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
Ask this document
Answers come only from the text of Regional Spatial and Economic Strategy for the Southern Region, each claim linked to its page. They are not advice; check the page itself.
Free, with a daily limit.
- Southern Regional Assembly | RSES261 Transition to Digital Future The SRA will seek investment in the delivery of accessible and improved high speed, high capacity digital infrastructure in the Cork Metropolitan Area subject to the outcome of environmental assessments and the planning process including: a. Support and seek investment in Cork City and Cork County Council’s Digital Strategies, harnessing the roll out and delivery of various forms of high capacity ICT infrastructure that will support the Digital transformation of Cork and which recognises that ICT or digital connectivity infrastructure requirements will vary depending on the desired outcome, location, activity etc. b. Support the collection of better real time city data to enable city users and management to make better data driven decisions. c. Support Cork City Councils participation in the European Commission’s Digital Cities Challenge programme to develop a digital transformation vision and action plan for Cork to enable a better quality of life in a greener, more innovative and smarter city. d. Support the initiatives of the Cork Smart Gateway to enable a better quality of life, greener and more innovative and smarter city and metropolitan area. e. Support Cork County Council’s Digital Strategy for the County, harnessing the roll out and delivery of high capacity ICT infrastructure and high-speed broadband to improve “relational proximity”, where peripheral locations can interact more successfully with larger urban centres and the metropolitan area. f. Support and seek investment in initiatives enhancing digital infrastructure access in our public buildings and spaces, such as Cork’s participation in the WiFi4EU Initiative. Cork MASP Policy Objective 11 8.3 | Distribution of Employment Growth As an open economy at the innovation edge, where technologies and business models evolve at a rapid pace, it is difficult to specify jobs targets for every type of economic activity and location in the MASP. However, as a functional economic area, certain assumption can be made. The NPF used a ratio of 1.6 between the population growth targets and employment growth targets for the whole region. Applying a similar ratio to the population growth targets for the metropolitan area can provide an indication of additional jobs targeted in the Cork MASP. Additional jobs to 2026 would be in the order of at least 44,000 and additional jobs to 2031 at least 65,000. The sustainable distribution of employment growth needs to consolidate and regenerate existing strategic employment locations, acknowledging older established, lower density industrial areas in the city and suburban areas will transition under next Core Strategies to higher density, higher value mixed use locations. It will be a requirement that all strategic employment locations are accessible via the integrated Cork Metropolitan Area Transport Strategy with significantly enhanced public transport and sustainable travel infrastructure. The larger scaled high value manufacturing operations across the Cork metropolitan area in sectors including technology, engineering, life sciences and food and beverages will be supported as strategic enterprise and employment assets into the future as these sectors evolve and embrace new disruptive technologies. The Cork MASP identifies strategic employment centres within the metropolitan area. However, achieving NPF growth targets will require in depth consideration for new locations and initiatives by each local authority in consultation with the Enterprise Agencies including IDA Ireland and Enterprise Ireland. The MASP recognises the need to be flexible to accommodate opportunities and that additional sites may emerge. It is critical however that any such opportunities are integrated with sustainable land use and transport planning objectives of the RSES.
- Southern Regional Assembly | RSES262 The table below shows the existing strategic employment locations from a regional perspective as an indication of existing strategic initiatives and locations. Location Brief Description Infrastructure Priorities City Centre As noted above for Strategic Residential Significant existing property assets, lands and growth potential for jobs and employment growth in these locations. City Docklands and Tivoli Mahon Hollyhill-Apple Blackpool/Kilbarry Cork Science and Innovation Park The CSIP when completed, will be a critical piece of economic infrastructure for the Smart Economy in Metropolitan Cork As per Ch 3 Objective on investment for holistic infrastructure for metropolitan areas. Public transport and local road connectivity -CMATS N40 Junction improvements Zoned Enterprise Lands in Metropolitan Area for high value manufacturing The MASP recognises the strategic importance of existing high value, larger-scaled manufacturing sectors in the Cork Metropolitan Area in sectors including technology, engineering, life sciences, food and beverages and their future role. As per Ch 3 Objective on investment for holistic infrastructure for metropolitan areas. Higher Education Institutes – main campus and associated off campus facilities, R&D and innovation centres. UCC has a student population of over 21,000. Elite research centres embedded in UCC include the Tyndall National Research Institute the APC Microbiome Institute both recognised as global leaders, the Environmental Research Institute), the Beaufort Laboratory and MaREI. CIT has a student population of 15,000. The Rubicon Centre at CIT is one of Ireland’s strongest-performing oncampus incubators; CIT partnerships include its key research centres and Enterprise Ireland-supported technology gateways (NIMBUS, CAPPA, and BIOEXPLORE). A consortium involving CIT and IT Tralee have been designated the Munster Technological University (MTU). Co-location opportunities for industry/enterprise with academia and R&D As per Ch 3 Objective on investment for holistic infrastructure for metropolitan areas. University Masterplans Cork University Hospital State’s largest university teaching hospital, centre for medical innovation and a significant employer As per Ch 3 Objective on investment for holistic infrastructure for metropolitan areas. Hospital Masterplans.
