National Planning Framework
Project Ireland 2040: National Planning Framework
The original framework, replaced by the 2025 revision. Development plans adopted before 2025 were made under it.
Government of Ireland · February 2018 · 182 pages
Superseded Replaced by National Planning Framework: First Revision. It is kept because plans made while it was in force refer to it.
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- This will include working also with other national administrations, such as Northern Ireland, regarding trans-boundary issues to ensure a consistent and effective policy and regulatory approach to marine and terrestrial planning. Such an approach is essential to harnessing the potential of our oceans and seas to support local communities, sustainably manage our marine resources and provide long-term investment predictability for development and activities in our maritime area. Complex relationships between land and maritime activity require coordination of many different sectors and actors. Some sectors and activities can have a presence both on land and in the marine environment that require facilities and infrastructure which traverse both areas. For instance, sea-fishing boats need harbour infrastructure to land their catch. In some locations, waste from land can impede or prevent the ability to realise marine-dependent economic opportunities such as shellfish aquaculture that might otherwise occur, if a healthy marine ecosystem with suitable water quality were present. Similarly, to develop Ireland’s vast and sustainable offshore wind and tidal energy resources, land-based planning for the infrastructure needed to capture, store and transmit such energy to consumers will be required. Implementation of the NPF, a principally land-based plan, will evolve in parallel with the EU Directive requirement to develop a national maritime spatial plan by 2021. 99Project Ireland 2040 | Building Ireland’s Future | National Planning Framework
- Common Aims National Planning Framework and Maritime Spatial Plan. Spatial expression of national policy; national guidance and priorities. Strategic decision making and coherent development consent framework. Sustainable, forward looking, long term use and management of areas. Co-ordination of Departments and Sectoral issues in a plan-led manner. Consistency between maritime and terrestrial planning in areas of common interest. Coherent transboundary planning. Areas of Overlap for Co-ordination Sectoral Community Development & Public Consultation; Economic Development; Transport – Ports and Harbours; Energy – Electricity & Renewable Energy; Fishing; Aquaculture & Mariculture; Social and Culture; Tourism & Leisure; Flood Protection; Extraction; Enabling Infrastructure; Health & Safety; Communications Environment Sustainable Use of Resources; Climate Change Adaptation; Water Quality; Coastal Erosion & Accretion; Protected Sites and Environmentally Sensitive Areas; Flooding; Biodiversity; Landscape and Seascape Governance, Regulation & Licensing Consent process for onshore and offshore development and activities; Responsibilities for managing activities in areas of land-sea interaction Data Research including spatial data management; cumulative effects; evidence base; socio-economic profiles Figure 7.1 Common Aims and Areas of Overlap of Terrestrial and Maritime Planning TERRESTRIAL PLANNING MARITIME PLANNINGProject Ireland 2040 | Building Ireland’s Future | National Planning Framework 100
- Figure 7.2 Relationships between Planning Policy and Maritime Policy Planning Policy Hierarchy Maritime Policy National National Planning Framework High Level Aims and Objectives National-Focus National Maritime Spatial Plan Regional Regional Spatial and Economic Strategies Policies of Regional Significance and Focus for co-operation and implementation Regional Based Approach to Maritime Spatial Planning Local Development Plan and Local Area Plan Detailed objectives and locally devised approaches Localised land-sea interaction e.g. coastal management planning, Integrated Coastal Zone Management National Policy Objective 38 Regional, metropolitan and local development plans will take account of and integrate relevant maritime spatial planning issues. 7.2 Maritime Economy The maritime economy is a key enabler of effective regional development, especially in remote coastal communities. The maritime sector also has a key role within the economy as an important gateway for the movement of people and freight between Ireland and its trading partners. Established ocean and coastal sectors include seafood related enterprise, such as commercial fishing and aquaculture, products of marine biotechnology and bio-discovery, marine tourism, energy exploration and production, maritime transport, shipbuilding and ship leasing. The seafood sector plays a critical part in the sustainable development of the economic and social fabric of specific regions and the many small rural communities it serves. The jobs maintained in this sector are very significant as they maintain working populations and communities in remote coastal areas, where there are fewer opportunities for commercial or industrial development. The Irish seafood sector supports the economic viability of many rural coastal communities, directly generating or supporting approximately 11,000 jobs. Sales in the seafood sector are currently valued at €943 million and represent around 5% of total food and beverage exports, with major potential for expansion. Growth