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CHAPTER 4 ENTERPRISE AND EMPLOYMENT
Enterprise and Employment
Chapter 4 Enterprise and Employment
with proactive planning will seek to co-
ordinate investment with economic growth,
Aim: To strengthen the employment
making the County an attractive location for
and economic profile of County new business development. While the
Carlow, building on the strategic strategic role of Carlow Town is recognised for
designation of Carlow Town as a the future development of the County and
regional and inter-regional growth Region it is important that enterprise
driver, maximising the strategic development and economic growth can be
location of the town along the M9 facilitated throughout the County thereby
between Dublin and Waterford City, seeking to achieve balanced and sustainable
the N80 linking to the Midlands, growth across County Carlow. The importance
supported by the District Towns of of rural development and the role of the rural
Tullow and Muine Bheag together economy in County Carlow is addressed in
detail in Chapter 14.
with the smaller towns and villages
thereby creating more balanced and 4.1 Strategic Aims
sustainable communities.
This Development Plan sets out an economic
strategy to deliver on the regional and inter
regional role for Carlow Town and to achieve
greater prosperity in all areas of the County,
in accordance with the following objectives:
4.0 Introduction
• To promote and facilitate Carlow
Planning shapes the environment in which Town as a driver of economic growth
people live and work and it plays a key role in at a regional and inter-regional level;
supporting the wider national economic, • To maximise the economic assets of
employment and enterprise objectives. With the County including third level
the establishment of the Local Enterprise institutes, the strategic location of
Office under the Local Government Reform Carlow proximate to Dublin and
Act 2014, Carlow County Council has a more Waterford Cities along the M9 and
direct role in supporting economic the Midlands along the N80,
development and employment opportunities attractive towns and villages and rural
by the preparation of a Local Economic and areas;
Community Plan, providing and supporting • To maintain, adapt and promote
the delivery of infrastructure, implementing sufficient employment areas in the
urban and rural economic initiatives with District Towns of Tullow and Muine
associated economic supports, by the zoning Bheag;
of appropriate lands for employment • To ensure the benefits of economic
purposes and by ensuring that planning policy growth and prosperity are spread to
and objectives are supportive of business. all parts of the County;
• To maintain and promote a broad
It is recognised that the opportunities for economic and employment base in
economic growth and investment in the the County;
immediate future are impacted arising from • To encourage, support and facilitate
the Covid 19 Pandemic. Notwithstanding enterprise development at
same, the Council’s Economic Strategy aligned
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appropriate locations throughout the
County;
• To encourage, support and facilitate
research, technology development
and innovation as well as start-up
businesses with high potential;
• To deliver on the economic provisions
identified in the Local Economic and
Community Plan and any updates
thereto; and
• To promote the rural economy by
facilitating diversification, supporting
Figure 4.1 Regional Economic Principles
appropriate rural resource-based
industries with a viable and vibrant The RSES recognises the region’s economic
network of smaller towns and villages. drivers as the cities, their metropolitan areas,
the Atlantic economic corridor, the eastern
4.2 Policy Context
corridor, key towns and villages. Carlow as a
4.2.1 National Planning Framework Key Town is identified as having a regional
and inter-regional economic role providing
The National Planning Framework (NPF) sets employment for the surrounding area. Towns
out the planning policy approach for and villages are also an important part of the
economic development at a national and economic fabric of the region with viable and
regional level. A strong economy supported vibrant towns and villages necessary to create
by enterprise, innovation and skills is a sustainable rural communities. Diversification
national strategic outcome of the NPF. It of the rural economy will enable
acknowledges that this will require creating opportunities afforded by tourism, leisure,
places that can foster enterprise and recreation and renewable energy to be
innovation, attract investment, support optimised.
opportunities to diversify with associated
investment in infrastructure, including digital 4.2.3 Regional Enterprise Plan for the
connectivity, and in skills and talent to South East Region to 2020
support economic competitiveness and
The Regional Enterprise Action Plan is
enterprise growth.
developed around five key strategic objectives
4.2.2 Regional Spatial and Economic focused on enhancing the existing
Strategy environment for enterprise and activity,
establishing the South-East as a ‘learning
The Regional Spatial and Economic Strategy region’ and a place of choice for talent and
for the Southern Region recognises the need investment, developing a regional
to build a competitive, innovative and engagement strategy that is aligned with the
productive economy. The economic vision for RSES. It highlights the critical infrastructural
the region is to enable sustainable, developments required to enhance economic
competitive, inclusive and resilient growth. potential together with developing the South-
The economic principles to achieve this vision East as a region that is attractive to both
are highlighted in Figure 4.1. domestic and international visitors with a
sense of place and connected tourist
amenities.
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4.2.4 Local Economic and Community Plan ensure the local level framework is
2016-2021 (LECP) in place to support economic growth
and community improvements.
The Carlow Local Economic and Community
Plan (LECP) outlines objectives and actions 4.2.5 InCarlow Economic Development and
needed to promote and support economic Business Support Strategy
and community development. It aims to
improve the well-being of the people and The InCarlow Economic Development and
Business Support Strategy was commissioned
economy of County Carlow through enhanced
by Carlow County Council in 2020. The
strategic planning, better targeting of
resources and more meaningful impacts for strategy profiles the economic structure of
the County, identifies economic opportunities
local communities.
and proposes a range of actions to drive
A number of high end goals are identified for economic recovery and sustainable growth. It
focuses on priority sectors for the County,
economic development and include;
external challenges and threats together with
• Building thriving, resilient, sustainable
outlining the development and recovery plan
and inclusive communities;
for the County Carlow economy. The InCarlow
• Strengthening and promoting a
Economic Development and Business Support
thriving and sustainable enterprise
Strategy has informed the preparation of this
culture;
Plan.
