Chapter 10 I Key Growth Areas & Neighbourhood Development Sites
Flooding
Tourism
10.241 Parts of Blarney have been identified as being at risk of flooding. The areas at risk follow the path of the River Shournagh, that runs to the south of the town and are illustrated on the settlement map. There have been a number of recorded flood events with the development boundary of Blarney in recent years.
10.245 Tourism is a significant industry in Blarney as it contains one of the principle tourist attractions in Ireland, Blarney Castle. This industry relies on the quality and attractiveness of the built and natural heritage of the local area. It is important therefore that future development initiatives within the vicinity of the Castle do not compromise the tourism potential of the town and actively seek to enhance this important sector of the local economy. 10.246 The tourism offer has expanded in recent times and now includes Blarney House and the wider estate and gardens. As a result of this growth, there is a need to have regard to the impacts of proposed developments on both Blarney Castle and the wider Blarney Estate. Future development within the vicinity of the Estate should not compromise the landscape and heritage character of the area on which the local tourism economy relies.
Economy and Employment
10.242 In 2020, 1,380 Blarney residents were in full time employment, the majority of which commute to destinations outside the settlement. There are 892 jobs within the settlement which represents 0.89% of the City jobs market 25.3% of these posts are filled from the local population. These figures represent a net outflow of 488 jobs. 10.243 Employment and economic activity in Blarney is currently focused on the retail and service sectors with an emphasis on tourism. Blarney Castle and the Woollen Mills complex are together a significant tourist attraction not only during the summer but also during the winter months. There is also an area of industrial and business development adjoining the Woollen Mills complex. 10.244 In addition to the established employment uses within the town, the Blarney Business Park located 1 km to the north east of Blarney, provides for employment in the form of manufacturing, logistics and the National Car Test Service. This park has seen large growth in recent years and is at capacity. An expansion to the Business Park is provided for it this Plan. Given its location on the rail corridor and its proximity to a proposed train station, the site has the capacity to accommodate significant employment generating developments.
401
Cork City Development Plan 2022-2028 I Volume 1
Powered by FlippingBook