The Atlantic Economic Corridor (AEC) is a linear network along the western seaboard supported by the Department of Rural and Community Development. It is a connected spine of businesses and organisations seeking global market opportunities and investment to grow and prosper. The NPF identifies the AEC as an enabler for the regional growth and states that there is potential to extend its scope into other locations such as Cork City and County. Objectives under Chapter 6 to enhance regional connectivity will strengthen economic interactions between wider Region and the AEC. The AEC fits with the European concept of polycentric development of building linkages and joining forces with neighbouring cities and towns in order to “borrow” size and quality, to ensure positive spill-over effects for the development of wider regions. An example is the existing Atlantic Economic Corridor
“Knowledge Triangle” of Killarney, Tralee and Killorglin in Kerry and potential networks identified in the RSES, such as the Galway-Ennis-Shannon-Limerick (GESL) Economic Network. The aim is to achieve polycentric development across both the Southern and the Northern and Western Regional Assembly areas to build on the advantages and opportunities that exist across the entire AEC. The AEC also offers significant future opportunities in terms of attaininganeconomythat is “green” andtheRSESsupports the early development and implementation of this high value and low carbon proposition. The RSES also supports the development of strategic regional infrastructure assets (sea and freight ports, airports, energy generating facilities, digital and rail) connecting to this corridor.
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Eastern Corridor It is an objective to support the development of an Eastern Corridor through the development of the Dublin-Belfast Economic Corridor and strengthening economic links with the South- East, extending to Rosslare Europort (incl. public transport connectivity and optimising the potential for rail freight), which is an important economic and transport link, particularly in the post-Brexit scenario.
Atlantic Economic Corridor (AEC) It is an objective to develop the Atlantic Economic Corridor initiative as a driver for enterprise growth, investment and attracting entrepreneurial skills and talent to the rural catchments as an economic complement to the role of metropolitan areas and larger urban centres on the AEC. The RSES recognises the combined advantages and opportunities of the AEC including delivering a high-value and low-carbon economy.
Eastern Corridor
Key Towns The RSES settlement strategy (Chapter 3) identifies Key Towns as part of the settlement hierarchy. Key Towns have an economic function that provides employment for their surrounding areas and wider sub regional catchment. Towns and Villages Towns and villages are an important part of the Region’s economic fabric and eachplays differing roles depending on their scale and location. For example, the Roscrea Innovation and Business Park plays a significant role as a location for employment. The RSES emphasises the importance of networks between towns and villages, including cross-boundary connections. The local authorities’ digital strategies are critical in promoting and guiding on the new economic opportunities arising from digital connectivity and indigenous innovation and enterprise. This complements the more traditional natural and resource assets (e.g. food, energy, tourism) underpinned by the quality of life offering.
The Dublin to Belfast Corridor connects Drogheda, Dundalk and Newry by high-capacity national road and rail links, major airports of Dublin Airport, Belfast International Airport and Belfast City Airport, and Belfast and Dublin ports. The Eastern Corridor extends south to Rosslare Europort, an important economic and transport link, particularly in the post Brexit scenario. It offers extended strategic connections throughout the island of Ireland through the TEN-T network and the Dublin- Rosslare route. Cross-boundary coordination and maintaining an all-island economy will play a critical role in supporting economic growth and competitiveness. It is important that the Eastern Corridor harnesses strategic linkages such as the potential Waterford/Limerick Network and Belview Port. AWaterford/Limerick Network could provide collaborative potential that may assist in the development of both the AEC and Eastern Corridor.
Southern Regional Assembly | RSES
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