The following material alterations are proposed to Chapter 3 – Core Strategy. The proposed alterations should be read in conjunction with the original draft chapter which can be viewed here.

AMENDMENT V1 - 3

Section 3.0       Introduction

The purpose of the Core Strategy is provide relevant information to show that the development plan provisions, in particular its population, housing, retail and transport and climate action strategies are consistent, as far as practicable, with national and regional development objectives set out in the National Planning Framework and Regional Spatial and Economic Strategy and with Specific Planning Policy Requirements specified in guidelines under sub-section (1) of Section 28 of the Planning Act.

 

AMENDMENT V1 – 4

Section 3.2       Housing

The methodology for translating the population targets of the NPF Roadmap into housing targets is set out in Ministerial Guidelines ‘Housing Supply Target Methodology for Development Planning’ (DHLGH December 2020). As part of the understanding and implementation of these guidelines, additional County specific tabulations and calculations were provided by the Department, in order to assist in the accurate determination of housing targets for the lifetime of the development plan, which will be the 6-year period Q3 2022 to Q2 2028.

These tables and calculations are all presented and explained in the Housing Strategy appended to this development plan; only the summary tables or those necessary to explain the Core Strategy are set out in this chapter.

Table 3.2          Housing Completions & Targets Co. Wicklow 2020, 2022, 2028, 2031

(Note: Depending on your device, it may be necessary to use a scroll bar function at the bottom of this table to view all of the columns)

County Wicklow

Units delivered

2017-2020

Estimated completions

Q1 2021 – Q2 2022

Target

Q3 2022 – Q2 2028

Target

Q3 2028 - 2031

Total

New housing demand

3,230

1,404

8,467

1,848

14,949

 

Table 3.2:         Housing Demand NPF Roadmap / Ministerial Guidelines 2017-2031

County Wicklow

Total

Per annum

ESRI NPF scenario projected new household demand 2017 to 2031

10,976

732

Actual new housing supply 2017-2019

2,190

730

Homeless households, and estimated unmet demand as at Census 2016

150

 

Housing demand 2020 - 2031

8,936

745

Source: Ministerial Guidelines Appendix 1, 2020

Methodology is provided in the guidelines to establish the housing demand up to 2026, taking into account the 25% ‘headroom’ up to 2026 that is afforded to County Wicklow in the NPF ‘Roadmap’, as well as the number of units completed in 2020.

In this regard, the housing demand up to for the period from 2021 up to 2026 is 4,981 units. Thereafter it is assumed that housing demand will be delivered evenly up to 2031, up to the total target of 11,126 units (10,976 + 150 as per the table above).

Table 3.3:         Housing Demand NPF Roadmap / Ministerial Guidelines 2026, 2028, 2031

(Note: Depending on your device, it may be necessary to use a scroll bar function at the bottom of this table to view all of the columns)

County Wicklow

Units delivered

2017-2020

2021 - 2026

2027 - 2028

2029 - 2031

Total

New housing demand

3,230

4,981

1,166

1,749

11,126

 

Neither the NPF ‘Roadmap’ nor the 2020 Guidelines take account of the additional population allocation to Bray as per the MASP. This equates to 3,820 units[1], and assuming they will be delivered over a 10 year period from 2022 to 2031, this equates to 382 units per annum. This will be assumed to be delivered in a linear even manner and no ‘front loading’ for 2026 is provided for as per the MASP:

Table 3.4:         Housing Demand NPF Roadmap / Ministerial Guidelines 2026, 2028, 2031

+MASP

(Note: Depending on your device, it may be necessary to use a scroll bar function at the bottom of this table to view all of the columns)

County Wicklow

Units delivered

2017-2020

2021-2026

2027-2028

2029-2031

Total

New housing demand

3,230

6,891

1,930

2,895

14,946

 

 

AMENDMENT V1 – 5

Section 3.4       Population & Housing Allocations

This development plan is for the period Q3 2022- Q2 2028 and the population and housing unit targets for each settlement / aggregate settlement grouping in order to ensure that it provides a robust and responsive long term framework, the population and housing targets up to 2031 for each settlement / tier in the settlement hierarchy are herewith identified. These targets have been sourced and derived for the overall County population targets set out in Table 3.1 above and the housing targets set out in Table 3.2. Local plans for each settlement[2] as well as the application of the objectives of this plan, will provide for a flexible development framework, including phasing, to ensure that the 2026 and 2028 targets can be fulfilled. 

