Bonneagar Iompair Eireann Transport Infrastructure Ireland
CORK METROPOLITAN AREA TRANSPORT STRATEGY 2040
LRT
Cork City Council Black Ash Park & Ride Comhairle Cathairle Chaorcaí ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
National Transport Authority: Transport Infrastructure Ireland: Systra: Hugh Creegan Paul Moran Ian Byrne Owen Shinkwin Tara Spain Jack Sheehan Roy O’Connor Eoin Gillard Paul Hussey Sinead Canny Cork City Council: Jacobs: Allanah Murphy Gerry O’Beirne John Paul FitzGerald Benjamin Loreille Ann Bogan Kevin Burke Joshua Noon Edith Roberts Sarah Cooper Elizabeth Kidney David Siddle Dolphin 3D Photomontages: Jennifer Egan Philip Watkin Cork County Council: Ciara Murphy Peter O’Donoghue Richard Eastman Chetwynd Viaduct Photograph Michael W. Lynch © David Moloney, used with kind permission. Padraig Moore
Date of publication: February 2020 CORK METROPOLITAN AREA TRANSPORT STRATEGY 2040 This Strategy will deliver an accessible, integrated transport network that enables the sustainable growth of the Cork Metropolitan Area as a dynamic, connected, and internationally competitive European city region as envisaged by the National Planning Framework 2040. CORK METROPOLITAN AREA | TRANSPORT STRATEGY
00 CONTENTS
01 Introduction 3 02 Policy Context 9 03 Existing Transport Context 17 04 CMATS 2040 Land Use 23 05 Strategy Development and Outcomes 29 06 Walking 39 07 Cycling 47 08 BusConnects 55 09 Suburban Rail 63 10 Light Rail 69 11 Parking 75 12 Public Transport Interchange and Integration 79 13 Roads 83 14 Freight, Delivery and Servicing 95 15 Supporting Measures 99 16 Implementation 105 17 Environmental Protection and Management’. 111 18 Strategy Outcomes 115 19 Public Consultation 121
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01 INTRODUCTION
The Cork Metropolitan Area (CMA) is The projected growth and increased The Strategy takes its lead at national level Cork already performs in the midst of an exciting phase of its demand for travel also intensifies Ireland’s from the National Planning Framework well as a major urban development. The recently-published current decarbonisation challenge, as 2040 and the National Development Plan National Planning Framework (NPF) 2040 transport accounts for approximately 20% 2018-2027 and builds upon previous centre in Ireland and envisages that Cork will become the of the country’s greenhouse gases. CMATS transport studies including Cork City Centre the City has positioned fastest-growing city region in Ireland with is aligned with the Climate Action Plan Movement Strategy, Cork Area Strategic a projected 50% to 60% increase of its 2019 and is committed to facilitating a shift Plan (CASP) and the Cork Metropolitan itself as an emerging population in the period up to 2040. toward sustainable and active modes. Cycle Network Plan. medium-sized European centre of This projected population and associated To address these challenges, the Cork The Strategy will provide a coherent economic growth will result in a significant Metropolitan Area Transport Strategy transport planning policy framework and growth and innovation. increase in the demand for travel. This (CMATS) 2040 (the “Strategy”) has been implementation plan around which other Building on this potential demand needs to be managed and developed by the National Transport agencies involved in land use planning, is critical to further planned for carefully to safeguard and Authority (NTA) in collaboration with environmental protection, and delivery of enhance Cork’s attractiveness to live, Transport Infrstructure Ireland (TII), Cork other infrastructure such as housing and enhancing Ireland’s work, visit and invest in. City Council and Cork County Council. water can align their investment priorities. metropolitan profile. There is limited capacity within the existing CMATS represents a coordinated land CMATS will inform the development of National Planning Framework 2040 CMA transport network to cater for use and transport strategy for the Cork regional and local planning, and associated additional motor traffic and what capacity Metropolitan Area. It sets out a framework investment frameworks. is there will need to be allocated more for the planning and delivery of transport efficiently. Land use and transport planning infrastructure and services to support the will need to be far more closely aligned CMA’s development in the period up to 2040. to reduce the need to travel by car and support the functioning of a sustainable, integrated transport system. ATS S Next Steps P P P P ATS P 4 CORK METROPOLITAN AREA | TRANSPORT STRATEGY
