Limerick Development Plan 2022–2028 (as varied)

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   Chapter 2: Core Strategy19 The Regional and Spatial Economic Strategy (RSES) for the Southern Region sets out a number of strategic outcomes that align to the NPF, including the sustainable growth of a compact city, towns and villages to achieve better residential development across the Southern Region. The RSES contains a Metropolitan Area Strategic Plan (MASP) for the Limerick Shannon area. The MASP for Limerick Shannon emphasizes that a dynamic approach to land-use within the footprint of existing settlements is sought by the RSES in order to maximise the opportunity of urban regeneration and infill sites to contribute to sustainable balanced and compact growth and revitalisation of our existing settlements of scale. The vision statement for the Limerick Shannon Metropolitan Area is: ‘To create a sustainable, inclusive, smart, climate and economic resilient Limerick Shannon Metropolitan Area, which is competitive and of a scale which can exert critical-mass leverage at an international level, maximising the economic, social, cultural and environmental opportunities in a manner for all those who live, work and visit the Metropolitan Area, Mid-West Region and for the benefit of the country’. 2.3 Core Strategy Methodology The Core Strategy is developed around a framework of high-level population and household targets that are set out in the NPF, the NPF Implementation Roadmap, the RSES for the Southern Region and Section 28 guidance document Housing Supply Target Methodology for Development Planning, (DHLGH, December 2020). There are a number of steps involved in preparing the Core Strategy: 1. Identify population projections for 2016 to 2028; 2. Identify household projections for 2022 to 2028; 3. Identify the proposed settlement hierarchy; 4. Allocate population/households to settlements; 5. Identify quantum of zoned land required to accommodate proposed growth.

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   LIMERICK DEVELOPMENT PLAN 2022-202820 2.3.1 Population Projections The population projections for Limerick are set out in the NPF Implementation Roadmap as per Table 2.1 below and the RSES. Table 2.1: NPF Implementation Roadmap Population projections for Limerick Year 2016 2026 2031 Population projections 195,000 229,000-235,500 246,000-256,500 Assuming even population growth, these population projections translate to an additional population of circa 49,200 for the Plan period. The Southern Region RSES also provides for population targets for the Limerick Shannon Metropolitan Area Strategic Plan (MASP) area specifying the allocations for the City and those parts of the MASP area outside of the City that lie within Limerick (see Map 2.1). The NPF 2016-2031 population growth allocation for the MASP area is 39,948. On a pro-rata basis, the population growth should be 31,918 by the middle of 2028. In order to comply with NPO 9 of the NFP, which recommends that settlements other than the Cities and key towns should grow by a maximum of 30% over the lifetime of the Plan, it is necessary to increase the proportion of population allocation to the MASP area to 36,394, equivalent to a further 14% over the 31,918 pro-rata allocation. The growth allocations for the remainder of the county are thereby reduced accordingly, so that the growth on aggregate of all settlements outside of the Metropolitan Area will be c.26% over their 2016 population base. Section 2.3.4 further expands on the proposed population and household distribution. In preparing the Core Strategy, the patterns of development up to 2022 were also taken into account. A review of commencements of planning permissions along with Geodirectory information, was used to undertake this exercise. The following Table 2.2 shows the forecast for additional population growth during the Plan period and the estimated growth between 2016 and May 2022, the time at which the Plan is due to be adopted. Table 2.2: Population growth Q3 2016-Q2 2028, with estimate of growth up to Q2 2022 and future growth to be facilitated by end of 2022-2028 Development Plan period Settlement category 2016-2028 population growth Population growth estimate post 2016 census up to Q2 2022 Population growth during Plan period Q2 2022-Q2 2028 Limerick City and Suburbs (in Limerick), Mungret and Annacotty 34,692 4,071 30,621 Remainder of Limerick 14,530 3,490 11,040 Total city and county 49,222 7,561 41,661