• Maximising external investment
into County Carlow; 4.2.6 Local Enterprise Development Plan
• Ensuring access to education and skills (LEDP)
for all members of communities;
Under the Service Level Agreement with
• Optimising the tourism product and
Enterprise Ireland, Carlow County Council
message; and
must prepare a Local Enterprise Development
• Providing the required infrastructure
Plan which identifies key actions to be
for the county.
resourced by Enterprise Ireland in partnership
These high-end goals are to be achieved with Carlow County Council in the area of
through economic, local and community business development and capacity support.
focused actions. The Council will support the The County Carlow Local Enterprise
preparation of a new LECP for the County to Development plan will complement the
ensure consistency with the RSES and the new County Development Plan.
County Development Plan and to ensure the
InCarlow Economic Development and
requisite framework is in place to support a
Business Support Strategy & LEDP– Policy
bottom-up approach to economic growth and
community improvements in the County at a It is the policy of the Council to:
local level.
EDS P 1: Support the implementation of the
LECP - Policy InCarlow Economic Development and
Business Support Strategy and the
It is the policy of the Council to:
LEDP through the appropriate
LECP P 1: Support the review and preparation location and distribution of lands for
of a new Local Economic and employment purposes together with
Community Plan for Carlow to targeted supports and the promotion
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and development of healthy south of the County and along the borders
placemaking to support sustainable with Wexford and Kilkenny, associated in part
enterprise development. with an older demographic and higher
proportion of retired persons in these areas
4.3 Economic Profile
(Refer: A Socio-demographic Profile of Carlow
Key indicators from the 2016 Census provide a 2019).
general employment and economic profile of
County Carlow. Between 2011 and 2016, 4.3.2 Labour Force Unemployment
County Carlow experienced an increase in
economic activity across most sectors. The In 2016 the total population classed as
County’s economic profile suggests a unemployed (both unemployed and looking
continued reliance on more traditional for their first job) was 4,507 people. This
economic activities, rather than the represents an unemployment rate of 17%
knowledge economy or high-tech industries compared to a national unemployment rate of
with lower levels of employment in the public 12.9%. The spatial distribution of those
sector and government services such as unemployed varies with high levels (>25%)
transport and communications. County recorded in Hacketstown, Tinnahinch and
Carlow’s economy is however, expanding and Carrickduff and lowest levels in Palatine,
diversifying albeit at a slower pace than the Rathoe and Ballon.
national average.
4.3.1 Labour Force Participation Rate 4.3.3 Industry of Employment /
Occupations
Labour Force participation rates in County
Carlow in 2016 were recorded at 59.7% In 2016 Commerce and Trade was recorded as
(26,480), which is below the State average of the largest single industry with 23% of Carlow
61.4%. Within the County, there are residents employed in the sector, followed by
considerable variations in respect of the level Professional Services (22.1%) Other Industries
of labour force participation. The areas with (18.2%) and Manufacturing (13.4%). In terms
the highest levels of labour force participation of occupation professional, associate
are grouped adjacent to the main centres of professional and technical occupations
employment, rather than the towns account for 21% of the workforce in
themselves. Areas with the highest levels are comparison to over 27% for the State. Carlow
those that adjoin Tullow (Tullowbeg), has above average levels engaged in skilled
Hacketstown (Clonmore) and Bagenalstown trades including construction, engineering and
(Ballymoon and Agha). The lowest levels of manufacturing.
labour force participation are in the very
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Fig. 4.2 County Carlow’s Occupational Profile
4.3.4 Spatial Arrangement of Employment suburbanisation of commercial activities.
Profile Many of Carlow’s workers, particularly those
in higher-level occupations, opt to commute
Significant geographical variations exist
to and from the town.
regarding the employment profile within the
county. Carlow Town comprises the strategic
North Carlow
employment base with more rural activities
located elsewhere throughout the County. The economic profile of North Carlow is
influenced by the Greater Dublin Area. This
Carlow Town part of the County has the highest level of
Carlow Town is the most significant long-distance commuting. The number of
employment location for all economic workers across North Carlow exceeds the
activities, with the exception of agriculture.
number of jobs. High levels of unemployment
The town’s economy is driving and shaping
are experienced in Hacketstown and Rathvilly.
the economic profile of much of the county,
These communities also have an above
and in particular, that of the villages and rural
areas that immediately adjoin it. These peri- average proportion of persons working in the
urban and well-connected rural communities construction sector.
exhibit above average (relative to the rest of
the County) levels of labour force East Carlow
participation and employment in professional East Carlow’s economic profile is
services and public sector jobs. The areas characterised by a strong agricultural sector,
close to Carlow Town are also relatively well which is driving economic activities in food
connected to the Greater Dublin Area (GDA), processing and transport. The agricultural
and there is evidence of long-distance sector also supports commercial and retail
commuting from these areas to professional activities in Tullow and Hacketstown.
employment occupations. However, those who work in both towns tend
to live in the surrounding communities, rather
While Carlow Town is the predominant driver
than in the towns themselves.
of employment, it also recorded above
average unemployment in 2016, and the town
has been adversely affected by the
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Carlow’s active enterprises were severely
Central Carlow affected by the economic crash post-2008,
Across Central Carlow, manufacturing with the number of active enterprises across
industries, almost all of which are small-scale the County falling from 2,783 in 2008 – its
and medium, represent a significant previous peak – to 2,538 in 2014, a reduction
employment base. These are integral to the of almost 9%. Since then, supported by active
local economy, most notably in Muine Bheag / business support schemes and favorable
Bagenalstown and Fennagh, as well as in wider economic trends, Carlow has seen the
Carrickduff on the Wexford border. The number of active enterprises rapidly increase
construction sector is a significant employer in within the County, with the number of active
Central Carlow, notably in Myshall and Ballon. enterprises peaking in 2017 (2,880).
https://www.localenterprise.ie/Carlow/Enterprise-
Western Carlow Development/Carlow-Commuter-Study/
The uplands of Western Carlow – west of the
M9 have a mixed economic profile.
