Regional Spatial and Economic Strategy 2019–2031

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   Bus Within the Dublin Metropolitan Area, investment in bus infrastructure and services will be delivered through BusConnects. Outside the Metropolitan Area, where bus services provide the backbone of the regional public transport system, in particular for those without access to the private car, investment will be focussed on improving connectivity between regional settlements, including Dublin, and enhancing the reliability and the level of service within key settlements. REGIONAL POLICY OBJECTIVE: Bus Infrastructure RPO 8.9: The RSES supports delivery of the bus projects set out in Table 8.3 subject to the outcome of appropriate environmental assessment and the planning process. Table 8.3: Bus Projects for the Region Core Bus Corridors comprising 16 radial routes and 3 orbital routes in Dublin Regional Bus Corridors connecting the major regional settlements to Dublin Dublin Metropolitan Bus Network Review Network reviews for the largest settlements across EMRA, with a view to providing local bus services Review of bus services between settlements Review of local bus services throughout EMRA, including services to small towns and villages and the rural transport programme New interchange and bus hub facilities New fare structures Enhanced passenger information Improvements to bus waiting facilities Integrated timetabling of bus and rail into a coherent national and regional network. Strategic Road Network The quality of the strategic road network and connectivity to it, within the Region has been substantially improved over the last two decades, with many large-scale road schemes being completed and/or nearing completion. The NDP recognises the importance of achieving steadystate maintenance and safety of the National Roads network as a priority in order to ensure that the existing extensive transport networks, which have been greatly enhanced over the last two decades, are maintained to a high level to ensure high quality levels of service, accessibility and connectivity for transport users. The RSES recognises the importance of maintaining, improving and protecting the strategic function of the key transport corridors including the imperative to improve and protect the strategic function of the Dublin to Belfast road corridor, which forms part of the TEN-T core network. It is not intended to establish an exhaustive list of schemes for development over the period of the RSES especially with regard to maintenance and management of the Region’s roads network. Instead, it is intended that road schemes are developed in accordance with Guidelines on a Common Appraisal Framework for Transport Projects and Programmes for the Department of Transport, Tourism and Sport in accordance with the general objectives of the RSES and the NTA’s Transport Strategy for the Greater Dublin Area. REGIONAL POLICY OBJECTIVES: Investment in Improved Strategic Road Connectivity RPO 8.10: The RSES supports appraisal and or delivery of the road projects set out in Table 8.4 subject to the outcome of appropriate environmental assessment and the planning process. 191Connectivity

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   Table 8.4: Road Projects for the Region M7 Naas to Newbridge bypass widening, Osberstown Interchange and Sallins Bypass N2 Slane Bypass N2 Rath Roundabout to Kilmoon Cross N2 Ardee to south of Castleblaney M4 Maynooth to Leixlip M4 Mullingar to Longford (and Sligo) M11 from Jn 4 M50 to Kilmacanogue N3 Clonee to M50 N52 Ardee Bypass N52 Tullamore to Kilbeggan M50 Dublin Port South Access A number of significant regional road schemes will also be supported and local relief roads will be brought forward as a means of reallocating existing road space in urban areas to public transport, walking and cycling in accordance with guiding principles of this Strategy, subject to the outcome of appropriate environmental assessment and the planning process. In addition, long term protection shall remain for the Eastern Bypass and the Leinster Outer Orbital Route. Dublin – Belfast Economic Corridor The Dublin – Belfast Economic Corridor comprises an internationally important spine connecting the two largest settlements on the island of Ireland via the regional growth centres of Drogheda, Dundalk and Newry. The RSES will promote the strategic function of the Dublin to Belfast corridor as a driver for regional economic development within the Region. This needs to be supported through targeted investment in transport infrastructure and services in connecting major urban centres and international gateways, complementing and maintaining its function as part of the EU TEN-T core network. The EMRA is seeking to promote public transport-based development on the Dublin – Belfast Economic Corridor (see Chapter 6 Economy and Employment). REGIONAL POLICY OBJECTIVE: Dublin – Belfast Economic Corridor RPO 8.11: Support the improvement, and protection, of the EU TEN-T network and the strategic function of the Dublin to Belfast road network. RPO 8.12: Support the delivery of a higher speed rail connection between Belfast and Dublin and Cork. Rural Transport The NTA provides rural transport services through the Local Link Rural Transport Programme Strategic Plan 2018-2022. The key priorities of this programme continue to be directed at addressing rural social exclusion and the integration of rural transport services with other public transport services. The services provided under the programme are therefore intended to fulfil a primarily social function, in meeting the needs of communities in towns, villages and rural areas. The NTA will develop and expand the Local Link Rural Transport Programme in the following manner: • seek further integration with other public transport services, including HSE and school transport; • better linkage of services between towns, villages and rural areas; • ensure fully accessible vehicles operate on all services; • enhance the customer experience; • increase patronage among children and young people; and • encourage innovation in the service. REGIONAL POLICY OBJECTIVE: Rural Transport Programme RPO 8.13: Support the Local Link Rural Transport Programme throughout rural areas of the Region. 192 Regional Spatial & Economic Strategy

