Wicklow County Development Plan 2022–2028 – Volume 1 Written Statement

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   Wicklow County Development Plan 2022-2028 Chapter 2 | Development Plan Strategy National Mitigation Plan 2017 This is the first National Mitigation Plan (NMP) and it is an initial step to set Ireland on a pathway to achieve the level of decarbonisation required. This plan provided guidance on how each responsible Government department, incorporates sectoral mitigation measures into the following four sectors:  Decarbonising Electricity Generation,  Energy Efficiency in the Built Environment,  Decarbonising Transport, and  An Approach to Carbon Neutrality for Agriculture, Forest and Land Use Sectors. The mitigation measures set out in the NMP lay the foundations for transitioning Ireland to a low carbon, climate resilient and environmentally sustainable economy by 2050. In support of this, the NMP also includes over 100 individual actions for various Ministers and public bodies to take forward through its implementation. While this was published 19 July 2017, it was quashed by the Supreme Court on 31 July 2020, because the Plan failed to specify the manner in which it was proposed to achieve the “national transition objective,” as required under the 2015 Climate Act. National Adaptation Framework 2018 The National Adaptation Framework (NAF), Ireland’s first statutory framework, sets out a clear pathway for Ireland to become a resilient economy and society, capable of dealing with the complexities and challenges climate change is likely to present. This NAF follows on from and builds on the work already carried out under the National Climate Change Adaptation Framework (2012). The NAF sets out the National Adaptation Strategy which aims to reduce Ireland’s vulnerability to climate change impacts. The critical importance of planning and development measures in the overall strategic approach to adaptation to climate change is recognised and the role of the spatial planning process, with full engagement of key stakeholders, in providing an established means through which to implement and integrate climate change objectives, including adaptation, at local level. The NAF provides a list of sectors that are impacted from climate change, with a lead government department identified as responsible for crafting and implementing a sectoral adaptation plan. The sectors include: Theme Sector Level Natural & Cultural Capital Seafood Agriculture Forestry Biodiversity Built & Archaeological Heritage Critical Infrastructure Transport Infrastructure Electricity and Gas Networks Communications Networks Water Resource & Flood Risk Management Flood Risk Management Water Quality Water Services Infrastructure Public Health Health The majority of these sectors are relevant to this development plan, hence the NAF is a key guide to ensure this County Development Plan integrates climate action into the land use objectives of the plan. Given the development plan’s remit as a land use framework not all sources and impacts can be addressed through the plan objectives. Wicklow County Council has a number of other strategies and initiatives in place that have a broader remit in its approach to climate change mitigation and adaptation.23

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   Wicklow County Development Plan 2022-2028 Chapter 2 | Development Plan Strategy Project Ireland 2040: National Planning Framework (NPF) The National Planning Framework acknowledges that global climate change will have consequences for Ireland to 2040 and beyond. The NPF acknowledges that as an island, it is in our interest to ensure we respond to climate change and its impacts such as sea level change, more frequent and sustained rainfall events and greater vulnerability of low-lying areas to flooding. The NPF recognises that our most densely populated areas are potentially vulnerable if we do not take the appropriate steps in flood risk management and climate change also has significant consequences for food production and biodiversity. It is noted in the NPF that ‘if Ireland is to make up for lost ground in relation to carbon reduction targets and move towards the objectives of a low carbon and climate resilient Ireland by 2050, it is necessary to make choices about how we balance growth with more sustainable approaches to development and land use and to examine how planning policy can help shape national infrastructural decisions’. The NPF also acknowledges that forests play an important role in helping with climate change mitigation, through carbon sequestration in forests and the provision of renewable fuels and raw materials. Forests are a major carbon sink and afforestation is the most significant mitigation option that is available to Ireland’s land use sector. The NPF recognises the role of the planning system in facilitating mitigation of and adaptation to climate change and ensuring that sustainable infrastructure networks build resilience to climate change. The NPF has clearly defined National Strategic Outcomes (NSOs) supporting the objectives of this framework, including NSO 8 ‘Transition to a Low-Carbon and Climate Resilient Society’, NSO 1 ‘Compact Growth’ and NSO 4 ‘Sustainable Mobility’. Under the NPF the Government will support:  Integrating climate considerations into statutory plans and guidelines in order to reduce vulnerability to negative effects and avoid inappropriate forms of development in vulnerable areas;  More energy efficient development through the location of housing and employment along public transport corridors, where people can choose to use less energy intensive public transport, rather than being dependent on the car;  The roll-out of renewables and protection and enhancement of carbon pools such as forests, peatlands and permanent grasslands;  The development of sustainable supply chains in the bio economy;  Grey adaptation which typically involves technical or engineering-oriented responses to climate impacts, such as the construction of sea walls in response to sea-level rise;  Green adaptation which seeks to use ecological properties to enhance the resilience of human and natural systems in the face of climate change, such as creation of green spaces and parks to enable better management of urban micro-climates. Relevant National Policy Objectives relating to Climate Action NPO 54 Reduce our carbon footprint by integrating climate action into the planning system in support of national targets for climate policy mitigation and adaptation objectives, as well as targets for greenhouse gas emissions reductions. NPO 55 Promote renewable energy use and generation at appropriate locations within the built and natural environment to meet national objectives towards achieving a low carbon economy by 2050. NPO 56 Sustainably manage waste generation, invest in different types of waste treatment and support circular economy principles, prioritising prevention, reuse, recycling and recovery, to support a healthy environment, economy and society. NPO 57 Enhance water quality and resource management by:  Ensuring flood risk management informs place-making by avoiding inappropriate24

