Cork County Development Plan 2022–2028 – Volume One: Main Policy Material

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   11 CONTENTS Contents 1.1 Introduction 12 1.2 Plan Making Process 12 1.3 Legislative Background 13 1.4 Form and Content of the Plan 14 1.5 Strategic Context 15 1.6 Challenges in Plan Preparation 20 1.7 County Development Plan and Strategic Planning Areas 21 1.8 Development Plan Quality of Life Principles 22 1.9 Development Plan Aims 23

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   12 1.1 Introduction 1.1.1 The County Development Plan guides future growth and development in the County. The new Cork County Development Plan sets out the policy objectives and the overall strategy for the proper planning and sustainable development of the County over the plan period from 2022 to 2028. The Plan sets out an approach centred on the core principle of sustainability with a focus on creating vibrant, liveable, climate resilient communities. This Plan is consistent with both the ‘National Planning Framework’ (2018) (NPF) and the ‘Regional Spatial and Economic Strategy’ (2020) (RSES). 1.1.2 This Chapter sets out the legislative background to the Plan, the context in which the Plan is produced - which has changed significantly since the last Plan was prepared - and the overall structure of the Plan. This Chapter then sets out the overarching Vision which is underpinned by 5 Development Plan Principles which permeate all Policy Objectives in the Plan. This approach imbues the Plan, cascading from the Vision, the Strategic County Outcomes and Plan Aims through the Core Strategy, policy objectives and standards, and supported through an increased focus on implementation, monitoring and evaluation. 1.2 Plan Making Process 1.2.1 Stage One of the review of the County Development Plan commenced in March 2020 with the publication of a Pre-Draft Public Consultation document ‘Your Home, Your Future, Your Views’. The Pre-Draft Public Consultation Document was supported by the publication of ten Background Documents on a range of issues and an SEA Scoping Report. The Background Documents were as follows: • Approach to County Development Plan Review • Population & Housing • Rural Housing • Settlements and Placemaking • Urban Capacity Study • Economy and Employment • Water Services • Transport and Mobility • Energy • Built Heritage 1.2.2 In response to the Pre-Draft consultation, the Planning Authority received 608 submissions from the public, stakeholders and statutory bodies. A Chief Executive’s Report detailing these submissions and making recommendations on what should be included in the Draft Plan was issued to Members for their consideration in August 2020 and informed the preparation of the Draft County Development Plan. 1.2.3 Stage Two of the process commenced with the publication of the Draft County Development Plan in April 2021 and the Draft Plan was out for Public consultation until 1st July 2021. The Planning Authority received 1,251 submissions on the Draft Plan. A Chief Executive’s Report detailing these submissions and making recommendations on what material amendments should be made to the Draft Plan was issued to Members for their consideration in September 2021. 1.2.4 Stage Three of the process commenced in January 2022 with the publication of over 1,600 proposed amendments to the Draft Plan. Public consultation on the amendments ran from mid-January to mid-February 2022 and 1,172 submissions were received in response to the proposed amendments. A Chief Executive’s Report detailing these submissions and making recommendations on which amendments should be included in the final plan was issued to Members for their consideration in March 2022. The Members considered the recommendations of the Chief Executive and the plan was adopted by the Council on 25th April 2022 and came into effect on Monday 6th June 2022. 1.2.5 The Cork County Development Plan 2022-2028 replaces the Cork County Development Plan 2014, the eight Municipal District Local Area Plans adopted in 2017 and the nine Town Development Plans of the former Town Council Towns of Clonakilty, Cobh, Fermoy, Kinsale, Macroom, Mallow, Midleton, Skibbereen and Youghal. GO TO CONTENTS

