Like my colleagues, I welcome the opportunity to discuss the national planning framework that was issued on 28 September and puts in place a new national and regional development strategy for Ireland. I support my colleagues and others who want to see a broader debate about this issue.
National Planning Framework: Statements (Resumed)
That is fine. We are doing that.
I have been successfully elected on three occasions to this House and I know that this debate will not permeate to any great extent to the wider community, that the decisions taken on the national plan more than likely will not form part of the banter on the doorsteps at the next election and that the positions taken by political parties or individuals will probably not form much of the discourse during the course of an election. If we have learned anything from the crisis, however, it is the necessity for greater political input in long-term strategies and thinking. The fact that Members are having this discussion at the tail end of the week's business, when other Deputies have already left, demonstrates that we are not putting it centre stage, which is a sad reflection. We spoke in recent days of the way in which bankers have gone back to form and how, to some extent, no lessons have been learned. I am sure there are those who would suggest that elements of this House, notwithstanding the new arrangements, have, in not putting something as important as this centre stage, gone back to type and form.
The draft document contains a strategy that is east coast-centric. I do not come in here just as a representative of the west of Ireland. I try in all circumstances to consider what is in the best interests of the country. Given the way in which the numbers have been presented, we will see the east coast region continue to grow more rapidly than I think is sustainable and in a way that does not assist the development and creation of a counter-pole to that development. The framework breaks the country into three new regions, namely, the northern and western region, which is made up of counties Monaghan, Cavan, Leitrim, Roscommon, Sligo, Donegal, Mayo and Galway; the southern region, which is made up of counties Wexford, Carlow, Kilkenny, Waterford, Cork, Tipperary, Kerry, Limerick and Clare; and then the eastern and midland, region comprising counties Dublin, Wicklow, Kildare, Meath, Louth, Laois, Offaly, Westmeath and Longford. The draft document forecasts that the northern and western and southern regions combined should grow at broadly comparable rates to the eastern and midland region. That is not an effective strategy in terms of balanced regional development, to which I think all parties in this House subscribe. However, there is a difference between subscribing to the principle and delivering it. The framework proposes that the five cities of Dublin, Cork, Limerick, Galway and Waterford will be targeted to accommodate 50% of overall national growth between them, with a population growth target of 52,000 allocated to Limerick city, which is a central piece of the infrastructure of the mid-west region.
A deeper dive into these statistics would, instead of giving reassurance that the economic imbalance will be addressed, give rise to the belief that the status quo of the greater Dublin area significantly outpacing the rest of the economy is going unchecked. The national planning framework, NPF, fails to give an accurate projected population breakdown. It assesses the population across regions rather than applying a more precise breakdown as per the national spatial strategy or, better still, on a county-by-county basis. I can only assume this is because the use of this three-region make-up, not least the eastern and midlands conglomerate, camouflages the true extent of the regional economic and investment disparity that is set to be created under this new plan. Projected population growth is a key indicator as to where infrastructure spend goes and, with the national planning framework, we are somehow expected to buy into commonality across a region that includes counties Dublin and Longford. The inclusion of counties Wexford and Clare in the same region - or counties Mayo and Cavan - suggests there is some shared infrastructure requirement.
If one were to take population growth trends from previous censuses to try and distil where exactly the population growth will happen in the key region - eastern and midlands - it would suggest that almost 85% of the 500,000 or so that this region’s expected population growth by 2040 will take place in counties Dublin, Louth, Meath, Kildare and Wicklow. Using the same trends, while Dublin will be gaining 250,000 people, Longford would benefit to the tune of approximately 5,000. The NPF tells us that Dublin’s population equates to that of the next 40 cities and towns combined and it would appear that this will, if anything, be exacerbated. It also tells us that Ireland 2040 is based on an ESRI projection. If that is the case, it gives rise to further concern, as an ESRI study, for example, carried out for NAMA in 2014 looked at the estimated annual average increase in the number of households from 2011 to 2021 and 86% of the anticipated housing stock needed was accounted for by counties Dublin, Louth, Meath, Kildare and Wicklow.