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   NPPO 58 develo Risk M  Ensuri physic  Integr (SUDS Integrated preparatio opment in ar Management ng the Rive cal planning p ating sustain S), non-porou d planning fo on of statuto reas at risk o Guidelines f r Basin Man process. nable water us surfacing a or Green Infr ory land use p Source: Nation of flooding in for Planning A nagement Pla managemen and green ro rastructure an plans. nal Planning Fra Wicklo Ch n accordance Authorities’. an objective nt solutions, oofs, to creat nd ecosystem amework (2018) ow County De apter 2 | De e with the ‘P s are fully c such as Su e safe places m services wi evelopment evelopment Planning Syst onsidered th ustainable U s. ill be incorpo Plan 2022-20 t Plan Strate tem and Floo hroughout th rban Drainag orated into th 028 egy od he ge he25

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   2.2 Re Th pla pre ap act rec Th cle Th co po on set Th       2.1.4 egional Spat e RSES is a anning and essures and proach taken tion – in par cognising the e RSES is in ean and healt e RSES clear nsider the fo tential: Clim energy tra ttlement patt e RSES ident RSO 6 RSO 7 RSO 8 RSO 9 RSO 10 RSO 11 Regional P tial and Econ strategic pla economic d provides ap n in prepara ticular the n e role of natu itself a Clima thy environm rly states tha ollowing gro ate Action – nsition, carb terns. tifies a numb Integrated Sustainable Build Clima Support th Enhanced G Biodiversity Policy Conte nomic Strate an and inves development ppropriate p tion of the R eed to enha ural capital a ate Action St ment promot at Local Auth owth enable to accelerate bon sequestr ber of Region Transport & e Manageme ate Resilience e Transition Green Infrast y & Natural ext egy (RSES) f stment fram t throughou policy respon RSES is unde nce climate nd ecosystem trategy – aim ing sustainab horities, in d er, in relation e a transition ration and r Figure 2.4 nal Strategic O & Land Use; ent of Water, e; to Low Carb tructure; and Heritage. for the Easte mework to sh t the Regio nses in the erpinned by c resilience an m services in ming to cont ble transport eveloping th n to Climate n to a greene reduced trav RSES – C Outcomes (R , Waste and o bon and Clea d Wicklo Ch ern and Mid hape future g on. It identif form of Re cross-cutting nd to acceler n achieving th ribute to the t and strateg heir core stra e Action, for er, low carbo vel demand Climate Action RSOs) on Clim other Environ n Energy; ow County De apter 2 | De lands Regio growth and fies regional gional Policy g key princip rate a transit his. e acceleration ic green infra ategies and r every part on and clima through the n mate Action: nmental Reso evelopment evelopment on to better m l assets, op y Objectives ples, one of w tion to a low n of climate astructure. settlement h of the Reg ate resilient re e promotion ources; Plan 2022-20 t Plan Strate manage regio portunities a s. The them which is clim w carbon soc action, ensu hierarchies, s ion to meet egion with fo n of sustaina 028 egy onal and atic mate iety re a shall t its ocus able26

