Policy context – regional
The policy for the Southern region has evolved since the implementation of the 2030 Plan.
The RSES provides an overarching strategic framework for the spatial and economic development of the Southern Region to accommodate projected regional population growth of almost 400,000 persons by 2040.. sustainable development of the city centre area, including the refurbishment of public sector buildings as a means to drive private sector development, tackling dereliction within the city and the conversion of vacant stock to active use and the delivery of an integrated green network of large parks and smaller open spaces within the city. The RSES also identifies a number of National Enablers that align with national policy under the NPF and will help deliver objectives for Cork City, including the delivery of mixed-use regeneration projects under the URDF, identifying infill development opportunities for new housing, enhanced public transport connecting the city centre to the wider metropolitan area and the expansion and integration of third level institutions within the city. The CMATS will be instrumental for the growth and development of both Cork City and wider Cork Metropolitan Area, ensuring there is capacity to accommodate the needs of a growing population and employment base within the region. The RSES highlights Cork’s function as a driver of both regional and national growth and it’s complimentary role to Dublin in attracting international enterprise and investment into Ireland. The Cork Metropolitan Area Strategic Plan (MASP) included under the RSES seeks to capitalise on Cork’s strengths and enhance it’s role as “an international location of scale, a complement to Dublin and a primary driver of economic and population growth in the Southern Region.” As the heart of region, the MASP supports the development and regeneration of Cork City and the consolidation of its function as a vibrant city in which people live, work, shop and socialise. As such, the MASP includes a number of policy objectives aimed at supporting the
Regional Spatial and Economic Strategy (RSES) – Southern Regional Assembly The RSES for the Southern Region came into force in January 2020, superseding the Regional Planning Guidelines (RPGs) for the Mid-West Region. The RSES is a 12-year high-level plan that primarily seeks to support the implementation of the NPF by providing a strategic planning and economic framework for the region’s sustainable growth and development. Cork Metropolitan Area Transport Strategy 2040 (CMATS) The CMATS is a long-term strategic plan for the development of transport infrastructure in the Cork Metropolitan area. The Strategy aims to deliver an accessible and integrated transport network that will support the growth of the Cork Metropolitan Area as a dynamic and internationally competitive European city region, as envisaged under the NPF.
network. A reimagined BusConnects Network will implement radial and orbital routes, along with new bus priority measures to deliver a more efficient and integrated service. A proposed light rail system runs from Mahon Point through the City Centre to Ballincollig in the west, connecting key settlements and enhancing access to and from the City Centre. Together with upgrades to the cycle network and pedestrian-focused interventions such as raised speed tables, kerb build outs and street decluttering, the CMATS will deliver an improved urban experience, ensuring that the City Centre remains safe and attractive for residents and visitors.
The CMATS is guided by 6 key principles that aim to create an accessible, integrated and sustainable transport network. Several of these will directly support the development of a safer and more attractive pedestrian-friendly environment within Cork City Centre, including the prioritisation of sustainable and active travel modes to reduce car dependency and the enhancement of the public realm through traffic management interventions. The CMATS proposes a number of significant infrastructure projects and investments that will enhance and transform Cork’s transport
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