National Planning Framework: First Revision

1. Page 161

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   National Planning Framework First Revision | Page 159 National Strategic Outcome 3 Strengthened Rural Economies and Communities Our Rural Future and Our Living Islands policy documents and investment programmes continue to drive the development and diversification of the rural economy, such as the national broadband scheme, and the national hub network. The Rural Regeneration and Development Fund, combined with wider urban and village renewal, housing and community development initiatives, creates a virtuous cycle of progressive planning for, investment in and economic diversification of our rural towns and villages, re-proposing them to meet the challenges of the future. Continues investment in the agri-food sector will underpin sustainable growth as set out in Food Vision 2030 and provide for the development of our Fisheries Harbour Centres and research infrastructure. There is scope for the enhancement of ongoing co-funded EU Programmes that support rural development, seafood development and afforestation. A strong start has also been made in the development of a national long-distance Greenway/Blueway Network. Such a network, including rural walking, cycling and water-based recreation routes, as well as ‘peatways’, has demonstrated major potential to bring new life to regional and rural locations through the “winwin” scenario of increased tourism activity and healthier travel. Developing this network further will diversify our rural economy by embracing the potential for a major expansion in the demand for activity based tourism. Rural Development Implementation of the policy measures outlined in Our Rural Future and Our Living Islands policy documents; Progressive development of rural broadband under the national Broadband Plan; Implementation of the Rural Regeneration and Development Fund to enable opportunities to secure the rejuvenation and re-purposing of rural towns and villages weakened by the structural changes in rural economies and settlement patterns; Provide a quality nationwide communitybased public transport system in rural Ireland which responds to local needs under the Connecting Ireland Programme and similar initiatives; Invest in maintaining regional and local roads and strategic road improvement projects in rural areas to ensure access to critical services such as education, healthcare and employment; Invest in greenways, blueways and peatways as part of a nationally coordinated strategy; Ongoing investment in the agri-food sector to underpin the sustainable growth for the sector as set out in Food Vision 2030.

2. Page 162

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   Page 160 | National Planning Framework First Revision National Strategic Outcome 4 High-Quality International Connectivity As an island nation and a small open economy, Ireland relies heavily on international connectivity to enable export-led growth, support and develop our tourism sector and also to attract high value foreign direct investment. These sectors have been the cornerstones of successive Governments’ economic and trade policies, and our ports and airports have played a critical role in facilitating their development over recent decades. The key ports and airports are State owned commercial entities with the capacity to raise their own finance and operate profitably. Hence, the need for Exchequer financing of the key strategic projects does not arise. However, enhanced access to these national infrastructure transport services, which are of strategic importance for Ireland’s connectivity, may require Exchequer funding. Capital investment plans of the State owned ports and airports must align with Government policy objectives including specific relevant sectoral policies and the National Development Plan. The main airports (for which statistics are recorded by CSO) including Dublin, Cork, Shannon, Ireland West, and Kerry together with other regional airports, are key enablers of both economic and regional development. Airports The development and enhancement of modern, technologically-advanced, cost efficient infrastructure at our State airports to maintain and enhance international connectivity, maintain the highest standards of safety and security and reduce aviation’s environmental impact; Enhancing land-side access, particularly in public transport terms, such as through the MetroLink and BusConnects projects and associated road network capacity in Dublin; and Careful land use management of land-side areas to focus on the current and future needs of the airports In terms of our port facilities, the long-term international trend in ports and shipping is towards increased consolidation of resources in order to achieve optimum efficiencies of scale. This effects vessel size, the depths of water required at ports and the type and scale of transport connections to serve ports and their hinterlands. It is evident that in the years ahead environmental, technological, demographic, and geopolitical developments will have a significant influence on how the sector evolves. Tier 1 ports account for a very large proportion of national port freight traffic, and are located within close proximity to the cities of Dublin, Cork and Limerick respectively. Rosslare Europort, a Tier 2 Port of National Significance, has seen very significant growth in direct sailings to continental Europe as a result of Brexit. This surge in both passenger and freight traffic is likely to be a permanent feature. The respective role of each of Ireland’s main ports will be considered in tandem with long-term infrastructural requirements as part of the Regional Spatial and Economic Strategy and Metropolitan Area Strategic Plan processes. The long-term sustainable development of our ports also requires strategic transport connections. Nationally, the following infrastructure objectives have been identified: Ports Maintain and enhance land transport connections to the major ports including: Facilitating the growth of Dublin Port and innovative land use models; Enhance road connectivity to Rosslare Europort and Shannon-Foynes Port, and Provide motorway access connectivity to Port of Cork’s Ringaskiddy Port.