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   Wicklow County Development Plan 2022-2028 Chapter 2 | Development Plan Strategy The RSES also states that ‘Local Authorities, in preparing their development plans, are required to include objectives for the promotion of sustainable settlement and transportation strategies in urban and rural areas. This is to include the promotion of measures to reduce energy demand in response to the likelihood of increases in energy and other costs due to long-term decline in non-renewable resources, reduce anthropogenic greenhouse gas emissions and address the necessity of adaptation to climate change’. The RSES includes a number of climate change Regional Policy Objectives (RPOs) that are relevant to land use plans. These cover the areas of Strategic Energy Zones, Wind Energy Guidelines, energy efficient buildings, low energy/ carbon construction materials and electric vehicles. Relevant Regional Policy Objectives relating to Climate Action RPO 3.5 Identification of suitable employment and residential lands and suitable sites for infrastructure should be supported by a quality site selection process that addresses environmental concerns such as landscape, cultural heritage, ensuring the protection of water quality, flood risks and biodiversity as a minimum. RPO 3.6 City and county development plans shall undergo assessment of their impact on carbon reduction targets and shall include measures to monitor and review progress towards carbon reduction targets. RPO 3.7 Local authorities shall have regard to environmental and sustainability considerations for meeting sustainable development targets and climate action commitments, in accordance with the National Adaptation Framework. In order to recognise the potential for impacts on the environment, Local authorities shall address the proper site/route selection of any new development and examine environmental constraints including but not limited to biodiversity, flooding, landscape, cultural heritage, material assets, including the capacity of services to serve any new development. RPO 7.4 Statutory land use plans shall take account of the risk of coastal erosion, whereby new development should be avoided in areas at risk of coastal erosion to the extent practicable. RPO 7.7 To reduce harmful emissions and achieve and maintain good air quality for all urban and rural areas in the Region and to work with Local authorities and the relevant agencies to support local data collection in the development of air quality monitoring and to inform a regional air quality and greenhouse gas emissions inventory. RPO 7.12 Future statutory land use plans shall include Strategic Flood Risk Assessment (SFRA) and seek to avoid inappropriate land use zonings and development in areas at risk of flooding and to integrate sustainable water management solutions (such as SUDS, non-porous surfacing and green roofs) to create safe places in accordance with the Planning System and Flood Risk Assessment Guidelines for Local authorities. RPO 7.14 Local authorities shall take account of and incorporate into the development of local planning policy and decision making the recommendations of the Flood Risk Management Plans (FRMPs), including planned investment measures for managing and reducing flood risk. RPO 7.15 Local authorities shall take opportunities to enhance biodiversity and amenities and to ensure the protection of environmentally sensitive sites and habitats, including where flood risk management measures are planned. RPO 7.28 Work with local authorities and relevant stakeholders, to identify areas of high value agricultural land and to ensure food security in the Region and to promote sustainable farming practices that maintain the quality of the natural environment, protect farm landscapes and support the achievement of climate targets. RPO 7.32 With the assistance and support of the Climate Action Regional Offices, local authorities shall develop, adopt and implement local climate adaptation and mitigation strategies which shall27

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   Wicklow County Development Plan 2022-2028 Chapter 2 | Development Plan Strategy address issues including local vulnerability to climate risks and identify and prioritise actions, in accordance with the guiding principles of the National Adaptation Framework, National Mitigation Plan. RPO 7.33 Climate Action Regional Offices shall provide support to the local authorities on the development, adoption and implementation of local climate action strategies (which can address both adaptation and mitigation). Ongoing support should relate to the specific actions, and obligations and timescales for same that must be undertaken by the Local authorities in accordance with local climate change adaptation strategies and compliance with national policy. RPO 7.34 EMRA supports the National Policy Statement on Bioeconomy (2018) and supports the exploration of opportunities in the circular resource-efficient economy including undertaking a bio-economy feasibility study for the Region to identify the area of potential growth in the Region to inform investment in line with the national transition objective to a low carbon climate resilient economy. RPO 7.35 EMRA shall, in conjunction with Local authorities in the Region, identify Strategic Energy Zones as areas suitable for larger energy generating projects, the role of community and micro energy production in urban and rural settings and the potential for renewable energy within industrial areas. The Strategic Energy Zones for the Region will ensure all environmental constraints are addressed in the analysis. A regional landscape strategy could be developed to support delivery of projects within the Strategic Energy Zones. RPO 7.38 Local authorities shall consider the use of heat mapping to support developments which deliver energy efficiency and the recovery of energy that would otherwise be wasted. A feasibility assessment for district heating in Local Authority areas shall be carried out and statutory planning documents shall identify local waste heat sources. RPO 7.40 Local authorities shall include policies in statutory land use plans to promote high levels of energy conservation, energy efficiency and the use of renewable energy sources in existing buildings, including retro fitting of energy efficiency measures in the existing building stock and energy efficiency in traditional buildings. All new buildings within the Region will be required to achieve the Nearly Zero-Energy Buildings (NZEB) standard in line with the Energy Performance of Buildings Directive (EPBD). RPO 7.42 Local authorities shall include proposals in statutory land use plans to facilitate and encourage an increase in electric vehicle use, including measures for more recharging facilities and prioritisation of parking for EVs in central locations. RPO 7.43 Climate Action Regional Offices and local authorities should consider the identification of critical infrastructure within their functional area, and particularly of the interdependencies between different types of sectoral infrastructure, as a first step in 'future-proofing' services and to help to inform longer-term adaptation planning and investment priorities. RPO 8.7 To promote the use of mobility management and travel plans to bring about behaviour change and more sustainable transport use. RPO 8.23 EMRA supports the protection of the marine related functions of ports in the Region in order to ensure the future role of ports as strategic marine related assets is protected from inappropriate uses, whilst supporting complimentary economic uses including the potential for facilitating offshore renewable energy development at ports.28