It will align with the the Southern Assembly’s The Strategy is considered to be flexible Cork City’s pivotal role as the major A number of Regional Spatial and Economic Strategy with the ability to scale up public transport regional centre for employment, education, (RSES), the statutory Cork Metropolitan Area capacity and frequencies as necessary retail and leisure for a large geographical characteristics of the Strategic Plan (MASP) and the statutory to meet changes in population and area leading to a significant number of CMA result in problems Development Plans of both Cork City employment growth along CMATS agreed long distance trips made primarily by car; and inefficiencies with Council and Cork County Council. transport corridors. Many competing demands for scarce road and kerbside space for different road users; respect to the movement This document outlines the development CMATS is considered to be a ‘live’ Some high capacity roads within Cork of the Strategy, its underpinning analysis document and will be subject to a periodic of people and goods. City such as the N22, N27 and N40, that and development, guiding principles and review process (typically 5 years) over the cause community severance and hinder proposed measures. lifetime of the Strategy. pedestrian and cyclist movement; and Supporting technical documents have Current Challenges A lack of a strategic orbital corridor to the north of the city resulting in strategic traffic also been prepared to document the work There are a number of challenges across and HGV movement from the N20 routing undertaken in developing CMATS, including the wider Cork Metropolitan Area that through the city adding to congestion, transport demand analysis, transport were considered in preparing this Strategy. noise and pollution. option development, transport modelling These are set out in the following sections: and transport networks appraisal. Travel Behaviour Land Use and Physical Constraints The complete set of background An over-reliance on the private car for Cork is projected to be the fastest reports comprise the following: relatively short trips; growing Metropolitan Area in the State. Baseline Conditions Report; The substantial increase in population, Relatively low mode share of cycling Planning Datasheet Development employment and educational use and limited (though improving) dedicated Report; will lead to a subsequent increase in cycle infrastructure; Demand Analysis Report; demand for travel; Low walking mode share outside of the current City Council administrative area; Transport Modelling Report; A legacy of dispersed patterns of residential, employment and retail A high level of car use for the school run, Transport Options Development Report; development, particularly outside of suppressing the use of public transport, Supporting Measures Report; the central city area; walking and cycling and contributing to Regional Spacial and Economic A unique and challenging geography car-based congestion during the morning Strategy (RSES) Addendum Report characterised by steep topography and afternoon inter-peak periods; Public Consultation Report; and waterways; Low level of parking control through, Strategic Environmental Assessment The general unsuitability of the road for example, controlled parking zones, (SEA); and network - particularly within the leading to commuter parking in residential areas; and Appropriate Assessment (AA). medieval city core and arterial routes - to accommodate relatively high volumes Complex one-way systems creating high of peak time vehicular traffic; speed environments.
