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5.0 | Population Projections The NPF and Implementation Roadmap provided by the DHPLG set out the population allocations and targets for our Region and local authorities including projections to achieve accelerated urban growth 36 . The NPF sets out ambitious targets for Limerick City and Suburbs of a population of least 141,000 by 2040 (as per Table 4.1 of the NPF).

This will be subject to:

• Any relocated growth being in the form of compact development, such as infill or sustainable urban extension. • Any relocated growth being served by high capacity public transport and/or related to significant employment provision; and • National Policy Objective 9. This may be relevant in the Limerick-Shannon context given for example the need for change to a more balanced concentric city through strategic proposals for development at Mungret and by opening the north eastern quadrant (in both Limerick and Clare) facilitated by the development of the LNDR. The application of NPO 68 will be subject to review by theMASP Implementation Group. As required under the NPF, 50% of all new housing within Limerick City is to occur within the existing city and suburbs footprint through brownfield, infill and regeneration. Outside of Limerick City, 30% of all new homes that are targeted in settlements is to occur within their existing built-up footprints as per National Policy Objective 3 (c) of the NPF.

The NPF and Implementation Roadmap also refer to further qualified allowances which may apply to deliver on accelerated urban growth in Metropolitan Areas. National Policy Objective 68 states a Metropolitan Area Strategic Plan may enable up to 20% of the phased population growth targeted in the principle city and suburban area, to be accommodated in the wider Metropolitan Area i.e. outside the city and suburbs or contiguous zoned area, in addition to growth identified for the Metropolitan Area.

Table 1 | Population Projections for the Limerick-Shannon Metropolitan Area 37

Area

Population 2016

Projected Population 2026

Projected Population 2031

Limerick City and Suburbs (in Limerick) Limerick City and Suburbs (in Clare)

89,671

112,089

123,289

4,521

5,607

6,150

Subtotal

94,192

117,696

129,448

Remainder Metropolitan Area (Limerick) Remainder Metropolitan Area (Clare)

15,281

19,453

21,611

22,947

25,414

26,463

Subtotal

38,228

44,867

48,074

Total Limerick-Shannon Metropolitan Area

132,420

162,563

177,552

36. In addition, the Department have clarified that the 25% Headroom identified in the Roadmap can apply to the County Clare area of the Limerick-Shannon Metropolitan Area. 37. The overall population projections for each county, as provided in the NPF Implementation Roadmap (July 2018), do not change in light of these MASP projections figures.

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