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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- CASE STUDY EXEMPLARS BIA INNOVATOR CAMPUS AT TEAGASC This region has taken the lead in developing the first and leading food infrastructure project in Ireland to have multi-food sector infrastructure and support at one location, including unique specialisms in meat, dairy, consumer foods and seafoods. It is to be located in the new BIA Innovator Campus at Teagasc, Athenry. This facility represents a step-change project that will transform the food entrepreneurship landscape in our region. It will provide training, innovation and acceleration supports that enable food businesses to grow and upscale. MONAGHAN BIO-CONNECT INNOVATION CENTRE – MBIC Project partners Monaghan County Council, Monaghan Bioscience and Monaghan Institute has created a not for profit, Biotech Innovation Centre to service the Central Border Region. The facility will be located adjacent to Monaghan Institute Campus. MBIC will attract local and foreign companies to set up Biotech based Research and Development at MBIC, to drive employment and innovation. Monaghan Bioscience (60 staff) will become the anchor tenant at the facility, with a capacity for 200 biotech professionals. MBIC will provide open access to Lab equipment and space. Monaghan is already a strong player in agri-food, with Monaghan Mushrooms, Silverhill, Bio-Marine Ingredients, Lakelands, Abbot and Lacpatrick established in the County. In response to Brexit, it will be necessary for Agri based businesses to develop higher-end value-added products. The NWRA Region lacks biotechnology infrastructure, to support start-ups in this area. Existing BioTech incubation centres are in NUIG, UCC and Dublin. Monaghan Bioscience is a subsidiary of Monaghan Mushrooms and specialises in the waste streams from Mushroom production. Moving from bringing mushroom waste from landfill to inputting into highervalue products. This project is operated under Horizon 2020 (EU Programme for Research and Innovation). REGIONAL POLICY OBJECTIVES RPO 4.23 To create a stronger and more resilient region by protecting and stimulating gastronomy as part of our cultural heritage and also by identifying new opportunities for economic development. RPO 4.24 To support the growth of the region’s agrifood industry, and its SME’s. This includes the expansion of the sector where already established in rural areas, as well as in small towns, and villages, where expansion should be supported. RPO 4.25 Support the upscaling of businesses, increase exports, and strengthen internal collaborations within the value chain to allow more products from the region to have access to transformation and export processes, and increasing the added value contribution through R&D (in both product and process) and the implementation of advanced manufacturing technologies. RPO 4.26 Support the further development of AgInnovation clusters in the Northern and Western Region - pushing convergence between farm, research, technology and commercialisation.Northern & Western Regional Assembly 171 4 Growth Ambition 1: Economy and Employment – Vibrant Region
- Figure 51: The BioEconomy – More than a Circular Economy THE BIOECONOMY The bioeconomy comprises those parts of the economy that use renewable biological resources from land and sea to produce food, feed and biobased materials and energy. This includes crops, forestry, fisheries, aquaculture, animals and their residues and by-products from processing, industrial feedstock resources such as municipal solid waste and wastewater or novel products such as microorganisms. The bioeconomy in terms of science and technology is the application of a range of sciences (life sciences, agronomy, ecology, food science and social sciences), enabling industrial technologies (biotechnology, nanotechnology, information and communication technologies (ICT) and engineering) to relevant primary production and processing sectors to provide for the sustainable production of food, feed, bio-based materials and energy. The Department of Agriculture, Food and Marine launched a National Policy Statement on the Bioeconomy in February 2018, intending to assist in collaboration across several areas in the re-use of residues from food and drink production. With 80% of the bioeconomy positioned in rural areas, it represents a sector of significant opportunity to be harnessed for this region.Regional Spatial and Economic Strategy 2020-2032 172 4 Growth Ambition 1: Economy and Employment – Vibrant Region
- REGIONAL POLICY OBJECTIVES RPO 4.27 It is an objective to support the National Policy Statement on the Bioeconomy (2018), and the exploration of opportunities in the circular resource-efficient economy, including undertaking a bioeconomy feasibility study for this region. This feasibility study will aim to identify (and map) areas of potential growth to inform the National Transition Agenda, enabling a Low Carbon, resilient nation. RPO 4.28 To support the potential creation of appropriately scaled local multi-feedstock bio-refining hubs across the region as well as potential creation of bio-districts/clusters. RPO 4.29 The Assembly supports the future-proofing of infrastructure planning to allow for the potential upgrading of existing industrial sites to bio-refining plants while also supporting the use of bio-renewable energy for the sustainable production of bio-based products.Northern & Western Regional Assembly 173 4 Growth Ambition 1: Economy and Employment – Vibrant Region
