Draft Regional Spatial

and Economic Strategy - Southern Region

Submission from County Council

0 P a g e | 1

Wexford County Council P a g e | 2

Executive Summary

Wexford County Council (WCC) welcomes the opportunity to comment on the Draft Regional Spatial and Economic Strategy (RSES). WCC make the following suggestions to the RSES which would see a much improved and strengthened strategy to the benefit of the whole region.

WCC welcomes the holistic objectives which form the strategy outlined in Section 2.2 and consider that they will positively influence the sustainable development of the region. The RSES would benefit from a more defined strategy which clearly outlines the dynamics of the strategy. This section should be explicit in stating what the strategy is and how it will achieve its vision and deliver effective regional development to the benefit of the whole region. This should be accompanied by a clearly identified, named and graphically illustrated Spatial Strategy, Economic Strategy and Settlement Hierarchy1. It should provide a vision and strategy for each of the components of the region; the Southern Region, each Strategic Planning Area, the three Metropolitan Areas, each county, the Key Towns, other towns and villages, rural areas and Networks. The strategy needs to clearly address and plan for the mechanisms by which the MASPs will drive the development of the region.

WCC request that the key principle of ‘tackling legacies’ in urban centres is expanded to include tackling legacies and regional socio-economic disparities in all areas and at all levels of the hierarchy. The theme legacies/disparities should be reflected throughout the RSES, in particular, the sections relating to employment, education and quality of life and it should be linked to URDF/RRDF/DTF/CAF funds. The provision of the Technological University of the South East and, in particular, the development of the Wexford Campus will be crucial in addressing disparities in socio-economic outcomes and the development of the various campuses should be referenced in the RSES.

The definition of Key Towns in the RSES is ‘Large or strategically located towns which have an accessibility and influence in a regional or sub regional context’. and towns are clearly consistent with this definition and it is imperative that they are included as Key Towns having regard to their future development and the role they can play in serving the region. The methodology by which Key Towns were selected is unclear and requires further examination.

There is limited focus on non-Key Towns and villages in the RSES. WCC request that the settlements of the region are characterised and regional policy responses identified per settment typology which expand on NPO 6 and NPO 7 of the NPF.

Section 3.3 Rural Areas focuses primarily on single houses in rural areas. WCC request that this section is expanded to address all the components that contribute to sustainable rural areas and communities including local services, community facilities, education, transport, public realm and quality of life. It should also address rural poverty, deprivation, disparities and education in rural areas.

WCC welcomes the inclusion of the Eastern Economic Corridor (part of UNECE Route E01) from --. WCC respectfully request that this corridor is further developed in the RSES in the

1 It is noted that while a Settlement Hierarchy is referred to throughout the RSES Section 3.3 refers to Settlement Typology. Wexford County Council P a g e | 3

same way that the Atlantic Economic Corridor is envisaged in the NPF, with a committed investment package. The Corridor should be supported by strong objectives which commit to the development of clusters of employment and smart specialisms using a shared, educated workforce and which would be facilitated by the provision of an efficient, sustainable transport system. WCC further request that the Eastern Economic Corridor and the other networks referred to in Section 3.8 are changed from ‘examples’ to proposals for development/further development with associated RPOs.

WCC note that the Southern Regional Assembly has directly transferred the population allocation figures from the Implementation Roadmap for the National Planning Framework (DHPLG, 2018) to the RSES. WCC expresses serious concerns that these figures provide for insufficient growth to accommodate demographic change in the counties of the region. WCC commissioned population projections which indicate that population growth will be higher than that which has been allocated to . The consequence of this will be a shortage of housing, overheating of the housing market and further misalignment between where people live and work.

WCC notes that the model contained in the Roadmap2 itself provides insufficient information to interrogate the figures provided and this will present difficulties for planning authorities when preparing Core Strategies for their County Development Plans. It is clear that the Roadmap envisaged that these figures would be further elaborated upon in the RSES. Having regard to the critical importance of these figures in land use planning and the delivery of housing units it is imperative that the Regional Assembly, in association with the DHPLG, review the population allocations in the Roadmap with a view to providing clarity on the methodology which was used to arrive at the projections/allocations. This information should be provided to local authorities so that meaningful comments could be provided on the figures.

The Economic Strategy set out in Section 4.2 would benefit from a greater level of detail on the policy mechanisms that will be utilised to ensure employment growth will be distributed to the benefit of the region. Section 1.2 of the RSES indicates that the MASPS will act as economic drivers for their wider regions, however no detail is provided on the policy mechanisms that will transfer this benefit to the region. Section 1.3 of the RSES indicates that there is evidence of significant decline in smaller towns and villages and that provision of services, investment and policy support is urgently needed to arrest decline and bolster and consolidate these vital settlements. It is requested that the Economic Strategy should include objectives to support investment and employment creation in the smaller towns and villages to arrest decline.

The NPF places a strong emphasis on aligning population and employment growth in order to achieve more balanced growth and sustainable development. It is requested that the RSES gives a significant focus to the generation of local sources of employment to reduce commuting levels.

It is recommended that that RPO 593, the Guiding principles to identify locations for strategic employment development and the Guiding principles for investment prioritisation in place making for enterprise development should be relocated to Section 4.2 as they are integral to the strategy. It is recommended that the wording of this RPO and these sections are amended to ‘address unemployment black spots/legacies,

2 This information on application of these projections/allocations is also not available in the ESRI document ‘Prospects for Irish Regions and Counties Scenarios and Implications (ESRI 2018) 3 Which requires employment uses development to follow the ‘hierarchy‘ Wexford County Council P a g e | 4

support the development of existing sectoral and area based strengths and/or create synergies with existing employers’ and refer to the ‘availability of appropriate ready-to-go property solutions’.

WCC welcomes the focus on Rosslare Europort and the recognition that it is a strategic national asset. The stated support for the upgrade of the port from Tier 2 to Tier 1 is also welcomed. Investment in Rosslare Europort needs to be urgently prioritised with a focus on infrastructure to develop freight handling and logistics, port deepening and expansion, an upgrade of the Terminal and public realm enhancement at the port, along with investments to improve connectivity to the port, e.g. by road-the M11 Oilgate-Rosslare and the road scheme; and by rail-the enhancement of commuter services, electrification and increased rail freight. There is also a need to focus on developing and enhancing the settlement of Rosslare Harbour to support and maximise the potential offered by the port. WCC requests that the reference to the ‘Port Review’ should be developed to reference the future development and expansion of the port.