In determining appropriate growth rates for each settlement / tier, cognisance has been taken of the NPO 9 of the NPF which states:

National Policy Objective 9

In each Regional Assembly area, settlements not identified in Policy 2a or 2b of this Framework, may be identified for significant (i.e. 30% or more above 2016 population levels) rates of population growth at regional and local planning stages, provided this is subject to:

  • Agreement (regional assembly, metropolitan area and/or local authority as appropriate);
  • Balance with strategies for other urban and rural areas (regional assembly, metropolitan area and/or local authority as appropriate), which means that the totality of planned population growth has to be in line with the overall growth target; and
  • A co-ordinated strategy that ensures alignment with investment in infrastructure and the provision of employment, together with supporting amenities and services.

While the above planning considerations will generally apply to all urban and rural areas, this specific provision is intended to ensure that in settlements identified for significant population growth, it is aligned with the provision of employment and/or infrastructure and supporting facilities, to ensure a good quality of life for both existing and future residents.

The Regional Spatial and Economic Strategies for each Regional Assembly area shall address the potential of towns and their catchments in conjunction with consideration of growth targets for cities and rural areas. In applying a tailored approach to urban development, that can be linked to the Rural and Urban Regeneration and Development Fund, key considerations further to NPO 7 will include:

  • The extent to which a settlement is located inside or outside one of the five defined City- Region catchments and may be characterised as commuter focused or as more self-contained;
  • The scale of employment provision and net commuting flows;
  • The extent of local services and amenities provision i.e. administration, education – particularly higher education institutes, health, leisure and retail;
  • The extent to which trips may be made by sustainable modes of travel, i.e. walking, cycling or public transport, and the scale of planned investment in such;
  • The rate and pace of development from 1996-2016 and the extent to which there are outstanding requirements for infrastructure and amenities;
  • Accessibility and influence in a regional or sub-regional context;
  • Particular sub-regional interdependencies, for example, where a settlement may be located in relation to a number of nearby settlements and scope for collaboration and complementarity;
  • Track record of performance and delivery, as well as ambition and initiative and scope to leverage investment;
  • Commitment to achieve compact growth

Growth rates targeted for each settlement / settlement tier are reflective of the respective position of each settlement or groups of settlement in the overall hierarchy, the capacity of that settlement / settlement tier for growth having regard to the asset based assessment.

Housing and population growth rates targeted for each settlement / settlement tier are reflective of the respective position of each settlement or groups of settlement in the overall hierarchy, the tier designation and any growth parameters associated with same as may be provided in the NPF or RSES, and the capacity of that settlement / settlement tier for growth having regard to the asset based assessment.

In a small number of cases, the targeted housing growth rate has had to take account of significant legacy housing developments already in train, which would result in a higher growth rate than may have been appropriate for the settlement given its position in the hierarchy and asset capacity.

Level

Settlement

Justification

1, 2

Bray

Key Towns are identified for growth rates of c. 35% having regard to their identification on the RSES are towns suitable for higher levels of growth.

Wicklow - Rathnew

3

Arklow

Towns in Level 3 are targeted for growth rates of 25%-30%, with slight variations based on capacity / past trends.

Greystones - Delgany

Blessington

4

Baltinglass

Towns in Level 4 are generally targeted for growth rates around 20%-25%. Newtownmountkennedy (at c.65%) and Rathdrum (at c.45%) will significantly exceed this target due to legacy housing developments under construction. The goal for these towns is to limit further development, other than for town centre infill / regeneration.

Enniskerry

Kilcoole

Newtownmountkennedy

Rathdrum

5

Ashford

Towns in Level 5 are generally targeted for growth rates of 15%-20%. Ashford (at c.60%) will significantly exceed this target due to legacy housing developments under construction. The goal for this town is to limit further development, other than for town centre infill / regeneration.

Aughrim

Carnew

Dunlavin

Tinahely

6

Avoca

Towns in Level 6 are generally targeted for growth rates of 10%-15%.

Donard

Kilmacanogue

Newcastle

Roundwood

Shillelagh

7-10

Villages / clusters

Open countryside

Growth rate of 5%-10% identified as appropriate for rural villages and open countryside.

Table 3.46        Wicklow Settlement / Aggregate Settlement Population Targets 2016, Q2 2028-2031

(Note: Depending on your device, it may be necessary to use a scroll bar function at the bottom of this table to view all of the columns)

Level

Settlement

Population 2016

Population target

Q 2 2028

Population target

2031

 

% of total County growth

To Q2 2028 2031 by tier

1

Bray

29,646

38,565

40,425

 

Key Towns

52%49%

 

2

Wicklow - Rathnew

14,114

18,515

19,470

 

3

Arklow

13,226

15,419

16,440

 

Self Sustaining

Growth Towns

25%

 

Greystones - Delgany

18,021

21,727

21,630

 

Blessington

5,234

6,145

6,035

 

4

Baltinglass

2,251

2,607

2,725

 

Self Sustaining

Towns

10%12%

 