This report is a deliberate attempt to confuse and cloud the reality of its intentions, which is to facilitate continued economic imbalance that is going to leave regions such as the mid-west, west and north west lagging further behind and making Dublin more uncompetitive, chaotic and congested for its citizens. It singularly fails to capitalise on the clear opportunity of transforming these regions into dynamic economic powerhouses to ease the pressure on Dublin. It is unimaginative and uninspired.
On specific NPF shortcomings from a mid-west perspective, which is central to my constituency, key future growth enablers were omitted in this draft. Take, for example, Shannon Airport. While there is a "High Quality International Connectivity" section which references Shannon as being among the main airports, along with those of Cork, Dublin and Knock, the only recommendations are for Dublin Airport, namely, the development of additional runway and terminal facilities such as the second runway for Dublin Airport for which planning permission has been approved. Equally, it refers to "Enhancing land-side access and particularly in public transport terms such as through the Metro-North project in Dublin".
What it does not refer to in any way is the importance of Shannon Airport in attracting foreign direct investment, FDI, and tourism to County Clare and the mid-west. More than 40% of FDI from the United States is located within the catchment of Shannon Airport, which clearly reflects the airport's strategic value to the national economy. In the context of the 16 FDI announcements in the mid-west region last year, all of the companies involved specifically noted Shannon Airport as a key factor in their investment decisions. If we want regions outside Dublin to realise their potential, the national planning framework must recognise the need to fully utilise these State assets. It is in the national interest to do so.
In the past ten years, Dublin Airport has experienced unprecedented growth, with its market share increasing from 73% in 2006 to 85% in 2016. Conversely, Shannon and Cork airports' market share plummeted in the same period. Cork Airport's market share declined from 10% in 2006 to 6% in 2017, while Shannon Airport's market share declined from 13% to 5% in the same period. Shannon Airport has an annual capacity of 4.5 million passengers, while Cork Airport has capacity for close to 3 million passengers. Both airports are, therefore, well capable of alleviating the current pressure on Dublin Airport. If both were to prosper, it would also trigger regional economic prosperity.
The national planning framework should recognise the importance of growing business parks such as the Shannon free zone. It must also address policy support for the Limerick northern distributor road, the development of which will enable the city to grow on the northern half, thereby improving access to the University of Limerick, the IDA Ireland national technology park, Shannon International Airport and businesses and industries in the Shannon area. From my perusal of the document, however, no reference is made to this project, the benefits of which would significantly enhance the attractiveness of the region from a research, innovation and development perspective.
The national planning framework proposes a faster rail link between Dublin and Cork but fails to recognise that Limerick and the mid-west region also require a faster rail link. This is an unfortunate development. I recently spoke to the European Commissioner for Transport, Ms Violeta Bulc. The Commission has been promoting connectivity between cities and regions through high-speed rail links. It is clear that, as demand and activity at Dublin Airport continue to grow, further terminal and runway space will be required. Rather than having a third runway at the airport, which will definitely be on the agenda as soon as a second runway is built, we should consider the redundant capacity at Shannon and Cork airports and develop high-speed rail connections between these cities and Dublin. This would deliver better utilisation of the airports and Cork, Limerick and the surrounding regions would benefit immensely from a high-speed rail link with the capital. While we all recognise the importance of having appropriate funding and infrastructure for Dublin, the plan can also allow other cities and regions to thrive and prosper. The missing piece is to provide high-speed links between these cities.
In recent years, citizens, communities and businesses have been living with the legacy of a failure of policy on spatial planning at national, regional and local level. While progress has been made, it has been patchy and in some cases wasteful of scarce resources. A number of steps must be taken urgently, one of which is to reform the planning system to meet the new challenges we face. The Government must show real ambition in infrastructural investment and access funds for public private partnerships to ensure that whatever form the national planning framework eventually takes, it is backed up by genuine resources.
