Location
The settlement of Melleray is located in the Knockmealdowns approximately, 7km north of Cappoquin and the N72, and just under one kilometre south-east of Mount Melleray Monastery. (Download Melleray (adobe .pdf, 310 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. 

Characteristics
The road to Melleray is a designated scenic route, with some surrounding lands also being designated as visually vulnerable and sensitive. Land in the settlement area is situated above a locally important moderately productive aquifer with a high vulnerability to groundwater pollution. Landfall is to the south and east of the crossroads.

Melleray is characterised by its scenic views, mature tree-lined roads, and hedgerows.  The monastery and its associated buildings provide the focus for the settlement.  The retention and enhancement of these characteristics should be incorporated into any design proposal for the area.

Facilities and Services
The service base of Mellery includes the Monastery (church services, gift shop, and interactive information display), a local shop, small garden centre, and large guest-house with 'tea garden'.  The local primary school and building has been closed for a number of years. Scouting Ireland - CSCI, acquired the Monastery Boarding School buildings in 1975, and these are now a Scout Centre, which includes the CSI National Museum and Archives.

Infrastructure
Melleray has a public water supply that is adequate to meet existing needs, with very limited spare capacity for additional requirements. There is however no public wastewater treatment, and disposal system.  Development will be dependent on the provision of suitable separate or communal wastewater treatment. 

Any constraint to development is associated with the infrastructural deficit as outlined above and development proposals will need to cater for this in any applications for permission along with satisfying the Planning Authority as to the standards for new development at Section 9.2. These matters will have to be discussed and approved with the Sanitary Services Section of Waterford County Council, prior to any development proposal being submitted for Planning Permission.
 
Development Strategy
A strategic road access point shall be provided and retained through zoned lands to serve zoned backlands.  Development proposals for these types of zoned lands (eg. The field to the immediate west of the Guesthouse/ pub), should incorporate this consideration into any future development proposals. The development strategy for Melleray is as indicated on the Melleray Land Use Zoning Map. The policies and objectives of the County's Settlement Strategy, as outlined in Chapter 3 of the Development Plan, will also be applicable.