Fingal Development Plan 2023–2029 – Written Statement (Consolidated)

1. Page 261

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   EMPlOyMENT AND ECONOMy 261FINGAL DEVELOPMENT PLAN 2023-2029 7.2.5 Growing Tourism Sector Tourism is one of Fingal’s most important economic drivers which is fully embraced by the Council. Through Dublin Airport, Fingal provides the national major link between Ireland and international tourists. Fingal’s tourism sector is characterised by large numbers of SMEs, with 800 businesses providing accommodation and catering services. Guest accommodation supports an estimated 3,000 full time job equivalents and the catering sector provides a further 2000 jobs. The implementation of the Tourism Statement of Strategy and Work Programme 2017 – 2022 including the marketing of Fingal as a visitor location and the engagement with local tourism groups continues across the County. Flavours of Fingal continues to grow and highlight the quality and depth of food and farming in Fingal. 7.2.6 Unique Rural Environment Rural Fingal is comprised of a large number of diverse towns, villages and natural assets. The rural economy is driven by minor towns and villages such as Portrane, Coolquay, Kinsealy, Rivermeade, Rolestown as well as other core towns such as Balrothery, Loughshinny, Ballyboughal, Naul, Balscadden, Oldtown, Garristown, Ballymadun and other areas. There are currently a variety of small, medium and larger-scale commercial enterprises operating in rural areas throughout the County, which provide important sources of employment and contribute to the diversification of the rural economy. The Council supports existing rural employment and commercial enterprises and will promote and encourage appropriately scaled enterprises. Fingal has a very strong indigenous agri-food sector cluster, with many of the key national horticulture brands based in Fingal. This is a key employment sector for rural communities. These include enterprises such as Keelings, Country Crest, Sam Dennigan, Keoghs and Donnellys. 7.2.7 Economic Support In a bid to help businesses during Covid-19, Fingal County Council paid out €31.1m to 2,143 businesses in the County for the Restart Grant in 2020 which provided direct grant aid to micro and small businesses to help them with the costs associated with either staying open or reopening and re-employing workers following Covid-19 closures. A further €1.1m was paid out to support 214 businesses under the Small Business Assistance Scheme for Covid (SBASC) in 2021. in 2020 €31.1m paid to 2,143 businesses with the Restart Grant in 2021 €1.1m paid to 214 businesses with the Small Business Assistance Scheme for Covid €

2. Page 262

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   EMPlOyMENT AND ECONOMy 262FINGAL DEVELOPMENT PLAN 2023-2029 The Fingal In It Together Charter was developed to promote businesses in Fingal and stimulate the local economy including promotion and marketing of local business and measures to assist businesses in reopening as public health restrictions eased. The Council also introduced other economic stimulus measures to support businesses in the post-Covid-19 environment such as the Parklet Partners Initiative, a Shopfront Improvement Grant Scheme and the Outdoor Dining Scheme funded by Failte Ireland. In addition, a number of measures were introduced to drive local footfall such as pedestrianisation of designated streets, provision of additional public facilities, bike-share schemes and a variety of active travel initiatives. Fingal County Council oversees 3 Enterprise Centres, which have developed co-working and remote working facilities in the post-Covid-19 environment suitable for SMEs and start-up companies and freelancers, with particular emphasis on ensuring their provision within large schemes to offer opportunities associated with clustering and networking. 7.2.8 Stakeholder Collaboration Fingal is the fastest-growing Local Authority area in the Country, and the creation of sustainable jobs is a key focus. Fingal County Council launched the Fingal Skills Strategy in 2019, the first of its kind to be developed by any Local Authority in Ireland, which identifies gaps between the existing skills of Fingal’s workforce and the skills that employers need both now and in the future. The strategy is a roadmap for future skills development and a model of best practice in the local government sector for the provision of leadership and collaboration between educational providers and a range of industrial sectors. Fingal County Council are working in collaboration with seven other Local Authorities and two universities in a cross-border initiative to drive job creation and economic development along the Dublin Belfast Economic Corridor (DBEC). The DBEC Project is strategically important in attracting investment along the corridor and to Fingal as a premier location to do business. 7.2.9 Successful Funding Bids Funding has been granted under the Urban Regeneration Development Fund for two significant projects – Sustainable Swords and Our Balbriggan Rejuvenation Plan. Funding has been awarded for a number of Town and Village Renewal Schemes in eligible towns and villages in the County which includes local improvement and enhancement projects in rural towns and villages across Fingal. The Department of Rural and Community Development also provides funding for projects under the Community Enhancement Programme and the Streetscape Enhancement Scheme while the Council provides specific placemaking and events funding to local community groups throughout the County. 7.2.10 Sustainable Land Use Planning The Masterplan lands at Barrysparks and Crowscastle 2019 will accommodate a mixed-use commercial and residential development that will grow into a key economic cluster both for Swords and the Greater Dublin Area. The strategic employment land bank at this location will play a key role, accommodating up