opportunities for the seafood sector set out in Food Wise 2025, the Government’s strategic plan for the development of the agri-food sector, including seafood, are based on: Rising global demand for product with a supply deficit; Proximity to productive wild fisheries resource which could be landed in Ireland; Potential to increase the level of value added product; and Opportunity to achieve strategic advantage in the marine biotechnology field. Harnessing Our Ocean Wealth (HOOW, 2012) sets out the Government’s vision, high-level goals and integrated actions to realise our marine potential and includes an integrated enterprise strategy to open up specific emerging market opportunities (e.g. offshore renewables, offshore services, ICT and sensors, biotechnology, aquaculture). In line with HOOW goals, such as doubling GDP from the marine sector by 2030, it is necessary to consider where opportunities exist for growth. 101Project Ireland 2040 | Building Ireland’s Future | National Planning Framework
- 7.3 Ports Ireland’s port and shipping services play an important role as enablers of economic growth. Irish ports are critical infrastructure for international trade, with over 90% of our international trade moving by sea. Ports also serve as logistics and distribution hubs. Port infrastructure involves development on both land and the marine area (foreshore) and often in proximity to areas of environmental importance and protection, and diverse eco-systems. National ports policy seeks to facilitate a competitive and effective market for maritime transport services and identifies a tiered approach to port significance. As an island nation, we depend on the quality and efficiency of our ports to a far greater extent than many of our trading partners. To maintain economic growth, we must be capable of delivering additional port capacity in a timely and predictable manner. National ports policy requires Tier 1 and Tier 2 ports, or ports of national and regional significance, to lead the response in meeting Ireland’s future port capacity requirements. There are major redevelopment projects taking place at our Tier 1 ports (i.e. Dublin, Cork and Shannon-Foynes) at present. These developments will result in a greater concentration of traffic through these ports, with implications for shore-based and marine-based infrastructure. Ireland benefits from naturally occurring deep water at ports in the south and south-west, which are capable of receiving the largest ocean going vessels and offer the potential for industrial development that depends currently, or will depend in the future, on deep water berths. Global and national demand for seafood is forecast to continue to grow over the coming decades. Yet with capture fisheries already managed for maximum sustainable yield under the Common Fisheries Policy, satisfying growing demand is projected to come almost entirely from aquaculture. Ireland’s existing aquaculture industry already derives market benefit from the broad recognition around the globe of our relatively pristine waters and the organic and sustainable practices employed by many growers, but the industry remains small relative to its potential. Spatial planning can enable increased production of aquaculture sustainably such that habitat, water quality, and other marine resources are not compromised. Ireland’s inshore fisheries (small-scale coastal fisheries) also produce high quality, high-value seafood products and are a vital component of the local economies of their coastal communities. Ireland already has a number of strategically important Fishery Harbour Centres, as well as essential facilities at a range of smaller ports and harbours around the coastline. Continued investment in Fishery Harbour Centres is required to enhance and further develop their capacity to optimise the contribution of our marine resources to rural and coastal communities. Integrated national planning for the land-based infrastructure required for such aquaculture facilities to operate and succeed is needed to address seafood demand sustainably while contributing to the achievement of HOOW goals. National Policy Objective 39 Support the sustainable growth and development of the maritime economy and continue to invest in the seafood sector and our Fishery Harbour Centres, particularly in remote rural coastal communities and islands. 102Project Ireland 2040 | Building Ireland’s Future | National Planning Framework
- 7.4 Coastal Environment and Planning For Climate Change Forty per cent of Ireland’s population lives within 5km of the coast. Our coast is a place of contrast, made up of urban and rural and island coastal communities, including all of our major cities and the most densely populated parts of the country. Our coastal areas are also a key driver for Ireland’s tourism sector, which the successful branding of the ‘Wild Atlantic Way’ and internationally recognised location shoots for the film industry have highlighted in recent years. Ireland’s coastline is a remarkable but fragile resource that needs to be managed carefully to sustain its character and attributes in physical, environmental quality and biodiversity terms. As a result of climate change, sea levels and patterns of accretion and erosion are key issues for planning and flood risk assessment, especially in managing the ongoing development of our cities and towns. In the long term, to 2040 and beyond, climate change adaptation responses may entail the consideration of barrage or similar technologies