Chapter 11 - Environment, Heritage and Blue Green Infrastructure

Closed18 Jun, 2022, 8:00am - 2 Aug, 2022, 5:00pm

11       Environment, Heritage and Blue Green Infrastructure

Part A   Archaeolgical and Archictectural Heritage

Rathkeale’s architectural and archaeological heritage is a key and distinctive asset - a unique resource representing an irreplaceable expression of the town’s civic and administrative importance.  There is evidence of Neolithic society in Rathkeale, a monastic settlement, a Desmond fortress castle and Rathkeale’s function as an important market town in its agricultural hinterland. Reuse of existing historical buildings has potential to address vacancy, dereliction, enhance public realm and place-making.  Government policy seeks to ensure that heritage-led regeneration is a key component of Town Centres First policy.  This plan seeks to protect, preserve and enhance the architectural and archaeological heritage for the benefit of future generation as well as safeguarding the continued and sustainable use of this historic built fabric.

11.1      Context

Rathkeale is notably rich in historic and archaeological remains, both above and below ground, many are protected under planning and/or National Monuments legislation. In this regard, the Record of Protected Structures (RPS) under the Planning and Development Act 2000 (as amended) and the Sites and Monuments Record under the provisions of Section 12(1) of the National Monuments (Amendment) Act, 1994 are the primary designation mechanisms for protecting the assets of our built heritage.

11.2      Archaeological Heritage

There are 18 archaeological structures protected as listed in the Sites and Monuments Record located in Rathkeale.  These include a castle/tower house, burial grounds and barrow, a ringfort, standing stone, church, abbey, enclosures, memorial stones, and the historic town (Abbeylands, English Tenements, Enniscoush and Rathkeale).  Evidence that survives in and around these sites is extremely valuable.  Every step to preserve it or at a minimum to recover it, must be taken.  The Local Authority will consult with the Development Applications Unit of the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage and other Statutory Consultees when considering applications for planning permission for development on, or in the vicinity of archaeological sites and/or monuments. Refer to Map 5 in Appendix 1 of this LAP.

Under the provisions of the National Monuments Act Section 12, 1994 Amendment, a person proposing any works (including exempted development) ‘at or in relation to such a monument’ must give two months’ notice to the National Monuments Service. As sites continue to be discovered, some of those found subsequent to the publication (1997) have been included in the Historic Environment Viewer, which is available on the website. There are certain sites in State ownership or guardianship, or have been served with temporary preservation orders.  Under the 2004 Amendment to the National Monuments Act any of these sites or sites deemed National Monuments in the care or guardianship of the Local Authority will require Ministerial Consent for works in their vicinity.

Figure 14: Religious House, Abbeylands LI029-031006 Sites and Monuments Record

11.3      Architectural Heritage

11.3.1  Record of Protected Structures (RPS) and the National Inventory of Architectural heritage.

Limerick City and County Council is obliged to compile and maintain a Record of Protected Structures (RPS) under the provisions of the Planning and Development Act 2000 (as amended).  Under the Act, Local Authorities objectives for the protection of structures, or parts of structures,of special architectural, historical, archaeological, artistic, cultural, scientific, social or technical interest are a mandatory inclusion in a development plan. There are 50 structures listed on the Record of Protected Structures in Rathkeale.  Refer to Appendix 3.  The complete list for Limerick City and County is available as Volume 3 of the Draft Limerick Development Plan.  A Protected Structure, unless otherwise stated, includes the interior of the structure, the land lying within the curtilage of the structure, and other structures lying within that curtilage and their interiors. The protection also extends to boundary treatments. The RPS is a dynamic record, subject to revision and addition.  This diversity of structures includes railway buildings, religious buildings, public administrative/civic buildings, the buildings and terraces of the traditional vernacular streetscape and shopfronts, stonewalls, a bridge and medieval structures.  Owners and/or occupiers of a protected structure must ensure that the structure or any element of it is not endangered. Endangering a structure can mean either directly or indirectly damaging any element of the structure or neglecting the structure to the extent that it is damaged.  When considering works including minor works to a Protected Structure you are advised to contact the Conservation Officer to ascertain obligations in terms of the proposed development to avoid damage to the integrity of the historical built fabric of the structure.  Some minor works while exempt from planning permission in general circumstances do not apply to Protected Structures.   Useful resources when undertaking works on Protected Structures and within their curtilage can be found in the planning leaflets series available on-line on opr.ie, the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage Advice Series on buildingsofireland.ie, and the advice and guidance on traditional building skills on www.heritagecouncil.ie                                                                                                                                    

