Regional Spatial and Economic Strategy for the Southern Region

1. Page 151

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   Southern Regional Assembly | RSES151 RPO 128 All-Ireland Pollinator Plan 2015 – 2020 It is an objective to support the implementation of the All-Ireland Pollinator Plan 2015-20. Local authorities should incorporate the actions of this Plan when managing their parks, open spaces, roadside verges and all vegetation in a way that provides more opportunities for biodiversity, while being cognisant of the threat of the spread of invasive species. RPO 129 Landscape It is an objective to develop a Regional Landscape Strategy to facilitate landscape protection, management and change through undertaking a Regional Landscape Assessment and Landscape Character Map and development of guidance on local landscape character assessments, (including urban and historic landscape characterisation) to ensure a consistent approach to landscape character assessment, particularly across planning and administrative boundaries. The Regional Landscape Character Assessment should also address the characterisation of our seascapes and coastal areas. The implementation mechanisms and monitoring structures to be established following the adoption of the RSES will identify the scope and role of the Regional Landscape Strategy for the Region and the timescale for its preparation. Landscape The Southern Region includes the Ireland’s highest mountain ranges, extensive coastal areas and islands, urban landscapes, river valleys, estuaries and the unique limestone area of the Burren. Landscape character areas and protected sites, such as NHAs, SACs and SPAs, frequently overlap administrative boundaries and it is important that there is a consistent approach to their management and protection. This is true of more extensive landscapes and habitats such as uplands, estuaries and our coastal zone, where ground water resources and river basins are managed by several adjoining local authorities. It is also important that public access initiatives and plans consider historical setting and landscape character and potential for the negative effects related to pressure of visitor numbers. The Regional Assembly has a key role to play in co-ordinating these matters. The National Landscape Strategy for Ireland 2015-25 sets out a high-level policy framework to achieve balance between the protection, management and planning of the landscape and ensure compliance with the European Landscape Convention, which came into force in 2004. The Strategy’s vision is reflected in the NPF and National Policy Objective (NPO) 61. Seascape assessment should be addressed in both the proposed Regional Landscape Strategy and in the proposed Marine Spatial Plan for the Region, which should contain a robust policy framework for Seascapes and Coastal Areas so that future maritime developments address issues including visual impact, built heritage and cultural significance.

2. Page 152

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   Southern Regional Assembly | RSES152 Air Quality The latest Air Quality in Ireland 2016 report identifies that particulate matter from the burning of solid fuels, including wood, coal and peat, poses the greatest threat to human health with the problem most acute in small towns and rural areas. The second biggest cause of pollutants is nitrogen dioxide from cars, particularly heavily trafficked urban areas. The protection of air quality requires cross- sectoral policy responses to address air pollution emissions from transport (diesel) energy (peat, biomass) and home heating (solid fuel). The Department of Communications, Climate Action and Environment are developing a National Clean Air Strategy. The Strategy will provide the strategic policy framework necessary to identify and promote integrated measures that are required to reduce air pollution and promote cleaner air while delivering on wider national objectives. Arising from the EPA’s Ireland’s Environment: An Assessment 2016 report, the response required is for policymakers, legislators and regulators to ensure that the safest fuel and transport options are favoured and promoted to assist people in making healthier decisions. In parallel, individuals need to consider how their behaviours impact on our environment and contribute to health problems such as respiratory and heart disease in our own communities. Transformative change is required to prevent people being exposed to unacceptable levels of pollution by supporting public transport, walking and cycling as more favourable modes of transport to the private car and the promotion of energy efficient buildings and homes and innovative design solutions. The careful planning of green spaces and vegetation are important for air quality in urban areas, as trees naturally remove pollutants from the air and help better manage urban micro-climates. RPO 130 Air Quality It is an objective to: a. Improve and maintain good air quality and help prevent harmful effects on human health and the environment in our urban and rural areas through integrated land use and spatial planning that supports public transport, walking and cycling the promotion of energy efficient buildings and homes, heating systems with zero local emissions, green infrastructure planning and innovative design solutions and promotion of measures that improve air quality including provision and management of green areas and vegetation; b. Support local data collection in the development of air quality monitoring and to investigate the merits of creating a regional air quality and greenhouse gas emissions inventory. RPO 131 Noise It is an objective to promote the pro-active management of noise where it is likely to have significant adverse impacts on health and the environment. It is also an objective to support the aims of the Environmental Noise Regulations through national planning guidance and Noise Action Plans for major urban centres as considered appropriate. Noise Exposure to excessive noise can have significant impacts on human health as well as pressures to wildlife and ecosystems. According to WHO, excessive noise is the second greatest environmental cause of health problems after air quality. Environmental noise from major infrastructure including roads, railways and airports is governed by the EU’s Environmental Noise Directive (2002/49/EC). The preparation of strategic noise maps is a major task associated with this directive and this is currently under way in Ireland. Following completion of the noise maps, the relevant Action Planning Authorities will prepare Noise Action Plans. The action plans are designed to manage environmental noise through land-use planning, traffic management and control of noise sources. In addition to controlling excess noise, it is also important to identify and protect those areas which are substantially unaffected by man-made noise. Accessibility to quietness is highly important to the health of both wildlife and humans. This is particularly so in urban environments leading to the concept of Relatively Quiet Areas, such as local parks, green and blue areas and are valued by the public as a perceived area of tranquillity. The RSES supports ‘Quiet Areas’ in proactively managing noise as part of noise levels action plans