The issue of procurement must also be addressed as a matter of urgency. I was shocked to learn recently that the procurement process for vital infrastructure, including housing, takes up to two years to complete. If this is not a crisis, I do not know what is.
To be effective, the national planning framework must be placed at the top of the hierarchy of plans and its goals must be reflected throughout the planning process, down to local area plans. We cannot overestimate the importance of having a proper, sustainable, practical and ambitious planning framework statement. This statement should and will guide the future development of the country, taking into account a projected increase in population and the need to create more jobs, achieve full employment and provide more homes, schools and hospitals.
I note that 25% of the projected increase in the population will be in Dublin. It is appropriate that Dublin should be recognised as the key international city of scale and the principal driver of economic growth. However, this presents a major problem for surrounding counties, particularly Kildare, Wicklow and Meath. All too often, these counties are dragged into the larger Dublin metropolitan area and it is forgotten that they have their own needs. They also have much to offer and they deserve to be able to build on this. They must be treated as areas in their own right. It is projected that 50% of growth outside Dublin will be in key regional centres, which is appropriate, and regional plans must be drawn up to address this issue.
County Kildare is home to the Defence Forces' headquarters and a large part of the horse industry. It is known as the thoroughbred country and is recognised both here and abroad as the premier county for horse-breeding, training and racing. Kildare is also home to Bord na Móna and people in the county are very proud of where they live. The county has a mix of urban and rural areas and we will fight hard to ensure this continues to be the case.
There is a perception that County Kildare is wealthy. Just today, one of my colleagues spoke about the lovely main roads that run through the county. All too often, people traversing its main roads en route to other counties do not see the heartland of Kildare. We need substantial investment in our roads. The county has 2,528 km of road, for which we had a budget of €18 million for maintenance this year. This is not nearly sufficient. To cite an example, subsidence on Coughlanstown Road, which runs between Ballymore Eustace and Kilcullen, cut off a vital artery between these two rural towns 13 months ago. It would cost €4 million to repair the road. I have spoken to the Minister about this case on several occasions and he gave a commitment to meet the local community, although no such meeting has taken place. The Department repeatedly states that Kildare County Council must find, from its own resources, the funding required to rebuild the road. This is practically impossible as it would require almost 25% of the county's annual budget for 2,528 km of road. Meanwhile, the local school and businesses are suffering. For example, people living 500 m. from the school must drive 9 km to reach it. Issues such as this must be addressed in the national planning framework.
Two weeks ago, we learned that planning approval had been granted for the southern distributor road in Athy. This is a very welcome decision as this is an extremely important project. However, the Government has not yet provided the funding of €35 million required to complete the project, which will provide a vital lifeline for the town. Recently, I facilitated a meeting in Athy with representatives of IDA Ireland who highlighted this project as one of the issues that would help deliver jobs to the town. I remind the House that Athy is an unemployment black spot, with a 35% unemployment rate among a certain age cohort. This issue must be addressed.
Closer to home, Newbridge needs funding for its link road. Almost all Deputies are familiar with Newbridge, which is a fine town. However, despite the rapid growth in its population, which currently stands at almost 30,000, the town can only be accessed by one road which crosses a bridge.
Every county development plan we have had over the past 50 years has signified the intention and aspiration to build another bridge and to have other roads coming into our town. This has never happened and there are no plans for it to happen, but it is a priority for our county and something I certainly would like to see addressed in the final plan.