Agriculture remains very important locally, 3,000
while there is evidence of increased 2,900
commuting to town-based jobs in Carlow 2,800
No. if Active Enterprises
Town and Kilkenny. 2,700
2,600
Southern Carlow 2,500
Southern parts of Carlow have the narrowest 2,400
economic base. Farming is the mainstay of the 2,300
2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018
economy, although farms are smaller in scale
Figure 4.3: % of Total Active Enterprises by Sector, Carlow and
and less intensive than in the rest of the State, 2018. (Source InCarlow Economic Development and
county. Agri- and rural-tourism are a factor in Business Support Strategy).
commerce and trade employment in South
The importance of manufacturing as a sector
Carlow. The south of the County also has an
to the Carlow economy is highlighted when
above average proportion of workers who are
examining the breakdown of active
employed in construction.
enterprises by sector (see Fig. 4.4). Whilst, the
4.3.5 Carlow’s Business Base1 majority of sectors are consistent with the
state average, it should be noted that sectors
In 2018, there were a total of 2,852 active such as manufacturing is much more
enterprises operating within County Carlow concentrated within Carlow (4.4%) compared
representing just over 1% of total state active to the state (2.7%). Likewise, Construction and
enterprises. These enterprises supported Wholesale and Retail. Whereas sectors such
11,790 employee jobs. The trend in active as Professional is of higher importance to the
enterprise since 2008 is illustrated in Fig. 4.3. state compared to Carlow.
1. Source: InCarlow Economic Development and Business
Support Strategy
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Carlow State
50%
43.6%
45% 43.4%
40%
% of Actove Enterprises
35%
30%
25%
20%
15%
10.4% 9.3% 9.3%
10% 7.7% 7.0%
5.6% 4.4% 4.2% 3.2% 3.3% 4.0% 3.3% 3.1% 3.1% 3.3%
2.7% 2.8% 3.1% 2.5% 2.3% 2.1% 1.9% 2.0% 2.4%
5% 1.5% 2.1% 1.5% 2.6%
0%
Fig 4.4. Active Enterprises by Sector (Source: InCarlow Economic Development and Business Support Strategy Note: Sectors that were less
than 1% of Carlow’s Active Enterprises have been excluded from the above figure).
45 years2. 60.9% of commuters have a third-
As is the case regionally and nationally, small level qualification.
enterprises (with up to 10 employees)
account for the vast majority (>91%) of all Carlow’s Outbound Commuters - Policy
enterprises in County Carlow. These firms It is the policy of the Council to:
provide almost half (47.4%) of all jobs in the
County. There are 35 Medium sized CM P1: Seek to address the rate of outbound
enterprises (50 to 249 engaged) that employ commuting in Carlow through the
34% of all persons engaged in Carlow. provision of increased sustainable
employment opportunities in Carlow,
4.3.6 Carlow’s Outbound Commuters together with the provision of co-
Given the proximity to the Greater Dublin working facilities, digital hubs and e-
Area, there is significant commuting from working centres at appropriate
parts of County Carlow. The Council locations throughout the County to
recognises the opportunities afforded to the attract new businesses and / or to
County by seeking to address the high levels function as outreach hubs supporting
of outbound commuting (6,290 -28.9% of improved quality of life and
Carlow resident workers commuted to community engagement.
employment positions outside of the County
in 2016) particularly to Dublin and Kilkenny on
a daily basis. Of those who commute out of
Carlow for work 60% are aged between 25 to
2 Of those who commute to destinations outside of Carlow, the Dublin, Dublin City and Dún-Laoghaire-Rathdown) are
largest proportion goes to County Kilkenny (5.8%), followed by combined, there is more external commuters travelling into
Kildare (4.9%), Wicklow (3.6%) and Dublin City (3.1%). Although County Dublin (6.8%) than County Kilkenny.
Kilkenny is the single most significant destination, when the
figures for the four Dublin local authorities (Fingal, South
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4.4 Enterprise and Employment Strategy contained within Chapter 15 of this Plan. As
part of the review process of further statutory
The strategy for enterprise and employment
plans during the life of the County
seeks to increase opportunities for access to
Development Plan, additional employment
high quality, sustainable employment for
zonings maybe identified for example as part
residents while seeking to enhance the
of the Carlow Town Joint Urban Area Plan
attractiveness of the County as a high-quality
together with the District Towns of Tullow
place to live, work and visit.
and Muine Bheag as appropriate.
The enterprise and employment strategy is
Continued infrastructural investment is critical
based around a number of key themes
for sustaining economic development activity.
including appropriate locations for economic
It is essential therefore that infrastructure
development, promotion of priority sectors,
providers, such as Irish Water, Irish Rail, the
education and skills, placemaking, profile and
National Transport Authority, Transport
property solutions.
Infrastructure Ireland and electricity and
Carlow County Council will work in broadband providers, support Carlow County
collaboration with other agencies and Council’s vision for economic development
stakeholders to actively promote and through their service provision thereby
encourage economic development and contributing positively to a competitive
enterprise development in the County. economic environment in the County.
Enterprise and Employment Strategy - Policy Locations for Economic Development –
Policies
It is the policy of the Council to:
It is a policy of the Council to:
ES P1: Work in partnership with Enterprise
Ireland, IDA Ireland, adjoining local ED P1: Maximise the efficiency of zoned
authorities, the Regional Assembly lands by advocating for and
and all other relevant agencies to facilitating the provision, upgrade or
proactively pursue sustainable refurbishment of necessary
enterprise and economic infrastructure to support economic
development in line with the vision of development.
