Regional strategy (RSES) · Southern Region
Regional Spatial and Economic Strategy for the Southern Region
The regional strategy for the Southern Region, including the Cork, Limerick–Shannon and Waterford metropolitan area strategic plans.
Southern Regional Assembly · January 2020 · 382 pages
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- Southern Regional Assembly | RSES161 6.3.3.1 | The Role of Transport 6.3.3 | A Transport Vision for the Southern Region Transport investment in the Region aims to meet the following objectives: • To reduce the environmental impact of travel on the Region • To provide for the integrated development of sustainable transport infrastructure, including walking, cycling (including emerging e-modes) and public transport to accommodate the necessary switch from the private car, for the travel needs of all individuals in the region, in line with the stated government transport policy • To manage sustainably the existing and future demand for travel, in particular by private car and other passive travel modes, primarily through appropriate integrated land use planning to reduce the distance between origin and destination of the greatest proportion of trips generated • To support improved strategic and local connectivity • To expand attractive public transport and other alternatives to car transport • To reduce congestion • To cater for the demands of longer-term population and employment growth, in a sustainable manner • To provide reliable and resilient connectivity to international and domestic markets • To provide for the safe and most efficient movement of people and goods • To ensure value for money The following principles will inform the integration of land use and transport planning in the Region over the period of the RSES: • Supporting compact and smart growth through the achievement of mutual consistency between land use and transport planning, investment, and service provision • Strengthening intra-regional connectivity between the metropolitan areas and large towns, and between large towns to improve public transport services and reliable journey times • Strengthening inter-regional connectivity through the improvement of inter-urban road and rail connectivity, particularly between the largest urban centres and access to ports and airports for the movement of both people and goods • Protecting the capacity of inter-urban road connectivity in and around the largest cities, ports and airports, through effective traffic management and transport demand management • Strengthening intra-regional connectivity by providing for an effective network of regional roads, particularly improved connectivity between large towns, smaller towns, villages and rural areas • Providing public transport infrastructure and services to meet the needs of smaller towns, villages and rural areas • Developing a comprehensive network of safe cycling routes in the three cities and their metropolitan areas, and to provide similar facilities in other towns and villages where appropriate • Ensuring that future developments are planned and designed to maximise their accessibility by public transport, walking and cycling • Protecting the strategic capacity and safety of the region’s transport network • Meeting the safe travel requirements of all people, irrespective of age or mobility and transport mode • Facilitating the role of the private car insofar as this role complements the other modes • Facilitating the overall cost of travel in terms of journey time and financial outlay The Southern Regional Assembly, together with local authorities, the NTA and other agencies, will seek to apply these principles in an effective, efficient and sustainable manner, taking into consideration the requirements of both urban and rural areas of the Region.
- Southern Regional Assembly | RSES162 Transport policies and objectives for the Region have a strong focus on: • Managing and enhancing the national and strategic road networks to address the Region’s intra-regional, inter-regional and international connectivity • Managing and enhancing the existing rail infrastructure in the Region to maximise future level of rail services to be sustainably accommodated in tandem with integrated spatial planning • Safeguarding disused railway line alignments for possible future use, for example conversion to greenways • Providing for enhanced regional and local bus services • Improving walking and cycling provision in towns and villages, including the re-distribution of street space and upgrade of public realm and urban design • Providing multi- modal hubs, park-and-cycle and park-and-walk for those large segments of the population not living on a public transport route • Improving public transport provision in rural areas 6.3.3.2 | Framework for the Integration of Transport Planning with Spatial Planning Policies Table 6.1 The following table sets out the hierarchy of policies and plans, against which transport policy in the SRA area is formulated and implemented. International Trans-European Transport Network (TEN-T) Trans-Boundary Interaction with Northern Ireland National National Planning Framework, Smarter Travel – A Sustainable Transport Future National Cycle Policy Framework and National Physical Activity Plan RSES Regional Metropolitan Areas Metropolitan Area Transport Strategies under preparation for Cork and Limerick-Shannon, with a similar transport strategy proposed for Waterford, to succeed the PLUTS 2004-2020 County & City Development Plans, County Walking and Cycling Strategies Settlement Settlement Walking and Cycling Strategies Local Area Plans Local Transport Plans Local Link Rural Transport Programme Strategic Plan 2018-22 The following table sets out the hierarchy of policies and plans against which transport policy in the Region is formulated and implemented.