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   Chapter 2: Core Strategy21 Map 2.1: Population growth allocations for MASP area and remainder of Limerick Abbeyfeale GlinTarbert Foynes Ballyhahill Tournafulla Mountcollins Athea Carrigkerry Shanagolden Newcastle West Rathkeale Askeaton Pallaskenry DromcolliherBroadford Kilmallock Bruree Adare Croom Ballinagarry Kilfinane Kildimo Croagh Ballyagran CaherconlishGlen Limerick city and surburbs Castleconnell Bruff Rathluirc (Charleville) Hospital Pallasgreen Doon Cappamore Murroe Knocklong Oola O’Briensbridge / Montpelier Ballylanders Galbally Kilteely Fedamore Patrickswell Clarina Mungret Ardagh Limerick City & Surburbs settlement within Limerick Pop increase to 2031: 33,618 Remainder of MASP Area within Limerick Pop Increase to 2031: 6,330 All other areas in Limerick Pop Increase to 2031: 21,653 Background © Open Street Map Population Growth 2016–2031 Limerick County Boundary CSO Settlements MASP Boundary

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   LIMERICK DEVELOPMENT PLAN 2022-202822 2.3.2 Household Projections for 2022 to 2028 Under Section 28 of the Planning and Development Act, 2000 (as amended), the Housing Supply Target Methodology for Development Planning, Guidelines for Planning Authorities were issued on 18th December 2020. These Guidelines provide the methodology to be adopted by Local Authorities in formulating the housing supply target for their statutory Development Plan. The methodology utilises research undertaken by the Economic and Social Research Institute – Regional Demographics and Structural Housing Demand at a County Level, Research Series, Number 111, Economic and Social Research Institute (ESRI), December 2020. The guidelines are to be applied by each Planning Authority to assist in ensuring that their Development Plan is prepared to be consistent with the National Planning Framework and relevant Regional Spatial and Economic Strategy. To support each Planning Authority in applying the methodology, comprehensive background data necessary for the methodology calculation in Table 1 of the Guidelines, were issued to each Planning Authority in January 2021. Using this methodology, the projected households for Limerick from the year 2022 to 2028 are set out in Table 2.3 below. Table 2.3: Household Projections for Limerick 2022-2028 Row indices Steps as per S28 guidance Households A ESRI NPF scenario household demand 2017- Q2 2026 21,014 B Actual new housing supply 2017 to Q2 2022 2,840 C Homeless households (latest data) and unmet demand as at most recent census 461 D Plan Housing Demand = Total (A-B)+C Projected ESRI NPF demand – new completions) + unmet demand 18,635 E Potential adjustment 1 to end 2026 portion of Plan period to facilitate convergence to NPF strategy Adjusted total demand E1 ESRI Baseline scenario projected new household demand 2017 to Q4, 2026 12,232 E2 ESRI NPF scenario projected new household demand to Q2 2028 2,693 E3 Mid-point between A and E2 (ESRI NPF and baseline scenarios, to Q4 2026 15,277 E4 Household forecast 2022-2028 Plan period 15,591