Enniskerry

1,877

2,106

1,920

 

Kilcoole

4,244

4,778

4,315

 

Newtownmountkennedy

3,552

5,179

5,220

 

Rathdrum

1,716

2,339

2,480

 

5

Ashford

5,710

6,695

 

7,210

 

 

 

 

Small Towns

Type 1

 

 

 

 

 

Small Towns

Type 2

5%

5%

 

 

 

 

 

 

2%

 

Aughrim

 

Carnew

 

Dunlavin

 

Tinahely

 

6

Avoca

3,835

4,230

 

4,345

 

 

 

 

Donard

 

Kilmacanogue

 

Newcastle

 

Roundwood

 

Shillelagh

 

7-9

Villages /  clusters

5,672

 

 

 

38,999

41,352

6,010

 

Villages

 

1%

 

9%
 
10

Open countryside

33,327  

35,280

 

Open Countryside

6%

 

Total

142,425

169,658

173,505

 

 

100.0%

Table 3.5          Wicklow Settlement / Aggregate Settlement Housing Targets to Q2 2028 and Q4 2031

(Note: Depending on your device, it may be necessary to use a scroll bar function at the bottom of this table to view all of the columns)

Level

Settlement

Housing Stock

2016

Completions

2017-2020

Estimated completions

2021-Q2 2022

Housing Growth

Q3 2022-Q2 2028

Housing Growth

Q3 2028-Q4 2031

Total Housing Growth

2016-2031

1

 

2

Bray

11,232

165

100

4,026

771

5062

Wicklow - Rathnew

5,456

650

200

1,267

275

2392

3

 

Arklow

5,406

165

100

790

166

1,221

Greystones - Delgany

6,766

875

400

508

170

1953

Blessington

1,914

5

40

393

81

519

4

Baltinglass

903

46

40

85

24

195

Enniskerry

648

34

40

36

15

125

Kilcoole

1,451

97

20

140

30

287

Newtownmount-

kennedy

1,222

250

100

433

99

882

Rathdrum

669

132

100

68

31

331

5

Ashford

2,390

255

90

129

41

515

Aughrim

Carnew

Dunlavin

Tinahely

6

 

Avoca

1,534

46

30

114

28

218

Donard

Kilmacanogue

Newcastle

Roundwood

Shillelagh

7-9

10

Villages / clusters

Open countryside

15,395

510

134

478

117

1249

 

Total

54,968

3,230

1,404

8,467

1,848

14,949

Table 3.7          Wicklow Settlement / Aggregate Settlement Housing Targets 2016-2031

(Note: Depending on your device, it may be necessary to use a scroll bar function at the bottom of this table to view all of the columns)

Level

Settlement

Housing Stock

2016

Housing Stock

Growth  Target

2016-2031[3]

Housing Units completed post 2016

Further Housing Unit Growth

Target up to 2031

1

Bray

11,232

5,062

165

4,897

2

Wicklow - Rathnew

5,456

2392

650

1,742

3

 

Arklow

5,406

1221

165

1,056

Greystones - Delgany

6,766

1953

875

1,078

Blessington

1,914

519

5

514

4

Baltinglass

903

195

46

149

Enniskerry

648

125

34

91

Kilcoole

1,451

287

97

190

Newtownmountkennedy

1,222

882

250

632

Rathdrum

669

331

132

199

5

Ashford

2,390

515

255

260

Aughrim

Carnew

Dunlavin

Tinahely

6

 

Avoca

1,534

218

46

172

Donard

Kilmacanogue

Newcastle

Roundwood

Shillelagh

7-10

Villages / clusters

Open countryside

15,395

1249

510

739

 

Total

54,986

14,949

3,230

11,719

Table 3.8          Wicklow Settlement / Aggregate Settlement Housing Targets 2026, 2028, 2031

(Note: Depending on your device, it may be necessary to use a scroll bar function at the bottom of this table to view all of the columns)

Level

Settlement

Housing Stock 2016

Further

Housing Unit

Growth  up to 2026

Housing Unit

Growth

up to 2028

Housing Unit

Growth

up to 2031

1

Bray

11,232

2880

3686

4896

2

Wicklow - Rathnew

5,456

1024

1311

1742

3

 

Arklow

5,406

 621

795

1056

Greystones - Delgany

6,766

  634

811

1078

Blessington

1,914

302

  387

514

4

Baltinglass

903

88

112

149

Enniskerry

648

54

68

91

Kilcoole

1,451

112

143

190

Newtownmountkennedy

1,222

372

476

632

Rathdrum

669

117

150

199

5

Ashford

 

 

2,390

 

 

153

 196

260

Aughrim

Carnew

Dunlavin

Tinahely

6

 

Avoca

 

 

1,534

 

 

 101

 129

172

Donard

Kilmacanogue

Newcastle

Roundwood

Shillelagh

7-10

Villages / clusters

Open countryside

15,395

435

 

 556

739

 

 

Total

54,986

6,893

8,820

11,718

In order to ensure that adequate services are delivered in tandem with new housing, service delivery agencies shall have regard to both the future housing growth targets set out in Table 3.5 above, and the housing delivery already completed and underway in the County since 2016, as well as permitted further housing development as yet to commence, as shown on Table 3.69 to follow.

