Description
South West Regional Authority Regional Planning Guidelines 2010-2022
3
Chapter Title Page
Executive Summary 5
1 Context 9
2 Vision for the Region and Overall
Development Strategy 25
3 Economic Development Strategy 31
4 Settlement Strategy, Population
and Housing 43
5 Transport and Infrastructure Strategy 59
6 Environment and Amenity Strategy 75
7 Implementation and Monitoring Strategy 87
Appendices 95
LIST OF FIGURES
1. Regional Context Map
2. NSS Diagram
3. CASP Update Diagram
4. Population Change 2002-06 Map
5. Spatial Development Strategy Diagram
6. Forfás 2009 Regional Competitiveness Agenda
7. Gateways And Hubs Zones
of Influence Diagram
8. Employment Distribution Map
9. Settlement Strategy Diagram
10. Transport And Infrastructure Diagram
11. Environment And Amenities Map
LIST OF APPENDICES
Appendix 1: Population Targets
Appendix 2: Alternative Scenarios
Members of the South West Regional Authority
Cllr. Sean Martin
Cllr. J im Corr
Cllr. Denis O’Flynn
Cllr. Thomas Gould
Cllr. J ohn Kelleher
Cllr. Dara Murphy
Cllr. Mary Shields
Cllr. J ohn Brassil
Cllr. Seamus Cosaí Fitzgerald
Cllr. Pat Leahy
Cllr. Bobby Connell
Cllr. Michael O’Shea
Cllr. Liam Purtill
Cllr. Arthur J . Spring
Cllr. Paul O’Donoghue
Cllr. Kevin Murphy
Cllr. Noel Harrington
Cllr. Dermot Sheehan
Cllr. Tim Lombard
Cllr. Mary Hegarty
Cllr. Declan Hurley
Cllr. Dan Fleming
Cllr. Kevin O’Keeffe
Cllr. J ohn Mulvihill
RPG COMMITTEES
Steering Committee
Councillor Noel Harrington, Cathaoirleach 2009-2010
Councillor J im Corr Cathaoirleach 2008-2009
Ms. Ann Bogan, Senior Planner, Cork City Council
Mr. Tom Curran, Kerry County Manager
Mr. Martin Doyle, Regional Manager Enterprise Ireland
Mr. Andrew Hind, Senior Planner, Cork County Council
Ms. Aileen Hurley, Executive Planner, Cork County Council
Mr. J oe Gavin, Cork City Manager
Mr. Dan Looney, CASP Coordinator
Mr. J ohn Martin, Principal Planning Advisor DoEHLG
Councillor Sean Martin, South West Regional Authority
Mr. J ohn McAleer, Director South West Regional Authority
Councillor Kevin Murphy, South West Regional authority
Mr. Ed O’Callaghan, Department of Transport
Mr. Ray O’Connor, Regional Manager, IDA Ireland
Councillor Paul O’Donoghue, South West Regional Authority
Mr. Ross Palmer, Senior Executive Planner, Cork County Council
Mr. Martin Riordan Cork County Manager
Mr. Tom Sheehy, Senior Engineer, Kerry County Council
Technical Committee
Ms. Ann Bogan, Senior Planner, Cork City Council
Ms. Eileen Crowley, Project Executive Planning,
South West Regional Authority
Mr. Andrew Hind, Senior Planner, Cork County Council.
Ms. Aileen Hurley, Executive Planner
South West Regional Authority
Mr. Tom Sheehy, Senior Engineer, Kerry County Council
Mr. J ohn McAleer, Director South West Regional Authority
Mr. Dan Looney, CASP Coordinator
Mr. Ross Palmer, Senior Executive Planner, Cork County Council
Administrative Supports
Mr. Eoghan Allen, Senior Projects Manager,
South West Regional Authority
Ms. Lisa Deane, Accounts Officer,
South West Regional Authority
Report Drafting
Ms. Aileen Hurley, Executive Planner, Cork County Council
Mr. Ross Palmer, Senior Executive Planner, Cork County Council
Mr. J ohn McAleer, Director,
South West Regional Authority
SEA Team
Ms Lorraine Kennedy, Senior Executive Planner,
Cork County Council
Mr Eoin Kelleher, Executive Planner, Kerry County Council
Mr Bryan Riney, Executive Planner, Cork County Council
Mapping Graphics
Sinisa Vukicevic, GIS and Planning Consultant
Irish Translation
Bard na nGleann Teo, Béal Átha'n Ghaorthaidh,
Contae Chorcaigh
Index
In accordance with the Planning and Development Act,
2000, the South West Regional Authority adopted and
published Regional Planning Guidelines in 2004.
Legislation requires that the Guidelines are reviewed by
the authority within six years. This review covers the next
strategic planning period from 2010 to 2022 and will again
be reviewed in 2016.The review builds on policies adopted
in 2004 and retains a strong focus on the realisation of the
National Spatial Strategy.
The Regional Planning Guidelines (RPGs) formulate public
policy for the region, covering Cork and Kerry, integrating
land-use, transport, economic growth and investment, to
enable the region to continue to grow as a sustainable high
quality location for investment and one in which to live,
work and visit.
The RPGs set out a series of recommendations to local
authorities, which are clearly linked to and support national
investment priorities and are designed to strengthen
integrated approaches to policy making and planning at
local level, in line with regional and national planning
frameworks.
Sustainable growth is a key theme of the Guidelines,
relating to the development and strengthening of the
regional economy; the quantum and location of future
housing; environmental improvement and sustainable
living with a high level of service integration, all within the
context of heightened protection of the region’s
biodiversity.
Delivery of these many aims requires a coordinated and
increasingly integrated approach by the three principal
local authorities(Cork City Council, Cork County Council
and Kerry County Council) together with a range of
government departments and state agencies among which
are the Department of the Environment, Heritage & Local
Government, the Department of Transport, the Department
of Education & Science, the Department of Enterprise,
Trade and Innovation, the Department of Communications,
Energy & Natural Resources and the Department of
Community, Equality & Gaeltacht Affairs, The Department
of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food, Forfás, Enterprise
Ireland and IDA Ireland.
Forfás made very significant inputs to the preparation of
the Regional Economic Strategy contained in Chapter 3 of
this document and this has resulted in a closer integration
of physical planning and economic development policies,
to allow the South West to continue to retain and attract
international business investment and importantly to foster
growth in the indigenous sectors.
4
Preface
5
The South West Regional Authority is the statutory
authority for the South West Region of Ireland, covering
Cork City and County and County Kerry. The Planning and
Development Act, 2000 requires Regional Authorities to
make Regional Planning Guidelines in respect of their
region and to review the Guidelines at intervals not
exceeding six years.
The Regional Planning Guidelines (RPGs) is a strategic
policy document designed to steer the future growth of the
region over the medium to long term and works to
implement the strategic planning frameworks set out in
the National Spatial Strategy (NSS) published in 2002 and
National Development Plan 2007-2013. The RPG sets out
high level strategies, in line with the NSS and promotes the
overall sustainability and growth of the region. The RPG
policies inform and advise the Local Authorities in the
preparation and review of their respective Development
Plans, thus providing clear integrated linkages from
national to local levels, in terms of planning and
development policy.
The first RPGs for the South West Region were adopted in
2004 and set out a strategic framework for planning and
development for the region up to 2016. This RPG review
updates the 2004 document and looks forward to 2022.
The RPG is due to be again reviewed in 2016.
The following summarises the various chapter in the
guidelines.
Chapter 1 sets out the planning context at national and
regional levels for the preparation of the RPGs. It examines
the delivery to date of the 2004 Guidelines in terms of
population, housing growth, economic activity, public
transport, roads investment, port and airports, water
supply, waste water treatment, waste management,
natural heritage and environment, built and cultural
heritage, open space and recreation, rural development
and social inclusion.
Priorities for the 2010 RPGs are discussed identifying
economic growth, linking of land use and public transport
investment; the requirement for investment in water
services, energy, broadband and flood and environmental
protection.
The Chapter ends with a summary of key development
issues facing the region today and a definition of what is
meant by sustainable planning and the role of Strategic
Environmental Assessment (SEA) and Habitats Directive
Assessment (HAD) in the regional planning process.
Chapter 2 sets out the regional vision statement as
follows:
“The broad vision for the south west region is to maintain
and develop a sustainable and competitive economy,
optimise the quality of life of its residents and visitors,
protect and enhance its unique environment, culture and
heritage.
By 2022, the South West Region will be realising its
economic potential and providing a high quality of life for
its people by meeting their employment and housing,
educational and social needs in sustainable communities.
At the same time it will reduce its impact on climate
change and the environment, including savings in energy
and water use and by strengthening the environmental
quality of the Region.”
The delivery of this vision is set out in the Overall
Development Strategy for the Region.
For the purposes of the RPG, the region is divided into four
main planning areas:
• Greater Cork Area (comprising the Cork
Metropolitan Area or Gateway and the Ring Towns
and Rural Area in the CASP area);
• Tralee/ Killarney Linked Hub area surrounding the
functional planning area of the County Kerry hub
towns;
• Northern Area- a combination of the northern parts
of County Kerry and County Cork, which exhibit
similar characteristics, and
• Western Area – a combination of the peninsulas of
County’s Kerry and Cork. The vision is also
implemented through the relevant broad chapters
Executive Summary
dealing with the economy, settlements, transport
and infrastructure and the environment.
Chapter 3 is the Regional Economic Strategy, which sets
out an overarching policy for future economic development
in the region. The chapter identifies region strengths,
weaknesses and opportunities for development and
provides policies and objectives to steer economic growth
up to 2022. This chapter was closely informed by the work
of Forfás in the preparation of the Regional
Competitiveness Agenda, for the South West, as well as by
national strategies such as ‘Building Ireland’s Smart
Economy’ and ‘A Framework for Sustainable Economic
Renewal”.
The Chapter also gives guidance to local authorities on the
quantum and type of employment expected in the region
and the possible sustainable locations for further growth
within strategic employment locations located in the
Gateway, Hubs and main towns in the region.
Chapter 4 describes the Settlement Strategy for the
region, having examined the pattern of past growth and
housing trends. The chapter sets out the population and
housing targets for each planning area in the region, to be
incorporated by local authorities into their Development
Plans through the Core Settlement Strategy.
The Chapter also identifies the numbers of households and
calculates that an additional 91,857 housing units will be
required, primarily in the Cork Gateway and regional hubs
at Mallow and Tralee/ Killarney to accommodate the
projected regional population of 795,000 persons in 2022.
This guidance will assist local authorities in allocating land
for residential development and other uses in their
respective local development plans.
The Chapter also identifies the amount of land required for
residential development by 2016 and 2022 so that local
authorities can carry out detailed land availability studies
on zoned land to identify adequacy of land in each area.
These studies will result in more reliable information on
zoning land and ultimately lead to a more sustainable
zoning pattern in the region in the future. Presently, as a
region, there is an oversupply of zoned residential land for
the 2016 plan period and local authorities are urged to
identify areas where land supply can be managed more
efficiently.
General policies and specific objectives are framed to
guide local authorities in the identification and
implementation of their own core settlement strategies in
their Development Plans. In particular, there is guidance on
the development of both urban and rural areas, supported
by the provisions of the Guidelines on Sustainable Urban
Areas and the Sustainable Rural Development Guidelines.
Chapter 5 sets out the key physical infrastructure needs
for the region to ensure the sustainable delivery of the
settlement and the economic strategy, providing an
integrated framework for future of land use and national
investment in infrastructure. The chapter also endorses
the Smarter Travel national guidance and provides targets
for modal shift in the region up to 2022. Important priority
investments for transportation (public transport, roads,
airports, ports, cycling and walking); Water, Waste Water
and Surface Water Treatment; Energy & Communications;
and Waste Management are identified.
Chapter 6 examines the landscape, environment and
heritage of the South West region, its characteristics,
assets, issues and opportunities. The region’s landscape is
recognised as one of the most valuable in the country. The
need for a common approach to landscape assessment is
demonstrated as is a more consistent approach to the
management of landscape policies within the region. The
Chapter also recognises that there are a number of
important natural heritage designations of international
significance. All local authorities will need to ensure that
development proposals in their areas do not conflict with
these designated areas under the requirements of the
Natura 2000 and Bio-diversity Plans.
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7
New legislation under the Water Framework Directive,
requires more efficient management of waters under the
jurisdiction of local authorities, who are encouraged to
implement River Management Plans. Equally important in
this chapter is the requirement for local authorities to
manage the flood risk in their areas. It is a requirement for
local authorities to implement the Flood Risk Management
Guidelines, issued by the Department of Environment,
Heritage and Local Government. A requirement also exists
for local authorities to identify possible areas of urban and
rural poverty and social deprivation, potential for
regeneration and to recognise the special needs of
vulnerable and marginalised communities.
Chapter 7 describes the legal context of the RPGs and
how they will be implemented over the six year period. It
highlights the role of the RPGs prioritising investments in
the south west and outlines the framework for ongoing
monitoring of RPG delivery using a series of indicators and
update reports.
Separate processes of Strategic Environmental
Assessment (SEA) and Habitats Directive Assessment
(HDA) have been carried out as an integral part of the
review and preparation of the Regional Planning
Guidelines.
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Chapter 1: Context
1.1 The role and function of the regional
planning guidelines
1.1.1. Under the Planning and Development Act 2000,
and subsequent regulations Regional Authorities are
required to prepare Regional Planning Guidelines and to
review them on a six yearly cycle. The aim of Regional
Planning Guidelines is to provide a statutory based long
term regional strategic planning framework, which reflects
national spatial planning policy and informs the
development policies of local authorities within the region.
1.1.2. The first set of Regional Planning Guidelines for the
South West Region was published in 2004 and is currently
being reviewed. This review covers the period from 2010
to 2022 and will be due for a mid term review in 2016.
1.2 National Context of the South
West Region
1.2.1. The South West Region of Ireland, comprising Cork
City and the Counties of Cork and Kerry has an area of
approximately 12,100 sq. kilometres. The 2006 census
records the regional population as 621,130 persons. Cork
City is the second largest city in the State and the Greater
Cork Area (CASP area), with a population in 2006 of
377,596, is one of the most dynamic areas of modern
Ireland in terms of education, research and development,
internationally traded services and high-technology
manufacturing. The region is the European Headquarters
for many multinational corporations in the electronics,
software, food pharmaceutical, bio-pharma and
associated sectors.
Figure 1: South West Region in national context
1.2.2. In terms of the overall national economy, the South
West is a key player. This is based on high value
manufacturing and other traded sectors, third level
educational and research and also on the region’s high
quality scenic environment and rich culture and heritage,
together with good national and international connectivity.
This also makes Cork and Kerry the prime location for
regional tourism in Ireland.
1.2.3. The aim of the Regional Planning Guidelines is to
set out an overall strategic and sustainable approach to
the future development of the region, its population and
economic development, from the perspective of improving
this region and the overall country as a location with the
highest quality of life and an excellent location in which to
live, work and visit.
1.2.4. Since the publication of the 2004 Guidelines a
number of significant new policies and guidelines have
been published which have influenced the formulation and
direction of these reviewed Guidelines.
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Chapter 1: Context
11
Draft Planning and Development Bill 2009
1.2.5. The draft Planning and Development Bill 2009 has
significant implications for the role of the regional planning
guidelines in framing the content of City and County
Development Plans. The Bill stipulates that, in the future,
Development Plans must contain a core strategy which
shows how Development Plans and Housing Strategies are
consistent with the Regional Planning Guidelines and the
National Spatial Strategy. Development Plans’ Core
Strategies must take account of national/ regional targets,
urban settlement hierarchies and provide a policy
framework for land use zoning at local level as well as
other policy matters.
1.2.6. In this regard it is essential that this review of the
regional planning guidelines for the South West region
clearly set out national and regional planning policies and
objectives as well as the population targets for the region
in accordance with Ministerial directives and guidance.
The RPGs aim is to establish a framework for the local
level plans containing objectives and targets which are
transparent and unambiguous for the purposes of
preparing future core strategies.
1.2.7. Population targets for the region are set out in the
Settlement Strategy in Chapter 4 of this volume. These
targets have been further broken down into figures for
Cork City, County and Kerry County. Significantly, specific
targets are given for the Cork Gateway and Hub Towns of
Tralee-Killarney and Mallow as well as the remainder of
the regions planning areas.
1.2.8. Throughout the document there are policies and
objectives outlining the planning strategy for the region.
These are identified in objective boxes in each chapter.
These objectives and population /housing targets should
form the central tenets of the future core strategies of the
Development Plans in the region.
National Development Plan 2007 – 2013
1.2.9. The 2007-2013 National Development Plan (NDP)
sets out a roadmap for Ireland until 2013 and envisages
that Ireland will undergo a transformation in its economic
and social composition with increased emphasis on high
value added activities and industries. The Plan addresses
infrastructural bottlenecks, improving skills and education,
creating and sustaining high value economic
opportunities. The goal of the National Development Plan is
to integrate strategic development frameworks for regional
development, for rural communities, for all-island co-
operation, and for protection of the environment with
common economic and social goals. Funding for projects
will be almost entirely sourced from national resources. It
is noted however that since the NDP was developed, the
international and national fiscal situation has altered
dramatically and it is envisaged that this will impact on the
level of available funding for the projects, impacting on
prioritisation and timing of delivery.
1.2.10. The Plan sets out a strong framework for the
promotion of regional development with a particular focus
on investment in the National Spatial Strategy (NSS)
Gateway centres. Strong urban centres are strategic to
regional growth and development, employment and wealth
and quality of life in each of the Irish regions.
1.2.11. The key to sustainable regional development will
be the efficient and timely targeting of NDP investment,
especially in infrastructure. The Regional Planning
Guidelines identify investment priorities in line with the
vision for the South West, as set out in the National Spatial
Strategy.
The National Spatial Strategy
1.2.12. The National Spatial Strategy (NSS 2002) is a 20
year planning framework designed to deliver more
balanced social, economic and physical development
between regions. The Department of the Environment,
Heritage and Local Government (DEHLG) is undertaking an
NSS Update and Outlook comprising a detailed analysis of
NSS implementation to date and ongoing challenges,
effectiveness of planning and delivery mechanisms at
central, regional and local levels and identification of
critical investments necessary to grow the Gateways’ and
regions’ economic performance and competitiveness. In
view of the current challenges facing Ireland and planning
for the medium to long term, the update and outlook
focuses on how the NSS can contribute to economic
renewal and competitiveness through:
• enhanced prioritisation of infrastructure
investment
• strengthening governance
arrangements in Gateways and
• improved integration of environmental
considerations within the planning
process.
1.2.13. Key concepts from the NSS are:
• that each area should develop to its full
potential through the use of its various
natural, economic and social resources;
• that critical mass plays a key role in
economic and social development. In
effect, that size and density of
population enable a location to enhance
its services, economic activity and
consequently, quality of life;
• and, those linkages supported by highly
efficient public transport and modern
Information and Communications
Technologies (ICTs) are critical in
enabling areas of the region to develop
to their full potential.
Transport 21
1.2.14. Transport 21 (2006-2015) forms part of the NDP
and comprises an investment programme for the
development of the national road network, public transport
and airports. It aims to expand capacity, increase public
12
Figure 2: National Spatial Strategy: South West Region
13
transport use, increase accessibility and integration,
enhance quality and ensure sustainability.
1.2.15. Major infrastructure to be delivered under
Transport 21 includes the completion of the Major Inter-
urban network and the remaining stages of the Cork
Suburban Rail Network, improvement within the Bus fleet
as well as investments at the Regional Airports. Future
Transport 21 priorities will include the completion of the
Atlantic Road Corridor, as well as other key national
primary routes and the targeted improvement of certain
national secondary routes’.
Smarter Travel
1.2.16. Smarter Travel (Department of Transport, 2009)
is a policy document which sets out a broad vision for the
future and establishes objectives and targets for
transportation. The document examines past trends in
population and economic growth and transportation and
concludes that these trends are unsustainable into the
future. The main objectives are to reduce dependency on
car travel and long distance commuting, increase public
transport modal share and encourage walking and cycling,
in line with national policies such as the National Cycle
Policy Framework.
1.2.17. The aim is that by 2020 future population and
economic growth will have to predominantly take place in
sustainable compact urban and rural areas which
discourage dispersed development and long commuting.
The document sets out ambitious targets which involve a
complete turnaround on current trends. It is envisaged that
these targets will be achieved though a number of key
actions which can be grouped into four main areas:
• Actions to reduce travel by private car and
encourage smarter travel
• Actions to provide alternatives to the
private car
• Actions aimed at improving fuel efficiency
• Actions aimed at strengthening institutional
arrangements to deliver the targets.
The National Climate Change Strategy
1.2.18. Under the Kyoto Agreement Ireland is legally
bound to reduce its greenhouse gas emissions to protect
the environment. The National Climate Change Strategy
2007-12 sets out a programme of actions for achieving
this reduction. The main focus is on reducing transport
emissions, encouraging renewable energy sources,
changes in agricultural practices and changes in waste
disposal policies and plans. The strategy both feeds into
and is reinforced by other national level policies including
Smarter Travel, the National Energy Efficiency Plan, the
NDP and the National Energy Policy.
The Atlantic Gateways Initiative
1.2.19. This is a Government initiative aimed at
improving linkages and cooperation between the
‘Gateway’ cities of Galway, Limerick, Cork and Waterford,
and together with the intervening Hubs of Mallow and
Ennis, and nearby Hub of Tralee/Killarney developing an
economic zone with the critical mass of population,
educational facilities, employment opportunities and
recreational facilities, capable of achieving greater
sustainability than the Greater Dublin Region and
promoting location choice and appropriate balance in the
delivery of jobs, services and opportunities.
National Energy Policy
1.2.20. The National Energy Efficiency Action Plan
2009–2020 sets out a strategy to reduce Ireland’s
dependence on imported fossil fuels, improve energy
efficiency across a number of sectors and ensure a
sustainable energy future. Improving our energy efficiency
is a key step in a sustainable energy policy. Energy
efficiency is internationally recognised as the most cost-
effective means of reducing dependence on fossil fuels.
The Government’s energy policy framework for the period
2007–2020 incorporates this goal at its heart and is
designed to steer Ireland towards a new and sustainable
energy future; one that helps to increase security of
supply, makes energy more affordable, improves national
competitiveness and reduces our greenhouse gas
emissions.
1.2.21. Other key policy documents which have informed
Guidelines policy on energy are the South West Regional
Bioenergy Strategy (South West Regional Authority 2009),
Eirgrid 25 (2008) dealing with the national network and the
National Wind Energy Development Guidelines (2006)
published by the DEHLG.
National Sustainable Development Strategy
1.2.22. The DEHLG is currently preparing a renewed
National Sustainable Development Strategy which is
intended to replace the first strategy Sustainable
Development – A Strategy for Ireland (1997) and Making
Ireland’s Development Sustainable (2002).
1.2.23. The principal goals and policies defined in the
Document “Sustainable Development – A strategy for
Ireland”will continue to inform the development of policies
in the area of environmental protection and sustainable
development into the future.
Strategic Assessments
1.2.24. The Regional Planning Guidelines are subject to
Strategic Environmental Assessment, Habitats Directive
Assessment and Flood Risk Assessment. Full
consideration has been given to the incorporation of these
assessments into the process of developing the
Guidelines, details of which are set out in the Appendices.
Other Government Guidelines
1.2.25. The Regional Planning Guidelines are obliged to
have regard to government guidelines in setting out a
framework for the development of the region. These
guidelines include the following:
• Landscape and Landscape Assessment
• Retail Planning Guidelines
• The Provision of Schools and the
Planning System
• Strategic Environmental Assessment
Guidelines
• Sustainable Rural Housing Guidelines
• The Planning System and Flood Risk
Management Guidelines
• Sustainable Residential Development in
Urban Areas
• Appropriate Assessment of Plans and
Projects in Ireland – Guidance for
Planning Authorities.
Local Development Plans
City and County Development Plans
1.2.26. The Regional Planning Guidelines are intended to
form strategic guidance documents for the future of the
South West Region. The Guidelines are intended to inform
the future reviews of the city and county development and
local level plans in Cork and Kerry. All three authorities
have recently published new county/city development
plans, 2009 -2015. These documents have also informed
elements of this review of the regional planning guidelines.
Other Strategic Plans
1.2.27. The Cork Area Strategic Plan (CASP) 2001 - 2020
is a joint strategic planning initiative by the local
authorities and other transport and infrastructural
providers in the Cork Area. CASP was updated in 2008 and
these guidelines have taken account of its conclusions.
1.2.28. At sub-regional level a number of other important
strategic documents have been produced such as the
North and West Cork Strategic Plan. The Tralee and
Killarney Hub area is covered by the Kerry Hub Strategy
and Kerry Hub Settlements Plan. These documents have
acted as inputs in the overall consideration of the RPG
Review.
Other Plans
1.2.29. Other influential documents include the Regional
Tourism Development Plan 2008-20 (Fáilte Ireland South
West), the City and County Development Board Strategies,
the draft River Basin Management Plans, Housing
Strategies, Retail Strategies, Heritage Plans, Biodiversity
Plans and Waste Management Plans.
14
15
1.3 The Regional Profile
1.3.1. Physical, social and economic profile
The South West of Ireland is characterised by its broad
diversity of social, cultural, economic, physical and
environmental assets. The region, comprises the
‘Gateway’, which is defined as Cork City and the
Metropolitan Area in County Cork, and includes the ‘Hub’
towns of Mallow in County Cork and Killarney/Tralee ‘Hub’
in County Kerry. Its inhabitants enjoy an attractive choice
of places to live and work ranging from modern urban
settings to smaller rural towns & villages or isolated farms
in mountain areas and islands.
1.3.2. The region has an established reputation as an
attractive area, with a highly developed, modern, high-
technology-based economy and excellent 3rd and 4th
level education and research opportunities, supported by a
high-quality environment, where its residents and visitors
enjoy an attractive city and towns, beautiful landscapes
and a unique depth of cultural heritage. The past decade
has witnessed sustained investment in new roads, new
and refurbished railways, water services, telecommunications
and related infrastructure.
Population Growth
1.3.3. With 621,130 persons recorded in the 2006
Census, the region has the second largest population in
the state after Dublin. Table 2.1 below illustrates the
population changes experienced throughout the South
West Region during the period 2002 – 2006. Whilst overall
population growth for the region was strong in recent
years at 7.03%, this rate of growth was less than the
average for the state (8.24%) for the same period. In fact,
the South West Region has performed consistently below
national population growth rates (e.g. 86% of the national
rate in the period 1991-06).
1.3.4. At a sub-regional level the region experienced
variations in population growth over the 2002-2006. The
Greater Cork Area (C.A.S.P. area) as a whole recorded
Figure 3: Cork Area Strategic Plan (CASP) Update 2008
population growth broadly in line with the National average
at just over 8%. However, within that area there were wide
disparities. The population of Cork City fell by just under
3% whilst the surrounding Metropolitan area recorded a
relatively high rate of growth within the region at over
14%. Therefore the Gateway as a whole grew at a rate of
11.1% over the intercensal period.
1.3.5. In 2002, almost 74% of the population in the
Greater Cork Area lived in the Gateway, while by 2006, the
percentage of population located in Gateway had fallen to
71%, showing that there was proportionally more growth
in the CASP Ring Area than the Gateway. Although starting
from a relatively small population base, the hub town of
Mallow recorded the third fastest growth of all the hubs
with population growth of over 14%. The remaining ring
towns and rural areas in the Greater Cork Area also grew
strongly at over 14%. Although not shown in table 1.1, it
is of concern that the villages and rural areas within CASP
Ring area of the Greater Cork Area recorded a higher
growth rate than the urban areas.
1.3.6. As a consequence, high rates of development in
the villages and rural areas in the CASP Ring area have
16
Table 1.1 Population Change 2002- 2006
Planning Area 2002 2006 Growth Percent
Cork City 123,062 119,418 -3,644 -3.0
County Metropolitan 134,293 153,123 18,830 14.0
Cork Gateway 257,355 272,541 15,186 6
CASP Ring (excl Mallow) 83,096 94,814 11,718 14.1
Mallow Hub Town 8,937 10,241 1,304 14.6
Greater Cork Area 349,388 377,596 28,208 8.1
Tralee Killarney Hub 34,624 36,683 2,059 5.9
Villages and Rural 32,920 35,933 3,013 9.2
Total Linked Hub Area 67,544 72,616 5,072 7.5
Total Northern Area 77,959 81,459 3,500 4.5
Total Western Area 85,465 89,459 3,994 4.7
Total SW Region 580,356 621,130 40,774 7.0
17
contributed to unnecessarily low growth rates for the
Gateway (mainly the City), thereby resulting in excessive
car-based commuting in order to access employment,
shops and other services.
1.3.7. This trend, if allowed to continue, represents a
significant weakening of the urban structure of the Cork
Gateway, itself the urban-core on which the South West
Region depends. If not corrected, this trend may cause a
weakening in the attractiveness of the Gateway to inward
investment in future jobs and services. In part, the problem
is related to the long lead times for strategic Gateway
infrastructure which have prevented key areas, such as
the Cork Docklands, from attracting population growth to
the City.
1.3.8. In the Killarney/Tralee Linked Hub Area (functional
area), overall population growth (7.5%) was only modestly
behind the overall growth achieved in Greater Cork Area.
However there was a disproportionate growth between the
villages and rural areas in the Area (9.2%) compared to the
actual growth of the urban areas of Tralee and Killarney
(5.9%), showing a similar pattern as was experienced in
the Greater Cork Area. Between 2002 and 2006, 59% of
the population growth occurred in the villages and rural
areas of this functional area and as a consequence the
urban population had fallen to below 50% by that date.
1.3.9. As with the trend in the Greater Cork Area, if
allowed to continue this represents a weakening of the
urban structure of the Killarney/Tralee Hub Area. Although
on a smaller scale, this trend is likely to have adverse
effects on the functional area similar to those referred to in
respect of Greater Cork.
1.3.10. In the remainder of the County Areas, there has
been a below average growth of population of between 4.5
and 4.7 % between 2002 and 2006. Although not shown in
the table, the census has confirmed that since 2002 74%
of population growth in both the Western and Northern
Areas has occurred outside of the main towns. Some of the
existing plans for these areas are based on securing future
growth that is equally balanced between the towns and the
villages/rural areas. This approach aims to ensure that
both urban and rural areas achieve their full economic and
social potential.
Economic Performance
1.3.11. To assist the Regional
Authority in the development of
its regional economic analysis
and in the formation of future
regional economic development
scenarios, Forfás, which is
Ireland's national policy
advisory body for enterprise
and science, has completed a
Regional Competitiveness
Agenda. This report, which is
available as an accompanying
document to the Regional
Planning Guidelines, has
informed this section.
Figure 4: Population Change Map 2002 - 2006
1.3.12. Nationally, the ten years up to 2007 was a period
of very strong employment growth, with an increase in
employment from 1.46m to 2.14 m people. The South
West has emerged as one of the country’s wealthiest
regions, in terms of GDP per capita. Strong growth rates in
both the level of employment and output have occurred
above the national average. This is due in part to a large
cohort of high value industries, particularly in the life
science sector which results in the region’s workers
having the highest output in terms of GVA (gross value
added) in the country.
1.3.13. In 2007, there were 306,700 people employed in
the region. In terms of absolute employment the public
sector was the largest employer (22%), while the
manufacturing sector was the second largest employer
(15.1%) followed by construction (14.4%) and wholesale
/retail (13.7%). Four sectors employed more than 5,000
people each in the South West in 2007. These were food,
chemicals, (including pharma-chem), computer, and
electronics products and information and communication
services. Other sectors which grew in this period include
the medical devices sector which grew from a low base to
become a regionally significant employer.
1.3.14. The primary production employment sector
(agriculture, forestry, fishing) accounted for 12% of the
workforce in the region in 1998 but this has declined to 7%
in 2007, a decline of 13.5% marginally lower than the
national average.
1.3.15. The South West Region is the only region in
Ireland where output from the manufacturing sector
exceeds the value of output from the services sector.
Manufacturing accounts for 54% of GVA while services
add 44%. It should however be noted that the services
sector grew by 70 % between 2000 and 2005 compared
to manufacturing growth of 47 % in the same period.
1.3.16. Despite this overall picture of a prosperous and
successful economy, within the region itself, there are
disparities in economic performance. It is significant that
the majority of the successful, high-value, high-technology
businesses are based in the Greater Cork Area; particularly
in locations within the Cork Gateway itself. Indeed the
penetration of this type of business into the other urban
locations in the region, including the Mallow and
Killarney/Tralee Hubs has been poor. There are notable
differences in performance in terms of employment and
wealth creation between Cork and Kerry, and indeed
between Greater Cork and the remainder of the county.
There are also marked differences in disposable income
levels between Cork and Kerry. Cork has 99% of the
national average income compared with Kerry at 86%,
with the region as a whole recording disposable income
levels at 96% of the national average.
1.3.17. There are some notable examples (such as the
Clonakilty Enterprise Park in West Cork, Fexco in Killorglin
and Caherciveen, County Kerry) where modern office
based industry has successfully located in a more remote
rural location, but the general trend is that these areas
continue to rely on the traditional economic sectors of
agriculture/fishing, tourism and construction. As a result,
there has been a significantly lower rate of increase in
general prosperity in these areas.
1.3.18. The region is facing an unprecedented challenge
against the backdrop of a world recession and these
guidelines will be operating within tough budgetary and
fiscal constraints. Furthermore the growth and
development that has occurred in the region to date has
not been balanced across the region. Recent trends in
employment show significant losses particularly in the
construction sector. In particular Tralee has suffered from
a significant reduction in its industrial base with a number
of large companies and industries closing in recent years.
Skills and Innovation Capacity
1.3.19. The region has a relatively high educational
attainment (over 28% of the population possessed a third
level qualification in 2006), perhaps reflective of the
demand for highly skilled workers in many industries and
of the fact that the region is excellently served in terms of
higher education, with a University and two large Institutes
18
19
of Technology, the Tyndall Institute and other specialist
research facilities. It also has a lower than average
number of early school leavers. These indicators of higher
than average educational attainment are considered to
have played a key role in the decision of many of the new
technology industries to locate in the South West and,
clearly, the maintenance of educational standards and
facilities across the region is a critical factor for the future.
1.3.20. The region has significant capacity for research
and innovation. The main Institutions with research
capacity are;
• University College Cork;
• Cork Institute of Technology;
• Tralee Institute of Technology;
• The National Maritime College at
Ringaskiddy; and
• Teagasc Moorepark Research Centre, Fermoy.
1.3.21. Over the period 2005-2006, University College
Cork attracted more research funding than any other third
level institution in the state. A Regional Innovation Cluster
has been established by the South West Regional Authority
as a mechanism to develop stronger and more active
linkages between Research, Industry and State, Regional
and Local Development Agencies and to foster a greater
culture of innovation throughout the South West. The
region performs well in terms of Higher Education
Research and Development ( HERD). However Business
Expenditure on Research and Development (BERD) is not
as positive, while approximately in line with other regions
outside of Dublin, given the south West’s very large base of
high-value industries, there should be significant potential
to achieve a higher R&D and innovation performance at
firm level.
Transportation and Infrastructure
1.3.22. There have been significant investments in public
transport and road infrastructure within the region and
connecting into other regions in recent years:
1.3.23. Public Transport Investments have been made in
the following:
• The most significant investment in local public
transport has been the upgrading of the Cork
Suburban rail network including the reopening
of the disused line to Midleton.
• Upgrading of railway track, rolling stock,
signalling and timetabling of the Cork-Mallow-
Dublin; Mallow-Killarney-Tralee, Cork-Cobh
• New passenger terminal, Cork Airport.
• The Bus Éireann station at Parnell Place in Cork
operates more than 300 services per day with
passenger movements in excess of 3 million
per annum. Developments in bus services have
included Improved and Integrated bus services
-improvements to the Bus Eireann fleet and in
the development of green routes/ bus corridors
in Cork City since 2004
• Improved pedestrian and cycling infrastructure
- within Cork City making the City Centre a
much more attractive environment for citizens
and visitors. However, cycling facilities,
throughout the region including the main urban
centres are still only nominal in their extent and
nature.
1.3.24. Road Infrastructure Investments
• Completion of N25/N22 Ballincollig
By-Pass, Cork.
• Completion of N25 Kinsale Road Interchange
• Completion of N25 Youghal By Pass
• Construction of the of M8 Motorway
Cork-Dublin
• Improvement to N21 Tralee- Limerick
• Improvement of N22 Tralee- Farranfore
• Upgrading N23 Farranfore-Castleisland
1.3.25. This significant, but as yet incomplete,
investment programme has focussed on the inter-urban
routes linking the Cork Gateway and the Hubs to the other
urban centres and regions in the state.
1.3.26. Major roads infrastructure to be delivered
includes ( not in order of priority) :
Note: The inclusion of these projects in the RPGs is a
prelude to their inclusion in development plans (where this
has not already happened), it must be noted that RPG
endorsement is always subject to EIA and appropriate
assessment (where relevant) of individual projects
• The completion of the M8 Cork - Dublin
Motorway
• Cork Docklands Road and Bridge infrastructure
• The remaining stages of the Cork Suburban
Rail Network
• The Atlantic Corridor linking Waterford- Cork -
Limerick –Galway including
o The Cork Northern Ring Route
o M20 Cork-Mallow-Limerick
o Upgrading of N25 Cork-Waterford
• The N28 servicing the major industrial
developments at Ringaskiddy,
• The N22 which is the regional internal and
strategic economic corridor connecting the
Tralee/ Killarney linked Hub with the Cork
Gateway,
• The N21 linking the Tralee/Killarney Hub to the
Limerick Gateway; and
• The N25 flyovers within Cork City.
1.3.27. Clearly continued investment is required in the
encouragement of walking and cycling. Although there has
been some recent success in providing new cycling
facilities assisted by recent Government funding initiatives,
many parts of the region’s urban areas and its rural
settlements still lack basic facilities that would allow many
local journeys to be made conveniently by these modes.
1.3.28. A significant level of investment has taken place
in water supplies through the Water Services Investment
programme and the Rural Water Programme of the
Department of the Environment Heritage and Local
Government. Significant investment has also been made
in the waste water infrastructure in the region, particularly
in the completion of the waste water treatment plant at
Carrigrennan, Little Island, serving Cork City and its environs.
A considerable level of investment remains to be
undertaken in the augmentation of water and sewerage
supply and treatment plants in the Gateway and Hubs. A
considerable number of other settlements including those
located at coastal locations also require upgrading in
terms of waste water treatment to ensure conformity with
National and European Environmental Protection
Regulations.
1.3.29. Aspects of the waste management strategies in
the three local authority areas are progressing
satisfactorily, in particular the engineered residual landfill
facilities in both counties, there are however economic
issues to be addressed in the operation of waste
management. Progress is required on the development of
a materials recovery facility to service Cork City and
County. While there are material waste recovery facilities
in County Kerry, the development of additional such
facilities at sustainable locations is desirable.
1.3.30. Broadband coverage in the area has developed
and improved, however take up appears relatively low,
according to the latest available data. Standards of service
quality and the cost of broadband services remains a
serious issue. There is a lack of information and
quantification on costs relating to how these issues impact
on rural business.
1.3.31. The lack of an international broadband
connection for the region results in greater costs than from
Dublin or comparable UK regional cities. This clearly puts
the South West at a disadvantage when competing for
modern, data intensive service industries.
1.3.32. The region benefits significantly from the Cork
International Airport which offers important links to major
European air travel hubs including Dublin, Heathrow,
Stansted and Amsterdam in addition to a wide range of
direct European destinations. The development of long
haul connections servicing Cork Airport is an important
regional objective. The Kerry County Airport at Farranfore,
which is at the centre of the Tralee / Killarney Hub,
20
21
provides a good range of national and international air
connections. Shannon, in the adjoining Mid West region
presently offers connectivity to the USA.
1.3.33. The Port of Cork is a key element of the regional
economy and infrastructure and offers a wide range of
shipping services to worldwide destinations. There is an
immediate requirement to identify an appropriate location
with deep water for enhanced port facilities within Cork
Harbour to accommodate increasing traffic and to help
secure the redevelopment of the City Docklands. In the
past, proposals to relocate the port have raised concerns
regarding the most appropriate land-side transport
arrangements for freight. The rail network serving Cork
does not provide an adequate means of
collection/distribution of freight to the region and so future
port facilities need to be well served by the road network
1.3.34. Fenit while a small port, plays a significant
strategic role in the development of the Tralee/Killarney
Hub. The deepwater potential of the
Shannon/Tarbert/Ballylongford landbank area is
considered of major strategic importance for the
sustainable development of an industrial/energy hub for
the area.
Energy
1.3.35. The principal energy resources of the region
comprise:
• The region’s natural gas resource including an
extensive associated pipeline network;
• The ConocoPhillips oil refinery at Whitegate,
County Cork;
• Major thermal electricity generating stations at
Tarbert, County Kerry; Aghada/Whitegate,
County Cork and Cork City Docklands;
• Inniscarra hydro-electric scheme, County Cork;
• A growing network of wind powered electricity
generating stations in both Cork and Kerry.
• A modern electricity distribution grid serving
the region
1.3.36. At present the electricity network in the region is
at or near capacity and there will be difficulties in servicing
major increases in demand and maintaining normal
international standards of supply if significant investment
is not progressed. Part of this involves an improvement in
the capacity to take renewable energy into the National
Grid and to build more network resilience thought
improving the electricity grid connectivity into adjoining
regions.
1.3.37. Demand for electricity in the region is expected
to rise by 60% by 2025. Wave and wind technologies are
expected to play a significant part in meeting additional
demand with excess renewably generated power being
exported through an enhanced transmission grid to other
regions within the state.
1.3.38. The SWRA Regional Bioenergy Plan 2009-2020
supports the development of bioenergy resources and the
designation of the Whitegate area of County Cork as a
National Bioenergy Energy Development Area.
Quality of Life
1.3.39. The South West region is widely recognised as an
area which offers an excellent quality of life, a factor which
is extremely important to the wellbeing of its citizens as
well as in attracting inward economic investment and
population to the region. The region offers a strong mix of
lifestyles choices with a range of attractions from the
Gateway City and Hub Towns to the unique natural
environment and strong cultural identity which
characterises Cork and Kerry.
1.3.40. The unique qualities and diversity of the South
West region has the potential to further contribute to the
overall quality of life and attractiveness of the south west
as a location in which to settle or visit. Among such is the
potential in the region to sustainably develop significantly
more walking and cycle routes, yachting marinas and
other sporting, recreational, cultural and heritage facilities.
22
1.4 Key Planning and Development Issues
1.4.1. The South West Region has a rich asset base,
comprising people, education, infrastructure, skills and a
high quality environment. This creates an opportunity for
the creation of wealth and significant economic
development.
1.4.2. Taking the region in 2010, the following key issues
have been identified:
Regional Planning Guidelines:
RKI- 01 Key Issues
1. Having regard to the need to compete nationally and
internationally, it is very clear that the South West
needs to expand its economic base by focussing its
economic strategy on the Gateway and on the Hub
towns. The Cork Gateway has emerged as the
powerhouse of the region and the future lies in building
on this capacity, particularly through investment in
knowledge based industry and technical production.
2. In this regard, linkages with other regions, both
physical and intellectual are essential. The Tralee-
Killarney and Mallow Hubs will act as conduit for
sustainable economic development connecting the
strengths of the Gateway with the remainder of the
region. For development to occur in the Hubs, they
must aim to capitalise both on their indigenous
strengths as well as provide viable alternatives for
economic growth to the Gateway.
3. The imbalance in the population growth of the City and
Gateway, the main towns and Hubs relative to the rural
areas has emerged as a key issue in ensuring the
future sustainability of development of the region, as
well as resulting in unsustainable levels of commuting.
In order to correct this imbalance, it is imperative that
growth be directed to the Cork Gateway and the
Mallow Hub and the Hub Towns of Tralee/Killarney,
whilst allowing for balanced development in the main
towns, villages and rural areas and affording protection
to environmentally sensitive areas.
4. Although there was substantial upgrading of the
transportation network in the region over the previous
guidelines period, the completion of many vital
projects remains outstanding. In a period of limited
resources, there is a requirement to prioritise transport
and infrastructure expenditure in Gateway, Hubs and
Main Towns where that investment will create capacity
for sustainable development that will assist in
economic recovery.
5. While the transportation links between Cork and Dublin
have been largely provided, there is a need to prioritise
investment in both intra and inter regional integrated
transport links to improve regional connectivity and
cohesiveness in a sustainable manner.
6. Investment in critical infrastructure to support the Cork
Docklands project needs to be prioritised if critical
mass in the Cork Gateway is to be achieved.
7. The proposed sustainable relocation and expansion of
the Port of Cork facilities is required to facilitate both
the growth in port activity and the redevelopment of
the Cork Docklands to its full potential.
8. Significant improvement of public transport services
as well as walking and cycling facilities is envisaged to
be a critical component in the future development of
urban areas.
9. The South West Region must meet its targets under the
Water Framework Directive by 2015. There is serious
under provision of water and waste water
infrastructure across the region, in both rural and
urban area, partially as a result of the significant levels
of development in the period to 2007. While priority
must be given to providing the requisite infrastructure
in the Gateway and Hubs, careful planning of
infrastructure in the villages and rural areas, when
financial resources permit, will allow key
23
environmental issues to be addressed and sustain
viable communities.
10. The South West Region has significant natural
resources (renewable energy, primary production), the
value and potential of which for economic
development have not been fully realised. This
provides a major opportunity for the future
development of sustainable rural economies and
tourism.
11. The South West Region supports a diverse range of
terrestrial, freshwater, coastal and marine habitats,
which support species of local, national and
international importance. In providing for the
development of the region it is important that the
conservation and sustainable use of biodiversity is
provided for.
12. There is a need to focus on rural diversification so that
priority can be given to investments to achieve this
potential in a sustainable manner, while also
enhancing the quality of life for the residents.
13 In general from the perspective of realising the overall
Guidelines objectives, the recent economic downturn
will act as a brake on regional development and
population growth in the short term. It does however
highlight the need to make the best use of this period
of recession as a time of consolidation, when hopefully
more focussed policies which are now embedded in
development planning in the region will begin to show
more tangible results on the ground.
14. In addressing all of the foregoing, it is important to
ensure compliance with the provisions of European
and National environmental legislation.
1.4.3. Arising out of the above key issues, two important
overarching goals have been identified which provide a
framework for the development of the region.
• The principal priority for establishing new
policies will be to place a strong emphasis on
population and employment growth in the
Gateway and Hub Towns, to meet targets as set
out in these Guidelines. Within this challenge,
there is a need for the local authorities to work
in a co-ordinated manner to ensure that the
Gateway and Hub Towns benefit from priority
investment in the provision of infrastructure
and ultimately that the overall physical, social
and community infrastructure of the Gateway
and Hub Towns are sustainably developed in a
timely manner to accommodate the planned
growth.
• The priority of ensuring that the remaining
areas of the region, towns, villages and rural
areas continue as sustainable communities,
which are strongly positioned to build on
opportunities which will arise locally for
sustainable growth and development; where
good transport and communication linkages
are developed; where the quality of the built
and natural environments are protected and
enhanced, where quality of life for all age
groups is enhanced and where adequately
scaled environmental protection and other
infrastructures are in place at the appropriate
time.
1.5 Sustainable Planning
1.5.1. Throughout the Regional Planning Guidelines the
term “Sustainable” is used widely. Sustainable is defined
as that which meets the needs of the present without
compromising the ability of future generations to meet
their own needs.
1.5.2. The conservation of species and habitats in
accordance with the requirements of the EU Habitats and
Birds Directives is considered to be an important
component of sustainable strategies, policies and
objectives.
1.5.3. In reading the Regional Planning Guidelines it
should be noted that this is a high level strategic planning
document and its objectives and recommendations will be
defined and operationalised through a series of future
plans and actions by other public and private sector actors,
all of such plans and actions, where appropriate, will be
subject to Strategic Environment Assessment, Habitats
Directive Assessment and Environmental Impact
Assessment.
1.5.4. The Habitats Directive Assessment (HDA), also
known as Appropriate Assessment, is a requirement under
the Habitats Directive 92/43/EEC. The directive indicates
the need for plans and projects to be subject to Habitats
Directive Assessment if the plan or project is not directly
connected with or necessary to the management of a
Natura 2000 site, but is likely to have a significant effect
either individually or in combination with other plans or
projects on a site. The Department of Environment,
Heritage and Local Government had published guidelines
“Appropriate Assessment of Plans and Projects in Ireland”
which provides guidance for Planning Authorities.
1.5.5. The RPGs are strategic by nature, and give broad
guidance in relation to a range of issues, including
infrastructure investment. The detailing of the strategic
objectives is implemented through the County and City
Development Plans, Local Area Plans and at project level.
Due to the regional scale of the projects identified within
this document, many of which have yet to undergo detailed
route/site selection and options, Habitats Directive
Assessment is required to take place at each stage of the
development process ranging from County Development
Plans to Local Area Plans and at the individual plan or
project level, to ensure that there is no negative impact on
the integrity (defined by the structure and function and
conservation objectives) of the Natura 2000 site and that
the requirements of Article 6 (3) and (4) of the EU Habitats
Directive 92/43/EEC are fully satisfied. The endorsement of
individual projects within these guidelines is subject to
their EIA (Environmental Impact Assessment) and HDA / AA
(Appropriate Assessment), where relevant.
1.5.6. The Habitats Directive promotes a hierarchy of
avoidance/protection, mitigation and compensatory
measures and this method should be adopted in the
development of all individual plans and projects and at
each stage in the development process. Each individual
plan or projects should therefore seek to achieve the
following:
• Avoid any negative impacts on Natura 2000
sites by identifying possible impacts early in
the plan/project making, and designing the
plan/project in order to avoid such impacts.
• Mitigation measures should be applied, during
the appropriate assessment process to ensure
that there are no adverse impacts on the sites.
If the proposal is still likely to result in adverse
effects, and no further practicable mitigation is
possible, then it is rejected. If no alternative
solutions are identified and the plan is required
for imperative reasons of overriding public
interest (IROPI test) under Article 6(4) of the
Habitats Directive, then compensation
measures are required for any remaining
adverse effect.