WCC is progressing the development of a greenway from Rosslare Europort to to interconnect with the Waterford Greenway and the New Ross Greenway. The proposal is to develop the greenway along the out- of-service rail line from Rosslare (Strand) to Waterford. It is important, from Wexford’s perspective, that the RSES does not become a bar to the greenway project proceeding.

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1.0 Introduction Wexford County Council (WCC) welcomes the opportunity to comment on the draft Regional Spatial and Economic Strategy for the Southern Region (RSES) and acknowledges the inclusion in the RSES of elements of previous submissions made by WCC at earlier stages in the process.

The RSES is being prepared at crucial juncture in spatial and economic planning in being the first such strategy subsequent to the National Planning Framework (NPF), the reordering of regional governance and the change in local government functions as a result of Local Government Reform Act 2014. It is an unprecedented opportunity to align spatial and economic planning to the benefit of the region, its people and environment.

2.0 Strategic Vision, People and Places WCC welcomes the holistic objectives which form the strategy outlined in Section 2.2 and consider that they will positively influence the sustainable development of the region. However, it is considered that the RSES would benefit from a more defined strategy which its dynamics clearly outlined This section should be explicit in stating what the strategy is and how it will achieve its vision and deliver effective regional development to the benefit of the whole region. This should be accompanied by a clearly identified, named and graphically illustrated Spatial Strategy, Economic Strategy and Settlement Hierarchy4.

The strategy should be amended to include a vision and strategy for each of the components of the region; the Southern Region, each Strategic Planning Area (SPA), the three Metropolitan Areas, each county, the Key Towns, other towns and villages, rural areas and networks. This should be represented in a spatial strategy map of the region and a clear set of objectives/policy responses should be set out to achieve the visions for each component of the hierarchy.

The NPF identified issues with scale and peripherality which have resulted in imbalanced regional development in Ireland. In response the NPF proposes to develop ‘centres of scale’ through the development of the MASPs. The NPF indicates that the key future planning and development priorities for the Southern Region include:  Developing and implementing comprehensive and strategic metropolitan area spatial plans…as drivers for wider regions;  Measures to support the integrated development of remoter parts of this region;  More emphasis on consolidating the development of places that grew rapidly in the past decade…with a particular focus on addressing local community and amenity provision through targeted investment under the relevant NPF National Strategic Outcomes;  Preparing and implementing a rejuvenation priorities programme, to shape and inform the delivery of the Regeneration and Development Fund

It is further stated that: Given the unique urban composition of the south east and the objective to enable Waterford city of scale, an agreed development strategy is required to build Waterford’s population and employment while enabling surrounding urban centres to perform complementary roles.

4 It is noted that while a Settlement Hierarchy is referred to throughout the RSES Section 3.3 refers to Settlement Typology. Wexford County Council P a g e | 6

The mechanisms by which the MASPs will be leveraged to ensure the region as a whole will benefit needs to be planned and fully detailed in the strategy. In particular, having regard to the make-up of the south east, the measures to ensure that surrounding urban centres will be enabled to grow in population and employment must be explicit.

NPO 7 of the NPF requires the preparation of a tailored approach to reverse stagnation and decline and address the legacy of rapid unplanned growth. WCC welcomes that one of the key principles of the strategy is to tackle ‘legacies such as concentrations of disadvantage in central urban areas through social, economic, recreational, cultural, environmental, as well as physical infrastructure regeneration’. This key principle should be expanded to include the tackling of such legacies and regional socio-economic disparities in all areas and at all levels of the hierarchy. It is requested that a specific section be added to Section 3 entitled People and Places alongside Section 3.11 Regeneration. This section should include objectives to improve socio-economic outcomes and develop resilience and should be supported by RPOs which commit to cross state departmental investment packages and the URDF/RRDF/DTF/CAF funds. This theme of tackling regional disparities and legacies should be reflected throughout the RSES and, in particular, the sections relating to employment, education and quality of life.

2.1 Key Towns WCC welcomes the inclusion of Wexford Town and Town in the RSES. However, it is imperative that Enniscorthy Town and New Ross Town are also included as Key Towns. Key Towns are described in the strategy as ‘Large or strategically located towns which have an accessibility and influence in a regional or sub regional context’. Both Enniscorthy Town and New Ross Town are clearly consistent with this definition and can play an important role as sub-regional towns in the South East SPA. Appendix 1 provides recommended text for Enniscorthy Town and New Ross Town. It also includes revised wording for the Key Town of Wexford.

2.1.1 Enniscorthy Town Enniscorthy Town is one of the sixteen settlements of scale, identified in Table 1.3, which have a population over 10,000 persons. Of those settlements all, with the exception of Enniscorthy Town and Tramore, have been designated for development-either as part of a MASP or as a Key Town. Enniscorthy Town is easily accessible and well-located. It has an employment ratio of 1.1, which is above the regional average, indicating the important role it plays as a sub-regional employment location. The town’s wastewater treatment plant is currently being upgraded and the M11 by-pass of the town will be completed in July of 2019. The OPW Flood Defence Scheme is due to commence in late 2019. The town is an attractive place to live and its development for further residential and employment will ensure a positive return on the recent infrastructural investment in the town.

2.1.2 New Ross Town New Ross Town has a population of 8,041 and it is strategically located in close proximity to the Waterford MASP, bordering County and has road access to Kilkenny City. The town is a strategic employment location with a jobs ratio of 1.07 which is above the regional average. It is an attractive town and has recently added significantly to its amenity and heritage assets with the development of the Library Park, quay side public realm and riverwalk and development of the Norman Way Heritage Trail. The by-pass of the town will be completed in July 2019 and the town has adequate infrastructural capacity to accommodate future

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development. The town has significant potential as a strategic location for future housing and employment development to complement the role of the Waterford MASP.

2.1.3 Methodology for Selection of Key Towns2.1.3 Methodology for Selection of Key Towns The methodology by which Key Towns were selected is unclear. The towns selected would not appear to share common characteristics of size, function or spatial distribution. WCC requests that a clear and rational method is used to select Key Towns. The methodology should be based on an analysis of the spatial characteristics of the region including settlement structure, function, spatial distribution, capacity for development and ability of centres to serve the region and to be self-sustaining locations for residential and employment development.

This methodology should be clearly outlined in the RSES and/or should form part of stakeholder consultations in advance of amendments to the RSES so that meaningful feedback can be provided. The characteristics which become apparent as a result of the application of the methodology will then set the vision for these settlements and assist in the formulation of the policy mechanisms required to enable them to contribute to the development of the region and/or develop complementary roles to the MASP.