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   Wicklow County Development Plan 2022-2028 Chapter 2 | Development Plan Strategy Climate Action Regional Offices (CAROs) In January 2018, the Government established four Climate Action Regional Offices (CAROs) to drive climate action at regional and local level. This recognises the commitment by Local Government to develop and implement its own climate action measures, as well as the need to build capacity within the sector to respond and adapt to climate change. The CAROs are operated by a lead Local Authority in four different regions grouped according to shared climate change risks. Wicklow is within the Eastern and Midlands Climate Action Regional Office. 2.2.1.5 County Wicklow’s Local Climate Change Policy Wicklow’s Climate & Biodiversity Emergency On the 29th April 2019 Wicklow County Council (WCC) declared a Climate and Biodiversity Emergency. This emergency requires action on Adaptation and Mitigation of Climate Change and on Biodiversity. In response to climate change, WCC has adopted the WCC Climate Change Adaptation Strategy which sets out the approach for adaptation to Climate Change and it addresses how WCC as an organisation responds to the impacts of climate change. In addition WCC signed the Climate Action Charter in December 2019 committing WCC to progress, monitor, evaluate and report on 23 specific action items in the Charter. The WCC Climate Change Adaptation Strategy has been drawn up in line with the National Adaptation Framework, the National Mitigation Plan and the Climate Action Plan. WCC has also established a Climate and Biodiversity Special Policy Committee (SPC) and has established a Climate Action Team led by a Climate Action Officer, both of which will play a key role in guiding the implementation of the Climate Change Adaptation Strategy as part of WCC’s response to Climate Change. Wicklow County Council Climate Change Adaptation Strategy (2019) This strategy addresses how Wicklow County Council as an organisation responds to the impacts of Climate Change. It does not look directly at the work being done to prevent or mitigate Climate Change. The Climate Adaptation Strategy aims to:  Make Wicklow a stronger County by reducing impacts of future climate change related events.  Fully consider and mainstream climate adaptation in the day to day delivery of services by WCC.  Actively engage with and inform citizens and communities in Wicklow about the impacts of climate change. Public awareness is key to developing effective climate adaptation measures. The Strategy features a range of actions across the following six themes: 1. Local Adaptation Governance and Business Operations (functions and activities of the local authority) 2. Infrastructure and Built Environment (climate resilient infrastructure) 3. Land use and development (sustainable policies and measures)5 4. Drainage and Flood Management 5. Natural Resources and Cultural Infrastructure (natural capacity to absorb the impacts of climate change) 6. Community Health and Wellbeing (empowering resilient communities) The strategy states that ‘Climate Change will be fully integrated as a concern in all relevant plans and policies that influence planning and development. It will ensure that the County Development Plan and associated plans focus on delivering sustainable communities with climate smart buildings and infrastructure. It will ensure the continuing focus on protecting habitats in the planning system and also recognises their role in protecting against Climate Change 5 Theme 3 on ‘Land use and development’ is relevant to the County Development Plan. The goal is ‘Sustainable policies and measures are devised influencing positive behavioural changes, supporting climate adaptation actions and endorsing approaches for successful transition to low carbon and climate resilient society’.29