 

Figure 15: The Former Courthouse, Protected Structure (RPS 1552)

Figure 16: NIAH 21831005 and RPS 1583 Holy Trinity Church

The National Inventory of Architectural Heritage (NIAH) survey of Rathkeale is available online at www.buildingsofireland.ie   Many NIAH structures are also Protected Structures.  As with Protected Structures if considering works, including minor works on a NIAH listed building you are advised to contact the Conservation Office for technical advice.   There are 35 structures located in Rathkeale listed on the NIAH.                                                             

11.3.2  Architectural Conservation Area (ACA)

An Architectural Conservation Area (ACA) is a place, area, group of structures or townscape of special architectural, historical, archaeological, artistic, cultural, scientific, social or technical interest or value, or contributes to the appreciation of protected structures. The designation is a driver for sustainable and sensitive development, the aim of which is not “preservation” but managed development that enhances the character and heritage of the area.

Figure 17: Part of ACA on Main Street, Rathkeale

The Draft Limerick Development Plan designates an ACA in Rathkeale town centre.  Refer to Volume 3, ACA 22 in the Draft Limerick Development Plan and Map 4 in Appendix 1 of this plan. There are sixteen NIAH structures deemed to be regionally important in terms of artistic and architectural merit and thirty-five Protected Structures in the ACA.   The architectural character of this area includes a notable presence of ornate decorative details on facades evident on the modest houses on Thomas Street with ornate door cases, to the more elaborate embellishment of carvings around openings (Bank of Ireland), on traditional shopfronts and former administrative buildings.

The aesthetic attention given to the front façades of many of these buildings enlivens the streetscape suggesting a sense of grandeur in the past in this market town and its past industry which involved the linen trade in the eighteenth century.  Notable structures include the former Court House, bank buildings, the many Protected Structures/ NIAH structures and the former cinema built in an early 20th century Art Deco style designed.  Any proposed contemporary design in the ACA should complement the historic character of the ACA, and should be informed by the historic setting in terms of scale and design. High quality architectural design will add to the built heritage and complement the receiving historic environment.

11.4      Archaeological and Architectural Heritage Strategic Policy and Objectives

Strategic Policy on Archaeological and Architectural Heritage

To protect, conserve and manage the archaeological, architectural and built heritage of Rathkeale, and promote sensitive, appropriate and sustainable development and re-use of older historic built fabric in accordance with Draft Limerick Development Plan 2022 – 2028.

Objectives: It is an objective of the Council to:

H O1

(a) Seek the preservation of all known sites and features of historical and archaeological interest. This includes all the sites listed on the Sites and Monuments Record as established under Section 12 of the National Monuments (Amendment) Act 1994.

(b) Protect and preserve all sites and features of historical interest discovered subsequent to the publication of the Sites and Monuments Record, this includes all sites that may be discovered during the course of excavation or construction.

(c)Protect and preserve all underwater, riverine archaeological sites.

(d)Ensure that any proposed development shall not have a negative impact on the character or setting of an archaeological monument or which is seriously injurious to its cultural or educational value.

(e) The area of a monument and the associated buffer area shall not be included as part of the open space requirement demanded of a specific development, but should be additional to the required open spaces; and

(f) If appropriate, where such a monument lies within a development, a conservation and/or management plan for that monument shall be submitted as part of the landscape plan for the proposal.

Architectural Heritage:

HE O2: Positively consider proposals to improve, alter, extend or change the use of Protected Structures and attendant grounds so as to render them viable for modern use, subject to demonstration by a suitably qualified Conservation Architect or other relevant expert that the structure, character, appearance and setting will not be adversely affected and, suitable design, materials and construction methods will be utilised in accordance with best conservation practice and relevant heritage legislation.

HE O3: Support the re-introduction o f traditional features on Protected Structures where there is evidence that such features (e.g. window styles, finishes etc.) previously existed.

HE O4: Strongly resist the demolition of Protected Structures, in whole or in part, the removal or modification of features of architectural importance, and design element that would adversely affect the character or setting of a Protected Structure, unless exceptional circumstances can be clearly demonstrated by a suitably qualified professional.

HE O5: Ensure the design of any development in the Architectural Conservation Area, including any changes of use of an existing building, should preserve and/ or enhance the character and appearance of the Architectural Conservation Area as a whole.

