Help shape the future of the south
You can get your views heard on the development of Cork and the entire region this Friday at a special event at the Millennium Hall.
The public consultation has been organised as the Southern Regional Assembly begins its review of the Regional Spatial and Economic Strategy (RSES) and Metropolitan Area Strategic Plans for Cork, Limerick and Waterford.
A local public consultation event takes place in the Millennium Hall (T12 T997) on Friday 15 May, from 3pm to 6.30pm. Members of the public are invited to drop in to meet the Southern Regional Assembly Staff, learn about the review, and share their ideas for the future of the region and Cork.
“This review is a once‑in‑six‑years opportunity for people in Cork and across the southern region to shape how our communities develop,” said David Kelly, Director of the Southern Regional Assembly. “We encourage everyone to come along, share their ideas, and help us build a sustainable and thriving region.”
The RSES and Metropolitan Area Strategic Plans are the long-term strategic plans that guide how the southern region will grow and develop, shaping decisions on housing, transport, services, jobs, climate action, and public investment. It also underpins the local authority development plans, including the Cork City and Cork County Development Plans.
The Assembly is seeking views on key questions, including:
How we plan for the homes, services and amenities our communities need
Supporting vibrant, sustainable and well-connected towns and neighbourhoods
Prioritising climate action and environmental protection
Building energy independence
Improving accessible, low carbon transport options
Growing a strong, competitive and fair regional economy
Enhancing skills, innovation and learning opportunities
For Cork, the review will help shape priorities for metropolitan growth, transport connections, housing delivery, university‑related development, and economic opportunities across the city and county.
To support public engagement, four issues papers, including the Cork Metropolitan Area Strategic Plan Issues Paper, are now available at southernassembly.ie/rses-review and at planning counters in all 10 local authorities across the southern region.
Submission options
The public can share their views until 5pm on 22 May through:
Online: consult.southernassembly.ie
Email: rses@southernassembly.ie
Post: RSES Submissions, Southern Regional Assembly, Assembly House, O’Connell Street, Waterford, X91 F8PC
Early public input helps shape the overall direction of the new strategies before detailed proposals are drafted. Further opportunities to comment will follow later in the review process.