Regional strategy (RSES) · Northern and Western Region
Regional Spatial and Economic Strategy 2020–2032
The regional strategy for the Northern and Western Region, including the Galway Metropolitan Area Strategic Plan.
Northern and Western Regional Assembly · January 2020 · 320 pages
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- RPO 3.7.27 The Assembly supports the preparation of a building heights study, a strategy to guide the future development of the regional centre. The study will take into account the historic, cultural and infrastructural features of the area. In developing this strategy, areas of high density will target the minimum density rates of 50 units per hectare (in the town centre area) and a default rate of 35 units per hectare otherwise. RPO 3.7.28 To expand Letterkenny’s bed-night capacity, and overall Tourist Offer as a Destination Town serving the Northern Headlands of the WAW. RPO 3.7.29 To consolidate existing neighbourhoods (hereinunder listed) through a series of targeted measures. Town Centre, Glebe/ Kiltoy, Lisnennan, Carnamuggagh, Glencar Scotch, Glencar Irish, Ballymacool and Oldtown. REGENERATION AND RENEWAL PROJECTS KEY REGENERATION OPPORTUNITIES/ RENEWAL SITES There are several regeneration opportunities which have the potential to transform the town’s centre. 1. Town Centre - Urban Regeneration Masterplan and Strategic Design Framework. 2. The former ESB site (Town Centre). 3. Church Lane/Market Square (Cathedral Quarter) – Continued Regeneration and Restoration. 4. Lower Main Street. 5. Opportunity Sites: i. Donegal Creameries site ii. Gortlee Site iii. Unifi lands iv. Lands at Port Bridge v. Former Mart at Sentry Hill. Each of the opportunity sites represents brownfield development within the Town, and the re-use of these sites would represent a key element of achieving the Compact Growth objective which is a central pillar of the NPF. The Letterkenny Plan will set out further detail with respect to these sites, and the parameters within which they can be redeveloped.Northern & Western Regional Assembly 91Letterkenny Regional Growth Centre Strategic Plan 3 People and Places
- INTER-LINKAGES ACROSS TOWN CENTRE Creating a more coherent, and inter-linked town centre has been recognised for a long time as a key strategic goal for Letterkenny. The achievement of an improved inter-connectivity between the original Town Centre (Main Street Zone) and the new Retail Centre, including the Retail Park, and the Area surrounding Letterkenny Community Centre is equally important. The advancement of this should include prioritisation of pedestrian friendly linkages, with identified walkways, crossing points, and traffic lanes and improved route availability for cycling. The Letterkenny Plan together with the Urban Regeneration Masterplan will present an opportunity to set out further detail in respect of these sites, and the parameters within which they can be redeveloped. The Social Enterprise Centre, (on the Neil T Blaney Road, and linking onto the proposed Joe Bonar Link Road) will not only provide a landmark building on a key site, but will serve to improve access to and open up lands in this area for regeneration, and potential large scale, mixed-use projects. Figure 34: Letterkenny – Locations for Growth and RegenerationRegional Spatial and Economic Strategy 2020-2032 92Letterkenny Regional Growth Centre Strategic Plan 3 People and Places
- INDIGENOUS EMPLOYMENT AND FDI Letterkenny is the economic driver of County Donegal. There are currently (CSO 2016) 11,400 Jobs in Letterkenny, which comprise approx. 28% of the overall jobs figure for County Donegal. In tandem with the targeted population growth of at least 8,000 additional people expected to reside in Letterkenny by 2040, the National Planning Framework (Ireland 2040) anticipates that employment growth will occur at a ratio of approximately 2:1 (people to jobs), this will equate to (a minimum) additional 4,000 - 5,000 workers employed in the Town over the period to 2040. To ensure this expansion is realised, it will be necessary to secure adequate provision of zoned land for a mix of enterprise and employment uses. g General Employment. g Commercial Use. g Established Employment use. g Town Centre/Retail. Employment growth in Letterkenny has continued apace over the last decade. In addition to expanded retail, and service employment. The emergence of the ‘Letterkenny Cluster’ in ICT includes multinational and indigenous companies. This cluster includes Sita, Kirchoff, Optibelt, Pramerica, Zues, Optum, United Health. Paremerica alone