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Public Transport Provision Constraints on the rail network that Over-provision of junctions along the N40 A need to provide equitable transport A largely bus based local public transport limit frequency and capacity at Kent resulting in motorists using the strategic accessibility to essential services, network with a limited number of high station; and road network for local trips and a lack education and employment to help frequency services (i.e. headways of 15 Overprovision of car parking (including of alternative orbital routes or public reduce deprivation. minutes or better); the continued use of minimum standards transport options for movement along this corridor; and Long journey times and delays on the in some cases) undermining the viability Vision and Principles current bus network negatively impacting and attractiveness of public transport. A need to facilitate the movement of CMATS will deliver an integrated transport passengers and operating costs; goods on the strategic road network network that addresses the needs of Congestion and Economy and to maintain efficient access to key all modes of transport, offering better Split inbound and outbound bus routes, locations including the Port of Cork and transport choices, resulting in better and longer journey distances created by Concerns that on-going congestion will the National Road network. overall network performance and providing one-way systems; inhibit the ability of the CMA to attract further inward investment; capacity to meet travel demand and Inadequate level of Real Time Information Public Health and Deprivation support economic growth. Concern from major employers that (RTI) and bus shelters outside of the city public transport provision is insufficient Concerns over rising levels of physical centre; To achieve this vision, the guiding to cater for an increasingly millennial and inactivity and childhood obesity; Unprotected and unmarked bus set-down principles upon which CMATS is based is car-free workforce; A recognition of the need to incorporate areas frequently occupied by parked cars, depicted in the graphic below. more active travel and incidental exercise forcing passengers to board and alight in Traffic congestion and delays at key into our transport system through the re- the carriageway; locations on the national road network Planning Frameworks during peak periods, such as the shaping of our public realm and transport A suburban rail service serving some of Dunkettle Interchange (junction of the choices; CMATS will be incorporated and aligned the larger East Cork settlements but a N8, M8, N25 and N40) and on sections Rising concerns over the impact with relevant future policy, strategies and disconnection between the location of of the N40; of transport on local air quality and implementation plans. stations relative to the town centres that subsequently people’s health; and they serve; 6 CORK METROPOLITAN AREA | TRANSPORT STRATEGY
These include the National Planning programmes with a view to promoting SEA Framework 2040, the National sustainable development, by ensuring An SEA is required to be undertaken on This Strategy will deliver an Development Plan 2018-2027, the that, in accordance with this Directive, an the transport plan as it contributes towards accessible, integrated transport Southern Assembly’s RSES and the environmental assessment is carried out the framework for future development network that enables the statutory Cork MASP, Development Plans of certain plans and programmes which consent of projects listed in Annexes I and sustainable growth of the Cork for both Cork City Council and Cork are likely to have significant effects on II of Directive 2011/92/EU, as amended County Council and Local Area Plans the environment”. by 2014/52/EC. The provisions of the Metropolitan Area as a dynamic, issued by both local authorities. Further Strategy have been evaluated for potential connected, and internationally detail on the relationship between CMATS Appropriate Assessment (AA) is a significant effects, and measures have been competitive European city region and these Plans are discussed in requirement of the European Union (EU) integrated into the Strategy on foot of SEA as envisaged by the National Chapters 2 and 4. Habitats Directive (92/43/EEC) – on the recommendations in order to ensure that conservation of natural habitats and potential adverse effects are mitigated. Planning Framework 2040. Strategic Environmental wild flora and fauna – as transposed The environmental topics (including Assessment (SEA) and into Irish law through the European interrelationships) which are considered by Appropriate Assessment (AA) Communities (Birds and Natural Habitats) the SEA are as follows: Regulations 2011, which consolidates The preparation of CMATS is subject the European Communities (Natural to Strategic Environmental Assessment Air and Climatic Factors; Habitats) regulations 1997 to 2005 and the (SEA). Article 1 of SEA Directive Population and Human Health; European Communities (Birds and Natural (2001/42/EC) states that the “objective Habitats) (Control of Recreational Activities) Biodiversity, Flora and Fauna; of this Directive is to provide for a high Regulations 2010. Both the SEA and AA Material Assets; level of protection of the environment reports have been developed in parallel and to contribute to the integration of Soil; with CMATS and should be read and environmental considerations into the Water; considered in parallel with this Strategy. preparation and adoption of plans and Cultural Heritage; and Landscape. To achieve this vision the guiding principles upon which CMATS is based are:
P P P P P P 01 02 04 05 06 To support the future To prioritise To provide a high level To identify and protect To enhance the public To increase public growth of the CMA sustainable and of public transport key strategic routes for realm through traf c transport capacity and through the provision active travel and connectivity to key the movement of freight management and frequencies where of an ef cient and safe reduce car destinations within high and services including transport interventions. needed to achieve the transport network. dependency demand corridors. the provision of a high strategy outcomes. within the CMA. level of freight access to the Port of Cork. CORK METROPOLITAN AREA | TRANSPORT STRATEGY 7
The SEA Report, which should be read and Certain Strategy provisions would have Cork Metropolitan Area Transport Strategy Methodology considered in parallel with the Strategy sets the potential to result in significant out the findings of the assessment under negative environmental effects upon the headings including the following: environment. The integration of detailed P mitigation into the Strategy has ensured Relevant aspects of the current state of that these effects are mitigated. the Environment; Evaluation of Alternatives; The SEA identifies that implementation of A the Strategy will contribute towards efforts Evaluation of Strategy Provisions; to achieve a number of the 17 Sustainable Mitigation Measures; and Development Goals of the 2030 Agenda Monitoring Programme. for Sustainable Development, which were E adopted by world leaders in 2015 at a O The overall findings of the SEA are that: United Nations Summit and came into All of the recommendations arising from force in 2016. the SEA process have been incorporated into the Strategy; P Sustainable Development Goals including: The Strategy facilitates a mode shift away Goal 3. Ensure healthy lives and promote well- from the private car to public transport, being for all at all ages; walking and cycling and associated Goal 8. Promote sustained, inclusive and positive effects, including those relating to: sustainable economic growth, full and productive P S R • Contributions towards reductions employment and decent work for all; in greenhouse gas emissions and Goal 9. Build resilient infrastructure, promote inclusive and sustainable industrialization and associated achievement of legally foster innovation; binding targets Goal 11. Make cities and human settlements R • Contributions towards reductions inclusive, safe, resilient and sustainable; in emissions to air and associated Goal 12. Ensure sustainable consumption and achievement of air quality objectives, production patterns; thereby contributing towards Goal 13. Take urgent action to combat climate AA change and its impacts; improvement or air quality and The AA concludes that it is considered that the Strategy will not have a significant protection of human health; Goal 14. Conserve and sustainably use 1 the oceans, seas and marine resources for adverse effect on the integrity of the Natura 2000 network of sites . • Contributions towards reductions in sustainable development; consumption of non-renewable energy Goal 15. Protect, restore and promote The details of the approach to the AA and the findings are set out in the AA sources and achievement of legally sustainable use of terrestrial ecosystems, Natura Impact Report that accompanies the Strategy. In a similar manner to the binding renewable energy targets; sustainably manage forests, combat Environmental Report of the SEA, this separate document should be read and desertification, and halt and reverse land • Energy security; degradation and halt biodiversity loss. considered in parallel with the Strategy. • Enhancing the public realm; Certain Strategy provisions would be likely to result in significant positive effects 1 Except as provided for in Article 6 (4) of the Habitats Directive, viz. There must be: upon environmental management and a) No alternative solution available; protection; and b) Imperative reasons of overriding public interest for the plan / programme / strategy / project etc. to proceed; and c) Adequate compensatory measures in place.
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02 POLICY CONTEXT