Table 3.69        Housing development completed, underway and permitted in Co. Wicklow

(Note: Depending on your device, it may be necessary to use a scroll bar function at the bottom of this table to view all of the columns)

Level

Settlement

Housing Units completed post 2016

Units under construction[4]

Extant

permission [5]

1

Bray

165

409

876

2

Wicklow - Rathnew

650

376

481

3

 

Arklow

165

181

109

Greystones - Delgany

875

1050

688

Blessington

5

45

307

4

Baltinglass

46

50

69

Enniskerry

34

69

88

Kilcoole

97

23

17

Newtownmountkennedy

250

587

11

Rathdrum

132

137

173

5

Ashford

255

101

225

Aughrim

Carnew

Dunlavin

Tinahely

6

 

Avoca

46

30

109

Donard

Kilmacanogue

Newcastle

Roundwood

Shillelag

 

AMENDMENT V1 – 6

Section 3.5       Zoning

Local Area Plans (LAPs)

New Local Area Plans will be made for the following settlements in the period 2022-2024 in the following order of priority:

1. Wicklow Town – Rathnew

2. Greystones - Delgany - Kilcoole

3. Blessington

4. Arklow and Environs

5. Bray Municipal District (including Enniskerry and Kilmacanogue)

Bray Municipal District (including Enniskerry and Kilmacanogue)

Wicklow Town – Rathnew

Greystones - Delgany - Kilcoole

Arklow and Environs

Blessington


While each LAP will cover a period of 6 years, zoning will be provided on the basis of the land needed to meet the 2031 population target, with clear objectives to ensure 2026 targets can be reached. 

Core Strategy Table 3.7 to follow shows the housing unit requirements for the LAP towns, up to the year 2031 and the housing unit capacity of lands zoned in current LAPs.

This table shows that the majority of current LAPs have a surplus of zoned land having regard to the revised 2031 targets set out in the NPF Roadmap and the RSES for the EMRA. Prior to the adoption of new LAPs reflecting the targets set out in this plan, in the assessment of applications for new housing development (or mixed use development of which housing forms a significant component) shall be assessed against the population and housing targets set out in the Core Strategy of this County Development Plan and the Council will strictly adhere to the compact growth, sequential development and phasing principles set out in this plan.

Until such a time as new LAPs are adopted, the current plans for these towns are herewith subsumed into this County Development Plan.

 

AMENDMENT V1 – 7

Section 3.5       Zoning

Zoning Principles

Principle 1:       Compact Growth

In accordance with National Policy Objectives 3c of the National Planning Framework, a minimum of 30% of the housing growth targeted in any settlement is to be delivered within the existing built up footprint of the settlement.

Levels 1-4 1-5 of Settlement Hierarchy

For larger towns in Levels 1-5 1-4, where more significant growth is targeted that is unlikely to be possible to accommodate wholly within the existing built up envelope, a minimum of 30% of the targeted housing growth shall be directed into the built up area of the settlement. In cognisance that the potential of town centre regeneration / infill / brownfield sites is difficult to predict, there shall be no quantitative restriction inferred from this Core Strategy and associated tables on the number of units that may be delivered on town centre regeneration / infill / brownfield sites within the built up envelope of the town.

In order to ensure however that overall housing and population targets are not exceeded to any significant degree, the amount of land zoned for the housing development outside of the built up envelope of any existing settlement shall not exceed 70% of the total housing target for that settlement.

Level 56-9 of Settlement Hierarchy

It has been determined that all of the targeted housing growth in towns / villages at Levels 56-9 of the hierarchy can be accommodated within the existing built up footprint of these settlements.

