Project Ireland 2040: National Planning Framework

Superseded Replaced by National Planning Framework: First Revision. It is kept because plans made while it was in force refer to it.

1. Page 81

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   5.5 Rural Investment Coordination Investment coordination, together with research and innovation coordination, is an important issue to prevent duplication of effort and inefficient use of resources. Rural development is a multifaceted policy area and accordingly there are several funding and investment structures that exist to support national, regional and local priorities. At EU level, the Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) has a significant role to play in the development and maintenance of rural Ireland. The Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine’s €4 Billion Rural Development Programme 2014-2020, funded under CAP, aims to: enhance the competitiveness of agriculture through on-farm investment; to ensure the sustainable management of natural resources and climate action; and to achieve balanced regional development of rural economies and communities. At national level, there are Town and Village Renewal Schemes and complementary funding in areas such as housing, rural water, transport, broadband and community facilities in addition to other measures such as the Community Enterprise Centre Scheme, the Community Enterprise Initiative Scheme, the Competitive Local Enterprise Office Fund and the Regional Enterprise Fund. Through the Department of Rural and Community Development and the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine and other relevant Departments and Agencies, a long-term plan-led mechanism will be established to co-ordinate funding streams available for rural development. This will include the Rural Regeneration and Development Fund arising from the National Development Plan in support of the National Planning Framework and other national strategies that will support regional and local authority development plans and local economic and community plans. National Policy Objective 25 The Department of Rural and Community Development, the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine, and other relevant Departments and Agencies will continue to invest in rural Ireland, including through the Rural Regeneration and Development Fund, and will work together to establish a mechanism to co-ordinate structures for funding rural development to align with other national strategies. 79Project Ireland 2040 | Building Ireland’s Future | National Planning Framework

2. Page 82

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   People, Homes and Communities Quality of Life Material Living Conditions Economic and Physical Safety Overall Life Satisfaction Governance and Basic Rights Arts, Culture and Heritage Natural and Living Environment Leisure and Social Interactions Education Employment Health 6.1 Quality of Life and Place Figure 6.1 | Elements Supporting Quality of LifeIn recent decades Ireland’s people have become more educated, outward looking, technologically focused, productive and diverse. This adaptability and change has enabled us to become more prosperous, successful, and resilient as a nation. Continued economic success will ensure sustained improvement in living standards and quality of life for all of our citizens. It also provides the best possible platform from which to pursue key social and environmental goals, such as tackling disadvantage and responding to climate change. 80Project Ireland 2040 | Building Ireland’s Future | National Planning Framework

3. Page 83

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   As our society changes, our needs and preferences will change, particularly as more of us become older. Quality of life varies depending on people’s circumstances, but in general terms, it reflects the elements in figure 6.1. How future development in Ireland is planned will continue to be a significant determinant of people’s quality of life. Location and place have an important influence on the quality of life that people enjoy. While the National Planning Framework cannot effect change in all of the dimensions that contribute to quality of life, there are some key elements that it will directly impact on, most importantly ‘the natural and living environment’. This is why place is intrinsic to achieving good quality of life - the quality of our immediate environment, our ability to access services and amenities, such as education and healthcare, shops and parks, the leisure and social interactions available to us and the prospect of securing employment, all combine to make a real difference to people’s lives.. In making choices about where to live, work and invest, the level of service provision is an essential consideration. Figure 6.2 broadly indicates the level of service provision that applies to settlements of varying sizes in Ireland. It follows that our cities are where high level service provision is available across a range of sectors and where there is accessibility to these services. Equally, more local service provision is appropriately provided for at a small town or village settlement scale. How future development in Ireland is planned will continue to be a significant determinant of people’s quality of life. Location and place have an important influence on the quality of life that people enjoy. 81Project Ireland 2040 | Building Ireland’s Future | National Planning Framework