Part B              Natural Heritage, Biodiversity and Blue Green Infrastructure

Natural Heritage has a role to play in nurturing a rich, diverse biodiversity, good water and environmental quality, healthy living and well-being, recreational opportunities, with potential tourism opportunities in Rathkeale, and fosters a positive image of Rathkeale.  The River Deel provides potential for blue-way development to improve access to the river.  Aligned to Government policy and higher-level spatial plans this Proposed LAP seeks to protect, preserve and enhance the natural heritage for the benefit of future generation as well as safeguarding the continued and sustainable use of this asset.

 11.5      Context

Rathkeale is located on the banks of the River Deel as it flows to the Shannon Estuary located circa 13km to the north of the town.   Recent developments have included the provision of a riverside walk from the Lynch Bridge to the Limerick  Greenway providing a valuable recreational, mobility, and blue green biodiversity corridor.  Similarily, the linking of the walkway with the Limerick Greenway provides a connected biodiversity green corridor sustaining an improved natural environment in the town providing biodiversity and species establishment/movement along the corridors.

11.6      Natural Heritage and European Designated sites

 Natura 2000 is a European network of important ecological sites designated under the EU Birds Directive and the Habitats Directive.  There are no Natura sites within the town.  In the wider hinterland of Rathkeale, the Lower River Shannon SAC (002165) site is approximately 13 km to the north west of the town.  The Askeaton Fen Complex (SAC site 002279) is 3.5km to the north of the town, while the Curraghchase woodlands (00174) lie 6.5km to the north-east or Rathkeale.  This Proposed LAP has been drawn up to ensure that land uses, proposed developments and effects arising from permissions based upon this Plan (either individually or in combination with other plans or projects) will not give rise to significant adverse impacts on the integrity of Natura sites, having regard to their conservation objectives. Refer to Environmental Reports accompanying this Proposed Plan.

11.7      Blue Green Infrastructure and Biodiversity

Blue-green infrastructure refers to the use of blue elements such as rivers, canals, ponds, wetlands, floodplains, and green elements, such as trees, forests, fields and parks, in urban and land-use planning. 

This infrastructure uses natural processes such as filtration or absorption to address water and air quality.  It has many functions, including sustaining natural habits in settlements,                      

Figure 18:  Matrix Walkway

surface water treatment, rain water harvesting, flooding, climate change – (adaption, mitigation, and resilience), recreation/amenity, health in terms of access to nature and active life, place-making and contributes to place identity in the town.   In some instances green and blue infrastructure can exist side by side in a complementary relationship such as the River Deel, its’ banks and mature trees.   This Proposed Plan

promotes networks of green blue infrastructure as aligned with higher-level plans including the Draft Limerick Development Plan. 

The following is a brief inventory of Blue Green Infrastructure in Rathkeale.

Feature

Local name

Condition

Asset Value

River Deel and the Matrix Walk

As indicated

Good

Access at Deel Bridge/Lynch Bridge in town centre. A riverside walk links to the Limerick Greenway and facilitates a looped walk (Slí an Sláinte) in the town. Mature trees on pathway – biodiversity corridor, connectivity, active lifestyles.

Limerick Greenway

Limerick Greenway former Great Southern Trail

Extends to the Kerry border. In good condition. It is subject to regular maintenance.

Tarmac, surfaced, off-road walkway and cycleway connecting with Newcastle West and Abbeyfeale, having regional level amenity with further potential of connectivity to Limerick City - biodiversity corridor, connectivity, active lifestyle and tourism potential.

Playground

Rathkeale Community Playground

In excellent condition due to its recent construction.

Further opportunities for enhancement, biodiversity and well-being.

Constructed since the last plan was adopted – social interaction, active lifestyle.

Potential future extension to Limerick Greenway

Ballingarrane extension

Not yet constructed.

This extension would connect to the old Limerick to Foynes line to the north of Rathkeale - biodiversity corridor, connectivity, active lifestyle and tourism potential.

Park associated with Abbey

Abbeylands

Well maintained open space with seating and some landscaping in archaeological sensitive area

Potential opportunities for diversifying biodiversity, public realm, active lifestyle, capitalising on existing community facility (Rathkeale Youthreach).

Open Space and Recreation Zoning

The objective is to protect, provide for and improve open space, active and passive recreational amenities.

 

Some of this is in ecologically sensitive areas such as flood plains.

It is recommended only those areas which are not ecologically sensitive are those that would be developed for amenity use - Rathkeale - biodiversity corridor, connectivity, active lifestyle.