- Southern Regional Assembly | RSES263 Location Brief Description Infrastructure Priorities Model Farm Road Technology Park and South Environs Employment in the existing Technology Park and potential for re-imaging the Tramore Road/ Kinsale Road industrial area more intensively for mixed employment and residential uses. As per Ch 3 Objective on investment for holistic infrastructure for metropolitan areas. Public transport connectivity -CMATS Ringaskiddy Specialist employment area for life sciences, significant IDA enterprise assets and world leading marine research and innovation centres. As per Ch 3 Objective on investment for holistic infrastructure for metropolitan areas. Enhanced public transport connectivity -CMATS Marino Point Opportunity to optimise the rail connection, deep water wharf facilities and utilities connections for port/marine industry related activity as an economic enabler for Cobh As per Ch 3 Objective on investment for holistic infrastructure for metropolitan areas. Rail Connectivity R624 to Marino Point and Cobh Little Island Little Island is a Strategic Employment Area, with a business park, industries and access to a rail station and the N25. As per Ch 3 Objective on investment for holistic infrastructure for metropolitan areas. Enhanced public transport connectivity -CMATS Carrigtwohill IDA, business park and IDA Carrigtwohill East/Ballyadam Strategic site, strategic industrial lands accessible to rail corridor and N25 As per Ch 3 Objective on investment for holistic infrastructure for metropolitan areas. Enhanced public transport connectivity -CMATS IDA Carrigtwohill East/Ballyadam lands requirement for access and rail connectivity. Whitegate- Ireland’s Energy Park It is the location of the State’s only oil refinery, three power stations, state of the art energy efficient technology and gas storage/carbon storage capability. Whitegate can deliver 25% of the country’s energy needs. The refinery is considered a key national and regional asset in terms of developing bio-energy As per Ch 3 Objective on investment for holistic infrastructure for metropolitan areas. Enhanced connectivity-R630 Tier 1 Port of Cork See Specific Objective Cork Airport
- Southern Regional Assembly | RSES264 Infrastructure for Strategic Employment Locations a. It is an objective to support the sustainable development of identified and future Strategic Employment Locations and to ensure the delivery of associated infrastructural requirements subject to the outcome of environmental assessments and the planning process. b. To seek investment and inter agency co-ordination to the delivery of infrastructure packages to assist the sustainable growth, regeneration and integration of employment land use and sustainable transport planning for existing and future identified locations in the Cork Metropolitan Area. c. To seek sustainable infrastructure investment and support masterplan implementation of HEIs including UCC and CIT and associated centres of research, development and innovation which are supported as strategic regional economic drivers in the Cork MASP. d. To seek sustainable infrastructure investment and support masterplan implementation of the Cork Science and Innovation Park at Curraheen which is supported as a strategic regional economic driver in the Cork MASP. Cork MASP Policy Objective 12 Port of Cork a. Support sustainable development and investment in the Port of Cork balanced with the protection of the natural environment and Cork Harbour SPA and promote its role as a Tier 1 International Port and driver for the metropolitan, regional and State economy. To support this role, the Cork MASP seeks the following subject to the outcome of required feasibility, assessment and environmental processes: • The sustainable development of port infrastructure and facilities under the port’s strategic development plans balanced with the protection of Cork Harbour’s natural environment.-Improved quality of inter-regional transport connectivity and networks improving access to the Port of Cork particularly for freight movement and the quality of the TEN-T Corridor. The delivery of strategic transport network improvements under Cork MASP Objectives 6-9 including improved strategic road access to the Port of Cork Ringaskiddy, Cobh, Marino Point and Whitegate is supported as a critical component for unlocking the full potential of the Port of Cork and to enable regeneration of the Cork Docklands. • Investment in strategic transport corridors as referenced in CMATS and Cork MASP • The relocation of existing port activities from Cork City and investment in infrastructure to remediate sites and enable regeneration of the Cork City Docks and Tivoli. • The appropriate location of SEVESO activities and relocation of these activities from the city docklands subject to required planning and