Carlow County Council together with
ED P2: Protect land zoned for employment-
policies and objectives set out in
generating uses from inappropriate
national, regional and local strategies.
development that would negate
4.4.1 Locations for Economic Development future economic activity.
Appropriate locations for economic Locations for Economic Development –
development will be guided by the Council’s Objective
Settlement Hierarchy which focuses on a
It is an objective of the Council to:
sustainable pattern of population growth with
an emphasis on quality of life together with a ED O1: Ensure that an adequate supply of
strengthening of the urban cores of principal land is zoned and located within the
settlements within the County. development boundary of
settlements to support economic
Land use zonings for employment generating
development and employment
uses have been identified in the town plans
generating uses, at a scale
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appropriate to the size and role of the
settlement as per the Settlement Industry Sectors in Carlow Town
Agriculture, forestry and 1%
Hierarchy. fishing
Building and construction 5%
ED O2: Facilitate innovation in rural economic Manufacturing industries 11%
Commerce and trade 24%
development and enterprise through Transport and communications 6%
diversification of the rural economy Public administration 5%
Professional services 23%
together with the promotion of Other 25%
sustainable rural towns and villages as Table 4.1 Industry Sectors in Carlow Town (Census 2016)
the key component of delivering
The Council will seek to support growth and
viable rural communities. (Refer also
expansion of existing and new employment
to Chapter 14 Rural Development).
generating uses, the reuse of brownfield sites,
ED O3: Facilitate innovation and development the promotion of the town centre through key
through the development of business interventions and by addressing vacancy
park and enterprise hub solutions /dereliction and use of underutilised lands
which are positioned to complement within the town centre.
and support the enterprise eco-
Carlow Town Economic Development -
systems in the County.
Policies
4.4.1.1 Carlow Town Economic Development
It is the policy of the Council to:
Carlow Town is the principal centre of
ED P3: Maximise the economic potential of
economic activity in County Carlow and one of
Carlow by building on its locational
the larger Key Towns in the Southern Region.
advantage along the M9 and N80 and
It has many economic attributes such as its
promoting and marketing the Key
third level education provision and other
Town of Carlow for significant
educational institutes, proximity to Dublin,
economic investment.
the River Barrow, tourism, retail services and
cultural facilities. It has a role as a major ED P4: Promote Carlow Town as a regional
employment, retail and services centre. and inter regional economic growth
Development of Carlow Town as a regional centre, through the expansion of
and inter-regional growth driver will require a existing enterprise ecosystems and
significant increase in job opportunities to support the provision of physical
sustain the existing and growing population. infrastructure and zoned lands to
realise the delivery of strategic
It is a specific objective of the RSES (RPO 14)
employment lands in central
to strengthen and support the role of Carlow
accessible locations.
Town as a self-sustaining regional and inter-
regional economic driver. Key industries in ED P5: Promote clustering and spin off
Carlow Town are outlined in Table 4.1. sectors arising from the existence of a
number of multinational corporations
within Carlow Town.
ED P6: Support the diversification of the
construction and manufacturing
industries with a focus on expanding
and attracting an increasing number
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of businesses operating in the field of ED O4: Provide as part of the Joint Urban
building innovation and in the area of Area Plan, the development of Carlow
construction material development Town as a self-sustaining attractive,
and manufacture, particularly in the vibrant and accessible regional and
context of sustainable development interregional economic driver, to
and nearly zero energy buildings. secure continued investment to
support increased employment
ED P7: Seek to encourage the re-use of
provision and expansion.
disused buildings and brownfield
lands for new employment generating ED O5: Seek to secure the implementation of
enterprises. Strategic scale Project Carlow 2040 A Vision for
employment regeneration sites which Regeneration through the
will be supported include the former development of strategic sites to
Braun factory site and the former drive the economic, social and
Sugar factory site which have the physical development of Carlow Town
scale and potential to facilitate as an investment location and place
significant employment generators for to live.
the South-East Region.
4.4.1.2 District Towns
ED P8: Seek to ensure the town centre
Tullow and Muine Bheag (Bagenalstown) are
becomes an attractive destination and
designated District Towns, operating as strong
driver of commerce and innovation
employment bases for the towns and
through the implementation of
surrounding hinterland areas.
Project Carlow 2040 A Vision for
Regeneration. Tullow
ED P9: Address vacancy/dereliction and Tullow located on the River Slaney is the
underutilisation of property within second largest urban centre in County Carlow.
Carlow Town by supporting an It experienced rapid growth in a short period,
appropriate mix of alternative uses with much of the recent development taking
such as business start-ups, offices, place on the periphery of the town. The town
workspace, residential uses etc has a mixture of uses, including residential,
subject to proper planning and employment, retail, schools, banks, a post
environmental considerations. office, a credit union, a library, civic centre
and other community and commercial uses.
ED P10: Support the development of an Tullow has a strong agricultural hinterland
economic quarter and transport which defines the outer characteristics and
interchange on underutilised lands predominant land use outside of the town.
around the railway station subject to
proper planning and environmental In 2016, Tullow recorded a jobs to resident
considerations. workers ratio of 0.703. Industry sectors in
Carlow Town Economic Development - Tullow are indicated in Table 4.2.
