National Planning Framework falls short on Cork’s growth needs

Cork Chamber, the voice of business in Cork, has called on Government to be more ambitious for Cork’s development in the Chamber’s submission to the public consultation on the first revision of the National Planning Framework (NPF).
 
Cork Chamber President, Rob Horgan, commented, “While this draft revision of the National Planning Framework sets out welcome targets for regional development in the years ahead to 2040, far greater ambition is needed for the Cork region. Cork is a thriving second-city region, which is poised for significant growth over the next 20 years. The current NPF reflected this, but it is clear that the regional development policies in the revised NPF are not sufficient to enable Cork to provide Ireland with a second city of scale.
 
“As the second largest city in the country, Ireland’s fastest growing city, and the key driver of economic activity in the south of the country, Cork occupies a unique position in the fabric of Ireland’s economy and society. The revision of the NPF must set targets for the delivery of the housing and infrastructure projects needed to ensure that economic development continues apace in Cork City and the surrounding region.”
 
Conor Healy, CEO of Cork Chamber, said, “Cork Chamber’s members consistently highlight several key priorities around Cork’s development, particularly in housing, infrastructure, talent and skills, and renewable energy. We must take a holistic approach to regional development with this document, setting a course for long-term, sustainable development in Cork and elsewhere.
 
“The revision of the National Planning Framework must make firm commitments to the accelerated delivery of key strategic infrastructure projects that are critical to the development of Cork and the surrounding region. Cork has a number of long-awaited infrastructure projects and upgrades across transport, education, health and culture that need to be prioritised for delivery in the coming years and should be included in the NPF.
 
“The NPF, alongside the NDP as part of Project Ireland 2040, plays a key role in setting long-term, strategic goals for Ireland’s development. The goals set now need to take into consideration Cork’s significant contribution to the Irish economy – 19% of Ireland’s GDP at present – in addition to the considerable population growth projected for Cork in the coming decades. In the final document, we hope to see renewed ambition for Cork City, the metropolitan area and County Cork, with clear targets for the region’s development in the years to come.”
 
Cork Chamber’s submission to the consultation on the draft first revision of the National Planning Framework can be read in full HERE.