WCC notes that the existing Regional Planning Guidelines for the South East Region 2010-2022 (RPG) designate a significant number of settlements below the level of Key Towns and state that these settlements will be targeted for growth. A number of statutory Section 28 Guidelines outline policies which must be implemented in settlements which are targeted for growth in the RPG5. In the absence of the designation of these settlements in the RSES these policies will not apply or will inadequately apply. WCC request that an impact analysis is carried out by the Regional Assembly of the implications of the removal of these guidelines for land use planning and the preparation of Local Area Plans for the settlements effected.

It is also noted that the NPF requires settlements which are to be targeted for more than 30% growth to 2040 to be identified subject to agreement at regional level6. No such settlements have been identified.

2.2 Towns and Villages There is a limited focus on non-Key Towns and villages. The strategy set out in Section 3.6 is general, undertaking ‘to seek to strengthen the region’s urban and rural fabric through vibrant towns and villages. Investment will be sought for infrastructure and refurbishment initiatives to support job creation, economic, administrative and social functions of these settlements’. The general challenges facing towns and villages are outlined and it is indicated that ‘through a sustainable place framework renewal in our towns and villages will be enabled’ through three stated mechanisms7.

This does not provide the tailored approach envisaged by the NPF. It is requested that specific, tailored RPOs are provided to guide the development of these settlements, in particular the settlements above 1,500 persons, to allocate population growth, economic development, physical and social infrastructures. It is requested that RPOs are provided which link the required development objectives to funding under

5 For example-Guidelines for Planning Authorities Sustainable Residential Development in Urban Areas Cities, Towns and Villages (DEHLG, 2009) and Flood Risk Management-Guidelines for Planning Authorities (DEHLG and OPW, 2009) 6 NPF, p62 7 Mechanisms: (i) new homes in small towns and villages initiatives, (ii) investment in particular towns and village renewal initiatives and (iii) co- ordination between local authorities, Irish Water and other stakeholders to deliver investment in water and wastewater Draft RSES, page 70 Wexford County Council P a g e | 8

URDF/RRDF/DTF/CAF. Given the proportion of regional population living in these settlements (Table 3.4), their economic and social importance and their role in achieving various NPOs and NSOs in the NPF, significantly more attention needs to be given to their development in the RSES.

Section 3.3 places a reliance on county development plans for all settlement levels below the cities and Key Towns. While planning authorities are well-placed to apply this tailored approach at the local level, it is respectively suggested that the RSES provide a regional context which includes the development of regional settlement typologies. Once typologies (under urban pressure, declining etc.) are developed, corresponding specific objectives should be provided in the RSES. As with Key Towns this should be based on an analysis of the spatial characteristics of the region including settlement structure, function, spatial distribution, capacity for development and ability to serve the region and to be self-sustaining locations for residential and employment development.

With regard to NPO 6 and NPO 7 there is a limited focus in the RSES on regeneration and rejuvenation (in the case of both Key Towns and other Towns and Villages). The RSES needs to provide more detail, guidance and proposals for reversing the stagnation and decline of these towns and villages (in the context of the settlement typologies referred to above). There needs to be a much stronger focus and guidance on repurposing. It must also be recognised that repurposing is not a viable proposition for all settlements outside the MASPs/Key Towns and this must be reflected in alternative RPOs for these settlements. As previously mentioned, further detail is required throughout the RSES (including the strategy, employment and quality of life) to address the legacies identified in NPO 7 of the NPF and to enable them to become self-contained settlements.

In the context of NPO 6 and NPO 7 new RPOs are required to link the newly created RPOs to URDF/RRDF to allow local authorities to compete for funding to ensure that the RPOs can be implemented to the benefit of the region.

The development of infrastructure should be plan-led (rather than development being infrastructure-led) and Irish Water must be required to follow Regional and County Development Plan core strategies and settlements hierarchies. Such references should be changed throughout the RSES. With regard to RPO 24(e) New Homes in Small Towns and Villages, WCC would welcome further detail on this initiative-where will it apply and how will be funded, i.e. how will it be linked to the RRDF?

The RSES also needs to focus on the application of key Section 28 Guidelines across the different settlement typologies, e.g. the recently published Building Heights Guidelines cannot be blankly applied across all settlements. WCC would welcome clarity and guidance in this regard.

2.3 Rural Areas This section, in particular RPO 25, is mainly focused on single housing in rural areas8. It is respectively suggested that Section 3 would benefit from a detailed strategy to address all the components that contribute to sustainable rural areas and communities including local services, community facilities, education, transport, public realm and quality of life. There is also a need to address rural poverty, deprivation areas, disparities and

8 Defined as “settlements of less than 1, 500 people and surrounding rural areas” Wexford County Council P a g e | 9

education in rural areas. This section also needs to provide RPOs relating to projects etc to assist with leveraging funding under RRDF/DTF/CAF.

2.4 Regeneration The NPF identifies key future planning and development and place-making policy priorities for the Southern Region9 which includes “preparing and implementing a regional rejuvenation priorities programme to shape and inform delivery of the Regeneration and Development Fund and identifying significant ready-to-go city, rural town and village and rural rejuvenation priorities harnessing publicly owned land and other assets that are not being used actively at present, such as former healthcare, military, transport and other complexes and combining the potential of such assets with community and wider private and public sector support and investment to bring about the transformation at both urban and rural areas and places in an integrated manner’. It is considered that the scope of RPO 31 and 32 should be widened to address in more detail rejuvenation priorities and to guide applications under the URDF/RRDF. RPO 31 also needs to reflect that vacant units can be used for uses other than residential, e.g. retail, commercial and economic.

It is recommended that an additional RPO similar to the following be included10: “In county development plans and local area plans, local authorities shall prioritise the regeneration of rural towns and villages through the identification of regeneration projects for rural towns and villages which could harness untapped assets with community and wider private and public sector support and investment including the Urban Regeneration and Development Fund and the Rural Regeneration and Development Fund”.

2.5 Networks The RSES recognises the importance of networks in order to build on the shared strengths of the region and reduce peripherality. Some areas, in particular north Wexford, and parts of north Kilkenny, which fall within the hinterlands of the Dublin Metropolitan Area, are poorly integrated into the Southern Region being removed from the three MASPs, the Atlantic Economic Corridor and other economic and investment vehicles of the RSES.

North Wexford is highly dependent on employment in the Greater Dublin Area with up to 30% of the workforce of Gorey Town leaving the county for employment11. These commuting patterns are not sustainable or desirable and under the ‘business-as-usual’ scenario/ in the absence of appropriate policies, will continue. The development of a network of self-reliant employment clusters along the eastern seaboard would counteract this. This network is crucial to improve economic performance, quality of life and socio-economic outcomes in County Wexford and address regional disparities.