Objectives Industry Sectors in Tullow
Agriculture, forestry and 8%
It is an objective of the Council to: fishing
Building and construction 5%
Manufacturing industries 17%
Commerce and trade 24%
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Transport and communications 4% ED P13: Support development of the tourism
Public administration 5%
Professional services 16% industry and maximise direct and
Other 21% indirect opportunities afforded by
Table 4.2 Industry Sectors in Tullow (Census 2016)
existing assets, the River Slaney and
There are a range of professions and built heritage characteristics.
qualification types exhibited by the local
population and this will influence the
catchment for potential business in the area. Tullow - Objectives
There is a strong agri-industrial focus in the
It is an objective of the Council to:
hinterland outside the town centre, alongside
a clear strength in commerce and trade ED O6: Prepare an economic development
occupations overall. spatial strategy for Tullow as part of
the Local Area Plan Review to ensure
The success of the town centre will be
that the town can fulfil its economic
particularly important to ensuring job security
role in the future development of the
for the local population. The large number of
County.
people working within commerce and trade
industries in Tullow will be in part supported ED O7: Support the regeneration of the core
by jobs in the town centre. The manufacturing areas of the town through sustainable
presence on the hinterland of the centre also targeted measures that address
provides an extended customer catchment vacancy, encourage economic
area, which should be recognised in the retail development and deliver sustainable
offering of the town centre. reuse and regeneration outcomes.
Significant undeveloped lands exist on the ED O8: Support and seek the implementation
edge of the settlement for enterprise and of the Town and Village Key Project
employment purposes. Promotion of Plan for Tullow (2018) which seeks to
employment opportunities throughout Tullow integrate physical, economic, social
will be a key objective over the period of this and environmental renewal measures
Plan. in order to deliver maximum
economic benefit for the population
Tullow - Policies
of Tullow.
It is the policy of the Council to:
ED P11: Seek to encourage investment and
support the role of Tullow as an
important district employment hub
within the County, to enhance the
provision of local infrastructure and
amenities and improved sustainable
transport links to surrounding
settlements.
ED P12: Maximise the opportunities offered
by existing businesses, and to utilise it
as a platform to attract new small and
medium enterprises to the town.
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Muine Bheag / Royal Oak infrastructure and amenities and
improved sustainable transport links
Muine Bheag is the third largest urban centre
to surrounding settlements.
in the County and serves a large agricultural
hinterland. It has a strong employment base. ED P15: Maximise the opportunities offered
The River Barrow runs to the north and west by the existing strong employment
of the town and to the east of Royal Oak base within Muine Bheag and to
village and provides significant opportunities utilise it as a platform to attract new
for tourist development. small and medium enterprises to the
town.
In 2016, Muine Bheag jobs to resident
ED P16: Support development of the tourism
workers ratio was the strongest of all urban
industry and maximise direct and
centres in County Carlow at 1.466. Industry
indirect opportunities afforded by the
sectors in the town are outlined in Table 4.3.
River Barrow, built heritage
Industry Sectors in Muine Bheag characteristics and significant
Agriculture, forestry and 2%
fishing beverage industries located within the
Building and construction 3% town.
Manufacturing industries 20%
Commerce and trade 25%
Transport and communications 6%
Muine Bheag - Objectives
Public administration 6%
Professional services 19% It is an objective of the Council to:
Other 19%
Table 4.3 Industry Sectors in Muine Bheag (Census 2016) ED O9: Prepare an economic development
Commerce and trade followed by spatial strategy for Muine Bheag /
manufacturing and professional services Royal Oak as part of the Local Area
comprise the most important industries to the Plan Review to ensure that the town
town. While employment levels are strong the can fulfil its economic role in the
traditional town centre experiences significant future development of the County.
vacancy level which are impacting on the ED O10: Support the regeneration of the core
vitality and vibrancy of the town. areas of the town through sustainable
Lands zoned for employment related targeted measures that address
purposes within Muine Bheag are largely vacancy, encourage economic
developed and / or committed for development and deliver sustainable
employment related purposes. Further lands reuse and regeneration outcomes.
are therefore likely to be required for ED O11: Support and seek the
employment purposes over the period of this implementation of the Town and
Plan. Village Key Project Plan for Muine
Muine Bheag - Policies Bheag (2018) which seeks to integrate
physical, economic, social and
It is the policy of the Council to: environmental renewal measures in
order to deliver maximum economic
ED P14: Seek to encourage investment and
benefit for the population of Muine
support the role of Muine Bheag /
Bheag.
Royal Oak as an important
employment hub within the County,
to enhance the provision of local
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4.4.1.3 Small Towns, and Villages Addressing the impacts of climate change and
global warming can drive innovation and
Carlow’s small towns and villages are vital to
stimulate economic growth.
sustaining the County’s wider rural hinterland,
providing sustainable rural employment, Sector
including local services provision, commercial Financial Services
Step Change
Focus and
enterprises, indigenous industry and micro- ICT
enterprises. Promoting sustainable rural Engineering
towns and villages is a key component of Technology Firms
delivering viable rural communities. The Tourism
Council will seek to encourage investment in
and Grow
Agri-Tourism
Sustain
Small Towns and Villages by identifying and
Pharma
establishing new economic roles and
Transportation
functions and enhancement of the public
realm, local infrastructure and amenities.
Intervene
Monitor
Retail (Town Regeneration)
and
Promoting commensurate population and
Green Energy
employment growth in the settlements is
necessary for settlements to become more Table 4.4 Priority sectors for County Carlow.
economically self-sustaining. Chapter 14 Rural
Development outlines detailed policies and Priority Sectors for County Carlow – Policies
objectives to support the continued role of It is the policy of the Council to:
small towns and villages and the rural
countryside in the economic development of PS P1: Facilitate the development of
the County. enterprises including those related to
the identified sectors of growth at
4.4.2 Priority Sectors for County Carlow appropriate locations and facilitate
From a sectoral perspective the Plan aims to the provision of infrastructure and
support and facilitate the economic facilitates that will enable clustering
development of the County across a broad and specialisation in the County.
range of sectors while acknowledging, in PS P2: Identify and pursue opportunities for
particular priority sectors identified in The enterprise growth, innovation and
InCarlow Economic Development and Business diversity within the priority sectors,
Support Strategy for County Carlow. The including the potential of enterprise
Strategy identifies a range of sectors which ecosystems in sectors identified in the
demonstrate competitiveness and Regional Enterprise Plans (REPs) and
opportunity within County Carlow. Some of their successors.
the sectors are recognised as having potential
PS P3: Promote the development of Small
due to their relative size and clusters which and Medium Enterprises within
have already been developed, while others County Carlow and to encourage and
are competitive due to their significant facilitate start-up businesses with high
growth potential and links to wider sectors. It growth potential including the
is acknowledged that considerable development of low carbon and green
opportunities exist for job creation and tech businesses and industries
economic growth in areas such as green tech throughout the County.
and new technology developments.