1.5.7. Due to the regional scale of investment and the
impact of development and delivery of the settlement and
economic strategies, it is critical to the protection of the
Natura 2000 sites that development takes place in tandem
with the provision of appropriate services – be it transport,
or water services. Development, in the absence of
investment in infrastructure will have negative
consequences on the environment. Accordingly and in line
with sustainable development policy promoted by the
RPGs, it is therefore important that Development and Local
Area Plans provide for the provision of critical
infrastructure, in a sustainable manner, in support of
targeted economic and population growth so as to allow
sustainable development to take place.
24
Chapter 2: Vision for the Region
and Overall Development Strategy
2.1 Regional Vision Statement
2.1.1. The scale and diversity of the South West Region
requires a strategy to match the individual potentials of the
main areas which make up the region. The strategy which
is set out in this document covers the period up to 2022
but its vision and core goals are intended to endure beyond
that date and should inform other strategies and plans for
the region into the future.
Regional Planning Guidelines:
RV- 01 Regional Vision Statement
The broad vision for the south west region is to maintain
and develop a sustainable and competitive economy,
optimise the quality of life of its residents and visitors,
protect and enhance its unique environment, culture and
heritage.
By 2022, the South West Region will be realising its
economic potential and providing a high quality of life for
its people by meeting their employment and housing,
educational and social needs in sustainable communities.
At the same time it will reduce its impact on climate
change and the environment, including savings in energy
and water use and by strengthening the environmental
quality of the Region.
2.1.2. The following key principles underpin this vision
statement for the region:-
• Prioritise sustainable economic growth and
increased competitiveness within the Gateway and
Hubs and encourage balanced growth in the key
settlements of the rural areas.
• Promote, market and develop the region as an
attractive area to live and work with an excellent
quality of life and strong sense of place.
• Promote security of energy supply and develop
renewable energy in the region in a sustainable
manner
• Deliver an integrated and cost effective
transportation and infrastructure system (including
Broadband) throughout the region in a sustainable
manner
• Protect and enhance the natural landscape
and heritage assets of the region and
• Promote sustainable urban and rural tourism
2.2 Overall Development Strategy
2.2.1. To give effect to this vision and in order to prepare
an overall development strategy, it is necessary to identify
specific planning areas that can assist in the formulation of
strategic guidelines for the future development in the
region. Within these planning areas, there are a number of
strategic growth corridors that provide connectivity and
linkages. The key corridors are:-
• Atlantic Corridor – from Waterford through Cork
Gateway. Mallow Hub to Limerick
• Inter-regional corridors –
o along the M 8 national road from Cork Gateway
to Mitchelstown via Fermoy
o along the N21/N69 national road from Tralee to
Limerick
• Intra-regional corridors – main national roads
linking main towns of regional importance
throughout Cork and Kerry.
2.2.2. These are illustrated in the Spatial Development
Strategy. This provides the framework for the policies and
objectives of the Regional Planning Guidelines as
contained in Chapters 3-6.
2.2.3. The specific areas that have been identified are
divided into four functional areas, namely:
• Greater Cork Area (including Cork Gateway and
Mallow Hub)
• Tralee/Killarney Linked Hub
• Northern Area
• Western Area
Greater Cork Area
2.2.4. Greater Cork, which comprises the Cork Gateway,
and includes the Mallow Hub and a number of other towns
known as the Ring towns (Fermoy, Youghal, Bandon,
26
Chapter 2: Vision for the Region and Overall Development Strategy
27
Kinsale, Macroom), is the principal economic driver of the
overall region. The strategic aim of this planning area is to
encourage the growth of population and employment in
the Cork Gateway in order to create the necessary critical
mass for the Gateway so that it can compete more
effectively for investment and growth. Cork City at the
heart of the Gateway provides a focus for Gateway growth
and advance investment in high quality public transport
and other infrastructures and services is a prerequisite to
facilitating this planned growth.
In order to achieve the vision for the region, the following
actions will be necessary in the Greater Cork Area:
• Realignment and reinforcement of spatial planning
and land use policies;
• Plan for an increase in the population and
employment of the Cork Gateway.
• Refocusing of economic and investment strategy;
• Front-loading of infrastructure and implementation
of integrated transport strategy;
• Priority infrastructure investments for the Cork
Docklands.
A number of key infrastructural projects are important to
the development of the Cork Gateway. These projects are
endorsed by the RPGs subject to Environmental Impact
Assessment and Appropriate Assessment (where relevant)
of individual projects - Note: Not in order of priority
• Cork Docklands Road and Bridge infrastructure
• The remaining stages of the Cork Suburban Rail
Network
• The Atlantic Corridor linking Waterford- Cork -
Limerick –Galway including
• The Cork Northern Ring Route
• M20 Cork-Mallow-Limerick
• Upgrading of N25 Cork-Waterford
• The N28 servicing the major industrial
developments at Ringaskiddy,
• The N22 which is the regional internal and
strategic economic corridor connecting the Tralee/
Killarney linked Hub with the Cork Gateway, and
• The N21 linking the Tralee/Killarney Hub to the
Limerick Gateway; and
• The N25 flyovers within Cork City.
28
Figure 5: Spatial Development Strategy for South West Region
29
Tralee Killarney Linked Hub
2.2.6 The Tralee-Killarney Hub Towns are envisaged to
be the focussed engines of growth in County Kerry. The
aim is to position the hub towns as sufficiently sized urban
zones to attract additional employment and population,
which will increase their competitiveness and
attractiveness as national and regional investment
locations.
2.2.7 In order to achieve the vision of the region, the
following actions are required for the Tralee Killarney
Linked Hub area:
• Realignment and reinforcement of spatial planning
and land use policies specific to the linked hub
area;
• Focus population growth into Tralee and Killarney
Towns.
• Establish strong linkages between Tralee and
Killarney
• Focus of economic and investment strategy on
employment creation;
• Front-loading of infrastructure and implementation
of an integrated transport strategy for the area and
linking it with the Cork and Limerick Gateways and
Atlantic Corridor;
Northern and Western Areas
2.2.8 The Northern and Western Areas are predominantly
attractive rural areas of high amenity and cultural value,
with many attractive towns and villages, together with
strategic assets. The aim of these planning areas,
generally, is to maintain the quality of life in the Northern
and Western Areas, by encouraging a balance in growth
between rural and urban areas. In order to encourage
economic growth in these planning areas it will be
necessary to focus on promoting entrepreneurial
development throughout the area. Population growth in
these areas will be predominantly employment led.
2.2.9 The Northern Area could be further subdivided into
three sub areas:
• North Kerry comprises a lowland coastal area
focussed on the towns of Ballybunion and Listowel
whilst also looking to Tralee and Killarney.
• Mid North Cork is a mainly upland area
interspersed with small towns and villages.
• North East Cork is an area with a strong
agricultural base focusing on food production and
contains strong market towns with good links to
the gateways and beyond.
2.2.10 The main focus for the Northern Area specifically is
to:-
• Raise the productive potential of the local
economies, particularly indigenous industries and
services which utilise the strengths of the area in a
sustainable manner.
• Optimise spatial development patterns as an
essential requirement for infrastructural
development.
• Provide improvements in local infrastructure and
communications in a sustainable manner.
2.2.11 The Western Area comprises a number of
distinctive characteristics which allow it to be identified as
a cohesive sub area. It comprises a substantial rural area
west of Bandon/Macroom and all of the main peninsulas
(Dingle, Iveragh, Beara, Mizen, Sheeps Head) The Western
Area has a distinctive natural beauty with a strong tourist
base with significant potential for diversification in the
rural economy. Because of the peninsular topographical
make up of the planning area, it is relatively peripheral to
both the Hubs and the Gateway as well as being far
removed from the Atlantic Corridor. With the decline in the
traditional employment sectors of agriculture and
fisheries, and also the low density and dispersed nature of
the population, the potential for employment opportunities
are more limited than in the other planning areas.
2.2.12 This planning area includes Gaeltacht and Island
communities, which exhibit unique characteristics that
need protection, whilst at the same time as requiring
specific policies for their further sustainable development.
2.2.13 Actions needed to address these problems are
multi-faceted involving a wide range of economic
stakeholders and agencies. Measures need to be
implemented, however, to facilitate these agencies in
addressing the difficulties being experienced. Primarily, the
impacts of peripherality need to be reduced through:
• Implementing in a sustainable manner strong
spatial and land use and transportation strategies
which would aim to maintain population in the
rural and peripheral areas strengthen the towns
and protect and promote the existing economic
base throughout the West Kerry / West Cork Area,
whilst encouraging sustainable diversification of
the local economy.
• Improving access to broadband and education
facilities.
• Improvements to public transport and
infrastructure.
30
Chapter 3: Economic Development Strategy
3.1 Introduction
3.1.1. The Regional Economic Strategy for the South
West is assisted by the work by Forfás on the Regional
Competitiveness Agenda and from other economic inputs
from ESRI and other government and regional bodies. The
strategy is based on regional action to mobilise the various
factors of regional competitiveness. The unique qualities of
Cork and Kerry provide the potential to offer a very distinct
range of regional attraction factors, combining quality of
life elements with a diversified base of high technology
industries, urban and rural enterprise.
3.1.2. Forfás has identified the South West as a strongly
performing region across a number of indicators. It has a
diverse enterprise base encompassing what might be
regarded as the more traditional sectors, as well as high
value added manufacturing and internationally trading
services activities. It offers an attractive quality of life,
combining the benefits of a vibrant metropolitan area, with
ease of access to rural, mountain and coastal locations. It
has a strong educational and research basis from which to
enhance its innovative capacity, supported by increased
investment both within HEIs (Higher Education Institutes)
and companies in R&D and innovation, proactive industry
networks and demonstrated impacts of strong
collaborative efforts.
Regional Economic Strengths, Challenges and
Opportunities
3.1.3. The South West has the highest Gross Value Added
(GVA) per worker in the State in 2005 and has experienced
higher than national average growth rates over the period
1998-2007. There are marked differences however
between the counties of Cork and Kerry, with disposable
income levels in Cork at 99% of the national average
compared with Kerry at 86%. The reason for this is the
significant presence of the high value pharma-chem
sector, primarily located in the Cork Gateway.
3.1.4. The region experienced significant growth in
public sector, construction and retail/wholesale that was
evident across the country over the period from 1998-
2007. During the same period, there has been significant
growth in employment in internationally traded services,
specifically in ICT related services, financial and other
business services, demonstrating the attractiveness of the
Cork Gateway to these activities.
3.1.5. The region is unique in that it is the only region
where the value of output from industry (manufacturing)
exceeds that of services (both traded and non traded). It
has a diverse industry base and well developed
geographic clustering of export oriented companies in the
Food, Pharmaceuticals and ICT sectors in particular, and to
a lesser extent Medical Devices and Engineering.
3.1.6. The region has a well developed retail component,
with the Cork Gateway and the hub towns of Mallow,
Killarney and Tralee being the main focus for growth in
retail development. All three local authorities have
developed retail strategies with the Cork City and County
Retail Strategy being developed on a joint basis between
the two local authorities.
3.1.7. The South West region is the leading regional
tourism destination, with scenic areas and attractive towns
which are internationally renowned. The region, on an
annual basis, generates 1.3 billion euro in tourism
revenues and welcomes in excess of 3.6 million visitors
each year. There are many opportunities for further
sustainable tourism product developments to take place.
As an example, the region has a long and very attractive
coastline, with potential for the development of marine
related leisure facilities in a sustainable manner, such as
marinas and other related facilities in many of the small
ports and harbours.
3.1.8. Some of the region’s natural assets are vulnerable
to over-development highlighting the need for all
developments to take place in a fully sustainable manner.
3.1.9. From the perspective of accessibility, the region
benefits from its international airport at Cork, (which has
recently opened its new terminal capable of handling up to
32
Chapter 3: Economic Development Strategy
33
5 million passengers per annum) and has direct
connections to major European airports. The region also
has Kerry County Airport at Farranfore, as well as being
close to Shannon International Airport for connections to
USA. An important consideration for the further economic
development of the region is the need for direct
transatlantic air services between Cork and the USA and
other long haul destinations such as Asia . It will be
important that facilities and resources at Cork Airport are
protected to ensure that this requirement is achieved.
3.1.10. The region is served with good port and shipping
facilities with passenger ferry services to France and the
UK. The Port of Cork is a key element of the regional
economy and offers a wide range of shipping services to
worldwide destinations. There is an immediate
requirement to identify an appropriate location or locations
for enhanced port facilities within Cork Harbour to
accommodate increasing traffic and to help secure the
redevelopment of the City Docklands. A number of smaller
ports such as Fenit and Kinsale also provide cargo
handling in the region.
3.1.11. One of the region’s core strengths is its very
strong educational framework. University College Cork,
The Cork Institute of Technology and the Institute of
Technology Tralee have all demonstrated strong
performances in producing quality graduates across a
wide range of disciplines and in attracting research
funding. The research institutes are primarily focused on
areas relevant to existing high tech productive industries in
the region, including pharma-chem, bio-med,
ICT/electronics, life-sciences, food and the environment.
Business expenditure in R&D performs in line with other
regions with large urban centres outside of Dublin.
However, given the large base of high value industries in
the South West, there should be significant potential to
achieve a higher R&D and innovation performance at firm
level, specifically within the Tyndall National Institute at
UCC and the Rubicon Centre at CIT. The development of a
Regional Innovation Cluster, the continued strengthening of
the Kerry Technology Park and the development of a new
Regional Science Park in the Cork Gateway and the
achievement of 3rd/4th level educational /research Hub
in the Docklands and the continued investment in 3rd and
4th level research in the region and its transfer to the
productive sector are among the strategic initiatives being
taken to increase levels of knowledge transfer between
the research and production sectors of the regional
economy.
3.1.12. Major Transport 21 initiatives underway will
improve the inter and intra-regional connectivity of the
region. Elements remaining to be addressed are the
upgrading of the N22 linking the Tralee/Killarney Linked
Hub to the Cork Gateway; the improvement of the M20
Cork to Limerick, the N25 Cork to Waterford (specific to the
Atlantic Corridor), the N28 to Ringaskiddy, the N21 Tralee
to Limerick. In addition, the upgrading of the National
Secondary road network is critical in reducing the
peripherality within the region and maximising access
throughout the region. In view of the strategic importance
of the Atlantic Gateway Initiative, it is recommended that
in the longer term, the Atlantic Corridor inter Gateway road
network should be to motorway standard.
3.1.13. The Western Rail Corridor, linking Limerick to
Galway is an important aspect of the future Irish public
transportation strategy. Cork, Mallow and the
Tralee/Killarney hub can achieve enhanced rail
connectivity with the West of Ireland through the
reconstruction of a short length of rail between Charleville
and Patrickswell which would also connect by rail the two
largest Gateways outside of Dublin. The present position
would in the interim be improved through a direct service
via Limerick junction. The future direct railway link
between Cork, Mallow and Limerick is considered as a
future strategic development priority which should be
investigated and appropriately protected in local authority
development plans.
3.1.14. Broadband services are distributed throughout
the region, but as with all regions, the quality and cost of
broadband services remain an issue. Broadband quality of
service continues to be a serious concern in rural areas,
with strong reservations on the potential of mobile
broadband to support economic development in such
areas. Local Authority development plan policies needs to
generally support the provision of of ducting to facilitate
broadband rollout and the erection of mobile telephony
infrastructures in rural areas of the region, in a sustainable
manner, to improve the delivery standards of mobile
telephony and broadband services.
3.1.15. Kerry and Cork have a wide range of strong
natural, cultural and recreational amenities. International
research shows that quality of life factors have become
increasingly important in attracting (and retaining) what is
now regarded as a mobile workforce. The region benefits
from a balance between its urban gateway in Cork, and an
outstanding and distinctive natural landscape, and
attractive towns and villages which offer a range of
attractions. Not only are such attractions of value for
drawing global talent for enterprise, but they are also
significant assets for the tourism sector.
3.1.16. The economic influence of the Cork Gateway
reaches the entire region as shown in figure 7. Similarly,
the economic growth of the Kerry Linked Hub
(Tralee/Killarney) will have positive effects on economic
wellbeing and employment throughout County Kerry and
the north-western part of County Cork. The Mallow Hub,
being in close proximity to the Cork Gateway, has an
obvious overlap with the area of influence with the
Gateway and it also plays an important economic role
throughout North Cork.
3.1.17. The key focus for the region’s future development
is to take the actions necessary to enhance and build the
South West as a national leader in terms of the Smart
Economy, building on its innovative capabilities across all
sectors and activities and in both private, public and
community sectors through:
• Local leadership in terms of facilitating enterprise
development through enhanced networking,
clustering and innovation activities.
• Developing critical mass of population and
employment and good connectivity is essential to
attract international investment and to compete
effectively in a national and international
marketplace.
• Building a spirit of enterprise and entrepreneurship
in the gateway, hubs, main towns, villages and
rural areas which will promote new employment
opportunities and protect existing jobs.
3.2 Realising sectoral growth
Industry and International Services.
3.2.1. The South West is well established as a leading
Irish and European Region within the Knowledge based or
Smart Economy. The Forfás Regional Competitiveness
Agenda has identified that the region has strong potential
for further development of the Life Sciences Sector, which
includes strong regional sectors such as pharma, bio-
medical devices and functional foods; tourism; ICTs
(hardware and services); internationally traded service;
maritime and energy/green technologies.
3.2.2. There are also significant technology based
opportunities for the region to embrace in the ICTs sector,
which has been at the foundation of regional growth and
advances in technology and there is an opportunity for the
region to embrace these innovations and to harness the
potential for further development of the ICT and enterprise
sector.
3.2.3. Increasingly within the region the potential exists
to grow new industrial applications and products based on
converging technologies such as the mix of ICT’s and
Biotech applications.
34
35
Figure 6: Forfás 2009 Regional
Competitiveness Agenda.
3.2.4. The region has a large amount of third and fourth
level graduates which complement the bio-medical and
pharma-chem industry in the Cork Gateway. There is also
a high proportion of research and development
expenditure (in HEIs) in the region, which provides an
opportunity for the development of a Regional Science
Park. The location of this project in the gateway will benefit
existing and future research and development projects in
the public and private sectors.
3.2.5. Previous research in the economy of the Greater
Cork area, carried out by Indecon, in preparation of the
CASP Update in 2008, has shown that almost half of the
future jobs needed in the economy will be in the
international traded services. This shift from a
predominance in employment in resource based
production and manufacturing to higher density office
based employment results in changes to the requirements
for employment land from large scale stand alone
industrial sites to well serviced land in close proximity to
centres of population in appropriate locations in the
gateway and hub towns. Certain Brownfield sites such as
Cork Docklands in the Gateway are particularly suitable for
this growing business activity. When they are developed,
these business locations must be supported by adequate
services such as transport network, energy, telecoms
(broadband) and associated activities that would attract
users
3.2.6. Based on its high quality of life and developing
sense of place, the region is also a very attractive setting
for the development of traditional non technological
enterprises in quality foodstuffs, crafts, arts and other
sectors which can support sustainable employment in
areas outside of the main centres of population.
36
Figure 7: Zones of Influence of Gateway and Hubs in the region
37
Regional Planning Guidelines:
RES- 01 Production and Knowledge
It is an objective to promote sustainable growth of
indigenous and multi national companies in the economic
sectors where the region enjoys competitive advantage
and in particular:-
• Knowledge based industry, research and
development, with a strong focus on indigenous
company growth, supported by the sustainable
development of a Regional Science Park in the
Gateway.
• Strategic sites at appropriate locations for large
scale developments related to the pharma-
chemical, bio-medical, IT and food sciences
sectors.
• Internationally traded services located in high
quality sustainable locations, strongly focused on
the Gateway and Hub towns, in brown field
locations where practicable and within easy
access to public transport and support services.
In order to safeguard the expansion of existing productive
industries in the region, it is necessary for local authorities
to:
• Ensure adequacy of suitable land for expansion.
• Identify optimum sustainable locations for large
scale production.
• Where appropriate, facilitate the sustainable
generation of renewable energy at source in
strategic industrial areas.
• Encourage the relocation of existing Seveso sites
in the Cork Docklands area to facilitate future
development of the docklands, in a sustainable
manner.
• Ensure that travel and transport needs are catered
for in a sustainable manner.
Office Based Services
3.2.7. Office based services are significant employers and
wealth generators within the South West. They compliment
the others sectors and make a significant contribution to
quality of life in the region. Education, health and other
public services are fundamental to the well being of the
region.
3.2.8. The Gateway and hub towns have traditionally
been locations for professional services and it is envisaged
that these will grow in line with the regional economy.
Other locations throughout the region also provide
opportunities for the growth of professional services and
broadband availability will assist in this regard.
3.2.9. Education and health facilities will need to be
examined and augmented by the relevant development
agencies where necessary in line with anticipated
population and employment growth, in areas such as the
Gateway and Hubs to ensure that the necessary levels of
provision are in place in a timely manner.
Retail
3.2.10. Cork City Centre is the primary comparison
shopping centre of the region and forms the central core of
any future retail strategy. Both Mallow and Tralee/Killarney
have a significant retail base, including both convenience
and comparison goods. The provision of additional
comparison shopping should be located in the existing city
centre and town centres of the Cork Gateway and Hub
Towns while the other main settlements should provide
appropriate retail facilities for the supporting population in
line with the requirements of the Retail Planning
Guidelines. While considerable comparison retail
regeneration of Cork City Centre is taking place, Mallow.
Tralee and Killarney town centres require significant retail
upgrading.
Regional Planning Guidelines:
RES- 02 Services
It is an objective to encourage sustainable economic
growth based on the expansion of office based services, in
line with regional population and employment needs and
focussed on local, national and international opportunities.
38
It is an objective to have a range of educational, healthcare
and other public services provided in a timely and
sustainable manner commensurate with the regional
need. An important element of this will be to promote the
sustainable expansion of 3rd and 4th level education and
research within the region; and particularly to promote the
further development of existing and new research
institutions.
It is an objective to encourage sustainable retail
development in the region to be principally focused on the
city and towns centres of the Cork Gateway and Hub
Towns and where necessary provide support services to
the populations in the main towns in line with the Retail
Tourism in the South West
3.2.11. Fáilte Ireland South West has outlined its priorities
and goals for the region’s tourism around four themes:
o nature-based activities from walking to
adventure;
o Cork city as a major urban tourism destination;
o maritime heritage & coastal holiday
experiences and
o rural culture and country pursuits.
3.2.12. The region has a number of valuable natural and
cultural assets that support the tourism industry. It also
benefits from its reputation for quality food, with global
brand names and a range of high quality hotels and
restaurants.
3.2.13. It has a wide range of excellent locations and
facilities for walking, hill walking, cycling, golf and other
activity pursuits.
3.2.14. Marine tourism and leisure activities present a
significant opportunity to build the level of visitor product
in the region. The South West has a very attractive marine
environment with many small ports and harbours around
the coastline, supported by attractive towns and villages in
the coastal areas. There is potential for the sustainable
development of additional marinas, pontoons and other
facilities to attract yachting, anglers, and other visitors to
prolong their visits to the region. Local authorities in the
region should cooperate in the development of a
coordinated strategy involving all stakeholders for the
development of sustainable quality marine tourism in the
south west.
3.2.15. It is important that a coordinated approach is
taken to the development of tourism in the region and in
particular there is a need to improve public transport
access, related facilities and the level of service to tourism
locations in a sustainable manner.
3.2.16. Recreation and tourism can cause increased
disturbance to habitats and species that are important for
biodiversity. A particular threat would be the introduction
and spread of invasive species. Tourism and recreation
projects, strategies and activities should ensure that the
ecological integrity of the region’s natural environment is
maintained and where possible enhanced. Planning for
tourism developments and associated transport access
needs to take account of this, particularly in the case of
internationally designated sites of nature conservation
importance (Natura 2000).
Regional Planning Guidelines:
RES- 03 Tourism
It is an objective to protect existing
tourism assets in the region and develop
additional sustainable facilities for activity holidays, urban
and rural tourism.
It is an objective to secure an integrated sustainable
strategy for the development of the region’s marine and
coastal assets where the sustainable development of
tourism and other marine activities are promoted.
39
Resource based production – agriculture, marine,
forestry, minerals
3.2.17. Agriculture in the South West continues to be a
very important aspect of the regional economy for many
people. Food produce from the South West is acclaimed
internationally and the region has a very large
internationally known food production sector. While the
relative importance of agriculture to the regional economy
has changed in terms of employment and value, the region
has many areas of high quality productive capacity which
have the potential to contribute to growth in the
development of new food products with international
demand resulting in the creation of new employment
opportunities within the region.
3.2.18. The South West seaboard is an important
resource for commercial fishing, aquaculture and
associated sea food processing. The European Integrated
Maritime Policy will create new economic development
opportunities for this region. Revisions to the European
Common Fisheries Policy will have to be addressed if the
fishing industry is to remain competitive and offer a
livelihood to many coastal families.
3.2.19. Overall the maritime environment offers a new
range of exciting possibilities for sustainable economic
activity and growth in the region. Maritime opportunities
arise in areas of :
• Sea food fisheries and aquaculture development to
final product level.
• Marine research and development- with a strong
focus on the strategic initiative of the National
Maritime College of Ireland, based in the Cork
Gateway, relating to the MERC -1 (Maritime Energy
Research Cluster Ireland ) which will be a world
class centre concentrating on a wide range of new
opportunities in sustainable marine related energy
research
3.2.20. The forestry sector comprises mainly small and
medium sized privately owned farm based enterprises that
provide a potentially viable area for diversification. The
National Forest Inventory quantifies the productive forest
area for the South West region as covering 112,190ha or
9.25% of the total area of the region. County Kerry has in
excess of 40,000 hectares of forestry plantations while
County Cork has a plantation area in excess of 70,000
hectares.
3.2.21. The cycle of planting over the past fifteen or so
years demonstrates that many private forestry plantations
will be at or approaching maturity during the next decade.
The Regional Bio-energy Plan for the South West shows
that enhanced management of this resource is required if
commercial returns are to be maximised from final felling.
Additionally planning requires to be put in place for the
harvesting and replacement of the forestry resource in the
region in a timely and sustainable manner.
3.2.22. The mineral resources of the region, especially
aggregates, contribute largely to the economy and
operational aspects of the construction industry (buildings
and infrastructure). Where appropriate, local authorities
should identify and protect important strategic mineral
reserves in their development plans,
3.2.23. In relation to all natural resources there is a need
to protect the sustainability of these assets against
inappropriate development in order to maintain the
region’s high quality agricultural land and sea and fresh
water resources, including biodiversity.
Regional Planning Guidelines:
RES- 04 Regional Economic Strategy
It is an objective to encourage the protection and
sustainable further development of the primary resource
based sectors through:
• Protecting the quality of the productive
environment (water, land and air) for the
production of high quality food and high value food
processing industries in the region.
• Promoting the further development of food
products to the level of high quality final shelf
products.
• Recognising the importance and future potential of
commercial fishing and aquaculture (sea and
40
freshwater) industry to the region and to support
the future sustainable development of all aspects
of this industry.
• Supporting sustainable forestry development in the
region.
• Identifying and safeguarding strategic mineral
resources in the region where appropriate.
• Supporting initiatives which address the security
and quality of food including the promotion of a
local food culture in the Region, including
appropriately located farmers markets
Rural Economy and Diversification
3.2.24. The traditional mainstays of rural employment
have been in decline for some time. Mechanisation and
technological advances have contributed significantly to
this decline. There is a need for new initiatives which will
support rural diversification, innovation and enterprise
development:
• Facilitate innovative approaches to identify new
products and markets to increase rural
employment (in the existing sectors).
• New sustainable tourism initiatives in appropriate
locations.
Regional Planning Guidelines:
RES- 05 Rural Diversification
It is an objective to promote rural diversification through
building local rural capacity by upskilling and making
appropriate provision in development and local plans to
foster local entrepreneurial activity and encouraging
innovative and sustainable economic activity.
3.3 Future employment growth and locations for
economic growth.
3.3.1. In 2006, there were 261,883 employees in the
region but only 240,404 jobs. The net out-migration of
employees to jobs elsewhere (over 21,000) is mainly due
to the close proximity of Limerick to Kerry and the
economic pull factor of Dublin. In Cork City and County,
most of the jobs are located in the Cork Gateway (64%)
with over half the jobs in County Kerry located in the
Tralee/Killarney Hub Towns. The distribution of the jobs is
shown in Figure 7.
Figure 8: Distribution of Jobs in 2006 by Planning Area
3.3.2. In order to forecast the likely demand for
employment in the future, calculations were made on the
2006 population census and the population targets for
2016 and 2022 provided by the DEHLG These calculations
used the similar proportions of employee/population ratio
and population/jobs ratio to forecast future jobs
3.3.3. Following the changes that have taken place in the
economy since 2008, it is difficult to forecast future
migration rates and unemployment rates. However, using
the same ratios of growth, employee/population ratio and
unemployment ratio between 2006 and 2022, it is
estimated that 50,000 to 60,000 net new jobs would have
to be created to sustain the anticipated target population
in 2022. Based on population growth targets, it is also
anticipated that many of these additional jobs would be
located in the Gateway and Hub towns. Previous research
on the regional economy by Forfás has indicated that
almost half of these additional jobs would be within the
international traded services and enterprise sectors.
41
Strategic employment locations
3.3.4. If the region is to compete internationally and
provide for employment growth as anticipated, strategic
employment locations will need to be identified within the
Gateway and Hubs and local authorities will need to ensure
that sufficient land exists for the various types of
employment envisaged in the region. Specifically, strategic
land reserves need to be provided for both existing and
new large scale stand alone industries as well land
reserves for the growing international traded services
sector (office based industry). Whilst office based industry
has a higher density than the large scale stand alone sites,
it requires strategic locations in centres of population, in
close proximity to public transport corridors, so that
investors have a range of locations to choose from.
Brownfield sites, if available, particularly offer an excellent
location choice in such areas and can act as a catalyst for
urban renewal for their wider areas.
3.3.5. Local authorities will need to determine the land
requirements for employment purposes in their respective
Development Plans and Local Area Plans. Key to this will
be that local authorities provide a choice of location for
various business types, in line with the population and
settlement strategy objectives of the Regional Planning
Guidelines.
3.3.6. In order to agree on a clear employment
development strategy in the Gateway and Hubs, the local
authorities, in close collaboration with associated
development agencies, should identify strategic land
reserves for the future sustainable development of the
region.
3.3.7. An important tenet of future sustainable planning
policies should be for employment and residential areas to
be located in close proximity to each other, connected by a
sustainable transportation network. This should result
more sustainable levels of commuting in the longer term.
3.3.8. Priority settlements for business and enterprise
development are as follows:
Cork Gateway
3.3.9. Cork Gateway plays an important role as the
principal economic driver within the South West. It also
plays a strong role within the context of the Atlantic
Gateways initiative which envisages critical mass being
enabled through greater mobility and access between the
cities of Cork, Waterford, Limerick and Galway.
3.3.10. Cork Gateway, with a population and productive
output greater than that of the other three cities combined,
plays a critical role within the context of this initiative. It is
important that development planning and strategy
capitalises on the strength of the Cork- Limerick
connection (incorporating the Mallow hub), with benefits
flowing to adjacent areas such as the Tralee/Killarney
linked hub.
3.3.11. In order to create critical mass, as outlined in the
Atlantic Gateways project, there is a need to reinforce
strategic locations for large scale, foreign direct
investment and indigenous sites (stand alone), as well as
locations for smaller scale industrial and enterprise
development (office based), in centres of population
growth to ensure a range of choice is available for
investors. Cork Docklands and other strategic sites
identified in Development Plans (such as Ringaskiddy,
Carrigtwohill, Kilbarry etc) within the Gateway are potential
locations for this development.
3.3.12. Cork Harbour and Cork Docklands represent
significant assets within the Gateway and offer huge
potential for sustainable economic development,
population growth, recreation and tourism. Critical to the
success of the Cork Gateway and the Cork Docklands in
particular is the relocation of the Port of Cork facilities and
the industrial uses (Seveso sites) which occupy this area at
present. Cork Harbour is of both national and regional
significance as it contains the regional significant pharma-
chem industries at Ringaskiddy and the national
significant oil terminal at Whitegate,
3.3.13. Front loading of infrastructure development in the
Gateway is essential if economic development is to be
achieved.
42
Hub Towns
3.3.14. There is good potential within the region to create
competitive environments, which can attract new
company start-ups in hub towns. The Hubs will have
increasing levels of population and services making them
more attractive locations in which to invest.
Tralee/Killarney and Mallow are the alternative main
locations for investment in employment and there needs to
be sufficient serviced land located in close proximity to
transport corridors and centres of population for the future
development of these towns. Front loading of
infrastructure development in the Hub towns is essential if
this objective is to be achieved.
3.3.15. The development of the hubs and their interaction
with their immediate hinterlands is key to the wider
region's development and in particular the economic
sustainability of their catchments.
Other Main Towns and Rural Areas
3.3.16. The towns and rural areas of the region support
a certain level of enterprise and employment in
manufacturing, services and retail activities. This is
envisaged to continue with the consolidation and small
scale growth of the main towns and rural areas in line with
the overall objectives for economic growth in the region.
Priorities for growth in such areas will be defined by the
relevant city and county development plans.
Other Strategic locations for industry
3.3.17. Both Cork Harbour in County Cork and the
Tarbert/Ballylongford landbank in County Kerry are
identified as strategic development locations, based on the
unique resource of deep water facilities in both locations.
3.3.18. Industrial development land on the Shannon
Estuary near Tarbert/Ballylongford constitutes one of the
premier deepwater locations in the country. This makes it
an area of significant potential for future development and
an asset for the region. Aside from the deepwater asset, it
is anticipated that proposed LNG plant will be a significant
regional project which will act as a catalyst for additional
industrial development at this location in the future. With
the extension of the natural gas network and the existing
electricity distribution infrastructure in place it is intended
to develop the area in a sustainable manner as a power
generation centre for the region.
3.3.19. As part of the environmental assessment process
for any significant industrial development at these coastal
locations, Habitats Directive Assessments should be
carried out. Issues to be considered include: the potential
impacts of introduced species, habitat loss /
fragmentation, disturbance to wildlife and alterations to
hydrological flow regimes, water and air quality
Regional Planning Guidelines:
RES- 06 Regional Economic Strategy
Strategic employment locations
In line with the National Spatial Strategy, it is an objective
to provide a choice of sustainable employment locations
sufficient to cater for the envisaged population and
employment growth in the region. This requirement must
be focused primarily on the Gateway and Hub Towns to
ensure that the population lives in proximity to
employment locations and reduces unsustainable
commuting.
It is an objective to support the sustainable development of
strategic locations in Cork Harbour and Cork Docklands
and promote the sustainable development of the Tarbert
Ballylongford landbank as a centre for energy generation
and industrial development, capitalising on its
infrastructure, access and location.
In close collaboration with development agencies, local
authorities should identify strategic land reserves in the
Gateway and Hub towns so as to provide for the future
sustainable economic development of the region.
Chapter 4: Settlement Strategy,
Population and Housing
4.1 Introduction
4.1.1. One of principal aims of the Guidelines is to set out
a settlement strategy to guide future development in the
region within the context of the National Spatial Strategy.
This chapter sets out the strategy for the development of
the settlements in the region until 2022, thus informing
investment priorities for infrastructure, transport and
communications. This is to ensure that available funding is
invested in a focussed manner to be of greatest benefit to
the region as a whole, whilst providing value for money
and fostering increasing competitiveness.
4.1.2. Over the past 10 years, development around the
main Cork Gateway and to a lesser degree the
Tralee/Killarney Hub has experienced a “doughnut effect”,
whereby higher population growth has occurred in villages
and rural areas instead of within the main urban areas.
This clearly unsustainable pattern of development has
resulted in higher commuting patterns and greater
demands on infrastructure development and the need for
other services outside of main urban areas.
4.1.3. The core settlement strategy will be to create the
conditions for higher levels of growth in the region in a
sustainable manner. This is to be achieved by focussing
population and employment development, as a priority on
the Cork Gateway and Hub towns of Tralee/Killarney and
Mallow. The strategy will seek to ensure that future growth
is planned in a way that allows the people of the region to
form more sustainable relationships between their homes,
workplaces and other concentrations of regularly used
services and facilities, and their means of travel between
them.
4.1.4. In order to protect the potential for the future
sustainable expansion of these urban areas, the rural
areas surrounding these urban centres need to be
protected from inappropriate development. In line with the
Sustainable Rural Housing Guidelines, a policy for the
control of urban generated housing should be applied to
the areas where such pressure is greatest, i.e. throughout
the Greater Cork Area and the Hub Town Areas as well as
around the main towns of the region.
4.1.5. The population targets proposed in these
guidelines require the timely delivery of supporting
infrastructure particularly for water and wastewater. If this
infrastructure cannot be provided there are a number of
increased risks including:
• Risks to human health and safety particularly
drinking water and bathing water quality.
• Impacts on biodiversity, including impacts on
designated Natura 2000 sites.
4.1.6. It is important that Development and Local Area
Plans ensure that critical infrastructure is provided to allow
sustainable development to take place.
4.2 Population and Housing
Population Targets
4.2.1. In October 2009 the DEHLG produced revised
population targets for the regions. This document also
includes population targets for the Gateway and Hubs for
the years 2016 and 2022. These targets indicate the
minimum population numbers for these locations to be
used in determining future development land requirements
for the region, setting the context for city and county
development plans and local area plans.
44
Chapter 4: Settlement Strategy, Population and Housing
45
Table 4.1: Population Targets 2006- 2022
Region 2008 2010 2016 2022
Border 492,500 511,000 552,700 595,000
Dublin 1,217,800 1,256,900 1,361,200 1,464,200
Mid-east 514,500 540,000 594,600 639,700
Midland 266,800 275,600 297,300 317,100
Mid-west 371,900 383,800 427,200 462,300
South-east 487,800 507,900 542,200 580,500
South- west 644,600 667,500 737,100 795,000
West 426,100 442,200 484,700 521,400
State 4,422,000 4,584,900 4,997,000 5,375,200
Source: DEHLG 2009
4.2.2. The revised targets provided by the DEHLG reflect a significant growth of 127,500 persons in the south west between 2010-
2022, the second highest level of growth in the state. The regional population targets were apportioned by the regional authority by
agreement with the three local authorities. The figures are shown in Table 4.2.
Table 4.2: Population targets for County Cork and Kerry 2006- 2022
2006 2010 2016 2022 2010- 2022
Cork City 119,418 127,710 134,710 150,000 22,290
Cork County 361,877 389,943 436,920 470,622 80,679
Kerry County 139,835 149,847 165,470 174,378 24,531
SW Region 621,130 667,500 737,100 795,000 127,500
4.2.3. The target populations for the growth of the Gateway and Hub towns in the region have also been given by the Department
and are shown on Table 4.3. Gateways and Hubs are the priority growth areas within the NSS policy framework and thus, in principle,
should be growing at faster rates than the regions in which they are located. As Gateways are the prime focus for growth,
government guidance places the growth of the gateway at 1.5 times the overall regional rate from 2016 to 2022.
46
Table 4.3: Target population for Cork Gateway, Hubs and Planning Areas
Area 2006 2010 2016 2022 Growth Total
2010-22
Cork Gateway* 272,645 296,600 336,600 381,500 84,900
Mallow Hub 10,241 12,400 16,500 22,000 9,600
Ring Towns and Rural Area** 104,951 107,895 110,698 113,500 5,605
Greater Cork Area
(incl. Mallow) 377,596 404,495 447,298 495,000 90,505 90,505
Tralee-Killarney Hub 37,347 39,700 44,700 49,400 9,700
Kerry Linked Hub
(incl. rural areas) 72,241 77,873 87,681 96,900 19,027 19,027
Northern Area 81,848 88,210 96,546 96,790 8,580 8,580
Western Area 89,445 96,922 105,575 106,310 9,388 9,388
SW Total 621,130 667,500 737,100 795,000 127,500 127,500
*(Cork City will have 134 710 by 2016 and 150 000 by 2022)
**The CASP Ring Area includes the Mallow Hub
4.2.4. From the above table, it is anticipated that there will be new growth of 127,500 persons in the region between 2010 and
2022, of which almost 85,000 will be located in the Gateway and 19,300 will be located in the Hub Towns, constituting approximately
82% of the population growth by 2022. Within the overall strategy of the Guidelines, the population target of 795,000 in 2022 may
be exceeded depending on levels of economic growth. Population targets in current City and County Development Plans are generally
consistent with these figures. The 2016 Review of the Regional Planning Guidelines will provide updated targets for the local
authorities for 2022 and in this regard the 2011 census will also inform the position. Updated guidance from the DEHLG in relation
to reviewed national population targets for 2022, following the 2011 and 2016 census will at the appropriate junctures, also better
inform the population targets.
4.2.5. In order to re-balance the future development in the region and concentrate development in the urban areas of the Gateway
and Hubs, new growth in the region will have to be allocated according to the overall regional development strategy.
Households and Housing Requirements
4.2.6. In order to give local authorities guidance in the preparation of their development plans and local area plans, it is possible
to determine the quantum of housing required in the future (2016 and 2022), based on the population targets. The table below takes
the population targets and translates them into households and housing units. The housing estimates are absolute figures without
provision for headroom which must be provided by the relevant local authorities when preparing their county development plans and
local area plans.
47
Table 4.4: Regional Household forecasts for 2022 – August 2009
Area 2006 2010 2016 2022
Cork Gateway 97,027 111,086 133,043 158,299
Mallow Hub 3,644 4,644 6,522 9,129
Ring Towns and Rural Area** 37,349 40,410 43,754 47,095
Greater Cork Area 134,376 151,496 176,798 205,394
Tralee-Killarney Hub 13,291 14,869 17,668 20,498
Kerry Linked Hub 25,709 29,166 34,657 40,207
Northern Area 29,127 33,037 38,160 40,162
Western Area 31,831 36,300 41,729 44,112
SW Total 221,043 250,000 291,344 329,876
4.2.7. The regional household calculations are based on the population targets divided by average household formation rates that
are similar to the national averages in 2006. (2.81 in 2006, 2.67 in 2010, 2.53 in 2016 and 2.41 in 2022).
4.2.8. Housing units required in the region for the period 2016 and 2022 are shown on Table 4.5. The calculation of housing units
required is based on the level of vacancy and frictional losses in the market. The downturn in the economy and the re-adjustment of
the housing market will result in a lower housing unit/household conversion rate. Previously, the conversion rate was 1.3 (based on
high levels of second homes and investor housing in the housing boom period). This figure has been adjusted to 1.15 as a result of
the downturn in the housing market.
Table 4.5: Regional Housing Units required in 2016 and 2022
Area 2006 2010 2016 2022 2010- 22
Cork Gateway 111,581 127,749 153,000 182,044 54,295
Mallow Hub 4,191 5,341 7,500 10,498 5,157
Ring Towns and Rural Area** 42,951 46,472 50,317 54,160 7,688
Greater Cork Area 154,532 174,221 203,317 236,203 61,983
Tralee-Killarney Hub 15,284 17,099 20,318 23,573 6,473
Kerry Linked Hub 29,565 33,541 39,855 46,239 12,698
Northern Area 33,497 37,993 43,885 46,186 8,193
Western Area 36,606 41,745 47,989 50,729 8,983
SW Total 254,199 287,500 335,045 379,357 91,857
4.2.9. As a result of the above analysis, the net housing requirement for the period 2010-2016 in the region is 47,545 and by 2022,
91,857 housing units, of which almost 66,000 (or 70%) will be located in the Cork Gateway and Hubs Towns. This will result in an
average regional construction of 7,655 housing units per annum.
Land Requirements for Housing
4.2.10. In Table 4.5, it is estimated that the future demand for housing units by 2016 will be 47,545 and by 2022 will be 91,857.
It seems that the housing demand generated by the target populations for the plan period (2010- 2016 and 2022), are well below
the actual level of land available and the resulting housing units. Therefore, generally, land supply for housing exceeds the predicted
demand in the region.
4.2.11. Based on projected population targets in 2016 and 2020, the net land requirement for housing has been estimated. The
figures as targeted are highly contingent on population growth occurring at the rates envisaged. Based on the projected housing
requirements between 2010, 2016 and 2022 , the net amount of hectares required has been calculated for the Gateway , Hubs and
other planning areas within the region. Table 4.6. also shows these figures aggregated at a local authority level. The gross land
requirement in terms of hectares required will have to be calculated by each local authority, based on applicable local densities in
different areas, availability of existing brownfield sites; together with an additional allowance for headroom, to allow for choice,
sequencing and other local factors. This headroom should be calculated in line with the Development Plan Guidelines of 2007.
Table 4.6: Net land requirement for Planning Area and Local Authorities
Housing Units Net Land Requirement
Planning Areas 2010 2016 Diff Ha 2022 Diff Ha
Cork Gateway 127,749 153,000 25,251 595 182,044 54,295 1,279
Greater Cork Area* 46,472 50,317 3,846 184 54,160 7,688 372
Kerry Linked Hub 33,541 39,855 6,314 300 46,239 12,698 604
Northern Area 37,993 43,885 5,891 265 46,186 8,193 369
Western Area 41,745 47,989 6,243 281 50,729 8,983 404
SW Total 287,500 335,045 47,545 1,625 379,357 91,857 3,027
Local Authorities 2010 2016 Diff Ha 2022 Diff Ha
Cork City 52,377 62,730 10,353 148 74,638 22,261 318**
Cork County 170,217 196,314 26,097 962 220,358 50,141 1,802
Kerry County 64,906 76,001 11,095 515 84,361 19,455 908
SW Total 287,500 335,045 47,545 1,625 379,357 91,857 3,027
* Including Mallow Hub
**Estimated land requirements (including substantial brownfield sites in the City)
4.2.12. It is important that increases in population are located in the Gateways, Hub towns, other towns, villages and rural areas
in that order of priority. The key to addressing this issue is for local authorities to actively manage the supply of land for housing in
accordance with the overall strategy. Therefore local authorities should undertake periodic studies of housing land requirements, the
48
49
aim of which should be to manage the supply of land for
residential development. Arising from the studies, local
authorities should:-
• Examine existing lands zoned for development in
the development and local areas plans and if these
zoned lands are not consistent with the population
and housing targets, or are surplus to
requirements, the local authorities should take
steps to introduce phasing programmes based on
the targets and the availability of adequate
infrastructure or change the landuse category to
one that is more suited to future requirements and
if the previous two options are not available to de-
zone any land not required. Densities should be in
accordance with the Sustainable Residential
Development in Urban Areas Guidelines
• All local authorities should consider the provision
of adequate zoned land in excess of the targets for
each of their settlements (headroom). Generally,
the quantum of headroom will depend on the
circumstances of the settlement and the
availability of infrastructure services and other
issues.
• It is important for local authorities to introduce
phasing for the release of development land in
each settlement so that development can proceed
on an orderly and sequential manner.
• The amount and adequacy of zoned land should be
reviewed by each local authority on a regular basis
4.2.13. When preparing land zoning strategies, local
authorities should, in the first instance, seek to avoid
significant adverse impacts on the ecological integrity of
Natura 2000 sites and other designated areas. In addition
to these designated areas, due regard should also be given
to other ecologically sensitive areas which are located in
close proximity to the Region’s Gateway and Hub
Settlements, including the intertidal areas of Cork Harbour,
the Blackwater catchment upstream of Mallow Town, the
intertidal and coastal areas of Tralee Bay and Killarney
National Park and it’s environs.
Regional Planning Guidelines:
Regional Settlement Strategy
RSS- 01 Land Zoning
It is an objective that the relevant local authorities
undertake periodic studies of all zoned land available for
residential development. These studies should identify
areas where shortfalls of zoned land exist and specific
areas where over-zoning has taken place, having regard to
the need for proper planning and sustainable development.
The assessment needs to be realistic in terms of the
necessity for priority investment in infrastructure and
management of land supply.
Following the study, each local authority in the review of
Development Plans and Local Area Plans is required to
ensure that land zoning provision is in line with projected
requirements in Table 4.5 and the criteria outlined in
4.2.12. and 4.2.13.
This overall approach needs to be supported by
sustainable provision of services and infrastructure
particularly in the Gateways and Hubs so that their
potential can be realised.
4.3 The Core Settlement Strategy
4.3.1. Having regard to the population and housing
targets outlined above a core settlement strategy for the
South West Region has been set out in which priority is
given to growth in the Gateway and Hubs. This core
strategy will reverse the past and current patterns of
growth and development that have hitherto resulted in an
imbalance of development between urban and rural areas
particularly in the CASP Ring area. This is causing higher
infrastructure costs, increased travel to work and a
consequential risks to the bio-diversity in the region.
4.3.2. Within this core strategy, growth would primarily
be focused on the development of the Cork Gateway and
two Hubs of Mallow and Tralee/Killarney. It will be
characterised by a sharp upturn in the population of Cork
50
Figure 9: Spatial Settlement Strategy for the South West
51
City, with a moderation of the rate of growth in the
southern suburbs and an acceleration of the rate of
population growth in the northern suburbs of Cork City. It
will also mean a moderation of the rate of population
growth in villages and rural areas so as to achieve a more
balanced rate of growth between urban and rural areas
around the Gateway and Hub towns and higher rates of
population growth in those towns served by sustainable
transport. In Mallow Hub town, there would be continued
growth of population in line with the higher level of
economic growth, thereby reducing the need of the
residents to commute to Cork City.
4.3.3. This settlement strategy is guided by an overall
development strategy, as outlined in Chapter 2, which
divides the region into four distinct planning areas;
• Greater Cork Area (including Cork Gateway),
• Tralee Killarney Linked Hub,
• Northern Area and
• Western Area.
4.3.4. Within the settlement strategy the Cork Gateway
and the two Hubs are recognised as the principal drivers of
development, directly or indirectly employing a significant
number of the population, and containing most of the
regions key employers. The Gateway and Hubs are the
focus for entertainment, recreation, shopping and leisure
facilities, as well as the focus of transportation linkages.
4.3.5. The Spatial Settlement Strategy is shown on the
attached diagram. In the remainder of the region (Northern
and Western Areas), there will be a more balanced
approach to development in order to maintain vibrant rural
communities, with an equal level of urban and rural
growth. In other towns of the region outside of the
Gateway and Hubs, there will be moderate population
growth in line with local employment opportunities.This
strategy assumes large scale infrastructure provision as
well as major re-development of brownfield and other
sustainable locations in the Gateway and Hubs, in the short
to medium term.