- MARINE AND BLUE ECONOMY The Country’s Maritime Territory is almost 10 times our landmass, at over 220m acres under-water. To better protect, and utilise this resource, the Government set out a clear roadmap through Harnessing Our Ocean Wealth: An integrated Marine Plan for Ireland (2012) and a National Marine Planning Framework (NMPF) is currently being prepared which will help manage our resources effectively and sustainably. Some of the primary goals of the NMPF include: g A clear 20 year vision on how to use, protect and enjoy our sea’s g To act as the key decision making tool for policy makers, and regulatory authorities g The setting out of Overarching Marine Planning Policies (OMPP’s) and Sectoral Marine Planning Policies (SMPP’s) g Reduce and co-ordinate costs across agencies, and improve innovation and research across the Marine Sector. MARINE SECTOR – CHANGES AND GROWTH At present, it is estimated 32,500 people are working in the Marine Economy across Ireland (progress Report – Harnessing Our Ocean Wealth (HOOW), 2017), and this figure is growing at above 10% year on year. In recent decades, the Country’s fishing fleets have been steadily reduced in number, as a consequence of fishing quotas being implemented under the EU Common Fisheries Policy and as landings are made elsewhere by our regions fleets. This has led to some of our region’s ports and traditional fishing harbours diversifying into other areas of activity. In Killybegs, the Marine Engineering, and Tourism sectors have gradually grown their labour force share, with the number of employee’s retained in fish processing reducing due to decreasing quota’s and increasing plant automation. Additionally, there has been substantial growth in other areas, such as aquaculture and seafood processing which are critical in some of the region’s more peripheral locations along the West, and North West coastline. REGIONAL POLICY OBJECTIVE RPO 4.30 To review, and where necessary amend, the RSES upon adoption of the National Marine Planning Framework (NMPF) to ensure alignment, and consistency between landuse and oceanbased planning, and to ensure co-ordination which supports the protection of the marine environment and growth of our marine economy.Regional Spatial and Economic Strategy 2020-2032 174 4 Growth Ambition 1: Economy and Employment – Vibrant Region
- OUR MARINE REGIONAL ASSETS There are over 250 piers, and harbours along the region’s coastline and many centres play a significant role in terms of the marine economy, the main centres are set out below: GALWAY PORT The upgrade of Galway Harbour and Port continues to represent a key strategic priority for the Western Region. The ambition to upgrade Galway Port will allow for the facility to serve a dual role as a commercial port for cargo, and also a destination point for cruise tourism. This upscaling of the facility would increase Galway Ports influence (and spin-off) across the wider region in terms of recreation and delivery of additional visitors into Galway City and beyond. The Marine Institute and Ryan Institute at NUIG are additional key resources in the Marine sector. KILLYBEGS The Country’s primary fishing port, and deep-water facility, in recent times, it has developed an additional role as a destination point for Cruise Ships. Killybegs has accommodated 13,000 cruise ship visitors in 2018, increasing from 1,300 visitors in less than a decade. A significant marine cluster exists in Killybegs, which serves the North Atlantic Pelagic fleet, and boasts marine engineering expertise, boatbuilding and a further expansion of these activities should be enabled in the years ahead. PAIRC NA MARA, CONNEMARA Significant first steps are being taken by Údarás na Gaeltachta in the planning and development of Pairc na Mara a new marine innovation park which is to be developed in Cill Chiarain in the Connemara Gaeltacht of County Galway. The development is located on a brownfield site on the southern edge of the Connemara Gaeltacht situated approximately 72km west of Galway City. The site of approximately nine hectares has the potential to provide infrastructure and facilities to support the establishment and expansion of a cross-section of marine enterprises. NEWPORT, CO. MAYO Newport Research Cluster in County Mayo managed by the Marine Institute is involved in ground-breaking research in the marine biotechnology, climate change, and water quality areas. Internationally renowned scientists come to Newport to use their unique data sets and facilities to advance numerous international research projects. GREENCASTLE County Donegal is one of two BIM National Fisheries Colleges of Ireland. GAS PRODUCTION AND THE CORRIB GAS FIELD Indigenous gas production from the Corrib, Kinsale Head and Seven Heads gas fields accounted for 70% of the states total natural gas demand in 2017. The Corrib Field commenced production at the end of 2015 and is expected to supply on average up to 57% of the State’s natural gas demand. Further gas fields are expected to be discovered and developed in the same area in the future which would create a sustainable secure energy source as we transition to zero-carbon energy alternatives.Northern & Western Regional Assembly 175 4 Growth Ambition 1: Economy and Employment – Vibrant Region