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   13 1.3 Legislative Background 1.3.1 The County Development Plan has been prepared in accordance with the requirements of the Planning and Development Act 2000, as amended (‘The Act’). The legislative basis for the preparation and adoption of a Development Plan is set out in Sections 9-12 of The Act. Section 10(1) provides that the Development Plan shall set out an overall strategy for the proper planning and sustainable development of the area and shall consist of a Written Statement and a Plan or Plans indicating the development objectives for the area. The Act sets out the mandatory requirements which must be included in a Development Plan and these include objectives for inter alia: the zoning of land; the provision of infrastructure; the conservation and protection of the environment; and, the integration of planning and sustainable development with the social, community and cultural requirements of the area and its population. 1.3.2 Section 10(1A) of The Act provides that the Written Statement of the Development Plan shall include a Core Strategy which shows that the development objectives in the Plan are consistent, as far as practicable, with national and regional development objectives as set out in the NPF, the RSES and with Specific Planning Policy Requirements (SPPRs) set out in Section 28 Ministerial Guidelines (see Appendix A for a full list of SPPRs). The requirement for the Development Plan to be consistent with inter alia the NPF, RSES and Section 28 Ministerial Guidelines is woven throughout the planning legislation that pertains to the review of an existing and the making of a new County Development Plan. 1.3.3. Section 11(1A) of The Act states that the review of the Plan and preparation of the new Plan shall take account of the “statutory obligations” of any Local Authority in the area and any relevant policies or objectives for the time being of the Government or of any Minister of the Government. Section 12(11) of The Act refers to the making of the Development Plan and similarly states that in making the Plan that members shall be restricted to considering the proper planning and sustainable development of the area to which the Development Plan relates, the statutory obligations of any Local Authority in the area, and any relevant policies or objectives for the time being of the Government or any Minister of the Government. 1.3.4. In accordance with European and national legislation, Cork County Council has carried out: a Strategic Environmental Assessment of the Plan; Appropriate Assessment under the Habitats Directive; and a Strategic Flood Risk Assessment, all of which informed the preparation of the County Development Plan. Strategic Environmental Assessment (SEA) 1.3.5 Environmental assessment is a procedure that ensures that the environmental implications of decisions are considered before such decisions are made. Strategic Environmental Assessment (SEA) is the term which has been given to the environmental assessment of plans and programmes, which help determine the nature and location of individual projects taking place. SEA is a systematic process of predicting and evaluating the likely significant environmental effects of implementing a proposed plan or programme, in order to ensure that these effects are adequately addressed at the earliest stages of decision-making, in tandem with economic, social and other considerations. The SEA process was integrated into the preparation of the County Development Plan and a final SEA Statement has been prepared and is available on the County Council’s website at https://www.corkcoco.ie/en/cork-county-developmentplan- 2022-2028. Habitats Directive Assessment (HDA) 1.3.6 In accordance with requirements under EU Habitats Directive (43/92/EEC), the EU Birds Directive (79/409/EEC) and Section 177 of the Planning and Development (Amendment) Act 2010, the impacts of the policies and objectives of all statutory land use plans on certain sites designated for the protection of nature under European legislation, must be assessed as part of the preparation of the Plan. This process, known as Appropriate Assessment, is to determine whether or not the implementation of plan policies or objectives could have negative consequences for the habitats or species for which these sites are designated. Appropriate Assessment was undertaken as part of the plan-making process and a Natura Impact Report has been prepared and is available on the County Council’s website at https://www. corkcoco.ie/en/cork-county-developmentplan- 2022-2028. Strategic Flood Risk Assessment (SFRA) 1.3.7 A Strategic Flood Risk Assessment (SFRA) is an area-wide assessment of the existing risks of flooding and the impact of those risks arising from proposed spatial planning decisions. The national Guidelines ‘The Planning System and Flood Risk Management’ (2009) state that Planning Authorities are required to introduce flood risk assessment as an integral and leading element of their Development Plan functions. The Guidelines set out that Development Plans must establish the flood risk assessment requirements for their functional area. The Guidelines further state that flood risk management should be integrated into spatial planning policies at all levels to enhance certainty and clarity in the overall planning process. In conjunction with the SEA process, the Council carried out a SFRA of the County Development Plan. This SFRA is available as a stand-alone document on the County Council’s website at https://www.corkcoco.ie/en/corkcounty-developmentplan- 2022-2028. GO TO CONTENTS