4.3.6. The development of these locations in the Gateway
and Hubs would generate significant advantages to
creating a critical mass of population to compete with
other regions and internationally. If there is no large scale
investment in the provision of infrastructure (bridges,
water services and rapid transit transport in the Gateway
and Hubs), the likely alternative scenario is a more
moderate population growth in established urban areas.
This option will be characterised by expansion of the
existing footprints of main towns, extending existing
infrastructure and local employment areas.
4.3.7. The principal aim of this settlement strategy is to
build on those strengths of the Gateway and Hubs through
increasing their population and employment levels. As a
result, there will be an economic benefit for all areas and
will also enable all areas to share in the region’s prosperity,
whilst protecting and enhancing the regions environmental
assets. The focus of new housing development should take
place in the Gateways and Hubs in line with the population
targets for 2022. These targets represent the minimum
population numbers which it is desirable to plan for and if
possible exceed.
4.3.8. In order to strengthen the urban structure of the
towns and to ensure delivery of population growth in line
with the growth strategy, further development in the rural
areas needs to be balanced in line with Table 4.4. In this
regard a strong green belt policy is required for the rural
area in the Greater Cork Area.
4.3.9. In preparing development or local area plans, local
authorities should comply with the provisions of the EU
Habitats and Birds Directives. In order to protect
designated international sites of nature conservation
importance,screening for Habitats Directive Assessments
should be carried out at an early stage in consultation with
the NPWS, when formulating land zoning strategies and
other objectives for settlements.The settlement hierarchy
and growth policies are shown in the Table 4.7 below.
The Cork Gateway
4.3.10. The priority for population growth in the region
will be in the Gateway. The primary focus in Cork City will
be on brownfield sites such as Docklands and Blackpool as
well as suburban areas such as Ballyvolane and Mahon.
Infrastructure investment must be prioritised in these
areas to allow capacity for the planned increases in
population. Transportation initiatives in the docklands are
of utmost importance in particular the high capacity, public
transport networks, along with the development of the
Docklands Bridges – Eastern Gateway bridge, Bridge at
Mill Road, Water Street and local road initiatives.
Development in these priority areas of the City should be
accompanied by appropriate higher development densities
to sustain the investment in high quality public transport
and infrastructure.
4.3.11. Important to the development of population
growth within the Docklands is the relocation of the Port of
Cork and associated Seveso sites. It is acknowledged that
this is a complex issue but remains one which must be
resolved in the short term. The local authorities should
work with the port authorities and the relevant industries
to develop a strategy for sustainable relocation of those
facilities.
4.3.12. Cork City Centre has benefited from considerable
investment in urban regeneration (both infrastructure and
new buildings) and this economic development together
with the environmental upgrade of Cork City Centre will
assist in its promotion as the primary location for retail,
services and cultural events in the region.
4.3.13. Planned growth in metropolitan towns is intended
to complement growth in the City so that the Gateway can
offer a broad choice of locations for sustainable future
development. Whilst significant investment is required in
hard infrastructure in some locations, additional
investment is also required in soft infrastructure to make
them more attractive places to live and work for future
generations.
4.3.14. The main gateway locations (outside Cork City)
for future population growth, will be in the metropolitan
towns. These comprise the settlements along the
suburban rail corridors including Midleton, Carrigtwohill,
Monard, Blarney, and Cobh. Additional growth will also be
directed to Ballincollig aligned to the development of a
high quality public transportation corridor linking
Ballincollig with Mahon and the city centre as proposed in
the CASP Update 2008. In this regard infrastructural
priority must be given to the metropolitan towns to cater
52
Table 4.7: Regional Settlement Strategy
Hierarchy Description and levels of growth
Cork Gateway including Metropolitan towns Part of Greater Cork area – principal economic driver of the region with strong
population and employment growth together with priority investment in
infrastructure in Cork City and Docklands, and Metropolitan towns.
Hub Towns Complementary role to the Gateway as an alternative location for investment and
choice in the region and a key economic driver to its immediate hinterland - strong
population and employment growth in the urban area in line with priority investment
in infrastructure.
Cork Ring Towns (excluding Mallow) Part of Greater Cork area – sustainable employment led growth in population
and employment.
North and West Area main towns Strengthening of settlements and stimulating sustainable growth in indigenous
economic development.
Key villages and smaller settlements Appropriate levels of sustainable growth.
53
for the additional population into the future to position
those towns for the economic upturn. The local authorities
should ensure that sustainable urban development takes
place along these corridors with the appropriate higher
densities.
4.3.15. Development of an integrated sustainable
transportation strategy within Metropolitan Cork (Cork Area
Transit System – CATS) is vitally important in terms of
developing an integrated and coordinated strategy
stitching the whole settlement strategy together and
moving towards achieving modal shift targets (see Chapter
5 for more detailed guidance on modal shift targets).
Planned development includes completion of the Cork
suburban rail network and rollout of rapid transit systems,
bus corridors, integrated ticketing and upgrading of the
public bus system. Equally important will be developing a
strategy for development of sustainable walking and
cycling facilities for the Gateway area.
Regional Planning Guidelines:
Regional Settlement Strategy
RSS- 02 Cork Gateway
It is an objective to promote the sustainable development
of the Cork Gateway as the economic driver of the region
through targeted investment in infrastructure, sustainable
and efficient transport modes and services, with a strong
emphasis on achieving choice in location and modal shift
targets, along with strengthening controls on urban
generated housing in the surrounding rural area.
Hub Towns
4.3.16. The Hub towns act as strategic locations in a
complimentary role to the Gateways. It is envisaged that
their growth will support overall development in their
hinterland areas, by linking the capacity of the Gateways to
the wider region. The aim is to build critical mass of
employment and population in the Hub Towns, positioning
them as sufficiently sized urban zones with the capability
to attract and retain additional employment and
population, thereby increasing their competitiveness and
attractiveness as national investment locations.
Mallow Hub Town
4.3.17. Mallow is in a pivotal position on the Atlantic
Corridor, midway between two national gateways (Cork
and Limerick), is on the main Dublin railway line with direct
rail links to the Tralee Killarney Hub and potential for direct
rail links to Limerick. The NSS states that as a hub Mallow
“will perform an important role within the national
structure at the regional and county level. Improvements in
regional accessibility through roads, advanced
communications, infrastructure and public transport links
are key supporting factors. Other critical factors are
enhanced physical qualities, townscape and improved
local services.”
4.3.18. The target population for Mallow for 2022 is
22,000 which is in effect a doubling of the current
population. As well as supporting the development of the
Gateway, Mallow also has a role to play in energising the
smaller towns and rural areas which lies within its sphere
of influence. If these targets are to be achieved, the focus
must be on delivering the required services and
infrastructure to facilitate this growth within a relatively
short timeframe.
4.3.19. The following actions should be undertaken if
Mallow is to succeed in achieving its target population and
become a sustainable location of choice.
• The local authority must identify and address any
shortfalls in the supply of available
serviced/serviceable development land, in a
sustainable manner.
• The town must expand its employment base in
order to provide sustainable employment.
• All development agencies need to adopt a much
tighter focus in the Mallow Hub in order to drive
employment led growth.
• A strategic transport plan, consistent with the
principles of Smarter Travel with particular
emphasis on sustainable transport modes should
be developed in the short term.
• The advance provision of infrastructure is essential
in Mallow to allow for projected population
increases and economic development.
54
• The existing controls on urban generated housing
around the town should be maintained in order to
protect environmentally sensitive areas, the
landscape and ensure a strong urban edge.
• Substantial improvements to the physical
environment and urban fabric are required.
• In preparing or reviewing development and local
area plans there will need to be an assessment of
their potential impacts on Natura 2000 sites.
• Improve the rail link between Mallow and Limerick
by introducing direct trains and consider the
potential of the feasibility of re-opening the
Patrickswell rail line.
Regional Planning Guidelines:
Regional Settlement Strategy
RSS- 03 Mallow Hub Town
It is an objective to recognise the strategic position of the
Mallow Hub in the Atlantic Gateway, to prioritise the Hub as
a location for new residential development with
commensurate economic growth in order to achieve the
targets for 2022 in a sustainable manner. It is also an
objective to ensure the provision of the requisite hard and
soft infrastructure, townscape improvements and to
promote Mallow as an attractive location for investment
and as a place to live, whilst carefully managing residential
development in the surrounding rural area and protecting
biodiversity.
The Tralee Killarney Linked Hub
4.3.20. The Tralee/Killarney Linked Hub is equidistant
between two national Gateways, Cork and Limerick and
together with Mallow, form a strong urban network within
the South West. The NSS sees the role of Tralee and
Killarney towns, as strategic locations whose growth will
support the revitalisation of areas in the South West,
capitalising on the combined capacities of both towns,
such as those in third-level education, developing links
between industry and centres of learning, surface and air
transport links and key natural resources such as scenic
landscape.
4.3.21. The population of the Tralee Killarney Hub towns
is envisaged to grow to 49,400 by 2022. In order to
achieve this target the Hub towns must attract population
and employment.
4.3.22. The following actions should be undertaken if
Tralee- Killarney Hub is to succeed in achieving its target
population and become a sustainable location of choice.
• The local authority must identify and address any
shortfalls in the supply of available
serviced/serviceable development land in a
sustainable manner.
• The Linked Hub must expand its employment base
in creative industries, tourism and the knowledge
based economy and identify further potential in
employment, taking into account its proximity to a
varied range of amenities.
• All State Development Agencies need a much
tighter focus in the Tralee/Killarney Hub towns in
order to drive employment led growth.
• An integrated transport strategy linking the towns
in the Hub and with the wider region is required, to
include in particular quality public transport
linkages, an improved road network, and stronger
connections to Farranfore Airport.
• The Linked Hub should be marketed as a quality
viable location in which to live and work with an
attractive urban setting and a high quality
environment.
• Strong controls on urban generated housing in
rural areas under urban pressure around the towns
are required in order to protect environmentally
sensitive areas, the landscape and ensure a strong
urban edge.
• In preparing or reviewing development and local
area plans there will need to be an assessment of
their potential impacts on Natura 2000 sites.
55
Regional Planning Guidelines:
Regional Settlement Strategy
RSS- 04 The Tralee- Killarney Linked Hub
It is an objective to recognise the central role of the Tralee
Killarney Linked Hub, to strengthen the local linkages
between the two towns, capitalise on their identified
capacities and to concentrate population and economic
growth in the Hub in a sustainable manner, whilst carefully
managing residential development outside of the towns. In
order to sustain growth and underpin its role, further
investment is required in sustainable transport,
infrastructure, services and public realm, building on the
reputation of the towns as attractive and unique locations
for investment and as places to live. Strong controls on
urban generated housing in rural areas that are under
urban pressure around the towns is required in order to
protect environmentally sensitive areas of the landscape
and ensure a strong urban edge.
Ring Towns in Greater Cork Area
4.3.23. The population of the Ring Area as a whole grew
very rapidly in the last decade resulting in unsustainable
levels of commuting and impacting on the growth of the
Gateway. In particular there was an imbalance of
development in favour of the villages and rural areas. In
order to redress this imbalance there is a need to
strengthen the population and employment base of the
towns, while moderating growth in rural areas.
4.3.24. The local authorities must focus on producing
development strategies and policies which will
complement the towns existing strengths and allowing
appropriate levels of development in line with population
targets for each town. Sustainable diversification and local
innovation will be key to consolidating the towns.
4.3.25. A review of the need for universal controls on
urban generated rural housing is necessary across the
whole of Greater Cork area to help achieve the objective of
establishing and consolidating a strong urban network of
towns and protecting the surrounding rural areas from
inappropriate and unsustainable development.
Regional Planning Guidelines:
Regional Settlement Strategy
RSS- 05 Ring Towns in Greater Cork Area
It is an objective to ensure that any future population
growth in the Greater Cork Area (outside of the Gateway
and Mallow Hub Town) is focussed within the ring towns in
a sustainable manner and is in line with the overall
settlement strategy.
It is also an objective to facilitate increased sustainable
economic development in the ring towns to create greater
employment opportunities for the population of those
towns thereby reducing the need to travel to work.
Settlements in the Northern Area
4.3.26. The settlements in the Northern Area comprise a
diverse mix of towns and villages ranging from
Mitchelstown in the east to Ballybunion in the west. The
strategy for the Northern Area is to improve and strengthen
its urban fabric, to concentrate economic and population
growth on the towns and to strengthen the main towns as
local service centres for the surrounding areas. Any growth
in population in the area must be distributed in a manner
so that there is a balance between the town and
villages/rural areas.
4.3.27. The local authorities must focus on producing
sustainable development strategies and policies which will
complement the towns existing strengths and allowing
appropriate levels of development in line with population
targets for each town. Sustainable diversification and local
innovation will be key to developing the towns.
4.3.28. Attention also needs to be given to accessibility
issues in particular rural public transport and broadband
rollout at sufficient speed (and competitively priced) to
facilitate economic development and support business
activity also needs to be fully developed in these towns.
4.3.29. The provision of controls on urban generated
rural housing in areas with pressure from urban generated
housing, particularly around the towns, would help achieve
56
the objective of establishing and consolidating a strong
urban network of towns across the Northern Area thus
protecting the surrounding rural areas from inappropriate
and unsustainable development.
4.3.30. The settlements in this area have strong cultural
and economic identities, from Listowel and Duagh,
Ballydesmond and Rockchapel to Newmarket, Charleville
and Mitchelstown. The development of cultural and social
linkages between the towns along with their hinterland
areas offers the potential for an alterative tourism product
with a very broad range of activities from coastal based
services to the west to sustainable nature and agri-tourism
type facilities stretching inland to the east.
4.3.31. Within the Northern Area of the Region the strong
cultural traditions of the Sliabh Luachra are of particular
note and include music, poetry, dance and story telling.
Regional Planning Guidelines:
Regional Settlement Strategy
RSS- 06 Settlements in Northern Area
It is an objective that these towns act as vibrant centres for
employment and services within their catchment areas.
The urban fabric of the settlements will need to be
strengthened and greater links forged with their
surrounding hinterlands. Any population growth will be
distributed in a manner so that there is a balance between
the town and villages/rural areas. Controls should be
introduced for rural areas under pressure from urban
generated housing.
It will also be an objective to promote and develop areas of
cultural heritage including the Sliabh Luachra traditions in
tandem with policies which will encourage sustainable
economic development in order to ensure vibrant
communities.
Settlements in the Western Area
4.3.32. The West Area is characterised by the peninsulas
and scenic rural areas interspersed with attractive towns,
villages and island communities. A higher quality of life
and access to recreational facilities are seen as significant
advantages to locating within these areas. The towns and
villages are small and dispersed across the area and each
serves its own hinterland in terms of economic and social
function. Some of the towns such as An Daingean,
Clonakilty, Kenmare and Bantry have very strong
enterprise/tourist functions, while others such as
Dunmanway and Killorglin serve more traditional market/
service functions.
4.3.33. Future population growth must be balanced
between the towns and rural area with a focus on
strengthening the established functions of the towns while
exploring ways of diversifying the local economies.
Attention also needs to be given to accessibility issues, in
particular rural public transport. Competitively priced
broadband rollout at sufficient speeds needs to be fully
developed in these towns to facilitate economic
development and support business activity.
4.3.34. Policies for the towns and villages should provide
sustainable opportunities for local employment, supporting
the needs of agriculture, local services and tourism,
improving public transport access to higher order
settlements as well as providing a range of housing to
meet local needs.
4.3.35. The implementation of controls on urban
generated rural housing in areas under pressure,
particularly around the main towns will help to protect the
surrounding rural areas from inappropriate and
unsustainable development whilst preserving their setting
and assisting with urban regeneration.
57
4.3.36. The local authorities should prepare policy
documents for the Gaeltacht and Island areas in their
jurisdiction which would seek to enhance their unique
cultural identity and secure the sustainability of their
communities into the future. Planning policies should
support the retention of population and services in the
island and Gaeltacht areas in a sustainable manner
Regional Planning Guidelines:
Regional Settlement Strategy
RSS- 07 Settlements in the Western Area
It is an objective to strengthen the economic and tourism
roles of the towns and villages and forge greater links to
their surrounding hinterlands and to peripheral areas and
improve accessibility to peripheral areas in a sustainable
manner. In rural areas which are suffering from population
decline, specific strategies need to be developed to
facilitate sustainable diversification of the rural economy.
Such rural diversification should be located in areas which
will avoid significant environmental effects. Any population
growth will be distributed in a manner so that there is a
balance between the town and villages/rural areas.
Controls should be introduced for rural areas under
pressure from urban generated housing.
It will also be an objective to promote and develop the
Gaeltacht and Island areas as centres of linguistic and
cultural heritage in tandem with policies which will
encourage sustainable economic development in order to
ensure vibrant communities.
58
Chapter 5: Transport and Infrastructure Strategy
5.1 Introduction
5.1.1. The timely provision of public transportation and
infrastructure is the foundation on which the region will
grow and develop. In line with the settlement strategy, the
necessary sustainable transportation options and
infrastructures will need to be put in place to support
growing levels of population and economic activities. All
areas of the region require capital investment in public
transport, roads, waste water treatment and water supply
schemes. The development of the Knowledge Based /
Smart Economy demands good broadband services to all
urban areas and many rural areas including rural
communities and the islands.
5.1.2. The region’s ports and airports are critical to the
future economic development of the South West, while the
development of a sustainable energy supply represents a
common challenge to be faced in all regions, the South
West may have potential competitive advantage in the
development of sustainable and renewable energy
resources.
5.1.3. The management of land use and policies of
Development Plans, Local Area Plans and Development
Management decisions shall implement the requirements
of SI 684 of 2007 in ensuring that the scale of
development is managed to achieve compliance with the
waste water discharge licences of waste water treatment
facilities.
5.1.4. All projects identified in the RPGs and future plans
that set the framework for or influence development
decisions or programme the undertaking, timing or
phasing of development, should undertake a Habitats
Directive Assessment in accordance with best practice and
guidance of their impact on Natura 2000 sites as part of
the planning and decision making process and in
considering the most suitable locations or scale for
provision of the project ensure avoidance of negative
impact.
5.2 Transport
5.2.1. In considering transport, the main aim is to
encourage improvements of inter and intra regional
cohesiveness, improving connections within the South
West and into the other Irish regions. The regional
transport modal split needs improvements in line with the
national targets and moderated to local conditions. An
increased emphasis needs to be placed on developing
more public transport, walking and cycling facilities to
reduce dependency on car use.
5.2.2. In recent years the patterns of travel and transport
have become ever more unsustainable with a doubling of
energy use in transport between 1996 and 2006, reduced
levels of walking and cycling and an increase in private car
use resulting in increasing emissions, lower air quality in
built up areas, longer commuting times and increasing
congestion on our roads. Without a fundamental shift in
modes of travel this pattern of use will continue with
consequent negative impacts in terms of emissions, safety
and travel times as well as economic costs. These issues
clearly indicate a need to make a change in the culture of
how we travel.
5.2.3. The recent Department of Transport publication
Smarter Travel sets out the national priorities in this regard
with an ambition to achieve a shift from 66% to 45% in
work related car modal share by 2020. This is seen as
being achieved through:
• sustainable compact growth of population and
employment;
• alternatives to car such as walking, cycling and car
sharing initiatives ;
• public transport to rise to 55% of total commuter
journeys.
5.2.4. Smarter Travel complements and follows on from
Transport 21 which outlines the government vision for
transport for the timeframe of these guidelines. Achieving
these targets will require integrated actions in terms of
spatial and employment planning and mobility and freight
management, all of which will be supported by fiscal
60
Chapter 5: Transport and Infrastructure Strategy
61
measures. Partnership between the stakeholders in
delivering this strategy is identified as being crucial, with
the participation of central and local government,
employers, commuters and transport providers.
5.2.5. Essentially the South West does not a have a highly
developed public transport infrastructure and therefore the
region is starting from a relatively low base. However,
substantial investment has taken place in recent years in
the region’s public transport infrastructure including
updating of the bus fleet an in the Cork Commuter Rail
System. Achieving sustainable transport, even in the larger
urban areas, will require a suite of actions that will have
complementary impacts in terms of travel demand and
emissions. There are essentially four overarching actions
that can be taken to achieve these targets in the urban
areas:-
• Planning policies which will result in and
encourage people to live in close proximity to
places of employment and the use of pricing
mechanisms or fiscal and other measures to
encourage behavioural change
• Actions aimed at ensuring that alternatives to the
car are more widely available, mainly through a
radically improved public transport service and
through investment in cycling and walking,
• Actions aimed at improving the fuel efficiency of
motorised transport through improved fleet
structure, increased use of biofuels, energy
efficient driving, alternative technologies and
electric car initiatives,
• Actions aimed at strengthening institutional
arrangements to deliver the targets.
5.2.6. It is important to underline that the targets and
actions are relevant to both urban and rural living, but the
dispersed nature of the region will make it very difficult to
achieve a shift on the level as envisaged in the national
targets for rural areas. . A more realistic target for rural
areas including the smaller towns of the region would be
perhaps a 20% change in modal shift to non car use,
complemented by enhanced facilities for walking and
cycling over short journeys. Public transport in rural areas
can be improved by the greater integration of existing
operations such as school bus services and other rural
transport services and initiatives.
5.2.7. The Cork Gateway, the Hub Towns and other urban
areas present the main opportunity to develop more
sustainable transport modes in line with national targets
and the RPG suggests a target of 55% of journeys by
sustainable means by 2022. Local journeys such as school
runs, shopping and leisure trips have a strong potential to
be undertaken by foot, bicycle or public transport.
5.2.8. Outside the Gateway, in other smaller urban areas,
due to scale and their dispersed nature, the opportunities
for improving the sustainability of movements mainly
arises within the individual towns rather than between
towns. Enhanced walking and cycling facilities need to be
provided to encourage local journeys.
5.2.9. Local Authorities, in preparing Development and
Local Area Plans, need to focus on alternative safe and
sustainable transport modes and deliver local
transportation strategies to reduce the need for car usage
in these areas. The RPGs support the CASP approach to the
development of integrated parking policies in the area.
Regional Planning Guidelines:
Regional Transport and Infrastructure Strategy
RTS - 01 Transport
It is a objective to encourage a 55% level of non car based
transport within the Cork Gateway, Hubs and other main
towns and a 20% level of non car based travel for journeys
within rural areas of the region.
Local Authorities should address integrated transport
strategies and systems as part of Development Plan and
Local Area Plan preparation- including Sustainable Freight
Strategies and Local Traffic and Transport Plans ,
examining and promoting sustainable transport options.
5.3 Public Transport
5.3.1. Integrated public transport provision is critical to
the overall transportation strategy. The aim of this
transport strategy is to achieve comprehensive public
transport services in and between the gateway and hubs,
with improvements in services to other areas of the region
resulting in a reduction in car use. Given the challenge of
carbon reduction, coupled with declining oil reserves, it is
important, particularly in the Gateway, that a highly
developed public transportation network is provided.
5.3.2. Planning policies should therefore encourage good
public transport services both within the Cork Gateway and
between the urban areas of the region. This ties in with the
overall strategy of developing the potential of the gateway,
with a concentration of development (both residential and
employment) along existing public transport routes or in
close proximity to new routes, and along the rail corridor in
the Metropolitan area and the proposed BRT corridor.
5.3.3. The first part of the Cork suburban rail network
was commissioned in J uly 2009 between Cork and
Midleton including the new stations at Midleton and
Carrigtwohill, which complement the existing rail line and
stations on the Cobh and Mallow suburban rail line. This
new rail line is a major step in providing integrated public
transport services to centres of high population growth.
Further work on improving the line and stations at Kilbarry,
Monard and Blarney on the northern line and Dunkettle in
the eastern line, together with other possible stations, will
assist in improved accessibility to the service. The
reorientation of Kent Station to facilitate ease of access
and connections to other modes of sustainable transport is
an important objective. It is also considered that protection
should be given to the existing railway line to Youghal as
potential exists to re-open this in the future.
5.3.4. Greater integration and frequency of public
transport services in Tralee/Killarney hub is also required.
Consideration should be given to the preparation of a
public transport study for the linked hub.
5.3.5. Mainline rail journey times on the Cork-Dublin line
need to improve to compete with private cars. Frequency
and journey times on the Tralee-Dublin line require
improvement.
5.3.6. Rail connectivity between the Gateways along the
Western Rail Corridor needs to be promoted and advanced
in order to strengthen the Atlantic Corridor. A direct link
from Cork to Limerick via Patrickswell is essential to this
concept.
5.3.7. In addition, the draft Cork Area Transit Study 2009
(CATS) has developed an initial strategy for the
improvement of the public transport network in Cork City
and metropolitan towns to support a more concentrated
and sustainable pattern of development. The study
identifies the public transport requirements of Metropolitan
Cork in order to achieve its objectives. It recognises that
current public transport networks and travel patterns are
unsustainable and that major changes are required if
public transport is to adequately serve future development
in the area.
5.3.8. The draft document also made a number of
recommendations including development of an east-west
Rapid Transit Corridor through the Metropolitan Area from
Mahon in the east to Ballincollig in the west, and
enhancing and reconfiguring the bus network. Supporting
integrative and travel demand management measures are
also recommended.
5.3.9. Water based public transport services, particularly
within Cork Harbour, may provide a viable alternative to
private car transport. One of the objectives of the Regional
Planning Guidelines is to support the provision of water-
based public transport services serving the Cork Gateway
in a sustainable manner, while recognising the need to
consider the impacts of any such services on
species/habitats of conservation interest and other users
of the waterways.
62
63
Regional Planning Guidelines:
Regional Transport and Infrastructure Strategy
RTS - 02 Public Transport
It is an objective to ensure that the development of public
transport infrastructure in the Cork Gateway and Mallow
Hub will rest on the successful implementation of the
following priority actions:
• Promotion of the principles of the draft Cork Area
Transit Study.
• Phased implementation of the BRT corridor along
the east west spine as outlined in CATS for areas
of Metropolitan Cork
• Reconfiguration of existing bus routes and the
further development of priority bus corridors in
Metropolitan Cork.
• Implementation of additional park and ride
facilities at appropriate locations
• Implementation of supporting measures, such as
integrated ticketing, and real time passenger
information systems
• Further development of the Metropolitan Suburban
Rail Network, including opening of new stations at
appropriate locations, improvements to
timetabling, rolling stock and integration with other
modes of public transport.
• Protection of the rail line from Midleton to Youghal.
• Consolidation of population and employment
growth in existing built up areas which best
facilitates travel by sustainable modes.
In the rural areas of the region, it is an objective to
encourage sustainable transport options throughout the
region by:
• Promote the sustainable development of mainline
railway connections along the western rail corridor
in order to underpin the sustainability of the
Atlantic Gateways.
• Development of integrated rural public transport
promoting improved modal interchanges (linking
rural to interurban, park’n’ride)
• Rural public transport initiatives
• Improvements to the inter-urban bus connections
5.4 Cycling / Walking
5.4.1. Compared with other modes of transport walking
and cycling have the lowest environmental impact, are
most beneficial to health and wellbeing and are financially
beneficial to the individual relative to private car
ownership. Outside the Gateway, these modes have the
potential to make the biggest impact. Smarter Travel has
outlined an integrated range of measures to encourage
increased levels of walking and cycling with an aim of
450,000 people walking and cycling to work/education
each day in 2020, up from 240,000 in 2006 nationally. If
this proposed increase is to be achieved in the south west
region then a number of broad interrelated factors come
into play.
5.4.2. There has to be greater integration and planning
between where people work and live, shop and recreate.
Walking and cycling policies can only succeed where safe
access on foot and bicycle to and from commonly used
centres can be provided. Fundamental to achieving a
modal shift to walking and cycling is to make the journey
safer and more convenient to the user. The region will need
to ensure that objectives and actions are put in place to
achieve safety in the provision of improved access to cycle
paths and pedestrian walkways which are integrated with
the public transport network.
5.4.3. A National Cycle Policy Framework has been
produced that will address the creation of traffic-free
urban centres to facilitate cycling and investment in a
national cycle network that deal with both rural leisure
cycling and urban networks with the latter given priority.
5.4.4. There are plans to establish a Walking Framework
under the Smarter Travel Plan. This will encourage a
culture of urban walking, ensuring that urban walking
networks are strengthened by the improvement to the
public realm including safe pedestrian routes, serving
education and employment areas and minimising areas of
traffic conflict for pedestrians, widening and resurfacing
footpaths and rationalisation of signage to public
buildings.
64
5.4.5. Proposed walking and cycling routes in the vicinity
of nature conservation sites should be located and
designed in such a manner so as to avoid undue
disturbance/harm to species or habitats of conservation
interest.
Regional Planning Guidelines:
Regional Transport and Infrastructure Strategy
RTS- 03 Cycling and Walking
It is an objective to encourage the development of
strategies for walking and cycling that promote the goals
and aspirations of Smarter Travel and the National Cycle
Policy Framework. Specifically, the region’s local
authorities should prepare plans for improvement to the
cycling and walking networks in urban areas, linking areas
of population growth and employment, in a sustainable
manner.
Development Plans and Local Area Plans should examine
the possibility of retro fitting of adequate walking and
cycling facilities and planning for all new areas should
include the provision of such facilities in a sustainable
manner.
In other urban parts of the region outside of the Gateway
and Hubs, where intra-urban bus services are not
available, it is an objective to promote the sustainable use
of cycling and walking between town centres, employment
and residential areas.
Roads
5.4.6. The National Roads Authority (NRA) on the
instructions of Government has placed its strategic focus
on the major inter-urban routes, specifically motorways
linking Dublin with the cities of Cork, Limerick, Galway and
Waterford and to Belfast. Indicatively, the priority post
2010 will address the inter-urban routes linking these
cities and building a critical mass of population and
workforce through improved roads to a motorway
standard.
5.4.7. For the South West this policy will have a major
impact in terms of the successful completion of the
motorway connection from Cork to Dublin, Waterford and
Limerick, resulting in improved journey times, safety and
comfort. Further development of national routes within the
region is critical if the South West is to compete effectively
with other regions for economic growth.
5.4.8. An important element of these new inter-urban
routes will be the improvement in access to the Gateway
and Hubs to the motorways, such as linking the M8 to Cork
City, linking the Mallow hub to the M20; and linking Tralee
and Killarney to the Gateways via the N21 and N22.
Planned routes such as the Northern Ring Road (M20)
interconnecting the M20 with the N22 and M8 should have
good access to strategic employment zones.
5.4.9. It is important to protect the capacity of the
national road network. The J ack Lynch tunnel is
particularly important as a strategic regional asset.
Consideration should be given to the role of the tunnel and
associated interhcanges and how the economic benefits of
these assets can be maximised.
5.4.10. Due to road pressures caused by existing
developments, until such time as substantial integrated
public transport services linking the population and
employment areas within the gateway and hubs are
provided, these new inter-urban routes will have to support
commuter movements. Local authority planning policies
should strive to mitigate this as much as possible to
protect the National Road Infrastructure for more strategic
use.
5.4.11. In terms of strategic road investments in the
region, the following are of significance.
65
Table 5.1 National and Regional Roads
Inter- regional
M8 Linking Cork-Dublin Gateways including upgrading of the Dunkettle Interchange.
M20 Atlantic Corridor linking Cork and Limerick Gateways – via Mallow hub – including Cork North Ring Route
N25 Atlantic Corridor linking Cork and Waterford Gateways including flyovers within the Cork gateway
N21/N22/N23 Linking Tralee-Killarney linked hub with Limerick Gateway including Tralee bypass
Intra- regional
N22 Linking Cork Gateway with Tralee/-Killarney linked hub
N72-N73 Linking Tralee-Killarney Hub to Mallow Hub and the Atlantic Corridor and the M8
N71 Linking Cork Gateway with the Western Area
Other Strategic Roads
N28 Cork Gateway to Ringaskiddy employment area
N27 Cork City to Airport
Cork Docklands Roads and Infrastructure
N70 Ring of Kerry strategic tourist route
R 630 Linking N25 at Midleton to Whitegate Energy Area
N86 Linking Dingle peninsula with Tralee –Killarney hub
N69, N21, N67 Linking the Tralee/Killarney Linked Hub with the Tarbert / Ballylongford deepwater port and landbank
and Limerick through the Tarbert ferry
R558 Linking Fenit Port with the Tralee-Killarney Hub
R624 Linking Cobh with M25
R561/563 Killarney - Annascaul linking to the Dingle Peninsula
Other projects
Tralee Eastern By pass
Midleton Relief Road.
Macroom By-pass
5.4.12. All road projects promoted in the RPGs should implement the guidelines relevant to the control of non-native invasive plant
species that are contained within the NRA (2008) document “Management of Noxious Weeds and Non-Native Invasive Plant Species
on National Roads’. Roads can facilitate the introduction and spread of non native invasive plant species which may harm
biodiversity. Sustainable Urban Drainage Systems (SUDs) should also be incorporated, where appropriate.
66
Regional Planning Guidelines:
Regional Transport and Infrastructure Strategy
RTS- 04 Road Network
It is an objective to encourage the sustainable
development of the strategic Motorway/National Primary,
National Secondary as well as the regional road
infrastructure both within the region and connecting with
other regions.
5.5 Ports and Airports
Cork International Airport
5.5.1. Cork International Airport comprises a site of
approximately 248 hectares, located 5km south of Cork
City centre within the Metropolitan Green Belt that
surrounds the City and its suburbs. To the east of the
airport, the N27/ R600 is currently the sole access route to
the airport. The passenger terminal building, completed in
2006 is designed to cater for over 5 million passengers per
annum.
5.5.2. Cork Airport is the second largest airport in the
State and is a vital element of transport infrastructure
providing both national and international access and
connectivity essential to the future development and
prosperity of Cork City, County and the South West Region.
In recognition of the pivotal role of the Airport as a driver
for socio-economic development, and the need to protect
the operational capacity and land use requirements of the
Airport in the long term, Cork County Council is
undertaking the preparation of a Special Local Area Plan
for the Airport (SLAP). There are a complex range of issues
to be addressed in the Special Local Area Plan including,
the need to protect sufficient lands for future aviation and
operational needs, the possible extension of the main
runway to allow for long haul services, impact on public
safety areas, impact on residential amenity, impact on
Natura 2000 sites and a strategy for future transport links/
improvements.
5.5.3. Adequate and efficient road and public transport
access are essential for the growth and expansion of an
airport. A secondary access road serving the Airport has
surfaced as a key issue. Steps will need to be taken to
identify the preferred route option for this secondary
access.
Kerry County International Airport (Farranfore).
5.5.4. Kerry Airport is located at Farranfore, which is
strategically located between Tralee and Killarney in the
Linked Hub area.The airport has expanded its activities
significantly as a commercial airport in recent years
leading to a need for expansion of the terminal building,
airside facilities and a runway extension.
5.5.5. The Airport is located adjacent to the national
roads (N22 and N23), the railway line from Mallow to
Tralee and to the village of Farranfore. There is a need for
better public transport links to the village and to the Linked
Hub towns. The airport is of critical importance to the
ongoing development of the Hub and its upgrading and
expansion needs to be prioritised in order to ensure that
the potential of the Hub as an attractive location for
settlement, leisure and buiness is realised.
Regional Planning Guidelines:
Regional Transport and Infrastructure Strategy
RTS- 05 Airports
It is an objective to protect the land and infrastructure
necessary for the sustainable development of future long
term aviation uses in line with growth at Cork International
Airport and to endorse the requirements of the Public
Safety Zones identified by the Airport Authority for Cork.
It is an objective to upgrade and expand Kerry County
International Airport in a sustainable manner as a crucial
element of the infrastructure necessary to drive the
development of the Tralee/Killarney Linked Hub as a
location for business, settlement and leisure and to protect
the associated flight path areas of the airport.
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Major Ports and Harbours
Cork Harbour
5.5.6. Cork Harbour as the largest port in Ireland outside
of Dublin contributes greatly to the overall economic
wellbeing of the South West Region, particularly in the
manufacturing, commercial, industrial and tourism
sectors. The port’s activities are located in several areas
of the harbour, including traditional open wharves within
the city and container facilities at Tivoli and a modern
deep-water facility with freight and passenger ‘Ro-Ro’
facilities at Ringaskiddy.
5.5.7. There are a number of specialised facilities for oil
and petroleum at Whitegate, general cargo at Passage
West and a specialised facility constructed to serve the
former IFI plant at Marino Point (disused). In addition, there
are important tourist related facilities for passenger liners
and cruise ships at Cobh.
5.5.8. It is important to the development of the region’s
economy that the Port of Cork can increase its tonnage in
line with the future economic growth of the region and its
own strategic development plan (currently under review)
will guide this approach.
5.5.9. Integral to both the expansion of the Port of Cork
and the planned redevelopment of the City Docklands is
the relocation of port activities and related uses from the
City Docklands and Tivoli to new sustainable locations in
the harbour. In the recent past, there have been conflicting
views on the provision of transport infrastructure to serve
the new port facilities particularly with regard to road
capacity issues and the future role of rail freight.
5.5.10. Recent studies undertaken by the Port of Cork
regarding the potential of rail/road services for port
activities have indicated that, with the exception of a
limited need for niche cargos in appropriate locations, the
existing rail network from Cork Harbour does not
adequately support the collection/distribution of freight
to/and from the port. The predominant existing and likely
future mode of freight transport for port activities is by
road. Local Authorities, through their development and
local plans, should give priority to identifying appropriate
locations for port activities that are well served by the road
network.
5.5.11. The Cork Harbour area also supports species and
habitats of international conservation importance within
Natura 2000 site designations. In the first instance it will
be important that there are no significant adverse impacts
on these Natura 2000 sites arising from future
development.in the Harbour Area. Wider environmental
aspects will also require consideration within the context
of Strategic Environmental Assessment Screening/
Environmental Impact Assessment.
Other Ports and Harbours in the region
5.5.12. The Department of Transport has identified six
major ports and harbours in the region for particular
attention: Fenit, An Daingean, Kinsale, Bantry, Youghal and
Baltimore.
5.5.13. The improvement and maintenance of smaller
ports, harbours and slips is important to the local
economies of these coastal areas. There are many such
facilities located along the length of the regions coastline
and these are important in terms of supporting economic
activities. In this regard, potential exists for the
development of liner based employment in Bantry Bay.
5.5.14. The maintenance and ongoing development of
Fenit Port and its access roads is a critical element of the
Tralee/Killarney Hub infrastructure providing an additional
transportation linkage and facilitating existing industry in
the area. In addition, it is the maritime leisure and activity
base of the Linked Hub. These roles must be protected and
sustainably developed to ensure the role of the Hub towns
expand to reach their potential.
5.5.15. It is important to recognise the role of ferries in
meeting the transport needs of the region, in particular the
Tarbert – Killimer ferry between Kerry and Clare/Limerick
and the ferries for the inhabitants of the region’s Islands
communities. These services need to be maintained and
supported so that the transport needs of the region and the
island communities can be met.
Development Plan Objectives:
Regional Transport and Infrastructure Strategy
RTS- 06 Ports and Harbours
It is an objective to support the sustainable expansion of
the Port of Cork in line with the targeted economic growth
of the region. As part of the programme of growth, it will
be important for the Port of Cork to relocate its activities
from the Cork City Docklands to suitable sustainable
locations within Cork Harbour. Once the Port of Cork has
resolved the issues of transport facilities to serve the port
in the future, the local authorities will examine the
potential of the possible locations and where appropriate
protect the most suitable for future port development in
their development and local area plans.
It is an objective generally to support the sustainable
development of ports and harbours as potential economic
generators for the region and support the maintenance of
other facilities such as slipways and to protect them from
inappropriate uses.
5.6 Water and Waste Water Treatment Services
5.6.1. The provision of adequate sustainable water
supplies and sustainable waste water collection and
treatment is a prerequisite for the RPG settlement strategy.
Adequate volumes of high quality drinking and process
water and subsequent waste water treatment need to be
made available in a sustainable manner in advance of
developments taking place. It is important that measures
are put in place to ensure that adequate wastewater
facilities are available for the anticipated population
growth in the region.
5.6.2. In line with the Department of the Environment
Heritage and Local Government’s Water Services
Investment Programme and the Assessment of Needs
relating to the provision of water supplies, a range of
water supply augmentation schemes and waste water
treatment facilities need to be provided in areas across the
region. As part of this, local authorities should promote
water demand management and water conservation
measures so as to reduce the need to abstract water and
to conserve treated water . Initiatives with measures and
policies to encourage the sustainable harvesting of rain
water should be supported’
5.6.3. In the development/provision of waste water
treatment facilities, polices shall implement the
requirements of The Waste Water discharge (Authorisation)
Regulations SI 684 of 2007 in ensuring that the scale of
development is managed to achieve compliance with the
waste water discharge licenses of waste water treatment
facilities. Development Plans plans shall promote the
provision of Sustainable Urban Drainage Systems (SUDs),
silt traps, and grease / hydrocarbon interceptors, where
appropriate, so as to ensure that water quality is
maintained or improved
Cork Gateway
5.6.4. The water supply to the Cork Gateway is primarily
obtained through the Inniscarra Dam upstream of Cork
City, which has the potential to cater for the anticipated
population and economic growth by 2022. A secondary
source of supply is also from the Lee Road Waterworks
close to the City. However, in order to ensure the future
sustainable use of this water source, there is a need to
protect the catchment areas upstream of Inniscarra Dam
and to appropriately assess the environmental effects of
significant increases from current abstraction rates. As
part of this screening for Habitats Directive Assessment
should be carried out in consultation with the NPWS. In the
case of Cork City, the strategic requirement is to deliver
sufficient levels of water supply to the Docklands to cater
for the planned growth and development.
5.6.5. The Cork Strategic Water Study was commissioned
to consider the water supply needs of the South Cork area
over the next 25 years. It identifies the need for priority
investment in augmenting water supplies to many of the
metropolitan towns. In particular, it indicated that there is
a need for a new scheme(s) to supply sustainable water to
Midleton and Monard and also serving any new growth in
the northern environs of Cork City.
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69
5.6.6. With regard to wastewater, the most significant
achievement over the past 10 years has been the
construction of the Carrigrennan wastewater treatment
works on Little Island to deal with effluent in the Cork City
and Lee catchments. Favourable consideration should be
given to the extension of the facility to cater for the
proposed new town of Monard. It is currently hydraulically
overloaded and needs to be modified to increase the
amount of storm-water intake. It will also need an
extension to cater for the proposed new town of Monard.
5.6.7. The Cork Lower Harbour Sewerage Scheme has
been identified as a key requirement in terms of the
growth of the Gateway in areas of the harbour. In
particular, the metropolitan towns of Carrigaline,
Ringaskiddy, Cobh, Passage West and Monkstown will
benefit from this new treatment works.
5.6.8. There is a need for modular extensions to the
existing treatment works at many locations, primarily
including Midleton, Carrigtwohill, Blarney and Ballincollig.
Hub Towns
5.6.9. The Mallow Hub requires upgrading of both water
supply services and waste water treatment. These
services are required in advance of any further significant
growth taking place in the hub.
5.6.10. The Kerry Strategic Water Study has identified
three priority water supply schemes (Scart reservoir,
Central Region treatment, North Ardfert Source Protection).
It is important to protect these water sources and the
Water Study has indicated support for exclusion zones
around the water sources at Lough Guitane. Other priority
Water Services Projects in Kerry include:-
• Ardfert Wastewater (WWTP) upgrade,
• Ballylongford WWTP upgrade,
• Central Regional Water Supply Scheme (Scart
Reservoir and Water Treatment Plant (WTP)),
• Fenit WWTP upgrade,
• Kenmare WWTP upgrade and WTP,
• Tarbert WWTP upgrade, Waterville WTP and WWTP,
• Water Conservation Stage 3 Works and
• Castlemaine, Glenbeigh and Killcummin Sewage
Schemes.
5.6.11. Two major priority sewerage schemes have been
identified, Killarney Main Drainage and Castleisland SS
Stage 2. Both Tralee and Killarney Towns require main
drainage schemes to be completed in advance of any
further significant development of the Linked Hub.
Development Plan Objectives:
Regional Transport and Infrastructure Strategy
RTS- 07 Water and Waste Water Treatment Services
It is an objective to ensure that the provision of sustainable
water services in the region is focussed on the delivery of
quality supplies in sufficient, sustainable volumes to the
Gateway and Hubs as a priority. The required waste water
treatment facilities must also be provided in a sustainable
manner. Specific city and county priorities, including
dealing with current supply, treatment and distribution
deficits, will need to be identified and prioritised by the
local authorities and provided in advance of significant
development taking place.
Wastewater discharges will need to comply with the
relevant provisions of the Waste Water Discharge
(Authorisation) Regulations SI No. 684 of 2007 These
proposals should be subject to detailed environmental and
habitats directive assessments where appropriate.
.
Waste Management
5.6.12. Under the Waste Management Acts 1996 to
2002, each local authority is required to make a Waste
Management Plan (WMP) the objectives of which is to :-
• Prevent or minimise the production and harmful
nature of waste;
• Encourage and support the recovery of waste;
• Ensure that such waste as cannot be prevented or
recovered is safely disposed of, and
• Address the need to give effect to the polluter pays
principle, in relation to waste disposal.
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5.6.13. Currently there are three waste management
plans covering the South West region. Kerry is included in
the Kerry, Limerick, Clare Waste Management Plan which
covers the period from 2006-11. Cork City Council and
Cork County Council carried out a joint Waste Management
Strategy for Cork in 1995. Following on from this, they then
developed their own waste management plans which
cover the period from 2004-09. The preparation of new
Cork City and County Waste Management Plans is
expected to begin in 2010 following clarification of key
issues and expected changes in Government policy
following consideration of the International Review on
Waste Management.
5.6.14. As the regional WMP’s are within different
regional boundaries from the South West, it is considered
more appropriate that the policies and objectives of these
WMP’s are dealt with at this level.
5.6.15. Significant inroads have been made in switching
from the predominantly landfill based waste disposal
system to integrated waste management programmes.
The plans address all areas of waste management
including collection, treatment, recovery and final disposal.
However, none of the plans currently deal with thermal
treatment of domestic waste.
5.6.16. Significant improvements and developments in
waste management since the adoption of these plans have
included the provision of engineered landfill sites,
enhanced facilities for recycling and waste recovery and
overall supporting policies to minimise waste.
5.6.17. An important issue relating to waste
management is the need for a Materials Recovery Facility
(MRF) or Mechanical Biological Treatment (MBT) to be
developed, at an early date, in a sustainable location within
the Cork Gateway, with good transportation links.
5.6.18. The EPA has prepared a National Hazardous
Waste Management Plan (2008-2012) which requires
local authorities to:
• reduce the generation of hazardous waste by
industry and society generally.
• minimise unreported hazardous waste with a view
to reducing the environmental impact of this
unregulated waste stream.
• strive for increased self-sufficiency in the
management of hazardous waste and to reduce
hazardous waste export.
• minimise the environmental, social and economic
impacts of hazardous waste generation and
management.
5.6.19. One of the more significant parts of the National
Hazardous Waste Management Plan is that the issue of
contaminated soils should be addressed in City, County
and Local Area Development Plans, where these plans
include the redevelopment of docklands or other
brownfield sites.
5.6.20. Hazardous waste management in the region
needs to be addressed from the perspective of the most
environmentally sustainable approach and in line with best
international practice.
Regional Planning Guidelines:
Regional Transport and Infrastructure Strategy
RTS- 08 Waste Management
It is an objective to encourage the delivery of an effective
and efficient waste management service in line with the
Waste Management Acts and promote local authorities to
review their respective Waste Management Plans (WMP’s)
during the lifetime of the guidelines.
The RPG supports the incorporation of the
recommendation and policies of the National Hazardous
Waste Management Plan 2008-12 and encourages the
early provision of a Materials Recovery Facility, or
Mechanical Biological Treatment (MBT) , in a sustainable
location within the Cork Gateway
In relation to Kerry, considering the peripherality of the
County, the need to promote economic development and
71
the need to maintain a competitive waste management
environment, the development of additional materials
recovery facilities at sustainable locations is desirable.
Energy Supply and Renewable Energy
Energy Supply
5.6.21. The world’s energy industry is changing
significantly to counter the declining stocks of fossil fuels
and to limit the production of harmful greenhouse gasses.
Like many other regions throughout Ireland and the rest of
Europe, the South West Region must respond to these
challenges to ensure that it is more sustainable in the
production and use of energy as we continue to grow and
develop in the 21st century. Energy supplies are provided
in the region from a number of key sources:
• Gas Network: the Kinsale gas field off the coast of
County Cork and associated pipeline network to
industry and the centres of population in the Cork
Gateway, Mallow Hub and other main Cork towns.
• Electricity Generation and Transmission
Network/Grid: through major thermal electricity
generating stations at Tarbert, County Kerry;
Aghada/Whitegate, County Cork and Cork City
Docklands. There also is a hydro-electric generator
at Inniscarra Dam.
• Sustainable renewable resources There is a
growing network of wind powered electricity
generators in both Cork and Kerry and significant
potential exists for additional electricity generation
by sustainable wind,wave and tidal energy
sources.
5.6.22. The gas network is presently confined to areas of
Cork City and County with a total of 21 towns being
serviced. Construction of a new pipeline from the Midleton
compressor station to Aghada with a spur-pipeline to
Whitegate, which will supply gas to the Aghada and
Whitegate CCGTs, and to the Conoco Philips oil refinery in
Whitegate . No towns are currently serviced with natural
gas in County Kerry . However plans do exist for the
construction of a large LNG plant at Tarbert in North Kerry
and this, should it proceed, may be a catalyst in the
development of a gas network in the area
5.6.23. A White Paper sets out the Government’s Energy
Policy Framework 2007-2020 to deliver a sustainable
energy future for Ireland. The document emphasises the
fact that security of energy supply is crucial for the
economy and society and that the country needs robust
electricity networks and electricity generating capacity to
ensure consistent supply to consumers and all sectors of
the economy.
