URBACT in

Ireland

Ireland’s urban population is concentrated in five main urban areas or ‘gateway cities’ located in coastal areas around the country. These include Dublin, Cork, Limerick, Galway and Waterford, where populations range from 1.2 million to 50,000 people.

URBACT in Ireland

Urban Policy in Ireland

National urban policy is progressed mainly by the Department of the Environment, Community & Local Government (central government) and is implemented by the local authorities & regional assemblies (local government).

The Department’s 2002 National Spatial Strategy (NSS) sought a better balance of social, economic and physical development across Ireland, supported by more effective planning. With urban policy constantly evolving to deal with modern challenges/opportunities, work is underway on the drafting of a new strategy (for end of 2015) to succeed NSS. A national planning policy statement is also in preparation, along with legislative measures to enhance planning practice.

Recent URBACT projects in Ireland

“Place making for Cities”, on transfer of good practice between 4 European Cities
“LINKS”, on eco-restoration of historic buildings and associated socio-economic and environmental benefits
“UseACT”, on ways to achieve opportunities for people and businesses to settle in existing locations without consumption of further land

An Infoday for URBACT projects & supports is being planned for February 2014.

Related Good Practices

The town team

From exorcising ghost estates to creating spirited communities

McAuley Place for older people

SOME RELATED NETWORKS

National URBACT Points

Eastern & Midland Regional Assembly

Contact: Travis O’Doherty

Useful links

Local Government and the right of local self-government is a cornerstone of any modern democracy.

http://www.lgcsb.ie/en/irish-local-government

Local Authorities

http://www.environ.ie/en/LocalGovernment/LocalGovernmentAdministration/LocalAuthorities/

The regionalisation arrangements negotiated by the Irish Government in the context of Agenda 2000

http://www.iro.ie/regional_assemblies.html

Central Government

http://www.environ.ie

The National Spatial Strategy (NSS) is a coherent national planning framework for Ireland for the next 20 years

http://www.irishspatialstrategy.ie/

Construction 2020 is a government strategy to renew the construction sector, with actions to support economic development in urban areas. Its provisions await legislative underpinning.

http://www.merrionstreet.ie/wp-content/uploads/2014/05/Construction-Strategy-14-May-20141.pdf

Latest activities