environmental law processes. • The sustainable development and strengthening of cruise tourism. • Support the feasibility, in co-ordination with relevant stakeholders, to create a more integrated and streamlined approach between planning, environmental and foreshore consenting. • Co-ordinate with the relevant Government departments and stakeholders to align the RSES and MASP with opportunities for the region under Marine Spatial Planning. • Support investment in the sustainable renewal, development and key interventions that will drive forward the potential of key assets in the Cork Harbour area balanced with protection of the nature conservation values of Cork Harbour, including City Quays and Tivoli renewal, Marino Point, Cork Dockyard, Cobh, Ringaskiddy, Whitegate and Bantry. b. 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 Cork MASP Policy Objective 13 8.4 | Role of Tier 1 Port of Cork The Tier 1 International Port of Cork is a multipurpose deep-water port facility. The Port is recognised as a strategic national and regional driver for economic growth. In 2017, the Port of Cork handled over 10.3 million tonnes of trade traffic and 68 cruise liners visited, bringing over 142,000 passengers to the Region. Balanced with the protection of the natural environment, the Cork MASP supports the role of the port and the sustainable delivery of infrastructure to fulfil this role. The objective below is identified in addition to an objective for the role of Cork Harbour (Section 1.0 of the Cork MASP) and objectives under RSES Chapter 6 supporting the role of ports and connectivity to ports on the TEN-T Network.
- Southern Regional Assembly | RSES265 Cork Airport a. It is an objective to support the sustainable development of the airport and seek investment in infrastructure and facilities that promote the role of Cork Airport as an international gateway, employment location and economic driver for the region including the following subject to the outcome of required feasibility, assessment and environmental processes: • Support the sustainable development and investment in infrastructure and facilities under the Cork Airport Masterplans and updates to the Cork Airport Special Local Area Plan (subject to the implementation of mitigation measures outlined in the SEA/AA undertaken). • Support the sustainable development of enhanced public transport connectivity to the airport including the provision of bus priority lanes on the N27 and an improvement in the alignment of the R600 south of the Airport. b. Development Plans should incorporate policies to control inappropriate development which could adversely impact the potential for growth in either airport infrastructure or expansion of routes to international destinations. Safeguard the operation of Cork Airport by way of land use planning under the relevant County Development Plan and Local Area Plans. Airport safeguarding priorities required include: i. Airport Noise Zones (Inner and Outer Zones). Spatial planning policies in the vicinity of the airport shall recognise and reflect the noise zones associated with Cork Airport. In particular within the Inner Airport Noise Zone provision of new residential and/or other noise sensitive development shall be actively resisted. Within the Outer Noise Zone provision of new residential and/or other noise sensitive development shall be strictly controlled such that future airport expansion on a 24/7 basis is anticipated and planned. ii. Airport Public Safety Zones In assessing applications for development falling within Public Safety Zones, regard shall be had to the recommendations of the ERM Report “Public Safety Zones, 2005” (or any update thereof) commissioned by the Department of Transport and the Department of Environment, Heritage and Local Government, in assessing proposals for development falling within Airport Public Safety Zones. iii. General Airport Safeguarding In assessing applications for development within the vicinity of Cork Airport, regard will be had to the precautionary principle concerning potential risk to aircraft safety. This includes avoidance of any bird attracting feature or use; unacceptable glint and glare impact towards key airport infrastructure; or intrusion into/infringing of airspace which might create an obstacle or danger to aircraft in flight. Cork MASP Policy Objective 14 8.5 | Role of Cork International Airport Cork Airport is the State’s second international airport, with over 50 international destinations. Nearly 2.4m passengers moved through Cork Airport in 2018. It is a key asset attracting business investment and tourism directly into the Region, a key service for the population and business community and a key employment location. The strategic role of the airport as a driver of State and regional growth is supported by the following objective.