3. Page 163

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   National Planning Framework First Revision | Page 161 National Strategic Outcome 5 Sustainable Mobility The National Sustainable Mobility Policy, published in 2022, provides the means for achieving the provision of a well-functioning, integrated sustainable transport system (walking, cycling and public transport), enhancing competitiveness, sustaining economic progress and enabling sustainable mobility choices for citizens, supports the overall Framework objectives. Dublin and other cities and major urban areas are too heavily dependent on road and private, mainly car-based, transport with the result that our roads are becoming more and more congested. The National Development Plan makes provision for transformational investment in public transport and sustainable mobility solutions in the main urban centres that will progressively put in place a more sustainable alternative. For example, major public transport infrastructure projects identified in the Transport Strategy for the Greater Dublin Area to 2042, such as the MetroLink and DART+ as well as the Luas and BusConnects investment programmes, will keep our capital and other key urban areas competitive. The non-statutory Metropolitan Area Transport Strategies for Cork, Limerick, Galway and Waterford also highlight public transport infrastructure projects needed to sustain sustainable mobility in these centres. The NTA’s Active Travel Investment Programme is delivering integrated walking and cycling solutions and road space reallocation. This includes the development of segregated cycle lanes and widened footpaths, new walking and cycling bridges, and new pedestrian crossings. Sustainable mobility is also supported by demand management measures that seek to reduce traffic congestion and reallocate road space in favour of walking, cycling and public transport. A focus on Transport Orientated Development that promotes the provision of homes, jobs, services and amenities along high capacity public transport will also be key in supporting sustainable mobility in cities and surrounding metropolitan areas. This alignment will be supported through the introduction of a new national demand management strategy for transport called ‘Moving Together: A Strategic Approach to the Efficiency of the Transport System in Ireland’. The Strategy will aim to strengthen the implementation of transport demand management across the country, through the strategic integration of land use and planning in line with the compact growth policy approach of this framework. Electric Vehicles will also have an important role to play in transforming the Irish transport system into one that is green and sustainable, as part of the wider transformation that will see people walking, cycling and taking public transport to their destinations. The Electric Vehicle Charging Infrastructure Strategy 2022- 2025 sets out the Government’s pathway for delivering a publicly accessible EV charging network that meets citizens’ needs. Regarding freight movements, the NTA has developed a framework for the future development of a Sustainable Freight Distribution Strategy for the Greater Dublin Area and will also consider the applicability of this framework to the regional cities’ metropolitan areas as part of the implementation of their respective transport strategies. Consideration will also be given to goods movement at regional level via Regional Freight Strategies. Arising from this strategy, the National Road EV Charging Network Plan sets out the provision for high powered charging provision on the national road network and will see banks of chargers installed every 60km on our motorway network. The draft Local EV Infrastructure Network Plan, focusses on the provision of charging at neighbourhood and destination locations and requires Local Authorities to take a lead in developing local area network plans as well as coordinating the facilitation and rollout of this EV infrastructure.

4. Page 164

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   Page 162 | National Planning Framework First Revision Sustainable Mobility Expand attractive alternatives to car transport to reduce congestion and emissions and enable the transport sector to cater for the demands associated with longer-term population and employment growth in a sustainable manner through the following measures: Deliver key public transport objectives of the Transport Strategy for the Greater Dublin Area 2022-2042 by investing in projects such as MetroLink, DART+, Luas and BusConnects in Dublin and Eastern Region and key rail and bus-based projects identified by the NTA in the other cities and towns; Provide public transport infrastructure and services to meet the needs of regional growth centres, key towns, large towns and smaller towns, villages and rural areas; Develop a comprehensive network of safe cycling routes in metropolitan areas to address travel needs and to provide similar facilities in towns and villages where appropriate, in line with the NTA’s CycleConnects plan, due to be published in 2024; Enhance the availability of facilities and services for shared cars, bikes and other micro modes, thereby helping to expand the range of sustainable travel options on offer and support the principles of just transition in the decarbonisation of transport; Improve connections and walking routes in accordance with the principles of universal design so as to optimise journeys undertaken by foot and enhance pedestrian comfort and safety; Enable more effective traffic management, enhanced road safety and better air quality within and around cities and towns through demand management measures including the re-allocation of urban road-space, kerbside management and parking controls in favour of bus-based public transport services, shared mobility services and walking/cycling facilities, as well as measures supporting the efficiency and green transition of freight and delivery services; Deliver Transport Orientated Development at scale at suitable brownfield and greenfield locations in cities and metropolitan areas, along high capacity public transport corridors with a focus on land management, institutional and funding arrangements needed to accelerate this type of development; Support delivery of EV charging at a national level in line with Climate Action Plan targets to transition, and Maintain the ambition of the National Sustainable Mobility Policy as well as a focus on delivery through current and future Action Plans to 2030, and across the lifetime of the NPF.