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   Chapter 2: Core Strategy23 2.3.3 Settlement Hierarchy A settlement hierarchy is a way of arranging settlements into a hierarchy based upon their population or some other criteria, such as the range of services. As you move up the settlement hierarchy, the size of the settlement increases, as does the population and the range of services available. Each settlement has an important function at a local level and some at a regional level, in supporting jobs, providing services and a mix of housing, as well as acting as a focal point for community networks and activities. The following considerations were taken into account in preparing the settlement hierarchy for Limerick, which is set out in Table 2.4 further below: 1. Limerick City and Suburbs (in Limerick), Mungret and Annacotty is designated for significant growth under the NPF and RSES; 2. Towns that are located within the Limerick Shannon MASP; 3. The designation of Newcastle West as a Key town in the RSES; 4. The availability of planned physical and social infrastructure (education, community facilities, retail etc.); 5. Scale of existing population and its performance; 6. Historic role and function of the settlement; 7. Towns that have strong employment and service centres; 8. Extent to which sustainable modes of travel can be encouraged (walking, cycling or public transport); 9. Environmental considerations. Table 2.4 Limerick Settlement Hierarchy Settlement Hierarchy Settlement Level 1 Limerick City and Suburbs (in Limerick), Mungret and Annacotty Limerick City and Suburbs (in Limerick), Mungret and Annacotty Level 2 Key Town Newcastle West Level 3 Towns (>1,400 population) Abbeyfeale, Castleconnell, Rathkeale, Caherconlish Kilmallock Level 4 Large Villages (>500 population) Adare, Askeaton, Ballingarry, Bruff, Bruree, Cappamore, Croom, Doon, Dromcolliher, Foynes, Glin, Hospital, Kilfinane, Murroe, Pallasgreen, Pallaskenry, Patrickswell Level 5 Small Villages Ardagh, Athlacca, Athea, Ballyagran, Ballyhahill, Ballylanders, Ballyneety, Broadford, Carrigkerry, Castlemahon, Clarina, Croagh, Fedamore, Galbally, Herbertstown, New Kildimo, Kilteely, Knocklong, Loghill, Oola, Montpelier, Mountcollins, Nicker, Shanagolden, Templeglantine, Tournafulla Level 6 Rural Clusters Anglesboro, Ardpatrick, Ashford, Ballybrown, Ballyorgan, Ballysteen, Banogue, Caherline, Cappagh, Castletown, Crecora, Drombanna, Dromkeen, Elton, Feenagh, Feohanagh, Glenbrohane, Glenosheen, Glenroe, Granagh, Kilbeheny, Kilcolman, Kilcornan, Kilfinny, Kilmeedy, Knockaderry, Knockainy, Knockdown, Martinstown, Meanus, Monagea, Old Pallas, Patrickswell (Lough Gur), Raheenagh, Roxborough, Strand Level 7 Open Countryside

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   LIMERICK DEVELOPMENT PLAN 2022-202824 Table 2.5 Projected population and household growth per settlement hierarchy Settlement Hierarchy 2016 population (CSO census) Settlement population totals 2028 Additional households forecasted 2022-2028 Level 1 Limerick City and Suburbs (in Limerick), Mungret and Annacotty 92,878 127,570 11,442 Level 2 Key Town 6,619 8,607 706 Level 3 Towns (>1,400 population) 8,715 11,080 850 Level 4 Large Villages (>500 population) 12,964 16,620 1,286 Level 5 Small Villages 5,913 7,216 340 Level 6 Rural clusters 1,882 2,165 105 Level 7 Open Countryside 65,928 70,863 862 Total Limerick 194,899 244,121 15,591 2.3.4 Population/Household Distribution In line with the NPF and RSES, a significant portion of Limerick’s proposed growth will be in Limerick City and Suburbs (in Limerick), Mungret and Annacotty. In towns and smaller settlements outside of this area, the overall objective is to ensure that these settlements grow at an appropriate rate where both physical and social infrastructure keeps pace with population growth. Having regard to the population and household projections and the settlement hierarchy identified in Section 2.3.3 above, the population and household projections to 2028 are allocated to each settlement hierarchy as set out in Table 2.5 below. The following approach was adopted in deciding the appropriate growth rates for the different settlements within the settlement hierarchy: 1. Within the Limerick Shannon Metropolitan Area (in Limerick), the bulk of this population allocation is to be facilitated within the City and two settlements that are attached to the city, namely Mungret and Annacotty and for which there already is extensive zoned lands available. Outside of the City and Suburbs (in Limerick), Mungret and Annacotty, Patrickswell and Castleconnell are considered settlements that are suitable for growth due to their location within the MASP area and also the availability of existing infrastructure. 2. The allocation of growth targets in general, seeks to ensure that the growth would be sustainable and in keeping with the scale of the settlements. It also ensures the capacity to accommodate the additional growth without damage to the settlement’s character and the carrying capacity of their environment and infrastructure. In accordance with the NPF the population growth rates are generally not proposed in excess of 30% of the 2016 population, within the Plan period. However, there are certain limited exceptions as noted below. 3. In general, uniform growth rates are applied to settlements according to the Level in the hierarchy to which they belong, with 30% growth over the 2016 population base allocated to the key town of Newcastle West. 28% growth is allocated to settlements in Levels 3 and 4 in the hierarchy and 23% to settlements in Level 5. The lowest Level in the hierarchy is that of the open countryside where, in keeping with long term trends, the growth rate is to remain relatively low at 7.52% from 2016 to 2028.

