1.0 | Introduction 1.1 | Overview At over 304,000 in 2016, the Cork Metropolitan Area accounts for almost one fifth of the Region’s total population. It is the second largest metropolitan area in the State, and is larger in scale than the Limerick-Shannon, Galway and Waterford Metropolitan Areas combined. The NPF recognises that, “Cork is emerging as an international centre of scale and is well placed to complement Dublin but requires significantly accelerated and urban focused growth to more fully achieve this role”. With a planned growth rate (50-60%) to 2040 in the Cork City and suburban area of between two to three times the national average and up to 50 % for the rest of the metropolitan area, this is a strong platform of scale, critical mass and capacity and uniquely positions the Cork Metropolitan Area as:
• A primary driver of economic and population growth in the Region; • A compact City and Metropolitan Area with increased regional connectivity; • A City and Metropolitan Area focusing growth on the delivery of sustainable transport patterns. The NPF explicitly states that significant accelerated and urban focused growth is needed to fulfil this potential, along with accelerated investment, physical and social infrastructure, and protection and enhancement of the natural environment. Distribution of population and employment growth in the metropolitan area must align with public transport investment and focus on regeneration, consolidation and infrastructure led growth of the city and suburbs, existing hierarchy of metropolitan towns and the strategic employment locations. Key transport infrastructure to accommodate growth, retrofit quality services and enhanced sustainable mobility are needed. The MASP recognises the delivery of an integrated multi modal transport network, informed by the Cork Metropolitan Area Transport Strategy (CMATS) , is a key requirement. A new Light Rail Corridor, connecting Ballincollig, City Centre, (interchanging with suburban and inter-city rail at Kent Station), Docklands and Mahon is a game changer.
• A principle complimentary location to Dublin with strong international role;
Southern Regional Assembly | RSES
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