5.6.24. Underpinning this strategy, forecasts for demand
in 2025 are based on the ESRI’s long term forecast of
moderate growth in economic activity. This will entail
significant expenditure on the transmission network in the
South West Region. This national grid development, which
is supported by the Regional Planning Guidelines, will
include the upgrading of transmission network and new
transmission developments and strengthening of the Cork
network to allow power to be exported from the two gas
fired generators in East Cork. All the above projects should
be in accordance with the proper planning and sustainable
develepment of the area and should seek to ensure proper
management of sensitive landscapes and protection of
Natura 2000 sites
5.6.25. Future regional electricity demands may not be
necessarily supplied from within the region and could be
even imported from abroad. This will require
improvements to be made to the national electricity grid
and Eirgrid, which is the Transmission System Operator
(TSO), has put in place a strategy until 2025 (Grid 25)
which is intended to future proof the nations electricity
transmison infrastructure. The electricity transmission
network forms that backbone of our power supply and it is
critical that is developed in a sustainable manner to ensure
that the region has the necessary infrastructure to attract
business and accommodate economic growth and the
future development of our local economy. Eirgrid’s role is
to ensure that there is adequate network capacity to carry
power from new generation stations and to ensure a
72
reliable supply to meet growing demand for electricity. In
order to facilitate the development of the transmission
grid, local authorities must consider the development of
the grid in all development proposals to ensure that the
grid is not compromised in any way by the proposals.
5.6.26. It is envisaged that an east-west electricity inter-
connector to Britain will be developed as part of the Grid
25 strategy. Further potential exists for a second
interconnection from the south coast to France or Britain
opening up markets for electricity. These inter-connectors
could play a significant role in internationalising the Irish
energy market and in building an international market
place for renewable generation in the South West, by
providing a means to export excess generation.
5.6.27. Local authorities should broadly promote and
support a sustainable approach to energy demand
management and conservation practices.
Renewable Energy
5.6.28. The region has a key role to play in the
attainment of the national renewable energy target of
40% supplied via renewable by 2020. The Regional
Bioenergy Plan 2009-2020, published by the South West
Regional Authority, supports the development of bioenergy
resources as a means of displacing or substituting fossil
fuel in transport and heating operations. The plan also
supports the designation of the Whitegate area of County
Cork as a National Bioenergy Energy Development Zone.
Its recommendations include the use of biomass in local
heating schemes and the involvement of local authorities
in such schemes. It also underlines the potential for the
use of more sustainable fuel sources in commercial space
heating.
5.6.29. The south west has considerable potential for the
generation of electricity from sustainable renewable
resources such as wind and wave. A number of challenges
however exist in that many of these sources of renewable
energy are not served by existing electricity transmission
routes and therefore significant reinforcement of the
electricity grid in a sustainable manner will therefore be
required to cater for the new power flows from renewable
generation.
5.6.30. Demand for electricity in the region is expected
to rise by 60% by 2025. Wave and wind technologies
together with bioenergy resources are expected to play a
significant part in meeting additional demand with excess
renewably generated power being exported through an
enhanced transmission grid to other regions within the
state.
5.6.31. Cork City Council in association with UCC has
been investigating the potential of an aquifer underlying
the Docklands area. This aquifer could be used as a source
of geothermal heating and potable water subject to
satisfactory results from investigations. Other initiatives
such as pumped water storage may also be considered in
the region.
5.6.32. Within the region, the Regional Planning
Guidelines support the sustainable development of
renewable energy generation subject to the sustainable
development of local areas and the protection of areas of
high scenic amenity. Possible effects on Natura 2000
Sites, including effects on water supply and hydrology,
wildlife disturbance, habitat loss and species mortality
associated with collisions should be an essential
consideration when planning for renewables and these
should be considered at the local or project-level stage.
Regional Planning Guidelines:
Regional Transport and Infrastructure Strategy
RTS- 09 Energy and Renewable Energy
It is an objective to facilitate the sustainable development
of additional electricity generation capacity throughout the
region and to support the sustainable expansion of the
network. National grid expansion is important in terms of
ensuring adequacy of regional connectivity as well as
facilitating the development and connectivity of
sustainable renewable energy resources.
73
It is an objective to ensure that future strategies and plans
for the promotion of renewable energy development and
associated infrastructure development in the Region will
promote the development of renewable energy resources
in a sustainable manner. In particular, development of wind
farms shall be subject to:
• the Wind Energy Planning Guidelines
• consistency with proper planning and sustainable
development
• criteria such as design and landscape planning,
natural heritage, environmental and amenity
considerations,
It is an objective of the guidelines to promote the
sustainable provision of renewable energy from tidal, wave
and pumped storage developments together with bio-
energy resources, as critical elements of the long-term
secure energy supply throughout the region.
Telecommunications
5.6.33. Excellent communications are a basic
prerequisite for a competitive economy. The rollout of
broadband has been fragmented, being mainly developed
in the larger urban areas of the region, while many rural
areas still have no adequate coverage.
5.6.34. In Gateways and Hubs, significant improvement
to the fibre network infrastructure has been made with the
introduction of the Municipal Area Networks (MAN’s) as
well as fibre networks by several providers. In the context
of next generation networks, it is important that these fibre
networks are expanded (fibre to the door) particularly to
large urban areas and business parks in order to promote
the concept of evolving the smart economy
5.6.35. Within the South West, the cost of broadband
connectivity with the transfer of large amounts of data is a
continuing issue and places the region at an economic
disadvantage. It is crucial that broadband and data transfer
costs in the South West are on par with costs in the Dublin
region. Adequate backhaul speeds need to be developed
as a matter of urgency.
5.6.36. The Regional Planning Guidelines supports the
need for an Internal Tier 1 connection to the Cork Gateway.
This would have many benefits among which are the
potential entrance of new carriers into the Irish market, the
potential to link the Atlantic Gateways of Waterford, Cork,
Limerick and Galway via the Chorus, or similar network;
and the creation of a direct link from Ireland to continental
Europe bypassing the UK and the London Data centres. A
business plan should be prepared to progress this project
supported by the local authorities and other interested
stakeholders.
5.6.37. A study entitled “New Tier 1 International Fibre
Connectivity to Cork” undertaken in 2008, by the Cork City
Council, identified a number of options, the preferred one
being a connection to the VSNL Western submarine cable
which has a branching unit and tail pointing towards
County Cork, located approximately 80 kms. off the Cork
coastline. Other options included terrestrial connections
from Cork overland to the Global Crossing or BT networks
from the UK at Wexford.
5.6.38. The nature of the internationally traded services
sector is such that high quality, competitively priced
broadband infrastructures, and data centre capacity, are
critical to attracting investment into the region in the
future. Not only are such infrastructures important from an
FDI perspective, but are also vital for indigenous
companies.
Regional Planning Guidelines:
Regional Transport and Infrastructure Strategy
RI - 03 Telecommunications
It is an objective to support the development of adequately
sized broadband services throughout the region in a
sustainable manner. The RPG supports the sustainable
development of an International Tier I connection to the
Cork Gateway.
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Figure 10: Spatial Transport Infrastructure Strategy for South West Region
Chapter 6: Environment
and
Amenities Strategy
6.1 Introduction
6.1.1. This chapter examines the landscape, environment
and heritage of the South West region, its characteristics,
assets, issues and opportunities. The landscape of a region
is hugely significant and in the case of the South West, it is
recognised that the landscape, both built and natural is
one of the most valuable in the country. A quality
environment plays an increasingly critical role in social and
economic development, as well as in the tourist and
leisure industries. The South West has a high level of
biodiversity and generally quite good water quality. It is
rich in archeological features which have great importance
both in terms of their cultural significance and as tourist
attractions. These assets must be managed carefully and
the strongest safeguards should be put in place for the
most significant landscapes, coastlines, habitats and built
heritage under the requirements of National and
International Nature Conservation Legislation.
6.1.2. Key to achieving a quality environment and good
quality of life, as well as enhancing the region’s
attractiveness, is the promotion of policies that seek to
ensure equality of opportunity for all the residents of the
region. In this regard, policies encompassing urban
regeneration, open space provision and access to housing,
employment, education and health facilities all have
significant roles to play.
6.1.3. The threats to these assets come from economic
development, urban sprawl, waste water discharge and
emissions. The Regional Planning Guidelines must set out
a framework to protect, conserve and enhance the regions
environmental and social assets in a way which will enable
it to develop socially, sustainably and economically.
6.2 Landscape
6.2.1. The South West of Ireland is justifiably well known
for its diverse and rich landscape which ranges from
spectacular mountain scenery to unique coastal locations,
as well as major river valleys and high quality farmland.
Landscapes comprise the visible features of the region
which include landforms, living elements of flora and
fauna, abstract elements like lighting and weather and
human elements such as human activity and the built
environment.
6.2.2. There is national guidance from the Department
of Environment Heritage and Local Government on
Landscape and Landscape Character Assessments and
the Planning Acts require Development Plans to include
objectives for the preservation of landscape, views and
prospects and the amenity of places and features of
beauty. They also provide for Landscape Conservation
Areas and Areas of Special Amenity. The three city and
county development plans in the region deal with
landscape in very different ways leading to difficulties in
setting common targets or goals for the landscape of the
region as a whole.
6.2.3. In the Cork County Development Plan, Landscape
Character Assessment was used as a tool to identify and
categorise various elements in the landscape. Four
subcategories of sensitivity were identified ranging from
low sensitivity to very high. Landscape sensitivity is a
measure of the landscapes ability to accommodate change
or intervention without undergoing unacceptable impacts
on its character and values. The relative importance of the
landscapes was categorised as local, county or national.
The plan also includes specific objectives in relation to the
landscape strategy and to protection of scenic landscape
and scenic routes.
6.2.4. The Kerry County Development Plan recognises
the intrinsic value of landscape both as a tourism and
recreational asset and as an economic asset which must
be protected. The Plan outlines an objective to protect
identified landscape areas of prime and secondary special
amenity, as they have little capacity to accommodate
development. Special objectives are also included in the
Plan for the preservation of views and prospects.
6.2.5. Cork City Council commissioned a Landscape
Study in 2008 which informed the landscape protection
policies. This study provides detailed analysis of the city
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Chapter 6: Environment and Amenities Strategy
77
landscape using Landscape Character Assessment. The
data was also used in setting objectives for the
preservation of views and prospects as well as conserving
areas of high landscape value.
6.2.6. The European Landscape Convention came into
force in Ireland in 2004. This requires member states to
recognise landscapes in law, to establish and implement
landscape policies, to establish policies for the
participation of the public in the definition and
implementation of policies and to integrate landscape
policies with regional and town planning policies. In
October 2007 the DEHLG announced its intention to
publish a National Landscape Strategy for Ireland.
6.2.7. Within the South West region Landscape Character
Assessment offers the potential to establish a coherent
strategy for integrating landscape and land use and
transportation policies as well as economic, energy
policies etc.
Regional Planning Guidelines:
Environment and Amenities Strategy
REAS- 01 Regional Landscape Strategy
It is an objective to support a common approach to ensure
consistency in Landscape Character Assessments (LCAs)
for all areas of the region which will help identify
landscape capacity, landscape value and which will
promote the protection, planning and sustainable
management of all landscapes in the region.This approach
should include consultation with adjoining Local
Authorities.
The Coastline
6.2.8. The South West region has an extensive coastline
(over 2000 km) with a diverse range of landscape areas.
The Regional Planning Guidelines promote the inclusion of
policies in all local authority development plans relating to
the sustainable development and conservation of these
areas. Issues such as potential rise in sea level, coastal
erosion, protection of biodiversity, flooding and
development needs to be addressed in an integrated
manner.
6.2.9. Local Authorities should translate these policies
into an integrated strategy for their coastline that
recognises:
• The need for environmental protection and
enhancement including the need to protect nature
conservation sites of international importance
• The economic and social role of the region’s ports,
seaside towns and coastal areas important to
tourism, recreation and amenity
• Predicted sea level rise and the adaptation
challenge this presents to coastal communities
and decision makers
6.2.10. Local planning authorities and other agencies
should seek, through their plans and management
strategies to address:
• The regeneration of coastal towns and
communities, reinforcing their local economic and
social roles and importance to the wider region;
and
• The conservation of the coastal environment and
coastal waters, including the natural character,
historic environment and tranquillity of
undeveloped areas, particularly in the areas of
coastline and estuary designated as sites of
European or international importance for nature
conservation.
• The overall maritime area provides new
opportunities for economic development, which
includes:-
o the potential for the sustainable development
of new off-shore resources in terms of
renewable energies and other seabed based
opportunities.
o the area of Maritime Spatial Planning is
currently being progressed by the European
Commission and can be addressed in an
integrated manner by extending the Guidelines
into the Maritime Spatial Planning Zone.
78
Regional Planning Guidelines:
Environment and Amenities Strategy
REAS- 02 Regional Coastline
It is an objective to promote integrated coastal
management strategies for the region’s coastline that will
involve the key stakeholders and which will :-
• examine the impact of sea level rise
• examine the potential of off-shore renewables
• identify potential social and economic
development
• recognise the environmental sensitivity of the
coastal areas, including Natura 2000 sites,
seascapes and landscapes.
• promote coordinated land and maritime zone
spatial planning.
6.3 Natural Heritage – Ecological Integrity
Overview of the region’s habitats and species
6.3.1. There are a number of EU and national
designations governing the regions habitats and species.
The European Birds (1979) and Habitats (1992) Directives,
the Natural Habitats Regulations (1997) and the Wildlife
Acts (1976 and 2000) provide the framework for the
protection of our natural heritage. In addition, there are a
number of international conventions and agreements
relating to our heritage, which Ireland has ratified. The
Conservation of species and habitats in accordance with
the requirements of the EU Habitats and Birds Directives is
considered to be an important component of a sustainable
strategy. In order to safeguard the interests of species and
habitats protected under the Habitats and Birds Directives,
Local Authorities should promote implementation of the
DEHLG (2009) Guidance, and any subsequent updates, on
‘Appropriate Assessment of Plans and Projects in Ireland –
Guidelines for Planning Authorities’
6.3.2. In 2002, the first National Heritage Plan and
National Biodiversity Plans were produced by the
Government. These policy documents addressed the
protection and management of national heritage over a
five year period. The documents are underpinned by the
core principle that heritage belongs to all of the people and
that the people all share a responsibility to protect it.
6.3.3. The responsibility of local authorities in relation to
the care and protection of heritage is identified in both the
National Heritage Plan and the National Biodiversity Plan.
Key actions in these plans include the requirement on
Local Authorities to prepare and implement Local Heritage
and Local Biodiversity Action Plans in partnership with the
main stakeholders in the area.
6.3.4. There are four main designations affecting
habitats and species:
• Special Area of Conservation (SAC)
• Special Protection Area (SPA)
• Natural Heritage Area (NHA)
• National Parks
6.3.5. Cork County Biodiversity Plan was produced in
2008. Its aim is to conserve and enhance biodiversity and
to ensure that every person in the county has the chance
to appreciate and understand its importance. The plan sets
out a number of actions and objectives for the protection
of biodiversity in the county and lists the relevant
legislation. Kerry County Council produced their second
Heritage and Biodiversity Plan in 2008. The plan covers the
period to 2012 and outlines a series of policies aims and
actions to deal with education, access, research and
management of the county heritage assets.
6.3.6. Cork City Council produced a Biodiversity Action
Plan for 2009-2014. It includes an overview of Cork City’s
biodiversity and a range of actions to protect, enhance and
promote awareness of the City’s biodiversity. Its aim is to
promote the appreciation and enjoyment of Cork City’s
biodiversity amongst the people of the city and to identify,
understand and conserve the biodiversity of the city for
future generations
6.3.7. The DEHLG document The Economic and Social
Aspects of Biodiversity – Benefits and Costs of Bio-
diversity in Ireland made significant progress in identifying
79
overall biodiversity patterns across the country and a map
was produced indicating biodiversity index value. Not only
is it important to protect these areas but it is also vital to
establish corridors between such areas. In regional terms,
the high levels of biodiversity in the south west place
responsibility for conservation and enhancement of those
areas on the regional and local authorities.
Regional Planning Guidelines:
Environment and Amenities Strategy
REAS- 03 Management of Natural Heritage
Local authorities are required to carry out screening of
proposed projects and any draft land use plan or
amendment/variation to any such plan for any potential
ecological impact on areas designated or proposed for
inclusion as Natura 2000 / European Sites and shall make
a determination if a Habitats Directive Assessment is
necessary, of the potential impacts of the project or plan
on the conservation objectives of any Natura 2000 /
European Site.
It is an objective for local authorities to carry out, monitor
and review biodiversity plans throughout the region.
Planning authorities should set policies in their
development plans to implement and monitor the actions
as set out in the National and County Biodiversity Plans, as
the conservation of biodiversity is an essential component
of sustainable development. Local Authorities should
address the issue of fisheries protection and invasive
introduced species and encourage the use of native
species for landscape planting in rural areas, in the review
of their biodiversity plans.
It is an objective for local authorities to work with all
stakeholders in order to conserve, manage and where
possible enhance the regions natural heritage including all
habitats, species, landscapes and geological heritage of
conservation interest and to promote increased
understanding and awareness of the natural heritage of
the region.
Development Plans should
(a) include objectives for the maintenance of the
conservation value of European sites within the territory of
and affected by, the plan, and
(b) state that all projects likely to have a significant effect
on Natura 2000/European sites will be subject to Habitats
Directive assessment , and projects will only be approved
if they comply with the Habitats Directive
6.4 Environmental Quality
Soils and Geology
6.4.1. In order to help protect the soil resource of the
regions, consideration should be given to supporting soil
conservation to ensure the continuing viability of
agriculture and forestry in the region and would also have
wider environmental benefits, e.g. water quality, water
attenuation, biodiversity. This would enable identification
of threats, issues and opportunities relating not only to
agriculture but also water systems, biodiversity and the
rural economy. Local authorities should aim to actively
protect high quality soils as a valuable resource.
Air Quality
6.4.2. Cork City Council monitors various air quality
parameters at a number of stations in the City. Air quality
in general has been improving and each parameter
measured has been in accordance with EU Requirements.
Further monitoring and mitigation actions may be
necessary in the future in certain areas where population
concentration and economic development occurs.
Environmental Noise
6.4.3. Noise can have a significant impact on the quality
of life and the environment in which individuals and
communities live. There are regulations covering the
preparation of Noise Plans for airports and roads on foot of
European Noise Directive. The Regional Planning
Guidelines supports the preparation of these plans by the
local authorities. A noise action plan has been prepared for
Cork City which seeks to monitor and mitigate the impacts
of noise on areas close to national and certain heavily
trafficked non-national roads within the city. The
recommendations of the Noise Action Plan will be taken
into account when assessing proposals for new
development to avoid/reduce the impacts of traffic noise.
Water Quality
River Basin Management
6.4.4. The European Union Water Framework Directive
was adopted in 2000 and requires all member states to
manage their waters. Member states must ensure that
their waters achieve at least good status by 2015 and that
their status does not deteriorate. The directive requires the
preparation of a management plan for all of the waters in
a given area, referred to as a River Basin District (RBD). In
Ireland there are a total of eight RBDs. There are three
RBDs within the South West Regional Area, The South
Western River Basin District (RBD) and the Shannon River
Basin District (RBD) ) and the South East RBD. As noted in
REAS-04, it is an objective to achieve regional water
quality targets by implementing the River Basin
Management Plans and ensure that development
undertaken or permitted by local authorities ; other public
agencies or private operators ,shall not contravene the
objectives of the Water Framework Directive. the European
Communities Environmental Objectives (Surface Waters)
regulations 2009 SI 272 of 2009 and the European
Communities Environmental Objectives) Groundwaters)
regulations 2010, SI 9 of 2010.
6.4.5. The South Western RBD encompasses most of the
counties of Cork and Kerry but also takes in parts of
Limerick, Tipperary and Waterford. Part of North Kerry and
North Cork is located within the Shannon District which
also encompasses another 18 counties in the Republic and
stretches partially into Northern Ireland.
6.4.6. A draft management plan has been prepared for
each district. A structured approach was taken to examine
the status of surface and ground water and identified the
main pressures impacting on those waters. The status of
the waters is categorised separately for surface water and
ground water. Surface waters are classified as high, good,
moderate poor or bad while ground waters are classified
as good or poor.
6.4.7. Special note is taken of protected areas,
particularly drinking water sources, shellfish waters,
Natura 2000 sites and freshwater pearl mussels habitats.
Additional measures may be required in these areas in
order for them to achieve good or high status. Shellfish
Waters Pollution Reduction Programmes and associated
Action Measures and Fresh Water Pearl Mussel Sub Basin
Management Plans and associated Programmes of
Measures should be referred to in this regard.
6.4.8. The objectives of the Directive were to ensure that
water meets the standards, maintain high status of waters
where it exists and preventing any deterioration of water
and to achieve good status on all waters by 2015.
6.4.9. Key pressures on the RBD’s include wastewater
and industrial charges, landfill, quarries, mines and
contaminated Land, agriculture, wastewater from un-
sewered properties, forestry usage and discharge of
dangerous substances, physical modifications.,
abstractions, local and future issues, e.g. climate change,
aquaculture and invasive alien species.
6.4.10. The Management Plans set out four core
objectives to be achieved by 2015:
• Achieve protected area objectives.
• Prevent deterioration
• Restore good status
• Reduce chemical pollution
6.4.11. The plans found that Irelands most recent water
quality surveys have detected early signs of improvement
in water quality resulting from the basic measures being
implemented, in particular capital investment and
improved working practices.
80
81
6.4.12. Measures to improve the status of the waters
were divided into three groupings:-
• The implementation of 11 key directives specified
under the Water Framework Directive and already
transposed into domestic legislation (Bathing Water
Directive, Habitats Directive, Birds Directive, Drinking
Water Directive as amended, Major Accidents (Seveso)
Directive, Environmental Impact Assessment Directive
Sewage Sludge Directive, Urban Waste-water Treatment
Directive, Plant Protection Products Directive, Nitrates
Directive, Integrated Pollution Prevention Control
Directive).
• The implementation of other stipulated measures
required by the Water Framework Directive; and
• The use of additional or supplementary measures.
6.4.13. The Plans outline action plans which set out the
basic measures plus the most cost effective
supplementary measures. Basic measures required by the
Directive include:
• Principle of cost recovery for water use
• Source Protection Zone control
• Controls on abstractions
• Controls on point and diffuse discharges
• Controls on discharges to groundwater
• Controls to deal with priority substances
• Controls on physical modifications
Regional Planning Guidelines:
Environment and Amenities Strategy
REAS- 04 Environmental Quality
It is an objective to promote soil conservation within the
region in order to ensure the protection of the soil resource
It is an objective to encourage further provision of noise
and air quality monitoring infrastructure in areas
containing large commercial and industrial developments
and in areas of high population throughout the region.
It is an objective to achieve regional water quality targets
by implementing the River Basin Management Plans and
ensure that development undertaken or permitted by local
authorities; other public agencies or private operators,
shall not contravene the objectives of the Water
Framework Directive, the European Communities
Environmental Objectives (Surface Waters) Regulations
2009 SI 272 of 2009 and the European Communities
Environmental Objectives) Groundwaters) Regulations
2010, SI 9 of 2010.
Local Authorities should promote the protection of
Protected Areas as outlined in Annex (IV) of the Water
Framework Directive and the application of relevant
Government Guidance in this area.
Local Authorities should promote the implementation of
the EPA (2009) Code of Practice for Wastewater Treatment
Systems for Single Houses and any subsequent updates.
6.5 Flood Risk Management
6.5.1. Flooding is a natural process that can happen at
any time in a wide variety of locations and plays a role in
shaping the natural environment. Flooding from the sea
and from rivers is probably best known; but prolonged and
intense rainfall can also cause sewer flooding, overland
flow and flooding from groundwater.
6.5.2. When it impacts on human activities, it can
threaten people, property and the environment. Also of
relevance is consideration of the consequences of climate
change which is impacting on important matters such as
sea levels, the nature and pattern of rainfall events and
weather patterns generally. Whilst the exact impacts of
future change are not known, it is widely agreed that
climate change will result in higher risk of flooding both
inland and at coastal locations.
6.5.3. It is important therefore that this issue is
addressed within the Guidelines, as decisions on the
direction of future growth within the South West region can
impact on flood risk and vice versa. Also, it is important
that the Guidelines highlight the need for developing policy
and actions, and encourage co-operation across Councils
and regions as the impact of flood and water movement in
82
many places crosses Local Authority and Regional
boundaries.
6.5.4. The Department of Environment, Heritage and
Local Government and the Office of Public Works (OPW)
published Planning Guidelines ‘The Planning System and
Flood Risk Management’, in November 2009. The
Guidelines recommend a clear and transparent
assessment of flood risk at all stages in the planning
process and set out that regional flood risk appraisal and
management policy recommendations are necessary to
set a policy framework for development and local area
plans at the local level.
6.5.5. Flood Risk Appraisal at the regional level needs to
identify risk and explain how to deal with it. An appraisal
has been carried out on the RPG and this is contained in
the accompanying Environmental Report.
Regional Planning Guidelines:
Environment and Amenities Strategy
REAS- 05 Flood Risk Management
Consideration must be given to future appropriate land use
policies in accordance with the requirements of the DEHLG
Planning Guidelines The Planning System and Flood Risk
Management. Strategic and local flood risk assessments
and plans should be prepared where appropriate.
It is an objective of the Regional Planning Guidelines to
promote the completion by the local authorities in the
region of CFRAM Studies covering the South West by 2016,
including a review of long term flood risk management
options.
It is an objective of the Regional Planning Guidelines to
ensure that significant developments in upland areas, such
as wind farm developments, roadway construction,
peatland drainage and forestry proposals, provide
sufficient storm water attenuation so as to avoid the
occurrence of river erosion or flooding downstream.
6.6 Built Heritage and Archaeology
The region possesses a strong natural and built heritage,
which is very significant in terms of its positive economic
value in terms of tourism generation and its societal value
as a contributor to the quality of life and general
attractiveness of the region. Visitor’s surveys carried out by
Failte Ireland have consistently shown that the natural
heritage and scenery is a prime attraction of visitors to the
South West. An important element of this heritage is its
archeological component with many important and indeed
major sites ranging from the ancient monastic settlement
on the Skellig Islands to the rich archaeology of Cork City
and important sites in east and north Cork .
6.6.1. The South West region possesses a particularly
fine built heritage, including Cork City Centre and regional
towns and villages. This contributes significantly to the
overall quality of life and attractiveness of this region for
inward investment and tourism.
6.6.2. The region is rich in a wide range of archeological
monuments ranging from all periods of the past. The
monuments vary greatly in form and date, starting from
the Mesolithic period over 9000 years ago. These sites
include megalithic tombs from the prehistoric period,
Bronze Age fulachta fiadh (cooking places), Early Christian
ecclesiastical settlements, churches and graveyards,
medieval buildings, castles, urban archeological deposits,
industrial archaeology sites and underwater sites such as
wrecks. The archeological heritage of an area may include
structures, constructions, groups of buildings, industrial
heritage, developed sites, all recorded monuments as well
as their contexts, and moveable objects, situated both on
land and under water. Recognition should also be given to
the importance of archeological features at the landscape
level whereby clusters of archeological material may be
connected, and cumulatively form an important part of the
overall area.
6.6.3. The protection and enhancement of our natural
and built heritage and archaeology is therefore an
important objective of the Guidelines.
83
Regional Planning Guidelines:
Environment and Amenities Strategy
REAS- 06 Built Heritage and Archaeology
It is an objective for the local authorities to incorporate all
buildings of special architectural, historical, archeological,
artistic, cultural, scientific, social or technical interest in a
Record of Protected Structures (RPS) and to identify areas
with special character (including traditional building stock
and material finishes, spaces, streetscape, landscape and
setting) which could become architectural conservation
areas (ACA).
Local Authorities should consider the identification of
towns and villages that could benefit from design
statements.
6.7 Social, Community and Cultural Infrastructure –
Social Inclusion and Regeneration
Social and Community Infrastructure
6.7.1. One of the overarching aims of the Regional
Planning Guidelines is to enhance quality of life for the
people of the South West region. The Guidelines will
encourage local authorities to implement this aim in a
sustainable manner though their respective settlement and
economic polices and also by recognising that a range of
factors come into play in providing a quality environment
in which to live. Many different things contribute to quality
of life or the general wellbeing of individuals and society in
the region. These range from the quality of the
environment to physical and mental wellbeing, support
structures of those in need, human rights and personal
happiness. Many of these aspects cannot be planned,
however the culture of planning in the region should
recognise the importance of positive approaches to the
continuing improvement of regional quality of life.
6.7.2. Greater emphasis on creating a sense of place is
also something which is growing in importance in terms of
the overall development of the region and is something
which perhaps has not been sufficiently rehearsed in any
formal manner. The region has some very special
qualities, not alone on geographic grounds but on
perceptions of lifestyle, food, art, sport, music and even
local accents - together with a range of other qualities
which in many respects make the region a place apart.
Greater attention needs to be placed on focussing on this
aspect of the region and on building positively on our
sense of place; and portraying this much more forcibly
within the South West and externally.
6.7.3. As population grows in various settlements there
is an important need to ensure that adequate levels of
social and community infrastructures such as public and
private housing, education, health facilities, community
centres and sports and recreational facilities are provided
in appropriate locations and in a timely and sustainable
manner to support population growth.
6.7.4. The continued availability of key services in rural
areas of the region is an important objective of future
planning. The increasing centralisation of health services
has the potential to create major difficulties in rural areas,
where due to the demographic characteristics of the
region there are relatively few towns in excess of 2,000
population. An objective of the Guidelines is therefore to
ensure that rural areas, particularly the remote Northern
and Western areas have adequate local levels of
appropriate public transport infrastructure, healthcare and
other supporting social services and facilities.
6.7.5. An important element of community is public open
space and recreational facilities. These are beneficial to
local communities and also act as an important aspect of
the overall visitor experience. Within the South West, there
are considerable gaps in the level and quality of these
areas and Development Plans should address these gaps
in a sustainable manner.
6.7.6. Within the Gateway, Cork City Council is preparing
a Parks Strategy and Recreational Needs study and Cork
County Council has completed a pilot recreation survey of
the South Environs area. There is a need for a more co-
ordinated approach to recreational planning in the Cork
84
Gateway, so that significant regional level recreational
projects can be identified and developed.
Regional Planning Guidelines:
Environment and Amenities Strategy
REAS- 07 Social and Community Infrastructure
6.7.7. It is an objective to continuously improve the
quality of life for residents of and visitors to the region and
to create an increased awareness of sense of place.
6.7.8. It is an objective to ensure that social and
community infrastructures in terms of housing,
educational, public transport, recreational and health
facilities are developed in a timely and sustainable manner
to cater for increasing population levels. Special care
needs to be taken to ensure that adequate levels of
essential service provision continue in rural area of the
region.
6.7.9. It is an objective to encourage local authorities to
protect and enhance public open space and recreational
facilities in a sustainable manner and recognise the
importance of protection of urban wildlife corridors and
sites of nature conservation importance.
Cultural Heritage (including Gaeltacht and Islands)
6.7.10. Culture consists of a number of sectors with
different attributes; language, the arts, creative industries,
enjoyment of the natural, historic and built environment,
events and festivals, use of tourist attractions, libraries,
museums, archives and galleries, industrial heritage , the
diversity of the faith communities and places of worship,
local cultural traditions and sport and recreation. Culture is
inherently cross cutting, for example linking policies on
economic growth and regeneration with those on
environment, heritage and infrastructure provision. As
earlier noted culture plays a very important role in defining
the region.
6.7.11. Within the generality of our important cultural
heritage, are the Gaeltacht or Irish language speaking
areas of the region. The Gaeltacht areas require special
treatment to protect their linguistic and cultural heritage
without hindering their overall development and with an
appropriate response to opportunities and challenges. The
challenge is to promote these areas as a focus for
development and sustainability, whilst ensuring that the
development which occurs supports or complements the
linguistic and other important aspects of their special
cultural heritage.
6.7.12. Local Authorities should prepare local area plans
which will include a focus on the sustainable development
and protection of the heritage and culture of the Gaeltacht.
Regional Planning Guidelines:
Environment and Amenities Strategy
REAS- 08 Cultural Heritage
It is an objective during the lifetime of the Guidelines to
encourage local authorities to prepare local area plans
which will provide a strategic focus on the future
sustainable development of Gaeltacht areas, while
ensuring the protection of their linguistic and cultural
heritage as an asset for the country. These plans will
inform future policy for the development of the Gaeltacht
areas.
Island Communities.
6.7.13. The Western area of the region has a number of
important inhabited islands, such as Oiléan Cléire, Sherkin,
Bere, Heir Island , Dursey and Whiddy Island.
6.7.14. Island communities need particular support in
their economic, social and cultural development to
promote the sustainability of island living. It is worth
noting that over the last twenty years many of the islands
have successfully consolidated their local economies and
have significantly moved into the knowledge based or
smart economy. The island communities have become
much more dynamic and creative in terms of the range of
artistic, cultural, literary, and economic and community
activities which is to be found across the islands. High
85
broadband connectivity at affordable and competitively
priced is of particular importance to the islands as is
physical access by modern safe ferries from the mainland.
The potential for these islands, as pristine environments to
experience sustainable growth at an appropriate scale
within the smart or knowledge based economy is
significant. In supporting the protection and sustainable
development of the Region’s islands, environmental
considerations should be taken into account, including
biodiversity, geodiversity, archaeology and landscape
considerations.
Regional Planning Guidelines:
REAS- 09 Island Communities
It is an objective to support the inhabited islands in the
region and to recognise the special planning and
development needs of islands and island communities. In
particular, improved broadband transport access and other
sustainable infrastructure and services will assist in
supporting the sustainable economic development of the
islands for the benefit of island communities.
It is an objective to encourage the sustainable
development of speciality or niche economic sectors
particularly within the smart economy that might be
appropriate to different islands.
Social Inclusion and Regeneration
6.7.15. One of the aims of the Regional Planning
Guidelines is to promote planning policies which will foster
social inclusion across the region. Local Development
plans and relevant non-statutory plans should set out
policies to tackle issues of economic, social and
environmental deprivation in these areas with locally
significant regeneration needs in line with national policy.
6.7.16. The guidelines are not the appropriate vehicle in
which to identify all physical areas of deprivation in the
region. It is acknowledged that much poverty, decline and
isolation can exist in both urban and rural areas. Even in
prosperous and economically buoyant areas there are
often pockets of deprivation. Local development plans and
other relevant strategies should address localised
regeneration needs and other physical/social measures
such as local community facilities and other supporting
measures to counteract these issues.
Regional Planning Guidelines:
Environment and Amenities Strategy
REAS- 10 Social Inclusion and Regeneration
6.7.17. It is an objective for local authorities, where
appropriate in their respective development plans and
local area plans, to identify areas where social deprivation
occurs, both urban and rural areas and identify sustainable
strategies for the regeneration of such areas.
86
Fig 11: Environmental Spatial Strategy
Chapter 7: Implementation
and
Monitoring Strategy
88
Chapter 7: Implementation and Monitoring Strategy
7.1 Introduction
Implementation
7.1.1. The implementation of the Regional Planning
Guidelines will be a key determinant of the future growth
and settlement pattern of the South West Region,
influencing important strategic public and private
investments in infrastructure and other services.
Implementation will be dependant in many instances of
the required public capital investments in infrastructure
mainly in advance of population growth to ensure the
sustainability of the investment.
• The Local Authorities in the region have a primary
role in the realisation of the Regional Planning
Guidelines’ goals and objectives, through the
embodiment of the Regional Planning Guidelines
into their respective City and County Development
Plans and by ensuring that these plans are
consistent with the Regional Planning Guidelines.
• The Enterprise Development and Training Agencies
such as IDA Ireland, Enterprise Ireland and FAS, all
have an important role to ensure that the focus on
employment creation is firmly on areas of
population growth, which primarily are the Cork
Gateway and the Mallow Hub and Tralee and
Killarney Towns, which form part of the linked Hub.
• A range of Government Departments such as the
Department of the Environment Heritage and Local
Government, The Department of Transport , The
Department of Education and Skills, the
Department of Enterprise, Trade and Innovation,
the Department of Communications Energy and
Natural Resources and the Department of Health
and Children all share important roles in the
implementation of the Regional Planning
Guidelines by ensuring that the required State
investments in infrastructure and services are in
place in a manner to realise the objectives of the
RPG in areas such as sanitary services, roads,
public transport, energy and communications,
education and health services to facilitate future
demographic shape of the south west including
substantial population growth.
7.1.2. The Regional Authority will lead the monitoring and
implementation process through working closely with the
Local Authorities, State Agencies and Government
Departments on the timely realisation of the objectives as
set out in the Guidelines. It will also work closely with the
other seven Regional Authorities and these Departments
and agencies at the national level with a view to ensuring
that all Regional Planning Guidelines for the country reside
high on the national investment agenda.
Monitoring
7.1.3. The monitoring and implementation process will
ensure that the objectives of the Regional Planning
Guidelines are addressed at all levels within the region and
the process will identify and prioritise actions by the key
players at local, regional and national levels in the delivery
of the RPG. An important element of monitoring will relate
to population and settlement patterns.
7.1.4. Steering and Technical Committees exist and
operate satisfactorily for the monitoring and
implementation of the Regional Planning Guidelines. The
committees are comprised of:
• The Cathaoirleach, three Members and the Director
of the Regional Authority
• the City and County Managers,
• the Senior Planning Officers in the three Local
Authorities
• the CASP Coordinator
• the senior representative of the Departments of the
Environment Heritage and Local Government and
the Department of Transport
• IDA Ireland and Enterprise Ireland.
• The National Transport Authority
7.1.5. The Steering and Technical Committees meet on a
regular basis and monitor progress in the implementation
of the Regional Planning Guidelines, while addressing any
failures in terms of planning, investment or other issues
which may arise. One of the early tasks of the monitoring
and implementation process will be to establish and agree
a measurable implementation schedule with clearly
identified datelines and targets, in line with the statutory
requirements of the Planning Acts.
89
Chapter
Vision (2)
Economy (3)
Economy (3)
Economy (3)
Policy/ Recommendation
RV-01(realising economic
potential, high quality of
life etc)
RES-01 (growth of
companies across
economic sectors,
ensuring adequate
suitable locations etc)
RES-02 (Growth in market
services/ retail)
RES-03 (Tourism)
Data Source
Regional Authority, Forfás, EPA,
Local Authorities, CSO, DEHLG,
International Comparison
studies
Forfás, Local Authorities,
Chambers of Commerce, Dept
of Trade and Employment, State
employment agencies,
Comparison studies at national
and international levels.
Forfás, Local Authorities,
Chambers of Commerce, Dept
of Trade and Employment, State
Employment Agencies, Retail
Strategies, Comparison studies
at national and international
levels.
Regional Authority, Bord Fáilte,
Fáilte South West, Local
Authorities.
Comment
Overarching objective
linked to and governing
all other goals in the
RPG.
State of the Regions and
Regional
Competitiveness Agenda
useful as baseline
information.
Indicator/ Action
National /International
benchmarking of land, labour,
transport costs etc. GVA, GDP,
GNP. Numbers of new jobs
created, new company start
ups, use of renewables, access
to sustainable methods of
transport.
National /International
benchmarking of land, labour,
transport costs etc. numbers of
new jobs created, new
company start ups, especially
within Gateway and hubs as
well as sustainability in terms
of access and energy issues.
Facilitation through CDPs/LAPs,
Tourism Plan for the SW.
7.1.6. Monitoring and Implementation Reports will be made to the Regional Authority and reports will also be furnished to the
Minister for the Environment Heritage and Local Government on a basis as required.
7.1.7. In accordance with the requirements of Section 26 (1) of the Planning and Development Act, 2000. the Regional Planning
Guidelines will be again be reviewed in 2016.
Regional Planning Guidelines:
RIM- 01 Implementation and Monitoring
It is an objective for the Regional Authority to monitor the implementation of the RPG through their own Technical and Steering Groups
on a regular basis as well through the relevant local authorities and their development and local area plans. The Regional Authority
will undertake a review of the RPG by 2016.
Table 7.1: Indicators for Future Monitoring and Reports on RPG Implementation.
90
Economy (3)
Economy (3)
Economy (3)
Settlement (4)
Settlement (4)
Settlement (4)
Settlement (4)
RES-04 (primary resource
based sectors)
RES-05 (Rural
Diversification)
RES-06 (Strategic
Locations)
RSS-01 (Zoned Land Study)
RSS-02 (Cork Gateway –
key driver)
RSS-03 (Mallow Hub)
RSS-04 (Tralee-Killarney
Linked Hub)
Forfás, Teagasc, IFA. Fisheries
Board, Coillte.
LEADER, SWRA, Enterprise
Boards.
Local Authority Plans,
Government Employment
Agencies.
Local Authority Development
Plans. DEHLG
Local Authority Development
Plans. DEHLG
Local Authority Development
Plans. DEHLG
Local Authority Development
Plans. DEHLG
Studies required prior to
next round of CDPs.
Policy is linked to the
transport and
infrastructure policies in
particular in chapter 5.
Policy is linked to the
transport and
infrastructure policies in
particular in chapter 5.
Health of pearl mussel is
a priority.
Policy is linked to the
transport and
infrastructure policies in
particular in chapter 5.
Numbers employed in forestry
agriculture fishing, aquaculture
etc. Levels of new forestry
plantations.
Broadband penetration,
Business start up data from
enterprise boards etc.
Levels of strategic land
reserves, implementation of
strategic infrastructure,
Numbers of FDI and large scale
industries.
Zoning provision in each local
authority area in accordance
with table 4.5. Provision of
infrastructure.
Levels of infrastructure
provision, roll out of new
transportation services, modal
shift targets regeneration of
Docklands and other older
areas/ brownfield sites,
reduction in numbers of one offs
outside of the urban areas.
Levels of infrastructure
provision, roll out of new
transportation services, modal
shift targets regeneration of
older areas/ brownfield sites,
reduction in numbers of one offs
outside of the urban areas.
Levels of infrastructure
provision, roll out of new
transportation services, modal
shift targets regeneration of
older areas/ brownfield sites,
reduction in numbers of one offs
outside of the urban areas
91
Settlement (4)
Settlement (4)
Settlement (4)
Transport
/Infrastructure
(5)
Transport
/Infrastructure
Transport/
Infrastructure
(5)
Transport/
Infrastructure
(5)
Transport/
Infrastructure
(5)
RSS-05 (Ring Towns)
RSS-06 (Northern Area)
RSS-07 (Western Area)
RTS-01 (Modal Split,
integrated transport
strategies)
RTS-02 (Public transport
actions)
RTS-03 (cycling, walking)
RTS-04 (Road
infrastructure)
RTS-05 (Airports)
Local Authority Development
Plans. DEHLG
Local Authority Development
Plans. DEHLG. LEADER,
Enterprise Boards etc.
Local Authority Development
Plans. DEHLG. LEADER,
Enterprise Boards, etc.
Local Authority Development
Plans, Department of Transport,
CSO, DEHLG. EPA.
Local Authority Development
Plans, Department of Transport,
CSO, DEHLG. EPA.
Local Authority Development
Plans, Department of Transport,
CSO, DEHLG. EPA.
Local Authority Development
Plans, Department of Transport,
DEHLG..
Local Authority Development
Plans, Department of Transport,
DEHLG.
Increase in local services and
employment levels, reduction in
commuting, modal shift targets,
reduction in numbers of new
housing outside of the urban
areas.
Levels of employment, start-
ups, population levels, provision
of services and infrastructure.
Levels of employment, start-
ups, population levels, provision
of services and infrastructure.
Census travel to work data,
delivery of T21 programme,
modal split, climate change
indicators POWCAR
Census travel to work data,
delivery of T21 programme,
modal split, climate change
indicators POWCAR
Levels of construction of new
cycleways and walkways,
retrofitting of new facilities,
census travel to work data,
delivery of T21 programme,
modal split, climate change
indicators, POWCAR
Delivery of T21 infrastructure,
completion of regionally
important projects, detailed
environmental assessments
where appropriate. POWCAR
Provision of new facilities,
passenger/cargo numbers.
92
Transport/
Infrastructure
(5)
Transport/
Infrastructure
(5)
Transport/
Infrastructure (5)
Transport/
Infrastructure
(5)
Transport/
Infrastructure
(5)
Environment/
Amenities (6)
Environment/
Amenities (6)
Environment/
Amenities (6)
Environment/
Amenities (6)
Environment/
Amenities (6)
Environment/
Amenities (6)
RTS-06 (Ports, Harbours)
RTS-07 (Water, waste
water)
RTS-08 (Waste
management)
RTS-09 (Energy)
RI-03 (Telecommunications)
REAS-01 (Landscape
Character)
REAS-02 (Regional
Coastline)
REAS-03 (Natural Heritage)
REAS-04 (Environmental
Quality)
REAS-05 (Flood Risk)
REAS-06 (Built heritage,
archaeology)
Port authorities, Local
Authorities, SWRA.
Local Authorities, DEHLG.
Local Authorities, DEHLG.
Eirgrid, DEHLG.
Telecoms regulator, SWRA.
Local Authority Development
Plans
Local Authority Development
Plans. Marine Institute.
Local Authority Development
Plans
EPA, Local Authorities, Teagasc.
Local authorities, DEHLG OPW.
Local Authority Development
Plans, DEHLG.
Passenger /cargo numbers,
improvement of N28, relocation
of Port of Cork and Seveso sites,
construction of port at
Ballylongford.
Implementation of WSIPs
Implementation of waste
management plans, provision of
MRFs.
Enhancement of grid capacity,
provision of additional
renewable resources. Energy
consumption/capita
Broadband penetration.
Designation of landscape areas
of high value
Development of integrated
coastal management strategies.
Implementation/inclusion of
biodiversity objectives in CDPs,
carrying out of screening for
H.D.A.
Additional soil, air and water
quality monitoring systems.
Achievement of WFD targets.
Completion of CFRAM studies.
Identification of areas of special
character, inclusion of building
in the RPS. Implementation of
design statements.
93
Environment/
Amenities (6)
Environment/
Amenities (6)
Environment/
Amenities (6)
Environment/
Amenities (6)
REAS-07
(Social/Community
Infrastructure)
REAS-08 (Cultural Heritage)
REAS-09 (Island
communities)
REAS-10 (Social inclusion
and regeneration)
Local Authority Development
Plans, DEHLG.
Local Authorities.
Local Authority Development
Plans, DEHLG
Local Authority Development
Plans, DEHLG
Protection and provision of
community infrastructures and
services in towns and villages.
LAPs for the Gaeltacht areas
Broadband penetration,
provision of
infrastructure/facilities.
Provision of infrastructure and
facilities. Quality of life reports
from CSO.
94
Appendices
96
CORK COUNTY
361,491
CORK CITY
119,418
CORK GATEWAY
272,645
SOUTH WEST REGION
621,130
2006
REMAINDER OF REGION
300,511
KERRY COUNTY
139,835
MALLOW HUB
10,241
TRALEE-KILLARNEY HUB
37,347
Appendix 1: Summary of Population Targets 2006-2022
97
CORK COUNTY
392,119
CORK CITY
125,534
CORK GATEWAY
296,600
SOUTH WEST REGION
667,500
2010
REMAINDER OF REGION
318,800
KERRY COUNTY
149,847
MALLOW HUB
12,400
TRALEE-KILLARNEY HUB
39,700
98
CORK COUNTY
436,920
CORK CITY
134,709
CORK GATEWAY
336,600
SOUTH WEST REGION
737,100
2016
REMAINDER OF REGION
339,300
KERRY COUNTY
165,471
MALLOW HUB
16,500
TRALEE-KILLARNEY HUB
44,700
99
CORK COUNTY
466,531
CORK CITY
150,000
CORK GATEWAY
381,500
SOUTH WEST REGION
795,000
2022
REMAINDER OF REGION
342,100
KERRY COUNTY
178,469
MALLOW HUB
22,000
TRALEE-KILLARNEY HUB
49,400
In order to identify a regional strategy that could facilitate
and manage the growth of the region up to a population of
795,000 persons by 2022, the RPG explored 3 Scenarios
that could set the framework for the management of this
growth. The three Scenarios that were considered in the
RPG are as follows:-
1. Continuation of Current Trends;
2. High Urban Growth;
3. Moderate Urban Growth
Scenario 1: Continuation of Current Trends
One option for the regional settlement strategy would be a
continuation of the existing development trends which is
characterised by high population growth in the villages and
rural areas surrounding the Cork Gateway and
Tralee/Killarney Hub (doughnut effect), the high rate of
growth in the suburbs surrounding Cork City and Hubs and
the consequential decline population growth within Cork
City and Tralee/Killarney urban areas. In this scenario,
Mallow Hub and other main towns of the region will
continue to increase their population base without
corresponding growth in employment, resulting in high
rates of commuting.
This option will also see an increase in the numbers of
persons commuting to the Cork Gateway and Hubs, with
increasing commuting times and distances posing
significant problems for the Region through increased
congestion and significant infrastructure pressures in parts
of the Region. Rural communities will continue to decline
and become further marginalised as the ‘daytime’
countryside is empty of people as commuters replace
traditional rural persons who are intrinsic part of local
communities.
Scenario 2: High Urban Growth
Another development option is where growth would
primarily be focused on the development of the Cork
Gateway and the two Hubs of Mallow and Tralee/Killarney.
The main towns of CASP, Western and Northern areas will
experience higher growth relative to their surrounding
rural areas under this scenario. This option will be
characterised by a sharp upturn in the population of Cork
City, with a moderation of the rate of growth in the
southern suburbs and an acceleration of the rate of
population growth in the northern suburbs of Cork City. It
will also mean a moderation of the rate of population
growth in villages and rural areas so as to achieve a more
balanced rate of growth between urban and rural areas
around the Gateway and Hub towns and higher rates of
population growth in those towns served by sustainable
transport. In Mallow Hub town, there would be continued
growth of population in line with the higher level of
economic growth, thereby reducing the need of the
residents to commute to Cork City. In towns, villages and
rural areas of the Region outside of the Gateway and Hubs,
there would be slower rates of population growth in line
with local employment opportunities.
Scenario 3: Moderate Urban Growth
If there is no large scale investment in the provision of
infrastructure (adequate wastewater treatment, water
services and rapid transit transport in the Gateway and
Hubs) the likely alternative scenario is moderate
population growth in established urban areas. This option
finds itself between the first two scenarios and will be
characterised by a moderate growth in the population
growth of Cork City, the Hubs and main towns as under
this scenario these areas will not have the key
infrastructure in order to reach critical mass.
The development of major Brownfield sites in the Gateway
and Hubs would generate significant advantages to
creating a critical mass of population to compete with
other Regions and internationally. However if significant
investment for Brownfield sites, e.g. the Cork Docklands, is
curtailed an alternative development option would have be
adopted, and scenario 3 represents this option.