Drains, channels temporary water courses

None

Partially blocked by emergent vegetation 

Part of the open space designation which is part of the Deel floodplain in the plan area - local ecological value.

Table 4: Inventory of Blue Green Infrastructure

Open spaces and residential developments can be enriched by retaining and enhancing existing natural features, as well as introducing new habitats. The retention and enhancement of existing natural features, such as hedgerows, ditches and streams offers potential to introduce SuDS measures, and to retain wildlife corridors through new developments. The addition of surface attenuation ponds, green roofs and living walls has the potential to transform an environment into one that offers significant opportunities for wildlife.  The Local Authority aims to ensure access to all areas of public space is maximised, and major spaces are linked via amenable pedestrian routes

A wide diversity of species, habitats, ecosystems and landscapes make up the biodiversity of Rathkeale. New development, construction materials and transport over the past few decades have contributed to the loss and fragmentation of biodiversity in areas that have undergone significant development. However, Rathkeale has areas of rich natural habitat, and areas with opportunities to improve biodiversity. Connected green spaces provide the greatest benefit to biodiversity in an urban context. In this regard, there is an opportunity to recognise the key conservation value role the Deel River plays in the town’s biodiversity.  Existing trees and hedgerows are important features supporting biodiversity and should be carefully considered in  any planning application.  Applications may be requested to provide or retain hedgerows where possible, landscaped areas, retention or planting of trees and preservation of natural features etc. Suitable planting new edge or buffer treatments will be encouraged as part of new developments.  Management of invasive species prior to and during construction may also be requested of proposed developments in the interest of proper management of the risk of further depletion of biodiversity on site and when removed or treated on or off site, including its removal from the location.

11.8      Natural Heritage, Biodiversity and Green Blue Infrastructure Strategy and Objectives

Strategic Policy on Natural Heritage 

To safeguard the biodiversity, natural heritage and blue green assets of Rathkeale, in accordance with the policies of  the Draft Limerick Development Plan 2022 – 2028.

Objectives: It is an objective of the Council to:

HE O6:      Protect, conserve and enhance natural heritage sites, Natura 2000 designated conservation sites and non-designated habitats, species and areas of national and local importance, including aquatic habitats and species, and promote the sustainable management of ecological networks in co-operation and consultation with the relevant statutory authorities.  No projects which will be reasonably likely to give rise to significant adverse direct or indirect or secondary impacts on the integrity of any Natura 2000 sites having regard to their conservation objectives arising from reduction in species diversity, shall be permitted on the basis of this plan (either individually or in combination with other plans or projects).

HE O7:     

(a) Require new infrastructure and development to demonstrate at design stage sufficient measures to address conservation of biodiversity, including permeability for wildlife and movement of species.  Any barrier to movement of wildlife and aquatic life should be avoided.

(b)Protect existing open space from inappropriate development and encroachment.

(c) Maintain riverbank vegetation along watercourses and ensure protection of a 10m riparian buffer zone on greenfield sites and maintain free from development. Proposals shall have cognisance to the contents of the Inland Fisheries Ireland document "Planning for Watercourses in Urban Environments".  

(e)Require the planting of native trees, hedgerows and vegetation and the creation of new habitats in all new developments and public realm projects.

HE O8:  

(a) Facilitate the work of agencies redressing the issue of terrestrial and aquatic invasive species.

(b) Have cognisance to the All-Ireland Pollinator Plan 2021 – 2025 and any subsequent plans when assessing landscaping proposals.  Proposals that actively includes pollinator friendly measures will be encouraged.

(c) Require the provision of alternative roosting or settlement facilities for species, such as bird or bat boxes, swift boxes, artificial holts, or other artificially created habitats in proposed developments, where considered appropriate. 

(d) Require all developments where there are species of conservation concern, to submit an ecological assessment of the effects of the development on the site and nearby designated sites, outlining appropriate mitigation measures, and establishing, in particular, the presence or absence of the following species: Otter, badger, bats, lamprey and protected plant species such as the Triangular Club Rush, Opposite Leaved Pond Weed.

HE O9:      Protect environmental quality in Rathkeale through the implementation of European, National and Regional policy and legislation relating to air quality, greenhouse gases, climate change, light pollution, noise pollution and waste management.

HE O10:    Promote the concept of blue green infrastructure and linked green/open spaces as a means to mitigate and adapt to climate change, reduce flood risk, improve habitat/biodiversity links/corridors, improve watercourse quality to sustain high quality robust ecosystems.