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   14 Office of the Planning Regulator (OPR) 1.3.8 The Office of the Planning Regulator was established in 2019 to drive the co- ordination of planning policy implementation across national, regional and local levels, building a stronger knowledge base and ensuring regular reviews of the performance of Planning Authorities and An Bord Pleanála. One of the core functions of the OPR is to independently evaluate and assess statutory development plans and regional strategies, and variations to these, with a view to ensuring that the plan or strategy provides for the proper planning and sustainable development of the area concerned. The OPR may issue a Notice to the Minister recommending that a Ministerial Direction be issued. It is however the role of the Minister to issue any Direction to compel the Planning Authority to address any matter. 1.4 Form and Content of the Plan 1.4.1 This Development Plan is a document which details the overall strategy of the planning authority for the proper planning and sustainable development of County Cork taking into account national and regional planning guidelines, strategies and policy documents. It is also informed by particular national and global environmental issues as set out in the key principles which under pin the document. It also takes into account and has regard to other relevant local policy documents in County Cork and the aims and objectives contained in this plan complement and further develop these other policy documents, including the Local Economic and Community Plan, the Corporate Plan, Disability Strategy and a Traveller Accommodation Strategy. 1.4.2 All published documents at each stage of the County Development Plan review process are available online for consultation through the County Council’s website at https://www.corkcoco.ie/en/cork-county-developmentplan- 2022-2028. 1.4.3 This Plan is a six-volume document set out as follows: Volume One: Main Policy Material and Supporting Appendices (A to I ) Volume Two: Heritage and Amenity. Volume Three: North Cork (Fermoy MD and Kanturk Mallow MD). Volume Four: South Cork (Carrigaline MD, Cobh MD, East Cork MD and Macroom MD). Volume Five: West Cork (Bandon Kinsale MD and West Cork MD). Volume Six : Maps (Please note that all roads, walks and cycleways routes shown on maps are Indicative) All six volumes are available on the County Council’s website. Volume One Main Policy Material is supported by a number of Appendices as follows; Appendix A: Ministerial Guidelines as Applied to the Cork County Development Plan Appendix B: Core Strategy Tables Appendix C: Core Strategy Statements Appendix D: Core Strategy Critical Infrastructure Appendix E: Joint Housing Strategy Policies and Principles Appendix F: Landscape Character Assessment in County Cork Appendix G: Key Indicators for Monitoring Appendix H: Composition of Municipal Districts Appendix I: Settlements which are no longer included in the Settlement Network 1.4.4 In addition as per the previous plan it is possible to read the County Development Plan maps/individual settlement maps (Volume Six Maps) online through the County Development Plan Map Browser. This is available through the County Council’s website https://www.corkcoco.ie/en/cork-county-development-plan-2022-2028 GO TO CONTENTS

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   15 1.5 Strategic Context 1.5.1 Since the adoption of the Cork County Development Plan, 2014, and the preparation of this Plan, there have been a number of significant legislative and policy changes in the area of planning, including the reframing of policy at both the national and regional levels. In terms of the hierarchy of plans the overarching national plan is now the National Planning Framework with the Regional Spatial and Economic Strategy setting out the regional framework for implementation and delivery of the NPF. The RSES also includes the Cork Metropolitan Area Strategic Plan (MASP) which provides, a 12 to 20 year strategic planning and investment framework for the Cork Metropolitan Area. The Plan seeks to combine the overarching ‘top-down’ policy framework at the national and regional level with a ‘bottom-up’ approach to policy development at the local level. National Planning Policy Context Project Ireland 2040- National Planning Framework (2018) and National Development Plan 1.5.2 The National Planning Framework (NPF) sets out the Government’s high level strategic vision for shaping future growth and development in Ireland up to the year 2040. The NPF replaced the National Spatial Strategy 2002-2020. The NPF is a high-level strategy that will shape the growth and