100
Appendix 2: Alternative Scenarios
101
Notes
102
Notes
doc_631212359.pdf
South West Regional Authority Regional Planning Guidelines 2010-2022
3
Chapter Title Page
Executive Summary 5
1 Context 9
2 Vision for the Region and Overall
Development Strategy 25
3 Economic Development Strategy 31
4 Settlement Strategy, Population
and Housing 43
5 Transport and Infrastructure Strategy 59
6 Environment and Amenity Strategy 75
7 Implementation and Monitoring Strategy 87
Appendices 95
LIST OF FIGURES
1. Regional Context Map
2. NSS Diagram
3. CASP Update Diagram
4. Population Change 2002-06 Map
5. Spatial Development Strategy Diagram
6. Forfás 2009 Regional Competitiveness Agenda
7. Gateways And Hubs Zones
of Influence Diagram
8. Employment Distribution Map
9. Settlement Strategy Diagram
10. Transport And Infrastructure Diagram
11. Environment And Amenities Map
LIST OF APPENDICES
Appendix 1: Population Targets
Appendix 2: Alternative Scenarios
Members of the South West Regional Authority
Cllr. Sean Martin
Cllr. J im Corr
Cllr. Denis O’Flynn
Cllr. Thomas Gould
Cllr. J ohn Kelleher
Cllr. Dara Murphy
Cllr. Mary Shields
Cllr. J ohn Brassil
Cllr. Seamus Cosaí Fitzgerald
Cllr. Pat Leahy
Cllr. Bobby Connell
Cllr. Michael O’Shea
Cllr. Liam Purtill
Cllr. Arthur J . Spring
Cllr. Paul O’Donoghue
Cllr. Kevin Murphy
Cllr. Noel Harrington
Cllr. Dermot Sheehan
Cllr. Tim Lombard
Cllr. Mary Hegarty
Cllr. Declan Hurley
Cllr. Dan Fleming
Cllr. Kevin O’Keeffe
Cllr. J ohn Mulvihill
RPG COMMITTEES
Steering Committee
Councillor Noel Harrington, Cathaoirleach 2009-2010
Councillor J im Corr Cathaoirleach 2008-2009
Ms. Ann Bogan, Senior Planner, Cork City Council
Mr. Tom Curran, Kerry County Manager
Mr. Martin Doyle, Regional Manager Enterprise Ireland
Mr. Andrew Hind, Senior Planner, Cork County Council
Ms. Aileen Hurley, Executive Planner, Cork County Council
Mr. J oe Gavin, Cork City Manager
Mr. Dan Looney, CASP Coordinator
Mr. J ohn Martin, Principal Planning Advisor DoEHLG
Councillor Sean Martin, South West Regional Authority
Mr. J ohn McAleer, Director South West Regional Authority
Councillor Kevin Murphy, South West Regional authority
Mr. Ed O’Callaghan, Department of Transport
Mr. Ray O’Connor, Regional Manager, IDA Ireland
Councillor Paul O’Donoghue, South West Regional Authority
Mr. Ross Palmer, Senior Executive Planner, Cork County Council
Mr. Martin Riordan Cork County Manager
Mr. Tom Sheehy, Senior Engineer, Kerry County Council
Technical Committee
Ms. Ann Bogan, Senior Planner, Cork City Council
Ms. Eileen Crowley, Project Executive Planning,
South West Regional Authority
Mr. Andrew Hind, Senior Planner, Cork County Council.
Ms. Aileen Hurley, Executive Planner
South West Regional Authority
Mr. Tom Sheehy, Senior Engineer, Kerry County Council
Mr. J ohn McAleer, Director South West Regional Authority
Mr. Dan Looney, CASP Coordinator
Mr. Ross Palmer, Senior Executive Planner, Cork County Council
Administrative Supports
Mr. Eoghan Allen, Senior Projects Manager,
South West Regional Authority
Ms. Lisa Deane, Accounts Officer,
South West Regional Authority
Report Drafting
Ms. Aileen Hurley, Executive Planner, Cork County Council
Mr. Ross Palmer, Senior Executive Planner, Cork County Council
Mr. J ohn McAleer, Director,
South West Regional Authority
SEA Team
Ms Lorraine Kennedy, Senior Executive Planner,
Cork County Council
Mr Eoin Kelleher, Executive Planner, Kerry County Council
Mr Bryan Riney, Executive Planner, Cork County Council
Mapping Graphics
Sinisa Vukicevic, GIS and Planning Consultant
Irish Translation
Bard na nGleann Teo, Béal Átha'n Ghaorthaidh,
Contae Chorcaigh
Index
In accordance with the Planning and Development Act,
2000, the South West Regional Authority adopted and
published Regional Planning Guidelines in 2004.
Legislation requires that the Guidelines are reviewed by
the authority within six years. This review covers the next
strategic planning period from 2010 to 2022 and will again
be reviewed in 2016.The review builds on policies adopted
in 2004 and retains a strong focus on the realisation of the
National Spatial Strategy.
The Regional Planning Guidelines (RPGs) formulate public
policy for the region, covering Cork and Kerry, integrating
land-use, transport, economic growth and investment, to
enable the region to continue to grow as a sustainable high
quality location for investment and one in which to live,
work and visit.
The RPGs set out a series of recommendations to local
authorities, which are clearly linked to and support national
investment priorities and are designed to strengthen
integrated approaches to policy making and planning at
local level, in line with regional and national planning
frameworks.
Sustainable growth is a key theme of the Guidelines,
relating to the development and strengthening of the
regional economy; the quantum and location of future
housing; environmental improvement and sustainable
living with a high level of service integration, all within the
context of heightened protection of the region’s
biodiversity.
Delivery of these many aims requires a coordinated and
increasingly integrated approach by the three principal
local authorities(Cork City Council, Cork County Council
and Kerry County Council) together with a range of
government departments and state agencies among which
are the Department of the Environment, Heritage & Local
Government, the Department of Transport, the Department
of Education & Science, the Department of Enterprise,
Trade and Innovation, the Department of Communications,
Energy & Natural Resources and the Department of
Community, Equality & Gaeltacht Affairs, The Department
of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food, Forfás, Enterprise
Ireland and IDA Ireland.
Forfás made very significant inputs to the preparation of
the Regional Economic Strategy contained in Chapter 3 of
this document and this has resulted in a closer integration
of physical planning and economic development policies,
to allow the South West to continue to retain and attract
international business investment and importantly to foster
growth in the indigenous sectors.
4
Preface
5
The South West Regional Authority is the statutory
authority for the South West Region of Ireland, covering
Cork City and County and County Kerry. The Planning and
Development Act, 2000 requires Regional Authorities to
make Regional Planning Guidelines in respect of their
region and to review the Guidelines at intervals not
exceeding six years.
The Regional Planning Guidelines (RPGs) is a strategic
policy document designed to steer the future growth of the
region over the medium to long term and works to
implement the strategic planning frameworks set out in
the National Spatial Strategy (NSS) published in 2002 and
National Development Plan 2007-2013. The RPG sets out
high level strategies, in line with the NSS and promotes the
overall sustainability and growth of the region. The RPG
policies inform and advise the Local Authorities in the
preparation and review of their respective Development
Plans, thus providing clear integrated linkages from
national to local levels, in terms of planning and
development policy.
The first RPGs for the South West Region were adopted in
2004 and set out a strategic framework for planning and
development for the region up to 2016. This RPG review
updates the 2004 document and looks forward to 2022.
The RPG is due to be again reviewed in 2016.
The following summarises the various chapter in the
guidelines.
Chapter 1 sets out the planning context at national and
regional levels for the preparation of the RPGs. It examines
the delivery to date of the 2004 Guidelines in terms of
population, housing growth, economic activity, public
transport, roads investment, port and airports, water
supply, waste water treatment, waste management,
natural heritage and environment, built and cultural
heritage, open space and recreation, rural development
and social inclusion.
Priorities for the 2010 RPGs are discussed identifying
economic growth, linking of land use and public transport
investment; the requirement for investment in water
services, energy, broadband and flood and environmental
protection.
The Chapter ends with a summary of key development
issues facing the region today and a definition of what is
meant by sustainable planning and the role of Strategic
Environmental Assessment (SEA) and Habitats Directive
Assessment (HAD) in the regional planning process.
Chapter 2 sets out the regional vision statement as
follows:
“The broad vision for the south west region is to maintain
and develop a sustainable and competitive economy,
optimise the quality of life of its residents and visitors,
protect and enhance its unique environment, culture and
heritage.
By 2022, the South West Region will be realising its
economic potential and providing a high quality of life for
its people by meeting their employment and housing,
educational and social needs in sustainable communities.
At the same time it will reduce its impact on climate
change and the environment, including savings in energy
and water use and by strengthening the environmental
quality of the Region.”
The delivery of this vision is set out in the Overall
Development Strategy for the Region.
For the purposes of the RPG, the region is divided into four
main planning areas:
• Greater Cork Area (comprising the Cork
Metropolitan Area or Gateway and the Ring Towns
and Rural Area in the CASP area);
• Tralee/ Killarney Linked Hub area surrounding the
functional planning area of the County Kerry hub
towns;
• Northern Area- a combination of the northern parts
of County Kerry and County Cork, which exhibit
similar characteristics, and
• Western Area – a combination of the peninsulas of
County’s Kerry and Cork. The vision is also
implemented through the relevant broad chapters
Executive Summary
dealing with the economy, settlements, transport
and infrastructure and the environment.
Chapter 3 is the Regional Economic Strategy, which sets
out an overarching policy for future economic development
in the region. The chapter identifies region strengths,
weaknesses and opportunities for development and
provides policies and objectives to steer economic growth
up to 2022. This chapter was closely informed by the work
of Forfás in the preparation of the Regional
Competitiveness Agenda, for the South West, as well as by
national strategies such as ‘Building Ireland’s Smart
Economy’ and ‘A Framework for Sustainable Economic
Renewal”.
The Chapter also gives guidance to local authorities on the
quantum and type of employment expected in the region
and the possible sustainable locations for further growth
within strategic employment locations located in the
Gateway, Hubs and main towns in the region.
Chapter 4 describes the Settlement Strategy for the
region, having examined the pattern of past growth and
housing trends. The chapter sets out the population and
housing targets for each planning area in the region, to be
incorporated by local authorities into their Development
Plans through the Core Settlement Strategy.
The Chapter also identifies the numbers of households and
calculates that an additional 91,857 housing units will be
required, primarily in the Cork Gateway and regional hubs
at Mallow and Tralee/ Killarney to accommodate the
projected regional population of 795,000 persons in 2022.
This guidance will assist local authorities in allocating land
for residential development and other uses in their
respective local development plans.
The Chapter also identifies the amount of land required for
residential development by 2016 and 2022 so that local
authorities can carry out detailed land availability studies
on zoned land to identify adequacy of land in each area.
These studies will result in more reliable information on
zoning land and ultimately lead to a more sustainable
zoning pattern in the region in the future. Presently, as a
region, there is an oversupply of zoned residential land for
the 2016 plan period and local authorities are urged to
identify areas where land supply can be managed more
efficiently.
General policies and specific objectives are framed to
guide local authorities in the identification and
implementation of their own core settlement strategies in
their Development Plans. In particular, there is guidance on
the development of both urban and rural areas, supported
by the provisions of the Guidelines on Sustainable Urban
Areas and the Sustainable Rural Development Guidelines.
Chapter 5 sets out the key physical infrastructure needs
for the region to ensure the sustainable delivery of the
settlement and the economic strategy, providing an
integrated framework for future of land use and national
investment in infrastructure. The chapter also endorses
the Smarter Travel national guidance and provides targets
for modal shift in the region up to 2022. Important priority
investments for transportation (public transport, roads,
airports, ports, cycling and walking); Water, Waste Water
and Surface Water Treatment; Energy & Communications;
and Waste Management are identified.
Chapter 6 examines the landscape, environment and
heritage of the South West region, its characteristics,
assets, issues and opportunities. The region’s landscape is
recognised as one of the most valuable in the country. The
need for a common approach to landscape assessment is
demonstrated as is a more consistent approach to the
management of landscape policies within the region. The
Chapter also recognises that there are a number of
important natural heritage designations of international
significance. All local authorities will need to ensure that
development proposals in their areas do not conflict with
these designated areas under the requirements of the
Natura 2000 and Bio-diversity Plans.
6
7
New legislation under the Water Framework Directive,
requires more efficient management of waters under the
jurisdiction of local authorities, who are encouraged to
implement River Management Plans. Equally important in
this chapter is the requirement for local authorities to
manage the flood risk in their areas. It is a requirement for
local authorities to implement the Flood Risk Management
Guidelines, issued by the Department of Environment,
Heritage and Local Government. A requirement also exists
for local authorities to identify possible areas of urban and
rural poverty and social deprivation, potential for
regeneration and to recognise the special needs of
vulnerable and marginalised communities.
Chapter 7 describes the legal context of the RPGs and
how they will be implemented over the six year period. It
highlights the role of the RPGs prioritising investments in
the south west and outlines the framework for ongoing
monitoring of RPG delivery using a series of indicators and
update reports.
Separate processes of Strategic Environmental
Assessment (SEA) and Habitats Directive Assessment
(HDA) have been carried out as an integral part of the
review and preparation of the Regional Planning
Guidelines.
8
Chapter 1: Context
1.1 The role and function of the regional
planning guidelines
1.1.1. Under the Planning and Development Act 2000,
and subsequent regulations Regional Authorities are
required to prepare Regional Planning Guidelines and to
review them on a six yearly cycle. The aim of Regional
Planning Guidelines is to provide a statutory based long
term regional strategic planning framework, which reflects
national spatial planning policy and informs the
development policies of local authorities within the region.
1.1.2. The first set of Regional Planning Guidelines for the
South West Region was published in 2004 and is currently
being reviewed. This review covers the period from 2010
to 2022 and will be due for a mid term review in 2016.
1.2 National Context of the South
West Region
1.2.1. The South West Region of Ireland, comprising Cork
City and the Counties of Cork and Kerry has an area of
approximately 12,100 sq. kilometres. The 2006 census
records the regional population as 621,130 persons. Cork
City is the second largest city in the State and the Greater
Cork Area (CASP area), with a population in 2006 of
377,596, is one of the most dynamic areas of modern
Ireland in terms of education, research and development,
internationally traded services and high-technology
manufacturing. The region is the European Headquarters
for many multinational corporations in the electronics,
software, food pharmaceutical, bio-pharma and
associated sectors.
Figure 1: South West Region in national context
1.2.2. In terms of the overall national economy, the South
West is a key player. This is based on high value
manufacturing and other traded sectors, third level
educational and research and also on the region’s high
quality scenic environment and rich culture and heritage,
together with good national and international connectivity.
This also makes Cork and Kerry the prime location for
regional tourism in Ireland.
1.2.3. The aim of the Regional Planning Guidelines is to
set out an overall strategic and sustainable approach to
the future development of the region, its population and
economic development, from the perspective of improving
this region and the overall country as a location with the
highest quality of life and an excellent location in which to
live, work and visit.
1.2.4. Since the publication of the 2004 Guidelines a
number of significant new policies and guidelines have
been published which have influenced the formulation and
direction of these reviewed Guidelines.
10
Chapter 1: Context
11
Draft Planning and Development Bill 2009
1.2.5. The draft Planning and Development Bill 2009 has
significant implications for the role of the regional planning
guidelines in framing the content of City and County
Development Plans. The Bill stipulates that, in the future,
Development Plans must contain a core strategy which
shows how Development Plans and Housing Strategies are
consistent with the Regional Planning Guidelines and the
National Spatial Strategy. Development Plans’ Core
Strategies must take account of national/ regional targets,
urban settlement hierarchies and provide a policy
framework for land use zoning at local level as well as
other policy matters.
1.2.6. In this regard it is essential that this review of the
regional planning guidelines for the South West region
clearly set out national and regional planning policies and
objectives as well as the population targets for the region
in accordance with Ministerial directives and guidance.
The RPGs aim is to establish a framework for the local
level plans containing objectives and targets which are
transparent and unambiguous for the purposes of
preparing future core strategies.
1.2.7. Population targets for the region are set out in the
Settlement Strategy in Chapter 4 of this volume. These
targets have been further broken down into figures for
Cork City, County and Kerry County. Significantly, specific
targets are given for the Cork Gateway and Hub Towns of
Tralee-Killarney and Mallow as well as the remainder of
the regions planning areas.
1.2.8. Throughout the document there are policies and
objectives outlining the planning strategy for the region.
These are identified in objective boxes in each chapter.
These objectives and population /housing targets should
form the central tenets of the future core strategies of the
Development Plans in the region.
National Development Plan 2007 – 2013
1.2.9. The 2007-2013 National Development Plan (NDP)
sets out a roadmap for Ireland until 2013 and envisages
that Ireland will undergo a transformation in its economic
and social composition with increased emphasis on high
value added activities and industries. The Plan addresses
infrastructural bottlenecks, improving skills and education,
creating and sustaining high value economic
opportunities. The goal of the National Development Plan is
to integrate strategic development frameworks for regional
development, for rural communities, for all-island co-
operation, and for protection of the environment with
common economic and social goals. Funding for projects
will be almost entirely sourced from national resources. It
is noted however that since the NDP was developed, the
international and national fiscal situation has altered
dramatically and it is envisaged that this will impact on the
level of available funding for the projects, impacting on
prioritisation and timing of delivery.
1.2.10. The Plan sets out a strong framework for the
promotion of regional development with a particular focus
on investment in the National Spatial Strategy (NSS)
Gateway centres. Strong urban centres are strategic to
regional growth and development, employment and wealth
and quality of life in each of the Irish regions.
1.2.11. The key to sustainable regional development will
be the efficient and timely targeting of NDP investment,
especially in infrastructure. The Regional Planning
Guidelines identify investment priorities in line with the
vision for the South West, as set out in the National Spatial
Strategy.
The National Spatial Strategy
1.2.12. The National Spatial Strategy (NSS 2002) is a 20
year planning framework designed to deliver more
balanced social, economic and physical development
between regions. The Department of the Environment,
Heritage and Local Government (DEHLG) is undertaking an
NSS Update and Outlook comprising a detailed analysis of
NSS implementation to date and ongoing challenges,
effectiveness of planning and delivery mechanisms at
central, regional and local levels and identification of
critical investments necessary to grow the Gateways’ and
regions’ economic performance and competitiveness. In
view of the current challenges facing Ireland and planning
for the medium to long term, the update and outlook
focuses on how the NSS can contribute to economic
renewal and competitiveness through:
• enhanced prioritisation of infrastructure
investment
• strengthening governance
arrangements in Gateways and
• improved integration of environmental
considerations within the planning
process.
1.2.13. Key concepts from the NSS are:
• that each area should develop to its full
potential through the use of its various
natural, economic and social resources;
• that critical mass plays a key role in
economic and social development. In
effect, that size and density of
population enable a location to enhance
its services, economic activity and
consequently, quality of life;
• and, those linkages supported by highly
efficient public transport and modern
Information and Communications
Technologies (ICTs) are critical in
enabling areas of the region to develop
to their full potential.
Transport 21
1.2.14. Transport 21 (2006-2015) forms part of the NDP
and comprises an investment programme for the
development of the national road network, public transport
and airports. It aims to expand capacity, increase public
12
Figure 2: National Spatial Strategy: South West Region
13
transport use, increase accessibility and integration,
enhance quality and ensure sustainability.
1.2.15. Major infrastructure to be delivered under
Transport 21 includes the completion of the Major Inter-
urban network and the remaining stages of the Cork
Suburban Rail Network, improvement within the Bus fleet
as well as investments at the Regional Airports. Future
Transport 21 priorities will include the completion of the
Atlantic Road Corridor, as well as other key national
primary routes and the targeted improvement of certain
national secondary routes’.
Smarter Travel
1.2.16. Smarter Travel (Department of Transport, 2009)
is a policy document which sets out a broad vision for the
future and establishes objectives and targets for
transportation. The document examines past trends in
population and economic growth and transportation and
concludes that these trends are unsustainable into the
future. The main objectives are to reduce dependency on
car travel and long distance commuting, increase public
transport modal share and encourage walking and cycling,
in line with national policies such as the National Cycle
Policy Framework.
1.2.17. The aim is that by 2020 future population and
economic growth will have to predominantly take place in
sustainable compact urban and rural areas which
discourage dispersed development and long commuting.
The document sets out ambitious targets which involve a
complete turnaround on current trends. It is envisaged that
these targets will be achieved though a number of key
actions which can be grouped into four main areas:
• Actions to reduce travel by private car and
encourage smarter travel
• Actions to provide alternatives to the
private car
• Actions aimed at improving fuel efficiency
• Actions aimed at strengthening institutional
arrangements to deliver the targets.
The National Climate Change Strategy
1.2.18. Under the Kyoto Agreement Ireland is legally
bound to reduce its greenhouse gas emissions to protect
the environment. The National Climate Change Strategy
2007-12 sets out a programme of actions for achieving
this reduction. The main focus is on reducing transport
emissions, encouraging renewable energy sources,
changes in agricultural practices and changes in waste
disposal policies and plans. The strategy both feeds into
and is reinforced by other national level policies including
Smarter Travel, the National Energy Efficiency Plan, the
NDP and the National Energy Policy.
The Atlantic Gateways Initiative
1.2.19. This is a Government initiative aimed at
improving linkages and cooperation between the
‘Gateway’ cities of Galway, Limerick, Cork and Waterford,
and together with the intervening Hubs of Mallow and
Ennis, and nearby Hub of Tralee/Killarney developing an
economic zone with the critical mass of population,
educational facilities, employment opportunities and
recreational facilities, capable of achieving greater
sustainability than the Greater Dublin Region and
promoting location choice and appropriate balance in the
delivery of jobs, services and opportunities.
National Energy Policy
1.2.20. The National Energy Efficiency Action Plan
2009–2020 sets out a strategy to reduce Ireland’s
dependence on imported fossil fuels, improve energy
efficiency across a number of sectors and ensure a
sustainable energy future. Improving our energy efficiency
is a key step in a sustainable energy policy. Energy
efficiency is internationally recognised as the most cost-
effective means of reducing dependence on fossil fuels.
The Government’s energy policy framework for the period
2007–2020 incorporates this goal at its heart and is
designed to steer Ireland towards a new and sustainable
energy future; one that helps to increase security of
supply, makes energy more affordable, improves national
competitiveness and reduces our greenhouse gas
emissions.
1.2.21. Other key policy documents which have informed
Guidelines policy on energy are the South West Regional
Bioenergy Strategy (South West Regional Authority 2009),
Eirgrid 25 (2008) dealing with the national network and the
National Wind Energy Development Guidelines (2006)
published by the DEHLG.
National Sustainable Development Strategy
1.2.22. The DEHLG is currently preparing a renewed
National Sustainable Development Strategy which is
intended to replace the first strategy Sustainable
Development – A Strategy for Ireland (1997) and Making
Ireland’s Development Sustainable (2002).
1.2.23. The principal goals and policies defined in the
Document “Sustainable Development – A strategy for
Ireland”will continue to inform the development of policies
in the area of environmental protection and sustainable
development into the future.
Strategic Assessments
1.2.24. The Regional Planning Guidelines are subject to
Strategic Environmental Assessment, Habitats Directive
Assessment and Flood Risk Assessment. Full
consideration has been given to the incorporation of these
assessments into the process of developing the
Guidelines, details of which are set out in the Appendices.
Other Government Guidelines
1.2.25. The Regional Planning Guidelines are obliged to
have regard to government guidelines in setting out a
framework for the development of the region. These
guidelines include the following:
• Landscape and Landscape Assessment
• Retail Planning Guidelines
• The Provision of Schools and the
Planning System
• Strategic Environmental Assessment
Guidelines
• Sustainable Rural Housing Guidelines
• The Planning System and Flood Risk
Management Guidelines
• Sustainable Residential Development in
Urban Areas
• Appropriate Assessment of Plans and
Projects in Ireland – Guidance for
Planning Authorities.
Local Development Plans
City and County Development Plans
1.2.26. The Regional Planning Guidelines are intended to
form strategic guidance documents for the future of the
South West Region. The Guidelines are intended to inform
the future reviews of the city and county development and
local level plans in Cork and Kerry. All three authorities
have recently published new county/city development
plans, 2009 -2015. These documents have also informed
elements of this review of the regional planning guidelines.
Other Strategic Plans
1.2.27. The Cork Area Strategic Plan (CASP) 2001 - 2020
is a joint strategic planning initiative by the local
authorities and other transport and infrastructural
providers in the Cork Area. CASP was updated in 2008 and
these guidelines have taken account of its conclusions.
1.2.28. At sub-regional level a number of other important
strategic documents have been produced such as the
North and West Cork Strategic Plan. The Tralee and
Killarney Hub area is covered by the Kerry Hub Strategy
and Kerry Hub Settlements Plan. These documents have
acted as inputs in the overall consideration of the RPG
Review.
Other Plans
1.2.29. Other influential documents include the Regional
Tourism Development Plan 2008-20 (Fáilte Ireland South
West), the City and County Development Board Strategies,
the draft River Basin Management Plans, Housing
Strategies, Retail Strategies, Heritage Plans, Biodiversity
Plans and Waste Management Plans.
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15
1.3 The Regional Profile
1.3.1. Physical, social and economic profile
The South West of Ireland is characterised by its broad
diversity of social, cultural, economic, physical and
environmental assets. The region, comprises the
‘Gateway’, which is defined as Cork City and the
Metropolitan Area in County Cork, and includes the ‘Hub’
towns of Mallow in County Cork and Killarney/Tralee ‘Hub’
in County Kerry. Its inhabitants enjoy an attractive choice
of places to live and work ranging from modern urban
settings to smaller rural towns & villages or isolated farms
in mountain areas and islands.
1.3.2. The region has an established reputation as an
attractive area, with a highly developed, modern, high-
technology-based economy and excellent 3rd and 4th
level education and research opportunities, supported by a
high-quality environment, where its residents and visitors
enjoy an attractive city and towns, beautiful landscapes
and a unique depth of cultural heritage. The past decade
has witnessed sustained investment in new roads, new
and refurbished railways, water services, telecommunications
and related infrastructure.
Population Growth
1.3.3. With 621,130 persons recorded in the 2006
Census, the region has the second largest population in
the state after Dublin. Table 2.1 below illustrates the
population changes experienced throughout the South
West Region during the period 2002 – 2006. Whilst overall
population growth for the region was strong in recent
years at 7.03%, this rate of growth was less than the
average for the state (8.24%) for the same period. In fact,
the South West Region has performed consistently below
national population growth rates (e.g. 86% of the national
rate in the period 1991-06).
1.3.4. At a sub-regional level the region experienced
variations in population growth over the 2002-2006. The
Greater Cork Area (C.A.S.P. area) as a whole recorded
Figure 3: Cork Area Strategic Plan (CASP) Update 2008
population growth broadly in line with the National average
at just over 8%. However, within that area there were wide
disparities. The population of Cork City fell by just under
3% whilst the surrounding Metropolitan area recorded a
relatively high rate of growth within the region at over
14%. Therefore the Gateway as a whole grew at a rate of
11.1% over the intercensal period.
1.3.5. In 2002, almost 74% of the population in the
Greater Cork Area lived in the Gateway, while by 2006, the
percentage of population located in Gateway had fallen to
71%, showing that there was proportionally more growth
in the CASP Ring Area than the Gateway. Although starting
from a relatively small population base, the hub town of
Mallow recorded the third fastest growth of all the hubs
with population growth of over 14%. The remaining ring
towns and rural areas in the Greater Cork Area also grew
strongly at over 14%. Although not shown in table 1.1, it
is of concern that the villages and rural areas within CASP
Ring area of the Greater Cork Area recorded a higher
growth rate than the urban areas.
1.3.6. As a consequence, high rates of development in
the villages and rural areas in the CASP Ring area have
16
Table 1.1 Population Change 2002- 2006
Planning Area 2002 2006 Growth Percent
Cork City 123,062 119,418 -3,644 -3.0
County Metropolitan 134,293 153,123 18,830 14.0
Cork Gateway 257,355 272,541 15,186 6
CASP Ring (excl Mallow) 83,096 94,814 11,718 14.1
Mallow Hub Town 8,937 10,241 1,304 14.6
Greater Cork Area 349,388 377,596 28,208 8.1
Tralee Killarney Hub 34,624 36,683 2,059 5.9
Villages and Rural 32,920 35,933 3,013 9.2
Total Linked Hub Area 67,544 72,616 5,072 7.5
Total Northern Area 77,959 81,459 3,500 4.5
Total Western Area 85,465 89,459 3,994 4.7
Total SW Region 580,356 621,130 40,774 7.0
17
contributed to unnecessarily low growth rates for the
Gateway (mainly the City), thereby resulting in excessive
car-based commuting in order to access employment,
shops and other services.
1.3.7. This trend, if allowed to continue, represents a
significant weakening of the urban structure of the Cork
Gateway, itself the urban-core on which the South West
Region depends. If not corrected, this trend may cause a
weakening in the attractiveness of the Gateway to inward
investment in future jobs and services. In part, the problem
is related to the long lead times for strategic Gateway
infrastructure which have prevented key areas, such as
the Cork Docklands, from attracting population growth to
the City.
1.3.8. In the Killarney/Tralee Linked Hub Area (functional
area), overall population growth (7.5%) was only modestly
behind the overall growth achieved in Greater Cork Area.
However there was a disproportionate growth between the
villages and rural areas in the Area (9.2%) compared to the
actual growth of the urban areas of Tralee and Killarney
(5.9%), showing a similar pattern as was experienced in
the Greater Cork Area. Between 2002 and 2006, 59% of
the population growth occurred in the villages and rural
areas of this functional area and as a consequence the
urban population had fallen to below 50% by that date.
1.3.9. As with the trend in the Greater Cork Area, if
allowed to continue this represents a weakening of the
urban structure of the Killarney/Tralee Hub Area. Although
on a smaller scale, this trend is likely to have adverse
effects on the functional area similar to those referred to in
respect of Greater Cork.
1.3.10. In the remainder of the County Areas, there has
been a below average growth of population of between 4.5
and 4.7 % between 2002 and 2006. Although not shown in
the table, the census has confirmed that since 2002 74%
of population growth in both the Western and Northern
Areas has occurred outside of the main towns. Some of the
existing plans for these areas are based on securing future
growth that is equally balanced between the towns and the
villages/rural areas. This approach aims to ensure that
both urban and rural areas achieve their full economic and
social potential.
Economic Performance
1.3.11. To assist the Regional
Authority in the development of
its regional economic analysis
and in the formation of future
regional economic development
scenarios, Forfás, which is
Ireland's national policy
advisory body for enterprise
and science, has completed a
Regional Competitiveness
Agenda. This report, which is
available as an accompanying
document to the Regional
Planning Guidelines, has
informed this section.
Figure 4: Population Change Map 2002 - 2006
1.3.12. Nationally, the ten years up to 2007 was a period
of very strong employment growth, with an increase in
employment from 1.46m to 2.14 m people. The South
West has emerged as one of the country’s wealthiest
regions, in terms of GDP per capita. Strong growth rates in
both the level of employment and output have occurred
above the national average. This is due in part to a large
cohort of high value industries, particularly in the life
science sector which results in the region’s workers
having the highest output in terms of GVA (gross value
added) in the country.
1.3.13. In 2007, there were 306,700 people employed in
the region. In terms of absolute employment the public
sector was the largest employer (22%), while the
manufacturing sector was the second largest employer
(15.1%) followed by construction (14.4%) and wholesale
/retail (13.7%). Four sectors employed more than 5,000
people each in the South West in 2007. These were food,
chemicals, (including pharma-chem), computer, and
electronics products and information and communication
services. Other sectors which grew in this period include
the medical devices sector which grew from a low base to
become a regionally significant employer.
1.3.14. The primary production employment sector
(agriculture, forestry, fishing) accounted for 12% of the
workforce in the region in 1998 but this has declined to 7%
in 2007, a decline of 13.5% marginally lower than the
national average.
1.3.15. The South West Region is the only region in
Ireland where output from the manufacturing sector
exceeds the value of output from the services sector.
Manufacturing accounts for 54% of GVA while services
add 44%. It should however be noted that the services
sector grew by 70 % between 2000 and 2005 compared
to manufacturing growth of 47 % in the same period.
1.3.16. Despite this overall picture of a prosperous and
successful economy, within the region itself, there are
disparities in economic performance. It is significant that
the majority of the successful, high-value, high-technology
businesses are based in the Greater Cork Area; particularly
in locations within the Cork Gateway itself. Indeed the
penetration of this type of business into the other urban
locations in the region, including the Mallow and
Killarney/Tralee Hubs has been poor. There are notable
differences in performance in terms of employment and
wealth creation between Cork and Kerry, and indeed
between Greater Cork and the remainder of the county.
There are also marked differences in disposable income
levels between Cork and Kerry. Cork has 99% of the
national average income compared with Kerry at 86%,
with the region as a whole recording disposable income
levels at 96% of the national average.
1.3.17. There are some notable examples (such as the
Clonakilty Enterprise Park in West Cork, Fexco in Killorglin
and Caherciveen, County Kerry) where modern office
based industry has successfully located in a more remote
rural location, but the general trend is that these areas
continue to rely on the traditional economic sectors of
agriculture/fishing, tourism and construction. As a result,
there has been a significantly lower rate of increase in
general prosperity in these areas.
1.3.18. The region is facing an unprecedented challenge
against the backdrop of a world recession and these
guidelines will be operating within tough budgetary and
fiscal constraints. Furthermore the growth and
development that has occurred in the region to date has
not been balanced across the region. Recent trends in
employment show significant losses particularly in the
construction sector. In particular Tralee has suffered from
a significant reduction in its industrial base with a number
of large companies and industries closing in recent years.
Skills and Innovation Capacity
1.3.19. The region has a relatively high educational
attainment (over 28% of the population possessed a third
level qualification in 2006), perhaps reflective of the
demand for highly skilled workers in many industries and
of the fact that the region is excellently served in terms of
higher education, with a University and two large Institutes
18
19
of Technology, the Tyndall Institute and other specialist
research facilities. It also has a lower than average
number of early school leavers. These indicators of higher
than average educational attainment are considered to
have played a key role in the decision of many of the new
technology industries to locate in the South West and,
clearly, the maintenance of educational standards and
facilities across the region is a critical factor for the future.
1.3.20. The region has significant capacity for research
and innovation. The main Institutions with research
capacity are;
• University College Cork;
• Cork Institute of Technology;
• Tralee Institute of Technology;
• The National Maritime College at
Ringaskiddy; and
• Teagasc Moorepark Research Centre, Fermoy.
1.3.21. Over the period 2005-2006, University College
Cork attracted more research funding than any other third
level institution in the state. A Regional Innovation Cluster
has been established by the South West Regional Authority
as a mechanism to develop stronger and more active
linkages between Research, Industry and State, Regional
and Local Development Agencies and to foster a greater
culture of innovation throughout the South West. The
region performs well in terms of Higher Education
Research and Development ( HERD). However Business
Expenditure on Research and Development (BERD) is not
as positive, while approximately in line with other regions
outside of Dublin, given the south West’s very large base of
high-value industries, there should be significant potential
to achieve a higher R&D and innovation performance at
firm level.
Transportation and Infrastructure
1.3.22. There have been significant investments in public
transport and road infrastructure within the region and
connecting into other regions in recent years:
1.3.23. Public Transport Investments have been made in
the following:
• The most significant investment in local public
transport has been the upgrading of the Cork
Suburban rail network including the reopening
of the disused line to Midleton.
• Upgrading of railway track, rolling stock,
signalling and timetabling of the Cork-Mallow-
Dublin; Mallow-Killarney-Tralee, Cork-Cobh
• New passenger terminal, Cork Airport.
• The Bus Éireann station at Parnell Place in Cork
operates more than 300 services per day with
passenger movements in excess of 3 million
per annum. Developments in bus services have
included Improved and Integrated bus services
-improvements to the Bus Eireann fleet and in
the development of green routes/ bus corridors
in Cork City since 2004
• Improved pedestrian and cycling infrastructure
- within Cork City making the City Centre a
much more attractive environment for citizens
and visitors. However, cycling facilities,
throughout the region including the main urban
centres are still only nominal in their extent and
nature.
1.3.24. Road Infrastructure Investments
• Completion of N25/N22 Ballincollig
By-Pass, Cork.
• Completion of N25 Kinsale Road Interchange
• Completion of N25 Youghal By Pass
• Construction of the of M8 Motorway
Cork-Dublin
• Improvement to N21 Tralee- Limerick
• Improvement of N22 Tralee- Farranfore
• Upgrading N23 Farranfore-Castleisland
1.3.25. This significant, but as yet incomplete,
investment programme has focussed on the inter-urban
routes linking the Cork Gateway and the Hubs to the other
urban centres and regions in the state.
1.3.26. Major roads infrastructure to be delivered
includes ( not in order of priority) :
Note: The inclusion of these projects in the RPGs is a
prelude to their inclusion in development plans (where this
has not already happened), it must be noted that RPG
endorsement is always subject to EIA and appropriate
assessment (where relevant) of individual projects
• The completion of the M8 Cork - Dublin
Motorway
• Cork Docklands Road and Bridge infrastructure
• The remaining stages of the Cork Suburban
Rail Network
• The Atlantic Corridor linking Waterford- Cork -
Limerick –Galway including
o The Cork Northern Ring Route
o M20 Cork-Mallow-Limerick
o Upgrading of N25 Cork-Waterford
• The N28 servicing the major industrial
developments at Ringaskiddy,
• The N22 which is the regional internal and
strategic economic corridor connecting the
Tralee/ Killarney linked Hub with the Cork
Gateway,
• The N21 linking the Tralee/Killarney Hub to the
Limerick Gateway; and
• The N25 flyovers within Cork City.
1.3.27. Clearly continued investment is required in the
encouragement of walking and cycling. Although there has
been some recent success in providing new cycling
facilities assisted by recent Government funding initiatives,
many parts of the region’s urban areas and its rural
settlements still lack basic facilities that would allow many
local journeys to be made conveniently by these modes.
1.3.28. A significant level of investment has taken place
in water supplies through the Water Services Investment
programme and the Rural Water Programme of the
Department of the Environment Heritage and Local
Government. Significant investment has also been made
in the waste water infrastructure in the region, particularly
in the completion of the waste water treatment plant at
Carrigrennan, Little Island, serving Cork City and its environs.
A considerable level of investment remains to be
undertaken in the augmentation of water and sewerage
supply and treatment plants in the Gateway and Hubs. A
considerable number of other settlements including those
located at coastal locations also require upgrading in
terms of waste water treatment to ensure conformity with
National and European Environmental Protection
Regulations.
1.3.29. Aspects of the waste management strategies in
the three local authority areas are progressing
satisfactorily, in particular the engineered residual landfill
facilities in both counties, there are however economic
issues to be addressed in the operation of waste
management. Progress is required on the development of
a materials recovery facility to service Cork City and
County. While there are material waste recovery facilities
in County Kerry, the development of additional such
facilities at sustainable locations is desirable.
1.3.30. Broadband coverage in the area has developed
and improved, however take up appears relatively low,
according to the latest available data. Standards of service
quality and the cost of broadband services remains a
serious issue. There is a lack of information and
quantification on costs relating to how these issues impact
on rural business.
1.3.31. The lack of an international broadband
connection for the region results in greater costs than from
Dublin or comparable UK regional cities. This clearly puts
the South West at a disadvantage when competing for
modern, data intensive service industries.
1.3.32. The region benefits significantly from the Cork
International Airport which offers important links to major
European air travel hubs including Dublin, Heathrow,
Stansted and Amsterdam in addition to a wide range of
direct European destinations. The development of long
haul connections servicing Cork Airport is an important
regional objective. The Kerry County Airport at Farranfore,
which is at the centre of the Tralee / Killarney Hub,
20
21
provides a good range of national and international air
connections. Shannon, in the adjoining Mid West region
presently offers connectivity to the USA.
1.3.33. The Port of Cork is a key element of the regional
economy and infrastructure and offers a wide range of
shipping services to worldwide destinations. There is an
immediate requirement to identify an appropriate location
with deep water for enhanced port facilities within Cork
Harbour to accommodate increasing traffic and to help
secure the redevelopment of the City Docklands. In the
past, proposals to relocate the port have raised concerns
regarding the most appropriate land-side transport
arrangements for freight. The rail network serving Cork
does not provide an adequate means of
collection/distribution of freight to the region and so future
port facilities need to be well served by the road network
1.3.34. Fenit while a small port, plays a significant
strategic role in the development of the Tralee/Killarney
Hub. The deepwater potential of the
Shannon/Tarbert/Ballylongford landbank area is
considered of major strategic importance for the
sustainable development of an industrial/energy hub for
the area.
Energy
1.3.35. The principal energy resources of the region
comprise:
• The region’s natural gas resource including an
extensive associated pipeline network;
• The ConocoPhillips oil refinery at Whitegate,
County Cork;
• Major thermal electricity generating stations at
Tarbert, County Kerry; Aghada/Whitegate,
County Cork and Cork City Docklands;
• Inniscarra hydro-electric scheme, County Cork;
• A growing network of wind powered electricity
generating stations in both Cork and Kerry.
• A modern electricity distribution grid serving
the region
1.3.36. At present the electricity network in the region is
at or near capacity and there will be difficulties in servicing
major increases in demand and maintaining normal
international standards of supply if significant investment
is not progressed. Part of this involves an improvement in
the capacity to take renewable energy into the National
Grid and to build more network resilience thought
improving the electricity grid connectivity into adjoining
regions.
1.3.37. Demand for electricity in the region is expected
to rise by 60% by 2025. Wave and wind technologies are
expected to play a significant part in meeting additional
demand with excess renewably generated power being
exported through an enhanced transmission grid to other
regions within the state.
1.3.38. The SWRA Regional Bioenergy Plan 2009-2020
supports the development of bioenergy resources and the
designation of the Whitegate area of County Cork as a
National Bioenergy Energy Development Area.
Quality of Life
1.3.39. The South West region is widely recognised as an
area which offers an excellent quality of life, a factor which
is extremely important to the wellbeing of its citizens as
well as in attracting inward economic investment and
population to the region. The region offers a strong mix of
lifestyles choices with a range of attractions from the
Gateway City and Hub Towns to the unique natural
environment and strong cultural identity which
characterises Cork and Kerry.
1.3.40. The unique qualities and diversity of the South
West region has the potential to further contribute to the
overall quality of life and attractiveness of the south west
as a location in which to settle or visit. Among such is the
potential in the region to sustainably develop significantly
more walking and cycle routes, yachting marinas and
other sporting, recreational, cultural and heritage facilities.
22
1.4 Key Planning and Development Issues
1.4.1. The South West Region has a rich asset base,
comprising people, education, infrastructure, skills and a
high quality environment. This creates an opportunity for
the creation of wealth and significant economic
development.
1.4.2. Taking the region in 2010, the following key issues
have been identified:
Regional Planning Guidelines:
RKI- 01 Key Issues
1. Having regard to the need to compete nationally and
internationally, it is very clear that the South West
needs to expand its economic base by focussing its
economic strategy on the Gateway and on the Hub
towns. The Cork Gateway has emerged as the
powerhouse of the region and the future lies in building
on this capacity, particularly through investment in
knowledge based industry and technical production.
2. In this regard, linkages with other regions, both
physical and intellectual are essential. The Tralee-
Killarney and Mallow Hubs will act as conduit for
sustainable economic development connecting the
strengths of the Gateway with the remainder of the
region. For development to occur in the Hubs, they
must aim to capitalise both on their indigenous
strengths as well as provide viable alternatives for
economic growth to the Gateway.
3. The imbalance in the population growth of the City and
Gateway, the main towns and Hubs relative to the rural
areas has emerged as a key issue in ensuring the
future sustainability of development of the region, as
well as resulting in unsustainable levels of commuting.
In order to correct this imbalance, it is imperative that
growth be directed to the Cork Gateway and the
Mallow Hub and the Hub Towns of Tralee/Killarney,
whilst allowing for balanced development in the main
towns, villages and rural areas and affording protection
to environmentally sensitive areas.
4. Although there was substantial upgrading of the
transportation network in the region over the previous
guidelines period, the completion of many vital
projects remains outstanding. In a period of limited
resources, there is a requirement to prioritise transport
and infrastructure expenditure in Gateway, Hubs and
Main Towns where that investment will create capacity
for sustainable development that will assist in
economic recovery.
5. While the transportation links between Cork and Dublin
have been largely provided, there is a need to prioritise
investment in both intra and inter regional integrated
transport links to improve regional connectivity and
cohesiveness in a sustainable manner.
6. Investment in critical infrastructure to support the Cork
Docklands project needs to be prioritised if critical
mass in the Cork Gateway is to be achieved.
7. The proposed sustainable relocation and expansion of
the Port of Cork facilities is required to facilitate both
the growth in port activity and the redevelopment of
the Cork Docklands to its full potential.
8. Significant improvement of public transport services
as well as walking and cycling facilities is envisaged to
be a critical component in the future development of
urban areas.
9. The South West Region must meet its targets under the
Water Framework Directive by 2015. There is serious
under provision of water and waste water
infrastructure across the region, in both rural and
urban area, partially as a result of the significant levels
of development in the period to 2007. While priority
must be given to providing the requisite infrastructure
in the Gateway and Hubs, careful planning of
infrastructure in the villages and rural areas, when
financial resources permit, will allow key
23
environmental issues to be addressed and sustain
viable communities.
10. The South West Region has significant natural
resources (renewable energy, primary production), the
value and potential of which for economic
development have not been fully realised. This
provides a major opportunity for the future
development of sustainable rural economies and
tourism.
11. The South West Region supports a diverse range of
terrestrial, freshwater, coastal and marine habitats,
which support species of local, national and
international importance. In providing for the
development of the region it is important that the
conservation and sustainable use of biodiversity is
provided for.
12. There is a need to focus on rural diversification so that
priority can be given to investments to achieve this
potential in a sustainable manner, while also
enhancing the quality of life for the residents.
13 In general from the perspective of realising the overall
Guidelines objectives, the recent economic downturn
will act as a brake on regional development and
population growth in the short term. It does however
highlight the need to make the best use of this period
of recession as a time of consolidation, when hopefully
more focussed policies which are now embedded in
development planning in the region will begin to show
more tangible results on the ground.
14. In addressing all of the foregoing, it is important to
ensure compliance with the provisions of European
and National environmental legislation.
1.4.3. Arising out of the above key issues, two important
overarching goals have been identified which provide a
framework for the development of the region.
• The principal priority for establishing new
policies will be to place a strong emphasis on
population and employment growth in the
Gateway and Hub Towns, to meet targets as set
out in these Guidelines. Within this challenge,
there is a need for the local authorities to work
in a co-ordinated manner to ensure that the
Gateway and Hub Towns benefit from priority
investment in the provision of infrastructure
and ultimately that the overall physical, social
and community infrastructure of the Gateway
and Hub Towns are sustainably developed in a
timely manner to accommodate the planned
growth.
• The priority of ensuring that the remaining
areas of the region, towns, villages and rural
areas continue as sustainable communities,
which are strongly positioned to build on
opportunities which will arise locally for
sustainable growth and development; where
good transport and communication linkages
are developed; where the quality of the built
and natural environments are protected and
enhanced, where quality of life for all age
groups is enhanced and where adequately
scaled environmental protection and other
infrastructures are in place at the appropriate
time.
1.5 Sustainable Planning
1.5.1. Throughout the Regional Planning Guidelines the
term “Sustainable” is used widely. Sustainable is defined
as that which meets the needs of the present without
compromising the ability of future generations to meet
their own needs.
1.5.2. The conservation of species and habitats in
accordance with the requirements of the EU Habitats and
Birds Directives is considered to be an important
component of sustainable strategies, policies and
objectives.
1.5.3. In reading the Regional Planning Guidelines it
should be noted that this is a high level strategic planning
document and its objectives and recommendations will be
defined and operationalised through a series of future
plans and actions by other public and private sector actors,
all of such plans and actions, where appropriate, will be
subject to Strategic Environment Assessment, Habitats
Directive Assessment and Environmental Impact
Assessment.
1.5.4. The Habitats Directive Assessment (HDA), also
known as Appropriate Assessment, is a requirement under
the Habitats Directive 92/43/EEC. The directive indicates
the need for plans and projects to be subject to Habitats
Directive Assessment if the plan or project is not directly
connected with or necessary to the management of a
Natura 2000 site, but is likely to have a significant effect
either individually or in combination with other plans or
projects on a site. The Department of Environment,
Heritage and Local Government had published guidelines
“Appropriate Assessment of Plans and Projects in Ireland”
which provides guidance for Planning Authorities.
1.5.5. The RPGs are strategic by nature, and give broad
guidance in relation to a range of issues, including
infrastructure investment. The detailing of the strategic
objectives is implemented through the County and City
Development Plans, Local Area Plans and at project level.
Due to the regional scale of the projects identified within
this document, many of which have yet to undergo detailed
route/site selection and options, Habitats Directive
Assessment is required to take place at each stage of the
development process ranging from County Development
Plans to Local Area Plans and at the individual plan or
project level, to ensure that there is no negative impact on
the integrity (defined by the structure and function and
conservation objectives) of the Natura 2000 site and that
the requirements of Article 6 (3) and (4) of the EU Habitats
Directive 92/43/EEC are fully satisfied. The endorsement of
individual projects within these guidelines is subject to
their EIA (Environmental Impact Assessment) and HDA / AA
(Appropriate Assessment), where relevant.
1.5.6. The Habitats Directive promotes a hierarchy of
avoidance/protection, mitigation and compensatory
measures and this method should be adopted in the
development of all individual plans and projects and at
each stage in the development process. Each individual
plan or projects should therefore seek to achieve the
following:
• Avoid any negative impacts on Natura 2000
sites by identifying possible impacts early in
the plan/project making, and designing the
plan/project in order to avoid such impacts.
• Mitigation measures should be applied, during
the appropriate assessment process to ensure
that there are no adverse impacts on the sites.
If the proposal is still likely to result in adverse
effects, and no further practicable mitigation is
possible, then it is rejected. If no alternative
solutions are identified and the plan is required
for imperative reasons of overriding public
interest (IROPI test) under Article 6(4) of the
Habitats Directive, then compensation
measures are required for any remaining
adverse effect.