3. Page 153

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   Southern Regional Assembly | RSES153 Light Pollution Light pollution refers to excessive and inappropriate artificial light. There are four components of light pollution: • Glare: excessive brightness that causes visual discomfort; • Skyglow: brightening of the night sky over inhabited areas; • Light trespass: light falling where it is not intended or needed; • Clutter: bright, confusing and excessive groupings of light sources. The International Dark-Sky Association works to protect the night skies for present and future generations. ‘Dark Sky’ parks and reserves are focused on areas “possessing an exceptional or distinguished quality of starry nights and a nocturnal environment that is specifically protected for its scientific, natural, educational, cultural heritage, and/or public enjoyment”. The Kerry International Dark-Sky Reserve is the only internationally recognised Dark Sky area in the Region. The NPF and RSES recognise the potential of this concept as a significant tourism attraction. This is particularly true of mountainous and peatland areas where there is little or no light pollution, serviced by adjoining rural communities. This RSES encourages measures to support and the establishment of other ‘Dark Sky’ parks and reserves. RPO 132 ‘Dark Sky’ Parks and Reserves It is an objective to encourage measures to support the Kerry International Dark-Sky Reserve and the establishment of other ‘Dark Sky’ parks and reserves in the Region, where appropriate.

4. Page 154

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   Southern Regional Assembly | RSES154 6 6.1 | Introduction This chapter seeks to sustainably advance the vision of the RSES to realise the full potential of places, achieving economic prosperity, improving quality of life and accommodating development in suitable locations. These connectivity objectives are central to achieving the Strategy set out in Chapter 2, including: • Enhancing regional accessibility through upgraded transport infrastructure and digital connectivity allied to transformed settlement hierarchy. • Transforming our transport systems towards well-functioning, sustainable integrated public transport, walking and cycling and electric vehicles. • Optimising our international connectivity through investment and increased capacity in our ports and airports and provision of high-quality digital connectivity throughout the region. Connectivity Q 2 Q 4 Q 6

5. Page 155

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   Southern Regional Assembly | RSES155 Section 1 sets out the objectives for Digital Connectivity, Infrastructure and Smart Cities and Region, while Section 2 sets out the objectives for a Regional Transport Strategy and for High Quality International Connectivity: Our Ports and Airports. Section 1 - Digital Connectivity, Infrastructure and Smart Cities and Region 6.2 | Digital Connectivity Enhanced quality and provision of digital and mobile telecommunications infrastructure is critical for the revitalisation of cities, towns, villages and rural areas. Developments in information and communications technology (ICT) continues to fundamentally change how our society and economy functions. The relational proximity of all locations will improve with advances in technology. Regions need to embrace innovative solutions in the pursuit of prosperity, environmental protection and reduce locational disadvantage. To optimise the opportunities from smart technology, access to high-speed, high capacity digital and communications infrastructure is required across the region. This is fundamental to ensure parity for all locations in our Region.