3. Page 263

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   EMPlOyMENT AND ECONOMy 263FINGAL DEVELOPMENT PLAN 2023-2029 to c. 180,000 sq.m of commercial space and c. 14,500–15,500 additional jobs over a period of 20 years, and providing for c. 700–750 new residential units. The Estuary West Masterplan lands will provide 18,000 – 20,000 sq. m. of commercial floorspace and up to 1,500 jobs. The integrity of the Dublin – Belfast Economic Corridor and the Metro and Rail Economic Corridor continues to be protected so that it can act as a catalyst for future economic and physical development. The Masterplan lands at Barrysparks & Crowscastle c. 180,000 sq.m of commercial space c. 14,500-15,500 additional jobs over a period of 20 years c. 700-750 new residential units The Estuary West Masterplan lands 18,000 – 20,000 sq.m. of commercial floorspace up to 1,500 jobs The Dublin Airport Local Area Plan Phase 1 – 41,677 sq.m. Phase 2 – 33,787 sq.m. 7.3 Opportunities While Fingal’s geographic location offers it an advantageous position on the eastern seaboard in terms of attracting population and economic development, it is essential that the County continues to develop in a sustainable manner, where orderly and compact growth form the basis of economic policies into the future. The aim is to provide and enhance settlements/areas/communities which attract people, where they can live, work, study and invest in. Fingal has a strong economic base, and the aim is to build on the success of existing economies, support and develop new enterprises (both indigenous and FDI) and provide the necessary infrastructure to entice future growth. External impacts such as Brexit and Covid-19 have had a devastating effect on many economies in the County. However, there are several reassuring factors which will provide opportunity for recovery and expansion of sustainable economic development and employment in the County. These include the following: ¨ In terms of its geographic location, Fingal is in an advantageous position due to its proximity to the Dublin–Belfast Economic Corridor which provides opportunities to attract investment, create jobs and collaborate with key partners to stimulate economic development at a regional level. ¨ Dublin Airport’s strategic location within Fingal provides access to national and international markets making Fingal an attractive location for business to locate.