to prevent inundation of lower-lying city centre areas during extreme weather events. National Policy Objective 41a Ensure that Ireland’s coastal resource is managed to sustain its physical character and environmental quality. National Policy Objective 41b In line with the collective aims of national policy regarding climate adaptation, to address the effects of sea level changes and coastal flooding and erosion and to support the implementation of adaptation responses in vulnerable areas. The long-term international trend in ports and shipping is toward increased consolidation of resources in order to achieve optimum efficiencies of scale. This has knock-on effects in terms of vessel size, the depths of water required at ports and the type and scale of port hinterland transport connections. Tier 1 ports are located within close proximity to Dublin, Cork and Limerick and the role of these ports will be considered and addressed in tandem with long-term infrastructural requirements as part of the relevant Regional Spatial and Economic Strategy and concurrent and subsequent metropolitan area or city/ county development plan processes. National ports policy also recognises the Tier 2 ports of Belview and Rosslare-Europort, because of the potential to grow traffic through these ports, their proximity to key trading partners and their strategic transport roles beyond their immediate environs. Strategic plans for relevant Tier 1 and 2 ports and corresponding city growth strategies should align and be consistent with the broader aims and policies for the effective growth and sustainable development of the city regions. Ireland benefits from naturally occurring deep water at ports in the south and south-west, which are capable of receiving the largest ocean going vessels and offer the potential for industrial development that depends currently, or will depend in the future, on deep water berths. Other ports of regional significance, such as Galway and Drogheda, have an important role for regional employment and services and many smaller harbours serve rural and island communities. In addition to commercial freight, such ports support marine sectors that are dependent of local natural resources, such as fisheries, marine renewable energy, and marine tourism. National Policy Objective 40 Ensure that the strategic development requirements of Tier 1 and Tier 2 Ports, ports of regional significance and smaller harbours are addressed as part of Regional Spatial and Economic Strategies, metropolitan area and city/county development plans, to ensure the effective growth and sustainable development of the city regions and regional and rural areas.Project Ireland 2040 | Building Ireland’s Future | National Planning Framework 103
- 7.5 Offshore Renewable Energy Ireland’s territorial waters present major opportunities in the blue economy and offshore renewable energy sectors, which would support our transition to a zero carbon economy. Under the Offshore Renewable Energy Development Plan (OREDP), Ireland has set ambitious plans for renewable energy and offshore renewable energy resource development. Over the period to 2040, it is likely that technological advances will accelerate the commercial application, development and deployment of a marine renewable energy sector including offshore floating wind farms, tidal turbine devices and wave energy converters. The development of offshore renewable energy is critically dependent on the development of enabling infrastructure, including grid facilities to bring the energy ashore and connect to major sources of energy demand. Given the potential for renewable generation off the western part of the country, this may necessitate reinforcing the existing transmission network in the west to facilitate the transfer of renewable energy generated to the major demand centres in the east. With regard to wave energy, the Government has set targets for 500MW of energy generation from wave power to be installed within Irish waters by 2020 and a number of test sites for wave energy are being developed off the west coast. National Policy Objective 42 To support, within the context of the Offshore Renewable Energy Development Plan (OREDP)39 and its successors, the progressive development of Ireland’s offshore renewable energy potential, including domestic and international grid connectivity enhancements. Over the period to 2040, it is likely that technological advances will accelerate the commercial application, development and deployment of a marine renewable energy sector including offshore floating wind farms, tidal turbine devices and wave energy converters. 104Project Ireland 2040 | Building Ireland’s Future | National Planning Framework
- The Shannon Estuary forms the largest estuarine complex in Ireland, covering an area of 500km1 of navigable water and extending for 100km from Limerick City to Loop Head in County Clare. As a deepwater port, the Shannon Estuary routinely caters for ships up to 200,000 deadweight tonnes. It serves a number of large industrial bulk installations and Shannon Airport has a dedicated fuel terminal. The port of Foynes is located in the southern part of the Estuary, with Limerick city located further to the east. The Strategic Integrated Framework Plan for the Shannon Estuary was published in November 2013. As an inter-jurisdictional land and marine based plan, it was the outcome of a successful multi-agency collaboration that included Limerick City and County Council, Clare County Council, Kerry County Council, Shannon Development and the Shannon Foynes Port Company as well as other key stakeholders with an interest in the Estuary. Shannon Estuary: Strategic Integrated Framework Plan 1 CASE STUDY 105Project Ireland 2040 | Building Ireland’s Future | National Planning Framework