employs over 1,400 people, and there will be an opportunity to expand this cluster, with Donegal County Council, IDA and Enterprise Ireland the primary stakeholders tasked with delivering further sustainable employment for this part of the North West Region. The targeted Areas for General Employment will include additional lands adjacent to and within the IDA Business Park along the N-56 Link, and the former Unifi lands at Kiltoy/between Carnamuggagh/ Lisnenan. The Mountain Top (Pinehill) supports approximately 40 business operators at present, and there is scope to introduce incremental environmental improvements which could enhance the general appearance of the area, and better separate pedestrian, and vehicle use. RETAIL Letterkenny functions as County Donegal’s primary retail and shopping destination. The retail area within Letterkenny can be defined in a number of zones: g The traditional Town Centre. g Paddy Harte/Loop Road Retail Park. A multi-purpose open/civic amenity space within the heart of the Town would assist in helping the balance struck between vehicles, and pedestrians/ cyclists, it would also encourage additional uses relating to events/activities. In addition to the above, the incremental improvement of the Towns retail offer will include g Enhancing sustainable links between the 2 retail areas. g Providing public facilities at Letterkenny Retail Park. g Targeting reuse of vacant retail floor space. g Emphasis on high-quality urban design within the Town Centre, and key strategic approach roads. Further detail in this regard will be set out in the forthcoming Letterkenny Local Area Plan. (LKLAP).Northern & Western Regional Assembly 93Letterkenny Regional Growth Centre Strategic Plan 3 People and Places
- CRITICALLY ENABLING STRATEGIC INFRASTRUCTURE FOR LETTERKENNY To achieve the population growth and economic development discussed above and advancement of the overall offer to citizens, Letterkenny has several key projects which must be delivered over the next 10-15 years, and indicative timeframe is attached for each, applicable from 2020: CONNECTED LETTERKENNY: ENABLING PROJECTS: 1. TEN-T Projects: The key infrastructure needs of Letterkenny and Donegal are set out in the RSES (Sec 6). The delivery of the TEN-T improvement schemes, including the provision of the strategic N56 link, with a crossing over the River Swilly via the N-56 Bonagee Link and the significant upgrading of the road network approaching the Town from the South (Southern Relief Road). The combined significance of these investments, including reduced travel times to Letterkenny from the Atlantic Economic Corridor N13/N15 from Sligo and to Northern Ireland will directly impact upon the Town, allowing for multi-modal access across Letterkenny, and providing more effective long term traffic management beyond 2040. 2. Regional Transportation Hub (RTH): Letterkenny currently does not have a multipurpose transportation point. There are multiple Private Operators transporting patrons around Donegal and across the island of Ireland on a daily basis, and the stop adjacent to the Oatfield Roundabout does not have sufficient capacity to cater for growing demand. The provision of a Transportation Hub within the Town Core, and within walking distance of LYIT is a priority piece of infrastructure to increase accessibility and connectivity. Whilst a specific site has yet to be identified, the RTH is a critical priority. 3. Cycle Lane and Urban Greenway/Central Linear Park: Easy and safe cycling and walking facilities will form a key priority for Letterkenny’s Centre, and Neighbourhoods over the next two decades. Secure cycling and dedicated lanes for bicycles are recognised as a direct incentive for people to travel to school and work without being dependant upon the private car. A cycle route network will be prepared in the next 2-3 years, and this will include a Greenway along the River Swilly and oriented around the Central Linear Park Project as well as a full Landuse and Transportation Strategy to establish several key priority cycle routes which traverse the Town. Provision shall also be made for the Letterkenny – Burtonport Greenway, along the Former Donegal Rail Line, and onto the Cycle lane being provided along the newly realigned Section of the N56 at Illistrin/Coolboy. 4. Public Transport Linkages: A Local Transportation Plan (LTP) will be prepared in the short term for Letterkenny, the LTP should examine the current lack of alternatives to the car and land-use patterns which can better effect a modal shift to public transport, as well as walking and cycling. A new Regional Transport Hub shall form a central part of this vision, as well as the potential of Bus corridors, Park and Ride facilities and neighbourhood services.Regional Spatial and Economic Strategy 2020-2032 94Letterkenny Regional Growth Centre Strategic Plan 3 People and Places