1.5.7. Due to the regional scale of investment and the
impact of development and delivery of the settlement and
economic strategies, it is critical to the protection of the
Natura 2000 sites that development takes place in tandem
with the provision of appropriate services – be it transport,
or water services. Development, in the absence of
investment in infrastructure will have negative
consequences on the environment. Accordingly and in line
with sustainable development policy promoted by the
RPGs, it is therefore important that Development and Local
Area Plans provide for the provision of critical
infrastructure, in a sustainable manner, in support of
targeted economic and population growth so as to allow
sustainable development to take place.
24
Chapter 2: Vision for the Region
and Overall Development Strategy
2.1 Regional Vision Statement
2.1.1. The scale and diversity of the South West Region
requires a strategy to match the individual potentials of the
main areas which make up the region. The strategy which
is set out in this document covers the period up to 2022
but its vision and core goals are intended to endure beyond
that date and should inform other strategies and plans for
the region into the future.
Regional Planning Guidelines:
RV- 01 Regional Vision Statement
The broad vision for the south west region is to maintain
and develop a sustainable and competitive economy,
optimise the quality of life of its residents and visitors,
protect and enhance its unique environment, culture and
heritage.
By 2022, the South West Region will be realising its
economic potential and providing a high quality of life for
its people by meeting their employment and housing,
educational and social needs in sustainable communities.
At the same time it will reduce its impact on climate
change and the environment, including savings in energy
and water use and by strengthening the environmental
quality of the Region.
2.1.2. The following key principles underpin this vision
statement for the region:-
• Prioritise sustainable economic growth and
increased competitiveness within the Gateway and
Hubs and encourage balanced growth in the key
settlements of the rural areas.
• Promote, market and develop the region as an
attractive area to live and work with an excellent
quality of life and strong sense of place.
• Promote security of energy supply and develop
renewable energy in the region in a sustainable
manner
• Deliver an integrated and cost effective
transportation and infrastructure system (including
Broadband) throughout the region in a sustainable
manner
• Protect and enhance the natural landscape
and heritage assets of the region and
• Promote sustainable urban and rural tourism
2.2 Overall Development Strategy
2.2.1. To give effect to this vision and in order to prepare
an overall development strategy, it is necessary to identify
specific planning areas that can assist in the formulation of
strategic guidelines for the future development in the
region. Within these planning areas, there are a number of
strategic growth corridors that provide connectivity and
linkages. The key corridors are:-
• Atlantic Corridor – from Waterford through Cork
Gateway. Mallow Hub to Limerick
• Inter-regional corridors –
o along the M 8 national road from Cork Gateway
to Mitchelstown via Fermoy
o along the N21/N69 national road from Tralee to
Limerick
• Intra-regional corridors – main national roads
linking main towns of regional importance
throughout Cork and Kerry.
2.2.2. These are illustrated in the Spatial Development
Strategy. This provides the framework for the policies and
objectives of the Regional Planning Guidelines as
contained in Chapters 3-6.
2.2.3. The specific areas that have been identified are
divided into four functional areas, namely:
• Greater Cork Area (including Cork Gateway and
Mallow Hub)
• Tralee/Killarney Linked Hub
• Northern Area
• Western Area
Greater Cork Area
2.2.4. Greater Cork, which comprises the Cork Gateway,
and includes the Mallow Hub and a number of other towns
known as the Ring towns (Fermoy, Youghal, Bandon,
26
Chapter 2: Vision for the Region and Overall Development Strategy
27
Kinsale, Macroom), is the principal economic driver of the
overall region. The strategic aim of this planning area is to
encourage the growth of population and employment in
the Cork Gateway in order to create the necessary critical
mass for the Gateway so that it can compete more
effectively for investment and growth. Cork City at the
heart of the Gateway provides a focus for Gateway growth
and advance investment in high quality public transport
and other infrastructures and services is a prerequisite to
facilitating this planned growth.
In order to achieve the vision for the region, the following
actions will be necessary in the Greater Cork Area:
• Realignment and reinforcement of spatial planning
and land use policies;
• Plan for an increase in the population and
employment of the Cork Gateway.
• Refocusing of economic and investment strategy;
• Front-loading of infrastructure and implementation
of integrated transport strategy;
• Priority infrastructure investments for the Cork
Docklands.
A number of key infrastructural projects are important to
the development of the Cork Gateway. These projects are
endorsed by the RPGs subject to Environmental Impact
Assessment and Appropriate Assessment (where relevant)
of individual projects - Note: Not in order of priority
• Cork Docklands Road and Bridge infrastructure
• The remaining stages of the Cork Suburban Rail
Network
• The Atlantic Corridor linking Waterford- Cork -
Limerick –Galway including
• The Cork Northern Ring Route
• M20 Cork-Mallow-Limerick
• Upgrading of N25 Cork-Waterford
• The N28 servicing the major industrial
developments at Ringaskiddy,
• The N22 which is the regional internal and
strategic economic corridor connecting the Tralee/
Killarney linked Hub with the Cork Gateway, and
• The N21 linking the Tralee/Killarney Hub to the
Limerick Gateway; and
• The N25 flyovers within Cork City.
28
Figure 5: Spatial Development Strategy for South West Region
29
Tralee Killarney Linked Hub
2.2.6 The Tralee-Killarney Hub Towns are envisaged to
be the focussed engines of growth in County Kerry. The
aim is to position the hub towns as sufficiently sized urban
zones to attract additional employment and population,
which will increase their competitiveness and
attractiveness as national and regional investment
locations.
2.2.7 In order to achieve the vision of the region, the
following actions are required for the Tralee Killarney
Linked Hub area:
• Realignment and reinforcement of spatial planning
and land use policies specific to the linked hub
area;
• Focus population growth into Tralee and Killarney
Towns.
• Establish strong linkages between Tralee and
Killarney
• Focus of economic and investment strategy on
employment creation;
• Front-loading of infrastructure and implementation
of an integrated transport strategy for the area and
linking it with the Cork and Limerick Gateways and
Atlantic Corridor;
Northern and Western Areas
2.2.8 The Northern and Western Areas are predominantly
attractive rural areas of high amenity and cultural value,
with many attractive towns and villages, together with
strategic assets. The aim of these planning areas,
generally, is to maintain the quality of life in the Northern
and Western Areas, by encouraging a balance in growth
between rural and urban areas. In order to encourage
economic growth in these planning areas it will be
necessary to focus on promoting entrepreneurial
development throughout the area. Population growth in
these areas will be predominantly employment led.
2.2.9 The Northern Area could be further subdivided into
three sub areas:
• North Kerry comprises a lowland coastal area
focussed on the towns of Ballybunion and Listowel
whilst also looking to Tralee and Killarney.
• Mid North Cork is a mainly upland area
interspersed with small towns and villages.
• North East Cork is an area with a strong
agricultural base focusing on food production and
contains strong market towns with good links to
the gateways and beyond.
2.2.10 The main focus for the Northern Area specifically is
to:-
• Raise the productive potential of the local
economies, particularly indigenous industries and
services which utilise the strengths of the area in a
sustainable manner.
• Optimise spatial development patterns as an
essential requirement for infrastructural
development.
• Provide improvements in local infrastructure and
communications in a sustainable manner.
2.2.11 The Western Area comprises a number of
distinctive characteristics which allow it to be identified as
a cohesive sub area. It comprises a substantial rural area
west of Bandon/Macroom and all of the main peninsulas
(Dingle, Iveragh, Beara, Mizen, Sheeps Head) The Western
Area has a distinctive natural beauty with a strong tourist
base with significant potential for diversification in the
rural economy. Because of the peninsular topographical
make up of the planning area, it is relatively peripheral to
both the Hubs and the Gateway as well as being far
removed from the Atlantic Corridor. With the decline in the
traditional employment sectors of agriculture and
fisheries, and also the low density and dispersed nature of
the population, the potential for employment opportunities
are more limited than in the other planning areas.
2.2.12 This planning area includes Gaeltacht and Island
communities, which exhibit unique characteristics that
need protection, whilst at the same time as requiring
specific policies for their further sustainable development.
2.2.13 Actions needed to address these problems are
multi-faceted involving a wide range of economic
stakeholders and agencies. Measures need to be
implemented, however, to facilitate these agencies in
addressing the difficulties being experienced. Primarily, the
impacts of peripherality need to be reduced through:
• Implementing in a sustainable manner strong
spatial and land use and transportation strategies
which would aim to maintain population in the
rural and peripheral areas strengthen the towns
and protect and promote the existing economic
base throughout the West Kerry / West Cork Area,
whilst encouraging sustainable diversification of
the local economy.
• Improving access to broadband and education
facilities.
• Improvements to public transport and
infrastructure.
30
Chapter 3: Economic Development Strategy
3.1 Introduction
3.1.1. The Regional Economic Strategy for the South
West is assisted by the work by Forfás on the Regional
Competitiveness Agenda and from other economic inputs
from ESRI and other government and regional bodies. The
strategy is based on regional action to mobilise the various
factors of regional competitiveness. The unique qualities of
Cork and Kerry provide the potential to offer a very distinct
range of regional attraction factors, combining quality of
life elements with a diversified base of high technology
industries, urban and rural enterprise.
3.1.2. Forfás has identified the South West as a strongly
performing region across a number of indicators. It has a
diverse enterprise base encompassing what might be
regarded as the more traditional sectors, as well as high
value added manufacturing and internationally trading
services activities. It offers an attractive quality of life,
combining the benefits of a vibrant metropolitan area, with
ease of access to rural, mountain and coastal locations. It
has a strong educational and research basis from which to
enhance its innovative capacity, supported by increased
investment both within HEIs (Higher Education Institutes)
and companies in R&D and innovation, proactive industry
networks and demonstrated impacts of strong
collaborative efforts.
Regional Economic Strengths, Challenges and
Opportunities
3.1.3. The South West has the highest Gross Value Added
(GVA) per worker in the State in 2005 and has experienced
higher than national average growth rates over the period
1998-2007. There are marked differences however
between the counties of Cork and Kerry, with disposable
income levels in Cork at 99% of the national average
compared with Kerry at 86%. The reason for this is the
significant presence of the high value pharma-chem
sector, primarily located in the Cork Gateway.
3.1.4. The region experienced significant growth in
public sector, construction and retail/wholesale that was
evident across the country over the period from 1998-
2007. During the same period, there has been significant
growth in employment in internationally traded services,
specifically in ICT related services, financial and other
business services, demonstrating the attractiveness of the
Cork Gateway to these activities.
3.1.5. The region is unique in that it is the only region
where the value of output from industry (manufacturing)
exceeds that of services (both traded and non traded). It
has a diverse industry base and well developed
geographic clustering of export oriented companies in the
Food, Pharmaceuticals and ICT sectors in particular, and to
a lesser extent Medical Devices and Engineering.
3.1.6. The region has a well developed retail component,
with the Cork Gateway and the hub towns of Mallow,
Killarney and Tralee being the main focus for growth in
retail development. All three local authorities have
developed retail strategies with the Cork City and County
Retail Strategy being developed on a joint basis between
the two local authorities.
3.1.7. The South West region is the leading regional
tourism destination, with scenic areas and attractive towns
which are internationally renowned. The region, on an
annual basis, generates 1.3 billion euro in tourism
revenues and welcomes in excess of 3.6 million visitors
each year. There are many opportunities for further
sustainable tourism product developments to take place.
As an example, the region has a long and very attractive
coastline, with potential for the development of marine
related leisure facilities in a sustainable manner, such as
marinas and other related facilities in many of the small
ports and harbours.
3.1.8. Some of the region’s natural assets are vulnerable
to over-development highlighting the need for all
developments to take place in a fully sustainable manner.
3.1.9. From the perspective of accessibility, the region
benefits from its international airport at Cork, (which has
recently opened its new terminal capable of handling up to
32
Chapter 3: Economic Development Strategy
33
5 million passengers per annum) and has direct
connections to major European airports. The region also
has Kerry County Airport at Farranfore, as well as being
close to Shannon International Airport for connections to
USA. An important consideration for the further economic
development of the region is the need for direct
transatlantic air services between Cork and the USA and
other long haul destinations such as Asia . It will be
important that facilities and resources at Cork Airport are
protected to ensure that this requirement is achieved.
3.1.10. The region is served with good port and shipping
facilities with passenger ferry services to France and the
UK. The Port of Cork is a key element of the regional
economy and offers a wide range of shipping services to
worldwide destinations. There is an immediate
requirement to identify an appropriate location or locations
for enhanced port facilities within Cork Harbour to
accommodate increasing traffic and to help secure the
redevelopment of the City Docklands. A number of smaller
ports such as Fenit and Kinsale also provide cargo
handling in the region.
3.1.11. One of the region’s core strengths is its very
strong educational framework. University College Cork,
The Cork Institute of Technology and the Institute of
Technology Tralee have all demonstrated strong
performances in producing quality graduates across a
wide range of disciplines and in attracting research
funding. The research institutes are primarily focused on
areas relevant to existing high tech productive industries in
the region, including pharma-chem, bio-med,
ICT/electronics, life-sciences, food and the environment.
Business expenditure in R&D performs in line with other
regions with large urban centres outside of Dublin.
However, given the large base of high value industries in
the South West, there should be significant potential to
achieve a higher R&D and innovation performance at firm
level, specifically within the Tyndall National Institute at
UCC and the Rubicon Centre at CIT. The development of a
Regional Innovation Cluster, the continued strengthening of
the Kerry Technology Park and the development of a new
Regional Science Park in the Cork Gateway and the
achievement of 3rd/4th level educational /research Hub
in the Docklands and the continued investment in 3rd and
4th level research in the region and its transfer to the
productive sector are among the strategic initiatives being
taken to increase levels of knowledge transfer between
the research and production sectors of the regional
economy.
3.1.12. Major Transport 21 initiatives underway will
improve the inter and intra-regional connectivity of the
region. Elements remaining to be addressed are the
upgrading of the N22 linking the Tralee/Killarney Linked
Hub to the Cork Gateway; the improvement of the M20
Cork to Limerick, the N25 Cork to Waterford (specific to the
Atlantic Corridor), the N28 to Ringaskiddy, the N21 Tralee
to Limerick. In addition, the upgrading of the National
Secondary road network is critical in reducing the
peripherality within the region and maximising access
throughout the region. In view of the strategic importance
of the Atlantic Gateway Initiative, it is recommended that
in the longer term, the Atlantic Corridor inter Gateway road
network should be to motorway standard.
3.1.13. The Western Rail Corridor, linking Limerick to
Galway is an important aspect of the future Irish public
transportation strategy. Cork, Mallow and the
Tralee/Killarney hub can achieve enhanced rail
connectivity with the West of Ireland through the
reconstruction of a short length of rail between Charleville
and Patrickswell which would also connect by rail the two
largest Gateways outside of Dublin. The present position
would in the interim be improved through a direct service
via Limerick junction. The future direct railway link
between Cork, Mallow and Limerick is considered as a
future strategic development priority which should be
investigated and appropriately protected in local authority
development plans.
3.1.14. Broadband services are distributed throughout
the region, but as with all regions, the quality and cost of
broadband services remain an issue. Broadband quality of
service continues to be a serious concern in rural areas,
with strong reservations on the potential of mobile
broadband to support economic development in such
areas. Local Authority development plan policies needs to
generally support the provision of of ducting to facilitate
broadband rollout and the erection of mobile telephony
infrastructures in rural areas of the region, in a sustainable
manner, to improve the delivery standards of mobile
telephony and broadband services.
3.1.15. Kerry and Cork have a wide range of strong
natural, cultural and recreational amenities. International
research shows that quality of life factors have become
increasingly important in attracting (and retaining) what is
now regarded as a mobile workforce. The region benefits
from a balance between its urban gateway in Cork, and an
outstanding and distinctive natural landscape, and
attractive towns and villages which offer a range of
attractions. Not only are such attractions of value for
drawing global talent for enterprise, but they are also
significant assets for the tourism sector.
3.1.16. The economic influence of the Cork Gateway
reaches the entire region as shown in figure 7. Similarly,
the economic growth of the Kerry Linked Hub
(Tralee/Killarney) will have positive effects on economic
wellbeing and employment throughout County Kerry and
the north-western part of County Cork. The Mallow Hub,
being in close proximity to the Cork Gateway, has an
obvious overlap with the area of influence with the
Gateway and it also plays an important economic role
throughout North Cork.
3.1.17. The key focus for the region’s future development
is to take the actions necessary to enhance and build the
South West as a national leader in terms of the Smart
Economy, building on its innovative capabilities across all
sectors and activities and in both private, public and
community sectors through:
• Local leadership in terms of facilitating enterprise
development through enhanced networking,
clustering and innovation activities.
• Developing critical mass of population and
employment and good connectivity is essential to
attract international investment and to compete
effectively in a national and international
marketplace.
• Building a spirit of enterprise and entrepreneurship
in the gateway, hubs, main towns, villages and
rural areas which will promote new employment
opportunities and protect existing jobs.
3.2 Realising sectoral growth
Industry and International Services.
3.2.1. The South West is well established as a leading
Irish and European Region within the Knowledge based or
Smart Economy. The Forfás Regional Competitiveness
Agenda has identified that the region has strong potential
for further development of the Life Sciences Sector, which
includes strong regional sectors such as pharma, bio-
medical devices and functional foods; tourism; ICTs
(hardware and services); internationally traded service;
maritime and energy/green technologies.
3.2.2. There are also significant technology based
opportunities for the region to embrace in the ICTs sector,
which has been at the foundation of regional growth and
advances in technology and there is an opportunity for the
region to embrace these innovations and to harness the
potential for further development of the ICT and enterprise
sector.
3.2.3. Increasingly within the region the potential exists
to grow new industrial applications and products based on
converging technologies such as the mix of ICT’s and
Biotech applications.
34
35
Figure 6: Forfás 2009 Regional
Competitiveness Agenda.
3.2.4. The region has a large amount of third and fourth
level graduates which complement the bio-medical and
pharma-chem industry in the Cork Gateway. There is also
a high proportion of research and development
expenditure (in HEIs) in the region, which provides an
opportunity for the development of a Regional Science
Park. The location of this project in the gateway will benefit
existing and future research and development projects in
the public and private sectors.
3.2.5. Previous research in the economy of the Greater
Cork area, carried out by Indecon, in preparation of the
CASP Update in 2008, has shown that almost half of the
future jobs needed in the economy will be in the
international traded services. This shift from a
predominance in employment in resource based
production and manufacturing to higher density office
based employment results in changes to the requirements
for employment land from large scale stand alone
industrial sites to well serviced land in close proximity to
centres of population in appropriate locations in the
gateway and hub towns. Certain Brownfield sites such as
Cork Docklands in the Gateway are particularly suitable for
this growing business activity. When they are developed,
these business locations must be supported by adequate
services such as transport network, energy, telecoms
(broadband) and associated activities that would attract
users
3.2.6. Based on its high quality of life and developing
sense of place, the region is also a very attractive setting
for the development of traditional non technological
enterprises in quality foodstuffs, crafts, arts and other
sectors which can support sustainable employment in
areas outside of the main centres of population.
36
Figure 7: Zones of Influence of Gateway and Hubs in the region
37
Regional Planning Guidelines:
RES- 01 Production and Knowledge
It is an objective to promote sustainable growth of
indigenous and multi national companies in the economic
sectors where the region enjoys competitive advantage
and in particular:-
• Knowledge based industry, research and
development, with a strong focus on indigenous
company growth, supported by the sustainable
development of a Regional Science Park in the
Gateway.
• Strategic sites at appropriate locations for large
scale developments related to the pharma-
chemical, bio-medical, IT and food sciences
sectors.
• Internationally traded services located in high
quality sustainable locations, strongly focused on
the Gateway and Hub towns, in brown field
locations where practicable and within easy
access to public transport and support services.
In order to safeguard the expansion of existing productive
industries in the region, it is necessary for local authorities
to:
• Ensure adequacy of suitable land for expansion.
• Identify optimum sustainable locations for large
scale production.
• Where appropriate, facilitate the sustainable
generation of renewable energy at source in
strategic industrial areas.
• Encourage the relocation of existing Seveso sites
in the Cork Docklands area to facilitate future
development of the docklands, in a sustainable
manner.
• Ensure that travel and transport needs are catered
for in a sustainable manner.
Office Based Services
3.2.7. Office based services are significant employers and
wealth generators within the South West. They compliment
the others sectors and make a significant contribution to
quality of life in the region. Education, health and other
public services are fundamental to the well being of the
region.
3.2.8. The Gateway and hub towns have traditionally
been locations for professional services and it is envisaged
that these will grow in line with the regional economy.
Other locations throughout the region also provide
opportunities for the growth of professional services and
broadband availability will assist in this regard.
3.2.9. Education and health facilities will need to be
examined and augmented by the relevant development
agencies where necessary in line with anticipated
population and employment growth, in areas such as the
Gateway and Hubs to ensure that the necessary levels of
provision are in place in a timely manner.
Retail
3.2.10. Cork City Centre is the primary comparison
shopping centre of the region and forms the central core of
any future retail strategy. Both Mallow and Tralee/Killarney
have a significant retail base, including both convenience
and comparison goods. The provision of additional
comparison shopping should be located in the existing city
centre and town centres of the Cork Gateway and Hub
Towns while the other main settlements should provide
appropriate retail facilities for the supporting population in
line with the requirements of the Retail Planning
Guidelines. While considerable comparison retail
regeneration of Cork City Centre is taking place, Mallow.
Tralee and Killarney town centres require significant retail
upgrading.
Regional Planning Guidelines:
RES- 02 Services
It is an objective to encourage sustainable economic
growth based on the expansion of office based services, in
line with regional population and employment needs and
focussed on local, national and international opportunities.
38
It is an objective to have a range of educational, healthcare
and other public services provided in a timely and
sustainable manner commensurate with the regional
need. An important element of this will be to promote the
sustainable expansion of 3rd and 4th level education and
research within the region; and particularly to promote the
further development of existing and new research
institutions.
It is an objective to encourage sustainable retail
development in the region to be principally focused on the
city and towns centres of the Cork Gateway and Hub
Towns and where necessary provide support services to
the populations in the main towns in line with the Retail
Tourism in the South West
3.2.11. Fáilte Ireland South West has outlined its priorities
and goals for the region’s tourism around four themes:
o nature-based activities from walking to
adventure;
o Cork city as a major urban tourism destination;
o maritime heritage & coastal holiday
experiences and
o rural culture and country pursuits.
3.2.12. The region has a number of valuable natural and
cultural assets that support the tourism industry. It also
benefits from its reputation for quality food, with global
brand names and a range of high quality hotels and
restaurants.
3.2.13. It has a wide range of excellent locations and
facilities for walking, hill walking, cycling, golf and other
activity pursuits.
3.2.14. Marine tourism and leisure activities present a
significant opportunity to build the level of visitor product
in the region. The South West has a very attractive marine
environment with many small ports and harbours around
the coastline, supported by attractive towns and villages in
the coastal areas. There is potential for the sustainable
development of additional marinas, pontoons and other
facilities to attract yachting, anglers, and other visitors to
prolong their visits to the region. Local authorities in the
region should cooperate in the development of a
coordinated strategy involving all stakeholders for the
development of sustainable quality marine tourism in the
south west.
3.2.15. It is important that a coordinated approach is
taken to the development of tourism in the region and in
particular there is a need to improve public transport
access, related facilities and the level of service to tourism
locations in a sustainable manner.
3.2.16. Recreation and tourism can cause increased
disturbance to habitats and species that are important for
biodiversity. A particular threat would be the introduction
and spread of invasive species. Tourism and recreation
projects, strategies and activities should ensure that the
ecological integrity of the region’s natural environment is
maintained and where possible enhanced. Planning for
tourism developments and associated transport access
needs to take account of this, particularly in the case of
internationally designated sites of nature conservation
importance (Natura 2000).
Regional Planning Guidelines:
RES- 03 Tourism
It is an objective to protect existing
tourism assets in the region and develop
additional sustainable facilities for activity holidays, urban
and rural tourism.
It is an objective to secure an integrated sustainable
strategy for the development of the region’s marine and
coastal assets where the sustainable development of
tourism and other marine activities are promoted.
39
Resource based production – agriculture, marine,
forestry, minerals
3.2.17. Agriculture in the South West continues to be a
very important aspect of the regional economy for many
people. Food produce from the South West is acclaimed
internationally and the region has a very large
internationally known food production sector. While the
relative importance of agriculture to the regional economy
has changed in terms of employment and value, the region
has many areas of high quality productive capacity which
have the potential to contribute to growth in the
development of new food products with international
demand resulting in the creation of new employment
opportunities within the region.
3.2.18. The South West seaboard is an important
resource for commercial fishing, aquaculture and
associated sea food processing. The European Integrated
Maritime Policy will create new economic development
opportunities for this region. Revisions to the European
Common Fisheries Policy will have to be addressed if the
fishing industry is to remain competitive and offer a
livelihood to many coastal families.
3.2.19. Overall the maritime environment offers a new
range of exciting possibilities for sustainable economic
activity and growth in the region. Maritime opportunities
arise in areas of :
• Sea food fisheries and aquaculture development to
final product level.
• Marine research and development- with a strong
focus on the strategic initiative of the National
Maritime College of Ireland, based in the Cork
Gateway, relating to the MERC -1 (Maritime Energy
Research Cluster Ireland ) which will be a world
class centre concentrating on a wide range of new
opportunities in sustainable marine related energy
research
3.2.20. The forestry sector comprises mainly small and
medium sized privately owned farm based enterprises that
provide a potentially viable area for diversification. The
National Forest Inventory quantifies the productive forest
area for the South West region as covering 112,190ha or
9.25% of the total area of the region. County Kerry has in
excess of 40,000 hectares of forestry plantations while
County Cork has a plantation area in excess of 70,000
hectares.
3.2.21. The cycle of planting over the past fifteen or so
years demonstrates that many private forestry plantations
will be at or approaching maturity during the next decade.
The Regional Bio-energy Plan for the South West shows
that enhanced management of this resource is required if
commercial returns are to be maximised from final felling.
Additionally planning requires to be put in place for the
harvesting and replacement of the forestry resource in the
region in a timely and sustainable manner.
3.2.22. The mineral resources of the region, especially
aggregates, contribute largely to the economy and
operational aspects of the construction industry (buildings
and infrastructure). Where appropriate, local authorities
should identify and protect important strategic mineral
reserves in their development plans,
3.2.23. In relation to all natural resources there is a need
to protect the sustainability of these assets against
inappropriate development in order to maintain the
region’s high quality agricultural land and sea and fresh
water resources, including biodiversity.
Regional Planning Guidelines:
RES- 04 Regional Economic Strategy
It is an objective to encourage the protection and
sustainable further development of the primary resource
based sectors through:
• Protecting the quality of the productive
environment (water, land and air) for the
production of high quality food and high value food
processing industries in the region.
• Promoting the further development of food
products to the level of high quality final shelf
products.
• Recognising the importance and future potential of
commercial fishing and aquaculture (sea and
40
freshwater) industry to the region and to support
the future sustainable development of all aspects
of this industry.
• Supporting sustainable forestry development in the
region.
• Identifying and safeguarding strategic mineral
resources in the region where appropriate.
• Supporting initiatives which address the security
and quality of food including the promotion of a
local food culture in the Region, including
appropriately located farmers markets
Rural Economy and Diversification
3.2.24. The traditional mainstays of rural employment
have been in decline for some time. Mechanisation and
technological advances have contributed significantly to
this decline. There is a need for new initiatives which will
support rural diversification, innovation and enterprise
development:
• Facilitate innovative approaches to identify new
products and markets to increase rural
employment (in the existing sectors).
• New sustainable tourism initiatives in appropriate
locations.
Regional Planning Guidelines:
RES- 05 Rural Diversification
It is an objective to promote rural diversification through
building local rural capacity by upskilling and making
appropriate provision in development and local plans to
foster local entrepreneurial activity and encouraging
innovative and sustainable economic activity.
3.3 Future employment growth and locations for
economic growth.
3.3.1. In 2006, there were 261,883 employees in the
region but only 240,404 jobs. The net out-migration of
employees to jobs elsewhere (over 21,000) is mainly due
to the close proximity of Limerick to Kerry and the
economic pull factor of Dublin. In Cork City and County,
most of the jobs are located in the Cork Gateway (64%)
with over half the jobs in County Kerry located in the
Tralee/Killarney Hub Towns. The distribution of the jobs is
shown in Figure 7.
Figure 8: Distribution of Jobs in 2006 by Planning Area
3.3.2. In order to forecast the likely demand for
employment in the future, calculations were made on the
2006 population census and the population targets for
2016 and 2022 provided by the DEHLG These calculations
used the similar proportions of employee/population ratio
and population/jobs ratio to forecast future jobs
3.3.3. Following the changes that have taken place in the
economy since 2008, it is difficult to forecast future
migration rates and unemployment rates. However, using
the same ratios of growth, employee/population ratio and
unemployment ratio between 2006 and 2022, it is
estimated that 50,000 to 60,000 net new jobs would have
to be created to sustain the anticipated target population
in 2022. Based on population growth targets, it is also
anticipated that many of these additional jobs would be
located in the Gateway and Hub towns. Previous research
on the regional economy by Forfás has indicated that
almost half of these additional jobs would be within the
international traded services and enterprise sectors.
41
Strategic employment locations
3.3.4. If the region is to compete internationally and
provide for employment growth as anticipated, strategic
employment locations will need to be identified within the
Gateway and Hubs and local authorities will need to ensure
that sufficient land exists for the various types of
employment envisaged in the region. Specifically, strategic
land reserves need to be provided for both existing and
new large scale stand alone industries as well land
reserves for the growing international traded services
sector (office based industry). Whilst office based industry
has a higher density than the large scale stand alone sites,
it requires strategic locations in centres of population, in
close proximity to public transport corridors, so that
investors have a range of locations to choose from.
Brownfield sites, if available, particularly offer an excellent
location choice in such areas and can act as a catalyst for
urban renewal for their wider areas.
3.3.5. Local authorities will need to determine the land
requirements for employment purposes in their respective
Development Plans and Local Area Plans. Key to this will
be that local authorities provide a choice of location for
various business types, in line with the population and
settlement strategy objectives of the Regional Planning
Guidelines.
3.3.6. In order to agree on a clear employment
development strategy in the Gateway and Hubs, the local
authorities, in close collaboration with associated
development agencies, should identify strategic land
reserves for the future sustainable development of the
region.
3.3.7. An important tenet of future sustainable planning
policies should be for employment and residential areas to
be located in close proximity to each other, connected by a
sustainable transportation network. This should result
more sustainable levels of commuting in the longer term.
3.3.8. Priority settlements for business and enterprise
development are as follows:
Cork Gateway
3.3.9. Cork Gateway plays an important role as the
principal economic driver within the South West. It also
plays a strong role within the context of the Atlantic
Gateways initiative which envisages critical mass being
enabled through greater mobility and access between the
cities of Cork, Waterford, Limerick and Galway.
3.3.10. Cork Gateway, with a population and productive
output greater than that of the other three cities combined,
plays a critical role within the context of this initiative. It is
important that development planning and strategy
capitalises on the strength of the Cork- Limerick
connection (incorporating the Mallow hub), with benefits
flowing to adjacent areas such as the Tralee/Killarney
linked hub.
3.3.11. In order to create critical mass, as outlined in the
Atlantic Gateways project, there is a need to reinforce
strategic locations for large scale, foreign direct
investment and indigenous sites (stand alone), as well as
locations for smaller scale industrial and enterprise
development (office based), in centres of population
growth to ensure a range of choice is available for
investors. Cork Docklands and other strategic sites
identified in Development Plans (such as Ringaskiddy,
Carrigtwohill, Kilbarry etc) within the Gateway are potential
locations for this development.
3.3.12. Cork Harbour and Cork Docklands represent
significant assets within the Gateway and offer huge
potential for sustainable economic development,
population growth, recreation and tourism. Critical to the
success of the Cork Gateway and the Cork Docklands in
particular is the relocation of the Port of Cork facilities and
the industrial uses (Seveso sites) which occupy this area at
present. Cork Harbour is of both national and regional
significance as it contains the regional significant pharma-
chem industries at Ringaskiddy and the national
significant oil terminal at Whitegate,
3.3.13. Front loading of infrastructure development in the
Gateway is essential if economic development is to be
achieved.
42
Hub Towns
3.3.14. There is good potential within the region to create
competitive environments, which can attract new
company start-ups in hub towns. The Hubs will have
increasing levels of population and services making them
more attractive locations in which to invest.
Tralee/Killarney and Mallow are the alternative main
locations for investment in employment and there needs to
be sufficient serviced land located in close proximity to
transport corridors and centres of population for the future
development of these towns. Front loading of
infrastructure development in the Hub towns is essential if
this objective is to be achieved.
3.3.15. The development of the hubs and their interaction
with their immediate hinterlands is key to the wider
region's development and in particular the economic
sustainability of their catchments.
Other Main Towns and Rural Areas
3.3.16. The towns and rural areas of the region support
a certain level of enterprise and employment in
manufacturing, services and retail activities. This is
envisaged to continue with the consolidation and small
scale growth of the main towns and rural areas in line with
the overall objectives for economic growth in the region.
Priorities for growth in such areas will be defined by the
relevant city and county development plans.
Other Strategic locations for industry
3.3.17. Both Cork Harbour in County Cork and the
Tarbert/Ballylongford landbank in County Kerry are
identified as strategic development locations, based on the
unique resource of deep water facilities in both locations.
3.3.18. Industrial development land on the Shannon
Estuary near Tarbert/Ballylongford constitutes one of the
premier deepwater locations in the country. This makes it
an area of significant potential for future development and
an asset for the region. Aside from the deepwater asset, it
is anticipated that proposed LNG plant will be a significant
regional project which will act as a catalyst for additional
industrial development at this location in the future. With
the extension of the natural gas network and the existing
electricity distribution infrastructure in place it is intended
to develop the area in a sustainable manner as a power
generation centre for the region.
3.3.19. As part of the environmental assessment process
for any significant industrial development at these coastal
locations, Habitats Directive Assessments should be
carried out. Issues to be considered include: the potential
impacts of introduced species, habitat loss /
fragmentation, disturbance to wildlife and alterations to
hydrological flow regimes, water and air quality
Regional Planning Guidelines:
RES- 06 Regional Economic Strategy
Strategic employment locations
In line with the National Spatial Strategy, it is an objective
to provide a choice of sustainable employment locations
sufficient to cater for the envisaged population and
employment growth in the region. This requirement must
be focused primarily on the Gateway and Hub Towns to
ensure that the population lives in proximity to
employment locations and reduces unsustainable
commuting.
It is an objective to support the sustainable development of
strategic locations in Cork Harbour and Cork Docklands
and promote the sustainable development of the Tarbert
Ballylongford landbank as a centre for energy generation
and industrial development, capitalising on its
infrastructure, access and location.
In close collaboration with development agencies, local
authorities should identify strategic land reserves in the
Gateway and Hub towns so as to provide for the future
sustainable economic development of the region.
Chapter 4: Settlement Strategy,
Population and Housing
4.1 Introduction
4.1.1. One of principal aims of the Guidelines is to set out
a settlement strategy to guide future development in the
region within the context of the National Spatial Strategy.
This chapter sets out the strategy for the development of
the settlements in the region until 2022, thus informing
investment priorities for infrastructure, transport and
communications. This is to ensure that available funding is
invested in a focussed manner to be of greatest benefit to
the region as a whole, whilst providing value for money
and fostering increasing competitiveness.
4.1.2. Over the past 10 years, development around the
main Cork Gateway and to a lesser degree the
Tralee/Killarney Hub has experienced a “doughnut effect”,
whereby higher population growth has occurred in villages
and rural areas instead of within the main urban areas.
This clearly unsustainable pattern of development has
resulted in higher commuting patterns and greater
demands on infrastructure development and the need for
other services outside of main urban areas.
4.1.3. The core settlement strategy will be to create the
conditions for higher levels of growth in the region in a
sustainable manner. This is to be achieved by focussing
population and employment development, as a priority on
the Cork Gateway and Hub towns of Tralee/Killarney and
Mallow. The strategy will seek to ensure that future growth
is planned in a way that allows the people of the region to
form more sustainable relationships between their homes,
workplaces and other concentrations of regularly used
services and facilities, and their means of travel between
them.
4.1.4. In order to protect the potential for the future
sustainable expansion of these urban areas, the rural
areas surrounding these urban centres need to be
protected from inappropriate development. In line with the
Sustainable Rural Housing Guidelines, a policy for the
control of urban generated housing should be applied to
the areas where such pressure is greatest, i.e. throughout
the Greater Cork Area and the Hub Town Areas as well as
around the main towns of the region.
4.1.5. The population targets proposed in these
guidelines require the timely delivery of supporting
infrastructure particularly for water and wastewater. If this
infrastructure cannot be provided there are a number of
increased risks including:
• Risks to human health and safety particularly
drinking water and bathing water quality.
• Impacts on biodiversity, including impacts on
designated Natura 2000 sites.
4.1.6. It is important that Development and Local Area
Plans ensure that critical infrastructure is provided to allow
sustainable development to take place.
4.2 Population and Housing
Population Targets
4.2.1. In October 2009 the DEHLG produced revised
population targets for the regions. This document also
includes population targets for the Gateway and Hubs for
the years 2016 and 2022. These targets indicate the
minimum population numbers for these locations to be
used in determining future development land requirements
for the region, setting the context for city and county
development plans and local area plans.
44
Chapter 4: Settlement Strategy, Population and Housing
45
Table 4.1: Population Targets 2006- 2022
Region 2008 2010 2016 2022
Border 492,500 511,000 552,700 595,000
Dublin 1,217,800 1,256,900 1,361,200 1,464,200
Mid-east 514,500 540,000 594,600 639,700
Midland 266,800 275,600 297,300 317,100
Mid-west 371,900 383,800 427,200 462,300
South-east 487,800 507,900 542,200 580,500
South- west 644,600 667,500 737,100 795,000
West 426,100 442,200 484,700 521,400
State 4,422,000 4,584,900 4,997,000 5,375,200
Source: DEHLG 2009
4.2.2. The revised targets provided by the DEHLG reflect a significant growth of 127,500 persons in the south west between 2010-
2022, the second highest level of growth in the state. The regional population targets were apportioned by the regional authority by
agreement with the three local authorities. The figures are shown in Table 4.2.
Table 4.2: Population targets for County Cork and Kerry 2006- 2022
2006 2010 2016 2022 2010- 2022
Cork City 119,418 127,710 134,710 150,000 22,290
Cork County 361,877 389,943 436,920 470,622 80,679
Kerry County 139,835 149,847 165,470 174,378 24,531
SW Region 621,130 667,500 737,100 795,000 127,500
4.2.3. The target populations for the growth of the Gateway and Hub towns in the region have also been given by the Department
and are shown on Table 4.3. Gateways and Hubs are the priority growth areas within the NSS policy framework and thus, in principle,
should be growing at faster rates than the regions in which they are located. As Gateways are the prime focus for growth,
government guidance places the growth of the gateway at 1.5 times the overall regional rate from 2016 to 2022.
46
Table 4.3: Target population for Cork Gateway, Hubs and Planning Areas
Area 2006 2010 2016 2022 Growth Total
2010-22
Cork Gateway* 272,645 296,600 336,600 381,500 84,900
Mallow Hub 10,241 12,400 16,500 22,000 9,600
Ring Towns and Rural Area** 104,951 107,895 110,698 113,500 5,605
Greater Cork Area
(incl. Mallow) 377,596 404,495 447,298 495,000 90,505 90,505
Tralee-Killarney Hub 37,347 39,700 44,700 49,400 9,700
Kerry Linked Hub
(incl. rural areas) 72,241 77,873 87,681 96,900 19,027 19,027
Northern Area 81,848 88,210 96,546 96,790 8,580 8,580
Western Area 89,445 96,922 105,575 106,310 9,388 9,388
SW Total 621,130 667,500 737,100 795,000 127,500 127,500
*(Cork City will have 134 710 by 2016 and 150 000 by 2022)
**The CASP Ring Area includes the Mallow Hub
4.2.4. From the above table, it is anticipated that there will be new growth of 127,500 persons in the region between 2010 and
2022, of which almost 85,000 will be located in the Gateway and 19,300 will be located in the Hub Towns, constituting approximately
82% of the population growth by 2022. Within the overall strategy of the Guidelines, the population target of 795,000 in 2022 may
be exceeded depending on levels of economic growth. Population targets in current City and County Development Plans are generally
consistent with these figures. The 2016 Review of the Regional Planning Guidelines will provide updated targets for the local
authorities for 2022 and in this regard the 2011 census will also inform the position. Updated guidance from the DEHLG in relation
to reviewed national population targets for 2022, following the 2011 and 2016 census will at the appropriate junctures, also better
inform the population targets.
4.2.5. In order to re-balance the future development in the region and concentrate development in the urban areas of the Gateway
and Hubs, new growth in the region will have to be allocated according to the overall regional development strategy.
Households and Housing Requirements
4.2.6. In order to give local authorities guidance in the preparation of their development plans and local area plans, it is possible
to determine the quantum of housing required in the future (2016 and 2022), based on the population targets. The table below takes
the population targets and translates them into households and housing units. The housing estimates are absolute figures without
provision for headroom which must be provided by the relevant local authorities when preparing their county development plans and
local area plans.
47
Table 4.4: Regional Household forecasts for 2022 – August 2009
Area 2006 2010 2016 2022
Cork Gateway 97,027 111,086 133,043 158,299
Mallow Hub 3,644 4,644 6,522 9,129
Ring Towns and Rural Area** 37,349 40,410 43,754 47,095
Greater Cork Area 134,376 151,496 176,798 205,394
Tralee-Killarney Hub 13,291 14,869 17,668 20,498
Kerry Linked Hub 25,709 29,166 34,657 40,207
Northern Area 29,127 33,037 38,160 40,162
Western Area 31,831 36,300 41,729 44,112
SW Total 221,043 250,000 291,344 329,876
4.2.7. The regional household calculations are based on the population targets divided by average household formation rates that
are similar to the national averages in 2006. (2.81 in 2006, 2.67 in 2010, 2.53 in 2016 and 2.41 in 2022).
4.2.8. Housing units required in the region for the period 2016 and 2022 are shown on Table 4.5. The calculation of housing units
required is based on the level of vacancy and frictional losses in the market. The downturn in the economy and the re-adjustment of
the housing market will result in a lower housing unit/household conversion rate. Previously, the conversion rate was 1.3 (based on
high levels of second homes and investor housing in the housing boom period). This figure has been adjusted to 1.15 as a result of
the downturn in the housing market.
Table 4.5: Regional Housing Units required in 2016 and 2022
Area 2006 2010 2016 2022 2010- 22
Cork Gateway 111,581 127,749 153,000 182,044 54,295
Mallow Hub 4,191 5,341 7,500 10,498 5,157
Ring Towns and Rural Area** 42,951 46,472 50,317 54,160 7,688
Greater Cork Area 154,532 174,221 203,317 236,203 61,983
Tralee-Killarney Hub 15,284 17,099 20,318 23,573 6,473
Kerry Linked Hub 29,565 33,541 39,855 46,239 12,698
Northern Area 33,497 37,993 43,885 46,186 8,193
Western Area 36,606 41,745 47,989 50,729 8,983
SW Total 254,199 287,500 335,045 379,357 91,857
4.2.9. As a result of the above analysis, the net housing requirement for the period 2010-2016 in the region is 47,545 and by 2022,
91,857 housing units, of which almost 66,000 (or 70%) will be located in the Cork Gateway and Hubs Towns. This will result in an
average regional construction of 7,655 housing units per annum.
Land Requirements for Housing
4.2.10. In Table 4.5, it is estimated that the future demand for housing units by 2016 will be 47,545 and by 2022 will be 91,857.
It seems that the housing demand generated by the target populations for the plan period (2010- 2016 and 2022), are well below
the actual level of land available and the resulting housing units. Therefore, generally, land supply for housing exceeds the predicted
demand in the region.
4.2.11. Based on projected population targets in 2016 and 2020, the net land requirement for housing has been estimated. The
figures as targeted are highly contingent on population growth occurring at the rates envisaged. Based on the projected housing
requirements between 2010, 2016 and 2022 , the net amount of hectares required has been calculated for the Gateway , Hubs and
other planning areas within the region. Table 4.6. also shows these figures aggregated at a local authority level. The gross land
requirement in terms of hectares required will have to be calculated by each local authority, based on applicable local densities in
different areas, availability of existing brownfield sites; together with an additional allowance for headroom, to allow for choice,
sequencing and other local factors. This headroom should be calculated in line with the Development Plan Guidelines of 2007.
Table 4.6: Net land requirement for Planning Area and Local Authorities
Housing Units Net Land Requirement
Planning Areas 2010 2016 Diff Ha 2022 Diff Ha
Cork Gateway 127,749 153,000 25,251 595 182,044 54,295 1,279
Greater Cork Area* 46,472 50,317 3,846 184 54,160 7,688 372
Kerry Linked Hub 33,541 39,855 6,314 300 46,239 12,698 604
Northern Area 37,993 43,885 5,891 265 46,186 8,193 369
Western Area 41,745 47,989 6,243 281 50,729 8,983 404
SW Total 287,500 335,045 47,545 1,625 379,357 91,857 3,027
Local Authorities 2010 2016 Diff Ha 2022 Diff Ha
Cork City 52,377 62,730 10,353 148 74,638 22,261 318**
Cork County 170,217 196,314 26,097 962 220,358 50,141 1,802
Kerry County 64,906 76,001 11,095 515 84,361 19,455 908
SW Total 287,500 335,045 47,545 1,625 379,357 91,857 3,027
* Including Mallow Hub
**Estimated land requirements (including substantial brownfield sites in the City)
4.2.12. It is important that increases in population are located in the Gateways, Hub towns, other towns, villages and rural areas
in that order of priority. The key to addressing this issue is for local authorities to actively manage the supply of land for housing in
accordance with the overall strategy. Therefore local authorities should undertake periodic studies of housing land requirements, the
48
49
aim of which should be to manage the supply of land for
residential development. Arising from the studies, local
authorities should:-
• Examine existing lands zoned for development in
the development and local areas plans and if these
zoned lands are not consistent with the population
and housing targets, or are surplus to
requirements, the local authorities should take
steps to introduce phasing programmes based on
the targets and the availability of adequate
infrastructure or change the landuse category to
one that is more suited to future requirements and
if the previous two options are not available to de-
zone any land not required. Densities should be in
accordance with the Sustainable Residential
Development in Urban Areas Guidelines
• All local authorities should consider the provision
of adequate zoned land in excess of the targets for
each of their settlements (headroom). Generally,
the quantum of headroom will depend on the
circumstances of the settlement and the
availability of infrastructure services and other
issues.
• It is important for local authorities to introduce
phasing for the release of development land in
each settlement so that development can proceed
on an orderly and sequential manner.
• The amount and adequacy of zoned land should be
reviewed by each local authority on a regular basis
4.2.13. When preparing land zoning strategies, local
authorities should, in the first instance, seek to avoid
significant adverse impacts on the ecological integrity of
Natura 2000 sites and other designated areas. In addition
to these designated areas, due regard should also be given
to other ecologically sensitive areas which are located in
close proximity to the Region’s Gateway and Hub
Settlements, including the intertidal areas of Cork Harbour,
the Blackwater catchment upstream of Mallow Town, the
intertidal and coastal areas of Tralee Bay and Killarney
National Park and it’s environs.
Regional Planning Guidelines:
Regional Settlement Strategy
RSS- 01 Land Zoning
It is an objective that the relevant local authorities
undertake periodic studies of all zoned land available for
residential development. These studies should identify
areas where shortfalls of zoned land exist and specific
areas where over-zoning has taken place, having regard to
the need for proper planning and sustainable development.
The assessment needs to be realistic in terms of the
necessity for priority investment in infrastructure and
management of land supply.
Following the study, each local authority in the review of
Development Plans and Local Area Plans is required to
ensure that land zoning provision is in line with projected
requirements in Table 4.5 and the criteria outlined in
4.2.12. and 4.2.13.
This overall approach needs to be supported by
sustainable provision of services and infrastructure
particularly in the Gateways and Hubs so that their
potential can be realised.
4.3 The Core Settlement Strategy
4.3.1. Having regard to the population and housing
targets outlined above a core settlement strategy for the
South West Region has been set out in which priority is
given to growth in the Gateway and Hubs. This core
strategy will reverse the past and current patterns of
growth and development that have hitherto resulted in an
imbalance of development between urban and rural areas
particularly in the CASP Ring area. This is causing higher
infrastructure costs, increased travel to work and a
consequential risks to the bio-diversity in the region.
4.3.2. Within this core strategy, growth would primarily
be focused on the development of the Cork Gateway and
two Hubs of Mallow and Tralee/Killarney. It will be
characterised by a sharp upturn in the population of Cork
50
Figure 9: Spatial Settlement Strategy for the South West
51
City, with a moderation of the rate of growth in the
southern suburbs and an acceleration of the rate of
population growth in the northern suburbs of Cork City. It
will also mean a moderation of the rate of population
growth in villages and rural areas so as to achieve a more
balanced rate of growth between urban and rural areas
around the Gateway and Hub towns and higher rates of
population growth in those towns served by sustainable
transport. In Mallow Hub town, there would be continued
growth of population in line with the higher level of
economic growth, thereby reducing the need of the
residents to commute to Cork City.
4.3.3. This settlement strategy is guided by an overall
development strategy, as outlined in Chapter 2, which
divides the region into four distinct planning areas;
• Greater Cork Area (including Cork Gateway),
• Tralee Killarney Linked Hub,
• Northern Area and
• Western Area.
4.3.4. Within the settlement strategy the Cork Gateway
and the two Hubs are recognised as the principal drivers of
development, directly or indirectly employing a significant
number of the population, and containing most of the
regions key employers. The Gateway and Hubs are the
focus for entertainment, recreation, shopping and leisure
facilities, as well as the focus of transportation linkages.
4.3.5. The Spatial Settlement Strategy is shown on the
attached diagram. In the remainder of the region (Northern
and Western Areas), there will be a more balanced
approach to development in order to maintain vibrant rural
communities, with an equal level of urban and rural
growth. In other towns of the region outside of the
Gateway and Hubs, there will be moderate population
growth in line with local employment opportunities.This
strategy assumes large scale infrastructure provision as
well as major re-development of brownfield and other
sustainable locations in the Gateway and Hubs, in the short
to medium term.