WCC welcomes the inclusion of the Eastern Economic Corridor (EEC) from Rosslare Europort-Dublin-Belfast in the RSES. This corridor (which forms part of UNECE Route E01) must be planned as a sustainable transport and economic corridor. While it is an important corridor in its own right, it is even more prudent in the context of the uncertainty of trading relations between Dublin and Belfast. WCC request that the EEC is further developed in the RSES in the same way that the Atlantic Economic Corridor is envisaged in the NPF, with a committed investment package. The corridor should be supported by strong objectives which commit to the development

9 NPF, page 47 10 Similar to the draft EMRA 11 Analysis carried by AIRO in 2015 and 2018 on behalf of Wexford County Council. Wexford County Council P a g e | 10

of clusters of employment and smart specialisms using a shared, educated workforce and which would be facilitated by the provision of an efficient, sustainable transport system. The EEC should also be referenced in sections 2.2 Our Strategy, 3.3 A Tailored Approach (and indicated on the map therein), 4.4 Our Regions Economic Engines and 6 Connectivity.

It is recommended that the ‘Wexford-Rosslare Europort Change Location’ be renamed and further detail included on its development and role in serving the region.

2.6 Population Growth WCC note that the Regional Assembly has directly transferred the population allocation figures from the Implementation Roadmap for the National Planning Framework (DHPLG, 2018) to the RSES. WCC expresses serious concerns that these figures provide for insufficient growth to accommodate demographic change in the counties of the region. While WCC accepts that, as outlined in the NPF, it is necessary to change the ‘business-as-usual’ unsustainable patterns of population growth, the application of these growth allocations must be realistic and take account of real housing pressures in the region.

The application of restrictive population growth figures will impact most negatively on housing supply and the housing markets of counties within the commuter belt12. In these areas the accommodation of locally generated housing and housing associated with local employment is threatened by competition for housing for commuters to the Dublin Metropolitan Area. These areas (such as North Wexford) are also the most poorly integrated areas in the region and will not benefit from a choice housing provision within the MASP areas.

WCC has commissioned population projections which indicate the population growth will be higher than that which has been allocated to County Wexford. The consequence of this will be a shortage of housing, overheating of the housing market and further misalignment between where people live and work.

WCC notes that the model contained in the Roadmap13 itself provides insufficient information to interrogate the figures provided and this will present difficulties for planning authorities of the region when preparing Core Strategies for their County Development Plans. In this regard, WCC note the figures in Appendix 1 are called population projections but would appear to be population allocations which have been adjusted to accommodate headroom. It is unclear whether such headroom has been applied to the individual counties as it is stated that ‘Cumulatively, this means provision for 50% more growth than is required to 2026 has effectively been accounted for at national level’. This would appear to suggest that headroom has been calculated nationally rather than at individual county level.

WCC also expresses concern that it is stated in the Roadmap that ‘Scope for headroom, not exceeding 25%, can be considered to 2026 in those counties where projected population growth is projected to be at above the national average baseline’. Certain counties are then listed but County Wexford is not included. It would appear from the figures provided in Appendix 2 of the Roadmap that the projected increase for County Wexford is at or above the national average baseline (although, as mentioned above, pre-adjustment

12 Significant parts of north County Wexford have been included in the defined Hinterlands Eastern and Midlands Region Assembly RSES based on the fact that more than 15% of the workforce commutes to the Dublin Metropolitan Area. 13 This information on the application of these projections/allocations is also not available in the ESRI document ‘Prospects for Irish Regions and Counties –Scenarios and Implications (ESRI, 2018) Wexford County Council P a g e | 11

projections are not available). Notwithstanding, it is considered arbitrary that some counties could be allocated 25% being projected as ‘at’ the national average baseline and other counties allocated no headroom being a fraction of a percentage below the national average baseline. This may result in significant variance in zoning for the provision of housing for counties with similar population projections. It is also unclear whether any headroom has been provided for in the period between 2026 and 2031.

It is clear that the Roadmap envisaged that these figures would be further elaborated upon in the RSES, for instance, it is noted that in certain instances ‘provision may be made to enable planning for aggregate growth within that county up to the national average baseline’.

Having regard to the critical importance of these figures in land use planning and the provision of housing it is imperative that the Regional Assembly, in association with the Department of Housing, Planning and Local Government, review the population allocations in the Roadmap with a view to providing clarity on the methodology which was used to arrive at the projections/allocations. This information should be provided to local authorities so that meaningful comments could be provided on the figures. When this is completed the Regional Assembly will be able to fully address the allocation and implementation of these growth figures at a regional and county level. WCC further request that specific guidance is provided on the application of the figures in Development Plan Core Strategies to ensure a consistent approach in the region.

3.0 A Strong Economy 3.1 The Strategy The NPF places a strong emphasis on aligning population and employment growth in order to achieve more balanced growth and sustainable development. It is recognised that this means some settlements will need to attract increased population whereas others will need more jobs. The NPF indicates that balanced employment and housing development in key settlements and county towns must be based on quality of life rather than long distance commuting to Dublin as is apparent in County Wexford. It is requested that the RSES gives a significant focus to the generation of local sources of employment to reduce commuting levels.

Section 4.4 of the NPF states that in order to facilitate dynamic employment-led opportunity, the approach to population growth outlined in NPO 9 must be applied. This would suggest that settlements may be identified for significant employment growth subject to a co-ordinated strategy that ensures alignment with investment in infrastructure and the provision of employment, together with supporting amenities and services. Section 2.1 of the NPF states ‘it is emphasised that a settlement that is not specifically identified or for which specific targets are not set in this national Framework, is by no means precluded from future growth or investment’. It is considered important that this is restated in the RSES.

The Economic Strategy set out in Section 4.2 would benefit from a greater level of detail on the policy mechanisms that will be utilised to ensure employment growth will be distributed to the benefit of the region. Section 1.2 indicates that the MASPs will act as economic drivers for their wider regions. However, this is not expanded upon within Section 4.2 to demonstrate how the MASPs will benefit the entire region. WCC request that the strategy is amended to include an economic characterisation of each county which will demonstrate the diversity of the region. The sectoral and other strengths and opportunities within each county should be identified and these should be developed into objectives to guide future investment, development and policy formulation. WCC also request that the strategy is expanded to include an economic vision and supporting

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objectives for the region and each of the counties, the Key Towns, towns and villages and the rural areas. These will set the framework for County Development Plan policy, Local Area Plan policy and guide future investment.

Section 1.3 of the RSES indicates that there is evidence of significant decline in smaller towns and villages and that provision of services, investment and policy support is urgently needed to arrest decline and bolster and consolidate these vital settlements. It is requested that the Economic Strategy should include objectives to support investment and employment creation in the smaller towns and villages to arrest decline.

