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 | RSES181 6.3.6.6 | Road Network The quality of the strategic road network and connectivity to it has been substantially improved over the last two decades. The NPF sets out the importance of maintaining, improving and protecting the strategic function of the key transport corridors. The steady-state maintenance and safety of the National Roads network is critical to ensure that the existing extensive transport networks are maintained to a high level and to ensure high-quality levels of service, accessibility and connectivity for transport users. Additionally, investment in maintaining regional and local roads and strategic road improvement projects in urban areas to unlock development opportunities and for rural areas to ensure access to critical services is a key RSES priority and to support road based public transport. These schemes should be developed in accordance with the Guidelines on a Common Appraisal Framework for Transport Projects and Programmes for the Department of Transport, Tourism and Sport and appropriate sanctioning authorities. Confirmation of consistency with the RSES should be a requirement in advance of a road authority seeking development consent for a road scheme. RPO 166 Investment in Strategic Inter Regional Multi-Modal Connectivity to Metropolitan Areas and Economic Corridors It is an objective to: a. Achieve and maintain the sustainable development of infrastructure that strengthens the quality of inter-regional connectivity between the metropolitan areas of Cork, Limerick-Shannon and Waterford to each other and to other regions on the Atlantic Economic Corridor, extended Dublin-Belfast Eastern Corridor and to ports and airports b. Strengthen the quality of Cork to Limerick connectivity (proposed M20 and Rail), Cork to Waterford connectivity (N25) and Limerick to Waterford connectivity (N24 Cahir to Limerick Junction and N24 Waterford to Cahir and rail) as identified in the NDP. c. Maintain the efficiency and safety of the existing national primary and secondary roads network by targeted transport demand management and infrastructure improvements. d. Facilities for sustainable transport are supported in strengthening the quality of inter-regional connectivity
- Southern Regional Assembly | RSES182 National Road Projects The provision of National Road Projects to be delivered during the period up to 2027 to achieve NSO: Enhanced Regional Accessibility subject to the required appraisal, planning and environmental assessment processes are supported. Under this RPO, where works to any part of the strategic road network are supported, the potential for improved sustainable transport shall be considered. The potential for nature-based design solutions for mitigation design shall be considered. Part (A) Projects Identified Under the NDP Including Pre-Appraisal Stages The following National Road Related Schemes and Projects under Project Ireland 2040 National Development Plan for National Roads are supported: • M20 Limerick to Cork Scheme • N8/N25 Dunkettle Road Interchange; • N69 Listowel bypass; • N28 Cork to Ringaskiddy; • N21/N69 Foynes to Limerick Road Scheme (including Adare bypass); • N22 Ballyvourney to Macroom; • N20 Mallow Relief Road; • N25 New Ross Bypass; • N11 Gorey to Enniscorthy including N30 link. • N86 (Tralee to An Daingean). The progression of the following National Road Projects at pre-appraisal stages to achieve NSO: Enhanced Regional Accessibility, subject to robust feasibility studies and site/ route selection to reduce impacts on the environment and required appraisal, planning and environmental assessment processes: • N11/N25 Oilgate to Rosslare; • N21 Newcastle West bypass; • N21 Abbeyfeale bypass; • N22 Farranfore to Killarney; • N24 Waterford to Cahir/Cahir to Limerick Junction; • N25 Waterford to Glenmore; • N25 Carrigtwohill to Middleton Part (B) Other Projects Under this RPO, for identified strategic road network improvements not included in the current NDP for the period 2018-2027, RSES seeks that: • Government’s current priorities remain in accordance with National Development Plan 2018- 2027 priorities only. • Improvements to national roads identified at a regional and local level will be done in consultation with and subject to agreement with TII in accordance with current project appraisal, environment and planning procedures. • DTTS/TII may not be responsible for the funding of any such schemes or improvements. The provision of the following projects are also supported as