Background
The settlements which comprise Maoil a'Choirne - Baile na nGall - Heilbhic form the Gaeltacht areas of County Waterford. Located between 5 and 7 miles outside Dungarvan, the settlements have experienced substantial and noticeable growth in recent years. As a result of this prolonged growth, it has become difficult to distinguish between the three settlements.

The zoning policy of An Rinn - Heilbhic - Sean Phobhal Action Area Plan (2001), is superceded by the mapping in this Development Plan, although the design principles etc. as required under the Action Area Plan will endure until such time as a future design manual is produced (as mentioned in 8.3).

Location
The village of Heilbhic is the smallest of the three settlements. It is located 1 mile east of Baile na nGall and 7 miles from Dungarvan. (Download Helvick (adobe .pdf, 502 kbs)  Map Here) and also download the pages relating to Zoning Objectives (word .doc, 183 kbs) . The Zoning Objectives and Landuse Zoning Matrix need to be used when looking at the individual settlement zonings.

Services
The narrow service base that exists in Heilbhic is a reflection of the small size of the settlement.

Industry
The small fishing port of Heilbhic and its associated fish processing plant is a valuable source of local employment as many of its employees live locally.

Infrastructure
The water supply and public road network in Heilbhic is adequate to serve the needs of the existing population. At present, there are capacity problems with the public sewerage scheme in Maoil a'Choirne - Baile na nGall - Heilbhic. However, this is expected to be resolved over the plan period as the entire area is expected to be upgraded as part of the proposed Dungarvan wastewater treatment scheme.  Consultants have been appointed to prepare Preliminary Report Proposals and carry out trial drilling for a new water supply service so as to improve An Rinn/ Heilbhic Seaview water supply.  The scheme is included in the Government's Water Services investment Programme, 2004 - 2006.

Development Strategy
The coastal settlement of Heilbhic has experienced considerable disorderly and sporadic development. Although, the focus of the village is quite well defined, the road leading up to it (on the southern side) is also developed. As this development does not adhere to a building line or consistent design, infill development in this location could prove problematic. In addition, growth of the settlement is further constrained by the elevated nature of the land to the south of the coastline.

The development strategy for Heilbhic is indicated on the Land Use Zoning Map. The Council will restrict the further growth of Heilbhic for the above reasons and only proposals for sensitive infill housing will be considered for planning permission. Applications for planning permission within the development boundary will be considered on their merits and their ability to satisfy the planning department with respect to access, sanitary services and visual intrusion. It is the policy of the Planning Authority to oppose any proposals for additional dwellings outside the development boundary given the density and the extent of existing development.