5. Page 165

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   National Planning Framework First Revision | Page 163 A Strong Economy Supported by Enterprise, Innovation and Skills 81 SME and Entrepreneurship Growth Plan, Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment. A competitive, innovative and resilient regional enterprise base is essential to provide the jobs and employment opportunities to enable people to live and prosper in the regions. The Government’s White Paper on Enterprise 2022- 2030 sets out how this will be achieved by: Integrating decarbonisation and net zero commitments Placing digital transformation at the heart of enterprise policy Advancing Ireland’s FDI and trade value proposition Strengthening the Irish-owned exporting sector Enabling locally trading sectors to thrive Stepping up enterprise innovation Building on strengths and opportunities A key focus of the White Paper on Enterprise is to ensure the creation of jobs in every part of the country and facilitate balanced regional development. The enterprise agencies, Local Enterprise Offices and Regional Enterprise Plans play a significant role in strengthening the enterprise ecosystem across Ireland. This enables entrepreneurs, microenterprises, Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs)81 and FDI to prosper in all regions. Specifically, we want to achieve and maintain sustainable full employment and for unemployment not to exceed one percentage point above the national unemployment rate in any region, while also achieving greater productivity convergence across our domestic enterprise base. The work of Enterprise Ireland (EI), IDA Ireland and the Local Enterprise Offices will be critical to achieving this ambition. Key areas of focus include: Supporting entrepreneurialism, small businesses and building competitive clusters; Attracting and sustaining talent and boosting human capital in all regions Digital and data innovation; and Promoting regionally balanced investment and jobs creation outside of Dublin. Targets set out in the White Paper on Enterprise 2022-2030, seek to ensure that at least half of all FDI investments from 2021-2024 will be to locations outside of Dublin and over twothirds of new jobs created in Enterprise Irelandassisted firms will be outside of Dublin. Supporting Entrepreneurialism and Building Competitive Clusters Supporting entrepreneurialism and building competitive clusterings in key sectors and activities through collaborative actions at regional and local level, by realising a significant uplift in the performance of indigenous enterprises in terms of innovation, export potential and productivity, supporting technology-led start-ups and by attracting further investment to the regions. The Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment has committed to devising and introducing a centrally coordinated, cross- Government approach to clustering that will encourage the formation and strengthening of national cluster organisations, leveraging the benefits of proximity and co-location to boost productivity. The identification of priority areas for enhanced clustering will be underpinned by an assessment of competitive strengths and potential opportunities against a range of factors, including the scale of potential impact, innovation intensity and research capability, as well as market direction. National Strategic Outcome 6

6. Page 166

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   Page 164 | National Planning Framework First Revision Supporting entrepreneurship and technology-led start-ups and increasing their survival and growth rates, through expanded activities of the Local Enterprise Offices, EI and competitive calls for regional enterprise collaboration initiatives to provide competitive places for enterprise to grown at local level. Transforming firms in the regions for long-term success through a focus on productivity, innovation and internationalisation and building competitive regional clusters in manufacturing and services, in collaboration with the higher and further education sectors. Promoting innovation and its diffusion, through support for firm-level innovation, developing research centres and gateways in key areas of relevance to the regions through SFI and EI, and ensuring our research system in the regions is internationally connected. Increasing the competitiveness of the business environment in the regions, through Regional Enterprise Plans, tailored responses for sectors exposed to external market shocks, regional enterprise competitive funding initiatives through EI and advance property solutions for new investment by IDA Ireland for inward investment and indigenous enterprise at suitable locations, integrated with planning for housing growth. Further developing challenge-based Disruptive Technologies initiatives to ensure that we stay at the forefront of technological innovation, market application and commercialisation and can spur the next generation of technology-led enterprises, drawing on R&D activities in the higher education sector and enterprise in the regions. Smart Specialisation will encourage the maximising of sectoral strengths through clustering and the scaling of Ireland’s existing areas of research excellence. Sustaining Talent and Boosting Human Capital in all Regions The development of human capital is central to Ireland’s success and our economic and social development. The availability of well-educated, skilled talent is a fundamental driver of national competitiveness at both national and regional level. The role which the further and higher education systems can play in catalysing and supporting economic and social development in local communities, in regions and nationally is recognised. Developing talent and skills takes place throughout the life cycle and through a variety of interventions. By providing initial education, skills training and lifelong learning, a dynamic and varied skills base is created to attract and sustain employment and improve the attractiveness of places for investment. In order to future proof our competitiveness, we must develop a skills base that will move Ireland to the forefront of digital and innovative activity. Access to new technologies, knowledge and skills is crucial if Ireland is to develop its value-added segments and knowledge-intensive products and services. The Department of Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science is leading a whole of government approach to the implementation of Ireland’s National Research and Innovation strategy, Impact 2030, so as to ensure the national research and innovation system supports key Government strategies such as the White Paper for Enterprise, the Climate Action Plan and Smart Specialisation of regions. The development of skills, talent and innovation capacity is a key strategic pillar for the NPF. Investment in building and sustaining skills, talent and innovation capacity will be prioritised to promote greater competitiveness and increase productivity at both national and regional levels through developing the skills base necessary to fully exploit digital technologies and sustain innovation and through greater alignment of research endeavour and human capital development between the education and enterprise sectors.

