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 | RSES281 Limerick City & Suburbs Shannon Southern Region StateLimerick Shannon Metropolitan Area 12% 10% 12.5%12.8% 12.6% 3% 6% 9% 12% 15% Education Attainment: No Formal/Primary Limerick Shannon Metropolitan Area StateLimerick City & Suburbs Shannon Southern Region Housing Vacancy* 7.3% 7.3%7.3% 9.6% 9.1% Mode of Travel to Work/Education 63.8% 7.2% 21.5% Private Transport Public Transport Walking & Cycling Metropolitan Area 59.4% 7.5% 25.1% Private Transport Public Transport Walking & Cycling City & Suburbs 62.7% 4.1% 28.9% Private Transport Public Transport Walking & Cycling Shannon *Excluding Holiday Homes
- Southern Regional Assembly | RSES282 2.5 | Signals of Confidence 3.0 | Vision and Guiding Principles 3.1 | Vision Recent signals of confidence include: • Significant progress in transformation to Ireland’s first Digital City with the integration of a number of public services, the creation of smart homes, smart buildings, energy districts and smart neighbourhoods. • Advancement of the development of a Connected and Autonomous Vehicle (CAV) R&D hub and testbed in Shannon including the decision by Jaguar Land Rover to open a CAV R&D facility in Shannon. • The people of Limerick voted for the introduction of a directly Elected Mayor that will be the first in the State • Government go-ahead to advance procedures to deliver the Foynes to Limerick Road (incl. Adare Bypass) project. • Launch of Propeller Shannon Incubator Programme. • Gardens International (officially opened in 2019) won the top prize in the New Build Workplace category in the prestigious Royal Institute of Architects of Ireland annual awards. • Progress on the upgrade of the N19 to the Airport to facilitate the continued expansion and regeneration of Shannon. • Collaboration between Limerick City and County Council, the Land Development Agency (LDA), CIÉ and other stakeholders to create a urban neighbourhood at Limerick’s city centre train and bus station, Colbert Station where there is a 50 ha landbank. • Active regeneration initiatives and plans for significant investment in the Shannon Free Zone, the Airport and key tourist attractions in the MASP area. • Limerick Regeneration Framework Implementation Plan (LRFIP) has resulted in the creation of over 300 jobs. Sustainable management and compact growth will offer a platform to address key challenges related to housing, transport, environmental sustainability and liveability to ensure the Metropolitan Area can increase competitiveness and continue to attract talent and investment on a global scale. There is a need to enable regeneration and employment opportunities for established communities where redevelopment and re-intensification occurs, particularly in areas of deprivation. While the Limerick Shannon Metropolitan Area is young, diverse and multi-cultural, areas of on-going deprivation will require a long-term planning response to meet existing and future needs. The MASP needs to be flexible to adapt and respond to external risks such as climate change, technology disruption, demographic and cultural change and economic shocks and to support a future transition to low carbon, for sustainable and electric mobility. The Vision Statement for the Limerick Shannon Metropolitan Area is: “To create a sustainable, inclusive, smart, climate and economic resilient Limerick Shannon Metropolitan Area, which is competitive and of a scale which can exert critical-mass leverage at an international level, maximising the economic, social, cultural and environmental opportunities in a manner for all those who live, work and visit the Metropolitan Area, Mid-West Region and for the benefit of the country.”
