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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- 8.5 Water Services Infrastructure Water is a valuable resource and is essential to sustaining the resilience of this region. The availability of water has influenced the pattern of economic development both nationally and regionally. This is more relevant now than ever, with the establishment of Irish Water. Water is an important input to almost every industry, and equally in sustaining residential settlements and communities. Many of our manufacturing processes and service industries also use water as an essential input. Adequate water services infrastructure is essential for the region’s economic prosperity. Existing water services infrastructure is not in all instances sufficient to deliver the development outlined in this strategy. However, the finite nature of our water supplies does not have to imply reduced economic growth or ongoing environmental degradation. Rather, the fact that water resources are scarce means that water, like other limited inputs to economic production, needs to be used efficiently and allocated to its highest value uses to improve both economic and environmental outcomes. WATER FRAMEWORK DIRECTIVE The Water Framework Directive (WFD) (2000/60/ EC) aims at improving the aquatic environment and as such it applies to rivers, lakes, estuaries, coastal waters and groundwater. Member states are required to achieve at least good status in all waters and must ensure that status does not deteriorate, with a requirement for water quality management to be centred on river basin districts (RBDs). Ireland published its second cycle River Basin Management Plan covering the period 2018-2021 in Q1 of 2018. Since the first cycle, there have been new approaches to governance, river basin planning and catchment science. A more integrated approach between key governmental departments, the EPA and local authorities was considered necessary to meet the challenges. The second cycle Programme of Measures will be implemented by the local authorities and have been developed to allow for the protection of good status, or the restoration of good status, for all water bodies.Northern & Western Regional Assembly 271 8 Growth Ambition 5: Infrastructure - Enabling our Region
- The provision of adequate water and wastewater infrastructure is pivotal for increased growth and improving quality of life. This region has natural resources in terms of water and Irish Water have strategic plans for its treatment and distribution. Irish Water is developing a National Water Resources Plan (NWRP) which will outline their strategy to secure sustainable supply over the next 25yrs. The region is also well served within its river basins in terms of WasteWater Treatment Plants (WWTPs) and their outfalls. There is a big challenge for the region to cater to existing and projected population and to maintain and improve the quality of our rivers and lakes. The responsibilities for achieving success in these areas is collective and it will be easier to achieve good results if co-operation and collaboration are hallmarks of how the region works. The RSES will provide a coherent strategy of how to achieve these goals. WATER INFRASTRUCTURE Water Infrastructure can conveniently be divided into three parts. These are: g Potable water supply g Wastewater treatment and g Surface water networks The regulatory system for these services has changed radically and significantly in recent years. The establishment of Irish Water in 2014 brought a new actor onto the stage in terms of infrastructure provision for public potable water supply and wastewater treatment. As a national utility, they have taken over responsibility from the Local Authorities for the provision of public water and wastewater services in the state. There are also private entities operating in this sphere particularly in the supply and treatment of rural water and the operation of private sewage treatment systems. The provision of surface water infrastructure has remained with the Local Authorities. For the RSES, this section, in common with other sections of the strategy will concentrate on how the major urban areas in the region are currently serviced and if those services need to be upgraded/ improved to meet the planned growth in the region. The strategy will include policies and objectives that will have general applicability but the identification and prioritisation of infrastructure for areas outside the identified growth centres will primarily be a matter for County Development Plans and Irish Water. Within the context of rural development, it is the farming and forestry sectors that present the most likely significant potential to impact upon water quality. Ireland is obliged under the Nitrates Directive 91/676/EEC to prepare a National Nitrates ActionRegional Spatial and Economic Strategy 2020-2032 272 8 Growth Ambition 5: Infrastructure - Enabling our Region
- Programme (NAP) to protect water quality from pollution by agricultural sources and to promote good farming practice. The Nitrates Regulations give legal effect to the NAP and directly contribute to the protection of water quality and meeting the objectives of the WFD. Ireland’s fourth Nitrates Action Programme came into operation at the start of 2018. In the case of the forestry sector, it is striving to increase forestry cover and historically there have been forestry practices that have contributed to water quality issues, such as the release of suspended solids, acidification of watercourses and the loss and disturbance of riverine habitat. REGULATION OF WATER SERVICES The regulation of public water services nationally falls to the Commission for Regulation of Utilities (CRU) for economic purposes and to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) for quality purposes. Irish Water has, inter alia, prepared the Irish Water Business Plan and the Water Services Strategic Plan which inform their activities in the region. They include strategic objectives concerning customer satisfaction, regulatory, compliance, supporting growth and investment in the future. The WSSP is a strategic plan up to 2040. The business