7. Page 167

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   National Planning Framework First Revision | Page 165 Investment in student accommodation within our universities. Competitive research and innovation through the expansion, upgrade and refurbishment of HEI’s, support for multi campus technical universities with a strong regional focus and consolidation and modernisation of Further Education and Training (FET) provisions. Support regional development through continued investment in Education and Training to increase skills labour and supply on a regional basis. Digital and Data Innovation The practical impact of digitalisation will only increase in the years ahead and this will pose both opportunities and challenges which will require a coherent and informed policy response. Harnessing Digital – The Digital Ireland Framework seeks to position Ireland as a digital leader, driving and enabling digital transformation across the economy and society. The strategy identifies four dimensions with associated targets and work streams including the digital transformation of business, enhanced digital infrastructure and connectivity, increased digital skills, as well as the further digitalisation of public services. Ireland’s Industry 4.0 Strategy 2020-2025 and AI - Here for Good: National Artificial Intelligence Strategy for Ireland set out the Government’s response to the scale of transformation posed by digital technologies and provide a roadmap to ensure that the State will be at the forefront of technological adoption. In the short term, opportunities provided by access to high quality broadband services will be fully exploited through the roll-out of the State intervention segment of the National Broadband Plan, delivering a step-change in digital connectivity and ensuring that coverage extends to remoter areas including villages, rural areas and islands. In addition, Ireland is very attractive in terms of international digital connectivity, climatic factors and current and future renewable energy sources for the development of international digital infrastructures, such as data centres. These factors help to underpin Ireland’s international position as a leading location for ICT, which contributes to wider synergies in the economy as indigenous and multinational enterprises develop linkages and benefit from the potential of regional clustering. Developing the potential offered by connectivity and the digitalisation of rural areas for the benefit of inhabitants and businesses, is important to ensure that a digital divide does not emerge between urban and rural areas, and between different regions. This can include e-literacy skills, access to e-health and other public services, innovative solutions, circular economy application to agricultural waste, promotion of local products supported by technology and ICT, implementing and taking full benefit of smart specialisation agri-food projects, tourism and cultural activities. Implementation of the National Broadband Plan. Enhancing international fibre communications links, including full interconnection with fibre networks in Northern Ireland. Promotion of Ireland as a sustainable international destination for ICT infrastructure and associated economic activities. Promoting our cities as demonstrators of 5G information and communications technology.

8. Page 168

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   Page 166 | National Planning Framework First Revision Enhanced Amenities and Heritage Attractive places include a combination of factors, including vitality and diversity of uses, ease of access to amenities and services supported by integrated transport systems and green modes of movement such as pedestrian and cycling facilities. Appealing places are also defined by their character, heritage and sense of community. This includes attractive buildings and street layouts, civic spaces and parks and regeneration of older areas and making places feel safe through active use and design. Our health and wellbeing is inextricably linked to our surrounding environment. Access to healthy places allowing for engagement with nature and our environment can have many positive benefits. Amenities and Heritage Implementation of planning and transport strategies for the five cities and other urban areas will be progressed with a major focus on improving walking and cycling routes, including continuous greenway networks and targeted measures to enhance permeability and connectivity. The Rural and Urban Regeneration and Development Funds support transformational public realm initiatives to give city and town centre areas back to citizens, encouraging greater city and town centre living, enhanced recreational spaces and attractiveness from a cultural, tourism and promotional perspective. The European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) will support projects that promote the conservation and adaptive reuse of our vacant built heritage stock and drive the regeneration of cities and towns through the Town Centre First Heritage Revival (THRIVE) scheme for the period 2021 - 2027. We will conserve, manage and present our heritage for its intrinsic value and as a support to economic renewal and sustainable employment. Open up our heritage estates to public access, where possible. Invest in and enable access to recreational facilities, including trails networks, designed and delivered with a strong emphasis on conservation, allowing the protection and preservation of our most fragile environments and providing a wellbeing benefit for all. National Strategic Outcome 7

