chapel Street, northern boundary abuts rear boundaries of properties fronting Providence Road.

Opportunity Site 5

Located on St Patricks Terrace, western boundary adjoins Sacred Heart National School.

These sites have been identified in Foxford for residential purposes to further contribute to the rejuvenation and revitalisation close to and within the town centre. Proposals for development within the opportunity sites should be accompanied by a site brief and should comply with national guidelines that seek to achieve sustainable compact development and to integrate principles of good urban design and placemaking.

​​​​​​​12.13.1 Location and Context

Killala is a coastal town in north Mayo, along the R314 regional route linking Ballina to Ballycastle. It is situated approximately 13km north of Ballina overlooking Killala Bay. Killala is the 16^th largest settlement in Mayo. The population of the town has gradually decreased (14.5%) over the last twenty years, from 657 persons in 1996 (Census figures) to 562 persons in 2016 (Census figures). The focus of the settlement plan is to encourage job creation and population growth within the built-up footprint of the town, combined with increased service provision and attracting investment into thetown.

​​​​​​​12.13.2 History Context and Settlement Form

The name Killala is derived from the Irish ‘Cill Ala’, meaning "the mottled church". The origins of Killala diocese date back to the time of St Patrick. In the year 442 AD, St Patrick appointed his disciple, St Muredach, to build a community in Killala, which has resulted in many fine archaeological sites and monuments remaining today, such as Rosserk Abbey, Moyne Abbey, Rathfran Abbey, Meelick Castle and Humberts Rock. The town is dominated by a round tower, which dates from the 12th century. The tower marks Killala’s historic distinction as an important centre of ecclesiastical politics. In the centre of the town is a Church of Ireland cathedral. It was built in 1670 immediately above the remains of an earlier Catholic cathedral. The adjoining graveyard has a 9th century “Souterrain”, an underground burial structure associated with the Atlantic Iron Age settlers. The street layout of Killala reflects its historical pattern and there are several cut-stone mill buildings which reflect its commercial past. Housing developments have been predominantly located along the approach roads to the town.

​​​​​​​12.13.3 Function and Vision

Killala is located in the Ballina Municipal District and is designated as a Self-Sustaining Tier III town, which functions as a commuter area primarily for Ballina. It functions as an important local service centre, providing retail, residential, service and amenity functions for locals and the rural hinterlands, while supporting the upper tier towns of the Settlement Hierarchy. Opportunity exists to enhance the level of employment and services in the town, given the established employment base and capitalising on developing Killala as a tourist base for local attractions. Opportunities exist for Killala for a data centre and/or renewable energy hub at the Killala Business Park. Consolidated growth within the development footprint, regeneration, supporting local employment, the expansion of services to meet the needs of residents and visitors together, along with measures to visually protect and enhance the public realm and historic character of this settlement will be key in realising the potential of Killala as a Self-Sustaining Growth Town.

12.13.4 Economic Development

The scale and range of commercial facilities in the town make it a significant centre of services and employment for the surrounding rural hinterland. Independent traders include a butcher, a chemist, a draper, confectioners, a petrol station with convenience shop and an Aurivo agri- store. Opportunity exists for the town to enhance its retail offer and the Council will look favourably upon the re-use of existing vacant buildings in the town core for local level convenience and comparison shopping, including tourism/niche comparison outlets.

Enterprise within the town is mainly in the services and light industrial sectors. Killala Precision Components, Killala Upholstery and Killala fish factories provide employment for the town. A supportive approach shall be adopted to promote the expansion of these activities and to further local employment. The Council will support the upgrade, retrofitting and enhancement of existing buildings, particularly in the context of achieving energy efficiency and reducing carbonfootprint.

12.13.5 Social Infrastructure

Community Services within and close to Killala include a national school and a community centre. Other services available in the town include a creche, post office, medical clinic, garda station and ATM. Killala has numerous community groups and a strong community council and has benefited from the Community Futures Action Planning Process. In recent years there have been a number of positive developments in the town including a MUGA.

