Munster Express Online

The scenic landscape of the County Waterford coastline should be zoned for ‘open space’ in the County Development Plan 2011-2017 in order to protect it from developmental pressure, said County Manager Ray O’Dwyer in response to a submission on the Draft Plan.

Ivor Gordon, Kilgrovan, Clonea, lodged a submission seeking ‘intensive tourism uses’ in respect of lands adjoining Clonea Beach which are currently zoned for tourism and open space.

In his submission he pointed out that intensive tourism zoning would enable the provision of services for tourists and create employment. The site had public services and there was a scarcity of lands zoned for tourism in the area.

In an assessment of the submission, the Manager said open space zoning was designated to preserve and enhance areas of passive and active recreational uses. The site in question immediately adjoined the Clonea Strand and the integrity of open space zoning should be maintained in its entirety to protect from developmental pressure.

The current draft zoning for tourism and open space was deemed to be appropriate in light of the level of existing land zoned for tourism in the area, he said.

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