4. Page 84

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   6.2 Healthy Communities Our health and our environment are inextricably linked. Specific health risks that can be influenced by spatial planning include heart disease, respiratory disease, mental health, obesity and injuries. By taking a wholesystem approach to addressing the many factors that impact on health and wellbeing and which contribute to health inequalities, and by empowering and enabling individuals and communities to make healthier choices, it will be possible to improve health outcomes, particularly for the next generation of citizens. Decisions made regarding land use and the built environment, including transportation, affect these health risks in a variety of ways, for example through influencing air and water quality, traffic safety, opportunities for physical activity and social interactions as well as access to workplace, education, healthcare and other facilities and services such as food and alcohol outlets. National Policy Objective 26 Support the objectives of public health policy including Healthy Ireland and the National Physical Activity Plan, though integrating such policies, where appropriate and at the applicable scale, with planning policy. The changing nature of society has resulted in greater car dependence and reduced levels of physical activity being undertaken by people over time. Physical design affects people’s behaviour at every scale - buildings, communities, villages, towns, cities and regions. The places in which we live, work, and play can affect both our physical and mental well-being. Communities that are designed in a way that supports physical activity, e.g. generously sized footpaths, safe cycle lanes, safe attractive stairways and accessible recreation areas, all encourage residents to make healthy choices and live healthier lives. Countries with extensive cycle infrastructure report higher levels of cycling and lower rates of obesity. Healthy places in turn create economic value by appealing to a skilled workforce and attracting innovative companies. National Policy Objective 27 Ensure the integration of safe and convenient alternatives to the car into the design of our communities, by prioritising walking and cycling accessibility to both existing and proposed developments, and integrating physical activity facilities for all ages. 82Project Ireland 2040 | Building Ireland’s Future | National Planning Framework

5. Page 85

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   Hierarchy of Settlements and Related Infrastructure The hierarchy of Settlements and Related Infrastructure Wheel Source: Derived from Strategic Investment Board Limited, 2008 Smaller Settlements and Rural Areas Smaller Towns and Villages Large Towns Cities P o w e r G e n e r a ti o n W a s t e & S e w a g e T r e a t m e n t P l a n t s W a s t e l a n d fi ll W a s t e - r e c y c l e d R e c y c l i n g R e n e w a b l e s W a t e r & S e w e r s S u p p l y A c c e s s t o c l e a n S e w a g e D e p a r t m e n t S t o r e s S p e c i a l i s t S h o p s , A r t s & C u l t u r a l F a c i l i t i e s S h o p p i n g C e n t r e s R e t a i l W a r e h o u s i n g R a n g e o f r e s t a u r a n t s S u p e r m a r k e t s , R e s t a u r a n t s , M i x o f R e t a i l F a c i l i t i e s S h o p P u b P o s t O ffi c e P e t r o l S t a t i o n H ig h er EducationInstitutes S p e cialSchools H i g h e r E d u cationInstitutes F u r t h er Education C a m p u sesof H i g h e r E d ucation I n s tit utes L i b r a r y, Post G a r d a H Q , H i g h C o u r t , P r i s o n , F o r e n s i c S c i e n c e G a r d a D i s t r i c t C o u n t y C o u r t P r o b a t i o n S e r v i c e G a r d a S t a t i o n N e i g h b o u - h o o d W a t c h M u s e u m / G a l l e r i e s C o n f e r e n c e / C o n c e r t A r e n a L e i s u r e C e n t r e ( p o o l ) V i s i t o r C e n t r e , A d v i c e C e n t r e , A r t s & C u l t u r e C e n t r e C o m m u n i t y C e n t r e s , S p o r t s F a c i l i t y W e l f a r e S e r v i c e s L o c a l H a l l P l a y A r e a s (Electiv e a n d E m e r g e n c y ) Acute H o s p it a l S e r v i c e s I n j u r y C l i n i c s S e r v i c e s , M i n o r O utp atie n t a n d D i a g n o s t i c C a r e S e r v i c e s Pri m a r y a n d S o c i a l T o u ri s m O ffi c e I n d u s t ri a l P a r k O ffi c e I n f o r m a t i o n E n t e r p r i s e C e n t r e , C h i l d c a r e B u s i n e s s U n i t W o r k s h o p / K e y T r a n s p o r t N o d e s E n e r g y G e n e r a t i o n I n t e r c o n n e c t o r P o r t s & A i r p o r t s S cie n c e c e n tr e , M ajo r I n d u stria l P a r k s , S t r a t e g ic D e v e l o p m e n t Z o n e s To uris m Sig n a t u r e p r o j e c t s C y c l e N e t w o r k P a r k N ’ R i d e B u s / R a i l , M a j o r R o a d s l a r g e r c e n t r e s B u s / r a i l t o T r u n k R o a d s L i n k C o r r i d o r s E N V I R O N M E N T C O M M E R C I A L SKILLS J U S T I C E S O C I A L H E A LT H N E T W O R K S P R O D U C T I V E L i g h t i n g S t r e e t B r o a d b a n d S c h o o l, E C C E P r i m a r y O u t r e a c h A m b u l a n c e G P, P h a r m a c i s t 83Project Ireland 2040 | Building Ireland’s Future | National Planning Framework