- Southern Regional Assembly | RSES266 8.6 | Role of Tourism 8.7 | Role of Retail Tourism has a key role in both the economy and Quality of Life of residents, workers and visitors. Cork City Council and Cork County Council have prepared a joint strategy integrating assets and initiatives to diversify and drive the role of a vibrant tourism in the region forward under the Pure Cork brand and Growing Tourism in Cork, A Collective Strategy. Section 1.3 of the Cork MASP has highlighted the strong urban tourism and culture assets of the City. There are significant heritage, tourism, recreation amenity assets in Metropolitan Cork which complement the assets of the city including access to the Wild Atlantic Way, Irelands Ancient East, Ireland’s Maritime Paradise, Harbour Greenway Blarney Castle, close access to Kinsale Fota Wildlife Park, Spike Island (2017 European No 1 Tourist Attraction), Fort Camden Meagher, Midleton Distillery, Cobh Heritage Centre, walkways, cycleways. The potential to develop a greenway linking Midleton to Youghal along the railway corridor, (without precluding future options for re-use of that corridor for rail), has potential for inter-regional greenway connectivity. River valleys, mountain ranges, extensive coastline, beaches, all within or easily accessible to the metropolitan area. The Cork MASP recognises the importance of Cork City and County joint retail strategy and the need for a holistic future assessment of the retail needs for a growing metropolitan area between both local authorities with a changed retail context. The Cork MASP recognises that retail is a significant part of the metropolitan economy through the high level of employment generated and the contribution to the life, vitality and attractiveness of the Metropolitan Area. The retail sector in Cork faces the same challenges as other cities in combating the negative impact of online shopping on the city centre and other retail locations in the metropolitan area. The Cork MASP also recognises the importance of the tourism sector, with retail services contributing to the attractiveness of a location for tourists and tourist visitors increasing footfall and potential increased vibrancy for the retail sector. The Cork Metropolitan Area is a priority location for retail services within the region. It is important that future provision of retail reaffirms the hierarchy of retail locations with the city centre at the heart of the metropolitan area, a Tier 1 location. Cork MASP Tourism a. Support the role of Metropolitan Cork’s tourism assets as a significant domestic and international tourism destination capitalising on its tourism attractions, Ireland’s Ancient East corridor, Wild Atlantic Way Corridor, Ireland’s Maritime Paradise theme and support initiatives creating a sustainable tourism future, diversifying the tourism product into non-traditional areas and extending the tourist season taking particular care of the natural and built environment. b. The SRA seeks investment in the sustainable development of tourism infrastructure and tourism services across Cork and support initiatives arising from the Pure Cork brand and the “Growing Tourism in Cork: A Collective Strategy subject to the outcome of environmental assessments and the planning process. c. Support the delivery of large-scale all year-round tourist attraction(s) in Cork City and in County Metropolitan Cork. d. Value and support cultural amenities, conservation, protection and enhancement of Cork City’s natural heritage as key assets to attract tourism. e. Seek sustainable tourism development which reflects the city’s distinctive history, culture and environment. f. Promote diversification and innovation in the tourism sector. g. Seek an integrated approach to tourism development in conjunction with a wide range of stakeholders including state agencies, communities and stakeholders in the tourism sector. Cork MASP Policy Objective 15
- Southern Regional Assembly | RSES267 Retail a. Support the role of Metropolitan Cork as a Level 1 location for retail provision and the retail hierarchy for as identified in the Metropolitan Cork Joint Retail Strategy 2013 which identifies: • Level 1: Metropolitan Cork: Cork City Centre • Level 2: Large Metropolitan Towns: Ballincollig, Carrigaline, Cobh and Midleton. • Level 2: District Centres: Blackpool, Douglas, Wilton, Mahon Point, Ballyvolane, Cork Docklands, Hollyhill. • Level 3: Smaller Metropolitan Towns: Carrigtwohill. Glanmire, Passage West, Blarney, Monard. • Level 4: Neighbourhood Centres and Large Village Centres. • Level 5: Local centres, corner shops and smaller villages. b. Support the role of the Metropolitan Cork Joint Retail Strategy and seek further preparation of joint retail strategies for Metropolitan Cork between Cork City Council and Cork County Council in accordance with Section 28 Retail Planning Guidelines for Planning Authorities (2012). Cork MASP Policy Objective 16 9.0 | Environment The Cork MASP seeks to integrate sustainable economic and social development with the protection and enhancement of the natural environment whilst ensuring our transition to a climate resilient society. Placemaking initiatives such as investment in public realm will create a more attractive area to live, visit and invest. High-quality green and blue spaces are important not just for nature but for peoples’ health and