Kildare has the lowest level of provision across a range of service levels. It has the highest number of young people under the age of 24 in the country so there is huge need for youth facilities and amenity lands. I have spoken about the challenges we have as a county with urban areas and a constituency with towns like Newbridge, Kildare and Athy, but small towns and villages like Monasterevin, Rathangan, Castledermot, Athgarvan, Milltown, Allenwood, Derrinturn and Carbury deserve support and proper linkages. Earlier this morning, I met with Local Link Kildare, which has great capacity to address some of the transport issues we face. If it had a third extra funding, it would be able to run that service from 8 a.m. to midnight, thereby promoting connectivity, which is hugely important. A total of 50% of the population in Kildare that is working does so outside the county, many of them in Dublin. Unfortunately, while we have a good train service in three of our towns, it still leaves a lot to be desired, particularly around pricing. I met with the NTA yesterday to discuss this issue. Unfortunately, we are pushing too many people into cars. Surely we must get away from that.
We need to improve the lives of those working and living in our rural communities. We need to ensure the success of vibrant rural communities across my county and the rest of the country. This means supporting the creation of jobs, bringing high-speed broadband, which is crucial, to every home and business and revitalising our towns and villages. We need strategies that will support and empower our citizens in their local towns, villages and environs to build on their strengths. There is no one-size-fits-all approach to our counties and towns. We have a diverse and varied country. We need innovation and to be able to support indigenous enterprise. We need to both encourage indigenous enterprise and increase FDI, including pilot schemes in our areas. Much needs to be done and a good deal of consultation needs to carried out. I support my colleagues in saying that the deadline for submissions needs to be extended so that we can consult with the people who live in the areas that will be impacted by this plan.
The national planning framework will mean little if it is not backed up by co-ordinated capital investment and implementation across each tier of governance from local government upwards. I welcome this opportunity to talk about the national planning framework with regard to my constituency of Waterford and the south-east region. Despite the improving economy in the country, Waterford and the south east continue to have the highest unemployment figures in the State. The figures remain stubbornly high at 8.5%, including the counties of Waterford, Carlow, Kilkenny, Tipperary and Wexford. The average rate of unemployment throughout the rest of the country is 6.1%. The ambition set out by the Government to reduce the joblessness rate to within 1% of the national rate is still more aspirational than achievable.
Recently, a fantastic opportunity has presented itself for Waterford through the hard work and efforts of Waterford City and County Council under the leadership of CEO Michael Walsh. The proposed investment in Waterford city by the Alhokair Group from Saudi Arabia has provided a much-needed confidence boost for the city of Waterford and indeed the whole south east. The proposed development at a cost of €300 million will be a game changer for Waterford. The south east absolutely needs a regional city of consequence and that must be Waterford. It must be enabled for propulsive growth. For regions to be strong regions, they need a strong city. Being closest to Dublin with a very impressive road network, Waterford must be enabled to be an alternative to Dublin. Encouraging the growth of population in Waterford and the south east will act as a release for Dublin's overheating issues regarding housing, transport congestion and education.
The North Quays is a project of strategic importance to Waterford and the region and the development of the Michael Street shopping centre is also very significant. The region requires the capital to be assigned to it in light of the fantastic opportunity we have been offered. The proposed development has the clear potential to give Waterford and the south-east region the emphasis it needs to produce additional, permanent services such as health care, education and transport and will result in an enhanced economy overall. The proposed development will happen on 8.25 ha of substantial and spectacular river frontage. The proposal includes 30,000 sq. m of retail space, 15,000 sq. m of hotel and conference space and 30,000 sq. m of residential space. The residential space is expected to include 300 units, of which 100 will be owned by Waterford City and County Council, which will immediately result in a reduction in the already extremely high local authority waiting list. The proposal also includes a significant pedestrian bridge which will be a focal point linking the North Quays with the city.
The proposal also includes the relocation of Plunkett railway station and the relocation of Waterford Crystal Visitor Centre. It is estimated that 1,000 jobs will be created during the construction phase and a further 2,300 permanent jobs will be created on completion in the various industries and services, including retail, tourism and knowledge-based enterprise. The draft plans for this hugely significant development are now on view for the public, which will transform the way we are viewed and how we could be seen as a regional city of importance and significance, the economic driver of the south east, and our rightful position as Ireland's oldest city.