- Southern Regional Assembly | RSES283 3.2 | Guiding Principles The future growth and ambition for the Limerick Shannon MASP is based on the principles of a Sustainable Place Framework3 as identified in the RSES Settlement Strategy (Chapter 3). To achieve the vision of the Limerick Shannon Metropolitan Area the MASP has identified several Guiding Principles for its sustainable development: A Living City and Metropolitan Area - Investment must be supported in revitalising and reinvigorating Limerick City for higher density living and high value jobs. Limerick City and Shannon should be well-functioning and energising places providing residential, employment, health, business, political, recreation, educational, commercial and transport functions driving the region. The high capacity transport corridors needed to support this scale of growth will be delivered incrementally in line with growth and intensification of the city. It is recognised that there is a need to collaborate, rather than compete, for the benefit of the Limerick Shannon MASP on the issue of employment creation. The metropolitan area needs a dynamic, diverse and highprofile city centre to function and the city centre needs a fully functioning and progressive metropolitan area to prosper. Limerick Shannon as a global gateway – A competitive, properly resourced and well-functioning Shannon International Airport and Shannon Foynes Port is essential to facilitate their growth and to ensure excellent international access. Compact sustainable growth – The development of brownfield and infill lands to achieve a target of at least 50% of all new homes within or contiguous to the existing built up area in Limerick City and 30% in Shannon and other settlements. Integrated transport and landuse – Target growth along high quality public transport corridors and nodes linked to the delivery of key public transport projects. Accelerate housing delivery – Activate strategic residential development areas such as Mungret and support the steady supply of sites to accelerate housing supply, supported by better services and public transport. Employment density in the right places – Re-intensify employment in Limerick City and Shannon and activate strategic employment locations to complement existing employment hubs in the city centre and near third level institutes. Social regeneration - Realise opportunities for social as well as physical regeneration, particularly in areas with pockets of deprivation. Future development areas - having regard to the long lead time for planning and development, identify future growth areas that may be delivered beyond the lifetime of the RSES but within the long term 2040 horizon of the NPF. For example, enabling infrastructure such as the Limerick Northern Distributor Road (LNDR) will open lands to the north of the city for consolidation and expansion. Metropolitan scale amenities – Provision of regional parks and Strategic Green Infrastructure including greenways/blueways along the Shannon and the reopening of the Errina Canal. Enabling infrastructure - Identify infrastructure capacity issues and ensure water services needs are met by national projects. Improve sustainability in terms of energy, waste management and water conservation. Co-ordination and active land management - Limerick 2030 provides an excellent platform to promote even more active urban development and land management actions that focus on the development of under-utilised, brownfield, vacant and public lands. Investment to Deliver Vision a. It is an objective to seek the identification of investment packages across State Departments and infrastructure delivery agencies as they apply to the Limerick Shannon MASP and seek further investments into the Limerick Shannon MASP to deliver on the seven Metropolitan Area Goals (see Volume 3). b. It is an objective to ensure quality infrastructure and quality of place is prioritised as an incentive to attract people to live and work in sustainable settlement patterns in the metropolitan area. Limerick Shannon MASP Policy Objective 4 3. As per Goal 1 of the Metropolitan Area Goals in Volume III
- Southern Regional Assembly | RSES284 4.0 | National Enablers The following are identified for the Limerick Shannon MASP. • Implementation of the Limerick 2030 economic strategy to create modern, city centre office accommodation and a series of transformational city centre public realm projects • Complementary further development of the Limerick 2030 plan to include measures to encourage significant inner urban residential regeneration and development, to include the City’s Georgian Quarter • Extending the ambition of the Limerick 2030 plan to include extension of the City Centre towards Limerick Docks • Identifying infill and regeneration opportunities to intensify housing and employment development throughout inner suburban areas • Enabling enhanced opportunities for existing communities as development and diversification occurs, particularly through employment, learning and education support • Progressing the sustainable development of new greenfield areas for housing and the development of supporting public transport and infrastructure, such as at Mungret • The continued expansion of the City’s third level institutions and integration with the wider City and Region • Provision of a Citywide public transport network, with enhanced accessibility from the City Centre to the