strategic regional priorities to achieve NSO Enhanced Regional Accessibility subject to the recommendations of the three MASPs, the preparation of associated Metropolitan Area Transport Strategies and the preparation of Local Transport Plans for key settlements and other urban centres where applicable. These measures are also subject to robust feasibility studies and site/route selection to reduce impacts on the environment and required appraisal, planning and environmental processes: • Cork Northern Ring Road (CNRR) is a complementary scheme to the N/M20 Cork to Limerick Road Improvement Scheme, identified in the NDP. It has been assessed as part of the Cork Metropolitan Area Transport Strategy (CMATS). It is expected that the CNRR project will be planned for implementation during the latter period of the CMATS. The finalisation of a route corridor and its protection from development intrusion is an objective of CMATS to allow for changing circumstances including potentially an earlier project delivery requirement. • N27 Cork-Cork International Airport • N40 Junction improvements at Curraheen for CSIP • Limerick Southside Accessibility Project M20/M7 Interchange • Limerick Northern Distributor Route (LNDR) connect N18 to M7. • Upgrade and improve the N24 Limerick to Waterford Corridor. • New interchange M18 Quin Road Ennis • Improvements N71, N72, N73, N77, N78 Corridors • Improvements to N30 (including Clonroche By Pass) • Upgrade N80 Enniscorthy to Carlow and Midlands • Upgrade and improve N29-access to Port of Waterford Belview. • Upgrade N62 Horse and Jockey to Thurles, to connect with M7 and M8 • N67/N85 Blakes Corner Ennistimon • N85 Kilnamona Road Improvement Scheme RPO 167
- Southern Regional Assembly | RSES183 Investment in Regional and Local Roads The following regional and local road and transport measures will be progressed to achieve NSO: Enhanced Regional Accessibility subject to the recommendations of the three MASPs, the preparation of associated Metropolitan Area Transport Strategies and the preparation of Local Transport Plans for key settlements and other urban centres where applicable. These measures are also subject to robust feasibility studies and site/ route selection to reduce impacts on the environment and required appraisal, planning and environmental assessment processes. Under this RPO, where works to any part of the strategic road network are supported, the potential for improved sustainable transport shall be considered. The potential for nature-based design solutions for mitigation design shall be considered. Part (A) Projects Identified Under the NDP Including Pre-Appraisal Stages • Shannon Crossing; • Dingle Relief Road; • Coonagh to Knockalisheen Main Contract; • Realignment of R498 Nenagh/Thurles road at Latteragh; • Killaloe Bypass/R494 upgrade; • Carrigaline Western Distributor Road. Examples of projects currently subject to appraisal are set out below: • Thurles Relief road; • Tralee Northern Relief Road; • Carlow Southern Relief Road (N80-R448); • Abbey Road to Belmont Link Road – Ferrybank. Part (B) Other Projects Under this RPO, for identified strategic road network improvements not included in the current NDP for the period 2018-2027, RSES seeks that: • Government’s current priorities remain in accordance with National Development Plan 2018- 2027 priorities only. • Improvements to roads identified at a regional and local level will be in accordance with current project appraisal, environment and planning procedures. • DTTS/TII may not be responsible for the funding of any such schemes or improvements. • New or improved orbital routes on the Northern and Southern sides of Cork City • The Cork Northern Distributor Road • Upgrade of the R624 Regional Road linking N25 to Marino Point and Cobh and designation to National Road Status • Upgrade of the R630 Regional Road linking Midleton to Whitegate Road (Energy Hub) and designation to National Road Status. • Upgrading the R586 Regional Road from Bandon to Bantry via Dunmanway and support for designation to National Road Status. • Upgrading of the R572 linking Castletownbere Port to the N71 • Upgrade of the R558 Regional Road linking Tralee to Fenit Port. • Limerick R527 Dock Road, R445 Dublin Road, R527 Tipperary Road. • R471 access to Shannon Free Zone. • L3126 to Bunratty Castle. • Upgrade R498 Thurles to Nenagh • Improve access from New Ross to the M9 • Upgrade and improve the R418 Tullow to Castledermot and Junction 4, M9. • Upgrade of the R 672 linking Clonmel & Dungarvan Refer to RSES Chapter 3 Key Towns for specific strategic relief road projects to enable the potential for sustainable growth, regeneration and enhanced active travel and public transport services to town centres in these settlements. RPO 168