4. Page 264

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   EMPlOyMENT AND ECONOMy 264FINGAL DEVELOPMENT PLAN 2023-2029 ¨ The RSES envisages that the population of the Eastern and Midland region will grow by approximately 500,000 persons by 2040, and that of Fingal County increasing by approximately 73,000 by 2031. While this growth may present some challenges in terms of housing and service provision, it will also present an opportunity to make our urban areas stronger, providing a range of quality urban spaces which attract a skilled workforce, while in turn providing infrastructure and jobs that are required to deliver high quality employment that is well-paid and sustainable. ¨ The NPF and RSES compact growth requirement will allow areas in Fingal to develop to their full capacity. The identification of strategic development areas for population and employment growth in the RSES provides an additional framework for growth for Fingal where economic activity can develop and prosper in conjunction with appropriate infrastructure provision. ¨ Infrastructure provision will be a key factor for the economic development of the County and the prospective MetroLink, BusConnects and Dart + projects will bring significant economic benefits to Fingal. Transport and infrastructure interventions are expected to facilitate the modal shift in alignment with the policy hierarchy and national, regional and local objectives such that they encourage sustainable ways of improving Fingal’s integration, connectivity and the movement of workers. Greenway developments will have knock on effects on coastal towns and tourism in general. The rollout of broadband in the County under the National Broadband Plan will ensure that the County, its people and businesses, are more connected and competitive. These infrastructural improvements combined with the increased provision of remote working and co-working hubs will all serve to increase the quality of life for residents, decentralise urban areas, decouple employment and residential areas where required, improve congestion, revitalise local economies and enhance local communities. ¨ Fingal has a diverse sectoral base of enterprise that acts as a draw for 57,000 workers to come from outside of the County, providing opportunities for a variety of employee types. ¨ Fingal has the youngest and most diverse population in the country with over 30% of the population of the County having a university education. The very highly educated resident workforce is likely to catalyse local enterprise development. ¨ Fingal has a lower commercial vacancy rate than the national average and it has in excess of 3,000 hectares of undeveloped employment zoned lands and a significant amount of agricultural land. ¨ Fingal has a very strong indigenous agri-food sector cluster, with many of the key national horticulture brands based in Fingal. This sector is still underdeveloped and the quantum of agricultural land available and favourable zonings for the sector create significant potential to grow the sector and its employment base into the future. ¨ Fingal had a high employment rate prior to the Covid-19 pandemic (90% in 2016) and it is envisaged that it can return to similar rates over the next number of years. ¨ The opportunities for coastal towns of the County and the marine sector could be developed to better leverage tourism, to reduce leakage and maximise tourism expenditure.

5. Page 265

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   EMPlOyMENT AND ECONOMy 265FINGAL DEVELOPMENT PLAN 2023-2029 ¨ Fingal County Council’s three Enterprise Centres offer shared workspace and remote working options for individuals and businesses. These are particularly important facilities in current times and all three Enterprise Centres continue to expand and develop their offering, subject to demand. ¨ Fingal County Council has launched the Sustainable Fingal campaign to liaise with and assist businesses in developing sustainable business measures and developing the green economy and the circular economy. This provides an opportunity for businesses to adapt a sustainable business approach which can lead to overall efficiencies, cost savings and help position businesses to secure new customers and new contracts given the increased customer focus on climate action and sustainability. ¨ The Fingal In It Together Charter aims to unite businesses across the County in supporting each other and provides reassurance to consumers that they are shopping local and supporting Fingal businesses. ¨ The continued promotion by Fingal County Council of the following areas provide additional enterprise development and job prospects for highly skilled workers: ƿ the Dublin 15 industrial land through marketing the Dublin Enterprise Zone to clusters in pharmaceuticals and healthcare and Information and Communication Technology (ICT) ƿ the Dublin–Belfast Economic Corridor (in partnership with 7 other Local Authorities and 2 universities) ƿ Smart Balbriggan, under the Smart Dublin umbrella, marketing Balbriggan for ICT, high technology and innovation clustering. ¨ Fingal County Council have an excellent working relationship with both the IDA and Enterprise Ireland and will continue to actively engage with these agencies to promote Fingal as the ideal place to invest and do business. ¨ Fingal County Council prepared the Fingal Skills Strategy in 2019 and has established an Implementation Group to progress and implement the recommendations of that Strategy in the context of a post-Covid environment. The Skills Strategy brings together education providers and industry in collaboration to work towards ensuring that there will be an adequate supply of sufficiently skilled labour available in Fingal over the coming years to maximise economic development. ¨ The retail sector is a significant employer and economic contributor in the County, and it plays a key role in placemaking and creating attractive liveable environments. As a significant attractor it enables the provision of strong mixed-use commercial cores throughout the network of city, towns and villages in the Region and can play a key role in the regeneration of areas. ¨ The Council continues to work with Fáilte Ireland on the Dublin Coastal Trail and the Coastal Destination Experience Development Plan (DEDP) which will provide added opportunities for local small and medium sized businesses in all of Fingal’s coastal towns and villages.