wellbeing, particularly an increasingly urban society and increasing settlement densities [1]. There is a need to plan more strategically for green and blue infrastructure in the Cork Metropolitan Area, particularly considering climate action strategies and plans. This is important in the context of the transformative changes that will take place in the metropolitan area. Natural and semi-natural assets should be recognised as ‘infrastructure’ and like any type of infrastructure, these assets will only continue to provide us with these benefits if we actively plan, invest in and manage them sustainably. Green and blue infrastructure brings considerable value to the Cork Metropolitan Area. This value needs to be recognised and utilised to help attract sustainable funding to ensure the benefits continue to be felt. The better integration of biodiversity into economic and development decisions will ensure better projects and will mitigate against unforeseen negative climate change consequences. As per Chapter 5 of the RSES, the incorporation and consideration of an ecosystem services approach can lead to significant enhancements in relation to planning policy and decision-making. An ecosystem services approach can be a major catalyst in bringing the different pieces of the jigsaw together while assisting us all to better understand and articulate the potential win win outcomes. The RSES actively seeks measures and achieve a lowcarbon society and enhance the environment through the reduction of greenhouse gases, minimising energy demand and waste in order to reduce the increasingly adverse effects of climate change. This includes a shift to clean mobility, improved walking and cycling environments and a reduction in car-demand. Refer to RSES Chapters 5 and 6.
- Southern Regional Assembly | RSES268 Metropolitan Open Space, Recreation and Greenbelt Strategy It is an objective to achieve a healthy, green and connected metropolitan area through the preparation of a Metropolitan Open Space, Recreation and Greenbelt Strategy. This will require co-ordination between relevant stakeholders to deliver the sustainable development of parks, recreation and high quality public open space in the Cork Metropolitan Area. This Strategy may include, inter alia: a. An enhanced network of regional scaled parks in Metropolitan Cork and invest in upgraded facilities including Tramore Valley Park, Marina Park, Bishop Lucey Park Redevelopment, Northwest Regional Park, Riverside Public Walk (Lee Field to the Marina). Lee Fields Walk/Cycle extension to Ballincollig, Lough Redevelopment, Tivoli Docks Park, neighbourhood parks and public parks in the Metropolitan Towns. b. The sustainable development of green infrastructure as an interconnected series of green spaces including parks, natural green spaces and ecosystems, greenways and blueways. c. The implementation of Greenway initiatives that provide important economic, leisure and tourism, health, active and sustainable travel and environmental benefits to the metropolitan area including the Lee to Sea Greenway initiative subject to the outcome of environmental assessments and the planning process. d. In order to support decision-making in increasing recreation and tourism opportunities along the coastline, which is in close proximity to European Sites, the carrying capacity of SACs/SPAs will need to be established to understand what limits should be set for the extent of development e. Protect and proactively manage and integrate natural spaces. f. The sustainable development of key recreation, sports and community facilities across Metropolitan Cork. g. The development of a Metropolitan Greenbelt Strategy in co-ordination between Cork City Council and Cork County Council. Cork MASP Policy Objective 17 Transformational Areas and Public Realm Subject to the outcome of environmental assessments and the planning process: a. Seek investment in transformational area projects and public realm enhancements in metropolitan urban areas with a focus on city centre regeneration through such initiatives as the Cork City Centre Strategy 2014 and Grand Parade/South Main Street Transformational Area. b. Support and seek investment in the sustainable remediation of Haulbowline Island and its transformation into a public recreational amenity. c. Support the acquisition and development of the City Quays in Cork for a high-quality water front public realm for public use. d. The cultural and economic significance of the Cork Event Centre is recognised, and delivery of the facility is supported. e. Seek investment in the strategy and investment programme of the Crawford Art Gallery. Cork MASP Policy Objective 18 Flood Risk Management Seek investment in the sustainable development of the Lower Lee Flood Relief Scheme to enhance climate change resilience and flood risk management in the metropolitan area. Cork MASP Policy Objective 19 The challenges of climate change and the transition to a low carbon society are a key component of the RSES and relevant objectives are set out in Volume 1, particularly in Chapters 2 and 5. Responding to these challenges will be particularly relevant to the MASP and the Guiding Principles for the Cork MASP seek to develop a balanced, compact and sustainable Metropolitan Area through integrated land use and transport planning based on support for sustainable transport modes.