6. Page 86

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   6.3 Diverse and Inclusive Ireland In moving towards a more diverse society over the last half century, Ireland’s population is more varied than ever before, comprising a range of ethnicities and nationalities. Coupled with changing societal values that embrace inclusivity for civil marriage rights and family composition, Ireland’s progressive efforts and actions to grant equality to all citizens as part of a fair and just society continue to be a priority. However, providing access of opportunity to citizens of Ireland is not a finite exercise, particularly where distinct and tailored solutions are required to continually address the needs of our citizens, particularly those who remain vulnerable or marginalised. Planning affords an opportunity to facilitate and deliver a more socially inclusive society through better integration and greater accessibility at all stages of the life cycle. Housing, education, health and transport are four key areas where social inclusion can be improved; for example, through universal design of buildings to deliver greater accessibility for all, or co-location of community facilities and uses to ensure communities are active during the day and into the evening. The National Planning Framework supports continued progress towards achieving a more inclusive society that supports our citizen’s basic human rights and assists in helping people to gain access to a better quality of life. People with Disabilities There were approximately 650,000 people with a disability in Ireland in 2016, comprising around 13.5% of the population. A significant proportion of the population will experience disability at some stage in their lives, particularly as the population ages. Many planning-related issues relevant to disabled people are similar to those that affect older people, including the need to facilitate independent living, access and mobility in relation to buildings and the environment and full integration with society generally. As many people with disabilities are of working age, access and proximity to employment are also important. The Travelling Community Travellers are recognised as an ethnic minority. It is estimated that there are approximately 30,000 Irish people who identify themselves as travellers. While not all traveller lifestyles are the same, some travellers have particular housing needs, related to economic activity and kinship. There is also a requirement to accommodate nomadism, for at least part of the year in some cases. Local authorities working with the travelling community will continue to address the specific needs of travellers, ensuring that targeted provision is achieved in line with those needs and that this is also incorporated into housing and traveller accommodation strategies, city and county development plans and local area plans. National Policy Objective 28 Plan for a more diverse and socially inclusive society that targets equality of opportunity and a better quality of life for all citizens, through improved integration and greater accessibility in the delivery of sustainable communities and the provision of associated services. In moving towards a more diverse society over the last half century, Ireland’s population is more varied than ever before, comprising a range of ethnicities and nationalities. 84Project Ireland 2040 | Building Ireland’s Future | National Planning Framework

7. Page 87

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   The Irish Language and the Gaeltacht Gaeilge, the Irish language, is the first official language of Ireland with a rich cultural history and has been afforded significant constitutional and legislative protection by the Irish State since its foundation. Once widely spoken throughout the island of Ireland, around 2% of Ireland’s population now lives in Gaeltacht areas (Census 2016). The existence of areas where Irish lives as a community language is an important cornerstone in the building of a bilingual society in Ireland, and provides an environment where the language can evolve naturally in a modern setting. The language planning process, prescribed in the Gaeltacht Act 2012, represents the primary driver in support of the Government’s commitment to the achievement of the objectives set out in the 20-Year Strategy for the Irish Language 2010- 2030. The first stage of the process, which began in 2014, involves the preparation and subsequent implementation of language plans at community level across 26 Gaeltacht Language Planning Areas. It is also proposed to provide statutory recognition to up to 16 Gaeltacht Service Towns, strategically located towns both within and close to Gaeltacht Language Planning Areas and in which public services used by Gaeltacht communities are located. The Act further provides for the designation as Irish Language Networks of areas outside the Gaeltacht with a critical mass of language-related infrastructure such as naíonraí and primary and secondary level Irish medium schools. It is vitally important for the maintenance of the Irish language as the vernacular of the Gaeltacht and for the promotion of the language outside the Gaeltacht that ongoing supports be provided for the language planning process and that support for the Gaeltacht development authority, Údarás na Gaeltachta, be strengthened. National Policy Objective 29 Support the implementation of language plans in Gaeltacht Language Planning Areas, Gaeltacht Service Towns and Irish Language Networks. 85Project Ireland 2040 | Building Ireland’s Future | National Planning Framework

