The National Spatial Strategy Where did it come from? Where is it going? Niall Cussen Senior Planning Adviser Department of Environment (RoI)
Derry Letterkenny Larne Belfast Sligo Enniskillen Newry Ballina Monaghan Dundalk Castlebar Cavan Tuam Athlone Mullingar Galway Tullamore Dublin Ennis Limerick /Shannon Kilkenny Wexford Tralee Killarney Mallow Waterford Cork
Some background Spatial Planning in Ireland 88 planning authorities Traditionally, planning focused at the local (city, county, town) levels Pre 2002, no national spatial framework, but national investment programmes and national policy guidance Pre 2004, no regional spatial frameworks except for city region type spatial frameworks Centralised (Govt) administration of capital programmes
Background to the NSS From EC accession, no desire to regionalise / develop a spatial policy approach but Convergence of factors = Celtic Tiger late 90 s.. Debate emerged around national and regional (spatial) policy (NESC IDA various Govt Papers) National Development Plan = Balanced Regional Development a new horizontal policy theme NDP = commitment to prepare the National Spatial Strategy
Why Spatial - Underlying factors Recognition that Ireland (Inc) needed a more strategic approach to planning Dept of Finance recognised role of spatial framework in organising a major capital spending programme Parts of Ireland performing differently leads to political mobilisation that something needs to be done
NSS: Main Aims More Balanced Regional Development A potential based strategy rather than redistributive Seeks to maximise development potential through accelerated development at strategic locations (Gateways) + optimising policies spatially and sectorally to maximise potential at a range of other locations also strengthen the strategic outlook of the planning system within Govt and Local Govt
NSS: Main Policy Instruments Exist at three levels National: influencing capital and other investment programmes of key Govt Departments and Agencies (Transport, Education, Communications, Enterprise ) Regional: Regional Planning Guidelines to act as an integrating/co-ordinating framework for local authorities Local: Better spatial plans, particularly at city and county levels, more strategic outlook, more focused, more ambitious
Government Cross-cutting issues Cabinet Sub-Committee Minister Structuring Implementation Functions Regional / Local Authorities, Social Partners etc. Reg. planning guide lines Monitoring Interaction DoELG Preparing &, reviewing thenss approach Integrating key functions Monitoring & evaluation progress Government Departments / Agencies Embedding policy Supporting NSS Research Updating research New research Links at EU & other levels
Implementation: Where we are now NSS well reflected in Dept/Agency plans eg DoT Statement of Strategy Input to mid term evaluation of NDP + capital envelopes to support NSS Regional Planning Guidelines s in place across the country Plans at gateway level are generally in place
RPG s: where they fit in planning policy terms NSS Regional Guidelines Other National Level Plans/Guidelines e.g.: Capital programmes Guidelines Urban + Village Renewal programmes Serviced Land Development Plans Other Local Level Plans e.g.: CDB strategies Capital programmes Housing Strategy Corporate Plan Local Plans
DoT Investment will leverage 20,000 new homes 50 million in potential contributions Critical mass of Cork boosted to 2020 Effective co-operation between DoT/IE and PA s Effective response by central Govt to a prudent regional/local proposal Other RPG s point to similar types of possibilities.
National Implementation: Key Points NDP and NSS already well aligned Much NDP investment is catch-up eg national roads network, broadband, public transport Key issue - shaping investment post 2006 NSS needs to be transparently influencing the capital envelopes eg (gateway investment)
Belfast Transatlantic Flights Galway Dublin Limerick/ Shannon Cork Waterford London Amsterdam/Rotterdam Frankfurt Paris Ireland - International Spatial Context
NSS Influence of European Spatial Thinking ESDP had just emerged as NSS work started Hugely influential is shaping thinking, eg 22 Research reports Research links strengthening, NIRSA, UCD.. Future needs?
ESPON links with other researchers NSS implementation recognises role for ongoing research Sense of working away on our own.. Much hunger for input of european experience eg Gateway Study.. Need to look at beyond Pentagon issues eg co-ordination of growth promotion / management also innovative approaches periurban management sustainable settlement
Thank You