Chapter 4 - Strategic Vision Statement and Delivery
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'.
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:
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