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Development Plan Submissions Strategic and Economic Development City Hall Anglesea Street Cork T12 T997 Friday, 21 st , August 2020 [By Online submission]

Dear Sir / Madam

RE: STRATEGIC PRE-DRAFT SUBMISSION WITH REGARDS TO THE CORK CITY DEVELOPMENT PLAN REVIEW AND THE PREPARATION OF THE NEW CORK CITY DEVELOPMENT PLAN 2022- 2028

1.0 INTRODUCTION

1.1 Focus of Submission

The Planning Partnership has been retained by Timothy O’Shea of Scotch Farm, Model Farm Road, Cork (the O’Shea Family), to prepare this Pre-Draft Submission in relation to the ongoing Cork City Development Plan Review process and the preparation of the subsequent Cork City Development Plan 2022-2028 .

It is acknowledged that the new Development Plan will replace the current City Development Plan, and also the Cork County Development Plan 2014 and the Municipal District Local Area Plans in so far as they are relevant to the former Cork County Council areas within the new Cork City boundary. The review of the existing plan and preparation of a new Development Plan will be strategic in nature for the purposes of developing objectives and policies to deliver an overall strategy for the proper planning and sustainable development of the city and the core strategy.

It is within this context that this Pre-Draft Submission is made, focussing on Cork City’s Strategic Employment Locations, Mixed Use Employment and Regional Assets, and confirming the utilisation of land designated for the Cork Science and Innovation Park and the urgent required investment in key road, services and utility infrastructure to realise the full development potential as a Regional Asset.

Notwithstanding these constraints, implementing the Cork Science and Innovation Park development in Curraheen will enhance Corks international reputation for innovation, research and education, while providing jobs in Ireland’s emerging ‘ Smart Economy’ .

It is noted that the O’Shea Family has been partaking actively in all consultation events associated with the proposed Cork Science and Innovation Park since 2008. These include submissions to the preparation of Electoral Local Area Plans, Development Plans, the Cork Science and Innovation Park Framework Masterplan 2011 and the Cork Science and Innovation Park Access Road Route Selection .

It is our Client’s objective, as one of the principle landowners that are affected, to participate fully in the plan making process with this submission focussing specifically on the appropriate management

B.E.F. Planning International Limited trading as The Planning Partnership | Company No. 501130 Registered in Ireland @ 2 Auburn Terrace, Sunday’s Well Road, Mullingar, Co. Westmeath Directors: Mark Brindley (UK), Wessel Vosloo, Fintan Morrin THE PLANNING PARTNERSHIP FOR TIMOTHY O’S HEA

of the transition from agriculture to high grade science, innovation and technological employment generation as envisaged.

The O’Shea Family supports the planned Cork Science and Innovation Park which is considered a critical element in Cork’s future employment strategy in meeting the specific needs of the third level research sector and of businesses requiring close proximity to third level institutes. The provision of particularly the permitted Local Road Access (Compulsory Acquisition Procedure complete) and the associated enhanced public transport infrastructure is considered key to the success of the development of the Cork Science and Innovation Park.

1.2 Executive Summary: Our Request

Once adopted, the Cork City Development Plan 2022-2028 will constitute the primary mechanism used for the management of development throughout the functional area of Cork City Council Metropolitan Area.

The adopted Development Plan is to provide an appropriate vision for such Metropolitan Areas, while recognising the essential role the Science and Innovation Park in Curraheen will play within the overall development of the City. Furthermore, the fulfilment of such a vision is dependent upon the inclusion of robust yet achievable policies and objectives which can realistically deliver this vision for the Cork Science and Innovation Park at Curraheen and the attractiveness of Cork as a science and innovation hub over the life of the plan.

This pre-Draft Submission with regards to the Cork City Development Plan 2022-2028 requests the inclusion of the following:

 It is The Planning Partnership’s experience in contribution to the preparation of the Grangegorman Strategic Plan and Planning Scheme associated with Dublin Technological University and the Health Services Executive, that the establishment and implementation delivery driver for the Cork Science and Innovation Park at Curraheen, being a science and innovation hub in an appropriate location, can successfully be delivered through the means of Part IX of the Planning and Development Act 2000 (as amended) - as a Strategic Development Zone:

- The introduction of an SDZ should be viewed as bringing Cork Strategic Delivery Planning in line with other jurisdictions where such zones are quite common. - A Draft Planning Scheme must be prepared by the Development Authority for the Designated Site within 2 years of the order being made and as such will act as an enhanced driver for Corks expanding ‘Smart Economy’. - The Draft Planning Scheme must consist of a written statement and a plan indicating: a) Type of development to be permitted; b) Extent of development; c) Proposals relating to design (maximum height, the external finish, general appearance and design); d) Proposals relating to transport (public transport, road layout, parking and traffic management); e) Proposals relating to services (waste and sewerage; water; electricity and telecommunications; oil and gas); f) Proposals to minimise impact on the environment; and g) Proposals for other amenities (where scheme is for residential development). - A Strategic Environmental Assessment must be carried out for the Draft Planning Scheme.