It is noted that the MASP includes a section on the distribution of growth where 29% (65,000 jobs) of the NPF employment projections for the Southern Region are allocated to Cork MASP. It is important that MASPs are not developed to the extent that they will result in the decline of other counties within the region. Such development would present particular difficulties for County Wexford which is poorly integrated into the region, being removed from the three MASPs, Atlantic Economic Corridor and other economic and investment vehicles of the RSES.

NPO 10b of the NPF states ‘Regional and Local Authorities to identify and quantify locations for strategic employment development, where suitable, in urban and rural areas generally’. The RSES has identified ‘locations for strategic employment development’ within the MASPs. WCC request that the RSES should list locations for strategic employment development outside the MASPS. This list would include Trinity Wharf in Wexford Town, Wexford IDA Park, Rosslare Europort, Enniscorthy Business and Technology Park, New Ross Business Park and the M11 Business Park, Gorey.

It is recommended that Section 4.2 ‘The Strategy’ and Section 4.4 Our Regions Economic Engines should be expanded to include objectives relating to the following:  Require that population growth and employment growth within the region is aligned;  Require that employment growth is tailored to address unemployment legacies in all the towns and villages throughout the region;  Provide for employment creation in settlements that have unsustainable levels of commuting;  Identify locations for strategic employment development outside the MASPS;  Locate employment in locations that will address socio-economic disparities and legacies;  Provide for employment creation in locations where the workforce is not sufficiently diversified or dependent on recession vulnerable employment such as construction, tourism and retail;  Address disparity in educational attainment and skills development across the region;  Redress the imbalance in FDI investment in the region.

It is recommended that that RPO 59, and the ‘Guiding principles to identify locations for strategic employment development’ and ‘Guiding principles for investment prioritisation in place-making for enterprise development’ be relocated to Section 4.2 ‘The Strategy’ as they are integral to the strategy.

It is further recommended that RPO 59 Locations for Employment Development is reworded as follows: a. It is an objective to ensure employment locations generally follow the hierarchy identified in Chapter 3, are evidence based, work to address unemployment black spots/legacies, support the development of existing sectoral and area based strengths and/or create synergies with existing employers.

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b. It is an objective to identify future locations for strategic employment development having regard to accessibility by sustainable transport modes, environmental constraints, access to utilities, connectivity, and other enterprise development factors.

The ‘Guiding principles for investment prioritisation in place making for enterprise development’ should be amended to include the following:  The presence of unemployment black spots and employment legacies, existing strengths and synergies  Availability of appropriate ready to go property solutions

WCC welcomes the sentence in Section 4.2 of the RSES which states ‘There is a common misconception that a cluster has to be a specific town/city or area of a town or city – the categorisation of clusters needs to be viewed in a global context when we seek to attract FDI as companies can consider Ireland to be a relatively small geographic area when compared to other jurisdictions’. As a regional strategy it would be beneficial to include guidance for planning authorities on how to enable each county to maximise opportunities created by modern cluster policies and how to translate this into county development plan policy.

3.2 Economic Development in Rural Development The CEDRA report recognised that the changing nature of rural areas means rural economic development is not amenable to single sector strategies but requires new integrated approaches to economic development. The objectives contained in the RSES with regard to rural areas should reflect this and should include a broader range of sectors to achieve sustainable rural economic development. The RSES must ensure that rural areas are resilient to rural restructuring and economic change. It is further recommended that detailed consideration be given to the nature of rural development and the many sectors with potential for significant, high value, employment generation.

For example, WCC draws attention to the development of the seafood sector and its potential for value added sustainable rural employment. WCC has identified as having significant potential for further development. It is one of the few ports with seafood processing of scale in the Southern Region. WCC has acquired 14 ha. of land adjacent to the village for the development of a marine park. WCC has commissioned a feasibility study which envisages the development of a marine centre of scale comprising a Research and Development centre and facilities to service the industry such as cold storage. The third element of this WCC strategy would see the further development/redevelopment of the harbor infrastructure itself. WCC request that these developments at Kilmore Quay be given a specific RPO in both the Economic and Transport sections of the RSES.

It is important that the RSES is supportive of local authority efforts to drive multi-sectoral rural renewal, encourage economic diversification and deliver innovative opportunities for rural rejuvenation. Measures to strengthen links between rural enterprise and third level institutions should be encouraged and supported.

It is respectfully requested to include the following objectives in the RSES:  Support Local Authorities to identify and deliver economic initiatives to facilitate high value jobs in rural areas in order to make rural areas resilient to economic and rural restructuring;

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 Facilitate rural renewal by supporting and enabling Local Authorities to take advantage of the RRDF and other rural funding streams to develop a strong enterprise culture and create a virtuous cycle of progressive planning for investment in and economic diversification of rural towns and villages, repurposing them to meet the challenges of the future.  Strengthen links between third level institutions and rural areas to develop innovative rural enterprise and facilitate technological spillovers through greater connections.

3.3 Portfolio Approach – Sector Development Opportunities 3.3.1 Tourism Considering the significance of tourism to the Southern Region the RSES needs to include additional objectives to develop tourism within the region and make it the primary tourist destination in the country. The RSES should identify key tourist attractions within the region and attractions with potential for significant growth. The potential of tourism clusters should be recognised and supported. County Wexford has a number of tourism clusters most notably the beaches and beach resorts along the south and east coast, the Hook Peninsula and Heritage Park and the Norman Way. The success of the tourism industry does not only depend on the appeal of the main attractions but on the quality and availability of related services – hotels, restaurants, transport. The Strategy should focus on:  Expanding the tourism industry with particular emphasis on harnessing the potential of local assets and developing tourism clusters to increase regional competitiveness.  Expanding the range and quality of tourist attractions and supporting infrastructure in the region through targeted investment to develop a critical mass that will make the region more attractive to domestic and overseas visitors.  Encouraging investment in infrastructure and services that will strengthen the tourism sector and enhance regional development.  Supporting local authorities and private developers to expand the tourism product range and make non-paying attractions, such as greenways and parks, available to increase the overall attractiveness of the area.

WCC would welcome the inclusion of the following specific objectives:  Supporting the development of tourism clusters including the beaches and beach resorts of the south and east coast, the Hook Peninsula and Heritage Park, the Norman Way and build on clusters based on natural and built heritage assets of the Region.  Support the development of key attractions such as Marinas at Trinity Wharf and and the greenway network which will stimulate further development.  Support investment in tourism activities and attractions that harness local assets and create successful enterprises which in turn strengthen tourism clusters and regional development.