- Table 7: Critically Enabling Projects for Letterkenny Critically Enabling and Transformative Projects for Letterkenny Indicative Timeframe Delivery (Short – 2026 / Medium – 2031 / Long – 2040) 1. Donegal TEN-T Improvement Scheme’s. Strategic Regional Connectivity (N-13, N-14, and N15) including the N-56 strategic link across the River Swilly Short/Medium 2. Letterkenny Urban Design and Masterplan for Town Centre Short 3. Regional Transport Hub for Letterkenny Short 4. LYIT Campus Extension Short/Medium 5. Urban Greenway/Central Linear Park Development within Letterkenny, integrating with the Letterkenny – Burtonport, River Swilly Greenway Medium 6. Development of Letterkenny Social Enterprise Centre Short 7. Creating a ‘Smart’ Regional Centre Short 8. Town Centre Living Scheme: Regeneration of Derelict and Vacant Sites Short/Medium 9. Development of Town Centre Enterprise Quarter Short Figure 35: Letterkenny Strategic Road SchemesNorthern & Western Regional Assembly 95Letterkenny Regional Growth Centre Strategic Plan 3 People and Places
- REGIONAL POLICY OBJECTIVES RPO 3.7.30 To deliver the TEN-T priority route improvement for Donegal and Letterkenny by 2028, including the N-56 Link, and also progress the Southern Relief Road (Leck Road), the N-14 Manorcunningham – Lifford and N-13 Letterkenny - Ballybofey. RPO 3.7.31 To facilitate the expansion of the LYIT Campus. RPO 3.7.32 To prepare (within 2 years of the adoption of the RSES), a Local Transport Plan (LTP) for Letterkenny, which will include a multi-modal focus, and Public Transport roadmap. RPO 3.7.33 To develop a dedicated and integrated cycle network around Letterkenny, including the creation of a Greenway along the line of the River Swilly and oriented around the Central Linear Park Project to offer residents a viable alternative to car-based journeys. RPO 3.7.34 To deliver a multi-purpose Public and Private Regional Transport Hub within the Town Core of Letterkenny to serve County Donegal and the wider region. RPO 3.7.35 To carry out a feasibility study which investigates the potential and viability of a Rail Link between Letterkenny and Derry in future decades. RPO 3.7.36 To deliver the Letterkenny Social Enterprise Centre and associated improved access to lands to the West of Neil T Blaney Road, as part of a wider Urban Regeneration project.Regional Spatial and Economic Strategy 2020-2032 96Letterkenny Regional Growth Centre Strategic Plan 3 People and Places
- ENVIRONMENT AND PUBLIC REALM LIVEABLE LETTERKENNY Letterkenny is already well served with many outstanding public realm facilities, which include An Grainan Theatre, the Regional Cultural Centre, Aura Leisure Centre, Ballymacool Park at the Southern edge of the Town and Bernard McGlinchey Town Park. The challenge in the coming years is enhancing sustainable connectivity to some of these facilities. To ensure Letterkenny becomes a less car-dependent large town, dedicated cycle networks are key to enabling more sustainable modes of transport across the Town. In tandem with such provision, will be a need to provide adequate cycling facilities at the aforementioned locations, as well as several other identified strategic sites. TOURISM Letterkenny has been identified by Fáilte Ireland as a Destination Town (always on) owing to many factors. g Bed Night Capacity (Approx. 4,200) g Proximity to Wild Atlantic Way (Donegal Headlands, including Discovery Points such as Malin Head and Fanad Lighthouse) g Proximity to Glenveagh National Park, Grianan of Aileach and Derryveagh Mountains. g Ability to offer attractions in its own right, including a range of pubs, restaurants, and nightlife. It will be vital that given the significant growth in Tourist numbers visiting Ireland, and the potential to grow significantly the figures travelling on the Northern Half of the WAW, that Letterkenny continues to grow its offer as a Regional Centre of Scale to host, and support visitors across all of North Donegal. To do this, many objectives need to be progressed in the short to medium term: g Provide sufficient zoned lands to ensure additional Hotels, and Tourist Accommodation can be accommodated within walking distance of the Town Centre. g To Provide a Regional Transport Hub within Walking Distance of the Town Centre, to ensure onward Journeys (WAW and Glenveagh National Park etc.) are within easy reach of the majority of Hotel Accommodation. g To ensure the advancement of the Letterkenny – Burtonport Greenway Project, along the Disused Donegal Rail Line. g To further enhance Public Realm Offer within Letterkenny to enhance visitor experience.Northern & Western Regional Assembly 97Letterkenny Regional Growth Centre Strategic Plan 3 People and Places
