The upcoming Regional Spatial and Economic Strategy Malachy Bradley Assistant Director

Content Regional Assemblies Regional Role RSES Process RSES Approach Implementation and Monitoring Challenges / Opportunities

Establishing Regions in Ireland Regional Authorities Regional Assemblies

Establishment of new Regions Putting People First – Action Programme for Effective Local Government 2012 Local Government Reform Act 2014 Established on the 1st January 2015 in accordance with the provisions of Establishment Order SI 573 of 2014. Local Government Act 1991 (Regional Assemblies) (Establishment) Order 2014.

Our Region in Ireland

It means the following. As councillors you remain close to the citizen so as regions we need policies that affect Quality of life – seems a no brainer. Competitiveness – We are competing internationally. Better Planning for the future – Infrastructure/Schools/Services & Transport. Enterprise – Support SMES/ Source EU Funding. See more later. Innovate for regions – Again as councillors closest to what’s happening, feed us innovation & what’s the future. Making Regions more attractive. A place people want to live – Irelands ancient east/ Wild Atlantic ways/ Green ways/ Recreational facilities/ Improved Connectivity. Joined up thinking. Evidence base, good use of information/ Dublin dashboard/ Forums for state holder input. Environment – Climate change adaptation/ Celtic Seas partnership/ Marine spatial Planning/ Rural development PMC for OP

Functions of Regional Assemblies To manage Regional Operational Programmes monitoring and making proposals in all EU programmes of assistance from the EU. To co-ordinate, promote or support strategic planning and sustainable development of the regions To prepare and oversee the implementation of the Regional Planning Guidelines, to be replaced by new Regional Spatial and Economic Strategies, and providing statutory observations on local authority development plans and variations. To promote effectiveness in local government and public services in the region, in conjunction with the National Oversight & Audit Commission.

RPG Implementation Section 27 of the P & D Act (as Amended) - key section Section 27A – Role of RA in the Preparation of a Draft Development Plan Section 27 B – Role of the RA in the making of a Draft Development Plan Section 27C – Role of the RA in the making of a variation (under S 13 of the Act) to a Development We may also indirectly make observations, comments and recommendations on the following: Material Alterations to a Development Plan (S 12 (7) of the Act ) and; Preparation and making of Local Area Plans (S 18, 19, 20 of the Act) Other plans or polices of a regional / national perspective

RSES in Legislation Regional Planning Guidelines (RPGs) prepared by the dissolved regional authorities for the period 2010 to 2022 continue to have effect until a Regional Spatial and Economic Strategy is prepared and adopted by the regional assembly Each Regional Assembly will prepare a long-term (12-20 years) Regional Spatial and Economic Strategy (RSES) for all of region The RSES shall support the implementation of the National Planning Framework (NPF) and economic policies and objectives of the Government Adoption of the RSES is a Reserved Function which requires the consent of the members of the Assembly

Scope and Content of RSES The spatial strategy will address the location and provision of — Employment, industrial and commercial development Retail development Housing Transportation, including public transportation Water services Energy and communications networks Waste management facilities Educational, healthcare, sports and community facilities The preservation and protection of the environment and its amenities Landscape The promotion of sustainable settlement and transportation strategies, including greenhouse gas emissions and climate change

Scope and Content of RSES – Economic Elements The economic elements of the RSES will focus on: Creating and sustaining jobs Identifying regional strengths and opportunities Identifying the regional attributes that are essential to enhancing regional economic performance including; the quality of the environment the qualities of cities, towns and rural areas physical infrastructure, and social, community and cultural facilities Proposals for augmenting the economic performance of the region

Scope and Content of RSES – Economic Elements The RSES must set out clear proposals in relation to both implementation monitoring, and reporting The RSES must also be accompanied, and informed, by: Strategic Environmental Assessment Appropriate Assessment Strategic Flood Risk Assessment

9a) NSS → NPF The national spatial strategy was the first attempt to have a cohesive overarching strategy around how the country could plan for its future. The have been some lessons; It had no financial backing It needed to be supported by government decisions (Example of decentralization) 9b) It is to be replaced by probably one of the most important pieces of legislation to come out of the custom house in years The national planning framework. This is being run by the planning team in the department of housing planning community & Local government. A roadmap was issued last year & you can expect to hear an announcement on January.

