I am concerned that the compact development objectives will be undermined by opening up tracts of land beyond the county boundary for development. This is an incoherent approach and does not align with the required transformation to a low carbon economy.
For example the claim on Page 5 of the volume 2 settlements and zoning maps that “In addition, there are a number of indicative road proposals which will alleviate local congestion. Two major new road projects, Including the Limerick Northern Distributor Road and the LIHAF road at Mungret, will unlock the potential of substantial tracks of land for development, while alleviating congestion and contributing to the ease of movements of goods and vehicles through the city.
The claim that additional capacity for cars will alleviate congestion is demonstrably false in the medium term. Traffic engineers have understood induced demand since the 1950’s. Providing space for more cars just gets you more cars. It is ineffective as a congestion abatement strategy even before you look at the negative environmental and climate aspects.