and investment plans prepared by Irish Water are informed by the WSSP, governments water services policy statement and consultation with local and regional authorities. The RSES in its role determining the location of future development in the region will consequently inform Irish Water of the directions they should follow in supporting growth and investment in the region and ultimately alignment will be achieved between strategic ambitions. EXPANDING SERVICE PROVISION WATER SERVICES The National Water Resources Plan (NWRP) will outline how Irish Water will manage its supplies over the short, medium and long term. It will incorporate extreme weather conditions and climate change into its assessments. The population growth proposed in urban areas will require additional capital and operational investment. WASTEWATER CAPACITY The sensitivity of the receiving environment, compliance with environmental regulation and impacts of climate change are taken into account when determining the provision of wastewater services to meet the settlement strategy in the strategy. Irish Water has a Wastewater Capacity Register (see below) which identifies the current situation (i.e. up to 2021) for the treatment capacities in the WWTP servicing the main urban centres in the region. It appears there are sufficient treatment capacities within the region for our urban growth centres up to 2026 and beyond. Irish Water is currently developing Drainage Area Plans for the urban centres in the region. These are necessary to co-ordinate growth and capacity provision and to implement RBMP, UWWTD and discharge licences. The plans are prioritized and currently Galway City, Monaghan and Monksland (Athlone) are in preparation. The issue of dealing with combined sewers and their impacts should be incorporated into the DAP in collaboration with the local authorities. The delivery of DAPs is a critical component of the compact growth models promoted in the NPF and the RSES.Northern & Western Regional Assembly 273 8 Growth Ambition 5: Infrastructure - Enabling our Region
- The projects outlined below are necessary to deliver the growth model outlined in the RSES: g Galway East Main Drainage Scheme g Merlin Park and Doughiska Wastewater Network Bottleneck Project g Galway City Water Supply Scheme g Galway City Mains Rehabilitation Contract g Athlone Water Treatment Plant g Sligo & Environs Water Supply Scheme g Carrick-on-Shannon Water Treatment Plant Upgrade g Pollan Dam Water Supply Scheme g Galway City Drainage Area Plan g Monksland WWTP and Drainage Area Plan g Monaghan Town Drainage Area Plan g Roscommon Town Main Drainage g Lough Talt Water Supply Scheme SURFACE WATER CAPACITY The provision of surface water drainage networks is the responsibility of Local Authorities. The design, construction and maintenance of such networks cannot be done in isolation and it is well tried and good practice to provide this infrastructure in conjunction with the provision of wastewater networks. A high level of consultation and cooperation with Irish Water would be an obvious pre-requisite for delivery of optimum solutions. The failure of surface water drainage systems (natural and manmade) can result in flooding with consequent risk to lives, property and environment and economic damage. FLOOD RISK This region, along with the remainder of the country has had the benefit of a long and thorough examination of its drainage networks under the CFRAMS process and the potential for impacts on many urban areas. These were considered in detail in the Areas for Further Assessment (AFAs). Seven of our larger urban centres were subject to AFA and the implementation of schemes to address identified problems is ongoing. The implementation of the approved schemes is set out in detail on the website – www.flooding.ie. The process gives confidence to the RSES, that it is making informed decisions in identifying and justifying areas for further growth and development.Regional Spatial and Economic Strategy 2020-2032 274 8 Growth Ambition 5: Infrastructure - Enabling our Region
- REGIONAL POLICY OBJECTIVES RPO 8.12 To ensure that adequate infrastructure is in place to meet demands from continuing growth and development of the economy and to cater to existing and increased population levels. RPO 8.13 Support the delivery of flood defence works planned by OPW to be implemented in the short-term. RPO 8.14 To support the Rural Water Programme, which should be continued and enhanced. RPO 8.15 Support investment for water and wastewater services in the first instance where existing facilities are insufficient to meet current demands and as outlined above (See: Expanding Service Provision). RPO 8.16 Water conservation measures should be expanded particularly by rehabilitation and reinforcement of existing water networks. RPO 8.17 Provide quality water and wastewater services necessary for urban and rural economic development purposes. RPO 8.18 Ensure the protection and improvement of all waters – rivers, lakes, groundwater, estuaries (transitional waters), coastal waters and their associated habitats and species throughout the region and implement measures to achieve at least Good Status in all water surface bodies. RPO 8.19 Implement the EC Environmental Objectives (Groundwater) Regulations, 2010 (S.I.No.9); the EC (Good Agricultural Practice for Protection of Waters) Regulations, 2009 (S.I. No.101), the Bathing Water Quality Regulations, 2008 (S.I.79) and EC (Quality of Shellfish Waters) Regulations 2006 and amendment Regulations. RPO 8.20 Participate in the implementation and promote compliance with the objectives of the ‘Water Framework Directive’ through the River Basin Management Plans throughout the region. RPO 8.21 Ensure Drainage Area Plans including investigation on elimination of combined sewers are prepared for Galway, Athlone, Monaghan and Roscommon. RPO 8.22 Prioritising investment to improve stormwater infrastructure to improve sustainable drainage and reduce the risk of flooding in the urban and rural environment. RPO 8.23 The Regional Authority will support the achievement of the objectives under the River BMP for the relevant water bodies in the region.Northern & Western Regional Assembly 275 8 Growth Ambition 5: Infrastructure - Enabling our Region