National Technological Park, UL and Shannon International Airport • Development of a strategic cycleway network with several high capacity flagship routes • Enhanced road connectivity to Shannon-Foynes Port, including local by-passes • Enhanced regional connectivity through improved average journey times by road to Cork and Waterford • Ensuring that water supply and waste-water needs are met by new national projects to enhance Limerick’s water supply and increase waste water treatment capacity • Improving sustainability in terms of energy, waste management and resource efficiency and water, to include district heating and water conservation • The fast-track delivery of the Limerick Northern Distributor Road (LNDR) which is a strategic investment priority for the MASP • Enhanced connectivity to Shannon-Foynes Port, including local by-passes • Development of a new business park on the north of the city accessible by public transport, linking with Limerick IT and Moyross to build on the regeneration progress • Supporting an application for the designation and subsequent development of the lands zoned as University in the Clare County Development Plan 2017-2023 as an economic Strategic Development Zone (SDZ) • The continued expansion of Limerick City’s third level institutions and the NUIG Shannon College of Hotel Management along with integration with the wider City and Region • Creating a sustainable urban design town centre through the development of an Action Area Plan for Shannon Town Centre • Enable a digital and innovation economy and make this Ireland’s leading smart Metropolitan Area • Develop a Connected and Autonomous (CAV) R&D testbed and put the Limerick Shannon Metropolitan Area at the forefront of a global mobility revolution • Delivering a 55% level of non-car based transport in the Limerick Shannon Metropolitan Area • The delivery of measures and infrastructure which will transition cycling and walking as the primary mode of transport within the Limerick Shannon Metropolitan Area • Interconnecting and integrating walking and cycling infrastructure • Continue to develop workforce skills and talent and enhance the attractiveness of living and working in the Metropolitan Area • Protecting built and natural assets • Achieve a step-change in progress toward a low carbon economy • Managing flood and climate change risks
- Southern Regional Assembly | RSES285 The following are some examples of projects identified in National Development Plan (NDP) in the Limerick Shannon Metropolitan Area4. Limerick Regeneration Programme The NDP states that there will be continued investment in the Limerick Regeneration Programme to see the completion of works identified in the 2013 Limerick Regeneration Framework Implementation Plan with the delivery of some 400 new homes and the upgrading of 900 homes across the areas of Moyross, Southill, Ballinacurra Weston and St Mary’s Park. A programme of social and economic initiatives will also be advanced over the coming years. The scheme is scheduled for completion by 2023. Airports and Ports • Shannon Foynes Port Company will invest €27 million towards capacity extension works at the Port. The Shannon Foynes Port Company’s Infrastructure Development Programme will consist of a jetty expansion programme, the joining of the East and West Jetties and the infill behind, land purchase and site development at Foynes considering the land bank shortage at Foynes Port and the Foynes Rail Reinstatement. • The NDP states that in line with the 2015 A National Aviation Policy for Ireland, the roles of Shannon International Airport as key tourism and business gateways for their regions, and particularly about the development of niche markets, will be supported • Shannon Group through its subsidiaries Shannon Airport Authority (SAA), Shannon Commercial Enterprises and Shannon Heritage have plans to invest more than €150 million in its capital programme to 2022. This includes €100 million for the development of the property portfolio, designed to deliver high quality advanced manufacturing, warehousing and office space solutions. Also included is the construction of a wide body paint hangar at Shannon International Airport to encourage the development of the IASC at Shannon as well as plans for the €10 million redevelopment of Bunratty Castle in partnership with Fáilte Ireland. NDP and Limerick Shannon MASP Current Status: In progress. Estimated Cost: €170 million. Estimated Completion Date: 2023 National Enablers a. It is an objective to deliver the investment priorities as identified in the NDP for the Limerick Shannon Metropolitan Area and to seek progress and coordination between the principal stakeholders for the delivery of the priorities as identified in the NPF. Identification of suitable sites for regeneration and development should be supported by a quality site selection process that addresses environmental concerns. b. It is an objective to implement innovative and collaborative projects through funding mechanisms such as the Urban Regeneration and Development, Rural Regeneration and Development, Climate Action and Disruptive Technologies funds. Limerick Shannon MASP Policy Objective 5 4. Some projects outside of the Limerick Shannon Metropolitan Area are referenced as it is considered that they have a strong link to the MASP area. For a complete listing of all projects please refer to the National Development Plan (NDP).