- Figure 52: Ireland’s Marine Territory FISHERIES The European Union’s Common Fisheries Policy (CFP), adopted in 2014 allows for one-third of Irish landings, at present to be taken from British Waters (Primarily off the West coast of Scotland). Brexit and its outcome (uncertain at present) leave doubts as to this arrangement continuing. €125m worth of landings were recorded in Killybegs in 2017, and to ensure the future security of the Irish fleet and the Fishing Industry in our region, our ports, harbours and associated land-uses in several coastal locations must be upgraded, particularly in strategic locations. These ports are Galway, Killybegs, Greencastle, and Ross a Mhil. REGIONAL POLICY OBJECTIVES RPO 4.31 To protect, upgrade and expand our key Fisheries Ports of Killybegs, Greencastle and Ross a Mhil, and to ensure adequate continued in investment in facilities to ensure their ongoing success. RPO 4.32 To enable the expansion of our regional assets in the Blue Economy in the following sectors: g Marine research and innovation g Gas and Oil deposits within Irelands waters g Seafood innovation through Greencastle, Killybegs, Pairc Na Mara and other BIM fishery centres.Regional Spatial and Economic Strategy 2020-2032 176 4 Growth Ambition 1: Economy and Employment – Vibrant Region
- MARINE RENEWABLES The Western seaboard and the North Atlantic is likely to be a key strategic zone for the testing, installation, and continued expansion in the area of Marine Renewables. In the past, the primary focus within the State has been on land-based renewables, with a record 65% renewable loading achieved in April 2018. However, with technology advances in Solar, and Off-Shore wind becoming more cost-effective, this focus is likely to shift during the lifetime of the RSES. Off-Shore renewables will be critically important if the Country is to meet the energy targets set out for 2030. Wave energy, tidal energy, and offshore wind energy will continue to expand in line with technological advances and subject to feasibility, and environmental assessment. There are already many Marine Energy Test Sites located off the West Coast, including at Galway Bay (Marine Renewable ETS) and Belmullet, Co. Mayo, (Wave Energy Converter to be connected to the National Grid). It is important to this region that these and similar future projects are supported so that this region can contribute and lead out on Ireland’s commitments to Climate Change and reducing the usage of fossil fuels. Such potential projects would also be consistent with the Climate Action Fund, which is aimed at reducing overall emissions, through various projects, and to improve energy efficiency. The RSES will support innovative solutions in Marine Renewables, which will assist in achieving these goals. REGIONAL POLICY OBJECTIVE RPO 4.33 To facilitate where possible Marine Renewable Technology Projects off the West and North West coasts of Ireland, and subject to environmental and amenity considerations (feasibility studies), and where applicable, enable National Grid connection. SEAFOOD SECTOR The seafood sector is especially important in our region’s remote coastal and island communities, generating economic activity, and employment across a range of services, including fish farms, processing operations and distribution. BIM in their role has continued to oversee steady growth in the seafood area, and in addition to the ongoing coastal operations, there are several strategic sites, which are likely to witness further development. REGIONAL POLICY OBJECTIVE RPO 4.34 To enable the development (and/or expansion) of a number of strategic Marine Resource Innovation Parks, including locations at Greencastle, Killybegs, Co. Donegal and Cill Chiaran, Co. Galway, (Pairc na Mara), to increase aquaculture and seafood sectoral growth in the Marine Economy.Northern & Western Regional Assembly 177 4 Growth Ambition 1: Economy and Employment – Vibrant Region
- CULTURAL HERITAGE AND THE MARINE ECONOMY Our Coastal and Island communities are home to a range of cultural assets, built heritage, archaeological sites, including underwater wreck sites, and iconic buildings, including pier harbours, coastal forts, and lighthouses, some of which are key strategic points along the WAW. The Heritage Council has comprehensively listed these sites by Category, (Marine and Coastal Heritage Directory). MARINE INFRASTRUCTURE The Department of Transport, Tourism and Sport published the National Ports Policy in 2013, which highlighted that our region does not have a port of National Significance, at Tier 1 or Tier 2 level. The only Tier 1 Port along the Western seaboard is at Foynes in Limerick, although Derry Port is a significant port along the Border. Galway Port is categorised as a Port of Regional Significance, (Tier 3), it is designated for transfer to Galway City Council. Beyond that, ports such as Killybegs, Sligo, Greencastle, and Ross a Mhíl perform specific roles. Notwithstanding the above and the Ports Policy of 2013, there is a unique