- Southern Regional Assembly | RSES184 Local Authorities have identified infrastructure to strengthen regional accessibility and sustainable mobility for Key Towns. Examples include: • Tralee: North and West Tralee Relief Roads, R558 Tralee to Feint Port • Killarney: N22 Farranfore-Killarney Realignment by pass, Southern and Eastern Relief Road Schemes • Mallow: Relieve traffic congestion through relief road (Northern Relief Road) • Clonakilty: Northern Relief Road and Western Relief Road • Ennis: Northern Inner Relief Road linking the Gort Road (R458) to the Tulla Road (R351), link from the Drumcliff Road (L4182) to the Lahinch Road (N85), link from the Drumcliff Road (L4182) to the Gort Road (R458), link from Clon Road (R871) to the Quin Road (R469) and possible provision of a new access to the motorway from the Quin Road • Nenagh: Upgrade of R498 Nenagh to Thurles Road, provision of a new link road between the N52 and R445 and provision of a new inner relief road from R498 to R445 • Thurles: Upgrade of R498 Nenagh to Thurles Road, provision of the Thurles Relief Road • Newcastle West: Distributor Road • Carlow: Kilkenny Road to Wexford N80-R448 (Southern Relief Road); N80 upgrade as a key interregional route and link to Rosslare Europort • Clonmel: Benefits from upgrade of N24 linking Limerick and Waterford • Dungarvan: Benefits from upgrade of N72 between Dungarvan and Mallow • Kilkenny: Improved accessibility to the Port of Waterford and Rosslare Europort • Wexford: Improved accessibility from Rosslare and Wexford to Waterford, improvements to M11/M25 from Oilgate to Rosslare, N30 and N80. • Gorey: Delivery of Orbital Route (avenues) and bridges over rail line identified in the Gorey Local Area Plan 2017-23 - Neighbourhood Framework Plans Local authorities plan to progress a range of other regional and local roads projects across the Region. These projects will be selected and prioritised in accordance with the RSES objectives and the hierarchy of transport plans at regional, metropolitan area and settlement levels. These will be developed in accordance with Guidelines on a Common Appraisal Framework for Transport Projects and Programmes for the Department of Transport, Tourism and Sport and in accordance with the general objectives of the RSES. RPO 169 Strategic Road Network Improvement Priorities It is an objective to achieve and maintain investment in the sustainable development of strategic priorities in regional and local roads subject to required appraisal, planning and environmental assessment processes and in accordance with Guidelines on a Common Appraisal Framework for Transport Projects and Programmes for the Department of Transport, Tourism and Sport and in accordance with the general objectives of the RSES. 6.3.6.7 | Rail Rail is a valuable national asset which contributes directly to: • Enhanced mobility and reduced traffic congestion • Regional / national economic & tourism development • Reducing carbon emissions and achieving national climate change targets The Region is relatively well-served in terms of rail connectivity with radial rail connections to the key urban areas. A National Rail Review identified the achievement of steady state maintenance of existing transport assets prior to investing in new assets as a funding priority. Intercity rail services play a key role in offering sustainable travel alternatives for longer distance trips and improved inter-regional connectivity. The network is at a competitive disadvantage due to inadequate infrastructure investment compared to the major inter-urban motorway network. An investment programme for the delivery of more competitive rail journey times and increased service frequencies, as a counterbalance to road developments, is crucial. Fleet and infrastructure enhancements (including longer-term electrification in line with fleet replacement schedules), along with improved frequency and journey times on all rail routes serving the Region will be required to compete with current road-based journey times on the inter-urban road network. There is scope for further improvements to existing rail services and this will be assisted by the delivery of the National Train Control Centre. A feasibility study of high-speed rail between Dublin-Belfast, Dublin- Limerick Junction/Cork will also be undertaken.