- Southern Regional Assembly | RSES269 Lifelong Learning and Skills a. Support Cork as a Learning City and seek investment in initiatives which supports the Cork Learning City initiative, support Cork’s role in the UNESCO Global Network of Learning Cities and support the spread of such initiatives throughout the metropolitan area and wider region. b. Support initiatives under the Learning City Key Strategic Actions 2017-2021. Cork MASP Policy Objective 20 Healthy Cities, Healthy Environment and Health Infrastructure a. Seek investment in smart technologies which have an increasing role to play to improve air quality, water quality, flood management, noise and light pollution to promote a clean and healthy environment. Additional support is required to ensure a wide penetration of relevant sensors and data collection and analysis support to provide accurate information for people using and managing the city. b. Support the role of Cork as a WHO Healthy City and seek investment in the delivery of recreation, environmental improvements, active travel and health services infrastructure that retains and improves on this status, in support of a “healthy heart” to the Cork Metropolitan Area. c. Seek investment in health service infrastructure within the Cork MASP to meet existing and future regional population growth including facilities for Cork University Hospital, the Southern Region’s tertiary referral centre and other existing hospitals, the sustainable development of a new acute hospital and new elective hospital to service the increasing population of the metropolitan area and wider Region d. Seek delivery and supports to achieve Healthy Ireland objectives. Cork MASP Policy Objective 21 Social Inclusion a. Seek investment in delivering actions and stakeholder initiatives of the Local Economic Community Plans (LECPs) of Cork City Council and Cork County Council to strengthen community infrastructure and promote social inclusion for all citizens across all our communities b. Seek continued investment in initiatives that achieve the physical, economic, social and environmental regeneration of disadvantaged areas in the City and Metropolitan Area, in particular supporting the ongoing regeneration of the Cork City RAPID areas of Fairhill/Gurranebraher/ Farranree, Knocknaheeny/Churchfield, Mayfield/ Blackpool/The Glen and Togher/Mahon. c. Support the development of an Inter-agency Social Enterprise Strategy to support the retention and expansion of existing social enterprises and the development of new social enterprises d. Recognise, support and value diversity, especially within the city population and workforce and the implementation of Government policy “The Migrant Integration Strategy”. Cork MASP Policy Objective 22 10.0 | Social Inclusion and Infrastructure The Cork MASP supports ongoing collaboration with regional stakeholders to ensure the provision of social infrastructure such as education, and health and community facilities, and in particular, to ensure that opportunities for social as well as physical regeneration are realised. See also Chapter 7 (Quality of Life) for further details.
- Southern Regional Assembly | RSES270 Limerick Shannon Metropolitan Area Strategic Plan
Source Southern Regional Assembly: Regional Spatial and Economic Strategy for the Southern Region (January 2020) · Licence the publisher's termsText read from the publisher’s PDF; tables, maps and drawings do not survive as text, and page numbers are the PDF’s (its first page is 1). Check the original before relying on a passage.