6. Page 156

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   Southern Regional Assembly | RSES156 This Region is well positioned to drive sustainable growth and to lead on smart investment choices, supported by the EU Digital Single Market.1 The Smart City concept envisages that digital technology is embedded across all city functions as a platform to solve complex challenges and achieve efficient use and deployment of infrastructure and local services, increasing public safety, increasing entrepreneurial activity, and improve our environment. It involves a systematic integration of information and communication technologies (ICT) in planning, design, operations and management for the benefit of the citizen. Smart cities boost a location’s attractiveness, especially for those who want to innovate2. Harnessing the best of the Smart City concept makes our cities and towns more efficient and liveable. The yields for citizens, the environment and the regional economy are far reaching. The ‘All Ireland Smart Cities Forum’ focuses on advancing cities through a common purpose and agreement to work together to solve problems, share knowledge, cultivate best practice and foster innovation. The concept provides a platform for sharing knowledge between the cities of Cork, Dublin, Limerick, Galway, Waterford, Belfast and Derry and includes the two regional initiatives of Smart Dublin and Cork Smart Gateway. The benefits of Smart Cities apply not only to the urban but are also to rural areas. Capitalising on Smart City concepts across towns and villages will require ongoing investment in broadband, fibre technologies, wireless networks and integrated infrastructure. For example, the Metropolitan Area Networks (MANs), managed by ENet on behalf of the state and local authorities, requires continual investment and upgrading, especially where urban focused population and employment growth is targeted. A Smart City goes beyond the use of ICT it means smarter urban transport networks, upgraded water supply and waste disposal facilities and more efficient ways to light and heat buildings. It also means a more interactive and responsive city administration, safer public spaces and meeting the needs of an ageing population. These concepts can also be applied to towns, villages and rural areas for a Smart Region. 6.2.1 | Developing Smart Cities and a Smart Region Figure 6.1 | Smart City Concepts For example, Enniscorthy Town has taken the initial steps towards the achievement of Smart Town Status with the establishment of the FAB LAB in 2017, the development of a Technology Park for smart business and the establishment of the National Zero Energy Building training centre. The Town has commenced a Healthy Town Programme under Healthy Ireland. Subject to appropriate environmental appraisals it is also proposed to develop a Blueway from Enniscorthy to Wexford town and Bunclody Chapter 4 also includes RPOs aimed at supporting digital infrastructure, innovation hubs and diversification. Chapter 7 Quality of Life supports digital technology as an enabler for Lifelong Learning. RPO 133 Smart Cities It is an objective to: • To develop Smart Cities as engines for a Smart Region (urban and rural) • To support the initiatives of the All Ireland Smart Cities Forum • To seek good practices yielded through living labs, test-beds • To seek the deployment of disruptive technologies and smart infrastructures in cities, towns, villages and rural areas • To seek investment in the initiatives of stakeholders to achieve the pillars of the EU Digital Single Market.1. Ireland’s Smart Specialisation Strategy for Research and Innovation. https://bit.ly/2OVCNfP 2. Examples of smart city initiatives include: Amsterdam Smart City (ASC); Barcelona (e.g. Open Data BCN); Copenhagen (first carbon neutral city ambition); and Esbjerg, Denmark (Next Step City)

7. Page 157

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   Southern Regional Assembly | RSES157 6.2.2 | International Digital Transmission Infrastructure 6.2.3 | National Broadband Plan Our place in the global digital arena is supported by high capacity international connections with the US, the UK and Europe through projects, such as the Hibernia Express subsea cable line at the Cork Internet Exchange and the Ireland-France subsea cable. This will provide the potential for direct high-speed Transatlantic internet connectivity. Aligned with the Digital Agenda for Europe, the National Broadband Plan (NBP) aims to deliver high-speed broadband services to all businesses and households in Ireland. The NBP, funded by the Irish Government and part cofunded through the European Regional Development Fund under the Southern and Eastern Regional Operational Programme 2014-20 which is managed by the Southern Regional Assembly. The targets of the NBP include: • 70Mbps - 100Mbps available to at least 50% of the population with a majority having access to 100Mbps • At least 40Mbps, and in many cases much faster speeds, to at least a further 20% of the population and potentially as much as 35% around smaller towns and villages • A minimum of 30Mbps available to all, no matter how rural and remote The NBP involves a combination of commercial investment by the telecommunications sector and State intervention to provide high-speed broadband to the unserved parts of the country where market has failed due to factors such as low population density. The High- Speed Broadband Map 2020 shows the gaps in highspeed broadband services requiring NBP intervention and where it will be provided commercially over the life of the Plan. RPO 134 Smart Cities and Smart Region It is an objective to: a. To build on Smart Cities and Smart Region initiatives in Cork, Limerick and Waterford, such as the All Ireland Smart Cities Forum, and seek to extend such initiatives to towns, villages and rural areas to support a Smart Region. b. To seek investment in broadband, fibre technologies, wireless networks (including an Internet of Things Network across the Region) and integrated digital infrastructures to enable actions that sustainably deliver on smart technologies to increase the innovative, sustainable and competitive placemaking dividend for the Southern Region. c. To support a leadership role for the Southern Region as an innovator in smart technologies and smart mobility. d. To seek and support investment for initiatives in smart technology as an enabler for education and life-long learning in all locations. RPO 135 High Quality High Capacity International Digital Transmission It is an objective to: a. To optimise the economic opportunities for all locations in the Southern Region from achieving high quality high capacity international digital transmission connections between the Region, the US, the UK and Europe through support for improved regional digital and internet exchange facilities (subject to required feasibility, planning and environmental assessment processes) in each of the region’s cities and metropolitan areas and optimise the infrastructure asset of the projects such as projects such as the Hibernia Express subsea cable line located at Cork Internet Exchange and the Ireland-France subsea cable. b. To seek investment and continual strengthening of Metropolitan Area Networks. c. To support and seek investment in the sustainable delivery of digital infrastructure ducting and dark fibre infrastructure.