- Southern Regional Assembly | RSES185 6.3.6.8 | Bus Within the Cork Metropolitan Area, investment in bus infrastructure and services will be delivered through Bus Connects. Transport strategies are in development for Limerick and Waterford, investment will be available for bus and coach transport-related projects similar to Cork. Beyond the Region’s three cities, bus services are the backbone of the regional public transport system and investment will be focused on improving connectivity between regional settlements and enhancing the reliability and the level of service within key settlements. Commuter rail services Commuter rail services will be enhanced by the concentration of development within railway catchments to support existing and new stations. There is potential for further expansion of commuter rail services based on planned developments along the rail corridor and feasibility. Freight The current absence of State funding, capital or subvention, dictates a commercial focus for rail freight which limits it role to niche markets. Experience in other European jurisdictions clearly shows the contribution of rail freight to improved carbon footprint and reduced road congestion. There is potential to develop rail freight, such as the Limerick-Foynes rail link and the development of Limerick Junction for rail freight logistics, and to utilise the existing rail infrastructure at Waterford Port and Rosslare Europort. RPO 170 Rail It is an objective to seek to strengthen investment in the maintenance, improvement and strengthening of the rail network in the Region subject to appropriate environmental assessment and the outcome of the planning process. This will provide for: • Future proofed infrastructures for rail in our transition to smart transport networks and low carbon society • Improved journey times, services and passenger facilities to encourage greater use of rail travel between cities, towns and villages on the rail network across the region. • Take immediate actions to transition transport fleets to non-fossil fuel and renewable / low emission energy sources. • Invest in integrated, real-time, passenger information systems and passenger facilities including weather proofed facilities. • Optimisation of the existing rail network assets and the protection of these assets for our region’s transition to greater levels of sustainable mobility, use of rail and achievement of lower carbon emissions; • Investment in upgrading and modernisation of fleet, rail infrastructure and passenger facilities; • Investment in commuter rail stations and services, especially in cities, suburbs and metropolitan areas; • Investment in bike- and-ride and parkand-ride and multi-modal transport interconnection facilities with rail networks; • Achieve improved and consistent journey times and frequencies; • As identified in the National Development Plan, the Dublin – Limerick Junction/Cork rail lines are subject to an examination to move to higher speeds leading to improved connectivity to regional cities through improved rail journey times. An evaluation of the economic benefits of high-speed rail between Dublin-Belfast, Dublin-Limerick Junction and Dublin- Cork against improvements to existing line speeds will be carried out against relevant appraisal processes and value-for-money tests required by the Public Spending Code by 2020; • Support feasibility assessments and investment in infrastructure to achieve high-speed intercity rail services; • Optimise rail freight to ports in the Southern Region.
- Southern Regional Assembly | RSES186 RPO 171 Bus It is an objective through the functions of the NTA, to seek the development of bus networks in the region focused on the following subject to appropriate environmental assessment and the outcome of the planning process, during the period of the RSES: • Support the development of a bus service network development strategy for the region through the relevant stakeholders • Investment in bus network and service improvements; • Network reviews for the larger settlements across the Region, with a view to providing improved local bus services; • Review of bus services between settlements; • Review of local bus services throughout the region, including services to small towns and villages and the rural transport programme; • New interchange facilities; • New fare structure that fully integrates all public transport modes including bicycle share, car share etc. Such systems need to be easy to use and attractive for commuters to incentivise uptake, including carrying of bicycles on trains and inter-urban buses. • Enhanced passenger information • Improvements to bus waiting facilities and bike-and- ride • Support strategic bus networks (initiatives identified as Bus Connects in the NDP) through identification, safeguarding and phasing of strategic bus network Bus Connects routes throughout Southern Region’s Cities and metropolitan areas • Enhanced rural bus services including Local Link and community bus services. • Upgrade of bus fleet to low carbon/low emission. • Buses to be accessible for all • Support direct inter-regional bus services between the cities and key access points such as airports RPO 172 Rural Transport It is an objective to expand the development and expansion of the Local Link Rural Transport Programme by the NTA in the following manner: • Seek further integration with other public transport services, including HSE and school; • Better linkage of services between towns, villages and rural areas. • Ensure fully accessible vehicles operate on all services; • Enhance the customer experience; • Increase patronage among children and young people; and • Encourage innovation in the service. 6.3.6.9 | Rural Transport The NTA provides rural transport through the Local Link Rural Transport Programme which aims to address rural social exclusion and the integration of rural transport services with other public transport services. Investment in the quality of the road network along tourism corridors is important to ensure that visitors, both domestic and international, are assured a safe and good standard of connectivity, helping to generate economic activity across our urban and rural tourism locations. RPO 173 Tourism Corridors It is an objective to invest in the sustainable development of infrastructure and service improvements on the transport networks along our region’s key tourism corridors, subject to robust feasibility studies to reduce impacts on the environment and required appraisal, planning and environmental assessment processes, including the Wild Atlantic Way, Ireland’s Ancient East and Ireland’s Hidden Heartland Corridors.