- Regional Spatial and Economic Strategy 2020-2032276 8 Growth Ambition 5: Infrastructure - Enabling our Region
- REGIONAL SPATIAL AND ECONOMIC STRATEGY 2020-2032All Island Cohesion 9 277
- All Island Cohesion 9.1 Introduction Ireland is an open and export-based economy and continues to grow its markets in the European Union and beyond. Over the course of the next 12+ years, regardless of the ultimate shape and outcome of brexit, it will remain vital that the country and this region retains strong links with Northern Ireland, as well as the wider UK. Working together with our neighbours will be vital for the continued development of our economy, as well as the coordination of economic and social infrastructure, in areas such as energy, healthcare, transport provision, management of environmental assets and co-funding of projects, which will be vital particularly within our Border Counties. Section 8 of Ireland 2040 (Working with our neighbours, National Policy Objectives 43 - 51) outlines the extent of some of the ongoing Cross Border co-operation and shared challenges. The implementation of the RSES will be supported by the Framework for Co-operation on Spatial Strategies between Ireland and Northern Ireland, which will be updated and reviewed as required. In the context of ongoing North-South cooperation across a wide range of policy areas, there are three key categories of practical co-operation that will be of strategic significance to communities on the Island, namely: g Working Together for Economic Advantage g Co-ordination of Investment in Infrastructure g Managing our Shared Environment ResponsiblyRegional Spatial and Economic Strategy 2020-2032 278 9
- 9.2 Working Together for Economic Advantage Collaborative work at a sub-regional level on a cross-border basis is critical to the social, economic, cultural and environmental wellbeing of communities. Working together has resulted in the development of a pipeline of cross-border initiatives and projects that are having a great impact on local communities. The continuation of such collaboration is dependent on adequate resourcing and this is a key strategic priority for the outworking and delivery of the RSES in the border region. Sectoral clusters, including agri-food, engineering, manufacturing and tourism assets are important to the border region. There is further development potential to expand these sectors as they play a vital role regionally and nationally and for that reason are supported in this RSES. The border region can largely be viewed as having three interlinked areas of strategic importance in contributing to regional and all-island economic growth, namely the North West City Region (focused on the Regional Centre of Letterkenny, Derry City and Strabane), the Dublin-Belfast corridor in the east and the Central Border Region. NORTH WEST METROPOLITAN AREA SPATIAL PLANNING FRAMEWORK The North West City Region (Letterkenny, Derry and Strabane) is the fourth-largest urban agglomeration on the island of Ireland. It is the only functional economic region of such scale on the island which experiences a national jurisdictional border. It is well recognised across the island of Ireland that while the North West faces many challenges - not least because of its peripherality from Dublin and Belfast and associated lack of investment over many decades - this region is an untapped source of great potential - economically, socially and environmentally. It is widely accepted that the challenges can only be met, and the opportunities pursued, with a consistent and long-term approach to coordinating the development of the region.Northern & Western Regional Assembly 279 9 All Island Cohesion
- Figure 66: North West Metropolitan City Region, Spatial Planning This new strategic planning framework for the North West City Region Metropolitan Area, which includes the Regional Growth Centre of Letterkenny, is central to that coordinated approach, complementing the regional priorities of the North West Strategic Growth Partnership (NWSGP). Building on the work of the Growth Partnership and its strategic action plan (July 2016), this framework represents the subregional integration of spatial planning, economic and community development and infrastructure investment as part of the RSES. It represents the operationalising of the National Planning Framework (NPF) at the level of the North West City Region (see Figure 66). The Strategic Planning Framework will play a key role in guiding future growth and trans-boundary investment across the inter-jurisdictional City Region, offering local, regional and national governments the opportunity to take a high-level, and long-term strategic approach to the sustainable growth of the North West City Region. THE NORTH WEST CITY REGION The North West City Region comprises Donegal County Council and Derry City and Strabane District Council areas covering an area of 2,394 square miles. This Metropolitan Area is defined by the spatial influences of Letterkenny- Derry-Strabane. This functional urban area is characterised by a dense concentration of population, employment, service provision including transport, education and healthcare. The population of the Metropolitan Area (see figure 67) is 193,106 people while the wider North West City Region and its functional territory comprises a population of circa 350,000 people. The region has over 35,000 in third-level higher and further education. The working population comprises 39% with a level 3 or above qualification rising to 43% when apprenticeships are included. The City Region is further defined by its rich tourism, culture and heritage offerings, industrial history, breath-taking scenery, its robust maritime tradition, the entrepreneurial spirit and creativity of its people, and its strong sense of community. In recent years, the councils have strengthened their shared approach to the effective development of these shared assets to the benefit of the region as a whole and, indeed, the all-island economy.Regional Spatial and Economic Strategy 2020-2032 280 9 All Island Cohesion
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