This chapter sets out the prevailing National Level Improved traffic flow around the City, The World is changing and national and regional policies which inform National Planning Framework 2040 which, subject to assessment, could Ireland is changing too. and interact with CMATS. These include The NPF 2040 document was published include upgrades of the N40, and/or those directly related to transport, climate alternatives which may include enhanced The best way for our in February 2018 and sets out Ireland’s change and land use planning. planning policy direction for the next public transport; and country to address the 22 years. Cork is projected to grow Improved rail journey times to Dublin and changes that we will Planning and Policy significantly with at least an additional consideration of improved onward direct CMATS is a Regional Level plan and is 125,000 people by 2040 to support a network connections. continue to face, is to directly informed by National Level (Tier-1) minimum population of 315,000 within the This Strategy has been developed in plan for that change. policies. The most important and recent of City and Suburbs alone. Some of the key line with the core principles set out in the these national planning policy documents transport growth enablers relevant to the NPF 2040. National Planning Framework 2040 are the NPF 2040 and the NDP 2018- development of the Strategy include: 2027 both of which were published in Delivery of large-scale regeneration National Development Plan February 2018. projects for the provision of new 2018-2027 employment, housing and supporting The NPF 2040 sets out Ireland’s planning infrastructure in Cork Docklands (City The National Development Plan (NDP) sets policy direction for the next 22 years Docks and Tivoli); out a ten year investment plan to underpin and the NDP sets out the investment the NPF’s ten National Strategic Outcomes Progressing sustainable development priorities that will underpin the successful (NSOs). The key NSOs that have informed of new greenfield areas for housing on implementation of NPF 2040 in the short the development of CMATS are summarised public transport corridors; to medium term, up to 2027. as follows: Intensifying development in inner-city NSO 1 - Compact Growth Other important national level policies and inner suburban areas; • Urban Regeneration and Development which have informed CMATS include: Development of an new Cork Science Fund - the Cork Docklands is included and Innovation Park to the west of the Planning Land Use and Transport - as an example project with potential to city accessible by public transport; Outlook 2040 (PLUTO) receive support; and Development of enhanced city-wide Smarter Travel; • Establishment of a National Regeneration public transport system to incorporate Design Manual for Urban Roads and and Development Agency. proposals for an east-west corridor Streets; and from Mahon, through the City Centre to NSO 2 – Enhanced Regional Climate Action Plan. Ballincollig and a north-south corridor Accessibility Road Network with a link to the Airport; • Establish the Atlantic Corridor road A detailed review of planning and network linking Cork, Limerick, Galway policy documents relevant to CMATS M8/N25/N40 Dunkettle Junction upgrade and Sligo; is contained within the supporting and improved Ringaskiddy Port access; CMATS Baseline Conditions Report. Enhanced regional connectivity through • Improving average journey times A synopsis of some of the key documents improved average journey times by road; targeting an average inter-urban speed follows overleaf. of 90kph; 10 CORK METROPOLITAN AREA | TRANSPORT STRATEGY
• M20 Cork to Limerick motorway NSO 7 - Enhanced Amenity and National Mitigation Plan including consideration of a Heritage The first National Mitigation Plan represents complementary scheme - the Cork • Education, health and cultural an initial step to set Ireland on a pathway North Ring Road - linking the N20 to infrastructure; to achieve the level of decarbonisation Dunkettle; and required to reduce greenhouse gas • Capital investment at UCC including emissions in line with our international • M28 Cork to Ringaskiddy Road. new Business school, Innovation Park, commitments under the Paris Agreement NSO 3 - Public Transport new dental hospital, expansion of the as well as to meet our more immediate EU Tyndall National Institute and student • A feasibility study of high speed rail obligations. between Dublin Belfast, Dublin Limerick accommodation; Junction/Cork by 2019; and • Investment in the Crawford Art Gallery; Decarbonising Transport is a key tenet of • Complete construction of the National and the Plan. The Plan sets out the various Train Control Centre. • Cork Event Centre. measures already in place to contain the level of emissions associated with the NSO 4 - Sustainable Mobility NSO 8 - Transition to a Low-Carbon transport sector and identifies a range of potential additional measures that can • A commitment to implement and Climate-Resilient Society help to intensify mitigation efforts within BusConnects for Cork; • Expansion of electric vehicle charging the sector. Some key measures related to points; • Delivery of comprehensive walking and CMATS include: cycling network; and • Transition to low emission, including T1 Public Transport Investment; • Smarter Travel projects. electric buses, for the urban public bus fleet with no diesel-only buses T2 Smarter Travel Initiative; purchased from 1 July 2019; T8 Review of Public Transport; NSO 5 - A Strong Economy, supported by Enterprise, Innovation and Skills • BusConnects for Cork; and