development of Ireland to the year 2040. The NPF draws upon lessons learned from the National Spatial Strategy 2002-2022 and provides a framework for the sustainable development of Ireland’s existing settlements. As a framework document it sets in train a process by which more detailed planning documents must follow, including the relevant RSES and County Development Plan. The companion document to the NPF is the ‘National Development Plan 2018-2027’ which provides the accompanying investment strategy that aligns with the strategic objectives of the NPF. 1.5.3 The NPF sets out ten National Strategic Outcomes (NSO’s) which underpin the overarching vision for the country and serve as shared goals, as depicted in figure 1.1. The Strategy also contains a range of National Policy Objectives providing a wider context for targeting future growth across the country. Outcomes 6. High-Quality8. Carbon and Climate Resilient Society 10. Access to Quality and Health Services 9. Sustainable Management of Water, Waste and other Environmental Resources 5. A Strong Economy supported by and Skills 4. Sustainable Mobility 1. Compact Growth 2. Enhanced Regional Accessibility 3. Strengthened Rural Economies and 7. Enhanced Amenity and Heritage Figure 1.1: National Planning Framework, Strategic Outcomes 1.5.4 The Implementation Roadmap for the National Planning Framework (July 2018) highlights the Government’s focus on achieving alignment between national, regional and local planning policy and practice. It addresses issues around the legal status of the NPF and provides transitional population projections for the period up to 2031. 1.5.5 The key role that land use planning plays in progressing climate change mitigation and adaption is to the forefront of the NPF. Underpinning the NPF is a firm commitment to ensuring our planning system is responsive to our national environmental challenges and that development occurs within environmental limits (NPO Objective 52). Part of this commitment includes sustainable land management and resource efficiency in order to support the transition towards a low carbon society. GO TO CONTENTS

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   16 NPF Development Strategy 1.5.6 The NPF is unapologetic in seeking to disrupt trends and sets out how Ireland can move away from the current ‘business as usual’ pattern of development. The NPF explored the ‘do nothing’ scenario which suggested that without a new approach there would likely be continued sprawl, stagnation of inner city and older suburban areas, a degraded environment with loss of habitat due to greenfield development, greater distances between where people live and work, social inequality and disadvantage, and haphazard approaches to planning for infrastructure and climate change. 1.5.7 The NPF recognises that the physical form of urban development in Ireland is one of the greatest national development challenges. The NPF has a very clear focus on achieving what is called brownfield/infill development, which translates into encouraging more people, jobs and activity generally within our existing built up areas. The NPF sets out that securing compact and sustainable growth requires a focus on the liveability of urban places, continuous regeneration of existing built up areas, tackling of legacies such as concentrations of disadvantage in certain areas, and linking regeneration and redevelopment initiatives to climate action. 1.5.8 To support the delivery of this compact growth agenda the NPF targets the delivery of at least 30% of all new homes within the existing built-up footprint in the Main Towns and Key Villages of County Cork (NPO 3c). 1.5.9 In terms of housing, the long term vision of the NPF is to balance the provision of good quality housing that meets the needs of a diverse population in a way that makes our cities, towns and villages good places to live now and into the future. National Marine Planning Framework (NMPF) (2021) 1.5.10 The National Marine Planning Framework will be presented and adopted by both Houses of the Oireachtas before it is sent to the European Commission for approval in line with the Parent Marine Spatial Planning Directive. It is the Maritime equivalent to the National Planning Framework and it is intended that the NMPF will be reviewed and replaced every 6 years. More detail on the NMPF is provided in Chapter 7, Marine, Coastal and Islands. County Development Plan Objective I 1-1: National Planning Framework Ensure consistency with and support the achievement of the National Strategic Outcomes and National Policy Objectives of the National Planning Framework. Regional Planning Policy Regional Spatial and Economic Strategy for the Southern Region (2020) 1.5.11 The RSES sets out the long-term spatial planning and economic framework for the Southern Region, in accordance with the economic policies of the Government, for the proper planning and sustainable development of the Region to 2031 and beyond. 