- Southern Regional Assembly | RSES286 Table 1 | Population Projections 2026 and 2031 for the Limerick Shannon Metropolitan Area6 5.0 | Population Projections The NPF and Implementation Roadmap provided by the DHPLG set out the population allocations and targets for Region and county including projections to achieve accelerated urban growth5. The NPF sets out ambitious targets for Limerick City and Suburbs of a population of least 141,000 by 2040 (as per Table 4.1 of the NPF). The NPF and Implementation Roadmap also refer to further qualified allowances which may apply to deliver on accelerated urban growth in Metropolitan Areas. National Policy Objective 68 states a Metropolitan Area Strategic Plan may enable up to 20% of the phased population growth targeted in the principle city and suburban area, to be accommodated in the wider metropolitan area i.e. outside the city and suburbs or contiguous zoned area, in addition to growth identified for the Metropolitan Area. This will be subject to: • Any relocated growth being in the form of compact development, such as infill or sustainable urban extension. • Any relocated growth being served by high capacity public transport and/or related to significant employment provision; and • National Policy Objective 9. This may be relevant in the Limerick Shannon context given for example the need for change to a more balanced concentric city through strategic proposals for development at Mungret and by opening the north eastern quadrant (in both Limerick and Clare) facilitated by the development of the LNDR. The application of NPO 68 will be subject to review by the MASP Implementation Group. As required under the NPF 50% of all new housing within Limerick City is to occur within the existing city and suburbs footprint, through brownfield, infill and regeneration. Outside of Limerick City, 30% of all new homes that are targeted in settlements is to occur within their existing built-up footprints as per National Policy Objective 3 (c) of the NPF. Area Population 2016 Projected Population 2026 Projected Population 2031 Limerick City and Suburbs (in Limerick) 89,671 112,089 123,289 Limerick City and Suburbs (in Clare) 4,521 5,607 6,150 Subtotal 94,192 117,696 129,448 Remainder Metropolitan Area (Limerick) 15,281 19,453 21,611 Remainder Metropolitan Area (Clare) 22,947 25,414 26,463 Subtotal 38,228 44,867 48,074 Total Limerick Shannon Metropolitan Area 132,420 162,563 177,552 5. In addition, the Department have clarified that the 25% Headroom identified in the Roadmap can apply to the County Clare area of the Limerick Shannon Metropolitan Area. 6. The overall population projections for each county, as provided in the NPF Implementation Roadmap (July 2018), do not change in light of these MASP projections figures.
- Southern Regional Assembly | RSES287 6.0 | Integrated Land Use and Transport The principles underpinning the MASP include the effective integration of transport planning with spatial planning policies, from regional to local level and the alignment of associated transport and infrastructure investment. To the extent practicable, development within the Limerick Shannon Metropolitan Area should 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. The transport capacity of the strategic national road network should also be maintained and protected and larger scale, trip intensive developments, should primarily be focused in locations which are well served by existing or proposed public transport corridors. The Mid-West Area Strategic Plan 2012-30 identified that local passenger and national freight activity return from the available rail infrastructure is underutilised. The rail links to Limerick via Nenagh and Ballybrophy are in need of investment. There is a new opportunity to examine the potential for increased line usage, given future population growth in the Limerick Shannon MASP and Nenagh as a Key Town in the RSES. The existing public transport offering and upgraded road infrastructure there does not appear to be an immediate need for a rail link to Shannon International Airport, but the corridor should be protected into the future and regularly reviewed. Opportunities for improvement to commuter rail services including the provision of new stations could be assessed against the location of future population growth and value for money. Enhanced public transport connectivity with Dublin, Galway, Cork and Limerick is particularly important to assist the continued growth of Shannon International Airport. Transport investment requirements in the Limerick Shannon Metropolitan Area will be identified and prioritised through the Limerick Shannon Metropolitan Area Strategic Transport Strategy (LSMATS). Sustainable transportation is addressed in more detail in Chapter 6 of the RSES. In terms of strategic road infrastructure, the development of the Limerick Northern Distributor Road (LNDR) is a key priority. The LNDR will improve access from