9. Page 169

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   National Planning Framework First Revision | Page 167 Transition to a Carbon Neutral and Climate Resilient Society Climate change is expected to have diverse and wide-ranging impacts on Ireland’s environment, society, and economic development, including on managed and natural ecosystems, water resources, agriculture and food security, human health, and coastal zones. Our low-lying areas and cities and many rural areas are potentially vulnerable if we do not take the appropriate steps to better manage the impacts of climate change. The Climate Action and Low Carbon Development (Amendment) Act enacted in 2021 commits to a binding target to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 51% and increase the share of electricity generated from renewable sources to 80% over the decade (2021 – 2030), and to achieve net-zero emissions no later than 2050. The national climate objective is to achieve a competitive, low-carbon, climate-resilient, biodiversity rich, and environmentally sustainable and carbon neutral economy by 2050. Sustainable land use management is required in order to achieve a balance between the built environment, natural environment, biodiversity and climate. The NPF is committed to the achievement of compact and sustainable growth, supporting the provision of sustainable transport options, water services delivery and the delivery of renewable energy development while protecting and where possible enhancing and restoring our natural environment in order to ensure sustainable development for our planet and future generations. Adaptation measures will be required to respond locally specific, place-based responses, which address not only climate impacts but also integrate coherently with local social, economic and ecological systems. The electricity sector faces a significant challenge to meet its requirements under the targets set out in Climate Action Plan 2024. Electricity will also play a key role in the decarbonisation of other sectors through electrification, including transport, heating, and industry. The accelerated delivery of additional renewable electricity generation is therefore essential for Ireland to meet its climate targets, reduce its greenhouse gas emissions, and improve its energy security by reducing reliance on imported fossil fuels and diversifying its electricity supply. New energy systems and transmission grids will be necessary for a more distributed, more renewables focused energy generation system, harnessing both the considerable on-shore and off-shore potential from energy sources such as wind, wave and solar and connecting the richest sources of that energy. State-owned commercial enterprises are significant players in the energy market, which is subject to EU regulatory framework. The diversification of our energy production systems away from fossil fuels and towards green energy such as wind, wave, solar and biomass, together with smart energy systems and the conversion of the built environment into both generator/consumer of energy and the electrification of transport fleets require the progressive and strategic development of a different form of energy grid. To this end, Smart Specialisation will increase the regional uptake of new advanced technologies to increase the reach of the green transformation across Irish enterprise. The development of onshore and 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. We also need to ensure more geographically focused renewables investment to minimise the amount of additional grid investment required, for example through co-location of renewables and grid connections. National Strategic Outcome 8

10. Page 170

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    Page 168 | National Planning Framework First Revision Ireland benefits from interconnection with the UK gas pipeline network and while there are two gas pipelines with two separate entry points into the island of Ireland, both pipelines are connected through a single facility in Moffat, Scotland. In addition, our gas storage capacity is limited, which poses a security of supply risk and constrains smoothing of seasonal fluctuation in gas prices. Green Energy Deliver 80% of our electricity needs from renewable sources by 2030 with a strategic aim to increase renewable deployment in line with EU targets and National policy objectives out to 2030 and beyond. It is expected that this increase in renewable deployment will lead to a greater diversity of renewable technologies in the mix. Reinforce the distribution and transmission network to facilitate planned growth and distribution of a more renewables focused source of energy across the major demand centres. Strengthen energy security and resilience to support an island population of 8 million people through effective north-south electricity grid interconnection as well as exploring other EU interconnection options in the longer term to 2040. Consideration of carbon neutral electricity generation that would be facilitated through harnessing carbon capture and storage (CCS). National Interconnector (Sub-sea Ring around Ireland) or other solutions offer the potential to connect Ireland to the EU electricity grid System. Roll-out of the National Smart Grid Plan enabling new connections, grid balancing, energy management and micro grid development. District heating networks will be developed, where technically feasible and cost effective, to assist in meeting renewable heat targets and reduce Ireland’s GHG emissions.

Source Government of Ireland: National Planning Framework: First Revision (April 2025) · 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.