3.3.2 Retail Retail activity plays an important role in the vibrancy of our towns and provides important local employment. It is one of the primary roles of our Key Towns and larger towns and it is imperative that this activity is not threatened by retail development in the MASPs. Any regional retail strategies must ensure that retail spend/ allocated floorspace for convenience and comparison goods (with the exception of highest order comparison goods) associated with planned population growth in each of the counties can be retained in these counties. WCC request that an RPO be included in the RSES outlining how this will be implemented.

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3.3.3 Finance WCC request that reference is made to the Regional Action Plan for Jobs which identifies Wexford Town as a centre for financial services.

4.0 Connectivity International Connectivity Notwithstanding , Rosslare Europort is still best located for UK/Ireland trade and shortest crossing to continental Europe. Investment in the port will facilitate this as well as trade with Europe. There should be a greater emphasis on promoting County Wexford/Southern Region connectivity in any Brexit revisions to the Ten-T Core and Comprehensive Networks.

Waterford Airport is vital for the development of the SE SPA. WCC fully supports Section 6.3 of RSES to deliver a extension, improve transport linkages and services between the airport and the entire South-East Region, to reopen commercial flights and develop measures to encourage additional operators to use the airport.

Ports and Harbours WCC welcomes the focus on Rosslare Europort and the recognition that it is a strategic national asset. The stated support for the upgrade of the port from Tier 2 to Tier 1 is also welcomed. Investment in Rosslare Europort needs to be urgently prioritised with a focus on infrastructure to develop freight handling and logistics, port deepening and expansion, an upgrade of the Terminal and public realm enhancement at the port, along with investments to improve connectivity to the port, e.g. by road-the M11 Oilgate-Rosslare and the Rosslare Harbour road scheme; and by rail-the enhancement of commuter services, electrification and increased rail freight. There is also a need to focus on developing and enhancing the settlement of Rosslare Harbour to support and maximise the potential offered by the port. WCC would welcome the inclusion of an additional RPO in this regard.

WCC supports the in-tandem development of Belview Port in Waterford with Rosslare Europort (both Comprehensive Core Ports), which together act as a crucial trade gateway to the SE SPA. WCC welcomes the objective to develop a rail freight strategy for the region which will assist in achieving a modal shift to freight, alleviate pressure in the Dublin region and assist in delivering balanced regional development. WCC request that the RSES includes additional objectives with regard access to EU funding and support for these ‘Comprehensive Core Ports’.

With regard to RPO 141 and the strategic review of the port, the nature of this review should be clarified, that is, the focus of the review should be clearly to inform the expansion of its functions and facilities and align the appropriate investment vehicles. It is therefore requested that the bullet points in RPO 141 be amended as follows:  Continued support and investment for Rosslare Europort and Port of Waterford to maintain and strengthen linkages with EU markets.  Strategic review of Rosslare Europort to inform the expansion of its functions and facilities.

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WCC welcome the inclusion of Wexford, Kilmore Quay, Rosslare Europort and New Ross in Table 6.2 Port and Harbour Assets of the Southern Region. WCC request that Courtown Harbour, Ballyhack and in County Wexford be included in this section (see Section 3.0 which deals with Rural Economic Development). WCC would welcome acknowledgement of the important role of the Ballyhack in connecting southern Wexford to the Waterford MASP.

Integration of Transport and Spatial Planning RPO 146 should include references to the Key Towns, rail borne freight as a potential factor in the location of economic development lands and to the ‘potential’ as well as ‘existing or proposed high capacity public transport’ e.g. potential use of the Gorey-Enniscorthy–Wexford–Rosslare line as Dart/rapid area transport system).

Transport Investment Priorities RPO 155 should include a reference to the Key Towns.

Rail There is no reference to the Belfast-Dublin-Rosslare Harbour Eastern Rail Corridor. The upgrading of the Dublin-Rosslare Harbour rail line should be included in RPO 162, in particular, rail electrification, faster journey times, increased commuter services, increasing rail freight movements to Rosslare Europort and works to protect the line from coastal erosion. There should also be a reference to rail improvements outside of the region to improve rail usage/feasibility within the Southern Region.

Bus There should be a greater commitment in RPO 166 to the development and provision of funding to support investment in linkages between rural settlements. Passenger waiting infrastructure should also be included.

Roads There needs to be a reference to the Eastern Road Corridor in this section including support for schemes outside of the Southern Region e.g. addressing congestion at Bray on this Corridor.

RPO 158 should refer to strategic road connections within the region as well.

RPO 159 only lists 2 national roads projects to be delivered in County Wexford up to 2027-the N25 New Ross Bypass and M11 Gorey to Enniscorthy. As both of these projects will be completed in 2019 (and possibly in advance of the making of the RSES), there is little point referring to them in this objective. The N11 Oilgate- Rosslare Route and the N30 Bypass should instead be included here given the importance of improving and investing in connectivity. WCC would welcome a commitment on the delivery timeframe for these projects.

The inclusion of the upgrade of the N80 Enniscorthy in RPO 159 is noted, and again WCC would welcome a commitment on the delivery timeframe.

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It is further noted that there is no reference in RPO 159 to linking the M9 to New Ross. This route would connect west Wexford to Dublin and Kilkenny and would provide a direct route from the Midlands to Rosslare Europort. It is considered a crucial link to address the poor integration of Wexford with the Southern Region being located at its eastern extremity.

There is no investment in national, regional and local roads in County Wexford listed in RPO 160 and WCC request that the list included in the WCC submission entitled ‘Priorities and Inputs’ to the pre-draft consultation be included in the Strategy.

There is no reference in this section to the development of arterial roads/inner relief roads in the county’s Key Towns. There is also no reference to the downgraded national roads network serving New Ross and Enniscorthy following the opening of the bypasses. These roads will remain very important routes to facilitate economic development and amenity.

Cycling and Walking RPO 166 would benefit from the inclusion of a reference to the incorporation of DMURS in the design of all developments/road designs in towns and villages. Pedestrian facilities should be enhanced in all urban and rural settlements, not just urban areas.

Greenways WCC, together with adjoining counties, is working on the development of a network of Greenways and Blueways in the region. WCC is progressing the development of a greenway from Rosslare Europort to Waterford to interconnect with the Waterford Greenway and the New Ross Greenway. The proposal is to develop the greenway along the out-of-service rail line from Rosslare (Strand) to Waterford. It is important, from Wexford’s perspective, that the RSES does not become a bar to the greenway project proceeding. Irish Rail has proposed that a license agreement could be put in place that would not prohibit the return of the rail corridor at some point in the future for use as a rail line.