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Priority Sectors for County Carlow – Education (6%), ICT (5%) and Natural Sciences,
Objectives Mathematics and Statistics (3%).
It is an objective of the Council to: The educational activities of IT Carlow are
complemented by various campus-based
PS O1: Facilitate through the support offered
specialist centres and campus companies
by the LEO and the Council’s
which provide a comprehensive range of
Economic Unit, new business
infrastructure, business support services and
formation, growth and industrial re-
specialised resources for start-up companies.
organisation.
The Institute has a track record of academic
PS O2: Maintain and leverage existing and industrial impact in thematic areas
enterprise ecosystems to support including;
enterprise development. • Bioenvironmental technologies
4.4.3 Education and Skills (EnviroCORE)
• Product design and innovation
The availability of an educated and highly (DesignCORE)
skilled labour force is critical for economic
• Interactive applications software and
success and the development of high quality networks (GameCORE)
education infrastructure is a key enabling
• Health sciences (HealthCORE)
component. County Carlow exhibits a higher
level of educational disadvantage than the • Engineering (EngCORE)
State as a whole. The proportion of the
population, in County Carlow, with a third IT Carlow continues to maintain and develop
level qualification as recorded in 2016 stands its linkages at all levels with Commercial
at 28% (State average 35.7%). County Carlow Enterprises, Industries, Statutory Bodies,
does however, have a higher proportion of States Agencies and International
persons who have completed an Organisations in order to create economic
apprenticeship and/or who have acquired a development through technology transfer and
technical qualification (17.2%) than is the case education.
across the state (14.7%) and regionally Carlow County Council recognises the
(16.4%). This is linked to the strong strategic role of IT Carlow to the County and
engineering clusters located in Carlow and the supports the transition of IT Carlow and IT
need to satisfy the skills needs of existing Waterford in the establishment of the
established firms within the County. Technological University of the South East
IT Carlow is a driver for the skills base of the (TUSE) which is critical for the optimum social
population. It plays an important role in the and economic development of the region.
South East and the Mid-East / Greater Dublin Carlow College St. Patricks, a second third
Area, in the provision of internationally level institute in the County also provides a
recognised higher education and research range of courses in humanities and social
opportunities and in the development of studies and has a strategic collaborative
enterprise and industry. In 2018, graduate partnership with Trinity College Dublin.
numbers for IT Carlow stood at over 3,200. Carlow County Council supports the
Educational fields of graduates included expansion of Carlow College St. Patricks
Health and Welfare (27%), Business, within Carlow Town and recognises it as a key
Administration and Law (25%), Engineering, enabler in the regeneration of Carlow Town
Manufacturing and Construction (11%), Centre.
Services (10%), Arts and Humanities (7%)
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Carlow Institute of Further Education in the ES P5: Support and encourage both IT
County also provides important training and Carlow and Carlow College to work
skills for students of all ages and is often a directly with local construction and
stepping stone to third level education. manufacturing industries to identify
emerging technologies and areas of
Education and Skills- Policies
innovation and provide courses and
It is the policy of the Council to: research focused specifically in this
field as well as the growth areas of
ES P1: Support and facilitate the biotechnologies, ICT, mechanics, data
development and further expansion analytics and smart materials.
of IT Carlow, its links with industry
and its transition with IT Waterford to Education and Skills- Objectives
the Technological University of the
It is an objective of the Council to:
South East which is critical for the
optimum social and economic ES O1: Seek to address the skills shortage
development of the region. challenges through improvements in
lifelong learning and through the LEO
ES P2: Support and facilitate development
and the Council’s Economic
and expansion of Carlow College St.
Development Unit through
Patrick’s together with the
mentoring, learning, education and
implementation of the public realm
training initiatives.
enhancements, improved
accessibility, new uses and public ES O2: Support the work undertaken by the
spaces detailed in the Carlow College Education and Training Board in
Intervention site within the Project relation to courses provided under
Carlow 2040, A Vision for SOLAS and the establishment of
Regeneration. Community Training Centres, Local
Training Initiatives and Specialist
ES P3: Work in conjunction with Further and
Training Provision in the County.
Higher Education Institutions in the
creation and fostering of enterprise ES O3: Foster entrepreneurship by
through research, innovation and supporting new start-up companies
development activities. The Council and supporting the identification of
will support the development of sites suitable sites to enable businesses
where high-tech and high potential establish in accordance with proper
start-ups can thrive, in conjunction planning and environmental
with the IT Carlow / TUSE to create considerations.
collaborative and innovative growth.
4.4.4 Placemaking and Sustainable Design
ES P4: Work with employers and education
Placemaking seeks to ensure that
providers in identifying specific
geographical locations are attractive places to
opportunities for educational
live, learn and work thereby resulting in a high
programmes which serve the needs of
quality of life. The Council recognises the
existing employers, attract new
importance of attractive, healthy and
employers and provide up-skilling
sustainable communities as a key contributing
including apprenticeship and third
factor in delivering economic success and
level facilities and development
attracting foreign and domestic investment.
opportunities.