6. Page 266

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   EMPlOyMENT AND ECONOMy 266FINGAL DEVELOPMENT PLAN 2023-2029 ¨ Opportunities for remote working – The growth in remote working brings a new dynamic to locational decisions, including remote working hubs with the potential to improve quality of rural employment landscape. The Council continues to work with the Department of Rural & Community Development to support remote working and co-working facilities around the County. ¨ Factors such as excellent schools, outstanding natural, cultural and sporting amenities, the wide range of leisure and shopping opportunities, a scenic coastline, seaside villages and a rural hinterland make Fingal a uniquely attractive place to visit, live, work and do business in. 7.4 Strategic Aims Since the adoption of the previous Plan, significant changes have occurred in the policy and regulatory environment for land use planning in Ireland. Project Ireland 2040 – National Planning Framework (NPF) was published in 2018 and the Regional Spatial and Economic Strategy for the Eastern and Midland Region (RSES) in 2019. The EMRA RSES also contains the Dublin Metropolitan Area Strategic Plan (MASP), which includes parts of Fingal. There is significant alignment between the NPF and the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and these Goals will also act as a foundation for the Plan. In addition, in response to the Covid-19 pandemic, the Government has published its Economic Recovery Plan, 2021 which aims to help kick start a jobs rich recovery, helping the sectors and workers most impacted. The NPF supports the future growth and success of Dublin as Ireland’s leading global city of scale, by better managing Dublin’s growth to ensure that more of it can be accommodated within and close to the city. The NPF aims to enable significant population and jobs growth in the Dublin metropolitan area, together with better management of the trend towards overspill into surrounding counties. Compact growth is recommended at both national and regional level and urban regeneration and the development of infill sites are seen as a means of achieving this. The aim is to regenerate and rejuvenate cities, towns and villages of all types to accommodate new uses, to increase the residential population and employment activity, ensuring good design, in order to sustainably influence and support their surrounding area. In this regard for example, Fingal County Council has been proactive in securing funding under the Urban Regeneration and Development Fund for projects associated with Sustainable Swords and Our Balbriggan Rejuvenation Plan. The locations for future employment in Fingal has been informed by the requirements of the NPF and the RSES. The aim is to increase employment in strategic locations, provide for people intensive employment at other sustainable locations near high quality public transport nodes, to build on commercial and research synergies in proximity to large employers, industry clusters and smart specialisation and activating strategic sites to strengthen the local employment base in commuter towns. The MASP in the RSES has identified Key Strategic Development Areas in Fingal for employment and residential development. The objective of the MASP regarding employment lands is to follow a sequential approach, with a focus on the re-intensification of employment lands within the M50 and at selected strategic development areas and the provision of appropriate employment densities in tandem with the provision of high-quality public transport corridors. The NPF estimates that the population of the region will grow by 490,000–540,000 by the year 2040 and that

7. Page 267

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   EMPlOyMENT AND ECONOMy 267FINGAL DEVELOPMENT PLAN 2023-2029 an additional 320,000 people will be employed in the region in the same time frame. This will result in overall population of the region at 2.85 million persons and 1.34 million employed in the region. In line with this, the EMRA RSES has a projected target growth for Fingal of between 340,000–349,000. Since the publication of the RSES, EMRA has allocated Fingal a population (high) of 369,000 for 2031 as per the MASP transitional population document. This includes the MASP allocation of an additional 20,000 for Swords. This will see Fingal’s population increase to 369,000 by 2031. Over the Plan period the labour force will increase from 153,788 in 2022 to 172,400 by 2029, representing an increase of 18,612 persons, or 12.4%. (Fingal Economic and Employment Land Use Study, KPMG Future Analytics, 2021). Labour force increase from 153,788 – 10,000 people Population increase from 296,020 2016 2031 2022 2029 to 369,000 to 172,400 At a local level the Local Economic and Community Plan (LECP) 2016–2021 is designed to promote and support the local economic and community development of Fingal over the period 2016–2021 and it includes a range of actions designed to foster economic growth in the County over the medium-term. The Local Economic Office (LEO) provides a local hub for enterprise supports. There is a need for the different enterprise supports, actions and policy formulation within Local Authorities to align and to reflect the needs of the economy within a sustainable development framework. In addition, there is a requirement to take account of wider objectives of relevant strategies developed by agencies such as IDA Ireland, Enterprise Ireland and Údarás Na Gaeltachta and business interests. The economic and employment strategy of Fingal County Council must align with the policies and objectives set out in the NPF and the RSES. In addition to this, the economic strategy must account for the current economic shocks arising from Brexit, and the Covid-19 Pandemic crisis and associated economic lockdowns. The trends affecting employment lands over the life of the Plan needs a resilient economic strategy to plan for the unexpected.