- Southern Regional Assembly | RSES187 6.3.6.10 | Walking and Cycling Active walking and cycle infrastructure will support active health initiatives and healthy communities, encourage transition to sustainable modes of travel, promote sustainable mobility and significantly assist our transition to a lower carbon society. Walking and Cycling The following walking and cycling objectives are supported and will guide investment subject to the required appraisal: • Delivery of the cycle network set out in the three regional cities’ metropolitan area Cycle Network Plans, inclusive of key commuter routes and greenways subject to SEA and AA where required; • Delivery of cycle routes, Greenway and Blueway corridor projects to subject to appropriate site selection and environmental assessment processes, having regard to the Strategy for the Future Development of National and Regional Greenways July 2018; • Delivery of high-quality safe cycle route network across the region and cycling environments (applicable to cities, towns and villages) with provision for segregated cycle tracks. • Development of a safe cycling infrastructure to cater for the needs of all groups of cyclists, especially new cyclists, school children, elderly etc. • Safe walking and cycle routes especially in the approach to schools. • Greenways in the region shall be linked up to a network to improve connectivity within the region for walking routes and commuter cyclists in addition to recreational amenity functions. • Creating a safer environment for pedestrians and cyclists off the arterial roads shall be supported by large scale 30 km/h limits (except for main arterial roads) and adequate junction re-design. • A cycle network that is coherent, continuous and safe, particularly when going through busy junctions. • Alternative “quiet” routes must be established and signposted for cycling and walking to improve the experience and uptake of active travel. • All significant development proposals shell be required to provide a Quality Audit, as referred to in the Design Manual for Roads and Streets. • Place walkability and accessibility by walking mode as a central objective in the planning and design of all new developments/new development areas, transport infrastructure and public transport services. • Enhance pedestrian facilities in all urban areas in the region; • Support sustainable pedestrian and cyclist greenway initiatives and the potential for inter connections between greenways subject to robust site selection processes and environmental assessment processes. • Support accessibility to walking routes for people with disabilities. • A buffer distance shall be maintained between walking, cycling, Greenway and Blueway corridors and from coastal areas, particularly those subject to current and future erosion, as well as rivers and canals to ensure protection of riparian zones and; • Such initiatives shall commit to feasibility and route selection studies with a view to identifying and subsequently avoiding high sensitivity feeding or nesting points for birds and other sensitive fauna. RPO 174
- Southern Regional Assembly | RSES188 7 7 | Introduction Well-being and improving quality of life are core themes in the RSES reflected in the overarching statement covering the following key elements: • Strengthening and protecting our region’s diversity, language and culture, our recreationional assets, and our natural and built heritage. • Safeguard and enchancing our environment through sustainable development, prioritising action on climate change across the region, driving the transition to a low carbon and climate resiliant society. • Achieving improved education, health and public services and facilities for all citizens. • Build an inclusive outward looking international region on the global stage. Quality of Life Q 7 Q 8 Q 10 Q 11
- Southern Regional Assembly | RSES189 7.1 | Regional Quality of Life 7.1.1 | Inclusive Communities and PlacesImproving quality of life to build and safeguard inclusive communities and places is a cross-cutting ambition of the RSES. This will require significant investment in buildings and facilities as well as the development of mechanisms and institutions. Sustainable communities are safeguarded through the development of social principles based on social capital, needs-based access to services and amenities, equity, transparency, democracy and the development of a collective approach to sustainable living. Affordable housing with availability of mixed unit size and tenure types alongside sustainable modes for the movement of people and goods with parity of access by able and disabled people are among the key principles in strengthening and consolidating functioning communities. The RSES fosters successful neighbourhoods based on the best practice model of “10-minute city” concept and smart growth principles for rural places. The “10 minute city/town” concept is about creating connected communities – understanding how our neighbourhoods work so that we can map out how a more compact and permeable urban form can provide high quality and safe links to public transport, shops, services, green spaces and to other neighbourhoods, reducing the need to travel. Inclusive communities and places are not conjured up through public policy intervention, nor are they realised