 

Table 3.9          Compact Growth Housing Targets 2022-2031

(Note: Depending on your device, it may be necessary to use a scroll bar function at the bottom of this table to view all of the columns)

Level

Settlement

Further Housing Unit Growth

Target up to 2031

Minimum target for compact growth[6]

Maximum allowance outside built up envelope

1

Bray

4896

1469

3427

2

Wicklow - Rathnew

1742

523

1219

3

 

Arklow

1056

317

739

Greystones - Delgany

1078

323

755

Blessington

514

154

360

4

Baltinglass

149

45

104

Enniskerry

91

27

64

Kilcoole

190

57

133

Newtownmountkennedy

632

190

442

Rathdrum

199

60

139

5

Ashford

260

260

0

Aughrim

Carnew

Dunlavin

Tinahely

6

 

Avoca

172

172

0

Donard

Kilmacanogue

Newcastle

Roundwood

Shillelagh

Principle 2:       Delivery of Population and Housing Targets

The zoning provisions of each Local Area Plan and Small Town Plan will be crafted on the basis of ensuring that the population and housing unit targets set out in the tables above can be fulfilled.  

Where the targets set out in the tables above can’t be fulfilled within the quantum of land identified due the lack of infrastructure as set out in Appendix 9, prioritisation will be given to fulfilling the targets set out in the tables above on land identified within Local Area Plans and Small Town Plans where infrastructure is or will be available and based on the sequential approach set out in Principle 4.

Town centre regeneration / infill / brownfield developments normally located within the existing built up part of the settlement, generally on lands zoned ‘town centre’, ‘village centre’, ‘primary area’, ‘existing residential’ and other similarly zoned, already developed lands will be prioritised and promoted in the first instance for new housing development,.

The exact capacity of such lands is not possible to quantify as it is not possible to predict what infill opportunities might arise for new development on existing developed or brownfield lands. However, the Council will utilise all mechanisms available to it to stimulate development in these locations, such that at least 30% of all new development is delivered in these areas.

Where a need for new housing development outside of the ‘compact growth boundary’ is identified, the quantum of land zoned shall accord with the targets set out in Table 3.10, having regard to density assumptions made in accordance with Principle 3 to follow and the sequential approach set out in Principle 4.

Table 3.10        Future zoning requirements outside compact growth boundary (Levels 1-4)

(Note: Depending on your device, it may be necessary to use a scroll bar function at the bottom of this table to view all of the columns)

Future Plan Type

Settlement

Core Strategy Housing Unit Target maximum permissible outside compact growth boundary

Housing Yield of existing undeveloped  zoned land outside compact growth boundary [7]

Shortfall/ surplus (UNITS)

Method of addressing shortfall / surplus

LAP

Bray

3427

4,126

+699

To be addressed in new LAP.

LAP

Wicklow – Rathnew

1219

1,959

+740

To be addressed in new LAP.

LAP

Arklow

739

2,890

+2151

To be addressed in new LAP.

LAP

Greystones – Delgany

755

823

+68

To be addressed in new LAP.

LAP

Blessington

360

870

+510

To be addressed in new LAP.

LAP

Kilcoole

104

328

+224

To be addressed in new LAP.

LAP

Enniskerry[8]

64

198

+134

To be addressed in new LAP.

STP

Baltinglass

133

90

-43

Requirement exceeded

STP

Newtownmountkennedy

442

590

+148

Requirement not met - legacy planning permissions under construction

STP

Rathdrum

139

0

-139

Requirement exceeded

Principle 4:       Sequential approach

Where there is a surplus of land identified for residential development (or a mix of residential and other uses), one or a combination of the following option will be utilised:

Prioritising / phasing of development: by indicating on relevant tables and maps, where any surplus capacity of land and/or housing will be regarded as a strategic reserve and that proposals for the development of such lands or housing will not be considered for development purposes during the plan period;

Alternative Objectives: by indicating lands that will be considered for alternative appropriate uses within the plan period such as employment, amenity, community or other uses;

Discontinuing the Objective: by deletion of the zoning objective and related lands from the written statement and maps of the development plan.

Detailed ‘Infrastructural Assessments’ in accordance with NPO 72 and the methodology for a Tiered Approach  to Zoning set out under Appendix 3 of the NPF shall be carried out for all lands proposed to be zoned and de-zoned in future Local Area Plan.


AMENDMENT V1 – 8

CORE STRATEGY TABLES

Table A: LAP Towns

This analysis utilises the 2031 housing targets, having regard the likely timeframes of future LAPs (6-10 years), due to be adopted in the 2023 – 2025 period.