T9 Review of Active Travel Policy; • Upgrading of the Tyndall National • Sustainable travel measures, including T10 National Intelligent Transport Institute in Cork; comprehensive Cycling and Walking Systems (ITS) Strategy; Networks for metropolitan areas • University College Cork; New business T16 Further Public Transport Investment; of Ireland’s cities, and expanded school, student accommodation, T17 Supports and Incentives to Modal Greenways. Innovation Park and new dental Shift; hospital; and NSO 10 - Access to Quality Childcare, T23 National Policy on Parking. • Major Infrastructure project at CIT Education and Health Services delivered through PPP. The latter measure suggests reducing parking • A new acute hospital in Cork; and limits in urban centres to free up space for • A new dedicated ambulatory e NSO 6 - High-Quality International pedestrians, cyclists and public transportation lective-only hospital in Cork to tackle Connectivity and should be considered in tandem with waiting lists and provide access to policies on ‘out-of-town’ parking. • Continued investment in Cork diagnostic services. Airport; and • The consolidation of Port of Cork facilities at Ringaskiddy and redevelopment of existing port facilities at Ringaskiddy to accommodate larger sea-going vessels and increase capacity. CORK METROPOLITAN AREA | TRANSPORT STRATEGY 11
Climate Action Plan The document recognises the critical role Design Manual for Urban Roads and The Cork City network, The Government published the Climate that a world class road network plays in the Streets 2013 operated by Bus Éireann, Action Plan in June 2019 in response to State’s social, economic and environmental The Design Manual for Urban Roads and the need for Ireland to achieve its 2030 development but also warns against Streets (DMURS) sets out the manner offers reasonably extensive targets for carbon emissions and create repeating the land use planning mistakes in which roads and streets in urban and coverage of the City. The a pathway towards achieving a net zero of the past. The key quotes and principles suburban areas should be designed to majority of city bus emissions by 2050. The accelerating relevant to the development of the road prioritise the needs of pedestrians, cyclists services operate cross impact of greenhouse gases emissions on network in CMATS are reprised below. and public transport users and reduces the climate disruption must be arrested. dominance of the private car. The plans city and radially from the “National roads play a key role within and proposals outlined in CMATS are City Centre with some Some of the key objectives relevant to Ireland’s overall transport system and consistent with the goals and overarching orbital routes catering for CMATS include: in the country’s economic, social and objectives of DMURS. inter-suburban trips. Successful execution of the NPF physical development. designed to promote compact, Key principles applied in the context of connected and sustainabale living; The primary purpose of the national CMATS include the following: road network is to provide strategic More emphasis on the place function of Make growth less transport intensive transport links between the main centres by closer alignment between land streets and roads in Cork City, suburban of population and employment, including areas and Metropolitan Town Centres; use and transport planning, flexible key international gateways such as the Greater consideration of the pedestrian working habits and modal shift to public main ports and airports, and to provide environment including footway widths transport; access between all regions”. and crossing facilities; Expansion of walking, cycling and public However, in recent years, increasing transport to promote modal shift; population and car ownership rates, Emphasis on filtered permeability and Accelerating steps to decarbonise the changes in lifestyle and employment, and connections for pedestrians and cyclists, public transport fleet; improvements in the quality of the road especially to places of employment, education and public transport stops; and Giving Local Authorities more discretion network have also contributed to the in designating low emission zones; and unsustainable outward expansion of urban Distributor road layouts and areas, and retail and employment centres. requirements. Developing a strategy for the heavy freight sector. These dispersed, car dependent forms Smarter Travel – A Sustainable Future of development are uneconomic, lead Smarter Travel sets clear targets which Spatial Planning and National to increases in trip distance and make it have informed the preparation of CMATS. Roads (2012) difficult to develop attractive public The Government sets its vision for The Spatial Planning and National Roads transport, cycling and walking networks sustainability in transport and sets out guidelines sets out planning policy while also having serious implications five key goals: (i) to reduce overall travel considerations relating to development for the viability and sustainability of town demand, (ii) to maximise the efficiency affecting National Primary and National and city centres. Government policy no of the transport network, (iii) to reduce Secondary Roads, including motorways longer proposes to cater for the type of reliance on fossil fuels, (iv) to reduce and associated junctions. unlimited road traffic growth driven by transport emissions and (v) to improve the scenario outlined above. accessibility to transport. In particular, it sets a goal that walking, cycling and LRT public transport will make up 55% of total commuter journeys to work in the State. 12 CORK METROPOLITAN AREA | TRANSPORT STRATEGY