​​​​​​​12.13.6 Physical Infrastructure

Killala is served by the R314 regional route which directly connects the town to Ballina. A new municipal wastewater treatment plant (3,155PE) has been operational for Killala since 2020. The new plant brings benefits to Killala, in terms of acting as a platform for social and economic development, increased population, health, integrity of the environment and improved water quality for all. Cleaner water will enhance the amenity value of the town and bay. Killala is served by the Ballina Regional Water Supply. Killala has good access to internet including broadband. The town is served by a regular daily bus service and the Council continues to promote and support the development of public transport initiatives in keeping with the principles of Smarter Travel.

12.13.7 Heritage and Tourism

Killala has a rich and diverse built heritage, containing protected structures (6); recorded monuments (10) and other historic buildings and structures, all of which contribute to a rich sense of place and character. The round tower is the most distinguishable structure of the town, by reason of its elevated location overlooking Killala Bay. Mayo County Council have completed a comprehensive analysis of the historic development of Killala, its setting and built heritage to identify the town’s unique character and recommendations on how that character can be enhanced, including the need for an ACA.

Killala, due to its location, is a popular tourist destination. Its nearest beach, Ross Beach, is a wonderfully unspoiled Blue Flag beach, which is excellent for swimming, surfing and sailing. A strong tradition of fishing prevails in the area, with Killala Harbour providing a focal point for visiting fishermen and locals alike. In addition to natural resources Killala’s built heritage constitutes a valuable tourist resource.

​​​​​​​12.13.8 Sustainable Communities

A Community Futures Action Plan (2015-2020) has been prepared for Killala. The compact form of the centre of Killala combined with the range of retail, commercial and leisure services within the town core, afford opportunities to accommodate the future needs of the town in a consolidated fashion. The development strategy for the town aims to support revitalisation and repopulation of the town centre, by encouraging the reuse of existing vacant or derelict buildings and identifying sites for new residential and/or mixed-use developments that will respect the character and form of the existing core. It is also part of the strategy to identify serviced sites within the built-up footprint of the settlement, for the provision of residential development at appropriate locations. Stronger connections and linkages between residential areas and the town centre is important in ensuring sustainable communities and for encouraging the use of more sustainable modes of transport.

A strong emphasis will be placed on the principles of green infrastructure, permeability and connectivity, alongside the integration of community and recreation facilities to assist with developing sustainable communities. It is necessary to consolidate the town and ensure the delivery of sustainable communities in Killala, comprising of a mix of housing types, densities and tenure in conjunction with a high standard of design. Mayo County Council support sustainable transport options in the town, such as cycling and walking and community-led programmes, including the implementation of the Killala Community Action Plan (or any superseding version) to meet the needs of the town and contribute to a low carbon energy efficient town.

​​​​​​​12.13.9 Placemaking and Regeneration

Killala is an attractive town with a historical atmosphere. The town provides the focus for a wide range of activities that contribute to a sense of place and identity. This town plays an important economic, social and cultural role and the main priority of the Plan is to consolidate the existing centre, while supporting the existing businesses and activities, in order to maintain vibrancy. A character study of the town, with potential for an ACA designation, would ensure the protection of the unique character of the town, whilst allowing new development to compliment same. Funding is secured under the 2017 Town and Village Renewal Scheme for Killala Round Tower Dereliction and Streetscape Improvements. The Plan supports the continued pursuit of all funding streams to sensitively enhance the public realm and the re-use of derelict, vacant and under-utilised lands within the built-up area of Killala.

​​​​​​​12.13.10 Opportunity Sites

Three Opportunity Sites have been identified for Killala (Refer to Map):

Opportunity Site 1

Located at the northern edge of the plan, defined to the north by the shoreline, to the west by the R314 road, and to the east by Killala harbour.

Opportunity Site 2

Located off Courthouse Street, to the east of the soccer pitch.

Opportunity Site 3

Located to the west of the Killala plan area adjoining the plan boundary and to the east of Killala FC pitch, and to the east/north of Hillcrest.