Placemaking has become increasingly
important for enterprise development and is
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instrumental in ensuring the County captures PM P4: Support the development of industries
sufficient human capital and talent. that create and employ green
technologies and encourage the
The Council will actively pursue place making
uptake of measures to facilitate the
initiatives, public realm improvements,
transition towards a low carbon
regeneration of urban areas, reuse of vacant
economy and circular economy.
properties, together with protection and
enhancement of built and natural heritage Placemaking and Sustainable Design –
features as key components in placemaking Objectives
which will support enterprise development.
PM O1: Realise the full potential of the
The regeneration of Carlow Town is a strategic
County by providing for places that
priority for the Council over the period of this
are attractive for business investment
Plan. Project Carlow 2040 A Vision for
and for people to live and work.
Regeneration will guide the long-term
development of Carlow Town by re-purposing PM O2: Encourage local partnership, town
the town centre and re-establishing a team or community organisations to
definable town core. Place making activities develop and implement local
will seek to improve the town as a business, economic initiatives which enhance
employment, residential and high-quality towns and villages.
urban environment.
PM O3: Support investment in energy
New development and refurbishment / efficiency of public buildings and
extension of existing employment uses shall implement energy efficiency across
seek to ensure the creation of attractive, Council buildings and activities to
enterprise development friendly, well reach the new target of 30% energy
designed high-quality places that can support efficiency improvements for the
a diverse enterprise base mix with integrated public sector by 2030.
communities thereby facilitating a high quality
of life and wellbeing. PM O4: Encourage energy efficiency and use
of renewable energy in new
Placemaking and Sustainable Design – developments and to seek to
Policies incorporate energy sustainability into
the planning of new and existing
It is the policy of the Council to:
employment areas.
PM P1: Encourage the development of
4.4.5 Profile
attractive, accessible and healthy
working environments that enhance Carlow County Council through the LEO and
the quality and character of an area. Economic Development Unit together with
strategic partners will seek to raise the profile
PM P2: Ensure that the design of employment
of County Carlow. Investment marketing will
– generating development, regardless
be facilitated through the inCarlow Brand
of location is of a high-quality,
Activities and Destination Tourism Marketing
inclusive and accessible.
via Carlow Tourism and Ireland’s Ancient East
PM P3: Encourage mixed use settlement Brand.
forms and sustainable centres, in
The Council will continue to market and
which employment, residency,
profile the County and seek to develop a
education and local services /
business environment where like-minded
amenities are in close proximity to
people can collaborate, network and co-work
each other.
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with access to experienced mentors, which Property – Policies
will stimulate entrepreneurship.
It is the policy of the Council to:
Profile – Policies
PT P1: Audit and monitor the quantum and
It is the policy of the Council to: quality of zoned and serviced land and
through a variation of this Plan or in
PF P1: Raise the profile of the County as a
the preparation / amendment of Local
competitive, forward thinking and
Area Plan(s) as deemed appropriate.
flexible place to do business.
PT P2: Protect land zoned for economic
PF P2: Facilitate and enhance the collective
development, industry and
offering of Carlow as an attractive
employment related uses from
place to live, work and invest in, while
inappropriate development that
promoting available key quality of life
would undermine future economic
factors, including life-work balance,
activity or the sustainable
strong education structures, amenity
development of such areas.
and leisure attractions combined with
economic opportunity. PT P3: Support the regeneration and
revitalisation of existing business
4.4.6 Property
parks and industrial estates within
A key objective of statutory land use planning towns and promote the regeneration
is to ensure sufficient serviced lands are of obsolete and / or under-utilised
zoned for employment purposes. Chapter 15 buildings and lands that could yield
contains land use zoning objectives for a economic benefits, with appropriate
number of settlements throughout the uses, subject to proper planning and
County. Remaining settlements will be sustainable development of the area.
reviewed as part of other Local Area Plans
PT P4: Support the development of small-
over the lifetime of this Plan.
scale ancillary services in large
Research indicates that County Carlow would industrial and business parks where
benefit from a variety of property solutions they do not detract from the vitality
for scale up companies and developing and viability of the town centre.
companies. State intervention in respect of
Property - Objective
the commercial opportunities is therefore
essential. The Council is actively seeking to It is an objective of the Council to:
address these issues by implementing a
PT O1: Support investment (subject to
variety of measures including the use of
resources) in property solutions that
Council assets and land banks, direct
will directly facilitate the creation of
purchase, build and lease, the development of
new jobs, contribute to the vitality
serviced sites in industrial / employment sites
and viability of the area and / or
/ parks and joint ventures with the private
contribution to regeneration by
sector. Repurposing and adaptation of
addressing dereliction, under-
existing vacant and underutilised buildings to
utilisation of buildings / sites, and / or
provide property solutions will be a key
the re-purposing of buildings, thereby
objective of the Council.
ensuring the efficient use of land
/property.
PT O2: Support the development of specific
projects in Tullow and Muine Bheag/
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Bagenalstown to ensure geographical accessibility, achieving a strong economy
spread of employment and innovation together with enhancing amenity and
opportunities. heritage.
