Chapter 4 - Strategic Vision Statement and Delivery

Closed18 Jun, 2022, 8:00am - 2 Aug, 2022, 5:00pm

4          Strategic Vision Statement and Delivery

The purpose of the strategic vision statement of this Proposed LAP is to guide the sustainable future growth of Rathkeale aligned with the provisions of higher-level planning policy set out in Section 1, and the unique challenges and opportunities of the town. Delivering on the vision statement and its objectives will improve quality of life for all citizens in a manner that is collectively conscious of reducing the negative impacts of climate change.

The Strategic Vision Statement is as follows:

‘To fulfil the role of Rathkeale as a Level 3 settlement, sustaining population and economic growth through a mix of high quality residential development (choice and tenure), education and employment opportunities, including smart tech and tourism, sustainable mobility, a strengthened retail/commercial town centre, community infrastructure, active lifestyles and recreation choice, and sustaining Rathkeale’s unique heritage assets.  The future development of Rathkeale will provide for low carbon, sustainable and consolidated growth in a coherent spatial manner'.

4.1        Core Strategy Compliance

The Core Strategy for Limerick is set out in Chapter 2 of the Draft Limerick Development Plan 2022 – 2028. Section 19 (2) of the Planning and Development Act 2000 (as amended) requires that: A Local Area Plan shall be consistent with the objectives of the Development Plan, its Core Strategy, and any Regional Spatial and Economic Strategy that apply to the area of the plan...

4.2        Population Projections, Capacity and Residential Land Availability for Rathkeale

According to the Census, Rathkeale had a population of 1,441 persons in 2016, representing a decrease of 7% on the 2011 Census population. The town experienced population growth during 2002 – 2011 period. The Core Strategy of the Draft Limerick Development Plan makes assumptions with respect to population projections and allocations throughout Limerick.  These assumptions include the additional residential units and zoned land requirements for each settlement, in accordance with the NPF, the Implementation Roadmap for the NPF and the RSES. The Draft Limerick Development Plan is also informed by the Regional Demographics and Structural Housing Demand at County Level, ESRI Research Series No.111, 2020.  As determined by the Draft Limerick Development Plan, the assumed Rathkeale population growth allocation is an additional 403 persons to 2028 (+28% on the 2016 Census figure). This equates to a projected requirement for an additional 147 residential units over the period up to 2028, based on an average of 2.6 persons.

Settlement Level

Census Pop. 2016

2016 – 2028 Pop. growth

Envisaged population total 2028

No. of new residences required to 2028

Quantum of land required (hectare -ha)

Total land zoned Serviced Sites @10

units per ha

Total Land  zoned New Residential @22 per ha

3

1,441

403

1,844

147

8.3

2.2

6.06

Table 1: Population growth and residential unit and land quantum required in Rathkeale according to Core Strategy, Draft Limerick Development Plan 2022 – 2028

Given the level and diversity of services and amenities available in Rathkeale as a Level 3 Settlement, its accessibility to the National Road network, availability of serviceable lands,  it is anticipated that Rathkeale will attract inward investment for future population growth in accordance with the objectives of the NPF and RSES. On this basis, the assumed scale of growth for the Rathkeale is considered reasonable and will be progressed on lands including opportunity, infill and brownfield sites.  The National Planning Framework requires that 30% of all new housing within Rathkeale occurs within the existing built-up footprint.

A Settlement Capacity Audit (SCA) assessing the key infrastructure available to the individual sites identified as suitable for the provision of New Residential, Serviced Sites and Enterprise and Employment has been set out in Appendix 2 of this Plan. The SCA identifies the infrastructure necessary to support future development. An indicative timeframe for the delivery of critical infrastructure i.e. short, medium or long term is included.

Core Strategy Policy 

CS P1: To ensure compliance with the population projections of the Core Strategy (or any revision thereof), the Planning Authority shall monitor the type of developments permitted in Rathkeale, including the number of residential units constructed on an annual basis.

4.3        Strategic Objectives to deliver the Core Strategy

This Proposed Local Area Plan is based on a number of general objectives designed to improve the quality of life of the community of Rathkeale, which the Council will endeavour to implement during the lifetime of the plan in partnership with other agencies. The development of Rathkeale over the lifetime of this plan focuses on sustainable growth of the built environment, employment generation, and the provision of community and social services together in a low carbon, compact, consolidated and connected pattern of development.

The following are the interlinked strategic objectives in relation to the delivery of the Strategy:

Strategic Objectives to deliver the Core Strategy 

It is an objective of the Council to:

  1. Seek the sustainable intensification and consolidation of the existing built environment in accordance with the objectives for compact growth in higher-level spatial plans through appropriate infill, brownfield development, supported by the necessary physical and community infrastructure.   
  1. Promote sustainable economic development, enterprise and employment opportunities and prioritise the town centre as the primary location for retail and services.
  1. Promote and facilitate sustainable modes of transport prioritising walking, cycling and public transport, whilst protecting and improving existing road infrastructure.
  1. Protect, conserve and enhance the built environment, through promoting awareness, utilising relevant heritage legislation and ensuring quality urban design principles are applied to all new developments, respecting historic and architectural heritage.
  1. Protect, enhance and connect areas of natural heritage, green and blue infrastructure and open space for the benefits of quality of life and biodiversity, capitalising on climate change adaptation and flood risk measures.
  1. Ensure the highest quality of public realm and urban design principles are applied to all new developments.
  1. Guide the future development of Rathkeale in accordance the Town Centre First policy approach seeking to bring people and appropriate business/services back into the heart of Rathkeale through place-making, good quality urban design, and sustainable mobility.  
  1. Ensure the future development of Rathkeale supports the just transition to a low carbon society and economy, implementing national policy to reduce gas emissions, improve environmental quality and contribute to national targets for climate change.