Chapter 1 Introduction and Strategic Context

1.0 Introduction
 

The Wicklow County Development Plan 2021-2027 sets out the overall strategy for the proper planning and sustainable development of the County for the plan period and beyond. The Wicklow County Development Plan 2021-2027 has been prepared in accordance the Planning and Development Act 2000, as amended (the Act). The plan relates to the whole functional area of Wicklow County Council. There are five municipal districts in Wicklow, namely, Arklow, Baltinglass, Bray, Greystones and Wicklow. Many of the Council’s services are delivered through the municipal districts.  

Located on the east coast of Ireland, Wicklow covers an area of 2,027 square kilometres and is often referred to as the ‘Garden of Ireland’, a reflection of the County’s scenic landscape. The County has a population of 142,425 persons according to the most recent Census (2016). This represents an increase of approximately 13% since 2006. The growth in population is a reflection of the County’s appeal as a place to live and enjoy a high quality of life. The County, which is within easy reach of Dublin city, has 21 towns including the major towns of Bray, Greystones-Delgany, Wicklow-Rathnew and Arklow on the east coast and Blessington, the largest town on the western side of the County. The County also has a range of attractive villages which are dotted throughout the rural landscape.   

Wicklow boasts a range of natural amenities including pristine beaches, coastal walkways and the Wicklow Mountains. Wicklow Mountains National Park, which covers over 20,000 hectares, is Ireland’s largest national park and the only one located in the east of the country. The highest mountain in the range, Lugnaquilla, rises to 925 metres above sea level. The County provides excellent walking, hiking, cycling and climbing opportunities in addition to both coastal and lake water based activities. The Wicklow Way, at 127km, is the oldest marked long distance walking/hiking trail in Ireland.  

What is the Wicklow County Development Plan 2021 – 2027? 

The County Development Plan (CDP) sets out a strategic spatial framework for the proper planning and sustainable development of County Wicklow for the period between 2021 and 2027. While the CDP is in place for a six year period, it is framed having regard to the long term development objectives of the County beyond 2027.    

The CDP in the main, focuses on ‘big picture’ planning issues1. The plan sets out the policies and objectives to guide the future development of the County. The plan is not a ‘spending plan’, however it sets a framework within which developments could be undertaken, in the event that the public or private sectors have the finance to develop.  

The CDP provides for, and controls, the physical, economic and social development of the County, in the interests of the overall common good and in compliance with environmental controls. It includes a set of development objectives and standards, which set out where land is to be developed, and for what purposes (e.g. housing, shopping, schools, employment, open space, amenity, conservation etc). It informs decisions on where public services such as roads and water infrastructure are to be provided, and affects the type of buildings that can be constructed and the use to which land can be put. It affects many facets of daily economic and social life, in terms of where you can live, what services and facilities are available and where job opportunities are to be sited.  

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