4.3.6. The development of these locations in the Gateway
and Hubs would generate significant advantages to
creating a critical mass of population to compete with
other regions and internationally. If there is no large scale
investment in the provision of infrastructure (bridges,
water services and rapid transit transport in the Gateway
and Hubs), the likely alternative scenario is a more
moderate population growth in established urban areas.
This option will be characterised by expansion of the
existing footprints of main towns, extending existing
infrastructure and local employment areas.
4.3.7. The principal aim of this settlement strategy is to
build on those strengths of the Gateway and Hubs through
increasing their population and employment levels. As a
result, there will be an economic benefit for all areas and
will also enable all areas to share in the region’s prosperity,
whilst protecting and enhancing the regions environmental
assets. The focus of new housing development should take
place in the Gateways and Hubs in line with the population
targets for 2022. These targets represent the minimum
population numbers which it is desirable to plan for and if
possible exceed.
4.3.8. In order to strengthen the urban structure of the
towns and to ensure delivery of population growth in line
with the growth strategy, further development in the rural
areas needs to be balanced in line with Table 4.4. In this
regard a strong green belt policy is required for the rural
area in the Greater Cork Area.
4.3.9. In preparing development or local area plans, local
authorities should comply with the provisions of the EU
Habitats and Birds Directives. In order to protect
designated international sites of nature conservation
importance,screening for Habitats Directive Assessments
should be carried out at an early stage in consultation with
the NPWS, when formulating land zoning strategies and
other objectives for settlements.The settlement hierarchy
and growth policies are shown in the Table 4.7 below.
The Cork Gateway
4.3.10. The priority for population growth in the region
will be in the Gateway. The primary focus in Cork City will
be on brownfield sites such as Docklands and Blackpool as
well as suburban areas such as Ballyvolane and Mahon.
Infrastructure investment must be prioritised in these
areas to allow capacity for the planned increases in
population. Transportation initiatives in the docklands are
of utmost importance in particular the high capacity, public
transport networks, along with the development of the
Docklands Bridges – Eastern Gateway bridge, Bridge at
Mill Road, Water Street and local road initiatives.
Development in these priority areas of the City should be
accompanied by appropriate higher development densities
to sustain the investment in high quality public transport
and infrastructure.
4.3.11. Important to the development of population
growth within the Docklands is the relocation of the Port of
Cork and associated Seveso sites. It is acknowledged that
this is a complex issue but remains one which must be
resolved in the short term. The local authorities should
work with the port authorities and the relevant industries
to develop a strategy for sustainable relocation of those
facilities.
4.3.12. Cork City Centre has benefited from considerable
investment in urban regeneration (both infrastructure and
new buildings) and this economic development together
with the environmental upgrade of Cork City Centre will
assist in its promotion as the primary location for retail,
services and cultural events in the region.
4.3.13. Planned growth in metropolitan towns is intended
to complement growth in the City so that the Gateway can
offer a broad choice of locations for sustainable future
development. Whilst significant investment is required in
hard infrastructure in some locations, additional
investment is also required in soft infrastructure to make
them more attractive places to live and work for future
generations.
4.3.14. The main gateway locations (outside Cork City)
for future population growth, will be in the metropolitan
towns. These comprise the settlements along the
suburban rail corridors including Midleton, Carrigtwohill,
Monard, Blarney, and Cobh. Additional growth will also be
directed to Ballincollig aligned to the development of a
high quality public transportation corridor linking
Ballincollig with Mahon and the city centre as proposed in
the CASP Update 2008. In this regard infrastructural
priority must be given to the metropolitan towns to cater
52
Table 4.7: Regional Settlement Strategy
Hierarchy Description and levels of growth
Cork Gateway including Metropolitan towns Part of Greater Cork area – principal economic driver of the region with strong
population and employment growth together with priority investment in
infrastructure in Cork City and Docklands, and Metropolitan towns.
Hub Towns Complementary role to the Gateway as an alternative location for investment and
choice in the region and a key economic driver to its immediate hinterland - strong
population and employment growth in the urban area in line with priority investment
in infrastructure.
Cork Ring Towns (excluding Mallow) Part of Greater Cork area – sustainable employment led growth in population
and employment.
North and West Area main towns Strengthening of settlements and stimulating sustainable growth in indigenous
economic development.
Key villages and smaller settlements Appropriate levels of sustainable growth.
53
for the additional population into the future to position
those towns for the economic upturn. The local authorities
should ensure that sustainable urban development takes
place along these corridors with the appropriate higher
densities.
4.3.15. Development of an integrated sustainable
transportation strategy within Metropolitan Cork (Cork Area
Transit System – CATS) is vitally important in terms of
developing an integrated and coordinated strategy
stitching the whole settlement strategy together and
moving towards achieving modal shift targets (see Chapter
5 for more detailed guidance on modal shift targets).
Planned development includes completion of the Cork
suburban rail network and rollout of rapid transit systems,
bus corridors, integrated ticketing and upgrading of the
public bus system. Equally important will be developing a
strategy for development of sustainable walking and
cycling facilities for the Gateway area.
Regional Planning Guidelines:
Regional Settlement Strategy
RSS- 02 Cork Gateway
It is an objective to promote the sustainable development
of the Cork Gateway as the economic driver of the region
through targeted investment in infrastructure, sustainable
and efficient transport modes and services, with a strong
emphasis on achieving choice in location and modal shift
targets, along with strengthening controls on urban
generated housing in the surrounding rural area.
Hub Towns
4.3.16. The Hub towns act as strategic locations in a
complimentary role to the Gateways. It is envisaged that
their growth will support overall development in their
hinterland areas, by linking the capacity of the Gateways to
the wider region. The aim is to build critical mass of
employment and population in the Hub Towns, positioning
them as sufficiently sized urban zones with the capability
to attract and retain additional employment and
population, thereby increasing their competitiveness and
attractiveness as national investment locations.
Mallow Hub Town
4.3.17. Mallow is in a pivotal position on the Atlantic
Corridor, midway between two national gateways (Cork
and Limerick), is on the main Dublin railway line with direct
rail links to the Tralee Killarney Hub and potential for direct
rail links to Limerick. The NSS states that as a hub Mallow
“will perform an important role within the national
structure at the regional and county level. Improvements in
regional accessibility through roads, advanced
communications, infrastructure and public transport links
are key supporting factors. Other critical factors are
enhanced physical qualities, townscape and improved
local services.”
4.3.18. The target population for Mallow for 2022 is
22,000 which is in effect a doubling of the current
population. As well as supporting the development of the
Gateway, Mallow also has a role to play in energising the
smaller towns and rural areas which lies within its sphere
of influence. If these targets are to be achieved, the focus
must be on delivering the required services and
infrastructure to facilitate this growth within a relatively
short timeframe.
4.3.19. The following actions should be undertaken if
Mallow is to succeed in achieving its target population and
become a sustainable location of choice.
• The local authority must identify and address any
shortfalls in the supply of available
serviced/serviceable development land, in a
sustainable manner.
• The town must expand its employment base in
order to provide sustainable employment.
• All development agencies need to adopt a much
tighter focus in the Mallow Hub in order to drive
employment led growth.
• A strategic transport plan, consistent with the
principles of Smarter Travel with particular
emphasis on sustainable transport modes should
be developed in the short term.
• The advance provision of infrastructure is essential
in Mallow to allow for projected population
increases and economic development.
54
• The existing controls on urban generated housing
around the town should be maintained in order to
protect environmentally sensitive areas, the
landscape and ensure a strong urban edge.
• Substantial improvements to the physical
environment and urban fabric are required.
• In preparing or reviewing development and local
area plans there will need to be an assessment of
their potential impacts on Natura 2000 sites.
• Improve the rail link between Mallow and Limerick
by introducing direct trains and consider the
potential of the feasibility of re-opening the
Patrickswell rail line.
Regional Planning Guidelines:
Regional Settlement Strategy
RSS- 03 Mallow Hub Town
It is an objective to recognise the strategic position of the
Mallow Hub in the Atlantic Gateway, to prioritise the Hub as
a location for new residential development with
commensurate economic growth in order to achieve the
targets for 2022 in a sustainable manner. It is also an
objective to ensure the provision of the requisite hard and
soft infrastructure, townscape improvements and to
promote Mallow as an attractive location for investment
and as a place to live, whilst carefully managing residential
development in the surrounding rural area and protecting
biodiversity.
The Tralee Killarney Linked Hub
4.3.20. The Tralee/Killarney Linked Hub is equidistant
between two national Gateways, Cork and Limerick and
together with Mallow, form a strong urban network within
the South West. The NSS sees the role of Tralee and
Killarney towns, as strategic locations whose growth will
support the revitalisation of areas in the South West,
capitalising on the combined capacities of both towns,
such as those in third-level education, developing links
between industry and centres of learning, surface and air
transport links and key natural resources such as scenic
landscape.
4.3.21. The population of the Tralee Killarney Hub towns
is envisaged to grow to 49,400 by 2022. In order to
achieve this target the Hub towns must attract population
and employment.
4.3.22. The following actions should be undertaken if
Tralee- Killarney Hub is to succeed in achieving its target
population and become a sustainable location of choice.
• The local authority must identify and address any
shortfalls in the supply of available
serviced/serviceable development land in a
sustainable manner.
• The Linked Hub must expand its employment base
in creative industries, tourism and the knowledge
based economy and identify further potential in
employment, taking into account its proximity to a
varied range of amenities.
• All State Development Agencies need a much
tighter focus in the Tralee/Killarney Hub towns in
order to drive employment led growth.
• An integrated transport strategy linking the towns
in the Hub and with the wider region is required, to
include in particular quality public transport
linkages, an improved road network, and stronger
connections to Farranfore Airport.
• The Linked Hub should be marketed as a quality
viable location in which to live and work with an
attractive urban setting and a high quality
environment.
• Strong controls on urban generated housing in
rural areas under urban pressure around the towns
are required in order to protect environmentally
sensitive areas, the landscape and ensure a strong
urban edge.
• In preparing or reviewing development and local
area plans there will need to be an assessment of
their potential impacts on Natura 2000 sites.
55
Regional Planning Guidelines:
Regional Settlement Strategy
RSS- 04 The Tralee- Killarney Linked Hub
It is an objective to recognise the central role of the Tralee
Killarney Linked Hub, to strengthen the local linkages
between the two towns, capitalise on their identified
capacities and to concentrate population and economic
growth in the Hub in a sustainable manner, whilst carefully
managing residential development outside of the towns. In
order to sustain growth and underpin its role, further
investment is required in sustainable transport,
infrastructure, services and public realm, building on the
reputation of the towns as attractive and unique locations
for investment and as places to live. Strong controls on
urban generated housing in rural areas that are under
urban pressure around the towns is required in order to
protect environmentally sensitive areas of the landscape
and ensure a strong urban edge.
Ring Towns in Greater Cork Area
4.3.23. The population of the Ring Area as a whole grew
very rapidly in the last decade resulting in unsustainable
levels of commuting and impacting on the growth of the
Gateway. In particular there was an imbalance of
development in favour of the villages and rural areas. In
order to redress this imbalance there is a need to
strengthen the population and employment base of the
towns, while moderating growth in rural areas.
4.3.24. The local authorities must focus on producing
development strategies and policies which will
complement the towns existing strengths and allowing
appropriate levels of development in line with population
targets for each town. Sustainable diversification and local
innovation will be key to consolidating the towns.
4.3.25. A review of the need for universal controls on
urban generated rural housing is necessary across the
whole of Greater Cork area to help achieve the objective of
establishing and consolidating a strong urban network of
towns and protecting the surrounding rural areas from
inappropriate and unsustainable development.
Regional Planning Guidelines:
Regional Settlement Strategy
RSS- 05 Ring Towns in Greater Cork Area
It is an objective to ensure that any future population
growth in the Greater Cork Area (outside of the Gateway
and Mallow Hub Town) is focussed within the ring towns in
a sustainable manner and is in line with the overall
settlement strategy.
It is also an objective to facilitate increased sustainable
economic development in the ring towns to create greater
employment opportunities for the population of those
towns thereby reducing the need to travel to work.
Settlements in the Northern Area
4.3.26. The settlements in the Northern Area comprise a
diverse mix of towns and villages ranging from
Mitchelstown in the east to Ballybunion in the west. The
strategy for the Northern Area is to improve and strengthen
its urban fabric, to concentrate economic and population
growth on the towns and to strengthen the main towns as
local service centres for the surrounding areas. Any growth
in population in the area must be distributed in a manner
so that there is a balance between the town and
villages/rural areas.
4.3.27. The local authorities must focus on producing
sustainable development strategies and policies which will
complement the towns existing strengths and allowing
appropriate levels of development in line with population
targets for each town. Sustainable diversification and local
innovation will be key to developing the towns.
4.3.28. Attention also needs to be given to accessibility
issues in particular rural public transport and broadband
rollout at sufficient speed (and competitively priced) to
facilitate economic development and support business
activity also needs to be fully developed in these towns.
4.3.29. The provision of controls on urban generated
rural housing in areas with pressure from urban generated
housing, particularly around the towns, would help achieve
56
the objective of establishing and consolidating a strong
urban network of towns across the Northern Area thus
protecting the surrounding rural areas from inappropriate
and unsustainable development.
4.3.30. The settlements in this area have strong cultural
and economic identities, from Listowel and Duagh,
Ballydesmond and Rockchapel to Newmarket, Charleville
and Mitchelstown. The development of cultural and social
linkages between the towns along with their hinterland
areas offers the potential for an alterative tourism product
with a very broad range of activities from coastal based
services to the west to sustainable nature and agri-tourism
type facilities stretching inland to the east.
4.3.31. Within the Northern Area of the Region the strong
cultural traditions of the Sliabh Luachra are of particular
note and include music, poetry, dance and story telling.
Regional Planning Guidelines:
Regional Settlement Strategy
RSS- 06 Settlements in Northern Area
It is an objective that these towns act as vibrant centres for
employment and services within their catchment areas.
The urban fabric of the settlements will need to be
strengthened and greater links forged with their
surrounding hinterlands. Any population growth will be
distributed in a manner so that there is a balance between
the town and villages/rural areas. Controls should be
introduced for rural areas under pressure from urban
generated housing.
It will also be an objective to promote and develop areas of
cultural heritage including the Sliabh Luachra traditions in
tandem with policies which will encourage sustainable
economic development in order to ensure vibrant
communities.
Settlements in the Western Area
4.3.32. The West Area is characterised by the peninsulas
and scenic rural areas interspersed with attractive towns,
villages and island communities. A higher quality of life
and access to recreational facilities are seen as significant
advantages to locating within these areas. The towns and
villages are small and dispersed across the area and each
serves its own hinterland in terms of economic and social
function. Some of the towns such as An Daingean,
Clonakilty, Kenmare and Bantry have very strong
enterprise/tourist functions, while others such as
Dunmanway and Killorglin serve more traditional market/
service functions.
4.3.33. Future population growth must be balanced
between the towns and rural area with a focus on
strengthening the established functions of the towns while
exploring ways of diversifying the local economies.
Attention also needs to be given to accessibility issues, in
particular rural public transport. Competitively priced
broadband rollout at sufficient speeds needs to be fully
developed in these towns to facilitate economic
development and support business activity.
4.3.34. Policies for the towns and villages should provide
sustainable opportunities for local employment, supporting
the needs of agriculture, local services and tourism,
improving public transport access to higher order
settlements as well as providing a range of housing to
meet local needs.
4.3.35. The implementation of controls on urban
generated rural housing in areas under pressure,
particularly around the main towns will help to protect the
surrounding rural areas from inappropriate and
unsustainable development whilst preserving their setting
and assisting with urban regeneration.
57
4.3.36. The local authorities should prepare policy
documents for the Gaeltacht and Island areas in their
jurisdiction which would seek to enhance their unique
cultural identity and secure the sustainability of their
communities into the future. Planning policies should
support the retention of population and services in the
island and Gaeltacht areas in a sustainable manner
Regional Planning Guidelines:
Regional Settlement Strategy
RSS- 07 Settlements in the Western Area
It is an objective to strengthen the economic and tourism
roles of the towns and villages and forge greater links to
their surrounding hinterlands and to peripheral areas and
improve accessibility to peripheral areas in a sustainable
manner. In rural areas which are suffering from population
decline, specific strategies need to be developed to
facilitate sustainable diversification of the rural economy.
Such rural diversification should be located in areas which
will avoid significant environmental effects. Any population
growth will be distributed in a manner so that there is a
balance between the town and villages/rural areas.
Controls should be introduced for rural areas under
pressure from urban generated housing.
It will also be an objective to promote and develop the
Gaeltacht and Island areas as centres of linguistic and
cultural heritage in tandem with policies which will
encourage sustainable economic development in order to
ensure vibrant communities.
58
Chapter 5: Transport and Infrastructure Strategy
5.1 Introduction
5.1.1. The timely provision of public transportation and
infrastructure is the foundation on which the region will
grow and develop. In line with the settlement strategy, the
necessary sustainable transportation options and
infrastructures will need to be put in place to support
growing levels of population and economic activities. All
areas of the region require capital investment in public
transport, roads, waste water treatment and water supply
schemes. The development of the Knowledge Based /
Smart Economy demands good broadband services to all
urban areas and many rural areas including rural
communities and the islands.
5.1.2. The region’s ports and airports are critical to the
future economic development of the South West, while the
development of a sustainable energy supply represents a
common challenge to be faced in all regions, the South
West may have potential competitive advantage in the
development of sustainable and renewable energy
resources.
5.1.3. The management of land use and policies of
Development Plans, Local Area Plans and Development
Management decisions shall implement the requirements
of SI 684 of 2007 in ensuring that the scale of
development is managed to achieve compliance with the
waste water discharge licences of waste water treatment
facilities.
5.1.4. All projects identified in the RPGs and future plans
that set the framework for or influence development
decisions or programme the undertaking, timing or
phasing of development, should undertake a Habitats
Directive Assessment in accordance with best practice and
guidance of their impact on Natura 2000 sites as part of
the planning and decision making process and in
considering the most suitable locations or scale for
provision of the project ensure avoidance of negative
impact.
5.2 Transport
5.2.1. In considering transport, the main aim is to
encourage improvements of inter and intra regional
cohesiveness, improving connections within the South
West and into the other Irish regions. The regional
transport modal split needs improvements in line with the
national targets and moderated to local conditions. An
increased emphasis needs to be placed on developing
more public transport, walking and cycling facilities to
reduce dependency on car use.
5.2.2. In recent years the patterns of travel and transport
have become ever more unsustainable with a doubling of
energy use in transport between 1996 and 2006, reduced
levels of walking and cycling and an increase in private car
use resulting in increasing emissions, lower air quality in
built up areas, longer commuting times and increasing
congestion on our roads. Without a fundamental shift in
modes of travel this pattern of use will continue with
consequent negative impacts in terms of emissions, safety
and travel times as well as economic costs. These issues
clearly indicate a need to make a change in the culture of
how we travel.
5.2.3. The recent Department of Transport publication
Smarter Travel sets out the national priorities in this regard
with an ambition to achieve a shift from 66% to 45% in
work related car modal share by 2020. This is seen as
being achieved through:
• sustainable compact growth of population and
employment;
• alternatives to car such as walking, cycling and car
sharing initiatives ;
• public transport to rise to 55% of total commuter
journeys.
5.2.4. Smarter Travel complements and follows on from
Transport 21 which outlines the government vision for
transport for the timeframe of these guidelines. Achieving
these targets will require integrated actions in terms of
spatial and employment planning and mobility and freight
management, all of which will be supported by fiscal
60
Chapter 5: Transport and Infrastructure Strategy
61
measures. Partnership between the stakeholders in
delivering this strategy is identified as being crucial, with
the participation of central and local government,
employers, commuters and transport providers.
5.2.5. Essentially the South West does not a have a highly
developed public transport infrastructure and therefore the
region is starting from a relatively low base. However,
substantial investment has taken place in recent years in
the region’s public transport infrastructure including
updating of the bus fleet an in the Cork Commuter Rail
System. Achieving sustainable transport, even in the larger
urban areas, will require a suite of actions that will have
complementary impacts in terms of travel demand and
emissions. There are essentially four overarching actions
that can be taken to achieve these targets in the urban
areas:-
• Planning policies which will result in and
encourage people to live in close proximity to
places of employment and the use of pricing
mechanisms or fiscal and other measures to
encourage behavioural change
• Actions aimed at ensuring that alternatives to the
car are more widely available, mainly through a
radically improved public transport service and
through investment in cycling and walking,
• Actions aimed at improving the fuel efficiency of
motorised transport through improved fleet
structure, increased use of biofuels, energy
efficient driving, alternative technologies and
electric car initiatives,
• Actions aimed at strengthening institutional
arrangements to deliver the targets.
5.2.6. It is important to underline that the targets and
actions are relevant to both urban and rural living, but the
dispersed nature of the region will make it very difficult to
achieve a shift on the level as envisaged in the national
targets for rural areas. . A more realistic target for rural
areas including the smaller towns of the region would be
perhaps a 20% change in modal shift to non car use,
complemented by enhanced facilities for walking and
cycling over short journeys. Public transport in rural areas
can be improved by the greater integration of existing
operations such as school bus services and other rural
transport services and initiatives.
5.2.7. The Cork Gateway, the Hub Towns and other urban
areas present the main opportunity to develop more
sustainable transport modes in line with national targets
and the RPG suggests a target of 55% of journeys by
sustainable means by 2022. Local journeys such as school
runs, shopping and leisure trips have a strong potential to
be undertaken by foot, bicycle or public transport.
5.2.8. Outside the Gateway, in other smaller urban areas,
due to scale and their dispersed nature, the opportunities
for improving the sustainability of movements mainly
arises within the individual towns rather than between
towns. Enhanced walking and cycling facilities need to be
provided to encourage local journeys.
5.2.9. Local Authorities, in preparing Development and
Local Area Plans, need to focus on alternative safe and
sustainable transport modes and deliver local
transportation strategies to reduce the need for car usage
in these areas. The RPGs support the CASP approach to the
development of integrated parking policies in the area.
Regional Planning Guidelines:
Regional Transport and Infrastructure Strategy
RTS - 01 Transport
It is a objective to encourage a 55% level of non car based
transport within the Cork Gateway, Hubs and other main
towns and a 20% level of non car based travel for journeys
within rural areas of the region.
Local Authorities should address integrated transport
strategies and systems as part of Development Plan and
Local Area Plan preparation- including Sustainable Freight
Strategies and Local Traffic and Transport Plans ,
examining and promoting sustainable transport options.
5.3 Public Transport
5.3.1. Integrated public transport provision is critical to
the overall transportation strategy. The aim of this
transport strategy is to achieve comprehensive public
transport services in and between the gateway and hubs,
with improvements in services to other areas of the region
resulting in a reduction in car use. Given the challenge of
carbon reduction, coupled with declining oil reserves, it is
important, particularly in the Gateway, that a highly
developed public transportation network is provided.
5.3.2. Planning policies should therefore encourage good
public transport services both within the Cork Gateway and
between the urban areas of the region. This ties in with the
overall strategy of developing the potential of the gateway,
with a concentration of development (both residential and
employment) along existing public transport routes or in
close proximity to new routes, and along the rail corridor in
the Metropolitan area and the proposed BRT corridor.
5.3.3. The first part of the Cork suburban rail network
was commissioned in J uly 2009 between Cork and
Midleton including the new stations at Midleton and
Carrigtwohill, which complement the existing rail line and
stations on the Cobh and Mallow suburban rail line. This
new rail line is a major step in providing integrated public
transport services to centres of high population growth.
Further work on improving the line and stations at Kilbarry,
Monard and Blarney on the northern line and Dunkettle in
the eastern line, together with other possible stations, will
assist in improved accessibility to the service. The
reorientation of Kent Station to facilitate ease of access
and connections to other modes of sustainable transport is
an important objective. It is also considered that protection
should be given to the existing railway line to Youghal as
potential exists to re-open this in the future.
5.3.4. Greater integration and frequency of public
transport services in Tralee/Killarney hub is also required.
Consideration should be given to the preparation of a
public transport study for the linked hub.
5.3.5. Mainline rail journey times on the Cork-Dublin line
need to improve to compete with private cars. Frequency
and journey times on the Tralee-Dublin line require
improvement.
5.3.6. Rail connectivity between the Gateways along the
Western Rail Corridor needs to be promoted and advanced
in order to strengthen the Atlantic Corridor. A direct link
from Cork to Limerick via Patrickswell is essential to this
concept.
5.3.7. In addition, the draft Cork Area Transit Study 2009
(CATS) has developed an initial strategy for the
improvement of the public transport network in Cork City
and metropolitan towns to support a more concentrated
and sustainable pattern of development. The study
identifies the public transport requirements of Metropolitan
Cork in order to achieve its objectives. It recognises that
current public transport networks and travel patterns are
unsustainable and that major changes are required if
public transport is to adequately serve future development
in the area.
5.3.8. The draft document also made a number of
recommendations including development of an east-west
Rapid Transit Corridor through the Metropolitan Area from
Mahon in the east to Ballincollig in the west, and
enhancing and reconfiguring the bus network. Supporting
integrative and travel demand management measures are
also recommended.
5.3.9. Water based public transport services, particularly
within Cork Harbour, may provide a viable alternative to
private car transport. One of the objectives of the Regional
Planning Guidelines is to support the provision of water-
based public transport services serving the Cork Gateway
in a sustainable manner, while recognising the need to
consider the impacts of any such services on
species/habitats of conservation interest and other users
of the waterways.
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63
Regional Planning Guidelines:
Regional Transport and Infrastructure Strategy
RTS - 02 Public Transport
It is an objective to ensure that the development of public
transport infrastructure in the Cork Gateway and Mallow
Hub will rest on the successful implementation of the
following priority actions:
• Promotion of the principles of the draft Cork Area
Transit Study.
• Phased implementation of the BRT corridor along
the east west spine as outlined in CATS for areas
of Metropolitan Cork
• Reconfiguration of existing bus routes and the
further development of priority bus corridors in
Metropolitan Cork.
• Implementation of additional park and ride
facilities at appropriate locations
• Implementation of supporting measures, such as
integrated ticketing, and real time passenger
information systems
• Further development of the Metropolitan Suburban
Rail Network, including opening of new stations at
appropriate locations, improvements to
timetabling, rolling stock and integration with other
modes of public transport.
• Protection of the rail line from Midleton to Youghal.
• Consolidation of population and employment
growth in existing built up areas which best
facilitates travel by sustainable modes.
In the rural areas of the region, it is an objective to
encourage sustainable transport options throughout the
region by:
• Promote the sustainable development of mainline
railway connections along the western rail corridor
in order to underpin the sustainability of the
Atlantic Gateways.
• Development of integrated rural public transport
promoting improved modal interchanges (linking
rural to interurban, park’n’ride)
• Rural public transport initiatives
• Improvements to the inter-urban bus connections
5.4 Cycling / Walking
5.4.1. Compared with other modes of transport walking
and cycling have the lowest environmental impact, are
most beneficial to health and wellbeing and are financially
beneficial to the individual relative to private car
ownership. Outside the Gateway, these modes have the
potential to make the biggest impact. Smarter Travel has
outlined an integrated range of measures to encourage
increased levels of walking and cycling with an aim of
450,000 people walking and cycling to work/education
each day in 2020, up from 240,000 in 2006 nationally. If
this proposed increase is to be achieved in the south west
region then a number of broad interrelated factors come
into play.
5.4.2. There has to be greater integration and planning
between where people work and live, shop and recreate.
Walking and cycling policies can only succeed where safe
access on foot and bicycle to and from commonly used
centres can be provided. Fundamental to achieving a
modal shift to walking and cycling is to make the journey
safer and more convenient to the user. The region will need
to ensure that objectives and actions are put in place to
achieve safety in the provision of improved access to cycle
paths and pedestrian walkways which are integrated with
the public transport network.
5.4.3. A National Cycle Policy Framework has been
produced that will address the creation of traffic-free
urban centres to facilitate cycling and investment in a
national cycle network that deal with both rural leisure
cycling and urban networks with the latter given priority.
5.4.4. There are plans to establish a Walking Framework
under the Smarter Travel Plan. This will encourage a
culture of urban walking, ensuring that urban walking
networks are strengthened by the improvement to the
public realm including safe pedestrian routes, serving
education and employment areas and minimising areas of
traffic conflict for pedestrians, widening and resurfacing
footpaths and rationalisation of signage to public
buildings.
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5.4.5. Proposed walking and cycling routes in the vicinity
of nature conservation sites should be located and
designed in such a manner so as to avoid undue
disturbance/harm to species or habitats of conservation
interest.
Regional Planning Guidelines:
Regional Transport and Infrastructure Strategy
RTS- 03 Cycling and Walking
It is an objective to encourage the development of
strategies for walking and cycling that promote the goals
and aspirations of Smarter Travel and the National Cycle
Policy Framework. Specifically, the region’s local
authorities should prepare plans for improvement to the
cycling and walking networks in urban areas, linking areas
of population growth and employment, in a sustainable
manner.
Development Plans and Local Area Plans should examine
the possibility of retro fitting of adequate walking and
cycling facilities and planning for all new areas should
include the provision of such facilities in a sustainable
manner.
In other urban parts of the region outside of the Gateway
and Hubs, where intra-urban bus services are not
available, it is an objective to promote the sustainable use
of cycling and walking between town centres, employment
and residential areas.
Roads
5.4.6. The National Roads Authority (NRA) on the
instructions of Government has placed its strategic focus
on the major inter-urban routes, specifically motorways
linking Dublin with the cities of Cork, Limerick, Galway and
Waterford and to Belfast. Indicatively, the priority post
2010 will address the inter-urban routes linking these
cities and building a critical mass of population and
workforce through improved roads to a motorway
standard.
5.4.7. For the South West this policy will have a major
impact in terms of the successful completion of the
motorway connection from Cork to Dublin, Waterford and
Limerick, resulting in improved journey times, safety and
comfort. Further development of national routes within the
region is critical if the South West is to compete effectively
with other regions for economic growth.
5.4.8. An important element of these new inter-urban
routes will be the improvement in access to the Gateway
and Hubs to the motorways, such as linking the M8 to Cork
City, linking the Mallow hub to the M20; and linking Tralee
and Killarney to the Gateways via the N21 and N22.
Planned routes such as the Northern Ring Road (M20)
interconnecting the M20 with the N22 and M8 should have
good access to strategic employment zones.
5.4.9. It is important to protect the capacity of the
national road network. The J ack Lynch tunnel is
particularly important as a strategic regional asset.
Consideration should be given to the role of the tunnel and
associated interhcanges and how the economic benefits of
these assets can be maximised.
5.4.10. Due to road pressures caused by existing
developments, until such time as substantial integrated
public transport services linking the population and
employment areas within the gateway and hubs are
provided, these new inter-urban routes will have to support
commuter movements. Local authority planning policies
should strive to mitigate this as much as possible to
protect the National Road Infrastructure for more strategic
use.
5.4.11. In terms of strategic road investments in the
region, the following are of significance.
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Table 5.1 National and Regional Roads
Inter- regional
M8 Linking Cork-Dublin Gateways including upgrading of the Dunkettle Interchange.
M20 Atlantic Corridor linking Cork and Limerick Gateways – via Mallow hub – including Cork North Ring Route
N25 Atlantic Corridor linking Cork and Waterford Gateways including flyovers within the Cork gateway
N21/N22/N23 Linking Tralee-Killarney linked hub with Limerick Gateway including Tralee bypass
Intra- regional
N22 Linking Cork Gateway with Tralee/-Killarney linked hub
N72-N73 Linking Tralee-Killarney Hub to Mallow Hub and the Atlantic Corridor and the M8
N71 Linking Cork Gateway with the Western Area
Other Strategic Roads
N28 Cork Gateway to Ringaskiddy employment area
N27 Cork City to Airport
Cork Docklands Roads and Infrastructure
N70 Ring of Kerry strategic tourist route
R 630 Linking N25 at Midleton to Whitegate Energy Area
N86 Linking Dingle peninsula with Tralee –Killarney hub
N69, N21, N67 Linking the Tralee/Killarney Linked Hub with the Tarbert / Ballylongford deepwater port and landbank
and Limerick through the Tarbert ferry
R558 Linking Fenit Port with the Tralee-Killarney Hub
R624 Linking Cobh with M25
R561/563 Killarney - Annascaul linking to the Dingle Peninsula
Other projects
Tralee Eastern By pass
Midleton Relief Road.
Macroom By-pass
5.4.12. All road projects promoted in the RPGs should implement the guidelines relevant to the control of non-native invasive plant
species that are contained within the NRA (2008) document “Management of Noxious Weeds and Non-Native Invasive Plant Species
on National Roads’. Roads can facilitate the introduction and spread of non native invasive plant species which may harm
biodiversity. Sustainable Urban Drainage Systems (SUDs) should also be incorporated, where appropriate.
66
Regional Planning Guidelines:
Regional Transport and Infrastructure Strategy
RTS- 04 Road Network
It is an objective to encourage the sustainable
development of the strategic Motorway/National Primary,
National Secondary as well as the regional road
infrastructure both within the region and connecting with
other regions.
5.5 Ports and Airports
Cork International Airport
5.5.1. Cork International Airport comprises a site of
approximately 248 hectares, located 5km south of Cork
City centre within the Metropolitan Green Belt that
surrounds the City and its suburbs. To the east of the
airport, the N27/ R600 is currently the sole access route to
the airport. The passenger terminal building, completed in
2006 is designed to cater for over 5 million passengers per
annum.
5.5.2. Cork Airport is the second largest airport in the
State and is a vital element of transport infrastructure
providing both national and international access and
connectivity essential to the future development and
prosperity of Cork City, County and the South West Region.
In recognition of the pivotal role of the Airport as a driver
for socio-economic development, and the need to protect
the operational capacity and land use requirements of the
Airport in the long term, Cork County Council is
undertaking the preparation of a Special Local Area Plan
for the Airport (SLAP). There are a complex range of issues
to be addressed in the Special Local Area Plan including,
the need to protect sufficient lands for future aviation and
operational needs, the possible extension of the main
runway to allow for long haul services, impact on public
safety areas, impact on residential amenity, impact on
Natura 2000 sites and a strategy for future transport links/
improvements.
5.5.3. Adequate and efficient road and public transport
access are essential for the growth and expansion of an
airport. A secondary access road serving the Airport has
surfaced as a key issue. Steps will need to be taken to
identify the preferred route option for this secondary
access.
Kerry County International Airport (Farranfore).
5.5.4. Kerry Airport is located at Farranfore, which is
strategically located between Tralee and Killarney in the
Linked Hub area.The airport has expanded its activities
significantly as a commercial airport in recent years
leading to a need for expansion of the terminal building,
airside facilities and a runway extension.
5.5.5. The Airport is located adjacent to the national
roads (N22 and N23), the railway line from Mallow to
Tralee and to the village of Farranfore. There is a need for
better public transport links to the village and to the Linked
Hub towns. The airport is of critical importance to the
ongoing development of the Hub and its upgrading and
expansion needs to be prioritised in order to ensure that
the potential of the Hub as an attractive location for
settlement, leisure and buiness is realised.
Regional Planning Guidelines:
Regional Transport and Infrastructure Strategy
RTS- 05 Airports
It is an objective to protect the land and infrastructure
necessary for the sustainable development of future long
term aviation uses in line with growth at Cork International
Airport and to endorse the requirements of the Public
Safety Zones identified by the Airport Authority for Cork.
It is an objective to upgrade and expand Kerry County
International Airport in a sustainable manner as a crucial
element of the infrastructure necessary to drive the
development of the Tralee/Killarney Linked Hub as a
location for business, settlement and leisure and to protect
the associated flight path areas of the airport.
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Major Ports and Harbours
Cork Harbour
5.5.6. Cork Harbour as the largest port in Ireland outside
of Dublin contributes greatly to the overall economic
wellbeing of the South West Region, particularly in the
manufacturing, commercial, industrial and tourism
sectors. The port’s activities are located in several areas
of the harbour, including traditional open wharves within
the city and container facilities at Tivoli and a modern
deep-water facility with freight and passenger ‘Ro-Ro’
facilities at Ringaskiddy.
5.5.7. There are a number of specialised facilities for oil
and petroleum at Whitegate, general cargo at Passage
West and a specialised facility constructed to serve the
former IFI plant at Marino Point (disused). In addition, there
are important tourist related facilities for passenger liners
and cruise ships at Cobh.
5.5.8. It is important to the development of the region’s
economy that the Port of Cork can increase its tonnage in
line with the future economic growth of the region and its
own strategic development plan (currently under review)
will guide this approach.
5.5.9. Integral to both the expansion of the Port of Cork
and the planned redevelopment of the City Docklands is
the relocation of port activities and related uses from the
City Docklands and Tivoli to new sustainable locations in
the harbour. In the recent past, there have been conflicting
views on the provision of transport infrastructure to serve
the new port facilities particularly with regard to road
capacity issues and the future role of rail freight.
5.5.10. Recent studies undertaken by the Port of Cork
regarding the potential of rail/road services for port
activities have indicated that, with the exception of a
limited need for niche cargos in appropriate locations, the
existing rail network from Cork Harbour does not
adequately support the collection/distribution of freight
to/and from the port. The predominant existing and likely
future mode of freight transport for port activities is by
road. Local Authorities, through their development and
local plans, should give priority to identifying appropriate
locations for port activities that are well served by the road
network.
5.5.11. The Cork Harbour area also supports species and
habitats of international conservation importance within
Natura 2000 site designations. In the first instance it will
be important that there are no significant adverse impacts
on these Natura 2000 sites arising from future
development.in the Harbour Area. Wider environmental
aspects will also require consideration within the context
of Strategic Environmental Assessment Screening/
Environmental Impact Assessment.
Other Ports and Harbours in the region
5.5.12. The Department of Transport has identified six
major ports and harbours in the region for particular
attention: Fenit, An Daingean, Kinsale, Bantry, Youghal and
Baltimore.
5.5.13. The improvement and maintenance of smaller
ports, harbours and slips is important to the local
economies of these coastal areas. There are many such
facilities located along the length of the regions coastline
and these are important in terms of supporting economic
activities. In this regard, potential exists for the
development of liner based employment in Bantry Bay.
5.5.14. The maintenance and ongoing development of
Fenit Port and its access roads is a critical element of the
Tralee/Killarney Hub infrastructure providing an additional
transportation linkage and facilitating existing industry in
the area. In addition, it is the maritime leisure and activity
base of the Linked Hub. These roles must be protected and
sustainably developed to ensure the role of the Hub towns
expand to reach their potential.
5.5.15. It is important to recognise the role of ferries in
meeting the transport needs of the region, in particular the
Tarbert – Killimer ferry between Kerry and Clare/Limerick
and the ferries for the inhabitants of the region’s Islands
communities. These services need to be maintained and
supported so that the transport needs of the region and the
island communities can be met.
Development Plan Objectives:
Regional Transport and Infrastructure Strategy
RTS- 06 Ports and Harbours
It is an objective to support the sustainable expansion of
the Port of Cork in line with the targeted economic growth
of the region. As part of the programme of growth, it will
be important for the Port of Cork to relocate its activities
from the Cork City Docklands to suitable sustainable
locations within Cork Harbour. Once the Port of Cork has
resolved the issues of transport facilities to serve the port
in the future, the local authorities will examine the
potential of the possible locations and where appropriate
protect the most suitable for future port development in
their development and local area plans.
It is an objective generally to support the sustainable
development of ports and harbours as potential economic
generators for the region and support the maintenance of
other facilities such as slipways and to protect them from
inappropriate uses.
5.6 Water and Waste Water Treatment Services
5.6.1. The provision of adequate sustainable water
supplies and sustainable waste water collection and
treatment is a prerequisite for the RPG settlement strategy.
Adequate volumes of high quality drinking and process
water and subsequent waste water treatment need to be
made available in a sustainable manner in advance of
developments taking place. It is important that measures
are put in place to ensure that adequate wastewater
facilities are available for the anticipated population
growth in the region.
5.6.2. In line with the Department of the Environment
Heritage and Local Government’s Water Services
Investment Programme and the Assessment of Needs
relating to the provision of water supplies, a range of
water supply augmentation schemes and waste water
treatment facilities need to be provided in areas across the
region. As part of this, local authorities should promote
water demand management and water conservation
measures so as to reduce the need to abstract water and
to conserve treated water . Initiatives with measures and
policies to encourage the sustainable harvesting of rain
water should be supported’
5.6.3. In the development/provision of waste water
treatment facilities, polices shall implement the
requirements of The Waste Water discharge (Authorisation)
Regulations SI 684 of 2007 in ensuring that the scale of
development is managed to achieve compliance with the
waste water discharge licenses of waste water treatment
facilities. Development Plans plans shall promote the
provision of Sustainable Urban Drainage Systems (SUDs),
silt traps, and grease / hydrocarbon interceptors, where
appropriate, so as to ensure that water quality is
maintained or improved
Cork Gateway
5.6.4. The water supply to the Cork Gateway is primarily
obtained through the Inniscarra Dam upstream of Cork
City, which has the potential to cater for the anticipated
population and economic growth by 2022. A secondary
source of supply is also from the Lee Road Waterworks
close to the City. However, in order to ensure the future
sustainable use of this water source, there is a need to
protect the catchment areas upstream of Inniscarra Dam
and to appropriately assess the environmental effects of
significant increases from current abstraction rates. As
part of this screening for Habitats Directive Assessment
should be carried out in consultation with the NPWS. In the
case of Cork City, the strategic requirement is to deliver
sufficient levels of water supply to the Docklands to cater
for the planned growth and development.
5.6.5. The Cork Strategic Water Study was commissioned
to consider the water supply needs of the South Cork area
over the next 25 years. It identifies the need for priority
investment in augmenting water supplies to many of the
metropolitan towns. In particular, it indicated that there is
a need for a new scheme(s) to supply sustainable water to
Midleton and Monard and also serving any new growth in
the northern environs of Cork City.
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5.6.6. With regard to wastewater, the most significant
achievement over the past 10 years has been the
construction of the Carrigrennan wastewater treatment
works on Little Island to deal with effluent in the Cork City
and Lee catchments. Favourable consideration should be
given to the extension of the facility to cater for the
proposed new town of Monard. It is currently hydraulically
overloaded and needs to be modified to increase the
amount of storm-water intake. It will also need an
extension to cater for the proposed new town of Monard.
5.6.7. The Cork Lower Harbour Sewerage Scheme has
been identified as a key requirement in terms of the
growth of the Gateway in areas of the harbour. In
particular, the metropolitan towns of Carrigaline,
Ringaskiddy, Cobh, Passage West and Monkstown will
benefit from this new treatment works.
5.6.8. There is a need for modular extensions to the
existing treatment works at many locations, primarily
including Midleton, Carrigtwohill, Blarney and Ballincollig.
Hub Towns
5.6.9. The Mallow Hub requires upgrading of both water
supply services and waste water treatment. These
services are required in advance of any further significant
growth taking place in the hub.
5.6.10. The Kerry Strategic Water Study has identified
three priority water supply schemes (Scart reservoir,
Central Region treatment, North Ardfert Source Protection).
It is important to protect these water sources and the
Water Study has indicated support for exclusion zones
around the water sources at Lough Guitane. Other priority
Water Services Projects in Kerry include:-
• Ardfert Wastewater (WWTP) upgrade,
• Ballylongford WWTP upgrade,
• Central Regional Water Supply Scheme (Scart
Reservoir and Water Treatment Plant (WTP)),
• Fenit WWTP upgrade,
• Kenmare WWTP upgrade and WTP,
• Tarbert WWTP upgrade, Waterville WTP and WWTP,
• Water Conservation Stage 3 Works and
• Castlemaine, Glenbeigh and Killcummin Sewage
Schemes.
5.6.11. Two major priority sewerage schemes have been
identified, Killarney Main Drainage and Castleisland SS
Stage 2. Both Tralee and Killarney Towns require main
drainage schemes to be completed in advance of any
further significant development of the Linked Hub.
Development Plan Objectives:
Regional Transport and Infrastructure Strategy
RTS- 07 Water and Waste Water Treatment Services
It is an objective to ensure that the provision of sustainable
water services in the region is focussed on the delivery of
quality supplies in sufficient, sustainable volumes to the
Gateway and Hubs as a priority. The required waste water
treatment facilities must also be provided in a sustainable
manner. Specific city and county priorities, including
dealing with current supply, treatment and distribution
deficits, will need to be identified and prioritised by the
local authorities and provided in advance of significant
development taking place.
Wastewater discharges will need to comply with the
relevant provisions of the Waste Water Discharge
(Authorisation) Regulations SI No. 684 of 2007 These
proposals should be subject to detailed environmental and
habitats directive assessments where appropriate.
.
Waste Management
5.6.12. Under the Waste Management Acts 1996 to
2002, each local authority is required to make a Waste
Management Plan (WMP) the objectives of which is to :-
• Prevent or minimise the production and harmful
nature of waste;
• Encourage and support the recovery of waste;
• Ensure that such waste as cannot be prevented or
recovered is safely disposed of, and
• Address the need to give effect to the polluter pays
principle, in relation to waste disposal.
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5.6.13. Currently there are three waste management
plans covering the South West region. Kerry is included in
the Kerry, Limerick, Clare Waste Management Plan which
covers the period from 2006-11. Cork City Council and
Cork County Council carried out a joint Waste Management
Strategy for Cork in 1995. Following on from this, they then
developed their own waste management plans which
cover the period from 2004-09. The preparation of new
Cork City and County Waste Management Plans is
expected to begin in 2010 following clarification of key
issues and expected changes in Government policy
following consideration of the International Review on
Waste Management.
5.6.14. As the regional WMP’s are within different
regional boundaries from the South West, it is considered
more appropriate that the policies and objectives of these
WMP’s are dealt with at this level.
5.6.15. Significant inroads have been made in switching
from the predominantly landfill based waste disposal
system to integrated waste management programmes.
The plans address all areas of waste management
including collection, treatment, recovery and final disposal.
However, none of the plans currently deal with thermal
treatment of domestic waste.
5.6.16. Significant improvements and developments in
waste management since the adoption of these plans have
included the provision of engineered landfill sites,
enhanced facilities for recycling and waste recovery and
overall supporting policies to minimise waste.
5.6.17. An important issue relating to waste
management is the need for a Materials Recovery Facility
(MRF) or Mechanical Biological Treatment (MBT) to be
developed, at an early date, in a sustainable location within
the Cork Gateway, with good transportation links.
5.6.18. The EPA has prepared a National Hazardous
Waste Management Plan (2008-2012) which requires
local authorities to:
• reduce the generation of hazardous waste by
industry and society generally.
• minimise unreported hazardous waste with a view
to reducing the environmental impact of this
unregulated waste stream.
• strive for increased self-sufficiency in the
management of hazardous waste and to reduce
hazardous waste export.
• minimise the environmental, social and economic
impacts of hazardous waste generation and
management.
5.6.19. One of the more significant parts of the National
Hazardous Waste Management Plan is that the issue of
contaminated soils should be addressed in City, County
and Local Area Development Plans, where these plans
include the redevelopment of docklands or other
brownfield sites.
5.6.20. Hazardous waste management in the region
needs to be addressed from the perspective of the most
environmentally sustainable approach and in line with best
international practice.
Regional Planning Guidelines:
Regional Transport and Infrastructure Strategy
RTS- 08 Waste Management
It is an objective to encourage the delivery of an effective
and efficient waste management service in line with the
Waste Management Acts and promote local authorities to
review their respective Waste Management Plans (WMP’s)
during the lifetime of the guidelines.
The RPG supports the incorporation of the
recommendation and policies of the National Hazardous
Waste Management Plan 2008-12 and encourages the
early provision of a Materials Recovery Facility, or
Mechanical Biological Treatment (MBT) , in a sustainable
location within the Cork Gateway
In relation to Kerry, considering the peripherality of the
County, the need to promote economic development and
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the need to maintain a competitive waste management
environment, the development of additional materials
recovery facilities at sustainable locations is desirable.
Energy Supply and Renewable Energy
Energy Supply
5.6.21. The world’s energy industry is changing
significantly to counter the declining stocks of fossil fuels
and to limit the production of harmful greenhouse gasses.
Like many other regions throughout Ireland and the rest of
Europe, the South West Region must respond to these
challenges to ensure that it is more sustainable in the
production and use of energy as we continue to grow and
develop in the 21st century. Energy supplies are provided
in the region from a number of key sources:
• Gas Network: the Kinsale gas field off the coast of
County Cork and associated pipeline network to
industry and the centres of population in the Cork
Gateway, Mallow Hub and other main Cork towns.
• Electricity Generation and Transmission
Network/Grid: through major thermal electricity
generating stations at Tarbert, County Kerry;
Aghada/Whitegate, County Cork and Cork City
Docklands. There also is a hydro-electric generator
at Inniscarra Dam.
• Sustainable renewable resources There is a
growing network of wind powered electricity
generators in both Cork and Kerry and significant
potential exists for additional electricity generation
by sustainable wind,wave and tidal energy
sources.
5.6.22. The gas network is presently confined to areas of
Cork City and County with a total of 21 towns being
serviced. Construction of a new pipeline from the Midleton
compressor station to Aghada with a spur-pipeline to
Whitegate, which will supply gas to the Aghada and
Whitegate CCGTs, and to the Conoco Philips oil refinery in
Whitegate . No towns are currently serviced with natural
gas in County Kerry . However plans do exist for the
construction of a large LNG plant at Tarbert in North Kerry
and this, should it proceed, may be a catalyst in the
development of a gas network in the area
5.6.23. A White Paper sets out the Government’s Energy
Policy Framework 2007-2020 to deliver a sustainable
energy future for Ireland. The document emphasises the
fact that security of energy supply is crucial for the
economy and society and that the country needs robust
electricity networks and electricity generating capacity to
ensure consistent supply to consumers and all sectors of
the economy.