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   Chapter 2: Core Strategy25 4. The extent of residential development, which has occurred since the 2016 Census will affect the growth of future housing within the Plan period. In respect of settlements which saw uniform growth rates over the 2016 population, the requirement for additional housing during the Plan period, when growth since 2016 is taken into account, will result in some settlements having a greater need for additional housing than others of similar size. 5. In certain circumstances, either where residential development has been constructed after the 2016 census, or where there is outstanding planning permission for dwelling units, such developments or commitments may result in these settlements already breaching or close to breaching the 30% rate. In these cases, it is considered important that an allowance for growth on sites without the benefit of planning permission, taking into account spare capacity and the criteria outlined in Section 2.3.3 above is made. This results in growth rates in excess of the 30% rate referred to above in the village of Patrickswell. This is a Metropolitan settlement where there are outstanding planning permissions for 270 dwelling units. 2.3.5 Determining the Quantum of Zoned Land Required to Accommodate Proposed Growth A number of factors were considered in determining the quantity of zoned land required for each settlement in the hierarchy. This included the number of proposed housing units, density, a settlement capacity audit, potential of mixed-use zoned land to accommodate housing units and national and regional objectives to significantly grow Limerick City and Suburbs (in Limerick), Mungret and Annacotty. 2.3.5.1 Proposed Housing Allocation The proposed housing targets, which are outlined in the sections above, were distributed based on the settlement hierarchy. 2.3.5.2 Density It is a requirement of Section 10(2A)(a) of the Act that the Core Strategy is consistent with planning policy requirements of guidelines issued under Section 28 of the Act. The Guidance Note on Core Strategies clearly reinforces that density assumptions used in the preparation of a Core Strategy should be consistent with the Planning Guidelines for Sustainable Residential Development in Urban Areas (2009). The average housing densities, that determine the residential yield from sites depends on the location of that site, which settlement it belongs to, where that settlement fits within the settlement hierarchy, the site’s position with respect to the urban core, the proximity to public transport corridors and to major employment zones. Where communities live in areas of medium to high residential densities, the prospects improve for local services and amenities, use of sustainable transport modes for daily journeys and the reduction of unsustainable travel patterns.

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   LIMERICK DEVELOPMENT PLAN 2022-202826 Within settlements outside of Limerick City and Suburbs (in Limerick), Mungret and Annacotty, allowance will be made for the development of serviced/cluster sites, which will act as an alternative to one off rural housing. In line with the Planning Guidelines for Sustainable Residential Development in Urban Areas up to 20% of proposed housing units within these settlements will be allocated to serviced sites at a density of 10 units per hectare. This is reflected in Table 2.6 below. In line with the above considerations and Section 28 Guidelines, the following density assumptions were applied to the settlement hierarchy: Table 2.6: Density Assumptions per Settlement Hierarchy Settlement Hierarchy Density applied Level 1 Limerick City and Suburbs (in Limerick), Mungret and Annacotty (see Map 2.2 below) Density Zone 1: City Centre, Central & Accessible Locations: A minimum net density of 100+ dwelling units per hectare are required at appropriate locations within the City Centre. Density Zone 2: Intermediate Urban Locations/Transport Corridors: A minimum net density of 45+ dwelling units per hectare are required at appropriate locations within: 800 metres of (i) the University Hospital; (ii) Raheen Business Park; (iii) National Technology Park; (iv) University of Limerick; (v) Technological University of the Shannon; (vi) Mary Immaculate College; 500m of high frequency (min. 10-minute peak hour frequency) existing or proposed urban bus services and; 400m of reasonably frequent (min. 15-minute peak hour frequency) urban bus services. Density Zone 3: Suburban Edge: A minimum net density of 35+ dwelling units per hectare are required at sites in suburban development areas that do not meet proximity or accessibility criteria of the Intermediate Urban Locations. Level 2 Key Town 35 uph for 80% of dwelling units and 10 uph for 20% of dwelling units proposed Level 3 Towns (>1,400 population) 22 uph for 80% of dwelling units and 10 uph for 20% of dwelling units proposed Level 4 Large Villages (>500 population) 22 uph for 80% of dwelling units and 10 uph for 20% of dwelling units proposed Level 5 Small Villages See objective CGR O17 in Chapter 3 Level 6 Rural Clusters See objective CGR O19 in Chapter 3 Level 7 Open Countryside N/A