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   EMPlOyMENT AND ECONOMy 268FINGAL DEVELOPMENT PLAN 2023-2029 Clustering has been a key economic concept in the County and will continue to be encouraged in policy going forward. NSO 5 of the NDP indicates the need to build a strong economy, supported by Enterprise, Innovation and Skills. In this regard, there is a need to create places that can foster enterprise and innovation and attract investment and talent. In addition, there is a need to invest in ‘placemaking’ to create places that are attractive to live, work, study, visit and invest in. The economic strategy supports the strategic development and employment areas for population and employment growth in addition to more generalised consolidation and re-intensification of infill, brownfield and underutilised lands. Aligning population growth, employment creation and residential development at the right locations, while transitioning to a low carbon economy is at the forefront of national and regional economic policy and this will be the aim of this strategy. Creating ‘Smart Cities’ while advocating the green and circular economies will be central to the approach by Fingal County Council. In line with this is the need to create attractive places to live and work. Proximity to existing employment areas, existing and proposed transport infrastructure and proximity to 3rd level institutions are factors to consider for sustainable placemaking to be achieved. The MASP has identified 6 areas in Fingal as Strategic residential and employment development areas and corridors within the Dublin Metropolitan area. The aim of these areas is to provide compact growth and employment opportunities, enhanced by infrastructure provision. The RSES has identified the following strategic employment areas in Fingal County: Table 7.1: Strategic Employment areas in Fingal County Strategic Development Areas and Corridors Employment/Mixed Use Dublin 15 lands Further development of largescale employment in Dublin Enterprise Zone and synergies with TU Dublin (Blanchardstown) Swords Airport related, commercial facilities and employment linked to development of MetroLink Swords – Lissenhall Development of high-tech research and development employment within a campus setting at Lissenhall East North Fringe – Baldoyle-Stapolin Completion of mixed-use districts with retail and service provision Donabate Consolidation of economic and service base in tandem with population growth Dunsink Subject to feasibility