RSES Approach Consolidation of regional structures, greater coherence between national policy making and local action Stronger role in economic development through RSESs (LECP role) Prepare RSES in tandem with NPF 12 year lifespan 2017 to 2029 RSES will be aligned with the Regional APJs Policy formulation based on evidence Each RSES will take account of sub-regional Strategic Planning Areas Building block / co-production approach

Review of RPGs & Preparation of RSES Regional Spatial & Economic Strategies 2017 – 2029 Northern & Western Region Southern Region Eastern & Midland Region

What contributes to Effective Strategies? Change in terminology ; from Regional Planning Guidelines to Regional Spatial and Economic Strategies Traditional ‘Land Use Planning’ tools are designed to provide certainty within a stable context, and do address intervention or delivery mechanisms ‘Spatial Strategies’ are regarded to be better at dealing with the complexities of rapidly changing modern societies. Need to be able to understand the big picture and be able to bring about change ‘7 Cs’ of Spatial Planning Corporate Cooperative Contractual Consultative Cohesive Climate Change Capital Programmes The traditional approaches to planning alone (often termed land use or statutory) are regarded as insufficient in dealing with rapidly changing places and societies. Albrechts and Balducci (2013, p. 17) indicate that “in a phase of deep and rapid change, traditional planning instruments seem to be ineffective because they are designed for situations of stability (Schön 1971), certainty and a reasonable clarity on the problems to be addressed (Christensen 1985; Forester 1983). All these traits are lacking in contemporary cities, urban regions and regions.”

Balanced approach to strategic spatial planning The traditional approaches to planning alone (often termed land use or statutory) are regarded as insufficient in dealing with rapidly changing places and societies. Albrechts and Balducci (2013, p. 17) indicate that “in a phase of deep and rapid change, traditional planning instruments seem to be ineffective because they are designed for situations of stability (Schön 1971), certainty and a reasonable clarity on the problems to be addressed (Christensen 1985; Forester 1983). All these traits are lacking in contemporary cities, urban regions and regions.”

The Evidence Base Gathering information to form an objective and accurate picture that represents the historical, current and future situation (i.e. evidence base) Inform the identification of issues and an effective formulation of strategies. Data Gathering (Raw Data, figures/indicators and mapping) Analyses (qualitative analysis and specific studies) Consultation (SPA meetings) Reporting (monitoring) Key commentary to build Area Profiles of the SPAs and ongoing monitoring of socio-economic progress. Challenge of developing policy with inbuilt flexibility

Evidence Based Policy Cycle

Economic and Spatial Strategy How do we achieve regional economic progress? How do you achieve optimal use of resources? Making regions competitive (efficiency) while addressing regional disparity (equity) How does Economic Strategy inform spatial policy? ESRI ‘Spatial Economics’ demographic and econometric modelling for the NPF and subsequently RSESs. Beyond GDP? Measure well-being and social progress How can this be expressed spatially? Equity Efficiency

and estimated timeline RSES Process and estimated timeline Issues Paper Preparation of Pre-Draft Consultation (min. 8 weeks) RSES Consideration of amendments Consultation (min. 10 weeks) Consultation Adoption (min. 4 weeks)

Implementation and Monitoring Every 2 years, each local authority and each of the public bodies in the legislation, must submit a report to the assembly setting out progress made in supporting RSES objectives. The regional assembly will prepare a monitoring report every 2 years with the progress made in securing the overall objectives of the RSES and submit its monitoring report to the National Oversight and Audit Commission (NOAC). Monitoring success of RSES using evidence based approach that informed the policy making. Develop a suite of indicators to monitor implementation and inform review.

Recommendations for RSES The RSES must learn and evolve from the lessons of the past; Contain the attributes of a strategic spatial plan – be visionary and future orientated yet allow for flexible and responsive policy making Be robust and evidence informed throughout the policy cycle Address the spatial dimension of Economic Development and aim to achieve social progress and prosperity across the region Respond to local challenges and play to local strengths Be able to formulate and communicate a vision that encompasses both urban and rural dimensions Ensure political accountability and statutory underpinning Must include a mechanism for delivery and align with funding streams

Challenges /Opportunities Integrated approach to spatial and economic planning at a Strategic Level – potential for Assemblies to lead and influence Strategic Focus Creating Regional Identity / Vision Managing Expectation – hard decisions will have to be made Addressing climate change and transition to low carbon Investment Priorities Consideration of Urban & Rural and Dublin v. Rest of region/country

Challenges / Opportunities Failure of last polices to prevent market led forces Managing the two Speed Economy and Dublin's role Housing delivery issues long term planning v short term need Relieve Dublin led development pressures – recent growth trends Reverse the decline of rural settlements All Ireland and cross border context incl. Brexit Marine – Dublin Bay and other ports

Funding follows policy… Regional Focus NPF RSES CDP -LECP EU Funds

Malachy Bradley Assistant Director Email: mbradley@emra.ie Phone: 00 353 (0) 1 8074482 www.emra.ie