- EDUCATION LYIT has approximately 4,000 students and has expanded by 40% in enrolment numbers in the last 10 – 15 years. The IT has in recent years secured a significant site on the Southern side of the Port Road, opposite their existing campus, which will enable future expansion without the fragmentation of the student facilities. It is one of the key strategic aims for Letterkenny over the next two decades that this expansion is realised, and the range of courses, and the number of Under Graduates, as well as Post Graduates are increased incrementally between now and 2040. This expansion is expected to take place in tandem with University status for LYIT, as part of the Connacht/Ulster Alliance, where talks remain ongoing with Sligo IT and GMIT. In addition, there is an opportunity to further develop cross border and international collaboration with other Universities. Facilities at Primary School Level extend to seven Schools. Three of these Schools (the 3 largest) are located outside the Letterkenny CSO (2016) boundary (Woodlands, Lurgybrack and Ilistrin). The provision of the new Educate Together Campus in 2018 has brought additional capacity to the Primary School system. The future provision of a significant residential neighbourhood to the South of the River at Leck/Scribley and the Southern Relief Road may require an additional Primary School in this area. There are four Secondary Schools in the Town, with Donegal County Council communicating with the Dept. of Education in relation to additional provision should the need arise. The re-development and enhancement of the St. Eunan’s Secondary School Campus is a priority in Educational infrastructure provision.Regional Spatial and Economic Strategy 2020-2032 98Letterkenny Regional Growth Centre Strategic Plan 3 People and Places
- Figure 36: Education Provision in LetterkennyNorthern & Western Regional Assembly 99Letterkenny Regional Growth Centre Strategic Plan 3 People and Places
- 3.7(c) Sligo Regional Growth Centre Strategic Plan CONTEXT AND VISION The National Planning Framework recognises Sligo’s potential to serve the North West as an accessible centre of employment and services, which can be a focal point for investment and have the widest possible regional influence. Sligo is thus identified as a key Regional Centre, capable of leading the development of the surrounding region. Over the next 15 – 20 years it is therefore critical that the North-West region is served by several centres of scale, which are accessible centres of employment and services, which can be focal points for investment and have the widest possible regional influence. Located at the point where the Western Region meets the Border Region, Sligo is one of the largest urban centres in the North-West, serving as an administrative, employment, commercial, health and education centre for a significant hinterland that is substantially larger than the hinterlands of other towns with similar populations in either the Southern Region or the Eastern and Midlands region. Sligo’s functional area extends far beyond the County boundaries, as demonstrated by the thousands of people who travel daily for work from Mayo, Donegal, Roscommon and Leitrim. It has been estimated that the daytime population of Sligo RGCSP can be as high as 40,000. The presence of strong employment sectors such as Pharma and Engineering, Higher Education Institutes (HEIs), cultural institutions and health services indicate a latent capacity for Sligo to enhance its regional role. This can be achieved through building critical mass of the population and further employment, in tandem with enhanced accessibility and quality of life. Given the importance of regional interdependencies, this must be done in partnership with a variety of institutions. Therefore, Sligo has the potential to serve this part of the north-west as an accessible centre of employment and services which can be a driver for investment and growth of regional scale and influence.Regional Spatial and Economic Strategy 2020-2032 100Sligo Regional Growth Centre Strategic Plan 3 People and Places
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