- Southern Regional Assembly | RSES163 The EU TEN-T network comprises roads, railway lines, inland waterways, inland and maritime ports, airports and rail-road terminals throughout the Member States. The Network aims to achieve efficient, safe and seamless transport chains for passengers and freight. The Network will enhance internal markets, strengthen territorial, economic and social cohesion and reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Ireland’s Core Corridor under the Network is the North Sea-Mediterranean Corridor. There are opportunities for regional connections to the Network. Under the EU Connecting Europe Facility, funding is allocated to develop the EU TEN-T Core Network and Comprehensive Network in Ireland. The NPF recognises the need to improve land transport connections to the major ports and airports and protect the strategic function of the key transport corridors. The National Ports Policy identifies hinterland connections as critically important to a port’s ability to facilitate large volumes of traffic. It is important that reliable and sustainable hinterland connections are part of an integrated transport chain. The Policy highlights the potential of the port network to offer multi-modal distribution networks. There is an increased potential for the role of rail freight to and from ports in addition to road transport3. Optimising the EU TEN-T corridor, integrating efficient movement to and from ports and achieving smooth transition between ports and Metropolitan Areas is a key priority. The opportunities to strengthen rail freight through the region is recognised and supported by the RSES. Limerick Junction for example, is an important regional asset interconnecting Dublin, Cork, Limerick and Waterford rail corridors with potential extension to the western rail corridor. There is potential to re-instate the Limerick – Foynes Freight Line and potential to strengthen freight and logistics facilities and network at both Rosslare and Waterford/Belview ports. A Regional Freight Strategy can address such rail network assets, future potential and address the issue of potential regional and national hubs for the transport of freight by rail. 6.3.4 | High Quality International Connectivity: the Region’s Ports and Airports 6.3.4.1 | Movement of Freight & Services As an island nation with an open economy, our airport and ports play a vital role in our competitiveness and international connectivity. With the uncertainties of BREXIT on our economy, our gateways to the world are key to safeguarding our resilience and ability to adapt to change. Consolidating our port and airport gateways will be contingent on the development and improvement of road and rail infrastructure and public transport services for the movement of people and goods in line with sectoral priorities defined through National Ports Policy and National Aviation Policy. The RSES supports actions and innovation that transition our port, aviation and freight sectors to a low carbon future. RPO 139 Low Carbon International Connectivity In pursuit of the NPF National Strategic Outcome of High-Quality International Connectivity, the RSES supports actions to transition the movement of freight, ports and airports to a low carbon future. 3. 2030 Rail Network Strategy Review Final Report October 2011 11.7 The Case for Public Funding of Rail Freight
- Southern Regional Assembly | RSES164 RPO 140 International Connectivity It is an objective to: a. To sustainably maintain, support and enhance the Region’s International Connectivity Transport Network including the Trans European Transport Network (TEN-T) which seeks the development of a Europewide network of railway lines, roads, inland waterways, maritime shipping routes, ports, airports and railroad terminals. b. To sustainably maintain the strategic capacity and safety of the national roads and rail network including planning for future capacity enhancements to ensure effective land transport connections to the major ports, airports and markets. c. To support the role of our strategic road and sustainable transport networks including connectivity to the TEN-T Core and Comprehensive Network, connecting the region’s metropolitan areas, key towns, ports and airports with the Atlantic Economic Corridor, extended Dublin-Belfast Eastern Corridor and other urban networks as identified through Section 3.8 of the RSES and City and County Development Plans. d. Sustainably support infrastructure for electric and low carbon fuel infrastructure along TEN-T Core and Comprehensive Network. RPO 141 Regional Freight Strategy It is an objective to support the development of a RSES Regional Freight Strategy which includes the consideration of rail freight, the asset of our region’s rail network and innovations in the freight handling and transport sector potential for electrification, lower carbon fuels and technology to be prepared by the relevant stakeholders through in consultation with the Department of Transport, Tourism and Sports, Transport Infrastructure Ireland, National Transport Authority, Local Authorities, Irish Rail, relevant delivery agencies and the port and airport authorities. Support the feasibility of delivering a national rail freight and passenger hub in the region and reinstatement of freight lines on our region’s rail network. The implementation mechanisms and monitoring structures to be established following the adoption of the RSES will identify the scope and role of the Regional Freight Strategy and the timescale for its preparation. The requirements of the SEA and Habitats Directives shall be considered, as appropriate, in relation to a Regional Freight Strategy. 