Regional Spatial and Economic Strategy for the Southern Region

1. Page 71

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2. Page 72

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   Southern Regional Assembly | RSES72 Key Town Killarney The Region’s eight largest urban settlement outside of the cities, Killarney is a settlement balancing protection of an exceptional natural environment, ecology and heritage with inherent strengths and specialist role in tourism, culture, amenity and other dynamic economic activities. Killarney is a part of the Kerry Hub Knowledge Triangle with Tralee and Killorglin and on the strategic road network linking with the Atlantic Economic Corridor. Killarney’s population was 14,504 in 2016 with 7,108 jobs and a job to resident workers ratio higher than the regional average.

3. Page 73

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   Southern Regional Assembly | RSES73 Attributes • Connected on the strategic road network to Cork and Limerick-Shannon metropolitan areas and through Tralee to the wider Atlantic Economic Corridor • Rail network connectivity to Tralee, Cork, Dublin, and Limerick via Mallow • Kerry International Airport, c.18km from Killarney with flight service to Dublin, UK and Europe • Part of the Kerry Hub Knowledge Triangle, networked with Tralee and Killorglin • Attractive location for FDI building on infrastructure capacity, skills base from its links with the Institute of Technology Tralee/Munster Technological University and wider regional 3rd level institutions • Strong role in specialised engineering and industry with IDA Park and Liebherr, exporting worldwide from Fenit Port • Opportunities to develop creativity and cultural hub; • Opportunities to further support a vibrant, culturally-rich and revitalised town centre • Urban renewal and regeneration sites, e.g. St. Finans • Strengths to build a sustainable and diversified tourism future • Recreational greenways and looped walks • High quality of life potential with access to Wild Atlantic Way, natural environment, Killarney National Park, Ring of Kerry, Ross Castle, Torc Waterfall, other significant cultural, tourism, recreation and sports assets including access to lakes, forests and mountains Key Infrastructural Requirements i. Strengthened inter-regional connectivity on the N21/N69, N22, N72, connections to N20/M20 and N71 corridors ii. N22 Farranfore-Killarney Realignment by-pass iii. Southern and Eastern Relief Road schemes iv. Provide both for the resident population and extensive influx of visitors, necessary road infrastructure, , car parking and smarter travel opportunities for improved access to the town centre v. Active /smarter travel initiatives through a Local Transport Plan vi. Strengthen ‘steady state’ investment in rail infrastructure to ensure its continued renewal and high level maintenance to provide quality levels of safety, service, accessibility and connectivity vii. Water and wastewater infrastructure Killarney a. To sustainably strengthen the role of Killarney as a strategically located urban centre of significant influence in a sub-regional context, a centre of excellence in tourism, recreation and amenity sectors, to promote its role as a leader in these sectors, in particular training and education, and strengthen its overall multi-sectoral dynamic as a key settlement in the Kerry Hub Knowledge Triangle accessible to regional airport, port, rail and road assets; b. To seek investment to sustainably support its compact growth and regeneration, attributes and infrastructure, including key inter-regional connectivity (transport networks and digital) on the strategic road network between Cork and Limerick- Shannon Metropolitan Areas, the Atlantic Economic Corridor and the Kerry Hub Knowledge Triangle, subject to the outcome of the planning process and environmental assessments; c. To strengthen ‘steady state’ investment in existing rail infrastructure and seek investment for improved infrastructure and services to ensure its continued renewal and maintenance to high level in order to provide quality levels of safety, service, accessibility and connectivity; d. To support infrastructure investment and the regeneration of opportunity sites including the Sara Lee, Aras Phadraig and St Finians; e. To seek investment in infrastructure that provides for both the resident population and extensive influx of visitors; f. To support investment in infrastructure and the development of lands to the north of the existing by-pass in accordance with proper planning and sustainable development objectives including the appropriate master plans in consultation with statutory stakeholders; g. Future growth of the town should be planned for on a phased basis in consultation with the local authority and Irish Water to ensure that sufficient wastewater capacity is accounted for and that further growth avoids negative impacts on the downstream freshwater ecosystem in the National Park (River Deenagh, Lough Leane). RPO 18

4. Page 74

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   Southern Regional Assembly | RSES74 Key Town Mallow Mallow, a strategically located crossroads in Munster, is well-networked regionally on the Cork-Dublin rail line, the N20/M20 Cork to Limerick corridor and N72 Killarney to Dungarvan route, giving access to the M8. The town is a strategic population and employment growth centre providing a range of services and employment opportunities to a large urban and rural hinterland and functions as a driver of growth in North Cork and Region. Mallow is the largest town in North County Cork, with a population of 12,459 and over 3,700 jobs in 2016. The town is strengthening its business and economic profile, ensuring employment-led growth occurs.