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 Provision of high skilled employment to compliment existing science and innovation in Cork and the South-West, further developing this Tertiary Education Corridor at Curraheen:

- Providing sustainable and highly skilled employment in a globally buoyant and expanding sector. - Incorporating existing educational institutions and ‘smart economy’ tech facilities in Cork. - Facilitating Light Rail serving Cork Science and Innovation Park and expansion of Tertiary Education Corridor.

The proposed development is in a location which has already seen significant financial investment in land acquisitions and infrastructure studies, with an emphasis to maximise the land use potential of the Science and Innovation Park in Curraheen, positively reflecting the necessity for Cork to provide development land which facilitates the evolution of the increasingly important ‘Smart Economy ’.

2.0 CORK CITY DEVELOPMENT PLAN 2022-2028 ISSUES PAPER ANALYSIS TO FACILITATE APPROPRIATE AND SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT OF THE SCIENCE AND INNOVATION PARK AT CURRAHEEN

2.1 Cork Science and Innovation Park

Cork City is considered a European base of global leaders, being the home of clusters in life sciences, ICT, financial and international services, creating a strong economy supported by enterprise, innovation and skills.

2.2 Science and Innovation in Cork:

- Within a strategic context, the proposed Cork Science and Innovation Park is located within a Strategic Employment Location , with Mixed Use Employment and considered a Regional Asset . - Complimentary land uses adjacent to the Cork Science and Innovation Park include Cork University Business School, Dental School and Health Innovation Hub, Munster Technological University (CIT). - The research, development and innovation ecosystem of the city is being enhanced by businesses, academia, cluster organisations, IDA Ireland, Enterprise Ireland and the Local Enterprise Office. - Cork’s labour force has proven to be agile in the past, and has moved from heavy manufacturing to services, and high value manufacturing sectors. This involved a period of improved education opportunities, continuous skills development, training, research, and innovation. - The establishment of the Munster Technological University will strengthen the academic research and innovation links between Cork and Kerry and are designed to enhance the economic competitiveness of the South-West region.

2.3 Development in Curraheen

- Planning Permission has already been granted for the development of Cork University Business School, Dental School and Health Innovation Hub.

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2.4 Transport Connectivity

- Access to Cork is continuously improving. Cork is home to the fastest growing airport in Ireland. Investment is being rolled out to improve public transport, walking, cycling, road and rail access. The National Transport Authority recently adopted a €3.5 billion twenty-year transport plan for Cork. - The Cork Metropolitan Area Transport Strategy (CMATS) will also be highly influential in planning the future of Cork, assuming a close integration between land-use and transportation plans and aims to prioritise sustainable transport and reduce car dependency. - CMATS seeks to provide a high level of public transport connectivity to key destinations, increasing modal share of public transport from 10% in 2011 to 26% by 2040, including a Light Rail System (LRT) from Ballincollig to Mahon. - The Cork Metropolitan Area Strategic Plan (MASP) presented in the adopted Regional Spatial and Economic Strategy for the Southern Region (RSES ) details Cork as a city region focusing growth on the delivery of sustainable transport patterns. - There is a need to accommodate the expansion of the Education and Training Board, and Munster Technological University, along with other training, research and education institutions, to ensure that we have the infrastructure required to continue to build the skills and education capacity of the city.

Figure 2.1: Location of proposed Cork Science and Innovation Park

Cork Science and Innovation Park

Source: Cork City Development Plan 2022–2028 Issues Paper , extracted, annotated and reproduced by The Planning Partnership under OS Licence No. AR0114720

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2.5 Conclusion

The National Planning Framework (NPF) states that Cork already performs well as a major urban centre in Ireland and the city has positioned itself as an emerging medium sized European centre of growth and innovation. Building on this potential is critical to further enhancing Ireland’s metropolitan profile, requiring an ambitious vision for Cork at the heart of which must be an internationally competitive, sustainable urban environment.

This means providing spatially appropriate developments such as the Science and Innovation Park in Curraheen, which is in a Strategic Employment Location to be served by sustainable modes of transport, would provide mixed-use employment and will become a regional asset.

Science and Innovation Park development require appropriate investment in transport, amenities, energy systems and associated housing, to realise its full development potential, which allow this Regional Asset surpass best practice in a European and worldwide context.

3.0 BALLINCOLLIG CARRIGALINE MUNICIPAL DISTRICT LOCAL AREA PLAN 2017 ANALYSIS TO FACILITATE APPROPRIATE AND SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT OF THE SCIENCE AND INNOVATION PARK AT CURRAHEEN

To develop policies and objectives which meet the requirements to facilitate future development of the proposed Cork Science and Innovation Park at Curraheen, the current Ballincollig Carrigaline Municipal District Local Area Plan 2017 provides a clear rationale on location selection policy, and it states: ‘’This site ( Curraheen ) was selected for the advantages it offers in terms of transport connections, quality of landscape, proximity, and accessibility to UCC and CIT and sufficient scale of available lands ’’.

The development objectives clearly state the range of uses which would be acceptable within the Science and Innovation Park, with the intention to focus on a wide range of science and technological dependent activities.