6.3.4.2 | Our Region’s Strategic Port and Harbour Assets Over 90% of our international trade moves by sea. The State’s ports are categorised into Ports of National Significance (Tier 1), Ports of National Significance (Tier 2) and Ports of Regional Significance. Tier 1 ports are expected to lead the response to future national port capacity requirements. There is also a role for Tier 2 ports to develop additional capacity - servicing cruise tourism and the ocean energy sector is a core and growing part of their functions. Of the five ports of national significance in the State; 4 are in the Southern Region - Ports of Cork, Shannon-Foynes (Tier 1) and Port of Waterford and Rosslare-Europort (Tier 2 Ports). They represent an international gateway to and from Britain, continental Europe global locations for trade directly from the Region. Cork and Shannon-Foynes are located on the North-Sea Mediterranean TEN-T Core Network Corridor with the Port of Waterford having an active freight rail connection and notable rail opportunities for connection to Limerick-Foynes. Other ports designated for Regional Significance and function as important facilitators of trade for their regional and local hinterland. Fishing harbours are also important economic centres within the region. Table 6.1 lists examples of the port and harbour assets within the Region.
- Southern Regional Assembly | RSES165 Table 6.1 | Ports and Harbour Assets in the Southern Region County Port/ Harbour Cork Cork, Ringaskiddy, Tivoli, Cobh, Rushbroke Dry Dock facilities, Kinsale, Bantry, Castletownberehaven, Youghal, Baltimore, Ballycotton, Union Hall, Schull Clare Kilrush, Moneypoint, Cahercon Limerick Limerick, Shannon-Foynes Kilkenny Belview Port Waterford Waterford, Dungarvan, Dunmore East Wexford Wexford, Kilmore Quay, Rosslare Europort, New Ross Kerry Tralee-Fenit, Daingean Úi Chúis The strategic development of Tier 1 and 2 Ports, ports of regional significance and smaller harbours are addressed as part of the RSES, MASPs, and local authority development plans. The Metropolitan Area Strategic Plans for Cork, Limerick-Shannon and Waterford, presented in Volume 2, include further policies and objectives relating to ports and harbours. RPO 142 Ports It is an objective to strengthen investment to deliver actions under National Ports Policy and investment in sustainable infrastructure projects that: a. Strengthen and develop the strategic international, national and regional economic roles of our Tier 1 Ports (Port of Cork and Shannon-Foynes Port) and Tier 2 Ports (Port of Waterford and Rosslare Europort) and support the strategic role of our region’s port and harbour assets under the National Marine Planning Framework; b. Support the achievement of Ports of National Significance Tier 1 status for the Ports of Waterford and Rosslare Europort c. Strengthen and develop the strategic regional economic role of other regional fishery harbours, ports and harbours; d. Support the export, fisheries, marine tourism and marine economy potential of port and harbour assets in the Southern Region as listed in Table 6.2 and support investment in the transition to smart technologies of port and harbour assets. e. Support the sustainable development of the 9 no. strategic development locations adjoining sheltered deep-water in line with the recommendations of the SIFP for the Shannon Estuary and subject to the implementation of mitigation measures outlined in the SEA and AA undertaken on the SIFP. f. Development proposals will be subject to environmental assessment, implementation of mitigation measures outlined in applicable SEAs and AAs and feasibility studies to establish that any expansions can be achieved without adverse effects on any European sites and within the carrying capacity of the receiving environment of the ports RPO 143 Ports and Airports The critical role of the Region’s port and airport assets will be protected by ensuring that local land-use policies subject to required planning and environmental processes facilitate and do not undermine their functions, and their landside access capacity, subject to consideration of environmental concerns including water quality, flood risks, human health, natural and built heritage. RPO 144 Port Infrastructure It is an objective to complement investment in port infrastructure by seeking the sustainable development of improved access infrastructure to ports from their regional catchments, including the promotion of rail access where practicable.