In order to facilitate this shift, and to cater A significant uptake in the quantity and The three new Assemblies incorporate for additional trips by walking, cycling and quality of cycle parking provision in relation the functions of both the former regional public transport, the Strategy proposes a to the location, quantity, design and authorities and assemblies, with significant comprehensive public transport network management of bicycle storage areas; enhancement of some powers, particularly and service structure, as well increasing A reduced overall parking standard and in relation to spatial planning and economic the role of cycling and walking as feasible application of a maximum car parking development. The Assemblies are charged alternatives for many trips. standard for housing schemes with more with preparing new RSESs for their regions. than 45 dwellings per hectare net in Sustainable Urban Housing: Design suburban/urban locations served by public The RSES is a link between the NPF, the Standards for New Apartments transport or close to town centres or City and County Development Plans and Guidelines for Planning Authorities employment areas; and the Local Economic and Community Plans. This document represents an update on Through this process the Assemblies A requirement that cycling is fully the earlier design standards guidelines are centrally involved in the formulation integrated into the design and operation issued in 2015. The updated standards of policies geared towards achieving a of all new apartment schemes. contain a number of transport-related greater dispersal of economic growth and issues relevant to the development of development throughout the region. CMATS including the following: Regional Level Guidance A default policy for car parking provision At a regional level, the NPF 2040 The NPF stipulates that as part of the RSES to be minimised, substantially reduced recommends the development of RSESs process, Metropolitan Area Spatial Plans or wholly eliminated in highly accessible and MASPs. The RSESs are to ensure (MASPS) will be prepared for the five cities areas such as in or adjoining city cores better co-ordination in planning and of Dublin, Cork, Limerick, Galway and or at a confluence of public transport development policy matters across local Waterford and their metropolitan areas. systems such as rail and bus stations authority boundaries. As part of the RSES In line with the RSESs, the MASPs will located in close proximity. Typically, these process, MASPs are required to provide be provided with statutory underpinning locations are within 15 minutes walking of more specific focus on city and metropolitan to act as 12-year strategic planning city centres or within 10 minutes walking issues. Further detail on the RSES and and investment frameworks for the city distance of commuter rail or bus stops or MASP process is provided below. metropolitan areas, addressing high-level within 5 minutes walking distance of high and long-term strategic development frequency bus services; Regional Spatial & Economic issues. The proposals outlined in CMATS Strategies (RSES) informed the draft Cork MASP. The Cork Metropolitan Area (CMA) lies within the Southern Regional Assembly. The CMATS in combination with the RSES and Southern Regional Assembly established on CMASP provides the building blocks for 1st January 2015, is one of three Assemblies regional planning in the Cork area, which in Ireland along with the Northern and is also informed by the national policy Western, and the Eastern and Midland objectives contained within the NPF 2040 Regional Assemblies. and the NDP.
The draft RSES and Cork MASP was available for public consultation from December 2018 to March 2019. The finalised Strategy will be available in early 2020. CORK METROPOLITAN AREA | TRANSPORT STRATEGY 13
Local Level Guidance The Development Plan sets out a vision The objective of the Plan is to make The third tier in the planning and policy for Cork City as a successful, sustainable Cork a more competitive and sustainable hierarchy is local planning, which regional capital with a high quality of life for county through the delivery of an efficient involves the planning framework for the its citizens and a robust local economy with transport system whilst encouraging implementation of national and regional a network of attractive neighbourhoods balanced investment and more energy guidance at the local level. These local served by good quality transport and efficient sustainable modes of public level policies include the Cork City and amenities. and private transport. The County Cork County Development Plans, the Cork This vison