5.6.24. Underpinning this strategy, forecasts for demand
in 2025 are based on the ESRI’s long term forecast of
moderate growth in economic activity. This will entail
significant expenditure on the transmission network in the
South West Region. This national grid development, which
is supported by the Regional Planning Guidelines, will
include the upgrading of transmission network and new
transmission developments and strengthening of the Cork
network to allow power to be exported from the two gas
fired generators in East Cork. All the above projects should
be in accordance with the proper planning and sustainable
develepment of the area and should seek to ensure proper
management of sensitive landscapes and protection of
Natura 2000 sites
5.6.25. Future regional electricity demands may not be
necessarily supplied from within the region and could be
even imported from abroad. This will require
improvements to be made to the national electricity grid
and Eirgrid, which is the Transmission System Operator
(TSO), has put in place a strategy until 2025 (Grid 25)
which is intended to future proof the nations electricity
transmison infrastructure. The electricity transmission
network forms that backbone of our power supply and it is
critical that is developed in a sustainable manner to ensure
that the region has the necessary infrastructure to attract
business and accommodate economic growth and the
future development of our local economy. Eirgrid’s role is
to ensure that there is adequate network capacity to carry
power from new generation stations and to ensure a
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reliable supply to meet growing demand for electricity. In
order to facilitate the development of the transmission
grid, local authorities must consider the development of
the grid in all development proposals to ensure that the
grid is not compromised in any way by the proposals.
5.6.26. It is envisaged that an east-west electricity inter-
connector to Britain will be developed as part of the Grid
25 strategy. Further potential exists for a second
interconnection from the south coast to France or Britain
opening up markets for electricity. These inter-connectors
could play a significant role in internationalising the Irish
energy market and in building an international market
place for renewable generation in the South West, by
providing a means to export excess generation.
5.6.27. Local authorities should broadly promote and
support a sustainable approach to energy demand
management and conservation practices.
Renewable Energy
5.6.28. The region has a key role to play in the
attainment of the national renewable energy target of
40% supplied via renewable by 2020. The Regional
Bioenergy Plan 2009-2020, published by the South West
Regional Authority, supports the development of bioenergy
resources as a means of displacing or substituting fossil
fuel in transport and heating operations. The plan also
supports the designation of the Whitegate area of County
Cork as a National Bioenergy Energy Development Zone.
Its recommendations include the use of biomass in local
heating schemes and the involvement of local authorities
in such schemes. It also underlines the potential for the
use of more sustainable fuel sources in commercial space
heating.
5.6.29. The south west has considerable potential for the
generation of electricity from sustainable renewable
resources such as wind and wave. A number of challenges
however exist in that many of these sources of renewable
energy are not served by existing electricity transmission
routes and therefore significant reinforcement of the
electricity grid in a sustainable manner will therefore be
required to cater for the new power flows from renewable
generation.
5.6.30. Demand for electricity in the region is expected
to rise by 60% by 2025. Wave and wind technologies
together with bioenergy resources are expected to play a
significant part in meeting additional demand with excess
renewably generated power being exported through an
enhanced transmission grid to other regions within the
state.
5.6.31. Cork City Council in association with UCC has
been investigating the potential of an aquifer underlying
the Docklands area. This aquifer could be used as a source
of geothermal heating and potable water subject to
satisfactory results from investigations. Other initiatives
such as pumped water storage may also be considered in
the region.
5.6.32. Within the region, the Regional Planning
Guidelines support the sustainable development of
renewable energy generation subject to the sustainable
development of local areas and the protection of areas of
high scenic amenity. Possible effects on Natura 2000
Sites, including effects on water supply and hydrology,
wildlife disturbance, habitat loss and species mortality
associated with collisions should be an essential
consideration when planning for renewables and these
should be considered at the local or project-level stage.
Regional Planning Guidelines:
Regional Transport and Infrastructure Strategy
RTS- 09 Energy and Renewable Energy
It is an objective to facilitate the sustainable development
of additional electricity generation capacity throughout the
region and to support the sustainable expansion of the
network. National grid expansion is important in terms of
ensuring adequacy of regional connectivity as well as
facilitating the development and connectivity of
sustainable renewable energy resources.
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It is an objective to ensure that future strategies and plans
for the promotion of renewable energy development and
associated infrastructure development in the Region will
promote the development of renewable energy resources
in a sustainable manner. In particular, development of wind
farms shall be subject to:
• the Wind Energy Planning Guidelines
• consistency with proper planning and sustainable
development
• criteria such as design and landscape planning,
natural heritage, environmental and amenity
considerations,
It is an objective of the guidelines to promote the
sustainable provision of renewable energy from tidal, wave
and pumped storage developments together with bio-
energy resources, as critical elements of the long-term
secure energy supply throughout the region.
Telecommunications
5.6.33. Excellent communications are a basic
prerequisite for a competitive economy. The rollout of
broadband has been fragmented, being mainly developed
in the larger urban areas of the region, while many rural
areas still have no adequate coverage.
5.6.34. In Gateways and Hubs, significant improvement
to the fibre network infrastructure has been made with the
introduction of the Municipal Area Networks (MAN’s) as
well as fibre networks by several providers. In the context
of next generation networks, it is important that these fibre
networks are expanded (fibre to the door) particularly to
large urban areas and business parks in order to promote
the concept of evolving the smart economy
5.6.35. Within the South West, the cost of broadband
connectivity with the transfer of large amounts of data is a
continuing issue and places the region at an economic
disadvantage. It is crucial that broadband and data transfer
costs in the South West are on par with costs in the Dublin
region. Adequate backhaul speeds need to be developed
as a matter of urgency.
5.6.36. The Regional Planning Guidelines supports the
need for an Internal Tier 1 connection to the Cork Gateway.
This would have many benefits among which are the
potential entrance of new carriers into the Irish market, the
potential to link the Atlantic Gateways of Waterford, Cork,
Limerick and Galway via the Chorus, or similar network;
and the creation of a direct link from Ireland to continental
Europe bypassing the UK and the London Data centres. A
business plan should be prepared to progress this project
supported by the local authorities and other interested
stakeholders.
5.6.37. A study entitled “New Tier 1 International Fibre
Connectivity to Cork” undertaken in 2008, by the Cork City
Council, identified a number of options, the preferred one
being a connection to the VSNL Western submarine cable
which has a branching unit and tail pointing towards
County Cork, located approximately 80 kms. off the Cork
coastline. Other options included terrestrial connections
from Cork overland to the Global Crossing or BT networks
from the UK at Wexford.
5.6.38. The nature of the internationally traded services
sector is such that high quality, competitively priced
broadband infrastructures, and data centre capacity, are
critical to attracting investment into the region in the
future. Not only are such infrastructures important from an
FDI perspective, but are also vital for indigenous
companies.
Regional Planning Guidelines:
Regional Transport and Infrastructure Strategy
RI - 03 Telecommunications
It is an objective to support the development of adequately
sized broadband services throughout the region in a
sustainable manner. The RPG supports the sustainable
development of an International Tier I connection to the
Cork Gateway.
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Figure 10: Spatial Transport Infrastructure Strategy for South West Region
Chapter 6: Environment
and
Amenities Strategy
6.1 Introduction
6.1.1. This chapter examines the landscape, environment
and heritage of the South West region, its characteristics,
assets, issues and opportunities. The landscape of a region
is hugely significant and in the case of the South West, it is
recognised that the landscape, both built and natural is
one of the most valuable in the country. A quality
environment plays an increasingly critical role in social and
economic development, as well as in the tourist and
leisure industries. The South West has a high level of
biodiversity and generally quite good water quality. It is
rich in archeological features which have great importance
both in terms of their cultural significance and as tourist
attractions. These assets must be managed carefully and
the strongest safeguards should be put in place for the
most significant landscapes, coastlines, habitats and built
heritage under the requirements of National and
International Nature Conservation Legislation.
6.1.2. Key to achieving a quality environment and good
quality of life, as well as enhancing the region’s
attractiveness, is the promotion of policies that seek to
ensure equality of opportunity for all the residents of the
region. In this regard, policies encompassing urban
regeneration, open space provision and access to housing,
employment, education and health facilities all have
significant roles to play.
6.1.3. The threats to these assets come from economic
development, urban sprawl, waste water discharge and
emissions. The Regional Planning Guidelines must set out
a framework to protect, conserve and enhance the regions
environmental and social assets in a way which will enable
it to develop socially, sustainably and economically.
6.2 Landscape
6.2.1. The South West of Ireland is justifiably well known
for its diverse and rich landscape which ranges from
spectacular mountain scenery to unique coastal locations,
as well as major river valleys and high quality farmland.
Landscapes comprise the visible features of the region
which include landforms, living elements of flora and
fauna, abstract elements like lighting and weather and
human elements such as human activity and the built
environment.
6.2.2. There is national guidance from the Department
of Environment Heritage and Local Government on
Landscape and Landscape Character Assessments and
the Planning Acts require Development Plans to include
objectives for the preservation of landscape, views and
prospects and the amenity of places and features of
beauty. They also provide for Landscape Conservation
Areas and Areas of Special Amenity. The three city and
county development plans in the region deal with
landscape in very different ways leading to difficulties in
setting common targets or goals for the landscape of the
region as a whole.
6.2.3. In the Cork County Development Plan, Landscape
Character Assessment was used as a tool to identify and
categorise various elements in the landscape. Four
subcategories of sensitivity were identified ranging from
low sensitivity to very high. Landscape sensitivity is a
measure of the landscapes ability to accommodate change
or intervention without undergoing unacceptable impacts
on its character and values. The relative importance of the
landscapes was categorised as local, county or national.
The plan also includes specific objectives in relation to the
landscape strategy and to protection of scenic landscape
and scenic routes.
6.2.4. The Kerry County Development Plan recognises
the intrinsic value of landscape both as a tourism and
recreational asset and as an economic asset which must
be protected. The Plan outlines an objective to protect
identified landscape areas of prime and secondary special
amenity, as they have little capacity to accommodate
development. Special objectives are also included in the
Plan for the preservation of views and prospects.
6.2.5. Cork City Council commissioned a Landscape
Study in 2008 which informed the landscape protection
policies. This study provides detailed analysis of the city
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Chapter 6: Environment and Amenities Strategy
77
landscape using Landscape Character Assessment. The
data was also used in setting objectives for the
preservation of views and prospects as well as conserving
areas of high landscape value.
6.2.6. The European Landscape Convention came into
force in Ireland in 2004. This requires member states to
recognise landscapes in law, to establish and implement
landscape policies, to establish policies for the
participation of the public in the definition and
implementation of policies and to integrate landscape
policies with regional and town planning policies. In
October 2007 the DEHLG announced its intention to
publish a National Landscape Strategy for Ireland.
6.2.7. Within the South West region Landscape Character
Assessment offers the potential to establish a coherent
strategy for integrating landscape and land use and
transportation policies as well as economic, energy
policies etc.
Regional Planning Guidelines:
Environment and Amenities Strategy
REAS- 01 Regional Landscape Strategy
It is an objective to support a common approach to ensure
consistency in Landscape Character Assessments (LCAs)
for all areas of the region which will help identify
landscape capacity, landscape value and which will
promote the protection, planning and sustainable
management of all landscapes in the region.This approach
should include consultation with adjoining Local
Authorities.
The Coastline
6.2.8. The South West region has an extensive coastline
(over 2000 km) with a diverse range of landscape areas.
The Regional Planning Guidelines promote the inclusion of
policies in all local authority development plans relating to
the sustainable development and conservation of these
areas. Issues such as potential rise in sea level, coastal
erosion, protection of biodiversity, flooding and
development needs to be addressed in an integrated
manner.
6.2.9. Local Authorities should translate these policies
into an integrated strategy for their coastline that
recognises:
• The need for environmental protection and
enhancement including the need to protect nature
conservation sites of international importance
• The economic and social role of the region’s ports,
seaside towns and coastal areas important to
tourism, recreation and amenity
• Predicted sea level rise and the adaptation
challenge this presents to coastal communities
and decision makers
6.2.10. Local planning authorities and other agencies
should seek, through their plans and management
strategies to address:
• The regeneration of coastal towns and
communities, reinforcing their local economic and
social roles and importance to the wider region;
and
• The conservation of the coastal environment and
coastal waters, including the natural character,
historic environment and tranquillity of
undeveloped areas, particularly in the areas of
coastline and estuary designated as sites of
European or international importance for nature
conservation.
• The overall maritime area provides new
opportunities for economic development, which
includes:-
o the potential for the sustainable development
of new off-shore resources in terms of
renewable energies and other seabed based
opportunities.
o the area of Maritime Spatial Planning is
currently being progressed by the European
Commission and can be addressed in an
integrated manner by extending the Guidelines
into the Maritime Spatial Planning Zone.
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Regional Planning Guidelines:
Environment and Amenities Strategy
REAS- 02 Regional Coastline
It is an objective to promote integrated coastal
management strategies for the region’s coastline that will
involve the key stakeholders and which will :-
• examine the impact of sea level rise
• examine the potential of off-shore renewables
• identify potential social and economic
development
• recognise the environmental sensitivity of the
coastal areas, including Natura 2000 sites,
seascapes and landscapes.
• promote coordinated land and maritime zone
spatial planning.
6.3 Natural Heritage – Ecological Integrity
Overview of the region’s habitats and species
6.3.1. There are a number of EU and national
designations governing the regions habitats and species.
The European Birds (1979) and Habitats (1992) Directives,
the Natural Habitats Regulations (1997) and the Wildlife
Acts (1976 and 2000) provide the framework for the
protection of our natural heritage. In addition, there are a
number of international conventions and agreements
relating to our heritage, which Ireland has ratified. The
Conservation of species and habitats in accordance with
the requirements of the EU Habitats and Birds Directives is
considered to be an important component of a sustainable
strategy. In order to safeguard the interests of species and
habitats protected under the Habitats and Birds Directives,
Local Authorities should promote implementation of the
DEHLG (2009) Guidance, and any subsequent updates, on
‘Appropriate Assessment of Plans and Projects in Ireland –
Guidelines for Planning Authorities’
6.3.2. In 2002, the first National Heritage Plan and
National Biodiversity Plans were produced by the
Government. These policy documents addressed the
protection and management of national heritage over a
five year period. The documents are underpinned by the
core principle that heritage belongs to all of the people and
that the people all share a responsibility to protect it.
6.3.3. The responsibility of local authorities in relation to
the care and protection of heritage is identified in both the
National Heritage Plan and the National Biodiversity Plan.
Key actions in these plans include the requirement on
Local Authorities to prepare and implement Local Heritage
and Local Biodiversity Action Plans in partnership with the
main stakeholders in the area.
6.3.4. There are four main designations affecting
habitats and species:
• Special Area of Conservation (SAC)
• Special Protection Area (SPA)
• Natural Heritage Area (NHA)
• National Parks
6.3.5. Cork County Biodiversity Plan was produced in
2008. Its aim is to conserve and enhance biodiversity and
to ensure that every person in the county has the chance
to appreciate and understand its importance. The plan sets
out a number of actions and objectives for the protection
of biodiversity in the county and lists the relevant
legislation. Kerry County Council produced their second
Heritage and Biodiversity Plan in 2008. The plan covers the
period to 2012 and outlines a series of policies aims and
actions to deal with education, access, research and
management of the county heritage assets.
6.3.6. Cork City Council produced a Biodiversity Action
Plan for 2009-2014. It includes an overview of Cork City’s
biodiversity and a range of actions to protect, enhance and
promote awareness of the City’s biodiversity. Its aim is to
promote the appreciation and enjoyment of Cork City’s
biodiversity amongst the people of the city and to identify,
understand and conserve the biodiversity of the city for
future generations
6.3.7. The DEHLG document The Economic and Social
Aspects of Biodiversity – Benefits and Costs of Bio-
diversity in Ireland made significant progress in identifying
79
overall biodiversity patterns across the country and a map
was produced indicating biodiversity index value. Not only
is it important to protect these areas but it is also vital to
establish corridors between such areas. In regional terms,
the high levels of biodiversity in the south west place
responsibility for conservation and enhancement of those
areas on the regional and local authorities.
Regional Planning Guidelines:
Environment and Amenities Strategy
REAS- 03 Management of Natural Heritage
Local authorities are required to carry out screening of
proposed projects and any draft land use plan or
amendment/variation to any such plan for any potential
ecological impact on areas designated or proposed for
inclusion as Natura 2000 / European Sites and shall make
a determination if a Habitats Directive Assessment is
necessary, of the potential impacts of the project or plan
on the conservation objectives of any Natura 2000 /
European Site.
It is an objective for local authorities to carry out, monitor
and review biodiversity plans throughout the region.
Planning authorities should set policies in their
development plans to implement and monitor the actions
as set out in the National and County Biodiversity Plans, as
the conservation of biodiversity is an essential component
of sustainable development. Local Authorities should
address the issue of fisheries protection and invasive
introduced species and encourage the use of native
species for landscape planting in rural areas, in the review
of their biodiversity plans.
It is an objective for local authorities to work with all
stakeholders in order to conserve, manage and where
possible enhance the regions natural heritage including all
habitats, species, landscapes and geological heritage of
conservation interest and to promote increased
understanding and awareness of the natural heritage of
the region.
Development Plans should
(a) include objectives for the maintenance of the
conservation value of European sites within the territory of
and affected by, the plan, and
(b) state that all projects likely to have a significant effect
on Natura 2000/European sites will be subject to Habitats
Directive assessment , and projects will only be approved
if they comply with the Habitats Directive
6.4 Environmental Quality
Soils and Geology
6.4.1. In order to help protect the soil resource of the
regions, consideration should be given to supporting soil
conservation to ensure the continuing viability of
agriculture and forestry in the region and would also have
wider environmental benefits, e.g. water quality, water
attenuation, biodiversity. This would enable identification
of threats, issues and opportunities relating not only to
agriculture but also water systems, biodiversity and the
rural economy. Local authorities should aim to actively
protect high quality soils as a valuable resource.
Air Quality
6.4.2. Cork City Council monitors various air quality
parameters at a number of stations in the City. Air quality
in general has been improving and each parameter
measured has been in accordance with EU Requirements.
Further monitoring and mitigation actions may be
necessary in the future in certain areas where population
concentration and economic development occurs.
Environmental Noise
6.4.3. Noise can have a significant impact on the quality
of life and the environment in which individuals and
communities live. There are regulations covering the
preparation of Noise Plans for airports and roads on foot of
European Noise Directive. The Regional Planning
Guidelines supports the preparation of these plans by the
local authorities. A noise action plan has been prepared for
Cork City which seeks to monitor and mitigate the impacts
of noise on areas close to national and certain heavily
trafficked non-national roads within the city. The
recommendations of the Noise Action Plan will be taken
into account when assessing proposals for new
development to avoid/reduce the impacts of traffic noise.
Water Quality
River Basin Management
6.4.4. The European Union Water Framework Directive
was adopted in 2000 and requires all member states to
manage their waters. Member states must ensure that
their waters achieve at least good status by 2015 and that
their status does not deteriorate. The directive requires the
preparation of a management plan for all of the waters in
a given area, referred to as a River Basin District (RBD). In
Ireland there are a total of eight RBDs. There are three
RBDs within the South West Regional Area, The South
Western River Basin District (RBD) and the Shannon River
Basin District (RBD) ) and the South East RBD. As noted in
REAS-04, it is an objective to achieve regional water
quality targets by implementing the River Basin
Management Plans and ensure that development
undertaken or permitted by local authorities ; other public
agencies or private operators ,shall not contravene the
objectives of the Water Framework Directive. the European
Communities Environmental Objectives (Surface Waters)
regulations 2009 SI 272 of 2009 and the European
Communities Environmental Objectives) Groundwaters)
regulations 2010, SI 9 of 2010.
6.4.5. The South Western RBD encompasses most of the
counties of Cork and Kerry but also takes in parts of
Limerick, Tipperary and Waterford. Part of North Kerry and
North Cork is located within the Shannon District which
also encompasses another 18 counties in the Republic and
stretches partially into Northern Ireland.
6.4.6. A draft management plan has been prepared for
each district. A structured approach was taken to examine
the status of surface and ground water and identified the
main pressures impacting on those waters. The status of
the waters is categorised separately for surface water and
ground water. Surface waters are classified as high, good,
moderate poor or bad while ground waters are classified
as good or poor.
6.4.7. Special note is taken of protected areas,
particularly drinking water sources, shellfish waters,
Natura 2000 sites and freshwater pearl mussels habitats.
Additional measures may be required in these areas in
order for them to achieve good or high status. Shellfish
Waters Pollution Reduction Programmes and associated
Action Measures and Fresh Water Pearl Mussel Sub Basin
Management Plans and associated Programmes of
Measures should be referred to in this regard.
6.4.8. The objectives of the Directive were to ensure that
water meets the standards, maintain high status of waters
where it exists and preventing any deterioration of water
and to achieve good status on all waters by 2015.
6.4.9. Key pressures on the RBD’s include wastewater
and industrial charges, landfill, quarries, mines and
contaminated Land, agriculture, wastewater from un-
sewered properties, forestry usage and discharge of
dangerous substances, physical modifications.,
abstractions, local and future issues, e.g. climate change,
aquaculture and invasive alien species.
6.4.10. The Management Plans set out four core
objectives to be achieved by 2015:
• Achieve protected area objectives.
• Prevent deterioration
• Restore good status
• Reduce chemical pollution
6.4.11. The plans found that Irelands most recent water
quality surveys have detected early signs of improvement
in water quality resulting from the basic measures being
implemented, in particular capital investment and
improved working practices.
80
81
6.4.12. Measures to improve the status of the waters
were divided into three groupings:-
• The implementation of 11 key directives specified
under the Water Framework Directive and already
transposed into domestic legislation (Bathing Water
Directive, Habitats Directive, Birds Directive, Drinking
Water Directive as amended, Major Accidents (Seveso)
Directive, Environmental Impact Assessment Directive
Sewage Sludge Directive, Urban Waste-water Treatment
Directive, Plant Protection Products Directive, Nitrates
Directive, Integrated Pollution Prevention Control
Directive).
• The implementation of other stipulated measures
required by the Water Framework Directive; and
• The use of additional or supplementary measures.
6.4.13. The Plans outline action plans which set out the
basic measures plus the most cost effective
supplementary measures. Basic measures required by the
Directive include:
• Principle of cost recovery for water use
• Source Protection Zone control
• Controls on abstractions
• Controls on point and diffuse discharges
• Controls on discharges to groundwater
• Controls to deal with priority substances
• Controls on physical modifications
Regional Planning Guidelines:
Environment and Amenities Strategy
REAS- 04 Environmental Quality
It is an objective to promote soil conservation within the
region in order to ensure the protection of the soil resource
It is an objective to encourage further provision of noise
and air quality monitoring infrastructure in areas
containing large commercial and industrial developments
and in areas of high population throughout the region.
It is an objective to achieve regional water quality targets
by implementing the River Basin Management Plans and
ensure that development undertaken or permitted by local
authorities; other public agencies or private operators,
shall not contravene the objectives of the Water
Framework Directive, the European Communities
Environmental Objectives (Surface Waters) Regulations
2009 SI 272 of 2009 and the European Communities
Environmental Objectives) Groundwaters) Regulations
2010, SI 9 of 2010.
Local Authorities should promote the protection of
Protected Areas as outlined in Annex (IV) of the Water
Framework Directive and the application of relevant
Government Guidance in this area.
Local Authorities should promote the implementation of
the EPA (2009) Code of Practice for Wastewater Treatment
Systems for Single Houses and any subsequent updates.
6.5 Flood Risk Management
6.5.1. Flooding is a natural process that can happen at
any time in a wide variety of locations and plays a role in
shaping the natural environment. Flooding from the sea
and from rivers is probably best known; but prolonged and
intense rainfall can also cause sewer flooding, overland
flow and flooding from groundwater.
6.5.2. When it impacts on human activities, it can
threaten people, property and the environment. Also of
relevance is consideration of the consequences of climate
change which is impacting on important matters such as
sea levels, the nature and pattern of rainfall events and
weather patterns generally. Whilst the exact impacts of
future change are not known, it is widely agreed that
climate change will result in higher risk of flooding both
inland and at coastal locations.
6.5.3. It is important therefore that this issue is
addressed within the Guidelines, as decisions on the
direction of future growth within the South West region can
impact on flood risk and vice versa. Also, it is important
that the Guidelines highlight the need for developing policy
and actions, and encourage co-operation across Councils
and regions as the impact of flood and water movement in
82
many places crosses Local Authority and Regional
boundaries.
6.5.4. The Department of Environment, Heritage and
Local Government and the Office of Public Works (OPW)
published Planning Guidelines ‘The Planning System and
Flood Risk Management’, in November 2009. The
Guidelines recommend a clear and transparent
assessment of flood risk at all stages in the planning
process and set out that regional flood risk appraisal and
management policy recommendations are necessary to
set a policy framework for development and local area
plans at the local level.
6.5.5. Flood Risk Appraisal at the regional level needs to
identify risk and explain how to deal with it. An appraisal
has been carried out on the RPG and this is contained in
the accompanying Environmental Report.
Regional Planning Guidelines:
Environment and Amenities Strategy
REAS- 05 Flood Risk Management
Consideration must be given to future appropriate land use
policies in accordance with the requirements of the DEHLG
Planning Guidelines The Planning System and Flood Risk
Management. Strategic and local flood risk assessments
and plans should be prepared where appropriate.
It is an objective of the Regional Planning Guidelines to
promote the completion by the local authorities in the
region of CFRAM Studies covering the South West by 2016,
including a review of long term flood risk management
options.
It is an objective of the Regional Planning Guidelines to
ensure that significant developments in upland areas, such
as wind farm developments, roadway construction,
peatland drainage and forestry proposals, provide
sufficient storm water attenuation so as to avoid the
occurrence of river erosion or flooding downstream.
6.6 Built Heritage and Archaeology
The region possesses a strong natural and built heritage,
which is very significant in terms of its positive economic
value in terms of tourism generation and its societal value
as a contributor to the quality of life and general
attractiveness of the region. Visitor’s surveys carried out by
Failte Ireland have consistently shown that the natural
heritage and scenery is a prime attraction of visitors to the
South West. An important element of this heritage is its
archeological component with many important and indeed
major sites ranging from the ancient monastic settlement
on the Skellig Islands to the rich archaeology of Cork City
and important sites in east and north Cork .
6.6.1. The South West region possesses a particularly
fine built heritage, including Cork City Centre and regional
towns and villages. This contributes significantly to the
overall quality of life and attractiveness of this region for
inward investment and tourism.
6.6.2. The region is rich in a wide range of archeological
monuments ranging from all periods of the past. The
monuments vary greatly in form and date, starting from
the Mesolithic period over 9000 years ago. These sites
include megalithic tombs from the prehistoric period,
Bronze Age fulachta fiadh (cooking places), Early Christian
ecclesiastical settlements, churches and graveyards,
medieval buildings, castles, urban archeological deposits,
industrial archaeology sites and underwater sites such as
wrecks. The archeological heritage of an area may include
structures, constructions, groups of buildings, industrial
heritage, developed sites, all recorded monuments as well
as their contexts, and moveable objects, situated both on
land and under water. Recognition should also be given to
the importance of archeological features at the landscape
level whereby clusters of archeological material may be
connected, and cumulatively form an important part of the
overall area.
6.6.3. The protection and enhancement of our natural
and built heritage and archaeology is therefore an
important objective of the Guidelines.
83
Regional Planning Guidelines:
Environment and Amenities Strategy
REAS- 06 Built Heritage and Archaeology
It is an objective for the local authorities to incorporate all
buildings of special architectural, historical, archeological,
artistic, cultural, scientific, social or technical interest in a
Record of Protected Structures (RPS) and to identify areas
with special character (including traditional building stock
and material finishes, spaces, streetscape, landscape and
setting) which could become architectural conservation
areas (ACA).
Local Authorities should consider the identification of
towns and villages that could benefit from design
statements.
6.7 Social, Community and Cultural Infrastructure –
Social Inclusion and Regeneration
Social and Community Infrastructure
6.7.1. One of the overarching aims of the Regional
Planning Guidelines is to enhance quality of life for the
people of the South West region. The Guidelines will
encourage local authorities to implement this aim in a
sustainable manner though their respective settlement and
economic polices and also by recognising that a range of
factors come into play in providing a quality environment
in which to live. Many different things contribute to quality
of life or the general wellbeing of individuals and society in
the region. These range from the quality of the
environment to physical and mental wellbeing, support
structures of those in need, human rights and personal
happiness. Many of these aspects cannot be planned,
however the culture of planning in the region should
recognise the importance of positive approaches to the
continuing improvement of regional quality of life.
6.7.2. Greater emphasis on creating a sense of place is
also something which is growing in importance in terms of
the overall development of the region and is something
which perhaps has not been sufficiently rehearsed in any
formal manner. The region has some very special
qualities, not alone on geographic grounds but on
perceptions of lifestyle, food, art, sport, music and even
local accents - together with a range of other qualities
which in many respects make the region a place apart.
Greater attention needs to be placed on focussing on this
aspect of the region and on building positively on our
sense of place; and portraying this much more forcibly
within the South West and externally.
6.7.3. As population grows in various settlements there
is an important need to ensure that adequate levels of
social and community infrastructures such as public and
private housing, education, health facilities, community
centres and sports and recreational facilities are provided
in appropriate locations and in a timely and sustainable
manner to support population growth.
6.7.4. The continued availability of key services in rural
areas of the region is an important objective of future
planning. The increasing centralisation of health services
has the potential to create major difficulties in rural areas,
where due to the demographic characteristics of the
region there are relatively few towns in excess of 2,000
population. An objective of the Guidelines is therefore to
ensure that rural areas, particularly the remote Northern
and Western areas have adequate local levels of
appropriate public transport infrastructure, healthcare and
other supporting social services and facilities.
6.7.5. An important element of community is public open
space and recreational facilities. These are beneficial to
local communities and also act as an important aspect of
the overall visitor experience. Within the South West, there
are considerable gaps in the level and quality of these
areas and Development Plans should address these gaps
in a sustainable manner.
6.7.6. Within the Gateway, Cork City Council is preparing
a Parks Strategy and Recreational Needs study and Cork
County Council has completed a pilot recreation survey of
the South Environs area. There is a need for a more co-
ordinated approach to recreational planning in the Cork
84
Gateway, so that significant regional level recreational
projects can be identified and developed.
Regional Planning Guidelines:
Environment and Amenities Strategy
REAS- 07 Social and Community Infrastructure
6.7.7. It is an objective to continuously improve the
quality of life for residents of and visitors to the region and
to create an increased awareness of sense of place.
6.7.8. It is an objective to ensure that social and
community infrastructures in terms of housing,
educational, public transport, recreational and health
facilities are developed in a timely and sustainable manner
to cater for increasing population levels. Special care
needs to be taken to ensure that adequate levels of
essential service provision continue in rural area of the
region.
6.7.9. It is an objective to encourage local authorities to
protect and enhance public open space and recreational
facilities in a sustainable manner and recognise the
importance of protection of urban wildlife corridors and
sites of nature conservation importance.
Cultural Heritage (including Gaeltacht and Islands)
6.7.10. Culture consists of a number of sectors with
different attributes; language, the arts, creative industries,
enjoyment of the natural, historic and built environment,
events and festivals, use of tourist attractions, libraries,
museums, archives and galleries, industrial heritage , the
diversity of the faith communities and places of worship,
local cultural traditions and sport and recreation. Culture is
inherently cross cutting, for example linking policies on
economic growth and regeneration with those on
environment, heritage and infrastructure provision. As
earlier noted culture plays a very important role in defining
the region.
6.7.11. Within the generality of our important cultural
heritage, are the Gaeltacht or Irish language speaking
areas of the region. The Gaeltacht areas require special
treatment to protect their linguistic and cultural heritage
without hindering their overall development and with an
appropriate response to opportunities and challenges. The
challenge is to promote these areas as a focus for
development and sustainability, whilst ensuring that the
development which occurs supports or complements the
linguistic and other important aspects of their special
cultural heritage.
6.7.12. Local Authorities should prepare local area plans
which will include a focus on the sustainable development
and protection of the heritage and culture of the Gaeltacht.
Regional Planning Guidelines:
Environment and Amenities Strategy
REAS- 08 Cultural Heritage
It is an objective during the lifetime of the Guidelines to
encourage local authorities to prepare local area plans
which will provide a strategic focus on the future
sustainable development of Gaeltacht areas, while
ensuring the protection of their linguistic and cultural
heritage as an asset for the country. These plans will
inform future policy for the development of the Gaeltacht
areas.
Island Communities.
6.7.13. The Western area of the region has a number of
important inhabited islands, such as Oiléan Cléire, Sherkin,
Bere, Heir Island , Dursey and Whiddy Island.
6.7.14. Island communities need particular support in
their economic, social and cultural development to
promote the sustainability of island living. It is worth
noting that over the last twenty years many of the islands
have successfully consolidated their local economies and
have significantly moved into the knowledge based or
smart economy. The island communities have become
much more dynamic and creative in terms of the range of
artistic, cultural, literary, and economic and community
activities which is to be found across the islands. High
85
broadband connectivity at affordable and competitively
priced is of particular importance to the islands as is
physical access by modern safe ferries from the mainland.
The potential for these islands, as pristine environments to
experience sustainable growth at an appropriate scale
within the smart or knowledge based economy is
significant. In supporting the protection and sustainable
development of the Region’s islands, environmental
considerations should be taken into account, including
biodiversity, geodiversity, archaeology and landscape
considerations.
Regional Planning Guidelines:
REAS- 09 Island Communities
It is an objective to support the inhabited islands in the
region and to recognise the special planning and
development needs of islands and island communities. In
particular, improved broadband transport access and other
sustainable infrastructure and services will assist in
supporting the sustainable economic development of the
islands for the benefit of island communities.
It is an objective to encourage the sustainable
development of speciality or niche economic sectors
particularly within the smart economy that might be
appropriate to different islands.
Social Inclusion and Regeneration
6.7.15. One of the aims of the Regional Planning
Guidelines is to promote planning policies which will foster
social inclusion across the region. Local Development
plans and relevant non-statutory plans should set out
policies to tackle issues of economic, social and
environmental deprivation in these areas with locally
significant regeneration needs in line with national policy.
6.7.16. The guidelines are not the appropriate vehicle in
which to identify all physical areas of deprivation in the
region. It is acknowledged that much poverty, decline and
isolation can exist in both urban and rural areas. Even in
prosperous and economically buoyant areas there are
often pockets of deprivation. Local development plans and
other relevant strategies should address localised
regeneration needs and other physical/social measures
such as local community facilities and other supporting
measures to counteract these issues.
Regional Planning Guidelines:
Environment and Amenities Strategy
REAS- 10 Social Inclusion and Regeneration
6.7.17. It is an objective for local authorities, where
appropriate in their respective development plans and
local area plans, to identify areas where social deprivation
occurs, both urban and rural areas and identify sustainable
strategies for the regeneration of such areas.
86
Fig 11: Environmental Spatial Strategy
Chapter 7: Implementation
and
Monitoring Strategy
88
Chapter 7: Implementation and Monitoring Strategy
7.1 Introduction
Implementation
7.1.1. The implementation of the Regional Planning
Guidelines will be a key determinant of the future growth
and settlement pattern of the South West Region,
influencing important strategic public and private
investments in infrastructure and other services.
Implementation will be dependant in many instances of
the required public capital investments in infrastructure
mainly in advance of population growth to ensure the
sustainability of the investment.
• The Local Authorities in the region have a primary
role in the realisation of the Regional Planning
Guidelines’ goals and objectives, through the
embodiment of the Regional Planning Guidelines
into their respective City and County Development
Plans and by ensuring that these plans are
consistent with the Regional Planning Guidelines.
• The Enterprise Development and Training Agencies
such as IDA Ireland, Enterprise Ireland and FAS, all
have an important role to ensure that the focus on
employment creation is firmly on areas of
population growth, which primarily are the Cork
Gateway and the Mallow Hub and Tralee and
Killarney Towns, which form part of the linked Hub.
• A range of Government Departments such as the
Department of the Environment Heritage and Local
Government, The Department of Transport , The
Department of Education and Skills, the
Department of Enterprise, Trade and Innovation,
the Department of Communications Energy and
Natural Resources and the Department of Health
and Children all share important roles in the
implementation of the Regional Planning
Guidelines by ensuring that the required State
investments in infrastructure and services are in
place in a manner to realise the objectives of the
RPG in areas such as sanitary services, roads,
public transport, energy and communications,
education and health services to facilitate future
demographic shape of the south west including
substantial population growth.
7.1.2. The Regional Authority will lead the monitoring and
implementation process through working closely with the
Local Authorities, State Agencies and Government
Departments on the timely realisation of the objectives as
set out in the Guidelines. It will also work closely with the
other seven Regional Authorities and these Departments
and agencies at the national level with a view to ensuring
that all Regional Planning Guidelines for the country reside
high on the national investment agenda.
Monitoring
7.1.3. The monitoring and implementation process will
ensure that the objectives of the Regional Planning
Guidelines are addressed at all levels within the region and
the process will identify and prioritise actions by the key
players at local, regional and national levels in the delivery
of the RPG. An important element of monitoring will relate
to population and settlement patterns.
7.1.4. Steering and Technical Committees exist and
operate satisfactorily for the monitoring and
implementation of the Regional Planning Guidelines. The
committees are comprised of:
• The Cathaoirleach, three Members and the Director
of the Regional Authority
• the City and County Managers,
• the Senior Planning Officers in the three Local
Authorities
• the CASP Coordinator
• the senior representative of the Departments of the
Environment Heritage and Local Government and
the Department of Transport
• IDA Ireland and Enterprise Ireland.
• The National Transport Authority
7.1.5. The Steering and Technical Committees meet on a
regular basis and monitor progress in the implementation
of the Regional Planning Guidelines, while addressing any
failures in terms of planning, investment or other issues
which may arise. One of the early tasks of the monitoring
and implementation process will be to establish and agree
a measurable implementation schedule with clearly
identified datelines and targets, in line with the statutory
requirements of the Planning Acts.
89
Chapter
Vision (2)
Economy (3)
Economy (3)
Economy (3)
Policy/ Recommendation
RV-01(realising economic
potential, high quality of
life etc)
RES-01 (growth of
companies across
economic sectors,
ensuring adequate
suitable locations etc)
RES-02 (Growth in market
services/ retail)
RES-03 (Tourism)
Data Source
Regional Authority, Forfás, EPA,
Local Authorities, CSO, DEHLG,
International Comparison
studies
Forfás, Local Authorities,
Chambers of Commerce, Dept
of Trade and Employment, State
employment agencies,
Comparison studies at national
and international levels.
Forfás, Local Authorities,
Chambers of Commerce, Dept
of Trade and Employment, State
Employment Agencies, Retail
Strategies, Comparison studies
at national and international
levels.
Regional Authority, Bord Fáilte,
Fáilte South West, Local
Authorities.
Comment
Overarching objective
linked to and governing
all other goals in the
RPG.
State of the Regions and
Regional
Competitiveness Agenda
useful as baseline
information.
Indicator/ Action
National /International
benchmarking of land, labour,
transport costs etc. GVA, GDP,
GNP. Numbers of new jobs
created, new company start
ups, use of renewables, access
to sustainable methods of
transport.
National /International
benchmarking of land, labour,
transport costs etc. numbers of
new jobs created, new
company start ups, especially
within Gateway and hubs as
well as sustainability in terms
of access and energy issues.
Facilitation through CDPs/LAPs,
Tourism Plan for the SW.
7.1.6. Monitoring and Implementation Reports will be made to the Regional Authority and reports will also be furnished to the
Minister for the Environment Heritage and Local Government on a basis as required.
7.1.7. In accordance with the requirements of Section 26 (1) of the Planning and Development Act, 2000. the Regional Planning
Guidelines will be again be reviewed in 2016.
Regional Planning Guidelines:
RIM- 01 Implementation and Monitoring
It is an objective for the Regional Authority to monitor the implementation of the RPG through their own Technical and Steering Groups
on a regular basis as well through the relevant local authorities and their development and local area plans. The Regional Authority
will undertake a review of the RPG by 2016.
Table 7.1: Indicators for Future Monitoring and Reports on RPG Implementation.
90
Economy (3)
Economy (3)
Economy (3)
Settlement (4)
Settlement (4)
Settlement (4)
Settlement (4)
RES-04 (primary resource
based sectors)
RES-05 (Rural
Diversification)
RES-06 (Strategic
Locations)
RSS-01 (Zoned Land Study)
RSS-02 (Cork Gateway –
key driver)
RSS-03 (Mallow Hub)
RSS-04 (Tralee-Killarney
Linked Hub)
Forfás, Teagasc, IFA. Fisheries
Board, Coillte.
LEADER, SWRA, Enterprise
Boards.
Local Authority Plans,
Government Employment
Agencies.
Local Authority Development
Plans. DEHLG
Local Authority Development
Plans. DEHLG
Local Authority Development
Plans. DEHLG
Local Authority Development
Plans. DEHLG
Studies required prior to
next round of CDPs.
Policy is linked to the
transport and
infrastructure policies in
particular in chapter 5.
Policy is linked to the
transport and
infrastructure policies in
particular in chapter 5.
Health of pearl mussel is
a priority.
Policy is linked to the
transport and
infrastructure policies in
particular in chapter 5.
Numbers employed in forestry
agriculture fishing, aquaculture
etc. Levels of new forestry
plantations.
Broadband penetration,
Business start up data from
enterprise boards etc.
Levels of strategic land
reserves, implementation of
strategic infrastructure,
Numbers of FDI and large scale
industries.
Zoning provision in each local
authority area in accordance
with table 4.5. Provision of
infrastructure.
Levels of infrastructure
provision, roll out of new
transportation services, modal
shift targets regeneration of
Docklands and other older
areas/ brownfield sites,
reduction in numbers of one offs
outside of the urban areas.
Levels of infrastructure
provision, roll out of new
transportation services, modal
shift targets regeneration of
older areas/ brownfield sites,
reduction in numbers of one offs
outside of the urban areas.
Levels of infrastructure
provision, roll out of new
transportation services, modal
shift targets regeneration of
older areas/ brownfield sites,
reduction in numbers of one offs
outside of the urban areas
91
Settlement (4)
Settlement (4)
Settlement (4)
Transport
/Infrastructure
(5)
Transport
/Infrastructure
Transport/
Infrastructure
(5)
Transport/
Infrastructure
(5)
Transport/
Infrastructure
(5)
RSS-05 (Ring Towns)
RSS-06 (Northern Area)
RSS-07 (Western Area)
RTS-01 (Modal Split,
integrated transport
strategies)
RTS-02 (Public transport
actions)
RTS-03 (cycling, walking)
RTS-04 (Road
infrastructure)
RTS-05 (Airports)
Local Authority Development
Plans. DEHLG
Local Authority Development
Plans. DEHLG. LEADER,
Enterprise Boards etc.
Local Authority Development
Plans. DEHLG. LEADER,
Enterprise Boards, etc.
Local Authority Development
Plans, Department of Transport,
CSO, DEHLG. EPA.
Local Authority Development
Plans, Department of Transport,
CSO, DEHLG. EPA.
Local Authority Development
Plans, Department of Transport,
CSO, DEHLG. EPA.
Local Authority Development
Plans, Department of Transport,
DEHLG..
Local Authority Development
Plans, Department of Transport,
DEHLG.
Increase in local services and
employment levels, reduction in
commuting, modal shift targets,
reduction in numbers of new
housing outside of the urban
areas.
Levels of employment, start-
ups, population levels, provision
of services and infrastructure.
Levels of employment, start-
ups, population levels, provision
of services and infrastructure.
Census travel to work data,
delivery of T21 programme,
modal split, climate change
indicators POWCAR
Census travel to work data,
delivery of T21 programme,
modal split, climate change
indicators POWCAR
Levels of construction of new
cycleways and walkways,
retrofitting of new facilities,
census travel to work data,
delivery of T21 programme,
modal split, climate change
indicators, POWCAR
Delivery of T21 infrastructure,
completion of regionally
important projects, detailed
environmental assessments
where appropriate. POWCAR
Provision of new facilities,
passenger/cargo numbers.
92
Transport/
Infrastructure
(5)
Transport/
Infrastructure
(5)
Transport/
Infrastructure (5)
Transport/
Infrastructure
(5)
Transport/
Infrastructure
(5)
Environment/
Amenities (6)
Environment/
Amenities (6)
Environment/
Amenities (6)
Environment/
Amenities (6)
Environment/
Amenities (6)
Environment/
Amenities (6)
RTS-06 (Ports, Harbours)
RTS-07 (Water, waste
water)
RTS-08 (Waste
management)
RTS-09 (Energy)
RI-03 (Telecommunications)
REAS-01 (Landscape
Character)
REAS-02 (Regional
Coastline)
REAS-03 (Natural Heritage)
REAS-04 (Environmental
Quality)
REAS-05 (Flood Risk)
REAS-06 (Built heritage,
archaeology)
Port authorities, Local
Authorities, SWRA.
Local Authorities, DEHLG.
Local Authorities, DEHLG.
Eirgrid, DEHLG.
Telecoms regulator, SWRA.
Local Authority Development
Plans
Local Authority Development
Plans. Marine Institute.
Local Authority Development
Plans
EPA, Local Authorities, Teagasc.
Local authorities, DEHLG OPW.
Local Authority Development
Plans, DEHLG.
Passenger /cargo numbers,
improvement of N28, relocation
of Port of Cork and Seveso sites,
construction of port at
Ballylongford.
Implementation of WSIPs
Implementation of waste
management plans, provision of
MRFs.
Enhancement of grid capacity,
provision of additional
renewable resources. Energy
consumption/capita
Broadband penetration.
Designation of landscape areas
of high value
Development of integrated
coastal management strategies.
Implementation/inclusion of
biodiversity objectives in CDPs,
carrying out of screening for
H.D.A.
Additional soil, air and water
quality monitoring systems.
Achievement of WFD targets.
Completion of CFRAM studies.
Identification of areas of special
character, inclusion of building
in the RPS. Implementation of
design statements.
93
Environment/
Amenities (6)
Environment/
Amenities (6)
Environment/
Amenities (6)
Environment/
Amenities (6)
REAS-07
(Social/Community
Infrastructure)
REAS-08 (Cultural Heritage)
REAS-09 (Island
communities)
REAS-10 (Social inclusion
and regeneration)
Local Authority Development
Plans, DEHLG.
Local Authorities.
Local Authority Development
Plans, DEHLG
Local Authority Development
Plans, DEHLG
Protection and provision of
community infrastructures and
services in towns and villages.
LAPs for the Gaeltacht areas
Broadband penetration,
provision of
infrastructure/facilities.
Provision of infrastructure and
facilities. Quality of life reports
from CSO.
94
Appendices
96
CORK COUNTY
361,491
CORK CITY
119,418
CORK GATEWAY
272,645
SOUTH WEST REGION
621,130
2006
REMAINDER OF REGION
300,511
KERRY COUNTY
139,835
MALLOW HUB
10,241
TRALEE-KILLARNEY HUB
37,347
Appendix 1: Summary of Population Targets 2006-2022
97
CORK COUNTY
392,119
CORK CITY
125,534
CORK GATEWAY
296,600
SOUTH WEST REGION
667,500
2010
REMAINDER OF REGION
318,800
KERRY COUNTY
149,847
MALLOW HUB
12,400
TRALEE-KILLARNEY HUB
39,700
98
CORK COUNTY
436,920
CORK CITY
134,709
CORK GATEWAY
336,600
SOUTH WEST REGION
737,100
2016
REMAINDER OF REGION
339,300
KERRY COUNTY
165,471
MALLOW HUB
16,500
TRALEE-KILLARNEY HUB
44,700
99
CORK COUNTY
466,531
CORK CITY
150,000
CORK GATEWAY
381,500
SOUTH WEST REGION
795,000
2022
REMAINDER OF REGION
342,100
KERRY COUNTY
178,469
MALLOW HUB
22,000
TRALEE-KILLARNEY HUB
49,400
In order to identify a regional strategy that could facilitate
and manage the growth of the region up to a population of
795,000 persons by 2022, the RPG explored 3 Scenarios
that could set the framework for the management of this
growth. The three Scenarios that were considered in the
RPG are as follows:-
1. Continuation of Current Trends;
2. High Urban Growth;
3. Moderate Urban Growth
Scenario 1: Continuation of Current Trends
One option for the regional settlement strategy would be a
continuation of the existing development trends which is
characterised by high population growth in the villages and
rural areas surrounding the Cork Gateway and
Tralee/Killarney Hub (doughnut effect), the high rate of
growth in the suburbs surrounding Cork City and Hubs and
the consequential decline population growth within Cork
City and Tralee/Killarney urban areas. In this scenario,
Mallow Hub and other main towns of the region will
continue to increase their population base without
corresponding growth in employment, resulting in high
rates of commuting.
This option will also see an increase in the numbers of
persons commuting to the Cork Gateway and Hubs, with
increasing commuting times and distances posing
significant problems for the Region through increased
congestion and significant infrastructure pressures in parts
of the Region. Rural communities will continue to decline
and become further marginalised as the ‘daytime’
countryside is empty of people as commuters replace
traditional rural persons who are intrinsic part of local
communities.
Scenario 2: High Urban Growth
Another development option is where growth would
primarily be focused on the development of the Cork
Gateway and the two Hubs of Mallow and Tralee/Killarney.
The main towns of CASP, Western and Northern areas will
experience higher growth relative to their surrounding
rural areas under this scenario. This option will be
characterised by a sharp upturn in the population of Cork
City, with a moderation of the rate of growth in the
southern suburbs and an acceleration of the rate of
population growth in the northern suburbs of Cork City. It
will also mean a moderation of the rate of population
growth in villages and rural areas so as to achieve a more
balanced rate of growth between urban and rural areas
around the Gateway and Hub towns and higher rates of
population growth in those towns served by sustainable
transport. In Mallow Hub town, there would be continued
growth of population in line with the higher level of
economic growth, thereby reducing the need of the
residents to commute to Cork City. In towns, villages and
rural areas of the Region outside of the Gateway and Hubs,
there would be slower rates of population growth in line
with local employment opportunities.
Scenario 3: Moderate Urban Growth
If there is no large scale investment in the provision of
infrastructure (adequate wastewater treatment, water
services and rapid transit transport in the Gateway and
Hubs) the likely alternative scenario is moderate
population growth in established urban areas. This option
finds itself between the first two scenarios and will be
characterised by a moderate growth in the population
growth of Cork City, the Hubs and main towns as under
this scenario these areas will not have the key
infrastructure in order to reach critical mass.
The development of major Brownfield sites in the Gateway
and Hubs would generate significant advantages to
creating a critical mass of population to compete with
other Regions and internationally. However if significant
investment for Brownfield sites, e.g. the Cork Docklands, is
curtailed an alternative development option would have be
adopted, and scenario 3 represents this option.
100
Appendix 2: Alternative Scenarios
101
Notes
102
Notes
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