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   Wicklow County Development Plan 2022-2028 Chapter 2 | Development Plan Strategy threats’. A number of actions have been identified to fulfil this goal by integrating climate change into the CDP. It is considered that this plan fulfils these goals. Climate Action Charter (2019) Wicklow County Council signed up to the Climate Action Charter in December 2019. This charter includes substantial targets with regard to mitigation of climate change and increasing energy efficiency. Wicklow County Council is currently in the process of drawing up an implementation plan which takes in all the actions from the Climate Action Charter and the Climate Adaptation Strategy. The implementation plan will list all the actions, who is responsible for delivering it and an indication of the time to deliver it. Wicklow County Council Draft Energy Plan / Energy Performance Strategy (2020) Wicklow County Council Housing and Corporate Estate Department are currently working on an Energy Plan / Energy Performance Strategy which seeks to deliver the targets of the Charter with regard to Council’s infrastructure / assets. Upgrading of the public lighting to LED lights is an example of such a project. 2.2.2 Integration of climate considerations into the County Development Plan Climate change action is one of three cross-cutting key principles of this plan. It has been integrated into the County Development Plan in a proactive way with the inclusion of relevant policies and objectives. Strategic policy outcomes, incorporating climate change mitigation and adaptation into land-use planning, supported by land-use policies and objectives that where relevant incorporate objectives that both mitigate against the source of the causes of climate change and adapt to reduce the impacts of climate change. Climate change action informs objectives in relation to all chapters of the plan, including the town and settlement plans and the plan appendices. Given the Development Plan’s remit as a land use framework, not all sources and impacts are addressed in the plan objectives (e.g. impact on insurance costs). The Development Plan’s role in addressing climate change is part of a combined overall effort by Wicklow County Council to fulfil its role in addressing the climate change challenge. Climate change poses a real threat to ecosystems, however these ecosystems including wetlands and woodlands, are important for their role as carbon sinks, water attenuation and flooding protection. As it noted in the RSES, careful land management is needed to ensure that land use changes do not impact on the ability of the natural environment to absorb climate impacts. The Strategic Environmental Assessment and Strategic Flood Risk Assessment also have a key role to play in addressing climate change mitigation and adaptation. The approach taken in crafting this County Development Plan is to identify what are the impacts and sources of climate change, identify the key sectors of the sources of impacts that are relevant to the County Plan as a land use plan and to ensure that these are considered in the crafting of all policies and objectives. In Ireland the NAF and the NMP set the framework for climate change adaptation and mitigation respectfully. The sectors identified by the NAF and the NMP as the source and impacts of climate change in Ireland are diverse and wide ranging. The National Climate Action Plan provides focused actions for each sector, with different government departments and state bodies responsible for the implementation of the relevant actions. Under the provisions of the Climate Action and Low Carbon Development (Amendment) Act 2021, Local Authorities will be required to prepare local Climate Action Plans outlining how they are implementing their adopted Climate Action Adaptation and Mitigation strategies. Building on the NAF and the NMP, the RSES identifies the following five areas where Climate Change Action should be targeted in the region namely Built Environment, Sustainable Transport, Energy and Waste, Flood Resilience and Water, and Green Infrastructure and Eco-system services.30