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   Park and Ride REGIONAL POLICY OBJECTIVES: Park and Ride RPO 8.14: The RSES supports delivery of the strategic park and ride projects set out in Table 8.5 subject to the outcome of appropriate environmental assessment and the outcome of the planning process. Table 8.5: New and Enhanced Park and Ride Swords Finglas Dunboyne Liffey Valley Naas Road Carrickmines Woodbrook Greystones In addition, others may be developed in appropriate locations where the national road network meets the strategic public transport network. Across the EMRA, in particular at regional and suburban train stations and on bus routes, the potential for the development and/or expansion of local park and ride facilities will also be examined. Walking and Cycling The following walking and cycling objectives will guide investment in the EMRA: • Delivery of the cycle network set out in the NTA Greater Dublin Area Cycle Network Plan inclusive of key commuter routes and urban greenways on the canal, river and coastal corridors • Delivery of the National Cycle Plan within the Region inclusive of the Greenway and Blueway projects • Provide safe cycling routes in towns and villages across the Region • Enhance pedestrian facilities in all urban areas in the Region; and • Investment priorities for cycleways feasibility and route selection studies for cycleways shall identify and subsequently avoid high sensitivity feeding or nesting points for birds and other sensitive fauna. 193Connectivity

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   8.5 International Connectivity High quality accessibility to international gateways, located both within and outside of the Region, for people and internationally traded goods / services is of fundamental importance to economic competitiveness at regional and national levels. The achievement of this objective will be contingent on the development and improvement of critically enabling road and rail infrastructure, and public transport services, for the movement of people and goods. The NPF includes High-Quality International Connectivity as a National Strategic Outcome and recognises the crucial role that the provision of high-quality international connectivity has for overall international competitiveness and addressing opportunities and challenges from Brexit through investment in our ports and airports, in line with sectoral priorities already defined through National Ports Policy and National Aviation Policy and signature projects such as the second runway for Dublin Airport and major redevelopment at Dublin Port including proposals for a southern port access route. REGIONAL POLICY OBJECTIVES: International Connectivity RPO 8.15: The critical role of the EMRA’s international gateways will be protected by ensuring that local land use policies facilitate their functions and their landside access capacity for all transport modes. RPO 8.16: Support the improvement and protection of the TEN-T network to strengthen access routes to Ireland’s ports, including investment in the ongoing development of the N11/M11 to improve connectivity to Rosslare and improvements to the Dublin-Wexford Rail line. 194 Regional Spatial & Economic Strategy