The proposed North Quays development has the potential to kick-start the economic recovery in the south east. The Alhokair Group is coming to the table with €220 million and the local authority is proposing between €5 and €10 million, while the shortfall of €61.5 million will have to come from Government funds and State investment. The city and county council has done an amazing job in getting the project to the current stage. We now need to see how seriously the Government views promoting regional economic development. The city and county council has applied to the Government for this significant funding to advance this proposal. However, it is very important to state that it will be extremely unlikely that this project will get over the line without State funding. The employment and housing opportunities cannot be under-estimated. This is an opportunity of a lifetime and a generation and cannot be seen as a missed opportunity. Cork and Limerick are seeing massive investment in their city centres. Waterford cannot be the bridesmaid any more. I am calling on the Government to step up to the plate and show Waterford that it cares about its economic future and provide the capital investment to let this project commence.
An independent report was recently prepared for Waterford City and County Council by INDECON International Economic Consultants and the conclusions raised are extremely positive. INDECON's assessment highlights the significant potential economic benefits offered by the Waterford redevelopment project. This reflects the role of the project in assisting Waterford to realise its potential to develop as a regional driver of economic growth. It should be noted that the benefits will only be achieved if the proposed private sector investments are made and will require initiatives to ensure that Waterford capitalises on the opportunities arising from the Ancient East tourism initiative. Other supporting actions must be taken to develop the region as an attractive competitive location for foreign and indigenous investment.
The proposed major development plans for Waterford would bring the city in line other Irish cities and signal to international investors that the city and region is open for business. Indecon’s independent analysis indicates the proposed investment would provide a net benefit to society in socio-economic terms. The recent opening of the fantastic greenway of 46 km which links Dungarvan and Waterford has already been a game-changer for Waterford city and county. This fantastic amenity of off-road cycling and walking trail along the old railway track is a beautiful journey amid beautiful scenery between the sea and the mountains in parts. The success of the greenway has been unprecedented with visitor figures bearing this out. The village of Kilmacthomas has been rejuvenated, with small businesses opening, employment opportunities and a general feeling of optimism, which we have not seen in a while. Dungarvan, our county town, has never been busier with hotels and restaurants showing a marked increase in business. The spin-off has been truly phenomenal.
Waterford needs this opportunity and university status for WIT would be a game-changer. That is why I asked the Minister for Education and Skills about the Technological Universities Bill. It is essential the Bill comes before the House as soon as possible. To have a technological university for the south east will be a game-changer. Waterford is the economic driver of the south east. It is imperative we get this up and running.
Waterford city has been constrained in its growth by an absence of key infrastructure particularly in respect of its river crossings and city centre access. As a consequence its development has been compromised leading to a less sustainable city centre which is not delivering on its economic potential. The city is transforming from a historical manufacturing and port city to one where advanced manufacturing and knowledge-based industries can marry with a significantly enhanced service sector, particularly in tourism and retail, to deliver an urban centre that can be a real driver for regional development and a centre of consequence in the national picture. I ask the Minister of State to consider the future of Waterford and the south east, our economic and regional future and include this investment in the national planning framework.
I am glad we have had this opportunity. We are talking about a national framework plan but I am going to be parochial about it and I make no apology for that. I have a diagram in front of me which shows the motorways across the island of Ireland. It makes very poor reading for counties such as Cavan and Monaghan which have lagged behind when it comes to motorways and infrastructure.
There are many issues that need to be addressed particularly for rural areas and Border counties such as Cavan and Monaghan. We face many challenges, such as depopulation in west Cavan, deficiencies in broadband throughout the constituency, deficiencies in the road networks and the absolute need to open up the Ulster Canal and its potential for tourism in the Border region. After listening to my colleague, Deputy Mary Butler, I am almost jealous of the fantastic way she has described Waterford today. I am afraid we are less than the bridesmaid in terms of the type of tourism facilities she talked about, which is a result of lack of investment.