the Region to the University of Limerick and the IDA National Technology Park and will reduce City Centre traffic. It will provide a direct link between Shannon International Airport, the businesses and industries in the Shannon area and the university campus. Furthermore, the delivery of the LNDR will improve transport links to the regeneration area of Moyross, across east and north County Limerick, south County Clare and onto the national road network and open significant areas of land for development. Interregional transport connectivity between Metropolitan Areas is a priority in this MASP. In addition, collaboration is required to address similar challenges and to harness opportunities. The Galway- Ennis-Shannon-Limerick (GESL) Economic Network is a potential network which promotes greater collaboration between the metropolitan areas of Galway and Limerick- Shannon and the Key Town of Ennis. It offers potential opportunities for partnership to drive economic growth and innovation on a sub-regional basis. This potential network is underpinned by the presence of public transport and motorway infrastructure that connects the two cities on the West coast of Ireland. Increasing collaboration across this potential network can create the condition for achieving critical mass, population and jobs growth in a sustainable manner. Integration of Land Use and Transport a. It is an objective to prepare a Limerick Shannon Metropolitan Area Strategic Transport Strategy during the lifetime of this MASP and it is an objective to ensure investment and implementation of the Limerick Shannon Metropolitan Area Strategic Transport Strategy. b. It is an objective that Core Strategies of Local authority Development Plans will identify the public transport corridors and station nodal points on corridors in Limerick Shannon Metropolitan Area arising from the Limerick Shannon Metropolitan Area Strategic Transport Strategy which have potential to support high density development/regeneration. Core Strategies shall identify the appropriate land use zonings for these station nodal points and demonstrate the effective alignment between land use and transport infrastructure planning and delivery of the NPF Compact Growth targets as they apply to the Limerick Shannon Metropolitan Area. c. It is an objective to achieve the National Strategic Outcomes of the NPF, through the sustainable and infrastructure led: • Regeneration, consolidation and growth of the City Centre and suburbs. • Regeneration, consolidation and growth of Shannon Town. • Regeneration, consolidation and growth of strategic residential, employment and nodal locations along public transportation corridors • Regeneration, consolidation and growth of strategic residential, employment and nodal locations along strategic bus network corridors d. It is an objective to seek sustainable higher densities where practicable at public transport nodal points. Limerick Shannon MASP Policy Objective 6
- Southern Regional Assembly | RSES288 Sustainable Transportation a. It is an objective to support the following sustainable transport priorities in the Limerick Shannon Metropolitan Area subject to their consistency with the recommendations of LSMATS and the outcome of environmental assessments and the planning process: • Investment in sustainable transport infrastructure and public transport services. • The implementation of an integrated, multi modal public transport network across the Metropolitan Area servicing strategic residential and employment growth locations. b. Other transport measures for consideration, across the wider Mid-West area, may include the following: • Implementation of improved public realm, walking and cycling routes and facilities. • Development and promotion of existing intercity rail and commuter links from Limerick to Dublin, Cork, Galway, together with Ennis, Nenagh, Thurles and Clonmel. • Upgrade and enhancement of the rail line between Limerick and Nenagh and onward line to Ballybrophy. • Upgrade and enhancement of the Western Rail Corridor between Limerick and Ennis and onward line to Athenry. • Reinstatement of the Limerick to Foynes rail line, linking Ireland’s deepest port to the national rail network • The MASP supports the ambition to create a rail link between Limerick City and Shannon International Airport and this should be investigated further. • Investigate the potential for a higher speed rail link between Dublin and Limerick City. • Improved sustainable transport links between the city centre, Shannon International Airport, LIT, UL and the National Technology Park. • Implementation of improved public realm, walking and cycling routes and facilities including delivery of the Great Streets project. • The provision of a high-quality cycle network in Limerick City as set out in the Limerick Metropolitan Area Cycle Network Study/ LSMATS. • The provision of three new pedestrian/ cycle bridges in the city centre as set