Prioritising a balanced ConcentricMetropolitan Area forWaterford
growth and population allocations north of the River. Significant growth targets set for the overall Metropolitan Area will not impede growth or development in the city centre and suburbs south of the river. The long terms goals include, building additional river-crossings for sustainable movement networks across the metropolitan area, increasing north-south connectivity, and creating attractive high-quality urban neighbourhoods with local amenities using LAP and Masterplan processes. Delivery Deliveryof these goals requires the earlyestablishment of MASP implementation structures following adoption of the RSES, a distinct multi-annual funding stream linked to the NDP, and the early development of the critical infrastructure identified as ‘key change parameters’ that will deliver both ‘compact regeneration and growth’ to deliver the NPF Strategy for Metropolitan Areas. As required under the NPF, 50% of all new housing within Waterford City and Suburbs is to occur within the existing footprint, through brownfield, infill and regeneration. Outside of Waterford City and Suburbs, 30% of all new homes targeting settlements is to occur within their existing built-up footprints as per National Policy Objective 3 (c) of the NPF.
The ambitious targets for over 60% population growth by 2040 seeks to build the critical mass of Waterford as a balanced Concentric Metropolitan Area, north and south of the River Suir. In the long term an increased proportion of the population will live north of the River. The steps required to achieve this Core MASP objective are both long term and short term. Short term In terms of physical development, the early enablers that will start the process are (a) the development of a new bridge to link the City Centre to the North Quays, (b) relocation of the railway station to a new Integrated Transport Hub on the North Quays and (c) development of the Abbey Link Road in Ferrybank. All three enablers support significant population and employment growth north of the river. All three enablers are identified in the RSES & MASP and both the New Bridge and Abbey Link Road are currently in the planning phase and could be ready to proceed in the next two years with funding. Long Term In order to rebalance the city, there is a need for a high degree of co-ordination across the entire Metropolitan Area. The implementation structures will need to oversee a rebalancing of overall population in favour of higher
Refer to Chapter 9 regarding implementation of the MASP
6.0 | Integrated Land-Use and Transport The population growth targets set for the Waterford MASP area requires that the growth and development of the Metropolitan Area is managed effectively through a strategic approach based on Integrated Land-use and Transportation.
The integrated approach will support key elements of the MASP in creating an attractive, liveable City and Metropolitan Area with a good quality of life. Key Priorities/Projects to support this approach relate to (1) Sustainable Mobility and Metropolitan Area Public Transport and also (2) Improved Regional Accessibility to/from the Metropolitan Area:
Southern Regional Assembly | RSES
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