- 8.1 Ireland and the European Union Implementation of the National Planning Framework must take account of and address Ireland’s changing position in a European and global context. The world is getting more diverse and more interconnected. Ireland is one of the most globalised economies in the world, with established trade and investment links with European, US, Asian and wider world markets. This has resulted in a transformation and rapid transition of our economy in terms of jobs, skills and innovation. For example, Ireland has reaped major benefits from its membership of the European Union. Ireland has also capitalised upon its EU membership as a major investment destination into the EU from both US and wider global contexts because of our strategic position, economic agility, improving infrastructure and an English-speaking business-friendly environment. Being an open economy means that Ireland is dependent on trade with our major trading partners and exports are a key component of economic growth. We will need to continue to improve the resilience of the economy to deal with potential changes in the global financial environment and interest rates, greater competition for foreign investment, and changes in the operating conditions of multinationals. To do this, we will need to position Ireland to be flexible to change and external influences. Working with Our Neighbours 106Project Ireland 2040 | Building Ireland’s Future | National Planning Framework
- How we interact with our nearest neighbours in Northern Ireland, England, Scotland and Wales, will also have a major bearing on our shared prospects for progression and development. The UK referendum vote on Brexit has commenced a process that has the potential to significantly change the nature of our relationships with our nearest neighbours. While the precise nature of these changes will not be known until after the National Planning Framework is finalised, future iterations and reviews of the NPF will have the opportunity to take on board their practical ramifications. In the meantime, a withdrawal of the UK from the European Union would leave Ireland as the principal English-speaking country within the EU. This presents both significant opportunities and challenges, including the potential for increased economic investment into Ireland, while at the same time continuing to harness the potential of the island economy and maintaining the trade, infrastructural and many other linkages with our nearest neighbours. It is likely, in the event of a withdrawal of the UK from the EU, that in transport and energy infrastructure terms for example, Ireland’s direct linkages with other EU countries by both air and sea and subsea energy connections may become significantly more important, given their advantages in terms of resilience and ease of movement across internal borders. As a result, ports and airports facilitating faster transit times between Ireland and the EU will need to be effectively connected into our land-based transport systems. 107Project Ireland 2040 | Building Ireland’s Future | National Planning Framework
- 8.2 Ireland and Northern Ireland Around 6.6m people live on the island of Ireland, 4.75 million people in Ireland (72% of total) and 1.85 million people in Northern Ireland (28% of total) (Census of population 2016/NISRA). By 2040, the island we share will be home to around 8 million people. Notwithstanding the context of Brexit, planning for nearly 1.4 million extra people, their homes and places of work and the infrastructure required to support this growth, while at the same time ensuring good outcomes in terms of physical and community development and environmental quality, poses shared challenges, including: Managing our growth strategically for long term benefit in terms of economic and social development and environmental quality; and Working together for mutual advantage in areas such as economic development and promotion, co-ordination of social and physical infrastructure provision and environmental management. Implementation of the National Planning Framework in tandem with the Regional Development Strategy (RDS) for Northern Ireland will assist in addressing these challenges. This collaborative work will be supported by the Framework for Co-operation on Spatial Strategies between Ireland and Northern Ireland, which will be updated and reviewed as required. In the context of ongoing North-South cooperation across a wide range of policy areas, there are three key categories of practical co-operation between relevant Departments and local authorities in Ireland and Northern Ireland that will both support and be supported by the implementation of the NPF: 1 Working Together for Economic Advantage Dublin-Belfast Economic Corridor North-West Strategic Growth Partnership Cross Border Local Initiatives 2 Co-ordination of Investment in Infrastructure Mobility and accessibility Energy Communications Tourism 3 Managing our Shared Environment ResponsiblyProject Ireland 2040 | Building Ireland’s Future | National Planning Framework 108
Source Government of Ireland: Project Ireland 2040: National Planning Framework (February 2018) · 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.