(Note: Depending on your device, it may be necessary to use a scroll bar function at the bottom of this table to view all of the columns)

SETTLEMENT

POPULATION & HOUSING

ZONING

 

 

A

B

C

D

E

F

G

H

I

J

K

L

Settlement Type

Settlement name

Census 2016 Population

Census 2016

(%)

Housing Target

2016-2031

(less completed units 2017-2020)

(units)

Housing Target

(as % of County 2031 target)

Development capacity of existing zoned lands

(units)[9]

Development capacity of existing zoned land within built up area

(units)

Development capacity of existing zoned land outside built up area

(units)

Development capacity of existing zoned land within built up area as % of total development capacity

(F/E)

Units required to be provided outside of built up area

(units)

(C – F)

Surplus capacity of existing zoned land outside built up area (units) (G – I)

Surplus land outside of existing built up area (ha)

Method of addressing shortfall / surplus

County

Wicklow

142,425

 

11,719

100%

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Key Town

Bray

29,646

21%

4,897

42%

6,500

2,000

4,500

31%

2,897

1,600

40[10]

Will be addressed in next LAP – comprises strategic sites

Wicklow - Rathnew

14,114

10%

1,742

15%

4,200

2,000

2,200

48%

0

2,200

5511

21ha already under construction; remaining surplus will be addressed in next LAP

Self Sustaining (Growth) Towns

Arklow

13,226

9%

1,056

9%

5,200

2,100

3,100

40%

0

3,100

7811

11ha already under construction; remaining surplus will be addressed in next LAP

Greystones - Delgany

18,021

13%

1,078

9%

2,900

1,700

1,200

59%

0

1,200

3011

7.5ha already under construction; remaining surplus will be addressed in next LAP

Blessington

5,234

4%

514

4%

1,450

300

1,150

21%

215

935

31[11]

Surplus will be addressed in next LAP

Enniskerry

1,877

1%

91

1%

520

375

145

72%

0

145

512

Surplus will be addressed in next LAP

Kilcoole

4,244

3%

190

2%

600

460

140

77%

0

140

512

Surplus will be addressed in next LAP

Table B: Towns / Aggregate Town Groups / Rural Areas that form part of County Development Plan 2022-2028

This table relates to the period up to Q2 2028

(Note: Depending on your device, it may be necessary to use a scroll bar function at the bottom of this table to view all of the columns)

SETTLEMENT

POPULATION & HOUSING

LAND ZONING REQUIRED

 

 

A

B

C

D

E

F

G

H

I

Settlement Type

Settlement name

Census 2016 Population

Census 2016

(%)

Housing Target

2016-Q2 2028

(less completed units 2017-2020)

(units)

Housing Target

(as % of County target)

Housing Target

+ 25% additional provision

 (Units)

Development capacity of proposed zoned residential  lands

(units)[12]

Development capacity of proposed zoned infill / mixed use / town centre lands

(units)[13]

Total development capacity

(units)

Proportion of zoned land within built up area

County

Wicklow

142,425

 

8,467

100%

 

 

 

 

 

Self Sustaining Towns

Baltinglass

2,251

2%

125

1.5%

156

105

50

155

100%

Newtownmountkennedy

3,552

2%

533

6%

666

544

80

624

44%

Rathdrum

1,716

1%

168

2%

210

320

70

390

52%


AMENDMENT V1 – 9

3.6       Transport and Accessibility

The National Planning Framework is focused on policies, actions and investment to deliver 10 National Strategic Outcomes (NSOs). With respect to transport and accessibility, the key objectives relevant to Wicklow and the Dublin Metropolitan Area are:

High quality international connectivity

  • Support the improvement and protection of the TEN-T road network to strengthen access routes to Ireland’s ports and airports

Inter-Urban Roads

  • Maintaining the strategic capacity and safety of the national roads network including planning for future capacity enhancements;
  • Improving average journey times targeting an average inter-urban speed of 90kph;
  • Enabling more effective traffic management within and around cities and re-allocation of inner city road-space in favour of bus-based public transport services and walking/cycling facilities

Public Transport

  • To strengthen public transport connectivity between cities and large growth towns in Ireland and Northern Ireland with improved services and reliable journey times.
  • Expand attractive public transport alternatives to car transport to reduce congestion and emissions and enable the transport sector to cater for the demands associated with longer term population and employment growth in a sustainable manner through the following measures;
  • Deliver the key public transport objectives of the Transport Strategy for the Greater Dublin Area 2016-2035 by investing in projects such as New Metro Link, DART Expansion Programme, BusConnects in Dublin and key bus-based projects in the other cities and towns;
  • Provide public transport infrastructure and services to meet the needs of smaller towns, villages and rural areas; and
  • Develop a comprehensive network of safe cycling routes in metropolitan areas to address travel needs and to provide similar facilities in towns and villages where appropriate.

Rural Development

  • Provide a quality nationwide community based public transport system in rural Ireland which responds to local needs under the Rural Transport Network and similar initiatives;
  • Invest in maintaining regional and local roads and strategic road improvement projects in rural areas to ensure access to critical services such as education, healthcare and employment.