8. Page 158

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   Southern Regional Assembly | RSES158 6.2.4 | Mobile and Broadband Taskforce The Mobile Phone and Broadband Taskforce aims to: • Identify solutions to broadband and mobile phone coverage deficits • Investigate how better services could be provided to consumers prior to full build and rollout of the network planned under the NBP RPO 136 National Broadband Plan (NBP) It is an objective to seek to expedite the implementation of the National Broadband Plan and the implementation of mitigation measures outlined in the SEA and AA for the NBP to all locations in the Region and seek reporting procedures to the Southern Regional Assembly on progress and targets being achieved from the relevant State Departments and agencies through effective implementation mechanisms for the RSES. RPO 137 Mobile Infrastructure It is an objective to strengthen the continued delivery of high-speed, high-capacity digital and mobile infrastructure investment in our region and strengthen cross regional integration of digital infrastructures and sharing of networks. RPO 138 Digital Strategies It is an objective to promote the preparation and support the implementation of digital strategies by each local authority, seek investment for actions identified, and support the role and initiatives of the Mobile and Broadband Taskforce in addressing digital and mobile coverage blackspots and rural communications connectivity. The Cork Smart Gateway is an initiative of Cork County Council, Cork City Council, Nimbus Research Centre and Tyndall National Institute with the vision is to enhance the reputation of Cork as an attractive region for people to live, work, visit and invest. The initiative aims to engage with citizens, to identify the evolving challenges and opportunities that impact on their quality of life, identify suitable and achievable smart projects through a collaborative multistakeholder approach, encourage an open and innovate business ecosystem that pilot new technologies, and to promote Cork as a smart destination internationally. Strategic goals centre on citizen engagement, assisted living, mobility, open data, energy & resource efficiency, e-governance, food and agriculture, economic development, and communication. The Cork Smart Gateway is part of an All-Ireland Smart Cities Forum which includes Cork, Dublin, Limerick, Waterford, Galway, Belfast and Derry. Case Study: Cork Smart Gateway

9. Page 159

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   Southern Regional Assembly | RSES159 Limerick’s digital strategy will enable the development of a smart, sustainable, city and region where digital technologies improve quality of life, empower communities and enable economic growth. Limerick is the first city in Ireland to appoint a Chief Digital Officer to lead the development of a digital strategy that will lay the foundation for the Smart Limerick Region. This initiative will invest in technology and research so that, by 2020, citizens and businesses will be better engaged in city life using digital channels, while locals and visitors will be able to access information on some 2,000 attractions, new online services provided by the Council and over 1,000 events each year in a single digital experience platform – www.limerick.ie. Based on the WIT Campus, TSSG is an internationally recognised centre of excellence for ICT research and innovation. Key research areas are in mobile platforms and services, data analytics and social computing, adaptive networks and services, augmented and virtual Reality. TSSG creates an economic impact by translating their knowledge base and innovation into leading edge products and services by continuing engagement with industry in collaborative R&D, knowledge generation and transfer in the South-East, nationally and on the global stage. Case Study: Limerick Digital Strategy Case Study: Waterford Telecommunications Software & Systems Group (TSSG)

10. Page 160

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    Southern Regional Assembly | RSES160 Section 2 - REGIONAL TRANSPORT STRATEGY 6.3.1 | Introduction Transport has a major impact on quality of life, community interaction, economic prosperity, and environmental quality. It also has a major impact on the distribution of population, employment, education, socio-economic and cultural uses. There is evidence of an overreliance on the private car for travel to work and education. Approximately 14% of the Region’s population travelling to work/education used green modes in 2016 - lower than the State average (17%)1. Our Region faces the challenge of shifting to alternatives to the private car and promoting greater efficiency in the use of our transport networks. 1 Census 2016, CSO. This section addresses the role of transport networks to improve the sustainable movement of people and goods. Objectives in this section address the NPF’s National Strategic Outcomes of Enhanced Regional Accessibility, Sustainable Mobility and High-Quality International Connectivity. 6.3.2 | Policy Context Project Ireland 2040 supports the provision of a well-functioning integrated public transport system, enhancing competitiveness, sustaining economic progress and enabling sustainable mobility choices for citizens. In broader terms, the RSES addresses the effective integration of transport and land use planning in the metropolitan areas, large towns and settlements, smaller towns, villages and rural areas. The RSES recognises the diversity of the Region, its variety of settlement patterns, economic and social conditions in the formulation of transport policies, objectives and measures.

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