3.1 Science and Innovation in Cork:

- The proposed Cork Science and Innovation Park at Curraheen to be an important employment location for residents of Ballincollig in the future. - Improving access from Ballincollig to the Science Park via the non-national road network and improved public transport is essential. - Cork County Council, in conjunction with the landowners, UCC, CIT and expert advisors, undertook a detailed Masterplan for a Science and Innovation Park at Curraheen. - The Science and Innovation Park shall, when completed, be a critical piece of economic infrastructure for the ‘Smart Economy’ to the benefit the Cork City and the Region. - The aim is to develop a Science and Innovation Park that accords with global best practice, by harnessing and developing the existing national and regional competitive advantages in co- operation with higher education authorities, government agencies and private enterprise to create business led innovation. - The Cork Science and Innovation Park will be a leading-edge science park with a global reputation for adherence to best practice in all aspects and particularly regarding environment, design, and operation in its creation of business led innovation.

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3.2 Development at Curraheen

- Within the ‘ Settlement Network’ of Cork Municipal Districts, Curraheen does not perform a significant part of the settlement network, but does perform important functions regarding tourism, heritage, recreation and ‘other uses’. - Curraheen is located on the Curraheen-Lotabeg-City Centre bus route. - There may be scope in future to accommodate large scale residential growth, however, it is important that any new development maintains the integrity of the surrounding landscape and the rural character of the settlement. - Significant and severe traffic congestion occurs at peak times around the Curraheen Junction of the N40 and along the Curraheen Road. - Any development proposals will have to comply with the relevant policy objectives for lands within the Metropolitan Greenbelt and on or near scenic routes.

Figure 3.1: Proposed Light Rail Alignment serving Cork Science and Innovation Park and expansion of Tertiary Education Corridor

Cork Science and Innovation Park

Source: Cork Metropolitan Area Transport Strategy 2040, extracted, annotated and reproduced by The Planning Partnership under OS Licence No. AR0114720

2.4 Transport Connectivity

The Specific Development Objective for the City South Environs detail Specific Policy Area for the Cork Science and Innovation Park and the requirement for the following to ensure appropriate and sustainable and transport connectivity of the this Regional Asset:

- Proposals to facilitate vehicular, public transport, cyclist and pedestrian access to the site.

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- Proposals for enhanced accessibility to Cork Institute of Technology via Science Park. - Access by public bus and future Bus Rapid Transit. - Mobility plan for movements to/from the Science Park and within the Science Park. - Appropriate provision for public access to Science Park amenities. - Appropriate road access. - Sustainable infrastructure provision that reflects the distinct infrastructural circumstances of each development area within the park.

3.3 Conclusion

The application of the planning principles and objectives set out in the Ballincollig Carrigaline Municipal District Local Area Plan 2017 provide for the development of the Cork Science and Innovation Park compatible with the uses identified in the Cork Science and Innovation Park Masterplan . These reflect specific uses that have been successfully incorporated into other science and technology parks internationally.

4.0 ANALYSIS OVERVIEW

4.1 Science and Innovation in Cork:

The Cork Science and Innovation Park in Curraheen is set to be a leading-edge science park with a global reputation for adherence to best practice regarding environment, design, and operation in its creation of business led innovation. Furthermore, the retention and enhancement of the development will provide an opportunity to implement a planning led and sequential development in an appropriate location and provide long-term sustainable employment in a growing sector.

The Cork Science and Innovation Park will also provide an outlet for businesses, academia and cluster organisations to enhance Corks contribution to the ever-expanding science and innovation sector and contribute to the economy of Cork and the South-west region.

4.2 Development at Curraheen

The development of the Cork Science and Innovation Park is being hamstrung by conflicting and incoherent development policies. Uncertainty increases the risk associated with development implementation and offer little comfort for future development investors who are tasked with delivering this Regional Asset.

The current permitted development is primarily driven by Tertiary Educational Institutions which will act as catalyst to kickstart in delivering this Regional Asset.

Part IX of the Planning and Development Act 2000 (as amended), the concept of Strategic Development Zones, is considered the appropriate mechanism to provide comfort and some level of certainty to private investors/developers in delivering this Regional Asset.

2.3 Transport Connectivity

The site for the proposed Cork Science and Technology Park in Curraheen does not currently performs as a significant ‘Settlement Network’, but will be serviced by public transport, which

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increases its attractiveness as a suitable location to develop the Cork Science and Innovation Park and the expansion of this Tertiary Education Corridor.

Development in the area provides an opportunity to implement design led measures, complemented by appropriate sustainable transport strategies, while retaining and enhancing the character of the locality and preserving its existing scenic routes.

5.0 Conclusion

Policies associated with the future development of the Cork Science and Innovation Park in Curraheen to be contained within the new Cork City Development Plan 2022-2028, must address the opportunity to deliver a spatially appropriate development in Curraheen.

This will require infrastructural investment in multi-modal transport strategies which creates opportunities for accessing Strategic Employment Areas such as the Cork Science and Innovation Park at Curraheen to facilitate continued growth in Corks smart economy.

Yours faithfully

Wessel Vosloo Principal The Planning Partnership

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