out in the World Class Waterfront proposals to improve pedestrian and cycle permeability to key sites. Limerick Shannon MASP Policy Objective 7 Strategic Road Infrastructure It is an objective to maintain and deliver the sustainable development of strategic road infrastructure for the Limerick Shannon Metropolitan Area and improve transport connectivity to the wider Region. This will include the delivery of the following subject to their consistency with the recommendations of LSMATS, the outcome of appropriate appraisal, environmental assessments and the planning process: • Improved inter regional connectivity to the Limerick Shannon Metropolitan Area including M20 Limerick to Cork and the upgrading of the N24 to Waterford. • Limerick Northern Distributer Route (LNDR) • Foynes to Limerick Road Scheme (including Adare Bypass) • Improved accessibility to Limerick Southside including the possible provision of a motorway interchange connection from the M20/M7 to Limerick Southside • Upgrade of the N19 road access to Shannon International Airport. • Upgrade of arterial roads from the motorway network to increase capacity including the provision of public transport infrastructure and Park and Ride, including, for example, R527 Dock Road, R445 Dublin Road, including Junction 28 and R527 Tipperary Road. • Upgrading of the R471, • Works to upgrade and improve the road alignment of the L3126 • The upgrade of the Childer’s Road/ Ballysimon Road in Limerick City to accommodate bus and cycle facilities. Limerick Shannon MASP Policy Objective 8 Potential Collaboration Network- Galway-Ennis-Shannon-Limerick (GESL) Economic Network a. It is an objective to deliver the effective planning and development of the Metropolitan Ares and Key Towns along the potential Galway-Ennis-Shannon- Limerick (GESL) Economic Network. b. It is an objective to deliver excellent public transportation connections in the potential GESL Economic Network. c. It is an objective, subject to the outcome of environmental assessments and the planning process, to deliver excellent inter-regional transport connections between the GESL, North Kerry/West Limerick/Shannon Estuary Network and the Kerry Knowledge Triangle along the AEC. Limerick Shannon MASP Policy Objective 9
- Southern Regional Assembly | RSES289 Chapter 3 of the RSES sets out the framework to increase residential density in our cities and larger towns through a range of measures including reductions in vacancy, re-use of existing buildings, infill and site-based regeneration. The MASP supports a sequential approach to development with a primary focus on the consolidation of sites within or contiguous to the existing built up and zoned area of Limerick City and Suburbs, supported by Shannon. Limerick City is one of the most affordable urban areas in Ireland to both rent and buy residential property. Coupled with higher disposable incomes than the national average, this is key competitive advantage for attracting people and investment. The MASP recognises the progression of sustainable development areas for housing in Mungret and Castletroy. Limerick 2030 DAC are preparing a Masterplan of a 42-hectare residential site at Mungret Park. The site comprises 26 hectares of lands owned by Limerick City and County Council in Mungret, including the former Mungret College and associated buildings. Mungret is a zoned urban extension of Limerick City under the Southern Environs Local Area Plan. The site has obtained funding through the Local Infrastructure Housing Activation Fund (LIHAF) for a distributor road, which will unlock substantial lands within public and private ownership and trigger the development of additional residential sites, supporting community and employment uses. The MASP supports the provision of sustainable transport options to and from the city centre and nearby amenities and employment. Shannon attracts a daytime working population of approximately 18,000 people per day however its population growth rate remains stagnant. The interdependence between Shannon as a residential community – SFZ and Shannon International Airport have weakened to the detriment of Shannon. The challenges is to transform into a dynamic, vibrant place to live. Opportunities exist to create a new image that is fresh and welcoming, and capitalises on the existing strengths and assets of Shannon. This should be pursued through placemaking, including improving the quality and sense of place in the town centre. The development of an Action Area Plan for Shannon Town Centre to create a sustainable urban centre and a sense of focus would be a positive initiative. Consideration should be given to initiatives to encourage regeneration of existing residential areas. Local authorities, through their land use plans, will identify metropolitan settlements that have the capacity to achieve higher residential densities in tandem with the provision of public transport, infrastructure and services. This should be consistent with the RSES and the guiding principles, objectives and goals of the MASP. 7.0 | Housing and Regeneration 7.1 | Housing and Regeneration in the MASP Table 2 | Mungret Mungret Start Date Procurement of Masterplan / Development Appraisal services commenced Q1 2018 Estimated yield Potential of 2,000 housing units on all of the residential zoned lands Estimated Cost urrently preparing Development Appraisal Stakeholders Limerick City and County Council / Limerick 2030 /LIHAF Current Project Status Progressing Masterplan