1.5.12 The Southern Region represents over 40% of Ireland’s total landmass and one third of the national population. With three of the country’s five cities - Cork, Limerick and Waterford and a network of large towns, the region has a strong urban structure. It is also divided into three sub-regional areas, called Strategic Planning Areas (SPAs) - the Mid-West, South- East and South-West. The Region has a wealth of natural, cultural and heritage assets of national importance and is a significant tourist destination. 1.5.13 The principal statutory purpose of the RSES is to support the implementation of the NPF. In practical terms the RSES takes the high-level framework and principles set out in the NPF and applies a finer level of detail at the regional level. Eleven Regional Strategy Statement (RSSs) are set out which are broadly aligned with the National Strategic Outcomes of the NPF, the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, EU and other national policies. 1.5.14 Critically, the RSES emphasises that the level of change required by the NPF cannot be implemented immediately and that it will take several cycles of the RSES process to achieve change to long-term patterns of sustainable development. The first RSES is primarily concerned with setting the course to embed long term change and requires in RPO 3: Local Authority Core Strategies where the relevant Local Authority, in preparing Core Strategies, shall determine a hierarchy of settlements and appropriate growth rates in accordance with the guiding principles (including environmental protection) and typology of settlement in the RSES. GO TO CONTENTS

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   17 Figure 1.2: Southern Region Strategic Planning Areas (extract from the Regional Spatial and Economic Strategy for the Southern Region, 2020) 1.5.15 A key component of the RSES is to strengthen the settlement structure of the Region and to capitalise on the individual and collective strengths of the three cities, the metropolitan areas, and the strong network of towns, villages and rural communities. 1.5.16 The cities can play a significant role, individually and collectively, to rebalance the disproportionate growth of the Greater Dublin Area. All three are targeted for significant growth by at least half, i.e. by 50-60% to 2040, whereas Dublin has a planned growth of just above the national average (20-25%) to 2040. Cork is the State’s second city and the largest urban settlement in the Region. The NPF recognises this, stating that “Cork is emerging as an international centre of scale and is well placed to complement Dublin, but requires significantly accelerated and urban focused growth to more fully achieve this role”. 1.5.17 The NPF projects that the population of the Region will grow by 380,000 to almost 2 million by 2040, with around 225,000 additional people in employment. There will be between 196,000 and 235,500 additional people up to 2026 and between 280,000 and 343,500 additional people up to 2031. This will require up to 86,000 new homes by 2026 and 125,000 by 2031 to cater for our changing population, such as social housing, upgrading and replacement of older and poor quality stock, housing for smaller families and an ageing population. Cork Metropolitan Area Strategic Plan 1.5.18 The Regional Spatial and Economic Strategy for the Southern Region (RSES) also includes the Metropolitan Area Strategic Plans (MASPs) which guide the future development of the Region’s three main cities and metropolitan areas – Cork, Limerick-Shannon and Waterford area. 1.5.19 The Cork MASP has existing critical mass and is an emerging international centre of scale driven by the State’s second city of Cork at the core and supported by a network of metropolitan towns and strategic employment locations. As a national primary driver and an engine of economic and population growth, Metropolitan Cork is a principle complementary location to Dublin. Strengthened regional connectivity will enhance integration of the Cork Metropolitan Area with the Atlantic Economic Corridor. It will regenerate and develop as an international Smart City and Metropolitan Area, enhanced high-quality environment, vibrant city centre, compact suburbs and Metropolitan Towns. The MASP builds on the strong tradition of collaboration in Cork, facilitated by initiatives such as the Cork Strategic Area Plan (CASP). 1.5.20 At over 304,000 in 2016, the Cork Metropolitan Area (CMA) accounts for almost one fifth of the Region’s total population. It is the second largest metropolitan area in the State and is larger in scale than the Limerick-Shannon, Galway and Waterford Metropolitan Areas combined. 1.5.21 This Plan acknowledges the importance of the Cork MASP area and the part of the Cork Metropolitan Area that is within County Cork is planned for as a single entity referred to as the County Metropolitan Cork Strategic Planning Area, with its own population target, and set of policy objectives. See Section 2.15 which sets out the Strategic Planning Areas in County Cork and their Strategic Policy Objectives. GO TO CONTENTS