- Southern Regional Assembly | RSES190 by one-off investment programmes. They occur where public policy listens to the needs of the people and responds accordingly. They are realised by recognising their value, safeguarding their assets and building on the strong foundation - the people - the ultimate custodians and architects of strong vibrant, inclusive communities. The role of public intervention is to provide supportive policies that strengthens the fabric of communities, fosters pride of place and facilitates parity of opportunities, towards achieving sustainable and societally enriching goals. Local authorities are core agents in place making. Greater recognition and investment in arts and culture in our communities, community policing initiatives, age and stage appropriate communities’ resources are required to deliver on an improved quality of life and well-being. Imaginative solutions are called for at all settlement levels, for example in rural areas a re-purposed role for post offices. We are no longer an isolated and homogenous society located off the coast of continental Europe, but globally connected and enriched with a diverse, young and educated population. The requirements for growth set out by the NPF and RSES are substantially based on new people coming to Ireland to live and work. We live in exciting and fast-moving times and our unique proposition as a nation, as a region, is firmly vested in our people and in our collective vision and values. The RSES supports the Department of Rural and Community Development (DRCD) in their bid to create an Ireland where: • Development is integrated and determined at a local level; • Vibrant, sustainable and inclusive communities flourish; • Communities that are vulnerable, disadvantaged or under threat are empowered to overcome these problems; • Society as a whole is active, democratic and pluralist. This remit to sustain local and community development in Ireland is based on a set of core values covering social inclusion, equality and respect for diversity, local and community development. The RSES supports the role of Local Community Development Committees (LCDCs), the Public Participation Networks (PPNs) and other community partnerships in their roles to ensure regional policy responses are meaningful and flexible to cater for the needs of local communities. Tackling legacies of social deprivation The persistent nature of social deprivation is evident in locations across the Region, where low educational attainment, high levels of unemployment, poor health and housing, addiction and elevated crime rates result in high levels of people living in consistent poverty, often in a poor physical environment. The RSES is committed to improving quality of life for all and places a high priority on tackling these legacies through policies aimed at the targeted investment in infrastructure and support for access to public services. Local authorities and other public bodies should work to deliver multi-agency programmes and regeneration projects to address the housing, health, education and welfare needs along with a focus on job creation measures centred on these communities. RPO 175 Improving Regional Quality of Life through Infrastructure-led Planning It is an objective to support sustainable infrastructure-led planning for future population and jobs growth in our Region, ensuring the development of social infrastructure in tandem with population and jobs growth, reflecting the RSES settlement strategy and key principles to tackle regional disparities and the legacies of deprivation in the Region. Local authorities should ensure that decision making in relation to new development/infrastructure is informed by an appropriate level of environmental assessment. RPO 176 10-minute” city and town concepts It is an objective to attain sustainable compact settlements with the “10-minute” city and town concepts, whereby, a range of community facilities and services are accessible in short walking and cycle timeframes from homes or are accessible by high quality public transport services by connecting people to larger scaled settlements delivering these services. Local authorities should ensure that decision making in relation to new infrastructure for improved connectivity is informed by an appropriate level of environmental assessment.
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