These sites have been identified in Killala for residential purposes to further contribute to the rejuvenation and revitalisation close to and within the town centre. Proposals for development within the opportunity sites should be accompanied by a site brief and should comply with national guidelinesm that seek to achieve sustainable compact development and to integrate principles of good urban design and placemaking.

​​​​​​​12.14.9 Placemaking and Regeneration

Kiltimagh’s distinctive buildings, streetscape and sculptures throughout the town provide a distinctive a sense of place. In terms of placemaking, the main priority is the consolidation of the town centre, while supporting existing business in order to maintain vibrancy. Many buildings in the centre are suitable for renovation of upper storeys into residential use, while ground floors should be prioritised for commercial and community uses that activate the street, where possible. Together this will help sustain town vibrancy, including the evening economy. Another priority of the Kiltimagh Settlement Plan is the regeneration and repopulation of the town centre, through the sustainable reuse of existing buildings, focusing on dereliction and the appropriate development of infill, opportunity sites, underpinned by good urban design and placemaking principles. This will help drive the delivery of quality housing, services and employment opportunities, in tandem with supporting social infrastructure.

​​​​​​​12.14.10 Opportunity Sites

Three Opportunity Sites have been identified for Kiltimagh (Refer to Map):

Opportunity Site 1

Located off and to the south of Clonkedagh Road.

Opportunity Site 2

Located off and to the north of Clonkedagh Road.

Opportunity Site 3

Located to the rear of the properties at the northern end of Main Street (Walshtown) and is bounded by the railway line to the east.

These opportunity sites have been identified in Kiltimagh for residential purposes to further contribute to the rejuvenation and revitalisation close to and within the town centre. Proposals for development within the opportunity sites should be accompanied by a site brief and should comply with national guidelines that seek to achieve sustainable compact development and to integrate principles of good urban design and placemaking.

12.15.9 Placemaking and Regeneration

Knock has developed into a thriving community based around Knock Shrine, providing accommodation, restaurants and souvenir shops, in addition to its role as a service centre to the surrounding areas. The town provides the focus for a wide range of activities that contribute to a sense of place and identity. Enhancement works relating to a shared surface plaza have been carried out in Knock from funding secured from the RRDF. There is potential for more efficient use of under-utilised lands, vacant sites and buildings within the existing built-up footprint of Knock to assist with repopulating the town centre, improving the public realm, and to drive the delivery of quality housing, services and employment opportunities, in tandem with supporting social infrastructure.

​​​​​​​12.15.10 Opportunity Sites

Three Opportunity Sites have been identified for Knock (Refer to Map):

Opportunity Site 1

Located off the roundabout of the northern end of the town at the junction of Main Street and the Ballyhaunis Road.

Opportunity Site 2

Located west of Manor Quarter to the South of the National School.

Opportunity Site 3

Located to the east of the southern end of Main Street.

These sites have been identified in Knock for mixed-use and residential purposes to further contribute to the rejuvenation and revitalisation close to and within the town centre. Proposals for development within the opportunity sites should be accompanied by a site brief and should comply with national guidelines that seek to achieve sustainable compact development and to integrate principles of good urban design and placemaking.

Louisburgh is an attractive coastal town. The town square provides the focus for a wide range of activities which contribute to a strong sense of place and identity. Enhancement works comprising of paving, and the upgrading of pedestrian footpaths and crossings would serve to further enhance the traditional character of the town. There is potential for better use of under-utilised lands, vacant sites and buildings within the existing built-up footprint, to drive the delivery of quality housing, services and employment opportunities, particularly along Chapel Street, Church Street, Long Street and Bridge Street. Opportunities exist for the development of the river walk along the Bunowen River; the re-establishment of a village green on Church Street; as well as improved linkages between the residential areas and the town centre, which are supported by Mayo County Council.

​​​​​​​12.16.10 Opportunity Sites

Three Opportunity Sites have been identified for Louisburgh (Refer to Map):

Opportunity Site 1

Located north of the town centre close to Santa Maria College and has dual access from the R335 and the local parallel road.