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   18 Figure 1.3: Cork MASP Area (extract from the Regional Spatial and Economic Strategy for the Southern Region, 2020) Figure 1.3 : Cork MASP Area (extract from the Regional Spatial and Economic Strategy for the Southern Region, 2020) 1.5.22 The NPF explicitly states that significant accelerated and urban focused growth is needed to achieve its role to fulfil this potential, along with accelerated investment of infrastructure, physical and social, and protection and enhancement of the natural environment. Distribution of population and employment growth in the metropolitan area must align with public transport investment, and focus on regeneration, consolidation and infrastructure led growth of the city and suburbs, existing hierarchy of metropolitan towns and the strategic employment locations. Key transport infrastructure to accommodate growth and retrofit quality services and enhanced sustainable mobility in the Cork Metropolitan Area are needed. The MASP recognises the delivery of an integrated multi modal transport network, informed by the Cork Metropolitan Area Transport Strategy (CMATS), is a key requirement. 1.5.23 The Regional Spatial and Economic Strategy will also seek co-ordinated investment and delivery of holistic infrastructure packages across State Departments and infrastructure delivery agencies as they apply to the Cork Metropolitan Area and seek further investments to deliver on the Metropolitan Area Goals as identified in the RSES for the Southern Region. These goals will form the basis of an agreed joint vision for the Cork MASP between Cork County Council and Cork City Council. GO TO CONTENTS

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   19 Cork Metropolitan Area Goals Goal 1: Sustainable Place Framework The future growth and ambition for each MASP will be based on the principles of a Sustainable Place Framework. This framework reinforces the positive relationship between the city centre, metropolitan area and wider region as complementary locations, each fulfilling strong roles. It positions quality place making at the core. Goal 2: Excellent Connectivity and Sustainable Mobility Our metropolitan areas shall be well connected through actions which will seek to deliver connectivity Goal 3: Economic Engines Driving Regional Enterprise Growth Our metropolitan areas will have a competitive international edge through a range of actions Goal 4: High Quality Environment and Quality of Life A high-quality environment and quality of life in the metropolitan areas Goal 5: A Learning, Welcoming and Socially Inclusive Metropolitan Area A socially inclusive, multi-cultural metropolitan area with equal opportunities for learning, supported by a wide range of actions Goal 6: Pioneering Locations Networked Internationally and Regionally Our metropolitan areas will be platforms for good practice implementation, pilot initiatives and innovation Goal 7: Evolve Innovative Approaches and Strategic Priorities Each MASP identifies the strategic locations for population and jobs growth, which will act as a baseline indication of current priority projects. Achieving the NPF growth targets in compact forms will require in depth consideration for new locations and initiatives by each local authority. The existing priority locations alone will not fulfil targets, but they are a snapshot of current strategic priorities which the MASPs support investment in. Opportunities for strategic regeneration of vacant and underused land and property, refurbishment, land use and transport planning integration, active land management initiatives and development agency type approaches are examples of the many different approaches that will need to emerge. Aligned with Goal 6 for pioneering approaches, the identification of new strategic priorities need to be informed by innovative solutions and demonstrate incorporation of good international and regional practices. Key Towns 1.5.24 Based on the criteria set out in the NPF, 14 Key Towns are identified in the RSES that reflect the differing urban structures across the Region, their strategic role and location. They each play a critical role in underpinning the RSES and ensuring a consolidated spread of growth beyond the cities to the sub-regional level. It is envisaged that the Key Towns will be a focus for significant growth (more than 30%). The nature, scale and phasing of this growth will be determined by local authorities depending on a capacity analysis of each town. For some, this will result in significant population growth; for others, the emphasis may be on growth of services and facilities with more limited population growth. 