8. Page 88

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   6.4 Age Friendly Communities Older People ESRI projections indicate that the numbers of people aged over 65 will more than double to 1.3 million people by 2040, making up approximately 23% of the population. This compares to 13.5% in 2016. In addition, it is expected that the population aged over 85 will quadruple. As people get older they are likely to have increasingly complex healthcare needs, with a requirement for services and facilities to support provision of suitable and necessary care. As more people live longer lives, they will want to stay healthy and independent, live in their own homes and communities and keep to a minimum their use of in-patient and out-patient hospital services. Government policy is to support older people to live with dignity and independence in their own homes and communities for as long as possible. In providing a more seamless and appropriate continuum of housing choices with appropriate supports for older people and a built environment that is attractive, accessible and safe, older people will be supported and motivated to enjoy more active, healthy and connected lives and to age confidently and comfortably in their community. This further reinforces the need for well-designed lifetime adaptable infill and brownfield development close to existing services and facilities, supported by universal design and improved urban amenities, including public spaces and parks as well as direct and accessible walking routes. The provision of such accommodation can provide opportunities for older people to downsize from larger houses within their existing communities. This may be integrated with more supportive communal and specialist care accommodation that will be required by some older people. The ‘Age Friendly Ireland’ Initiative provides leadership and guidance in identifying the needs and opportunities of an ageing population and is embedded within the local government system, which, with support from Government, is best placed to respond to change at a local level. National Policy Objective 30 Local planning, housing, transport/ accessibility and leisure policies will be developed with a focus on meeting the needs and opportunities of an ageing population along with the inclusion of specific projections, supported by clear proposals in respect of ageing communities as part of the core strategy of city and county development plans. As more people live longer lives, they will want to stay healthy and independent, live in their own homes and communities. 86Project Ireland 2040 | Building Ireland’s Future | National Planning Framework

9. Page 89

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   Communities that are designed in a way that supports physical activity e.g. generous sized footpaths, safe cycle lanes, safe attractive stairways and accessible recreation areas, all encourage residents to make healthy choices and live healthier lives. CASE STUDY McAuley Place is a diverse and vibrant example of an alternative to institutional residential care for older people. Located in the former Convent of Mercy in the centre of Naas, County Kildare, McAuley Place was established in 2000 as a community response to the need for independent living for older people. Comprising apartments, tea rooms, Arts and Culture Centre and a Community Centre, McAuley Place offers on-site intergenerational facilities to enable community engagement for residents and locals alike. From the very early design stage, the development of McAuley Place incorporated the UN Principles for Older Persons, aiming to ‘maintain the optimum level of well-being’. It was designed to the highest standards to ensure that there would be no sense of institution at McAuley Place and that people would want to move there. Informal support from long-established friends and neighbours is provided to the residents, who are from the local community. The development places huge emphasis on opportunities for lifelong learning and the arts, ensuring social inclusion for tenants and for the wider community. Local artists can exhibit their work in the lobby, while the Arts and Culture centre is used by the community for music, dance, film and other activities. The Community Centre hosts a wide range of classes, courses, and events, and the building includes a soundproof music room. McAuley Place, Naas 87Project Ireland 2040 | Building Ireland’s Future | National Planning Framework

10. Page 90

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    Children and Young People ESRI projections indicate that the numbers of people aged 15 or under will decline slightly, by around 10%, by 2040, to comprise approximately 17% of the increased population. This compares to 22% of the population in 2016, meaning that the average age of people in Ireland as a whole will increase, but the overall number of young people will not decrease significantly. The number of people aged 15 or under will continue to increase until the early 2020’s and decline only slowly thereafter. This means that the continued provision and enhancement of facilities and amenities for children and young people, such as childcare, schools, playgrounds, parks and sportsgrounds, remains necessary and will need to be maintained at similar levels for the foreseeable future thereafter. It also means that, if a significant proportion of future population growth occurs within or close to the current built-up footprint of settlements as targeted, it will be possible to maximise the use of existing facilities near where children and young people live. It will continue to be a requirement that proposals for residential development make provision for children’s play in accordance with local development plan policies. The continued provision and enhancement of facilities and amenities for children and young people, such as childcare, schools, playgrounds, parks and sportsgrounds, remains necessary and will need to be maintained at similar levels for the foreseeable future thereafter. According to the UNHCR, children’s health, educational advancement and overall well-being are deeply influenced by the quality of housing that children live in. Housing is addressed further below. When combined with the older population, the dependency ratio (those aged under 16 and those aged over 65) is projected to increase to 65% of the total population by 2040, up from 53% in 2016. In making high quality places, the NPF seeks to support national policy and objectives for children and young people, including ‘Better Outcomes, Brighter Futures’ through integrating such policies, where appropriate and at the applicable scale, with planning policy. 88Project Ireland 2040 | Building Ireland’s Future | National Planning Framework

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.