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The zoning policy of An Rinn - Heilbhic - Sean Phobhal Action Area Plan (2001), is superceded by the mapping in this Development Plan, although the design principles etc.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 8.2).

Location
Maoil a'Choirne is located approximately 5 miles to the south of Dungarvan.

(Download Mweelnahorna (adobe .pdf, 594 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 village of Maoil a'Choirne is very well contained with convenient retail services and a range of community facilities available.

Industry
There are a small number of industries in Maoil a'Choirne, which are the major employers for the area. Most of the industry is located in the small industrial estate on the southern side of the village.

Infrastructure
The water supply of Maoil a'Choirne is adequate to meet  existing needs. 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 waste water 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 development of Maoil a'Choirne has been predominantly influenced by the terrain of the area, which slopes downwards in a northerly direction. The pattern of development is noticeably linear with clusters of dwellings to be found close to the coast.  Maoil a'Choirne has experienced considerable growth over the last plan period.

Development will be permitted within zoned locations, and should be connected to existing services. The development strategy for Maoil a'Choirne is indicated on the Land Use Zoning Map.  The Council will encourage sensitive infill along some sections of the road frontage and to the west of the village. However, there should be no further development to the east of Maoil a'Choirne in the interests of preserving the village as a separate settlement to Ballinagaul.

The village of Maoil a'Choirne is approaching capacity. At present, only a small number of opportunities for development remain and these are unlikely to last beyond the next plan period. However, demand for properties is likely to remain strong given the proximity of Dungarvan and the desirability of living in this coastal area. For these reasons, the Council will endeavour to ensure that any remaining residential land is used to accommodate the natural increase of the existing village population. This will preserve the character of the area and reduce pressures on development land.