disconnectedness concerning Ports and the Marine infrastructure in the North West. In terms of the overall examination of infrastructure, there are two key elements to our Marine dynamic, the first are the harbours, and ports themselves, and the second is the interconnectedness with the road and rail network beyond this, including connections to the UK and Mainland Europe. Our region has a significant disadvantage to the rest of the country in this regard. The Trans-European Transport Network (TEN-T) Policy represents an instrument that can assist in improving connectivity, as it addresses the development of a Europe-wide transport network that delivers strengthened social, economic and territorial cohesion. None of the ports in our region is designated as TEN-T Ports, but this strategy supports the further examination of the feasibility for pursuing designation of both Galway Port and Killybegs Port as EU TEN-T Comprehensive Ports. It is acknowledged that there are significant nature conservation concerns, particularly around Galway Port and these must be addressed within the feasibility study and any subsequent proposals to ensure compliance with the EU Habitats Directive.Regional Spatial and Economic Strategy 2020-2032 178 4 Growth Ambition 1: Economy and Employment – Vibrant Region
- REGIONAL POLICY OBJECTIVES RPO 4.35 To support the ongoing upgrade and improvement of the region’s harbours and ports, and ensure the sustainable development of this infrastructure to enable aquaculture and seafood industry expansion responsively. RPO 4.36 To support the sustainable expansion and upgrade of Galway Harbour and Galway Port as part of the overall vision to grow Galway as a City Region, subject to visual, transport and economic viability considerations and in compliance with the EU Habitats Directive (which may necessitate consideration of IROPI5). RPO 4.37 To examine the potential of the region’s other main ports to expand, and enhance facilities to enable them to become ports with enhanced regional significance in a range of areas, including trade, fisheries, marine tourism and renewables. This will be done in conjunction with all relevant stakeholders, including the relevant Local Authorities, and within the context of the NMPF. 5 At the project consent stage if it appears that it cannot be implemented without adverse impacts which cannot be adequately mitigated then the proposals will only make provision for the level and location of development for which it can be concluded that there will be no adverse effect. If this is not possible then negative implications for a European site must meet the requirements of Article 6(4) of the Habitats Directive by demonstrating an absence of alternative solutions and imperative reasons of overriding public interest including those of a social or economic nature, if a consent is to be grantedNorthern & Western Regional Assembly 179 4 Growth Ambition 1: Economy and Employment – Vibrant Region
- INFORMATION AND COMMUNICATION TECHNOLOGY (ICT) SERVICES AND MED TECH – SECTORS OF OPPORTUNITY Regions that produce information and knowledge are better equipped to compete in their national economies. Although the ICT and Med Tech sectors will not be the region’s only source of growth, and the “Technology / Knowledge & Information” intensive economy includes many other sectors outside of them, creating an environment which is receptive to these type of sectors will be key to developing the region. ICT SECTOR IN OUR REGION This sector employs over 100,000 nationally and is one of our biggest exporting industries. It is one of the fastest-growing industries in the country and all the world’s leading multinationals have a presence in Ireland. The scope of the industry is wide, and activities include hardware manufacturing, software development, digital creative, IT security, cloud computing and data storage. Dublin has the most concentrated clusters of ICT companies. In this region, Galway is the biggest centre, and there are also significant facilities in Letterkenny and Athlone. The cross-section of new and established companies potentially make Ireland a leading European cluster for ICT services. This concentration, which is particularly pronounced in Dublin, can result in spreading facilities and second facilities to regional cities such as Galway and to other regional locations. There are over 190 tech companies in Galway, including many leading multi-nationals. It has an innovative start-up environment with initiatives such as Portershed which is a collaborative process between the public sector, private sector and educational institutes. The other designated regional centres have large ICT presence in Pramerica, Overstock and Ericsson. The ICT sector in Ireland is vibrant from an employment and development viewpoint. There is an ongoing demand for employees with the right skills. The demand is not confined to the ICT sector as it transcends all sectors of the economy and will undoubtedly continue to do so. There is an ongoing recruitment of international workers in ICT and Ireland is seen as an attractive destination for talent.Regional Spatial and Economic Strategy 2020-2032 180 4 Growth Ambition 1: Economy and Employment – Vibrant Region
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