4.5 Retail National Policy Objectives (NPO) of relevance
The retail sector is a major employer both to retail include the following:
nationally and locally and also supports
indirect employment in sectors such as NPO 4 Ensure the creation of attractive,
liveable, well designed, high quality
logistics and distribution. urban places that are home to diverse
and integrated communities that enjoy
The retail industry is in the midst of a massive a high quality of life and well-being.
transformation driven by consumers use and
NPO 5 Develop cities and towns of sufficient
retailer’s adoption of digital technologies, scale and quality to compete
improvements in the experience and the need internationally and to be drivers of
for new solutions for ‘bricks and mortar’ national and regional growth,
investment and prosperity.
retail. Much of the change in retailing has
been accelerated by the Covid-19 Pandemic. NPO 6 Regenerate and rejuvenate cities,
The move from traditional retailing methods towns and villages of all types and scale
as environmental assets, that can
to more dynamic processes is reflected in the accommodate changing roles and
Carlow Retail Strategy (Appendix V) which functions, increased residential
seeks to capture and guide a viable future for population and employment activity
and enhanced levels of amenity and
retailing in Carlow. The Strategy recognises design quality, in order to sustainably
the importance of placemaking and that the influence and support their surrounding
viability of retail stores in the future will be area.
heavily reliant on being located in quality
NPO 10b Regional and Local Authorities to
urban settings with an experience which identify and quantify locations for
attracts customers. strategic employment development,
where suitable, in urban and rural areas
4.6 Policy Context generally.
The policy context in relation to retail is NPO 11 In meeting urban development
derived from guidance documents at a requirements, there will be a
national and regional level including the presumption in favour of development
that can encourage more people and
National Planning Framework, the Regional generate more jobs and activity within
Spatial and Economic Strategy and the Retail existing cities, towns and villages,
subject to development meeting
Planning Guidelines. appropriate planning standards and
achieving targeted growth.
4.6.1 National Planning Framework
The NPF provides the overarching policy and
planning structure for the social, economic 4.6.2 Retail Planning: Guidelines for
and cultural growth of the Country. The Planning Authorities, 2012 (RPGs)
ambition of the NPF is to create a single
The Retail Guidelines were adopted in 2012
vision, a shared set of goals for every
and offer consistent retail policy objectives,
community across the Country. These goals
recommendations on specific retail formats,
are expressed as National Strategic Outcomes
and provide advice on the location of new
(NSOs) and their delivery is at the core of the
retail development. Their purpose is to ensure
NPF. Of note in undertaking the Retail
that the planning system continues to play a
Strategy are the NSOs which seek to achieve
key role in fostering consumer-friendly
compact growth, enhancing regional
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competition in the retail sector, in line with their forward planning policies and their
proper planning and sustainable growth. application, planning authorities should
encourage high expectations of design.
Five key national policy objectives are 4.6.3 Regional Spatial and Economic
outlined in the Guidelines as follows; Strategy for the Southern Region
1. Ensuring that retail development is plan-
led; The Regional Spatial and Economic Strategy
2. Promoting city/town centre vitality for the Southern region recognises the role of
through a sequential approach to retail as a catalyst for the renewal of city,
development; town and village centres. It supports
3. Securing competitiveness in the retail investment in placemaking and developing
sector by actively enabling good quality the public domain to support attractive and
development proposals to come forward liveable urban centres that sustain retail
in suitable locations; development and the wider local economy.
4. Facilitating a shift towards increased The value of the tourism sector is also
access to retailing by public transport, recognised, with retail facilities adding to the
cycling and walking in accordance with tourist attraction increasing footfall and
the Smarter Travel strategy; and enhancing vibrancy.
5. Delivering quality urban design
In response to changing patterns of activity,
outcomes.(Retail Design Manual).
including online shopping, the RSES for the
Southern Region champions innovation in the
Under the national hierarchy set out in the
retail sector and promotes frameworks to
Retail Guidelines Carlow is a Tier 3 sub-
assist conventional retailers in the transition
regional town. The Guidelines state that such
to experiential, technology-led retail models.
centres “perform important sub-regional
RPO 55 of the RSES supports the complete
retailing functions including major national
implementation of the Retail Planning
retailing chains”. The Guidelines also include
Guidelines to ensure that urban and village
detailed guidance on the content and role of
centres are based on retail growth through
development plans, requiring that
the application of a sequential retail
development plans must set out specific
development strategy. Development plans
evidence-based strategies and priorities in
and local area plans must be informed by
relation to retailing.
collaborative or multi-authority retail
The Carlow Retail Strategy has been prepared initiatives in urban areas reaching through
in compliance with the Retail Planning local authority boundaries.
Guidelines and is included in Appendix V.
The RPGs are accompanied by a Retail Design
Manual that sets out evidence-based quality
principles to ensure that future planning for
the retail sector focuses on building attractive,
quality places. One of the major messages of
the Guidance is that in retail growth, a high
standard of design will make a major
contribution to achieving quality in the built
environment. The Manual recommend that in
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4.7 County Carlow Retail Strategy
The County Carlow Retail Strategy (Appendix
V) has been undertaken at an unprecedented
time, when the Country is under a national
lockdown due to the Covid -19 pandemic.
Based on preceding qualitative and
quantitative analysis and other assessments
conducted as part of the Retail Strategy, the
strategy establishes capacity, a vision, policies
and actions for retailing in County Carlow, in
line with the requirements of the Retail
Planning Guidelines. The Retail Strategy
considers the future options and potential for
retail growth in Carlow and provides policies
to support the delivery of a unique and
distinctive retail offer for the key urban
centres in the County.
4.7.1 County Carlow Retail Hierarchy
The Carlow Retail Strategy provides a retail
hierarchy for County Carlow having regard to
the Retail Guidelines and the following
criteria:
• Current strategic guidance at a
national, regional and county level
• The need to protect and enhance the
importance of Carlow Town as the
principal urban centre and retail
destination in the County
• The need to protect the important
more localised functions of the town
centres in the County such as Tullow
and Muine Bheag
• The distribution of future retail
floorspace in line with the Core
Strategy, settlement hierarchy and
future distribution of population
growth within the County
• The promotion and facilitation of
sustainable forms of transport by
locating future retailing in centres
that are served by public transport,
where possible and practicable
• The need to facilitate competitiveness
and innovation in the retail industry.
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