Opportunity Site 2

Located off a local road to the west of the R335 adjacent to the Crannogs residential development.

Opportunity Site 3

Located east of the town centre along Chapel Street adjacent to the primary school.

These sites have been identified in Louisburgh for residential purposes to further contribute to the rejuvenation and revitalisation close to and within the town centre. Proposals for development within the opportunity sites should be accompanied by a site brief and should comply with national guidelines that seek to achieve sustainable compact development and to integrate principles of good urban design and placemaking.

12.17 Newport (Tier III)

12.17.9 Placemaking and Regeneration

The structure of the town is well defined, with retail and commercial uses primarily located within its town core, with educational and community uses generally on the outskirts. Public realm works in the form of paved public open spaces, wider footpaths, safe pedestrian crossings, improved disability access, off-road cycling routes and general streetscape enhancements, including ‘Dark Skies-friendly’ public lighting, are planned for Newport under the RRDF. A new enterprise hub workspace facility and a new tourism office is planned for local authority/community-owned derelict buildings at Barrack Hill. The realisation of these landmark projects will greatly enhance the public realm and vibrancy of the town. A redesign of sustainable dark-sky friendly lighting is planned for St Patrick’s Church and the Viaduct Bridge’.

A main priority of the Newport Settlement Plan is the regeneration and repopulation of the town centre, through the sustainable reuse of existing buildings, focusing on dereliction and the appropriate development of infill consolidation site(s), underpinned by good urban design and placemaking principles. This will help drive the delivery of quality housing, services and employment opportunities, in tandem with supporting social infrastructure. Mayo County Council, in partnership with key stakeholders, carried out the Newport Character Study which highlighted projects that aim to improve the attractiveness of the town centre whilst revitalising and enhancing the historic fabric of the town.

​​​​​​​12.17.10 Opportunity Sites

One Opportunity Site has been identified for Newport (Refer to Map):

Opportunity Site:

Site one is located off Quay Road to the North and abuts the Craobh Ban housing development the west.

This site has been identified in Newport for residential purposes to further contribute to the rejuvenation and revitalisation close to and within the town centre. Proposals for development within the opportunity site should be accompanied by a site brief and should comply with national guidelines that seek to achieve sustainable compact development and to integrate principles of good urban design and placemaking.

​​​​​​​12.18 Settlement Plans for Tier IV Rural Settlements and Tier V Rural Villages

Tier IV Rural Settlements and Tier V Rural Villages, as identified in the Settlement Hierarchy, provide important local level residential, retailing and community functions to their rural hinterlands. Rural Settlements consist of serviced villages with population levels greater than 50 persons, but less than 500, while Rural Villages consists of both serviced and non-serviced villages, with population levels less than 50 persons.

Irish Water wastewater infrastructure is present in the following Tier V Rural Villages: Aghagower, Ballycroy, Doogort, Moygownagh, The Neale, Tourmakeady, Gaoth Salia (Gweesalia), Hollymount, Roundfort and Kilmovee. Although not all rural villages are serviced, the settlement strategy allows for appropriately scaled developments in such settlements, subject to compliance with normal planning considerations and relevant environmental standards.

In order to realise the consolidation of the Tier IV Rural Settlements and Tier V Rural Villages, each settlement and village are defined by a development boundary. A single category mixed-use zoning called Rural Settlement Consolidation Zoning applies to all Tier IV Rural Settlements. New development is encouraged to be delivered in a sustainable, sequential manner from the village core outwards, while promoting the reuse and redevelopment of vacant and derelict sites and buildings. The same development approach is adopted for Tier V Rural Villages, with the single category mixed- use zoning referred to as Rural Village Consolidation Zoning. The single category zoning approach provides for a mix of development types, which supports the sustainable growth of the rural area, while providing an alternative in terms of housing choice in the form of vibrant rural communities. A common set of policies and objectives apply to Tier IV Rural Settlements and Tier V Rural Villages.