URBACT in

Ireland

Ireland’s urban population is concentrated in five main urban areas or ‘gateway cities’ located in coastal areas around the country. These include Dublin, Cork, Limerick, Galway and Waterford, where populations range from 1.2 million to 50,000 people.

URBACT in Ireland

Urban Policy in Ireland

National urban policy is progressed mainly by the Department of the Environment, Community & Local Government (central government) and is implemented by the local authorities & regional assemblies (local government).

The Department’s 2002 National Spatial Strategy (NSS) sought a better balance of social, economic and physical development across Ireland, supported by more effective planning. With urban policy constantly evolving to deal with modern challenges/opportunities, work is underway on the drafting of a new strategy (for end of 2015) to succeed NSS. A national planning policy statement is also in preparation, along with legislative measures to enhance planning practice.

Recent URBACT projects in Ireland

“Place making for Cities”, on transfer of good practice between 4 European Cities
“LINKS”, on eco-restoration of historic buildings and associated socio-economic and environmental benefits
“UseACT”, on ways to achieve opportunities for people and businesses to settle in existing locations without consumption of further land

An Infoday for URBACT projects & supports is being planned for February 2014.