- Southern Regional Assembly | RSES166 RPO 145 Ports and Harbour Strategy for the Southern Region It is an objective to support the development of a Ports and Harbour Strategy for the Southern Region to be prepared by the relevant stakeholders through consultation with the Department of Transport, Tourism and Sports, Local Authorities, port authorities, TII, NTA and other relevant stakeholders. The implementation mechanisms and monitoring structures to be established following the adoption of the RSES will identify the scope and role of the Ports and Harbour Strategy for the Southern Region and the appropriate timescale for its preparation. The requirements for a Strategic Environmental Assessment and Appropriate Assessment shall be considered, as appropriate, in relation to a Ports and Harbour Strategy for the Southern Region. RPO 146 High Quality International Connectivity – Ports It is an objective to achieve NSO: High Quality International Connectivity, the following port development actions are identified, subject to required appraisal, planning and environmental assessment processes and implementation of mitigation measures outlined in applicable SEAs and AAs, while ensuring the protection of sensitive natural environments and the protection of natura sites, the protection of other harbour interests including recreation, tourism and residential amenity: • Continued development and improvement of ports by the relevant responsible commercial State-Owned Enterprises consistent with sectoral priorities defined through National Ports Policy; • Continued support for capital infrastructure projects in the Port of Cork’s Strategic Development Plan including redevelopment of existing port facilities in Ringaskiddy and preparing City Docks and Tivoli for future regeneration; Continued support for the capital infrastructure projects in the Shannon- Foynes Port Company Infrastructure Development Programme including capacity extension works and infrastructure investment towards deep water berthage on Foynes Island and offshore resources. • Continued support for Rosslare Europort and Port of Waterford (including the port’s strategic plan and Port of Waterford Corporate Plans subject to the implementation of mitigation measures outlined in applicable SEAs and AAs) to maintain and strengthen linkages with EU markets; • Strategic Review of Rosslare Europort; • Strengthening and maintaining access to ports through enhanced transport networks and improved journey times including support for M11 and N80 improved connectivity to Rosslare, N28 Cork to Ringaskiddy Road and N21/N69 (Foynes to Limerick Road Scheme including Adare bypass); • Investment in maritime services programmes to support aids to navigation, Coast Guards and pollution prevention activities.
