Proposed changes for Carrick-on-Shannon Draft Local Area Plan

The Carrick-on-Shannon Draft Joint Local Area Plan (DJLAP) 2025 - 2031 was launched in August 2024, followed by a seven-week period of public consultation.

In November, elected members of Carrick-on-Shannon Municipal District participated in a workshop to deepen their understanding of the plan.

Members were requested to submit proposed amendments to the plan by the end of November, after which these proposals were discussed at a meeting on December 9.

Several updates are being considered for the Carrick-on-Shannon Draft Joint Local Area Plan (JLAP) 2025-2031. Below is a summary of what is under review for the draft by the planning authorities.

Assisting landowners with opportunity sites

Opportunity sites refer to land or locations identified as having potential for development or redevelopment. Cllr Cormac Flynn suggested in a submission that landowners of these designated opportunity sites should get clearer guidance and support. The merits of this submission were accepted by the Council. The Chief Executive’s report suggests adding a new objective called ‘TC 9’. This encourages and assists stakeholders in creating coordinated design plans for the opportunity Sites in the ‘Town Core’ and ‘Outer Core’ areas to make sure the guidelines in the Sustainable Residential Development and Compact Settlements (2024) are properly followed.

Enhancing housing development

To tackle housing shortages, the Chief Executive proposed additional measures for activating residential lands. This includes potentially buying unused land and making it available for housing projects. This will help meet the housing goals outlined in the Local Area Plan. The authorities will rely on certain sections of the Planning and Development Act 2000 to carry out these actions

Re-zoning Attiroy Business Park

Carrick-on-Shannon Flood Relief Scheme moves forward with planning in 2025

Leitrim County Council has confirmed an application for statutory Planning consent will be submitted to an Bord Pleanála in Q3 2025.

After reconsideration, it is believed that the lands at Attiroy Business Park, which are currently zoned for Industrial and Enterprise use, would be better suited for ‘Outer Core’ zoning. This is because the land is mainly used for offices and research and development facilities. 

Improving river access and amenities

The plan explores the development of more marina facilities, and public moorings along the River Shannon to enhance river access and boost tourism. Areas south of the marina, owned by the Inland Waterways Association of Ireland are being looked at for these potential developments, however, any development must follow environmental regulations.

Exploring floodplain redevelopment

Lands behind St Mary’s Park and the GAA pitch on Priest’s Lane which are owned by the Local Authority, were given further consideration. The consideration was influenced by the plans for the Flood Relief Scheme and the possibility of adding more public mooring spots to the town. To allow this consideration, the land zoning would need to be changed from 'Open Space and Amenity' to 'Riverside Development,' and an ecological assessment would be needed to check if the woodland is an important natural habitat.

Draft documentation is available to view on carrickjointplan.ie

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