These transportation and accessibility objectives are translated to the regional level through the Regional Spatial and Economic Strategy; the Transport Investment Priorities for the region that are relevant to Wicklow are as follows:

Rail

 

  • DART Expansion Programme - new infrastructure and electrification of existing lines ... while continuing to provide DART services on the South-Eastern Line as far south as Greystones
  • Provide for an appropriate level of commuter rail service in the Midlands and South-East
  • Complete the construction of the National Train Control Centre.
  • New stations to provide interchange with bus, LUAS and Metro network including Kishoge, Heuston West, Cabra, Glasnevin, Pelletstown and Woodbrook.
  • LUAS Green Line Capacity Enhancement in advance of Metrolink.
  • Undertake appraisal, planning and design of LUAS network expansion to Bray, Finglas, Lucan and Poolbeg
  • In principle there is a need to carry out an evaluation of underground metro routes within the M50

Bus

  • Core Bus Corridors comprising 16 radial routes and 3 orbital routes in Dublin
  • Regional Bus Corridors connecting the major regional settlements to Dublin
  • Dublin Metropolitan Bus Network Review
  • Network reviews for the largest settlements across EMRA, with a view to providing local bus services
  • Review of bus services between settlements
  • Review of local bus services throughout EMRA, including services to small towns and villages and the rural transport programme
  • New interchange and bus hub facilities
  • New fare structures
  • Enhanced passenger information
  • Improvements to bus waiting facilities
  • Integrated timetabling of bus and rail into a coherent national and regional network.

Strategic Roads

  • Support the improvement and protection of the TEN-T network to strengthen access routes to Ireland’s ports, including investment in the ongoing development of the N11/M11 to improve connectivity to Rosslare
  • M11 from Jn 4 M50 to Kilmacanogue N3
  • In addition, long term protection shall remain for the Eastern Bypass and the Leinster Outer Orbital Route.

Of key importance to County Wicklow’s transportation and accessibility strategy, is the NTA’s Transport Strategy for the Greater Dublin Area (GDA). The current strategy for the period 2016-2035 is the applicable strategy although it is noted that this is under review (late 2020). Any alterations to the transport strategy, as they apply to Wicklow that occur during the making of this plan will be integrated into the plan where possible.

The 2016-2035 transport strategy provides a framework for the planning and delivery of transport infrastructure and services in the GDA over the next two decades. It also provides a transport planning policy around which other agencies involved in land use planning, environmental protection, and delivery of other infrastructure such as housing, water and power, can align their investment priorities. It is, therefore, an essential component, along with investment programmes in other sectors, for the orderly development of the GDA over the next 20 years.

The transportation assessment and proposals to meet demand provided in the strategy are based around 6 ‘radial corridors’ emanating out from the city centre and for County Wicklow, the following strategy is set out:

Corridor F – Arklow – Wicklow – Greystones – Bray – Cherrywood – Dundrum – Dun Laoghaire – Dublin City Centre.

 

  • Corridor F stretches from the south east business districts to Wicklow, based around the N/M11 route and containing both the DART and Luas Green Line. The Strategic Development Zone of Cherrywood is in this corridor.
  • During the preparation of the Strategy, the NTA prepared a report on the South East corridor. This study primarily aimed to identify public transport options that could effectively meet the growth in travel demand to year 2035, between the South East Study Area and Dublin City Centre. A number of options to cater for transport growth were examined. This included the upgrading of the Green line to Metro standard all the way to a point in Bray. Other options included focusing on the DART and a combination of BRT and bus priority to service growth, including a BRT network linking to the upgraded Metro at Bride’s Glen or Sandyford.
  • Given the need to accommodate expected growth in demand between segments along Corridor F, as well as from these segments to the city centre, a number of schemes are proposed. The capacity of the South Eastern rail line will be increased through enhancements to the existing rail line, incorporating city centre signalling and extra rolling stock. DART Underground will also enable increases in capacity along this corridor. This will facilitate faster and more frequent intercity, regional and DART services to be provided on this line.
  • While these schemes focus on the coastal areas, the western parts of the corridor, including Cherrywood and other potential development areas, will require high capacity public transport. It is, therefore, proposed to upgrade the Luas Green Line to Metro standard from the city centre, where it will link into the new Metro North, as far as its current terminus at Bride’s Glen. From this point to Bray, a new Luas line is proposed. This will provide a new north-south inland rail axis from Swords to Bray. These rail services will be supplemented by the proposed BRT on the N11 from UCD to Blanchardstown, and the core radial bus corridors on the N11, south of UCD, and on the Rock Road.
  • To provide for growth in vehicular trip demand and improve road safety, the N11 and M50 between Newtownmountkennedy and Sandyford (including the M11/M50 junction) will be upgraded. Additionally, Loughlinstown roundabout will be improved, while a distributor road network will be developed to service development lands at Kiltiernan / Glenamuck.