- Southern Regional Assembly | RSES167 RPO 147 Economic Opportunities of Ports It is an objective for all ports in the Region to: • Protect the marine related functions of ports in the region including landside accessibility to ensure the future role of ports as strategic marine related assets is protected from inappropriate uses. Harness sustainable economic opportunities from the ocean economy and the role of Ports in the region in realising the full potential of the ocean economy. Particular regard should be 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), as well as the Marine Strategy Framework Directive and Ireland’s Programme of Measures; and Ireland’s forthcoming National Marine Planning Framework subject to the implementation of mitigation measures outlined in the SEA and AA undertaken where necessary; • Support the role of ports, where appropriate, in facilitating the sustainable development and operation of off-shore renewable energy development; and • Support sustainable and appropriate enabling infrastructure development to harness our ocean wealth at regional and local levels including grid, pier and port facilities to support renewable energy and export potential. • Undertake feasibility studies to determine the carrying capacity of ports in relation to potential for likely significant effects on associated European sites including SPA and SAC. • Port development in the region must adhere to the European Commission guidelines on the Implementation of the Birds and Habitats Directives in Estuaries and Coastal Zones in order to protect the European Sites around them. • Any economic activity which utilises the marine resource shall also have regard to Ireland’s obligations under the Marine Strategy Framework Directive (MSFD) which requires achieving and maintaining Good Environmental Status (GES) of coastal and marine waters (comprising both the water column and the seabed beneath it). 6.3.4.3 | Our Region’s Airports The Southern Region has two of the three State airports (Cork and Shannon) and two of the four regional airports (Kerry and Waterford). National policy recognises the importance of aviation to Ireland and is committed to maximising its potential for the wider economy1. All airports have a mandate to promote the development of their region. National aviation policy supports the role of regional airports to assist and distribute tourism and FDI business throughout the regions and recognises the challenges they face when located close to larger State airports. The future of these airports are impacted by the EU Guidelines on State Aid to Airports and Airlines. It is important that our regional airports identify opportunities for attracting new business within their niche markets and that long-term viability is identified and supported, in partnership with relevant regional, tourism and industry bodies. The Metropolitan Area Strategic Plans (MASP) for Cork, Limerick-Shannon and Waterford, presented in Volume 2, provides further policies and objectives relating to national and regional airports. 1 A National Aviation Policy for Ireland, Department of Transport, Tourism and Sport 2015 RPO 148 National Aviation Policy It is an objective to: a. In line with EU Guidelines on State Aid, seek investment to sustainably deliver actions under National Aviation Policy for Ireland that strengthen and develop the economic role of the national airports of Cork and Shannon and the regional airports of Kerry and Waterford. b. Protect the functions of airports in the region including landside accessibility to ensure the future role of airports through land-use management of land-side areas to focus on the current and future needs of the airports. c. To engage with DTTAS to ensure timely delivery of the legislation implementing Regulation (EU) 598/2014 relating to noise.
- Southern Regional Assembly | RSES168 RPO 149 Airport Strategy for the Southern Region It is an objective to support the development of an Airport Strategy for the Southern Region to be prepared by the relevant stakeholders through consultation with the Department of Transport, Tourism and Sports, Local Authorities, Airport Authorities, TII, NTA and other relevant stakeholders in the Southern Region. The implementation mechanisms and monitoring structures to be established following the adoption of the RSES will identify the scope and role of the Airport Strategy for the Southern Region and the timescale for its preparation. The requirements for a Strategic Environmental Assessment and Appropriate Assessment shall be considered, as appropriate, in relation to An Airport Strategy for the Southern Region. RPO 150 High Quality International Connectivity – Airports It is an objective to achieve NSO: High Quality International Connectivity, the following airport development actions for the Region are identified subject to required appraisal, planning and environmental assessment processes: a. Continued sustainable development and improvement of enterprise assets, access infrastructure, airport infrastructure and services at Cork Airport and Shannon International Airport by the relevant responsible commercial State-Owned Enterprises as key economic drivers, national tourism and national business gateways consistent with sectoral priorities defined through National Aviation Policy; b. Continued support for improved international connectivity through the role of our region’s airport assets, support for the sustainable development of infrastructures taking into consideration Airport Public Safety Zones and the findings of the ERM Report “Public Safety Zones, 2005” along with general Airport Safeguarding and in particular the Obstacles to aircraft in flight Order, 2005 (S.I.No. 215/2005) and EASA Regulation (EU) No 139/2014. c. Support for continued exchequer assistance for regional airports under the Regional Airports Programme, support the role of Waterford Airport and Kerry Airport and develop their potential as key tourism and business gateways for their regions as a complement to the services provided by the region’s national airport gateways of Cork Airport and Shannon International Airport. d. Support strategic route development for airports outside of Dublin and support extension of Regional Airports Programme to all airports under 3 million passengers as permissible under EU guidelines. e. Seek strengthened sustainable multi-modal inter-regional and intra-regional transport access to/from airports. f. Support sustainable innovative policies to boost the economic role of regional airports including through marketing partnerships with airlines, hotels, attractions and other hospitality and tourism sector stakeholders