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   Wicklow County Development Plan 2022-2028 Chapter 2 | Development Plan Strategy In light of above, this County Development Plan will address these sectors in the following manner: In all of its own undertakings / programmes / projects and in its requirements for new developments with respect to addressing Climate Action, Wicklow County Council shall implement the principles of ‘Just Transition’, which extends from the principle of climate justice and is enshrined in the Preamble of the 2015 Paris Agreement. In order to secure a ‘Just Transition’ and climate justice in line with the Sustainable Development Goals, public participation and inclusion of those furthest behind in the decisions made about them is key. Wicklow County Council will ensure that local / regional areas and individuals least able to mitigate and adapt to climate change will not bear the burden of the transition to a zero carbon economy and that decisions made in relation to the development of County Wicklow will be carried out in accordance with ‘just transition’ principles. Built Environment  Delivery of sustainable settlement patterns, with a focus on compact growth.  Regeneration of town and village centres, with the prioritising of the development of underutilised and brownfield sites.  Promotion of environmentally sustainable development in terms of location, layout, design and energy and water usage. Sustainable Transport Provide policy, objectives and standards that promote and facilitate a sustainable approach to transportation with strategies and objectives in place to facilitate the necessary actions, including:  reduction in the need to use motorised vehicles, increased opportunities for walking and cycling  reduction in journey length and times, reduction in congestion  higher intensity of use of public transport  development and increased usage of alternative vehicle fuel sources, such as electricity, hydrogen and biofuels Energy & Waste  Provide policy, objectives and standards that promote and facilitate the development of alternative and renewable sources of electricity to meet the electricity demand with policy and objectives for reduction in electricity use, wind energy, solar energy, hydro energy, bioenergy and small scale renewable electricity generation.  Support the development of enabling infrastructure, especially at the ports/harbours, for the off-shore wind energy sector.  Support waste prevention, minimisation, reuse and recycling.  Promote and support the circular economy and the ‘just transition’ to clean energy. Flood resilience & water  Efficient and sustainable use and development of water resources and water services infrastructure.  Conservation and enhancement of water resources including sea, rivers, lakes and groundwater.  Effective and environmentally sound management of waste water.  Reduction and management of flood risk.  To build resilience to increased risks of extreme weather events, changes in sea level and patterns of coastal erosion to protect property, critical infrastructure and food security. Natural Heritage & Green Infrastructure  To conserve and enhance biodiversity, protected habitats and species.  To identify, protect and enhance Green Infrastructure and ecosystem services and promote the sustainable management of strategic natural assets such as coastlines, farmlands, peatlands, uplands woodlands and wetlands.  Promote and facilitate an environmentally sustainable approach to practicing agriculture and forestry.31

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    Wicklow County Development Plan 2022-2028 Chapter 2 | Development Plan Strategy 2.3 Economic Opportunity This section sets out the principles regarding the sustainable development of Wicklow’s economy that are relevant to and implementable through a land-use plan, that will be considered and integrated where feasible into this County Development Plan. The land-use objectives of this plan aim to support the strategies of the Wicklow Local Economic and Community Plan and the Wicklow Local Enterprise Office, which have a wider remit than the County Development Plan in the area of economic development. 2.3.1 Economic Opportunity – Strategic Context 2.3.1.1 Project Ireland 2040: National Planning Framework Economic opportunity, enterprise development and employment growth form a significant element of the National Planning Framework. Two of the National Strategic Outcomes (NSOs) are directly relevant to economic opportunity: NSO 3 ‘Strengthened Rural Economies and Communities’ and NSO 6 'A Strong Economy Supported by Enterprise, Innovation and Skills'. NSO 3 advocates that the Rural Regeneration and Development Fund create a virtuous cycle of progressive planning for investment in and economic diversification of our rural towns and villages, re-purposing them to meet the challenges of the future. NSO 5 indicates that a competitive, innovative and resilient regional enterprise base is essential to provide the jobs and employment opportunities for people to live and prosper in the regions. This can be achieved by building regional economic drivers and supporting opportunities to diversify and strengthen the rural economy, to leverage the potential of places. It is recognised that delivering this outcome will require the coordination of growth and placemaking with investment in world class infrastructure, including digital connectivity, and in skills and talent to support economic competitiveness and enterprise growth. The NPF identifies three elements required to achieve full sustainable employment: supporting entrepreneurialism and building competitive clusters, sustaining talent and boosting human capital in all regions, and digital and data innovation. With regard to the latter, the NPF notes that Ireland is very attractive in terms of international digital connectivity, climatic factors and current and future renewable energy sources for the development of international digital infrastructures, such as data centres. This creates added benefits in relation to establishing a threshold of demand for sustained development of renewable energy sources. There is also greater scope to recycle waste heat from data centres for productive use, which may be off site. The NPF states that the pattern of urban growth targeted is population and employment led, recognising that firms and enterprise development are drawn to urban locations by market forces such as agglomeration, migration and specialisation that depend on factors such as scale, accessibility, innovation, supported by higher education institutions and quality of life. The NPF recognises that placemaking is critical to economic prosperity as globalisation continues to have a concentrating effect. The NPF explains that many sectors, but in particular those related to the information economy and knowledge development, tend to be very place specific. Highly skilled individuals are attracted together, as firms agglomerate in the larger, denser skilled labour markets found in urban areas. The attractiveness of places to highly skilled potential employees and the availability of a steady stream of local talent and innovation associated with third level research institutions are recognised as important factors.32

Source Wicklow County Council: Wicklow County Development Plan 2022–2028 – Volume 1 Written Statement (2022–2028) · 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.