Corridor E – N81 Settlements – South Tallaght – Rathfarnham – to Dublin City Centre

 

  • Corridor E is made up of generally suburban residential development and is not defined on the basis of a major transport route, road or public transport service. It presents a challenge in that respect as it is more difficult to serve with high capacity public transport than other corridors, which are defined by multi-lane roads and / or dual carriageways, and contain existing or proposed rail lines.
  • As limited growth in radial trips along Corridor E outside of the Metropolitan Area is anticipated, it is not proposed to implement significant public transport infrastructure improvements. Bus capacity will be increased to meet demand along the N81.
  • For the Metropolitan parts of this corridor, the performance of the Rathfarnham Quality Bus Corridor is poor relative to others and requires enhancement. As such, a number of options, including Light Rail, have been examined. However, due to the land use constraints in the corridor and owing to the pressure on the existing road network, a Luas line was not deemed feasible. Instead, the emerging solution comprises a Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) to Tallaght via Rathfarnham and Terenure. This will result in a significant increase in capacity and reliability compared to existing public transport services and will balance public transport requirements with those of the private car. The BRT will be supplemented by a core radial bus corridor between Rathfarnham, Rathmines and the City Centre.
  • Two new roads are to be built within this corridor, a South Tallaght link road from Oldcourt Road to Kiltipper Road, and a public transport bridge over the Dodder to the east of Tallaght from Firhouse Road to the N81 to address localised access and congestion issues.

Strategic Roads

  • In light of the above higher order strategies, the priority for strategic (national) road improvement is the upgrade of the M/N11 in the north of the County, from the Dublin border as far as Kilpedder, in particular improvements to the M50 / M11 merge which is deficient in capacity, and all interchanges serving Bray.
  •  The construction of proposed and route selected N81 from South Dublin to Hollywood Cross is a key objective of this plan. The Regional Spatial and Economic Strategy also identifies the Leinster Outer Orbital Route as a longer term objective, and this potentially traverses the region from Arklow in the south-east, to the Naas-Kilcullen area in the west via a route similar to the existing R747 – N81 corridor. This will form an element of the long term road investment strategy of this plan. 
  • In light of the likely continuing car dependency to access the metropolitan region in the short to medium term, it is the strategy of this plan to facilitate and encourage measures to improve capacity and efficiency of the national and regional routes, and facilitate the improved use of the national and regional routes by public transport, including the development of bus park-n-rides.
  • The priority for regional road improvement will be with east-west connector routes i.e. Wicklow – Roundwood – Sally Gap - (R763/4 – R759), Wicklow – Laragh – Wicklow Gap – N81 (R763 – R756) and the R747 (Arklow – Tinahely – Baltinglass).

Public Transport

In light of the above higher order strategies, the priority for strategic public transport improvements are:

  • Improvements to the DART service in north-east Wicklow, serving the metropolitan area Key Town of Bray and Greystones, the location of an identified key strategic employment site in the RSES;
  • LUAS extension to the metropolitan area Key Town of Bray;
  • LUAS extension from City West / Tallaght to Blessington;
  • Rail improvement to the Dublin – Rosslare rail line; this is the only heavy rail line in the County, which is single track only from Bray and has only six functioning stations from Bray to Arklow. The settlement strategy exploits the connectivity provided by this route by allocating over 75% of the future population growth to settlements along this line;
  • Major improvements to bus services, including rural services.

 

[1] [1] Using the same ratio of population:housing units as provided for in the guidelines

[2] Local Area Plans in the case of settlements in Levels 1-3 in the hierarchy; and Small Town Plans for settlements in Levels 4-5 (which are contained within this County Development Plan)

[3] As per the population growth targets set out in Table 3.7

[4] As of 31 March 2021

[5] As of 31 March 2021, granted but uncommenced

[6] Defined as development within the existing built up envelope of the settlement

[7]  For LAP towns, estimated in accordance with current local plan zoning provisions; zoned housing lands or lands zoned for a mix of housing and other uses, excluding lands already developed for housing (by November 2020) or where new housing development is currently underway (as of November 2020); disregarding extant permissions as yet to commence. For Small Towns, based on zoning provisions / development objectives set out in this plan.

[8] as part of Bray MD LAP

[9] Zoned housing / mixed use lands that has not delivered any housing units pre 2020 due to lack of permission / non-commencement of permitted development / non-completion of commenced development.

[10] Density assumption 40/ha

[11] Density assumption 30/ha

[12] Density assumption 30/ha

[13] Capacity determined by site by site analysis

Clár ábhair

Baile

See enclosed submission 
This amendment will create huge uncertainly as to the zoning status of zoned land in every LAP area in the County, including Bray.   A large planning application generally takes at least a...
No change to the school place requirements identified in our submission of 30th August 2021
Please refer to attached cover letter