Review of southern region development
A public consultation has begun as part of the review of the Regional Spatial and Economic Strategy (RSES).
The RSES sets the long-term plan for how the southern region will grow and develop.
It guides decisions on housing, transport, services, jobs, climate action, and investment.
It also supports the implementation of City and County Development Plans for Carlow, Clare, Cork City and County, Kerry, Kilkenny, Limerick, Tipperary, Waterford, and Wexford.
It will include updated Metropolitan Area Strategic Plans (MASPs) for Cork, Limerick-Shannon, and Waterford.
A spokesperson for the Southern Regional Assembly said that the review is an early opportunity for people to share their ideas on “the big issues that will shape the region for the next decade and beyond”.
They added: “Every voice can play a part in shaping the future of the southern region. Early input is valuable, it helps set the direction before detailed proposals are developed.
“Your view can help influence the themes and priorities that matter most for where you live,” the spokesperson for the Assembly concluded.
The Assembly is requesting views on planning for the homes, services, and amenities that people need, as well as how it can support “vibrant, welcoming, and well-connected communities”, it explained.
The Assembly wants to know which climate and environmental actions should be prioritised, how to build energy independence for the region, and how transport systems can be made more accessible and sustainable.
It also wants to know how it can support a strong, competitive, and fair regional economy, and how to grow skills, innovation, and learning opportunities for people.
Four short issue papers have been prepared to provide background for the public.
These look at the RSES generally, as well as providing background on the strategic plans for the Cork, Waterford, and Limerick-Shannon Metropolitan Areas more respectively.
Submissions can be made between 26 March and 5pm on Friday 22 May.
They can be made online at consult.southernassembly.ie, via email at rses@southernassembly.ie, or by post to RSES Submissions, Southern Regional Assembly, Assembly House, O’Connell Street, Waterford, X91F9PC.
This article was produced with the support of the Local Democracy Reporting Scheme funded by Coimisiún na Meán.