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   Chapter 2: Core Strategy27 2.3.5.3 Settlement Capacity Audit In accordance with the methodology set out in Appendix 3 of the NPF, a Settlement Capacity Audit was applied through the carrying out of an infrastructural assessment for each of the zoned settlements within the Plan. See Volume 2 of the Plan for further details. 2.3.5.4 Potential Housing Yield on Town Centre/Mixed Use Zoned Land The potential housing yield on Local Centre/mixed use (in the case of Limerick City and Suburbs (in Limerick), Mungret and Annacotty where applicable) zoned land was considered on a case-by-case basis, having regard to the vacancy and dereliction within each settlement and also the quantum of land zoned for Town Centre/mixed use development within the particular settlement. Consideration of this issue can be found within Volume 2 of the Plan, which contains a description, infrastructure assessment report and zoning maps for Limerick City and Suburbs (in Limerick), Mungret and Annacotty and a number of Level 4 settlements. Local Area Plans will be prepared for the remaining Level 4 settlements, at which stage consideration will be given to the potential housing yield on Town Centre zoned land for that particular settlement. Map 2.2 Limerick City and Suburbs (in Limerick), Mungret and Annacotty Density Zones

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    LIMERICK DEVELOPMENT PLAN 2022-202828 2.4 Core Strategy Statement The approach in developing the Core Strategy is focused on developing and strengthening the role of Limerick City as an international city of scale, the key town of Newcastle West, large towns, villages and rural clusters. There is a focus on increasing residential densities and employment in the City and main towns, thereby decreasing the distance that people have to travel from their home to work. The strategy is also focused around settlements with good public transport links and improving public transport links in other settlements, highlighting the importance of integrating land use and transportation to help reduce greenhouse gas emissions and facilitate the transition to a low carbon economy. The concept of developing a 10-minute city/town with a series of neighbourhoods and vibrant towns and villages, which are compact, that can support a range of jobs, services and housing choice, not only provide the basis of strong economies and communities, but also support a greater range of sustainable modes of transport, both within and between settlements. The development of a network of settlements that work together to the benefit of Limerick and all its inhabitants, including those in rural areas can only occur in a planned way. Guidance throughout the Plan on housing densities, building height and development layouts, are all aimed at ensuring the economic use of land for development, compact, quality neighbourhoods and integration with infrastructure and non-residential land uses that nurtures sustainable travel patterns and choices. Prioritising the development of brownfield sites and reducing vacancy in Limerick City and Town Centres should also assist in the increase in average densities and in helping to revitalise many rural towns and villages as well as their surrounding areas. Chapter 3: Spatial Strategy outlines objectives for the regeneration of opportunity sites within the City with a view to realising their full potential to contribute to the growth of the city. For larger settlements, Local Area Plans will be prepared, during which time opportunities will be identified for brownfield and regeneration opportunities. Furthermore, Volume 2 sets out development objectives for a number of Level 4 settlements where this issue has been considered. The Settlement Hierarchy is developed around seven levels. While each level serves a different strategic role, together they will achieve a balanced, spatial planning settlement framework, which supports our urban and rural areas. All settlements, regardless of their Level, have an important role and contribution to make to the economic and social life of Limerick.

Source Limerick City and County Council: Limerick Development Plan 2022–2028 (as varied) (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.