1.5.25 In County Cork Mallow and Clonakilty have been identified as Key Towns. Mallow has a significant sub regional role, transport hub, major employment centre for North Cork as part of a strong network of Ring Towns. Clonakilty is a key sub regional role in network of strong towns, significant employment role with potential enhanced role in combination with other West Cork settlements such as Skibbereen and Bantry as service centres for West Cork. County Development Plan Objective I 1-2: Regional Spatial and Economic Strategy Ensure consistency with and support the achievement of the Regional Policy Objectives (RPOs) of the Regional Spatial and Economic Strategy. County Development Plan Objective I 1-3: Cork Metropolitan Area Strategic Plan Support the delivery of the Cork Metropolitan Area Strategic Plan. GO TO CONTENTS

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    20 Whole of Cork 1.5.26 While the MASP drives the future development of the Cork Metropolitan Area, the Cork 2050 document sets out a whole of Cork approach to deliver on the significant potential of County Cork to provide a strong sustainable and economically vibrant alternative to Dublin. The population of County Cork outside the MASP area is higher than the MASP population. The population growth target for County Cork outside the County Metropolitan Cork Strategic Planning area is higher (55,000) than the target for the Strategic Planning Area itself. Therefore, in order to enable the whole of Cork to contribute towards National and Regional population and jobs growth future state investment must recognise this and ensure that the appropriate structures are put in place to support the delivery of the whole of Cork County’s full potential. Climate Action 1.5.27 National Government policy has increasingly recognised the key strategic challenge of climate change. The Government has published the ‘Climate Action Plan 2021’, the ‘National Adaption Framework’ (2018), and the Climate Action and Low Carbon Development Act 2015, all of which combine to comprise a strong legislative and policy framework for climate action. At a local level, the Council has adopted the ‘Cork County Council Climate Adaptation Strategy 2019-2024, and furthermore, is a signatory of the Climate Action Charter that commits local Government to drive forward meaningful climate action in their communities. 1.5.28 The importance of Climate Action is given further emphasis with the recent publication of the Climate Action and Low Carbon Development (Amendment) Act 2021 which seeks to pursue the transition to a climate resilient, biodiversity rich and climate neutral economy by no later than the end of the year 2050 and to thereby promote climate justice. UN Sustainable Development Goals 1.5.29 The UN 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development is a plan of action for people, the planet and prosperity. The plan sets out 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) that integrate the three indivisible dimensions of sustainable development - economic, social and environmental. Since 2015, Ireland is a signatory to the UN’s sustainable Development Goals, and this is reflected throughout the National Planning Framework and the RSES and has also influenced the policy making in this plan. 1.5.30 The 17 UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) set out a holistic approach to achieving a sustainable future for all. Ireland is committed to achieving the SDGs as set out in the Department of Communications, Climate Action and Environment ‘The Sustainable Development Goals National Implementation Plan 2018-2020’ (2018). SOURCE | United Nations Figure 1.4: UN Sustainability Goals Figure 1.4 : UN Sustainability Goals 1.6 Challenges in Plan Preparation 1.6.1 The Development Plan is made at a particular point in time and this creates a challenge in that it is based on the policies in place at that particular time. In the last number of years that statutory planning policy framework has been changing and evolving and it will inevitably continue to do so once this Plan is adopted. While every effort has been made to prepare the Plan in accordance with the most up-to-date statutory planning policy framework the following limitations are noted. GO TO CONTENTS

Source Cork County Council: Cork County Development Plan 2022–2028 – Volume One: Main Policy Material (2022–2028) · Licence the publisher's termsText read from the publisher’s PDF; tables, maps and drawings do not survive as text, and page numbers are the PDF’s (its first page is 1). Check the original before relying on a passage.