for Cork City will be achieved Development Plan provides for an Noise Action Plan, the Cork Cycle Network through the realisation of the following enhanced public transport network linking Plan and the Cork City Centre Movement strategic goals: the large Metropolitan towns. Strategy. The current development plans Increase population and households to are summarised below. CMATS will create a compact sustainable city; The Core Strategy outlies strategic priorities for the Cork Metropolitan area to ensure it inform the future update of Cork City and Achieve a higher quality of life, promote County development plans. The current can fulfil its strategic function as a driver for social inclusion and make the city an growth in the South West Region. development plans are summarised below. attractive and healthy place to live, work, visit and invest in; Cork City Development Plan These priorities include the following: Support the revitalisation of the city’s 2015-2021 Promote Metropolitan Cork development economy; Cork City Development Plan sets out the as an integrated planning unit to function development framework for the city of Promote sustainable modes of transport as a single market area for homes and Cork to 2021. The focus of the plan is to and integration of land use and jobs where there is equality of access grow the city’s residential and employment transportation; for all, through an integrated transport population. The Core Strategy sets out Maintain and capitalise on Cork’s unique system, to the educational and cultural a population target of 150,000 and an form and character; facilities worthy of a modern and vibrant European City; employment target of 85,577 jobs by 2022. Tackle climate change through reducing This would represent an increase of 25.8% energy usage, reducing emissions, adapt Assist in the redevelopment of the Cork and 22.3% respectively on the Census to climate change and mitigate against City Docklands by providing for the 2011 figures. flood risk; and relocation and development of industrial uses and major port facilities, primarily Protect and expand the green The Plan focuses on improving the quality at Ringaskiddy; infrastructure of the city. of life of its inhabitants and is cognisant Recognise the long-term importance of climate change and the environmental Cork County Development Plan of Cork International Airport and to impacts of development. The Development maintain and enhance the infrastructure 2014-2020 Plan also seeks to promote more and other resources likely to be required This Development Plan sets out an overall sustainable modes of travel within the city, for its future development; strategy for the appropriate planning and noting the importance of aligning land use sustainable development of Cork County Provide an enhanced public transport and transportation. over a 6-year period. network linking the City, its environs, the Metropolitan towns and the major centres of employment; Maintain the principles of the Metropolitan Cork Greenbelt; 14 CORK METROPOLITAN AREA | TRANSPORT STRATEGY
Develop the Cork City Environs so that Development to provide the homes and Summary they complement the City. In the South jobs that are necessary to serve the It is evident from the review, that policies Environs, priority should be given to planned population will be prioritised in have been in place for many years across consolidating the rapid growth that has the following locations within the CMA: many sectors, which aim to increase occurred in recent years by the provision Carrigaline (Shannon Park), Midleton accessibility, promote active travel modes, of services, social infrastructure and (Water Rock), Carrigtwohill (North and seek to reduce car use by a variety recreation facilities to meet the needs of of the Railway), Ballincollig (Maglin), of means. the population. North Environs (Ballyvolane), Glanmire The North Environs will play a major role (Dunkettle), Blarney (Stoneview), Plans are in place to better integrate land in the rebalancing of the City in terms Monard and Cobh. use and transport planning on a national of future population and employment and regional basis. These policies have growth; and The Core Strategies of both Local informed and guided the development Authorities are expected to be modified in of CMATS. the relevant areas by 2021.
T ER National Planning National Development Plan Planning Land Use NATIONAL Framework (NDP) 2018-2027 and Transport - LE EL 2040 Outlook 2040
Southern Assembly Regional Spatial & Economic C M T ER Strategy (RSES) RE IONAL A T PLANNIN Metropolitan Area Strategic Plans (MASP) CMAT
Cork City and Local Transport Local T ER Cork County Implementation Economic and LOCAL Development Plans Plans Community Plans PLANNIN Local Area Plans
IMPLEMENTATION CORK METROPOLITAN AREA | DRAFT TRANSPORT STRATEGY 15 CMATS Study Area and Transport Network
N WHITECHURCH
M
KNOCKRAHA LEAMLARA
WHITES CROSS SALLYBROOK
BLARNEY BROOKLODGE
TOWER GLANMIRE
GLOUNTHAUNE N MIDLETON CARRIGTWOHILL N CORK CITY LITTLE ISLAND N BALLYNACORRA N
BALLINCOLLIG
N
N ROCHESTOWN PASSAGE WEST
FRANKFIELD BALLYMORE
COBH N MONKSTOWN
CORK AIRPORT
RINGASKIDDY BALLYGARVAN WHITEGATE
CARRIGALINE N