- Southern Regional Assembly | RSES169 6.3.5 | Regional Policy Objectives for the Integration of Transport Planning with Spatial Planning Policies Integration of Land Use and Transport The following principles of land use and transport integration will guide development: a. For urban-generated development, the development of lands, within or contiguous with the existing urban areas will be prioritised over development in less accessible locations; b. Residential development will be carried out sequentially, whereby lands which are, or will be, most accessible by walking, cycling and public transport– including infill and brownfield sites – are prioritised; c. Larger scale, trip intensive developments, such as offices and retail, will be focused into central locations highly accessible by sustainable transport modes; d. New employment and residential development will be consolidated and intensified in a manner which renders it serviceable by public transport and ensures that it is highly accessible, by walking, cycling and public transport. Within the Metropolitan Areas of Cork, Limerick and Waterford, except in limited planned circumstances, trip intensive developments or significant levels of development will not occur in locations which are not well served by existing or proposed high capacity public transport; e. Land use development in smaller rural towns will optimise public transport and sustainable travel integration within settlements. Public transport interchange will be facilitated to encourage modal shift to public transport and sustainable travel between settlements and on approach to settlements. The strategic transport function of national roads will be maintained and protected in accordance with national policy; f. All non-residential development proposals will be subject to maximum parking standards as a limitation to restrict parking provision to achieve greater modal shift; g. In locations where the highest intensity of development occurs, an approach that caps car parking on an area-wide basis will be applied; h. Infrastructure for Electric Vehicles will be integrated into developments; i. The design of all roads and streets within the urban areas, including suburbs, towns and villages within the 60 kph zone shall be as per the Design Manual for Urban Roads and Streets, being the designated appropriate road design standards for such locations. j. The protection of the Natura 2000 networks and the ecological linkages connected to the Natura 2000 network. RPO 151
- Southern Regional Assembly | RSES170 Local Planning Objectives It is an objective to: • Deliver a high level of priority and permeability for walking, cycling and public transport modes, increasing with place context value as per the provisions of the Design Manual for Roads and Streets, to create accessible, attractive, vibrant and safe, places to work, live, shop and engage in community life; • Measures to facilitate the complementary use of private car, through appropriate local traffic management including the siting of destination car-parking, is central to achieving the correct balance of modal use; • Planning at the local level will prioritise walking, cycling and public transport by maximising the number of people living within walking and cycling distance of their neighbourhood or district centres, public transport services, and other services at the local level such as schools; • New development areas will be permeable for walking and cycling and the retrospective implementation of walking and cycling facilities shall be undertaken where practicable in existing neighbourhoods, to a give competitive advantage to these modes; • Where possible, developments will provide for filtered permeability. This will provide for walking, cycling, public transport and private vehicle access but at the same time will restrict or discourage private car through trips; • To the extent practicable, proposals for right of way extinguishments will only be considered where these do not result in more circuitous trips for residents accessing public transport, or local destinations; • Cycle parking will be appropriately designed into the urban realm and new developments at an early stage to ensure that adequate cycle parking facilities are provided and designed in accordance with cycle parking design guidelines; and • For all major employment developments and all schools, travel plans with a strong emphasis on sustainable travel modes will be conditioned as part of planning permissions and be carried out in a manner consistent with published NTA guidance. • Where space or other constraints prevent the full implementation of the provisions of the Design Manual for Roads and Streets, local authorities should be allowed to make their best reasonable efforts in the interests of providing accessibility for pedestrians and cyclists where inability to fulfil the requirements of the manual might otherwise mean that no accessibility improvement at all could be achieved. • Support engagement with representatives of disability rights associations by local authorities when planning accessibility works to ensure that the perspective of vulnerable road users is taken into account. RPO 152 An example of an approach to achieving the above objectives is the ‘10 minute’ settlement concept, whereby a range of community facilities and services are accessible in short walking and cycling timeframes from homes or are accessible by high quality public transport to services in larger settlements.
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