The recreational development opportunities identified across the Maigue Rivers catchments, focusing on interaction with and /or use of the rivers and their environs
The Maigue Rivers Trust commissioned the study "An Exploration of the Recreation & Amenity Potential of the Maigue Rivers" to establish what the recreation and amenity potential is within our catchment. This study was funded by Irish and European taxpayers, therefore we welcome all local communities and LCCC to make use of the findings within the report.
The recreation and amenity study documents facilities and services, addresses information gaps, and prescribes a range of potential developments that are likely to be effective if developed.
Part 1 of the study established the baseline information of the current structure and composition of recreation and amenity provision in the Maigue catchment, and Part 2 identified specific development considerations for recreational and leisure activities on and around the rivers in the Maigue catchment.
The findings provide required data for the future management of the development in/near the catchment rivers for the benefit of biodiversity, water quality and recreational and other uses by local communities and visitors.
The core objective of this project was to identify a suite of recreational and amenity facilities, focused primarily on walking, cycling, boating, angling and nature/ wildlife observation. These findings are relevant to the LCCC Development Plan - Volume 1: Written statement, Chapter 1: Introduction Vision and Strategic Overview; Chapter 5: Environment Heritage Landscape and Green Infrastructure; Chapter 6: Sustainable Mobility and Transport; Chapter 7: Infrastructure; and Chapter 9: Sustainable Communities and Social Infrastructure.
The Recreation and Amenity Report specifically mentions the LCCC Development Plan 2022-2028 in the following sections.
See page 10, Demographics of County Limerick and the needs for the various age groups of the county population.
See pages 30, 31 and 32, section 3.3.2 Optimisation of Town Parks Network. Our consultant has specified the current status of facilities in each town park and they have then identified development considerations.
See page 65, section 3.7.4. Community Gardens being used as part of sound planning and flood alleviation, aspires to utilise riverine open spaces for non-residential developments, particularly along flood prone plains. Also referred on page 83.
The findings of the Maigue Rivers Trust report are relevant for addressing UN Sustainable Development Goals:
SDG 3: Good health and Well-being ---- SDG 11: Sustainable cities/towns and communities ---- SDG 13: Climate Action ----- SDG 14: Life below water
SDG 15: Life on land.
AND the report also addresses the National Strategic Outcomes:
NSO 2. Enhances Regional Accessibility ---- NSO 3. Strengthened rural economies and communities ---- NSO 7. Enhanced Amenity and Heritage
I have attached the two parts of the report to this submission.
1. When developing town parks across the county, create a network for the town parks linking the shared resources, interdependency, e,g, healthy rivers and streams that all connect towns and villages. 2. Develop infrastructures across the county that facilitate the various demographic needs. 3. Ensure all watercourses and wildlife surrounding and within the river are protected in planned developments and maintenance of current facilities.
The Maigue Rivers Trust's mission is to: To protect, enhance and cherish the rivers and lakes of the Maigue catchment for the benefit and enjoyment of all.
Having consulted with representatives of all stakeholder groups and private individuals within the catchment, we believe our report, "An Exploration of the Recreation & Amenity Potential of the Maigue Rivers" gives the most recent assessment of recreation and amenity facilities in the Maigue catchment area of Co. Limerick. We invite and welcome LCCC to use the findings in the new County Development Plan.