5. Page 75

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   Southern Regional Assembly | RSES75 Attributes • Frequency of inter-city rail services to Cork City, Dublin and Tralee and inter-regional connectivity on the strategic road network to Cork and Limerick- Shannon metropolitan areas • Enterprise assets include engineering and food processing, business and technology, logistics and transport. Property and land assets include the Mallow IDA Business and Technology Park, Quarterstown Industrial Estate, Clyda Business park, Dairy-Gold and Kostal • Infrastructure-led phased expansion, such as the North East and North West urban expansion areas • Strong town centre retail function and network of neighbourhood centres • Strong quality of life offer with sports, recreation, and amenities and future opportunities such as Blackwater Amenity Corridor • Tourism and recreation attractions, including Mallow Castle and Town Park, close access to Doneraile Wildlife Park and Mallow Racecourse • Located in the River Blackwater Valley, a special conservation area • Strong health services with Mallow General Hospital, Mt. Alvernia and primary care centre Key Infrastructural Requirements i. Strengthen ‘steady state’ investment in rail infrastructure to ensure its continued renewal and maintenance to high level to provide quality levels of safety, service, accessibility and connectivity and improved the quality and potential for more frequent feeder services between Mallow as a Key Town with Rathmore, Banteer and Millstreet ii. Relieve traffic congestion through relief road (Northern Relief Road) and other transport measures through a Local Transport Plan iii. Critical water and wastewater infrastructure for both phased growth and to protect and enhance the natural heritage of the Blackwater Catchment iv. Flood defence measures which that take account of landscape conservation in the Upper Blackwater Valley v. Recreation amenities including Blackwater Amenity Corridor; vi. Regeneration site initiatives, including Carmichael Lane Car Park, Central Hotel Site, West of Shortcastle Street/North of West End, Corner of Bridge Street, South of West End and Site East of Shortcastle Street and other initiatives vii. Support and improvement of existing health services Mallow a. To sustainably strengthen the employment-led growth and town centre-led regeneration of Mallow as a regional economic driver, leverage its strategic location and accessibility on inter-regional road and rail networks to build upon inherent strengths, in particular food production and tourism potential, while protecting and enhancing the natural environment of the Blackwater Valley; b. Seek investment to support attributes and the sustainable delivery of infrastructure, including enhanced inter-regional connectivity (transport networks and digital) along the strategic road network N20/M20 corridor to the Cork and Limerick-Shannon metropolitan areas and Atlantic Economic Corridor, subject to the outcome of the planning process and environmental assessments; c. To strengthen ‘steady state’ investment in existing rail infrastructure and seek investment for improved infrastructure and services to ensure its continued renewal and maintenance to high level in order to provide quality levels of safety, service, accessibility and connectivity; d. Future growth of the town should be planned for on a phased basis in consultation with the Local Authority and Irish Water to ensure that sufficient wastewater capacity is accounted for and that further growth avoids negative impacts on the nutrient sensitive River Blackwater. RPO 19

6. Page 76

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   Southern Regional Assembly | RSES76 Key Town Nenagh Nenagh has a population of 8,968 (2016) and 3,125 jobs. It is strategically located within the catchment of Limerick City, Shannon Airport and the Foynes Port areas. The town has the potential to develop with Limerick, Shannon and Ennis in a coordinated way that acts as a core economic driver of the Region. Nenagh is located only 80 minutes from Dublin via the M7. The town and its hinterland has potential as a location for a vibrant and diverse enterprise mix, including major research and development functions, tourism, water-based and outdoor recreation, renewable energy and emerging sectors such as agritech, life sciences, financial services and engineering.

7. Page 77

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   Southern Regional Assembly | RSES77 Nenagh a. To support and promote the role of Nenagh as a strategically located urban centre of significant influence in a sub-regional context and driver of county and regional prosperity by harnessing synergies to the Limerick -Shannon MASP, Galway MASP, its proximity to the Atlantic Corridor, its strong urban and economic structure and other competitive advantages; b. To support the delivery of the infrastructural requirements identified for Nenagh subject to the outcome of the planning process and environmental assessments. It is an objective to identify a location for a new centre of excellence for sustainable energy; c. To strengthen ‘steady state’ investment in existing rail infrastructure and seek investment for improved infrastructure and services to ensure its continued renewal and maintenance to high level in order to provide quality levels of safety, service, accessibility and connectivity including improved frequency and journey times. RPO 20 Attributes • Connectivity - situated on the M7 motorway and the Limerick to Ballybrophy railway line • Situated within 40km of educational institutions of UL and LIT • High quality of life, strong retail offering, attractive town centre, vibrant cafe and restaurant offering and housing available at an affordable cost • Renowned centre for sporting tourism • Proximity to Lough Derg and the Silvermines Mountains and tourism-focused settlements, such as Ballina, Killaloe and Dromineer • 48 hectares of Phase 1 serviced land, zoned for employment purposes, including serviced sites in the Lisbunny Industrial Park, the Streame site and the former COTY factory • Gas and high-speed broadband availability • Nenagh General Hospital, providing acute care and services including diagnostics, medicinal, surgical & critical care, and physiotherapy services Infrastructural Requirements i. Delivery of a Local Transport Plan, Nenagh traffic management plan and associated public realm works ii. Strengthen ‘steady state’ investment in rail infrastructure to ensure its continued renewal and maintenance to high level to provide quality levels of safety, service, accessibility and connectivity iii. Upgrade of R498 Nenagh to Thurles Road iv. Provision of a new link road between the N52 and the R445 v. Provision of a new inner relief road from the R498 to the R445 vi. Upgrade of the Limerick to Ballybrophy railway lines vii. Increased commuter rail service on the Nenagh to Limerick commuter line viii. Continued investment and development of the historic core of the town as a key tourism driver and the identification and development of Nenagh as the Gateway to Ireland’s Hidden Heartlands ix. Completion of Nenagh Wastewater Treatment Upgrade