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   Dublin Airport Dublin Airport accounted for 85% of all air passengers in the Country in 2016. The number of passengers has increased year on year to reach 29.5 million in 2017 and is forecast to increase again in 201859. Dublin Airport is a key national asset to Ireland’s economic success which is linked with its global connectivity to trade and tourism markets and requires support to ensure it continues as an economic driver. The National Aviation Strategy for the first time supports the growth of the Airport to a secondary hub airport; Dublin Airport has a number of features which make it an attractive option for airlines, including the availability of full US Preclearance. Consideration of continued growth of the Airport has to include the environmental considerations, airplanes are a significant emitter of greenhouse gas and noise both of which have to be mitigated. Also, in the interests of public safety, careful land use planning considerations must be given in the surrounding areas and flight paths. Landside access to Dublin Airport will be significantly enhanced by the provision of Metrolink. In addition to this project, the critical role of buses and taxis in serving air travellers and those employed in the Airport area will develop further over the period of the RSES, in order to ensure that the mode share for public transport is maintained at a high level and increased further. In the longer term, consideration of heavy rail access to the Airport would facilitate direct services from the national rail network in the context of potential future electrification. 59 http://issuu.com/daapublishing/docs/daa_annual_report_2017?e=5056106/60531841 REGIONAL POLICY OBJECTIVES: Dublin Airport RPO 8.17: Support the National Aviation Policy for Ireland and the growth of movements and passengers at Dublin Airport to include its status as a secondary hub airport. In particular, support the provision of a second runway, improved terminal facilities and other infrastructure. RPO 8.18: Improved access to Dublin Airport is supported, including Metrolink and improved bus services as part of BusConnects, connections from the road network from the west and north. Improve cycle access to Dublin Airport and surrounding employment locations. Support appropriate levels of car parking and car hire parking. RPO 8.19: Spatial planning policies in the vicinity of the airport shall protect the operation of Dublin Airport in respect to its growth and the safe navigation of aircraft from non-compatible land uses. Policies shall recognise and reflect the airport noise zones associated with Dublin Airport. Within the Inner Airport Noise Zone, provision of new residential and/or other noise sensitive development shall be actively resisted. Within the Outer Noise Zone, provision of new residential and/or other noise sensitive development shall be strictly controlled and require appropriate levels of noise insulation in all cases. RPO 8.20: Spatial planning policies for areas located within the Public Safety Zones shall reflect the guidance set out in the ERM Report “Public Safety Zones, 2005” (or any update thereof) commissioned by the then Department of Transport and the Department of Environment, Heritage and Local Government, in assessing proposals for development falling within Airport Public Safety Zones. Regional Airports Ireland West-Knock and Shannon Airports proximity to the Midlands is recognised and have important tourism and enterprise development functions for the catchments they support. 195Connectivity

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   Sea 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. The Region is home to the largest sea port in the country, Dublin Port, and also contains a number of regional ports of significance and smaller harbours. These include Arklow, Drogheda, Dundalk, Dún Laoghaire, Greenore, Howth, Wicklow and Warrenpoint in Northern Ireland. Given the nature and function of ports, combined with the location interfacing with the marine environment, there is potential for environmental conflict with the existing ecosystem. This sensitivity is further increased by the proximity of most of our Region’s ports to designated sites. In order to minimise potential impacts on EU protected habitats, brownfield port developments which maximise the capacity of existing port sites should be prioritised over greenfield developments. The approach to port development in the Region shall adhere to the European Commission guidelines on the Implementation of the Birds and Habitats Directives in Estuaries and Coastal Zones. As required by National Ports Policy (2013), a National Ports Capacity study has been commissioned which will assess the capacity of the national ports network. The maritime economy and its role as an enabler in effective regional development is discussed further in Chapter 6 Economy and Employment. In terms of port facilities, National Ports Policy and the national hierarchy or tiering of ports recognises the longterm international trend in ports and shipping towards 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. National Ports Policy seeks to ensure that the strategic development requirements of Tier 1 Ports, ports of regional significance and smaller harbours are addressed to ensure their effective growth and sustainable development at a national and regional level. The Assembly supports the role of all ports in the Region and seeks to harness economic opportunities from the ocean economy and the Ports in the Region in realising the full potential of the ocean economy. Particular regard is had to the Government’s integrated plan for the marine industry – Harnessing Our Ocean Wealth (2012), the National Marine Research and Innovation Strategy 2017-2021 (Marine Institute Ireland, 2017), and Ireland’s Ocean Economy (NUIG, 2017). The EMRA supports the undertaking of a feasibility study to examine the different options and potential for facilitating offshore renewable energy development at ports. Dublin Port Dublin Port is the largest port in the Country handling almost 50% of all trade in Ireland and growth of 35.7% over the last five years. In 2018 there was a record throughput of 38 million gross tonnes, a 4.3% increase on 2016. Dublin Port is one of five major ports classified as Tier 1 / Tier 2 ports in National Port Policy and categorised as core / comprehensive ports in the EU’s TEN-T network. Dublin Port is recognised in this RSES as a critical national facility; a key economic driver for the Region and the nation and an integral part of Dublin City, in line with the Dublin Port Masterplan 2040 (reviewed 2018). Regional Ports The regional ports are recognised in this RSES as important centres of economic activity, and the RSES seeks to protect and support the role of regional ports as economic drivers for the Region. This includes ports of regional significance located at Drogheda, Dundalk, Dún Laoghaire, Greenore and Wicklow as well as other regional ports at Arklow, Howth, and Warrenpoint in Northern Ireland. REGIONAL POLICY OBJECTIVES: Ports RPO 8.21: The EMRA will support the role of Dublin Port as a Port of National Significance (Tier 1 Port) and its continued commercial development, including limited expansion and improved road access, including the Southern Port Access Route. RPO 8.22: The EMRA supports ports of Regional Significance that serve an important regional purpose and/or specialised trades or maritime tourism; and the accessibility requirements of regional ports within the Region, from within their regional catchments will be addressed through the provision of improved access routes, where necessary and improved access to the national and regional road networks. Opportunities for the use of rail, where such ports are connected to the rail network is also promoted. RPO 8.23: The EMRA supports the protection of the marine related functions of ports in the Region in order to ensure the future role of ports as strategic marine related assets is protected from inappropriate uses, whilst supporting complimentary economic uses including the potential for facilitating offshore renewable energy development at ports. RPO 8.24: The EMRA supports the undertaking of feasibility studies to determine the carrying capacity of ports in relation to potential for likely significant effects on associated European sites including SPAs and SACs. 196 Regional Spatial & Economic Strategy