- Southern Regional Assembly | RSES290 7.2 | City Centre Consolidation and Regeneration National Policy Objective 3b of the NPF requires that at least half (50%) of all new homes should be constructed within existing built-up footprints. The Limerick Shannon MASP supports the densification of Limerick City and Suburbs, the assembly of brownfield sites for development and city centre rejuvenation and consolidation. The MASP strongly promotes and supports a Living City as per the “Guiding Principles” of this MASP. The development of additional housing within Limerick City Centre will achieve a redeveloped and vibrant, walkable core. This should be connected to the wider metropolitan area by an extensive, reliable and state of the art public transport network. The development of additional housing stock within Limerick City Centre will be achieved by (i) developing high-density housing at strategic locations, (ii) upgrading, modernising and densifying areas containing social housing stock and (iii) the development of underutilised landbanks. The regeneration process is a key driver of change across Limerick City. Its contribution to the overall economic rejuvenation of the City is critical to sustained socio-economic vibrancy. The Limerick Regeneration Framework Implementation Plan (LRFIP) centres on three key pillars – Economic, Physical and Social renewal. New housing construction with mixed unit sizes and types and retrofitting of existing housing stock are key elements of the LRFIP. This will lead to the delivery of nearly 600 new homes and the upgrading of over 1,500 homes across the areas of Moyross, Southill, Ballinacurra Weston and St Mary’s Park. This will raise standards of living, opportunity, health and wellbeing for all residents of the regeneration areas and involves a high level of cooperation between all the various public sector organizations and agencies. The significant work in the four regeneration areas across Limerick City is having a very positive impact on the communities across the three pillars. It has resulted in the creation of over 300 jobs, increased participation in support services and in school attendance, facilitated a reduction in youth crime and has created safer communities. Over 50% of new build homes have been completed and 80% of 1,493 homes earmarked for thermal upgrading are in progress.7 Actions will be identified at the local authority level to improve housing stock and quality and to bring buildings back into use. These actions will include improvements to public realm and amenities to create more attractive streetscapes and desirable neighbourhoods. The MASP supports collaboration between local authorities and the Land Development Agency to masterplan and develop strategic city centre and Dockland sites in Limerick City, utilising the appropriate planning mechanisms. Considering that regeneration issues in Limerick City are similar to Shannon, there are opportunities for both local authorities to work together to overcome challenges. Housing and Regeneration a. It is an objective to support the environmentally sustainable densification of Limerick City Centre, the assembly of brownfield sites for development and the regeneration and redevelopment of Limerick City and Suburbs to accommodate residential use. The MASP recognises that initiatives such as the Living City and Living Georgian City initiatives and other interventions by agencies such as the Land Development Agency (and any environmental mitigation arising from the environmental assessment of such strategies) are essential to facilitate compact growth and increased residential density in the city centre. b. It is an objective to enhance Shannon Town as an attractive residential centre through regeneration, active land management initiatives and the redevelopment of Shannon Town Centre. An Action Area Plan for Shannon Town Centre and required environmental assessments including SEA and AA will be prepared within 3 years of the publication of this RSES and MASP. c. It is an objective to ensure investment and delivery of holistic physical, social and environmental infrastructure packages to meet growth targets that prioritises the delivery of compact growth and sustainable mobility in accordance with NPF and RSES objectives. Limerick Shannon MASP Policy Objective 10 7. As of January 2019
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.