8. Page 78

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   Southern Regional Assembly | RSES78 Key Town Thurles Thurles is located at the centre of the Southern Region, mid-way between Limerick, Cork and Waterford. The town is one of the most connected towns in the Region with motorway and intercity rail connections. Thurles has a strong sporting tradition, modern sporting facilities and is the founding location of the GAA. It has a population of 7,940 (2016) and 3,369 job with a jobs-to-resident’s workers ratio of 1:2. With the 445-hectare site at Lisheen, Thurles will be a significant national economic and employment driver following its designation as one of 6 sites within the EU for piloting the next generation of the bio-economy, including bio-energy and biotechnology. As a result, Thurles will be the focus of associated residential growth and grow in its service and enterprise base. There is also scope for creating greater synergies between Thurles and other Key Towns.

9. Page 79

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   Southern Regional Assembly | RSES79 Attributes • A connected town with excellent road and rain connectivity • The Lisheen/Thurles Centre of Excellence for the bio-economy • An educational hub, with primary, secondary (including two boarding schools), third level colleges - Limerick Institute of Technology and Mary Immaculate College (St. Patrick’s College Campus), the Educational Training Board’s National Apprentice Centre at Archerstown • Potential to provide significant employment growth serving the cities of Dublin, Cork and Limerick given its strategic location • 25.5 hectares Shannon Commercial Properties site at Archerstown • A strong retail centre for the surrounding hinterland area • A sporting capital which is synonymous with hurling Key Infrastructural Requirements i. Upgrade of R498 Nenagh to Thurles Road ii. Provision of the Thurles Relief Road and other transport measures through a Local Transport Plan iii. Strengthen ‘steady state’ investment in rail infrastructure to ensure its continued renewal and maintenance to high level to provide quality levels of safety, service, accessibility and connectivity iv. Development of infrastructure to ensure that the economic potential of the Lisheen/ Thurles Centre of Excellence for the Bio-economy is met v. Investment and infrastructure for the 25.5 hectares Shannon Commercial Properties site at Archerstown vi. Enhancement of Liberty Square vii. Provision of a gas connection to the town viii. Continued investment in higher education on the campuses in the town, including development of the student accommodation ix. Support for delivery of projects submitted under the Urban Regeneration & Development Fund Thurles a. To support and promote the role of Thurles as a strategically located urban centre of significant influence in a sub-regional context and driver of county and regional prosperity by harnessing the employment and economic potential of the town together with Lisheen, Thurles National Bio Economy Hub and the emergence of a new economic model focused on two principal pillars: low carbon growth and resource efficiency, while leveraging its strategic location and accessibility on inter-regional road and rail networks; b. To support and promote the role of Thurles as a centre for international and national standard sporting facilities. This builds on the opportunities and landholdings available to the third level institutions and sporting bodies within the town; c. To support the delivery of the infrastructural requirements identified for Thurles including support for the delivery of projects submitted under the Urban Regeneration and Development Fund subject to the outcome of the planning process and environmental assessments; d. To strengthen ‘steady state’ investment in existing rail infrastructure and seek investment for improved infrastructure and services to ensure its continued renewal and maintenance to high level in order to provide quality levels of safety, service, accessibility and connectivity including improved frequency and journey times; e. Future growth of the town should be planned for on a phased basis in consultation with the local authority and Irish Water to ensure that sufficient wastewater capacity is accounted for and that further growth avoids negative impacts on the nutrient sensitive River Suir. RPO 21

10. Page 80

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    Southern Regional Assembly | RSES80 Key Town Newcastle West The location of Newcastle West on the Shannon Estuary and adjacent North Kerry presents opportunities for future economic development and employment growth. Newcastle West has displayed a strong rate of population growth since 1991 with a 54% increase to 6,619 (2016). Its number of jobs is has also increased, which stands at 2,413 in 2016. There are strong sub-regional interdependencies between Newcastle West, Listowel, Rathkeale and Abbeyfeale, which provides a strategic opportunity for their further collaboration and enhanced economic growth, such as opportunities for joint projects. An example of this is the potential for the Limerick Greenway (Great Southern Trail) to extend to Listowel.

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