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   8.6 Communications Network and Digital Infrastructure Access to broadband in the Region is improving but remains incomplete. Many rural and peripheral areas of the Region are poorly served by broadband and there is a need to increase the rate of investment in broadband, in particular in rural areas. The increasing use of digital technologies is impacting on every aspect of our lives: from transport, to education, leisure and entertainment and health services. Infrastructure to deliver better connected services is vital to our continued growth, supporting businesses and enhancing our communities. As the digital economy grows, we must ensure that the business opportunities and benefits are felt throughout the Region from our capital city to every town, village and outlying rural area. The provision of next generation broadband services to rural areas is a key enabling support to ensure smaller urban areas and rural areas are not at a disadvantage in attracting and retaining enterprise and employment compared to larger urban centres. The National Broadband Plan will play an integral role in delivering this infrastructure and revitalising businesses and communities across rural Ireland. This is a fast moving and evolving infrastructure and the region will need to be able to respond and adapt to future communications networks and technology along with changing work practices and emerging economic models. REGIONAL POLICY OBJECTIVES: Communications Networks and Digital Infrastructure RPO 8.25: Local authorities shall: • Support and facilitate delivery of the National Broadband Plan. • Facilitate enhanced international fibre communications links, including full interconnection between the fibre networks in Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland. • Promote and facilitate the sustainable development of a high-quality ICT network throughout the Region in order to achieve balanced social and economic development, whilst protecting the amenities of urban and rural areas. • Support the national objective to promote Ireland as a sustainable international destination for ICT infrastructures such as data centres and associated economic activities at appropriate locations. • Promote Dublin as a demonstrator of 5G information and communication technology. RPO 8.26: The EMRA supports the preparation of planning guidelines to facilitate the efficient roll out and delivery of national broadband. 197Connectivity

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   Quality of Life 9 9.1 Introduction The place or environment in which we live or work, including its physical nature and social environment or community, has a profound impact on physical and mental health wellbeing, and quality of life. Irish culture has a longstanding identification with place. Placemaking is an essential link between spatial planning and facilitating improvements to people’s quality of life and developing places that are attractive to live, work, visit and in which to invest. The key principle of healthy placemaking is the driver for this chapter to deliver on a number of the Regional Strategic Outcomes on compact growth, regeneration, integrated transport and landuse, rural development, human health and creative places to create healthy and attractive places, to improve our quality of life. The availability of, and access to, services is key to creating healthier places. This includes access to adequate housing and employment choice, supported by good healthcare and education, quality public realm and access to nature, the arts and cultural heritage. Over the lifetime of the Regional Spatial and Economic Strategy population growth and changing demographics will require a policy response to ensure positive health outcomes for older people, for children, families and young people and to support the integration of migrants and address social exclusion and isolation, see Figure 9.1. 45,000 40,000 35,000 30,000 25,000 20,000 15,000 10,000 5,000 0 Year of Age EMRA 2016 EMRA 2031 Total Population 0 3 6 9 12 15 18 21 24 27 30 33 36 39 42 45 48 51 54 57 60 63 66 69 72 75 78 81 84 87 90 93 96 99+ Figure 9.1 Changing Demographic Profile – Age Structure 2016 to 2031 Source: CSO 198 Regional Spatial & Economic Strategy