5.0 Quality of Life It is recommended that Section 7 Quality of Life includes a section which details how regional disparities in quality of life, health and socio-economic outcomes will be addressed with associated RPOs. At present Wexford ranks as the:  4th most disadvantaged local authority in the State. Wexford’s HP Deprivation Index Score is the lowest in the region by a significant factor.  5th highest rate of labour force unemployment in the State (higher than the SRA average).  3rd lowest rate of lower third level education attainment in the State and 4th lowest level of higher third level education attainment in the State.

Education The development of a Technical University of the South East is critical to the provision of affordable and accessible educational opportunities and the economic development of the region. Existing regional imbalances in educational attainment must be addressed through the further development of the campuses in County Wexford. It is recommended the RPO 176 be amended to reference the development of campuses of the TUSE in Wexford.

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WCC requests that an RPO is included with regard to the UN designated Centre for Excellence in Sustainable Energy which is proposed for development in Enniscorthy Town.

WCC request that the development of ECOLC/SKWT14 approach and the development synergies between third level institutions and existing/planned employers in the county, (e.g. the Financial and Insurance industries, sustainable construction, food production and the Life Sciences) is further developed in the RSES. WCC request that an RPO is added which specifies that all campuses of the TUSE will provide adequate land to allow for such industry related synergies to be accommodated.

Regional Recreational and Sporting Facilities It is requested that an additional objective be included in this section as follows:  It is an objective to support investment in passive and active recreational amenities and enable local authorities to deliver high quality open space and active recreational facilities such Min Ryan Park, Carrigfoyle Outdoor Adventure Centre and the Greenways.

6.0 Conclusion WCC welcomes the opportunity to comment on the RSES. The RSES will play a critical role in ensuring that the Southern Region is positioned to optimise on the benefits accruing from the regional focus of the NPF. This will require collaboration between the Regional Assembly and the constituent planning authorities to complete the RSES and to ensure its effective implementation. WCC would be happy to provide assistance to the Regional Assembly in this regard.

14 Eolas Comhroinnte Obair le Cheile/Shared Knowledge Working Together is regional approach to development of a competitive knowledge-based society where a framework of the four pillars of higher education, business/industry, Government and civic society/communities are working together to harness their collective resources, knowledge and skills. Wexford County Council P a g e | 19

Appendix 1 Key Towns Wexford, Enniscorthy and New Ross

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Enniscorthy Enniscorthy is the second largest town in County Wexford with a recorded population of 11,381 persons in 2016. The town is set on the banks of the River Slaney and is strategically located on the N11 Dublin to Rosslare and the N30 Enniscorthy –New Ross/Waterford national primary roads. The N80 also connects the town to Carlow, while the R702 connects the town with Kilkenny City. The town is serviced by rail and bus services with daily commuter services to Dublin.

The town is well placed to accommodate additional economic growth to become a self-sustaining town of regional significance. There has been significant investment in infrastructure in recent years including in the Enniscorthy by-pass which is expected to be completed mid-2019 and will offer ease of access to the town within the catchment of ports and airports. The wastewater treatment plant has also been recently upgraded to accommodate additional residential and economic growth. The Enniscorthy Business and Technology Park, which is currently under construction, will house the UN Centre of Excellence in nearly Zero Energy Building (nZEB).

Enniscorthy provides a range of services to the residents of the town and the wider rural hinterland including primary, post-primary and further education (with links to Waterford IT and Carlow IT), health care, retail, employment, cultural and recreational facilities. The town also offers a unique tourism product, being home to Vinegar Hill battlefield site, Enniscorthy Castle and the National 1798 Rebellion Centre. The town’s rich architectural heritage, Pugin Cathedral, proximity to beaches, angling, greyhound racing and a number of annual festivals also play an important role and offer tourism growth potential.

Attributes  Strong National and International connectivity with direct links to Rosslare Europort, Dublin City and Airport, Waterford City and Airport, towns of County Wexford, , Carlow and Kilkenny and the Eastern Economic Corridor.  Developing affordable housing capacity.  Property solutions to facilitate economic development including the Enniscorthy Business and Technology Park which will house the first Centre of Excellence focusing on international training in nearly Zero Energy Building (nZEB) compliance.  Wastewater treatment capacity capable of accommodating significant population and economic growth.  A unique tourism product and potential for growth in this sector.

Key Infrastructural Requirements i. Investment in the Dublin-Enniscorthy-Rosslare Europort Rail line to protect the line and increase speed and frequency of services. ii. Completion of the M11 Enniscorthy bypass and progression of the Oilgate to Rosslare Europort N11 to Motorway standard. iii. Transport measures through a Local Transport Plan which will include investment in sustainable transport modes, particularly walking and cycling in the town. iv. Completion of the Enniscorthy Flood Relief Scheme due to commence in late 2019. v. Funding to progress the development of the public realm and Templeshannon Regeneration Project.

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vi. Economic funding package in partnership with private investors for the further development of the Enniscorthy Business and Technology Park as a Strategic Employment Location for Enniscorthy. vii. Delivery of educational and amenity facilities to keep pace with growth in population and demographic trends. viii. Delivery of natural gas to the town.

Objectives a. To strengthen investment in existing rail infrastructure to ensure its continued upgrading, renewal and maintenance to high level in order to provide quality levels of safety, service, accessibility and connectivity.

b. To strengthen the role of Enniscorthy as a centre of excellence in nZEB and develop industrial, commercial infrastructure and residential development in Enniscorthy Town.

c. To seek investment in sustainable transport measures through a Local Transport Plan and improvements to pedestrian and cycling infrastructure throughout the town.

d. To improve the public realm and attractiveness of the Town Centre as a place to live, work and visit through the development of key urban regeneration projects and environmental improvement schemes.

e. To support the delivery of the infrastructural (including education, amenity, social and cultural) requirements identified for Enniscorthy to keep pace with recent and future planned population growth.

f. To support the delivery of the infrastructural requirements identified for Enniscorthy subject to the outcome of the planning process and environmental assessments.

g. Future growth of the town should be planned for on a phased basis in consultation with the local authority and Irish Water to ensure that sufficient water and wastewater capacity is accounted for and that further growth does not contribute to degradation of the water environment and, in particular, the Slaney River Valley SAC.

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New Ross Located on the banks of the , New Ross had a recorded population of 8,040 in 2016. The town is strategically located on the N25 Rosslare Europort/Wexford to Waterford route and the N30 connects the town with Enniscorthy where it joins the N11 Wexford to Dublin route. The town is serviced by bus providing services to Waterford and Dublin, via Enniscorthy.