9. Page 269

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   EMPlOyMENT AND ECONOMy 269FINGAL DEVELOPMENT PLAN 2023-2029 ¨ Dublin 15 lands – The Dublin Enterprise Zone or DEZ is an area of around 1571 hectares, located in Blanchardstown, Dublin 15 and is home to a variety of industries from R&D, High-Tech Manufacturing, Industrial, General Enterprise and Employment. While half of the Dublin Enterprise Zone has been developed, there is the potential to create an additional 20,000 jobs on the 716 hectares of undeveloped, zoned and serviced land available in the Zone. The Dublin 15 location has many benefits for business, being situated very close to Dublin Airport accessible via the M50, which runs right through the Dublin Enterprise Zone. The M50 Motorway also links to Dublin Port via the Dublin Tunnel on the M1. Having regard to the commencement of the roll out of the BusConnects programme along with the provision of additional bus routes in the Dublin 15 area, there are presently eight separate Dublin Bus routes and 6 separate Go Ahead Ireland routes traversing the Zone. These transport links provide any enterprise or business located in the Dublin Enterprise Zone exceptional access to goods and services. ¨ Swords – The RSES identifies Swords is as a Key Town in the region. Its strategic location in proximity to Dublin City, the Airport, national road network, the planned MetroLink with a young and growing population make it an attractive place to live and work. Through the regeneration of the town and the provision of key infrastructure, it is envisaged that Swords will develop as a key employment node. Airport related activities will continue to be of major importance to the town and the potential to move towards sustainable and low carbon transport modes through the provision of high-quality walking and cycling permeability offering direct routes to local destinations and public transportation hubs (MetroLink, Park and Ride, BusConnects) will be required for the future development of Swords. ¨ Swords – Lissenhall – This area has been identified for longer term residential and mixed-use urban district including the development of high-tech research and development employment within a campus settling. The strategic landbank offers the opportunity for the development of a well-connected mixed-use urban district on the northern side of Swords within 1 km of the MetroLink corridor. The development of the area follows the sequential development of Swords and is in keeping with the Council’s long-term strategic vision for the town. ¨ North Fringe – Baldoyle-Stapolin – The DART Expansion Programme will support ongoing large-scale urban expansion of the North Fringe lands. Employment generators in these areas include mixed-use districts with retail and service provision. ¨ Donabate – There is significant residential capacity in this strategically located rapidly growing coastal village. The DART Expansion Programme will support ongoing large-scale urban expansion of Donabate and it is envisioned that there will be consolidation of the economic and service base in tandem with population growth in this area. ¨ Dunsink – This is a major greenfield landbank which has been identified as a strategic location with long term potential to develop a new district centre. A feasibility study is currently being prepared for these lands.

10. Page 270

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    EMPlOyMENT AND ECONOMy 270FINGAL DEVELOPMENT PLAN 2023-2029 Economic policy aligns with national, regional and local policy and Fingal County Council will continue to engage with key stakeholders to promote economic development and attract investment to the County in order to achieve the following aims: ¨ To facilitate and deliver economic development at strategic employment locations and at other appropriate locations proximate to residential developments and highquality public transport, while supporting economic clusters and rejuvenating existing economic lands. ¨ To optimise the benefits of Fingal’s strategic location as part of the Dublin Metropolitan Area and being located adjacent to existing and proposed infrastructure. ¨ To maximise stakeholder engagement and collaboration to foster economic growth. ¨ Grow and facilitate a highly skilled workforce. ¨ Support a circular and green economy. ¨ Support and facilitate the wide-ranging economic sectors throughout the County. 7.5 Policies and Objectives 7.5.1 Employment and Economic Development Fingal enjoys significant economic advantages and is the fastest growing County in Ireland. Fingal’s strategic location within Eastern and Midlands Regional Assembly (EMRA), as part of the Dublin City Region and within the Dublin–Belfast Economic Corridor place it in a very good position from an economic perspective. Fingal is well served by air, sea and national roads and the County has one of the youngest and most diverse populations in the state. The economic strategy supports the strategic development and employment areas for population and employment growth in addition to more generalised consolidation and re-intensification of infill, brownfield and underutilised lands. Clustering has been a key economic concept in the County and will continue to be encouraged in policy going forward. NSO 5 of the NDP indicates the need to build a strong economy, supported by Enterprise, Innovation and Skills. In this regard, there is a need to create places that can foster enterprise and innovation and attract investment and talent. In addition, there is a need to invest in ‘placemaking’ to create places that are attractive to live, work, study, visit and invest in. There are a range of forthcoming local infrastructure interventions as well as Strategic Infrastructure Developments that will impact and influence employment and accessibility within, to and from Fingal over the coming years. These developments will accommodate increasing travel demand, alleviate existing issues and help Fingal transition towards sustainable mobility in accordance with overarching policy. Various infrastructure projects will deliver change in employment commuter patterns through the provision of a dedicated automated metro, additional railway and redesigned bus network respectively. MetroLink is the planned high capacity, high-frequency metro railway line running for 19km both over ground and underground that is being progressed by Transport Infrastructure Ireland. It stretches from Swords in the north, toward the Airport, Glasnevin, city centre and onwards to Charlemont in the south of the city.

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