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   9.2 Diverse and Inclusive Region 60 CSO Regional Population Projections 2016-2031 (Traditional M2F2 scenario) December 2013 The age profile of the Region is in general very similar to that of the country as a whole, with slightly higher rates in the young working ages (20 to 39 years), and it is expected to follow similar trends over the coming years, most notably an increasing ageing population. Figure 9.1 shows the largest increases in population are expected in the 15-24 year cohort (+54%), 45-64 year cohort (+33%) and 65 plus (+64%), over the lifetime of the RSES to 203160. Changing household formation trends will require a range of housing typologies including student housing, smaller units, shared living schemes and flexible designs that are adaptive for people’s full life cycle to meet their housing needs today and into the future. 199Quality of Life

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    Age Friendly Communities There is an urgent need for responsive planning policy to avoid an ageing population crisis. In 2016, just under 1 in 8 people in the Region are aged over 65 but it is this cohort that is projected to increase most significantly over the lifetime of the RSES, with growth rates of over 85’s set to almost double. The RSES recognises that many factors that contribute to a good quality of life for older people are community-based and that all sectors– government, businesses, voluntary groups, service providers, local authorities and the public – have a role in creating an age-friendly society. This requires high quality healthcare and public services and, where appropriate, the choice of affordable care in the home or in the community for our older citizens. Quality placemaking should also integrate the principles of universal access in the design of buildings, housing, public realm, amenities and transport services to create places that are safe, easy to move around and accessible to all61. Migration and Diversity The CSO population projections highlight demographic pressures that will remain a feature in the Region, as migration will be a key driver of future population growth over the lifetime of the RSES. The Region is the most demographically diverse in the State, and more than 1 in 8 of the regional population are non-Irish nationals, with higher rates in Dublin City and the counties of Fingal and Longford. As more immigrants become Irish or dual citizens, the numbers of non-Irish nationals in the Region have fallen in the last intercensal period. Settlements that have more than a quarter of their residents born outside the State include; Longford, Blanchardstown, Athlone and Portlaoise. The dispersed settlement patterns for in migration in Ireland are atypical in a European context, where migrants tend to concentrate in large employment centres and may reflect wider housing pressures as much as government policy. The quality of services and amenities for a diverse and multi-cultural society will be a key determinant in how successful and attractive the Region is. This will require a planning response to support the integration of migrant communities and to ensure that diverse needs are met now and over the lifetime of the Strategy. 61 National Disability Authority ‘Building for Everyone: A Universal Design Approach’. www.universaldesign.ie 62 http://www.justice.ie/en/JELR/Pages/National_Traveller_and_Roma_Inclusion_Strategy_2017%E2%80%93%202021 Traveller Community The Traveller community in Ireland represents c.1% of the population and, according to the ESRI’s 2017 research paper A Social Portrait of Travellers in Ireland, experiences different social and economic conditions from the wider population. This includes different age profiles, rates of fertility, health profiles (including life expectancy) and levels of discrimination. The National Traveller and Roma Inclusion Strategy was produced by the Department of Justice and Equality in 201762 and attempts to deliver actions to aid in the social inclusion of the Traveller and Roma communities in Ireland. The actions address themes such as cultural identity, education, employment, health, equality and accommodation. Local authorities are required to develop and implement 5 year accommodation programmes for Travellers. REGIONAL POLICY OBJECTIVES: Diverse and Inclusive Region RPO 9.1: Local authorities shall ensure the integration of age friendly and family friendly strategies in development plans and other relevant local policy and decision making, including provision for flexible housing typologies, buildings and public spaces that are designed so that everyone, including older people, disabled people and people with young children can move around with ease, avoiding separation or segregation. RPO 9.2: Support local authority and sectoral initiatives to increase active participation and social integration of minority groups, including non-Irish nationals and Travellers. 200 Regional Spatial & Economic Strategy

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