New Ross provides a range of services to the residents of the town and the wider rural hinterland including primary, post-primary and further education, health care, retail, employment, cultural and recreational facilities. The town has a strong industrial base and transport and logistics sector, with potential to expand into new emerging sectors and proximity to Waterford and IT providing a potential skills base.

The Dunbrody Famine Ship provides a dominant feature in the town centre and this, together with the town’s links to John F. Kennedy, attracts a huge number of domestic and non-domestic visitors every year. The Norman way also culminates in the town at St. Mary’s Church. Greenways are planned along the old railway line from New Ross to Waterford and the Red Bridge Loop to the north of the town. New Ross also has a rich architectural heritage and, in particular, has a large number of original shopfronts which add to the attractiveness of the town.

Attributes  Strategic location on the N25 Wexford to Waterford route.  Direct access to Rosslare Europort, Waterford City and Airport and Belview Port via the N25.  Property solutions to facilitate economic development including serviced sites and available wastewater treatment capacity.  Proximity to Waterford IT and available skills base.  Affordable housing.  High quality amenities including the recently refurbished Quay front, the Three Sisters Marina, planned greenways to Waterford and the Red Bridge Loop.  Part of a tourism cluster with the Dunbrody Famine Ship located in the town centre and links to JFK Homestead and Arboretum, Hook Head and a number of nearby beaches.

Key Infrastructural Requirements i. Completion of the New Ross Bypass providing ease of access to the town within the catchment of , Belview Port and Rosslare Europort. ii. Enhanced provision of bus services to enable improved inter-regional connectivity. iii. Transport measures through a Local Transport Plan including continued investment enhancing sustainable transport modes, particularly walking and cycling in the town. iv. Funding to progress the development of public realm and regeneration projects. v. Development of a Technical University for the Southeast. vi. Delivery of natural gas to the town.

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Objectives a. To promote New Ross as a key location for investment and choice in the region and enhance its role as a centre of employment and economic activity within the region.

b. To support the delivery of the infrastructural (including education, amenity, social and cultural) requirements identified for New Ross to keep pace with future planned population growth.

c. To improve the public realm and attractiveness of the Town Centre as a place to live, work and visit through the development of key urban regeneration projects and environmental improvement schemes.

d. To support the development of a Technical University for the Southeast.

e. To support the continued development of New Ross as a Tourist Centre located in Ireland’s Ancient East and on the Norman Way and to support the development of the planned greenways.

f. Support the development of a Technical University for the Southeast as a priority to ensure that there is an available skills base for emerging and diversifying businesses.

g. To seek investment in sustainable transport measures through a Local Transport Plan and improvements to pedestrian and cycling infrastructure throughout the town.

h. To support the development of freight rail services and facilities at the ports.

i. To support the development of under-utilised lands along the River Barrow. Any future development of underused lands along the River Barrow will include an assessment of any impacts that may arise on the River Barrow SAC.

j. Future growth of the town should be planned for on a phased basis in consultation with the local authority and Irish Water to ensure that sufficient water and wastewater capacity is accounted for and that further growth does not contribute to degradation of the water environment and in particular the River Barrow SAC.

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Wexford Wexford Town had a population of 20,188 in 2016 and is a Regional Centre for employment, education, retail, health and public services. The town is strategically located on the N11 Dublin to Rosslare Europort and the N25 Cork/Waterford to Rosslare Europort national primary routes and has daily rail and bus services to Dublin and Waterford.

The town is well placed to accommodate additional economic growth to support its role as a and to capitalise on its proximity to Rosslare Europort, which will be an important entry point for the country post- Brexit. The proposed Trinity Wharf Project, which has recently been approved funding under the Urban Regeneration and Development Fund, will provide a major boost to the town by facilitating a new urban quarter with a mix of uses and a high-quality public realm, serving new businesses and the local community as well as making Wexford a viable location for FDI investment.

The town has a vibrant Arts and Cultural Sector with the National Opera Festival attracting large numbers every year. It also has very high quality amenities including an attractive quay front, good sporting facilities and proximity to beaches.

Attributes  International connectivity – direct access to ports of Rosslare and Waterford and airports of Dublin and Waterford.  Good connectivity with N11/M11 Motorway to Dublin and N25 to Waterford/Cork and rail links to Dublin with daily services.  Major employment centre in finance, health/life sciences, technology, retail and tourism with total jobs of 11,961 recorded in 2016.  A strong vibrant town centre with fashion retail, food and cultural services.  Regional centre for healthcare with Wexford General Hospital and Ely Hospital.  Third level education opportunities with IT Carlow Campus and its further development in association with the Technological University of the South East  Vibrant Arts and Cultural Sector Proximity with the National Opera House, Wexford Arts Centre and annual festivals.  Developing affordable housing capacity.  Proximity to beaches for tourism and recreation.

Key Infrastructural Requirements i. Completion of the M11 Enniscorthy bypass and progression of the Oilgate to Rosslare Europort N11 to Motorway standard. ii. Investment in the Dublin-Enniscorthy-Rosslare Europort Rail line to protect the line and increase speed and frequency of services. iii. Transport measures through a Local Transport Plan which will include investment in sustainable transport modes, particularly walking and cycling in the town. iv. Economic funding package in partnership with private investors for the further development of Trinity Wharf as a Strategic Employment Location for Wexford. v. Delivery of the inner distributor road

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vi. Delivery of educational and amenity facilities to keep pace with growth in population and demographic trends. vii. Funding to progress the development of the public realm and regeneration projects. viii. Delivery of natural gas to the town.

Objectives a. To strengthen the role of Wexford as a Regional employment centre for the County and to provide industrial, commercial and tourism services to support the role of Rosslare Europort.

b. To ensure the efficient use of central sites and maximise residential densities as appropriate close to the town centre and public transport nodes.

c. To strengthen investment in existing rail infrastructure to ensure its continued upgrading, renewal and maintenance to high level in order to provide quality levels of safety, service, accessibility and connectivity.

h. To seek investment in sustainable transport measures through a Local Transport Plan and improvements to pedestrian and cycling infrastructure throughout the town.

i. To support the development of a Technical University for the Southeast.

j. To improve the public realm and attractiveness of the Town Centre as a place to live, work and visit through the development of key urban regeneration projects and environmental improvement schemes.

k. To support the delivery of the infrastructural (including education, amenity, social and cultural) requirements identified for Wexford to keep pace with recent and future planned population growth.

l. To support the delivery of the infrastructural requirements identified for Wexford subject to the outcome of the planning process and environmental assessments.

m. Future growth of the town should be planned for on a phased basis in consultation with the local authority and Irish Water to ensure that sufficient water and wastewater capacity is accounted for and that further growth does not contribute to degradation of the water environment and in particular designated sites.

Wexford County Council