Access to County Cavan is abysmal. The N3 ends at the Cavan-Meath border. I do not need to tell the Minister of State that because he knows it himself. Former Minister, Noel Dempsey, was phenomenal in leading the charge on that motorway but unfortunately it ended at the Cavan border. It is as if we are the forgotten county. We have no motorway into Cavan town and continual traffic congestion in Virginia, which is stifling the growth of business throughout the county and does not provide the infrastructure that is so badly needed to encourage businesses throughout. It speaks volumes about the political will to invest in County Cavan. We are all the time being told by the IDA we do not have the infrastructure in place to attract what foreign companies are looking for when they are considering a location to invest in. That is evident in the number of IDA visits we have to both Cavan and Monaghan on an annual basis. We are talking single figure numbers; it could be one or two visits, perhaps three at most.
We need motorway status for the N2. We have seen far too many road fatalities and we need to see it upgraded to motorway status. More than ever there is a very strong case for the A5-N2 project. The project has the potential to unlock future economic development for Monaghan and Cavan, creating an immediate burst of employment with an estimated 1,000 jobs in the construction sector. The east-west link motorway is stuck at design stage. We need to see real action and a real commitment to putting funding in place for the east-west link corridor which is critical when we consider the motorways in Ireland. The visual aid I have with me shows clearly that all motorways leaving Dublin go to Waterford, Cork, Limerick and Galway. When one stops at Galway city and looks at this map, one sees that from Galway right across the north west and right up to Belfast there is not one motorway in sight. We are completely the forgotten half of this island. It would take very little in the grand scheme of things to invest in a motorway to Cavan or Monaghan town and bring some fairness and equity to the people living in the north west. The NPF must take a balanced regional perspective on the future development of the country. This means developing economic counterweights to the increasing dominance of Dublin. In applied terms, the aim of the NPF should be to enable growth across all regions while reducing regional disparities. While there have been criticisms that the concept of balanced regional development is too diffuse, we believe the concept of reducing regional economic disparities while not hindering across-the-nation growth is well-defined and measurable. In practice, it means achieving growth in all areas by attempting to reduce the share of national growth concentrated in high growth areas, such as the greater Dublin area. I am quite serious when I talk about regions such as west Cavan where we have seen a brain drain. There are no young people living there. They have no broadband or road access. The issue of depopulation in counties must seriously be looked at and west Cavan must be seriously considered when we are considering all of that.
Brexit further underlines the importance of developing an all-island approach to long-term planning. The island is acutely exposed to the hard edge of Brexit and needs to be able to work together to mitigate its worst ramifications. The NPF must work in tandem with the regional development strategy 2035 which charts the path forward for Northern Ireland. Aligning with spatial plans for Northern Ireland and utilising the institutional framework established by the Good Friday Agreement and subsequent documents will be vital to leveraging fully the overall potential for the whole island. The decision by Britain to exit the EU has consequences for the flow of goods, services and people on the island between what would then be a member state and a non-EU member state. The debate and discussions about the impact of Brexit on the island focuses on Border arrangements that might be introduced as a consequence. Traffic going across the Border needs good access points and there is a real opportunity here both with the N2-A5 project and by continuing the N3 motorway. The Minister of State should not miss this opportunity for balanced regional development. I implore him to make decisions that positively discriminate in favour of rural Ireland and stop the growth of a two-tier society.
The NPF should set out to strike a balance between delivering a strategic plan for Ireland over the next 20 years while also fostering the potential of places and the ambition of people. Central to achieving this balance is political will and ownership at local, regional and national level to allow places of varying sizes to complement rather than compete with each other. The national planning framework will mean little if it is not backed up by co-ordinated capital investment and implementation across each tier of governance from local government upwards. Aspirations for broadening out population increases and economic growth will only be achieved through a holistic approach.
We call for a national infrastructure commission and a clear hierarchy of plans to implement the NPF.